16

 

Standing in the Benson’s backyard near the shop, the makeshift command post, Jennifer stewed, worried, and stewed some more. Lee promised he would complete his plan and be here shortly after she arrived.

What does shortly mean? Ten minutes? Fifteen?

It had been forty-five minutes since Jennifer started her run down the mountain. He should have been here thirty minutes ago. A lot could happen in thirty minutes. Too much.

Everything Jennifer thought and felt in those last few minutes with Lee came rushing back to her mind and heart. Despite the attack on them it wasn’t supposed to be like this. What had happened to the Jennifer Akihara she knew so well? Where was the woman who only wanted to protect herself from men—the woman who would never pray? Maybe the goons really did kill someone Friday night, the old Jennifer. In her place was a woman Lee called Jenn. But she could only be Jenn if Lee made it safely down the mountain.

Would this God she recently became aware of permit her to lose another person she cared for as He did with her father? Wrestling with that question brought Lee’s prayer to mind, the one he prayed before they left the cave.

God could take care of Lee. She believed that.

But what if Lee doesn’t take care of Lee? What if he took too many chances?

When Jennifer’s thoughts intensified they became furious words and emotions which she vented. “If God comes through for him, maybe He’s a God I can trust. But I’m going to kill Lee when he gets down here, anyway. I’m going to kill him!”

Officer Robbins rounded the corner of the house and clutched her shoulders to prevent a collision. “You do that, young lady, and I’ll have to arrest you.”

There was authority in his voice, but a wide grin on his face.

She closed her eyes and dropped her head. Her cheeks were hot. Probably glowing red.

What happened to Jennifer Akihara? Will someone please tell me?