Agony to Bliss: Sequel to Millham Women Kidnapped, Kept Ten Years

Agony to

Bliss

Sequel to

Millham Women Kidnapped, Kept Ten Years

DOROTHY PHILLIPS

Copyright © 2016 Dorothy Phillips.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

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Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

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ISBN: 978-1-4582-1938-1 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4582-1939-8 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2015914801

Abbott Press rev. date: 01/15/2016

Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

Chapter 38

Chapter 39

Chapter 40

Chapter 41

Dedicated to

Dottie Dalton

A beloved Christian friend

who is a joy to know.

Her life is dedicated

to sharing with everyone she meets

the love of the Lord Jesus Christ.

She has backed me with prayer.

I cherish her friendship.

Acknowledgments

As always, I am appreciative of family members, friends, and other readers who have spurred me along. Your kind expressions have been an inspiration and blessing.

I wish to thank my proofreader, Bonny Lee Gronski, for her diligence in spotting typos and oversights. At times, we had fun discussing plot and characters. (She hated the name, Witchie, and had no sympathy for the criminals in prison.)

As usual, my trusted computer expert, David McClure, helped me over hurdles in submitting everything electronically. The packaged manuscript is a thing of the past. For me, the adage is right: it's hard to teach an old dog new tricks.

Once again, I thank my commercial photographer, Nancy Harper, for allowing me to use the background picture she made for the initial book, MILLHAM WOMEN -- Kidnapped, Kept Ten Years. She found just the right, deserted house to back my story. For the sequel, she aided in selecting and sending the cover picture of Annette and the baby.

And, of course, my special appreciation goes to my lovely granddaughter, Cindy Pillard, who represented one of the twins on the cover of AGONY TO BLISS.

Preface

For those who have read the initial book, MILLHAM WOMEN Kidnapped, Kept Ten Years, this note will serve as a reminder of the days spent in captivity and the troubled aftermath as the ladies return to their homes and as Witchie faces society for the first time in her ten-year life.

For those who have not read the first book, this summary may make reading AGONY TO BLISS an easier read:

Three hard-hearted mountaineers snatch college freshman Kellie Kidler and fifteen-year-old twins, Ann and Nan Furman, haul them away to an isolated mountain shack, and keep them captive for ten years, using beatings and the loss of fingers as deterrents to escape.

Coerced into farce weddings, the three terrified girls become enslaved wives. They survive mainly by caring for the baby they delivered to a dying mother the night of their captivity.

Over long years, the three young women and the child, Witchie, survive without electricity, running water, heat, and adequate food. Elmo, the youngest Millham man, secretly tries to aid the women. He and his appointed wife, Nan, do not live as man and wife until they fall in love and kneel before God to make their vows. It is Elmo who finally leads law officials to the hideout even though he knows it will mean prison for his brothers and himself.

Though freed, Kellie fights a personal battle, unwilling to forgive Butch although, through her pastor, he begs for her forgiveness. Months of prayer and counseling do nothing to help. It is only after she reads a transcript about Butch's childhood that she has a change of heart.

In prison, Ann's mate, Roscoe, is brutally murdered. Butch is serving a life sentence, but Elmo's sentence is being considered because of his care for the women during the captivity and his turning himself in.

And thus, in AGONY TO BLISS, we begin the rest of the story.

Chapter 1

Nanette Millham took a tissue from her purse and dabbed beneath her eyes, careful not to make smudges. The last two hours had continually brought tears as she and her attorney checked and rechecked facts pertinent to her beloved husband's trial.

This is it, my child, the elderly attorney had said before the task began. What we present at this hearing will cause the panel to either set Elmo free or will cause them to impose upon him a suitable sentence.

Shivering, Nanette closed her eyes and whispered, I understand.

I'm sorry to do this to you, but I need you to tell me about the night of the kidnapping, the sorrows of the ten years, and Elmo's role in all that happened. Can you do that once more? I'm going to record your words; and, hopefully, you will never again have to go through this ordeal.

The procedure had been slated for eight in the morning. Having slept fitfully during the night, it had been difficult for Nanette to respond to the 6:30 alarm. She moaned as she shut off the sharp clanging and eased out of bed. She tried to make herself say aloud the customary verse, "This is the day the Lord hath made; let us rejoice and be glad in it," but she added, Lord, I do want to rejoice in this day, but only you can make that happen.

Her father had taken her to the lawyer's office but he had been denied his request to sit in on the interrogation.

Attorney Michael Marshall explained. Mr. Furman, there are two reasons for my not wanting you with us during this session. Reason number one is my concern that you do not need to hear kidnapping details again; and, two, there are some things that, perhaps, Nanette would not want to discuss before you. I hope you understand. I need Nanette to concentrate so that she can confirm all other statements she has made. She needs no distractions.

Her father had understood. Stooping, he kissed Nanette on the forehead and said, You'll do fine. God will help you.

Nanette slowly nodded her head, staring blankly at the attorney's neatly-arranged, mahogany desk and cringing only slightly when she heard the door behind her close.

Mr. Marshall seated himself in his high-backed leather chair and flipped on the recorder. He cleared his throat and said, "Today is November 10, 2009. I, Attorney Michael Marshall, am here to record the testimony of Nanette Furman Millham. On the evening of October, 4, 1999, Nanette, her twin sister Annette, and Kellie Kidler were kidnapped and held captive for ten years. I represent one of the kidnappers, Elmo Millham. I am asking Nanette to relate what happened when the three young women were kidnapped and confined.

He paused and said softly, Now, Nanette, take your time and tell us what happened.

With clenched hands in her lap, Nanette leaned slightly forward and began:

"It was in early October, 1999, as the attorney has said. My fifteen-year-old sister and I went for a neighborhood bike ride right after having dinner with our parents. As usual, we rode through our community two or three times before crossing the road to another subdivision. There, we rode for a while before heading back home. Since the road that separates our two subdivisions is always very busy, we stopped at the curbing to watch for traffic. That evening, we were waiting for an approaching van to pass. In seconds, however, we were shocked to see the speeding vehicle heading straight toward us. We screamed as the van jumped the curbing and knocked us from our bikes. Before we could scramble to our feet, two huge men yanked us up, shoved us into the van, and taped our mouths, arms, and ankles. We heard the crunch of our bikes as the driver rode back and forth, laughing and whooping.

"When someone groaned, we found we had been thrown against another girl lying on the floorboard. Horrified, the three of us huddled together as we endured a long, hard drive, for what seemed like, hours. Because of the bent metal and protruding screws scraping our arms and legs, we could tell seats had been crudely removed from the vehicle. Often the terrain, coupled with erratic driving, caused us to be slung from one side of the van to the other. We were hurt and bleeding, but more than that, we were terrified. We couldn't cry, but we whimpered until the driver shouted, 'Shut up that noise back there before I come back and whack ya heads off.'

"It was dark when the van stopped and the three men grabbed us, one by one, each slinging us over a shoulder and making crazy remarks like, 'This'uns mine' or 'I finally got me a wife.' The driver, whose voice I remembered the most, said, 'I got me a red head, just what I always wanted.' I heard the girl with us moan. The man who carried me was silent as the three trudged across uneven ground, mounted creaking steps, pushed open a door, and dumped us on a splintery floor before lighting a kerosene lamp.

"We were trying to adjust our eyes to the dim lighting when we heard an eerie cry. From a dark corner, a woman's voice pleaded, 'Please help me. Please help me.'

"It was then that Butch, as we learned the oldest Millham man was called, explained our situation. We three girls, he said, were not only to become their wives, but also were to deliver a baby to someone they called Ma-2. Kellie, the other girl, was only 18, and my sister and I had just turned l5. None of us knew anything about delivering a baby. But when the men dragged a wooden cot into the middle of the room, we saw the pathetic form of a small woman whose stomach looked as though it would burst. She was writhing in pain and crying for help. Instinctively, we forgot the men and sought to find a way to help. Seemingly, Kellie sensed she was older and took over. She asked the men to get some hot water and clean cloths.

"Butch said, 'We can get you some hot water, lady, but Ma2 ain't washed any cloths in a long time.'

When the men left to get water, Kellie told us to check a rickety chest of drawers. It was there we found some clean rags, probably stored by the expectant mother. Too, we found a Bible hidden under fragments of cloth. We labored for hours trying to comfort the little lady who, when she was coherent, tried to whisper her name. We learned later that when she was 19, she had been kidnapped and kept a prisoner for many years.

"We tried desperately to do everything the way we had seen it done on television or in movies, but our efforts were in vain. I'm sorry to say we brought her baby girl into the world, but we couldn't save the agonizing little mother who died, pleading for us to take care of her child.

Butch wanted to kill the baby girl. He blamed her for Ma-2's death. Though fearful, Kellie pleaded for the child's life, reminding Butch that Ma-2 had made her promise that she would take care of her baby. Finally, he consented, but he claimed the right to name the 'cursed brat.' He called her Witch because she had been the cause of his Ma's death. We girls added the 'ie' to try to soften the harsh name. Yes, we called her Witchie.

Nanette paused and asked, Is that enough for this part of the report?

I think so, the attorney said, but I do need for you to tell what happened after the death of the mother. He poured a glass of ice water and handed the glass to Nanette. She took a few sips and began again:

"We were shocked by what happened next. So out of character for the brutes we had known for the last few hours, the Millham men wailed and sobbed. They were so very loud...and...so very pitiful that we three girls huddled against the wall, wanting to cry with them. I believe the three of them really loved Ma-2.

As abruptly as their mourning started, it ended. Butch snatched the oil cloth from the table and draped it over the body before pulling the cot back into the darkened corner. He came back to the center of the room, announcing that it was time for the weddings. By twisting our arms behind our backs and threats of things worse, we were forced to say marriage vows that, in their minds, united Butch to Kellie; Rosco to Annette; and Elmo to me. To us, the ceremony was a sham; but to them, it was real.

Nan straightened in her chair, clutched her folded arms across her chest, and began to breathe fast. "The worst nightmare of our lives then began. Butch and Rosco threw their new wives over their shoulders and headed down the dark hallway. Both girls were crying and pleading to be let down. Elmo touched my arm and said, 'I think you'd better come with me. You won't like what's going on down here. I stay in the loft. You'll be safe there.'

"I was afraid; but when I heard Kellie cry out after a loud slap, I slipped close to Elmo and followed him into the kitchen where a kerosene lantern hung on a wall near a wooden ladder that reached up into an open loft.

'I'll go first. Follow me,' Elmo said; and when I asked if I could bring the baby, he instructed me to hand him the basket I had instinctively picked up. Nan stopped and looked across at the attorney. And, Mr. Marshall, that is when I knew this man was different from the other two. When around his older brothers, he tried to act as they expected him to act. I soon learned, however, Elmo feigned this behavior for he was almost as afraid of Butch as we three girls were.

For the next 30 minutes, Nan discussed the ways Elmo secretly met the girls' needs. He saw to it that the baby always had milk. He used part of the money he earned in day labor to buy the things the girls needed and to slip them past Butch. He went to the library and schools to ask for discarded books. He visited Good Will and bought clothes."

Nan had made a list of 30 noteworthy things, and she went through them one by one, giving explanations when needed. At last she folded the paper and tilted her head. "I suppose, above all, I must tell you that although he was the one designated as my husband, he did not rape me the first night as the other Millham men raped Kellie and Ann. I survived for several months in the attic with Elmo caring for me and little Witchie. When we finally knew that we loved each other, we knelt in the corner of the attic and whispered our vows to the Lord. We believed that in God's sight, we truly became man and wife.

Elmo was the go-between for all of us. As much as possible, he freed us from hard labor and kept us from Butch's punishments. He tried to keep us warm in frigid weather and cool in blistering heat. Without Elmo, we might not have made it. And more importantly, we need to remember that he led the police officers to our isolated house to free us even though he knew that doing so would send him to prison. As I have said before, Elmo Millham is a good man.

Michael Marshall turned off the recorder and said, That's good, Nan. I think I have what I need to finish my case.

Thank you, Nan whispered as she followed the attorney into the waiting room where she was surprised to see her dad. He smiled as he laid aside a magazine and rose to meet her.

Dad, I'm sorry you have waited all this time. I thought I was to call you when we finished.

I just decided to wait. It worked out well, Honey. I caught up on some reading. I'm fine.

Michael Marshall shook Mr. Furman's hand. I think I got all the information we need. I believe we are ready for next Monday.

Mr. Furman wondered how the attorney would take his comment, but he said, Sir, it's in God's hands now.

The lawyer nodded and said, Amen.

Chapter 2

As soon as they were seated in the car, Nan checked her phone. During the long sessions with the attorney, she had noted the pulsation three or four times, but she knew she could not answer calls. It's probably Witchie, she had reasoned. No one else is so very persistent when calling

She was right. She saw that Witchie had called, not four times, but five.

Witchie has been trying to call me, she said to her father. Let me give her a call to see what she wants.

Go right ahead, he said as he pulled out of the parking lot.

Witchie, I couldn't take your calls. I was in a meeting with Elmo's lawyer. Is there anything wrong?

No, there's nothing wrong, but I have something important to tell you. I need you to come home. I want to talk to you.

Well, dear, we are on our way. Please pour me a glass of milk and set out some cookies. We are almost there. Without waiting to say goodbye, the ten-year-old girl hung up and raced into the kitchen to get everything ready. As soon as Nan came into the house five minutes later, Witchie took her hand to lead her to the table.

Hey, kid, could I have time to wash my hands first?

Yes, I suppose so, Witchie said, if you must.

I must, Nan said, laughing. My, my, my! You must have something important to tell me.

I do, Witchie said. It's really, really important, and it's something I want you to know first.

Me, first? Why me?

Witchie frowned as though she was really considering that question; then she said, Well, it has to be you because you are the closest thing to a mother I've ever had.

Nan pulled the little girl into her arms and gave her a long hug. That's about the sweetest thing I've ever heard.

Witchie kissed Nan on the cheek and pulled away. Here's your milk and cookies. While you eat, I'll tell you something very, very important.

Nan sat down quickly and took a sip of milk and a small bite of cookie. Okay, I'm all set now. Tell me what's so very important.

Well, today, Witchie said, lingering on the words, I made a great decision.

You did? My goodness, what decision did you make?

I decided that I'm going to marry Kellie's little brother, Kal. I know I love him, and I'm going to love him all my life. I'm going to be his wife.

Nan tried to suppress her desire to laugh, really laugh. She controlled a smile as she asked, Have you told Kal about this?

No, but I will. I'll tell him tonight. His family is eating with us this evening. I may tell the whole family at one time.

Nan put a whole cookie in her mouth and said nothing.

That afternoon, Nan slipped her arm around her mother and said, Mom, you are a dear to be preparing a big meal for our big, extended family.

Mrs. Furman smiled. I thought it might be a good idea after your deposition ordeal this morning. I know it was hard for you to be drilled again; but, at least, that part is over.

It was hard, but the news I got from Witchie when I got home totally blew away any sadness I was experiencing.

News? What did Witchie have to tell you?

Sorry, Nan said, actually giggling, I can't tell you. I've been sworn to secrecy. Witchie will tell you tonight.

The door bell rang and Mrs. Furman headed through the foyer, mumbling, What in the world? Through the storm door, she saw two big boxes the UPS had just deposited. As he exited, the UPS carrier smiled and waved.

Nan, come here and give me a hand. The textbooks I ordered have arrived. You girls can get started with your school work. It's been six months since you got home, and now it's time to get down to studying. I'll call Paul Ingram tonight.

Paul Ingram? Nan said, lifting one of the boxes. Mr. Ingram's the coordinator for all of your studies, her mother said, holding the storm door open with her knee.

Once inside, she added, The timing is just great. I'll call and see if Mr. Ingram can have dinner with us this evening. He can get acquainted with all you girls then and later you may sort out the books.

Mom, who is this Paul Ingram? What kind of man is he?

Oh, my dear, I have no idea. He was referred to me, and I've only talked with him on the phone. He seems like a nice person. He surely has a lovely, deep voice.

They both laughed. That's not much of a recommendation for the educator you've chosen to be over us for the next two or three years, Nan said. Let's hope he's not cross-eyed, snaggle-toothed, bow-legged, and stinky.

And how about pigeon-toed, acne ridden, and humpbacked?

They both were laughing as Ann entered the room.

I don't know whom you two are describing, but I surely hope it's not the man you've picked for me to marry. You do know, don't you, that I plan to have a baby the first year I'm married? Don't put a curse on my first child.

Mrs. Furman put her palms to the sides of her face and willed herself to stop laughing. I just hope we will not burst out laughing when we meet Paul Ingram. I have no idea how old he is or what he looks like. All I know is that he's a highly recommended scholar.

And he has a deep voice! Nan said, causing her mother to grin and walk away, leaving the twins to take the books to the rec room that had been converted into a classroom.

Promptly at 6 o'clock the doorbell rang. Since the Kidler family had already arrived, Mrs. Furman and the twins knew it had to be the new teacher. Ann and Nan hedged closely behind their mother as she opened the door. For a few seconds, their jaws dropped. There stood before them the best looking man either of them had ever seen. He was over six-feet tall, had black wavy hair, big brown eyes, and a dimple that formed when he smiled and said in a deep, melodic voice, Hello. I'm Paul Ingram. Stepping inside, he continued, I was not sure I was in the right place; but seeing those twins, I now know I have it right. He was glad they could not read his mind: Those two are the most beautiful girls I've ever seen. He was jolted from this fleeting thought when the three women burst out in laughter. He reached up, ran his hand across his hair, wiped his face, and straightened his tie. Their giddy laughter subsided momentarily until the three looked at each other and giggled again.

Mrs. Furman sought to control herself as she touched Mr. Ingram's arm. Do come with me, Mr. Ingram, and please excuse our rudeness. If you'll forgive us, I promise I'll explain everything to you later.

He followed her, bringing with him the slightest whiff of a tantalizing aftershave.

One of the twins closed her eyes and breathed deeply. The