Page 171 of Running to You

Maybe…maybe that was exactly what He expected. Not for her to be perfect or to always make the right choices, but to continue to trust Him, no matter what.

It was too easy. In theory. But now, locked in a dark room…it was impossible to escape. Impossible for her to believe God could fix this.

But He is the God of the impossible.

“Help me trust You. I want to. I want to believe You’re here, You’re listening, and You’ll keep Your promises, no matter what.” After the prayer, there was no fresh sense of peace. No lessening pain. Only…

Hope.

CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE

Maybe only seconds had passed when Sam felt a hand on his back. He didn’t shrug it off this time.

“She’s still alive,” Grant said. “Join us when you’re ready.” He added, “Be ready now,” and walked away.

Sam had to breathe. He had to shake it off and get up and do something.

“Come on.”

Sam looked up and grabbed the hand Daniel held out, letting his big brother pull him to his feet.

They moved toward the gathered men, who were talking in low tones just a few trees away in the dense forest.

Jon turned as they approached. “Everybody set?”

Sam was about to respond when he heard voices in his ear again. Not Eliza but all the men chiming in. Derrick was at his post on the far side of the lodge, where he’d watch and report anybody coming or going. Bryan was up the hill. Michael was on the other side of the circle of men, watching Sam.

He nodded at his brother. He could do this. He had to do this.

“A couple of changes.” Jon explained what the men would do differently now that they’d lost the element of surprise.

Sam stared through the trees at the little prick of light coming through the window. At least he knew where his son was, assuming Keller hadn’t moved him.

Where was Eliza?

How hurt was she?

How much damage…?

“…and then Sam moves.”

He turned his attention back.

“You with us?” Jon said. “You can sit out—”

“I’m with you.”

“I want you in position in the woods”—he pointed to the back corner of the building—“as close to there as you can get without showing yourself.”

“I remember.”

But Jon repeated Sam’s role anyway. “When we breach, cross to the building, stay low to the window and get them out. Bring them up here. Let me know when you’re done.”

“What if they’re not there?”

“Then report it. Bryan?”

“Here,” his brother said through comms.