Page 97 of Samson

“And the embassy is happy to be involved in this?”

“Those cowards have no idea what’s going on. They’re not interested in furthering the cause of our people or our faith. So we keep this building under construction until we’re finished with our plans, enjoying immunity to the laws of this country.”

“You can’t hide behind diplomatic immunity forever.”

Demir walked up to Samson and patted him on the shoulder. “Don’t you worry about that. You won’t be around long enough to see the end of it. But I’ll warn you that, as long as you live, I will continue to grind you to paste so you can live out what’s left of your life as a weak, pathetic wretch, both inside and out.”

“Your kindness astounds me.”

“Does that mean you agree?”

“I haven’t decided yet.” But what choice did he have? If he ended his own misery, it would cost him more lives. If he created bombs for Demir, he may be able to render most of them ineffective.

“Let me show you what it is you’ll spend the rest of your days doing if you so choose.”

Demir pointed at a wooden box in the corner of the room, and one of the guards dragged it to Samson. Then he picked up another and set it on the table.

Samson took a pipe bomb from the box on the floor and looked it over. “What am I supposed to do with this?”

“Dismantle it. We need it for parts.”

“That’s it?”

“For now. You have all the tools you’ll need, and we’ll leave a guard at the door in case you blow yourself up. And in caseyou’re beginning to hatch a plan to blow me up with you, don’t bother. You won’t see me in here again.”

Samson looked through the box on the table. “And what if I don’t know how to make a bomb?”

“Nice try, but I’ve done my homework. I know the training you’ve had. Enjoy your little project.” He nodded, then left the room followed by the guards.

After the door was shut and secured, Samson looked at what was in front of him. It was clear why they’d already lost two men to this. One wrong move would end his life.

The temptation to do it on purpose was real, and it was strong. Knowing that Delilah betrayed him under duress made sense and brought him some relief. He hadn’t completely misjudged her. But it didn’t make any difference. It didn’t give him any reason to live. And he didn’t believe Demir’s threats to kill everyone he knew if he ended it all were real. Demir wouldn’t risk drawing more attention to himself. So what reason was there left to live for?

Your life is not your own, and your job is not done.The voice spoke deeply into his heart. It was a voice so familiar, but it had been too long.

He closed his eyes. “I became worthless to you a long time ago. I knew all this time what you wanted from me, and I ignored you. I have nothing of any value to give to you anymore.”

You are all I ever wanted.

Samson scoffed. “And yet everything I’ve chosen to do for a long time was only ever about me.”

A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.

“What are you saying?”

I never left you. I’ve only been waiting.

“For what?”

For you to start listening again.

“But it’s too late now.”

You still have breath in your lungs. Your heart is still beating.

“Can you really use me in here?”

Why not?

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