Page 112 of Samson

“You sure?”

“Yeah. Give it your best shot.”

“I betrayed a man I cared for, and it got him killed. Or, at least, I think it did.”

“Oh.” Ryan nodded thoughtfully. “Okay. That is a first for me.”

“You’re not reacting how I expected.”

“I’m good at keeping my emotions in check. I spent the first few years of my ministry working in a prison, so I’ve had plenty of practice listening to some pretty heavy stuff. But what makes you think this man might be dead? Are you afraid he’s killed himself because of what you did?”

“No. I think he was murdered.”

That got a bigger reaction, but Ryan still remained calm. “This sounds like information the authorities need to know about. Beth and I can go with you to speak to the police.”

“They already know.”

“Oh.”

“Yeah. The FBI too. Or the DEA. I’m not sure. Maybe both. There are a lot of letters.”

“And they know the part you played?”

“Yeah. I’m not a suspect if you’re worried.”

“It had crossed my mind.” He blew out a breath. “My goodness. What have you gotten yourself into?”

“I wish I knew. I’m in contact with one of the agents involved, but there’s only so much he can tell me.”

“It’s an ongoing investigation?”

“For now, but if Samson’s dead or if he’s alive…” She pressed her hands over her face. “I have no idea.”

Ryan’s hand rested on her shoulder.

“That’s a big weight you’re carrying.”

She wiped the tears from her face and took a deep breath. “Yeah. And so I’ve been praying and coming here each Sunday, but I don’t feel like it’s helping, and I don’t know what else to do. I haven’t been sleeping well, and the anxiety has been overwhelming. I don’t know how to stop it.”

“You were right to come to God. And I’m not sure there’s anything you can do. If the authorities are investigating, you have to let them do their job. I know it’s hard to wait, but there really is nothing you can do beyond praying.”

“I’ve done some of my own research.”

“I see.”

“I found out information about where the man is who’s responsible. I want to go there and confront him.”

“Whoa, hang on. That does not sound like a good idea. If the FBI is after this guy, you need to stay out of the way. Not to mention this guy you’re talking about sounds dangerous.”

“He is.”

“Then I can’t see any wisdom in approaching him.”

“What if God leads me that way?”

“I would find it hard to believe He would. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that if I think God is telling me to do something I already really want to do, there’s a fair chance it’s not really God speaking. You have to be very, very careful. Even more so, considering the situation you’re facing.”

“But it’s the only thing that makes sense.”

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