Page 41 of Firestorm

Sarah fell into step beside him. “How do you do it? How do you keep up this pace?” she asked finally giving him a glimpse into what was bothering her.

He didn’t really have to ask what. “It’s not easy, but we keep going because there are souls at stake.”

She peered up at him and offered a rueful smile. “Yes. Still the stories of suffering are so heartbreaking.”

“They are,” he said quietly, then reached for her hand. “I know it seems overwhelming, but you are making a difference, Sarah.”

She waved a dismissive palm. “Sorry, I don’t mean to be negative.” They walked in silence for a while. “It’s hard, isn’t it?” she asked and looked at him. The sincerity in her eyes pulled him in. She hesitated, and he knew where she was going, but he wasn’t sure he was ready to have this discussion.

“James, you and I have had feelings for each other for years, but with the world’s direction, it’s hard to think about starting a relationship.”

He stopped walking and faced her, his heart heavy. “Yes, it is.”

“I’ve been praying about it a lot, and I think God is telling me it is okay. The chance to be there for each other. To love each other for however long we may have. It’s okay.”

He wanted to believe it. Wanted to marry her. James drew her into his arms and leaned his head against her. “But what if one of us dies?” It had been the one thing weighing on his heart the most. If he gave his heart to her, how would he survive if he lost her?

She placed her hands on either side of his face. “Then we will see each other again soon. I love you, James. I’ve loved you for a long time. And I want to share whatever time we have left together, come what may.”

His mouth twisted, and he held her close. “I want that, too.” He tipped her chin up and kissed her tenderly. Whatever time God chose to give them, he would grab it. James let her go but held her hand. The darkness of the world lifted just a little, and he gave thanks to God for this miracle. Through all the years of living in hiding, then seeing Sarah and wishing there were a chance for them, he’d been running from that happiness because he didn’t believe he was worthy of her love. “We should speak to Blake. I want to marry you, Sarah, but I want his blessing.”

She looped her arm through his. “He knows. Blake’s always known we’ve had feelings for each other. My brother will be happy for us.”

James sure hoped so. The thought of losing her after they finally found each other for real was just too much to contemplate.

Chapter Nine

“Have you spoken to Emily yet?” Aiden was exhausted beyond belief. He’d managed to slip free of Carl’s bragging and found a quiet place away from the castle to check his burner phone. The message from Emily had been troubling. If it failed, Pamphili would know he was working for the enemy. Still, he had to try. Had to do whatever was necessary to keep Pamphili from finding Strike Force.

“Yes. I can’t believe she’s still alive,” Janine told him. “They’re working on finding a place for me.”

He knew about Carl’s suggestion to Pamphili. Knew it would fail because Strike Force wasn’t there. And he understood the consequences of Carl’s failure. It weighed on his conscience. But Carl made fun of religion. He’d scoffed at the attempts Aiden had made to talk to him about God. Despite Carl’s need for power, he was in danger. Pamphili wouldn’t think twice about killing him when he failed.

“That’s good to hear. I miss you. But I’m worried, Janine.” He bit back the words he’d spoken to her before. His wife still had doubts. She wasn’t ready to give her heart to God, and it terrified Aiden time was running out for her.

“I know and I miss you, too. Are you safe? It sounds just horrible working for this man.”

It was. Pamphili appeared to have fooled a large part of the world into believing his syrupy words of peace when nothing could be further from the truth.

“Yes, I’m safe.” As much as he wanted to keep talking to her, it wouldn’t be long before he was missed. “I have to go, babe. Love you. I’m praying for you.”

Janine hesitated. “I love you, too.” The call ended, and his heart sank.

“God, please open her heart to you. I don’t want my wife to miss heaven.”

Approaching footsteps had him whirling around. A woman who appeared to be in her fifties stepped from the side of the castle. He’d been introduced to her before. She appeared startled to see him.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t realize there was anyone else here.” She took a tentative step closer. “You’re with the new international police force.”

Aiden cringed. He hated the name. “I am. Aiden Mills.”

“Sylvie Freeman.” She was part of the FBI team. “You’re with NSA, correct?”

“That’s right.”

She stared out at the breathtaking view. “I can’t believe this is our world now.”

Aiden studied her profile. “I’m afraid it will only get worse.”

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