“Now, don’t you worry about Red,” Master says. “He’s got eyes in his head, don’t he? He’ll like the idea just fine.”

I don’t hear Missus come in while I’m making the bed in Master Thomas’s room.

“Oh, Sarah. There you are,” she says from behind me. She knows I always make up his room after breakfast, but she likes pretending she don’t keep track of us every hour of every day. “I want you to pack some things for Thomas. We’re all going to Richmond for a few days.”

“Yes, ma’am.” I don’t let myself act excited, but I sure am. If they’re all gone, running is going to be a lot easier. I could be at the safe house before they know I’m missing.

I get out a trunk to pack Master Thomas’s clothes and some toys for the next few days and carry it down to the front porch. When Red sees me and comes up to take it from me, he’s got a face like it’s the end of the world. He don’t say a word as he settles Master Thomas’s case on to the roof of the carriage alongside Master’s one twice the size. I reckon he looks like that because his nerves are getting to him about tonight.

I step up close to him and whisper, “They’s leaving.”

He gives me a look like I’m the biggest fool he ever saw. “I know.”

I peek inside the carriage where he’s got the three pillows for sitting on already on the seats. Up front, Red don’t get no pillows. As soon as I think it, I could smack myself. If they’re riding out to Richmond, then Red’s going to be the one driving them. He won’t be running with us tonight. I glance over at him tying the case down. The muscles in his jaw work back and forth. I don’t know what to say to him. Ain’t no words to make it better.

Up at the Big House Maple comes out with two cases from Missus. She’s not hardly out the door before she’s hollering at Red to come help. When he marches up there you can see the sadness in his steps.

“What’s wrong with you?” Maple huffs. “You gonna get two whole days in the city with nothing to do.”

I want to smack her quiet.

Master steps out and circles the coach where Red’s tying up the trunks. Then he looks around and frowns at me.

“Where’s Bessie?”

“I guess she’s out by Ben’s grave,” I say.

“Well, go get her,” he says, flipping open his pocket watch like Bessie’s making him late. Missus ain’t even finished packing her last case.

“Yes, sir,” I mumble and scuttle away.

I run, but not because I want to get her for him quicker. I feel like there’s a swarm of bees in my whole body trying to get out and if I don’t run I’m going to split apart with their pushing out at me.