Page 88 of Tactical Revival

“Because I feel it. Margot is going to be fine, Jaxson. That call will come in, and we’ll find her.”

“And if we don’t?” I ask, voicing the deepest fear I’m carrying right now. What if we never find her? Or what if we’re too late? How will I tell Matty that I lost his mother? That she’s gone?

“We will,” he replies. “And if not? If the worst happens? Then God will carry us through what comes next.”

CHAPTER 24

Margot

My stomach lurches as the boat moves yet again. I’d been drugged as soon as we were in the car, so by the time I woke, I was already in the hull of a boat. Fear consumes me, but I try to beat it back because I know it won’t help me now.

Only God can bring me out of this.

I’m tied to a chair, my mouth gagged with a scarf. My feet are secured to the legs of the chair, my arms behind my back. I have no idea how long I’ve been here, but when I first woke, it was dark outside. Now, light streams in through a small window on the side, though it’s partially boarded up so I can’t see anything.

There is no one down here, and I keep frantically watching the door, waiting for someone to walk through it and explain to me what’s going on. Has my abductor already called Jaxson? Given him a riddle?

Is Matty scared?

Did Chad survive?

Tears fill my eyes, and I close them, forcing myself to take a deep breath.

“The Lord is with me, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?” I repeat the verse from Psalm 118 over and over again in my head, hoping that doing so will ease some of the terror.

But all I can think about is leaving Matty behind. I don’t even have a will. What if they send him back to Chad and he spirals again? What if?—

The story about Daniel in the lion’s den comes flooding back to me.

It was Matty’s favorite story when he was younger.

The lions could not harm David because of his faith in God. Because he believed, with his entire soul, that God would bring him through the trials he was facing.

Not a scratch was found on him, for he had trusted in his God. I repeat the verse from Daniel, over and over again.

I trust in my God.

I trust in His plan for me.

And I believe, with everything I am, that my time on this earth is not done.

God, please be with me. Please help me stay strong. I know that You are here with me. That You have never left me alone. Thank You, God, for your promises. Amen.

The door creaks, and I open my eyes.

My abductor is wearing all black, their face shielded with a ski mask. They don’t speak to me as they come through the door, walking over toward where I am and checking the ties.

Daniel and the lions. I can do this.

I try to speak, but the words come out garbled. Thankfully, the person removes the gag.

“Why are you doing this? Who are you?”

They don’t speak to me as they withdraw a phone and tap the screen.

“Where is she?” Jaxson demands over the speakerphone.

“Alive. For now. But based on your previous performance, I wouldn’t imagine she’ll stay that way for long.” Just like at the B&B, the voice is disguised.

---