Freedom's Price Read Online Free

this belongs to us.”
    The girl’s eyes widened. “Ain’t you gonna turn me in to the police?”
    â€œNot if you never come round my ma’s laundry again,” Eliza growled. “Why’d you steal it anyway? This wouldn’t fityou in a hundred years!” She struggled to fold the shirt over her arm, but it was heavy with water and hard to handle.
    â€œI was going to sell it,” the girl replied. “And get some food for me and my ma.”
    Eliza’s stomach let out a hungry growl. Her eyes met the girl’s, and they both smiled a little. The shared glance was just enough to bridge the gap between them. “I know what it’s like to be hungry too,” Eliza admitted. “What’s your name?”
    â€œCelia.”
    â€œI’m Eliza. Are you free folk?”
    â€œFor all the good it’s done us.” Celia spat out the words. “We’re worse off than we was before. Ma’s master freed all his slaves in his will. But now we don’t got a home or anyone to make sure the catchers don’t take us.” She looked curiously at Eliza. “What about you?”
    â€œMy ma was born a slave, but she’s gone to the law to get free. In the meantime, she does laundry.” Eliza lost her grip on the heavy shirt, and the girl caught it before it fell to the ground again. Without thinking, Eliza snatched it back.
    â€œI wouldn’t steal from you again,” Celia insisted with an injured look.
    â€œCome back with me and apologize to my ma. Ask her for help. We don’t have much, but we can probably find you a dress and shoes to wear.” She glanced down at Celia’s ragged pants and dirty bare feet.
    â€œWe don’t need your charity,” the girl muttered.
    â€œYou’d rather steal?” Eliza asked, raising her eyebrowslike Ma did when she didn’t believe Eliza. “I have another idea. Come to Reverend Meachum’s church on Fourteenth Street. He’ll help.”
    Celia stared for a moment, twisting her hands together. Eliza saw that they were covered with insect bites and infected cuts. “I can’t.”
    â€œWhy not? What harm could it do?” Eliza tried reasoning with her.
    â€œI’ve got to go,” Celia blurted. Without looking back, she ran into the tangle of huts and disappeared. Eliza decided she had best head right back to the river before Ma had a fit.
    Retracing her steps, Eliza was surprised to see how far she’d run. She couldn’t wait to see Ma’s face when she returned triumphantly with the shirt, even if it was covered with dirt.
    Ma, face stern and arms crossed, was waiting at the river’s edge. Lizzie sat on a rock, Ma’s usual punishment whenever she got into trouble. Lizzie’s mouth fell open as soon as she saw what Eliza was holding.
    â€œMa, look! I got it,” Eliza crowed.
    â€œYou disobeyed me. I told you to come back, but you kept on running.” Ma’s voice was filled with anger. But Eliza could hear the fear too. Her triumph faded, replaced by guilt.
    â€œYou’re a young colored girl with no one to protect you!” Ma went on. “A slave catcher could have swooped you up, sold you downriver, and we’d never hear from you again. I didn’t raise my daughter to be a fool.”
    Tears springing to her eyes, Eliza held out the shirt. “But I got it back, Ma!”
    Without softening one bit, Ma pointed at Eliza, then the shirt. “To us you are worth more than one hundred times that shirt! Don’t ever do anything like that again.”
    Eliza swallowed big gulps of air, trying to keep from sobbing. “I won’t, Ma.”
    Ma glared at Eliza for a long moment.
    â€œI really am sorry,” Eliza said.
    Ma lay the back of her hand against Eliza’s cheek. “You’re safe only when you’re with us.”
    Ma’s hand was rough from too much lye, but Eliza leaned in to