Page 38 of Firestorm

“So, where are we?” He glanced at the map Sarah and her team were working from.

She blew out a sigh. “Well, we have several feelers out in these countries.” She pointed to the ones with blue marks on them.

There were about seven countries so far. “Which leaves plenty more to reach.”

He noticed Afghanistan was still open. “I know some people there. I’ll reach out to them. They can help with several of the surrounding countries as well.”

While he went to work, his mind churned out uneasy thoughts. There were so many in the world who needed God. James was grateful for Ben and his wife, Jennifer, who were creating simple posts on the website designed to reach any age group. Though he believed the children would be safe when the rapture happened, there were teenagers and young adults who needed reaching.

The call to Badih went unanswered and James’ concern for the man who had helped them in Afghanistan doubled. Badih and Isaad had risked their lives to help Strike Force. James and the team owed them big-time.

Badih, it’s your old friend,James. Call me as soon as you can.He finished the message and said a prayer over it.

“Any luck?” Sarah asked. He hadn’t realized she was watching him until he turned.

He shook his head. “Not yet.” James told her about Badih and Isaad. “I sure hope they’re okay.” With the tide of public opinion turning against Strike Force, anyone associated with them was in danger.

“So, where shall we go next?” she said, seemingly trying to lighten the moment. “How about we go to France? I’ve never been there before.”

He chuckled. “I haven’t either. Let’s see who we can reach out to there.” He pulled up the list of contacts he’d accumulated around the world.

Sarah leaned over his shoulder. “Anyone?” she asked.

He could feel her gentle breath against his cheek, aware of her in so many ways. James cleared his throat. “I’m not seeing anyone there. The closest contact I have is in Luxembourg.” Germany was the spotlight of the world right now. He expressed his concern.

“This person from Luxembourg is a contact from the website?”

He nodded. “Yes. Giselle has proven herself reliable in the past. Still, I don’t know how many people Pamphili has swayed with his press conferences.” He told her about Aiden’s comments. How Pamphili seemed to have a supernatural pull over people.

“Is there someone else you trust?” she asked, her attention on his face.

He pulled in a breath. “Not really. I’ll message her and see what her reaction is. After Dustin, I’m a little reluctant to trust anyone completely.”

She squeezed his arm. “I understand. He seemed so genuine.”

And that was the frightening part. They were in a position of having to trust people that they were unable to vet properly.

James typed a message to Giselle. Barely had he time to hit send when a new message popped up on his screen. “It’s Badih,” he told her. “I’m going to call him.” He dialed the number.

“How are you, my friend?” Badih asked. His voice didn’t reflect the normal cheerfulness from the past.

“I am okay. Are you safe?”

Something creaked like a door closing. “I am. My family and Isaad’s have been in hiding. Things are changing quickly. We are fearful about what will come next.”

James felt the same way. “That’s why I’m calling.” He told him what they were doing.

“Ah, and you are looking for a safe house for those in danger here.”

“That’s correct. Are you in a position to help us out with this? I know it’s a big ask, but the need is great. We have to find homes for those who are opposing Pamphili.”

“Of course, we will help. I have put the call on speaker for Isaad to hear.”

“Hello, Isaad.”

“Hello. I’m glad to hear from you. We have been hearing terrible reports from America about what happened to you. The stories coming out of Germany are disturbing.”

“Yes. Pamphili and his people are coming after us and anyone connected to us.”

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