Rescue Me, O Lord

By Eryn Grace

*** Based on Christian Morals--Christian Romantic Adventure *** The day after their wedding, Adam and Destiny are forced to go to Saudi Arabia by the president. His nephew and some other RIA members have been kidnapped. It's up to the team, and specifically Destiny, to rescue all of them, even though bad press has followed her around the world.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Eryn Grace
• Release date: Dec 24, 2019
• ISBN: 9781938350511

Eryn Grace

Eryn Grace makes her home in Wisconsin, with her husband, three grown children, and various pets. She writes as all author names on www.SweetTaleBooks.com. See her website at www.eryngrace.com.

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Rescuers in Action Book 2

Rescue Me, O Lord

By Eryn Grace

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PUBLISHED BY

Eryn Grace

Copyright © 2019 by Eryn Grace

www.eryngrace.com

Smashwords Edition License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person. If you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in, or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the above publisher of this book.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously.

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Bible Reference:

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The NIV and New International Version are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™

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Dedication:

For those who want to help others.

~~~~~

Chapter 1

The phone rang. I'd finally fallen asleep, while Adam, my brand new husband, lay beside me with his arm over my stomach. It was early and whoever was calling had better have a great reason or I'd let them know I wasn't happy.

Adam rolled away from me and answered the phone. Hello?

I glanced at the clock. It was 4:30 in the morning.

It's our wedding night, Adam said over the phone. What do you want me to do? He'd given them a bit of attitude but if it'd been me, I'd have handed it to them on a silver platter.

I groaned and rolled over onto my back, pulling the covers up over me. It sounded like work calling us and I knew what that meant. I wasn't ready to get up and I knew Adam was just as tired as I was.

I understand. He yawned, leaned over, and kissed my cheek. Yes, we'll be there, but it takes time. We're not exactly on the mainland.

We were in Maui and had just gotten in late the night before, after some problem with the commercial flight being delayed.

Sure, Adam said. Tell the pilot we'll try to make it in 45 minutes and we'll need breakfast. He chuckled. I know. That's rushing it. He hung up the phone and leaned closer to my ear. We have to go.

I didn't even open my eyes. Why?

He stroked my hair. It's an emergency. They wouldn't tell me more.

Where are we flying to?

Denver this time.

I snuggled up next to him. Call me when we're there. I tried to fall asleep, which wasn't that hard to do. I was exhausted.

Mrs. Jones, he whispered. You have to get up.

I kept my eyes closed. Maybe they just need you and not me. I can keep your side of the bed warm until you get back.

They need both of us and you know why.

My eyes flew open as I sat up. Is it because of me? Are those newshounds after me again? I've learned some new self-defense moves and if they try anything—

It's not the newshounds. His hand moved to my back, stroking it. It's because of your language skills, from what I understand. He moved his hand, which was a good thing, or I'd have laid back down on it.

I closed my eyes again and fell back to the bed. Find someone else who speaks Arabic. I'm tired.

He leaned closer, his breath hot on my cheek. I could just give you something to wake you up.

A shot? I asked, not even opening my eyes. I hate doctors. Do you know that?

He chuckled, stroking my cheek. Yes, I know that, but I'm your doctor on these missions and you have to listen to me.

For some reason, ever since I'd gotten back from my trip, he couldn't stop touching me. I knew at some point; it'd get extremely annoying and I'd have to tell him about it.

My eyes flew open. I have to listen to you? You're not my boss.

Well…

I sighed and sat up. All husbands think they're the wife's boss, but they're mistaken.

We're equals, remember? He pulled me back to the bed. I have an idea. Close your eyes. I'm going to get a shower. When I'm done, I'll just pour a cup of cold water on your head and you can get a shower that way.

He seemed serious, but he had to know there were consequences to such an action. You wouldn't.

With a devious grin, he gave me a kiss and got out of bed. I heard him open his suitcase and leave the bedroom.

I knew he'd pour water on me, too—he was that type of man. I threw my legs over the side of the bed and stood up. After opening my suitcase, I pulled out some clean clothes and repacked what I could. By the time I was ready to get into the shower, he walked out, all dressed and ready for the day.

What, no cup of cold water? I asked. I was so looking forward to it.

He grinned. I have to wait until you don't expect it. Now hurry up. The plane is leaving soon.

I took my things into the bathroom and took a shower in the warm water.

The door opened just as I put soap on my hair. Destiny. Can I talk to you for a minute?

Do I have a choice?

He chuckled. Yes, you have a choice, but I'm going to be here anyway. I was curious about what happened at our wedding yesterday.

Well, Adam, we both said, 'I do,' we exchanged rings, and you gave me a very nice kiss. Want more details? I could only guess what he was thinking. A lot happened at the wedding and not all of it was nice.

I'm talking about something else. I know we got married and the kiss was more than my mom could handle.

I had to laugh, thinking back over it. That was hilarious. I about died laughing when she ran to the front of the church and tried to pull you away from me.

He chuckled. Two seconds for a kiss is sufficient in her social circles. Anyway, my father was talking to you about something and I was wondering what it was.

Here it came—a family fight already. Let me finish with this shower you're interrupting then I want a nap for about ten years before we dig up that barrel of worms.

I'll be waiting right here.

Ten years is a long time to wait. I could mentally see him crossing his arms. Lucky me. I even sighed, thinking about it. We have the whole plane ride to talk, right?

I haven't talked to you for over a year, really. I don't want to miss another minute, so can we talk now?

Hold on. I don't want to multi-task or I could mix up the shampoo and the conditioner.

I finished my shower and was handed a towel. After drying my face, I pushed the curtain back, but Adam wasn't there. I stepped out of the shower, got dressed, and went into the bedroom where he was talking on the phone. Yes, Mom, I realize that, he said. We're on our honeymoon and I'm not answering any other phone calls. Got it?

I repacked my suitcase, lifted it off the bed, and rolled it to the door. He seemed upset while watching me, but I didn't know why.

He kept talking over the phone. Tell him I'll talk to him when I get back. Don't let him out of your sight until then. He moved his suitcase next to mine while still on the phone. I don't care if it does ruin your social life. Family comes first and you know that's the way it should be. Now I have to go. Destiny's waiting for me.

What? I said. She'll think—

You're right. He grinned, still on the phone. "She is impatient."

I crossed my arms. I am not.

He ended the call and shoved his cell phone into his pocket. Thanks for helping get Mom off the phone. My brother's up to his antics again, but this time, he's looking for prescription drugs instead of cocaine.

Did she ever say no to him as a kid?

All the time, Adam said. Now, as for my dad…

After my nap for ten years. I'm tired, remember? I rolled my eyes so he'd understand that I wasn't happy.

He shut off the lights in the room. I'm tired, too. We can sleep on the flight to Denver. They're sending the plane with the room in the back.

I shot him a grin. Good. I'm really tired and you can sleep out in the main room closer to the flight attendants. I'll take the back room.

But—

I walked out of the room with my suitcase behind me. I'm so glad we're not near family right now. They'd probably be standing outside the door, waiting for us to solve their problems.

He shut the door behind us, locking it. You're right about that. He leaned over and kissed me. I love you. I haven't told you that yet today, so know I love you.

I love you too.

Are you going to tell me about my dad's conversation?

Sometime. Like when we were old and retired. I was probably already in the doghouse with the billionaire father-in-law.

After checking out of the hotel, we rushed to our rental car and headed toward the airport. As Adam drove, I stroked his hair, making him smile and flash his eyes at me.

Do you regret marrying me? I asked.

He seemed almost appalled. Regret? No way. You're the best thing that ever happened to me. I do regret taking that year to wait to get married, though. I really missed you because you make me happy. At least I got to see you on weekends.

I moved my hand back to my lap. I tried to hurry the training but they insisted on the entire course. Sending me to Saudi Arabia was ingenious, though.

A month in the foreign land satisfied that three-month requirement. Actually, one of our guys at the top told me that. I'm glad I did it because no one else seems to know about it.

I thought back to my first and only mission with the group, about a year before I'd gone to train at the language school. We'd gone to Sumatra to save my sister, her husband, and young son. It was a mission to remember but I'd paid for it by having the news media stalking me—some more than others.

And to think, I said, with my head resting back on the headrest. A little over a year ago, I never would've thought I'd be fluent in Arabic, working for you, and married to you. It's amazing how things turn because of just one little event.

Yep. Adam grabbed my hand and kissed the back of it, settling his blue-eyed gaze on me. Technically, you're not working for me. Remember? I may be the president of the RIA, but you're also on the board of directors now.

The RIA was an acronym for Rescuers in Action. Their job was to find people who were persecuted or bullied worldwide and rescue them from evil. Their main manual was the Bible and prayer was their most precious weapon for rescue and healing.

Yeah, I said. I haven't met most of the other members on the board yet. That military school for languages sucked up almost a year of my time.

It was well worth it. You don't have any of the media following you around anymore and you didn't have to worry about any of the wedding arrangements.

But I did have the media on my case. However, he probably didn't know about it.

He continued. Besides, we have a new member on the board now and you know him.

I glanced over at him in confusion. I do?

Senator Morris' son, Andy.

I had to grin. He's a nice guy. I'm glad his dad and he get along now, and they've even made it public that he's Senator Morris' son.

From Adam's expression, I could tell something was wrong. How do you know that? You've been in seclusion for a year and away from the news.

It was on Al Jazeera television. That's all we were allowed to watch at the school, to practice our Arabic. When I went to Saudi Arabia, the RIA was all over the news. Didn't you know that?

No. I thought it was just on the news in the States and that'd blown over since our last mission. He blew out a big breath. Great. Now we'll be known everywhere we go. Did they show any of our pictures?

I sighed. Just mine. I had to put all my hair under a head covering and wear brown contacts, just so they wouldn't see my brown hair and green eyes since I seem to stick out over there. I studied the length of it. I wonder if I should cut it off to be more incognito.

I think it's fine just like it is. He stroked my hair. I bet it was tough over there.

Not really. Leron's relatives were really nice and helped me more than they'll ever know. I learned not only the language, but the culture.

Leron was another RIA member who'd grown up in Saudi Arabia and moved to the United States. He'd left his faith for Christianity. Since he did that, his life was probably in danger if anyone found out about it, or so he thought. I'd heard enough stories to know it was probably the truth.

I bet that course in psychology helped you, too, Adam said.

Sure did. You're so thoughtful. I leaned over and kissed his cheek. I'm glad I married you.

He chuckled. It wasn't just for my money?

Yeah, right. I could still be teaching aerobics and make my own money.

He raked his eyes down over me. How many hours did you have to exercise a day? You're in great shape.

At least two. I yawned. It'd been hard work, trying to keep up with the military men on the base, but I'd survived and even surpassed many of them.

As soon as Adam pulled up to the airport, Brian, the pilot, ran to where we parked. We have to hurry, sir. We both got out of the car.

We did the best we could. Adam chuckled toward me and I just shook my head as he turned back to Brian. We need coffee and breakfast and that bed in the back needs to be made up so we can get some sleep.

Yes, sir. We're already on it.

An older man by the name of Shawn, with dark hair, blue eyes, and a chin covered in whiskers, joined Brian. Adam and I shook his hand.

Who's flying today? Adam asked.

He is, Shawn said, pointing at Brian. I need some sleep. You'd think they'd give us a day off to catch up on sleep.

Adam smiled, glancing at me. I feel your pain.

As they grabbed our luggage and we walked toward the plane, an employee of the airport approached us. Your car keys?

Adam handed him the keys to the rental. I appreciate it, Masao. We hope to be back soon, but it depends on the job. The guy sometimes worked with us on his time off, so of course, Adam knew him.

Masao grinned. I understand. I wish you the best on your journey and hope it's successful.

Adam stared right at me, holding my hand. Me, too.

I wasn't sure which journey he was talking about—the one for the RIA or our marriage. Both of them needed work, but I hoped I could hide the marriage one from him for the time being. We just needed to spend some time together so I could bring him up to speed on what was happening in the RIA and in my life. I wasn't self-centered, but he needed to know a lot of things. However, those things would take time—more time than we'd spent together in the past year.

~~~~~

Chapter 2

We boarded the plane and I saw two seats set up with breakfast lying on the trays.

I'm really hungry, Adam said.

You are? We had room service bring us sandwiches at eleven.

Yep. Still hungry. He winked at me, making me laugh.

As soon as we both sat down in our seats, Rachel, the flight attendant, closed the door. She smiled as she passed us. Congratulations on your wedding.

Thanks, I said. It was a short honeymoon.

We'll finish it, Adam said. As soon as we're done with company business. I think we'll go to another city where there are no phones.

Rachel laughed and walked to the side to sit down.

Thanks for breakfast, I said to her.

You're welcome. She buckled herself in beside another flight attendant. The plane taxied down the runway while Adam held my hand and said a short prayer for both of us.

After we took off, I ate as much as I could before we hit turbulence. I wanted Adam to know how much it bugged me to fly when I should be sleeping. If my stomach was full, he'd know firsthand, by the number of barf bags I'd use.

Hungry? he asked, glancing toward me.

I guess so. I didn't want to tip my hand. That wedding thing is stressful.

He leaned closer. Not the wedding night, right?

"Considering it still is the wedding night, yep. I'm sure we'll hit turbulence." Since he really wanted to talk about the wedding, that turbulence might also be about our marriage as well as what the plane might encounter. I dreaded the thought of both prospects.

He glanced back at the infirmary on the plane. I think I have meds for that. Want me to get some and give it to you now?

He knew I got motion sickness on planes, but he wasn't getting out of it that easily. I'll be fine…until I vomit. I wanted to laugh at him, but kept my eyes on my food, shoveling in the eggs and bacon as fast as I could.

He leaned closer to me, lowering his voice. Before you get sick, I want to tell you what I know. That was Marshall on the phone.

I glanced over at him. The big shot for the RIA board?

"I'm the big shot for the RIA board," he whispered.

Besides you. You don't count.

His eyebrows shot upward, making me chuckle. I don't?

I elbowed him. You know what I mean. He's running the board while you're away and knows as much as you do, if not more. What did he want?

We're having a board meeting and they'll tell us more about the mission. From what I understand, we'll be headed to Saudi Arabia, but I'm not sure who we're rescuing.

Cool. I liked Saudi Arabia. Is Leron going?

Adam expression turned puzzled. Why?

Just in case I mess up. I may need another interpreter.

He put his hand on my shoulder. You'll be fine. According to Leron, his family was very impressed with you and said you sounded just like a native. You even knew how to speak their dialect after a few lessons.

I'm just not sure. That was a long course and I'm afraid I'll forget some of it.

He smiled. Opening night jitters. You'll be fine. I have faith in you.

I don't, but I'll pray we get through it all. That's going to be our saving grace. Better than depending on myself.

It always is. He kissed my cheek and resumed eating, but turned to me mid-bite. Now, about my dad.

Nope. Discussion's over. What else do you want to talk about? I shoveled in more of my breakfast, wishing I'd have more so I could stall for time.

Adam leaned closer to me. Destiny, communication is the key to a long and happy marriage. If you're holding anything back, I want to know about it. Your life is my life, remember? What are you holding back from me?

I shook my head. You don't need to hate anyone right now, especially not me.

His expression turned almost angry as he tilted his head in question. Hate you? Did Dad and you have a fight?

I took a deep breath and grabbed a piece of toast. The eggs were gone, just making me irritated. I stuffed the toast into my mouth and turned to him. Huh?

Very funny. Did my father and you have a fight?

I shook my head while chewing. Hunh-uh. I wasn't about to tell him anything.

He seemed to be defeated. "I see we're playing 20 questions. Are you going to have a fight with him?"

Uh… I chewed what I had in my mouth and swallowed. You're so cute, do you know that? I stroked his hair and gave him a kiss.

He moved his eyes very close to mine. Very funny. Can you answer me, please?

Only if you promise you won't get mad. I don't like it when you're mad and can't stand a bad temper.

I promise I won't get mad.

He wasn't going to be happy, but he had to know what was going on. I backed away slightly. Your father wants to make me his spokesmodel for his company. I'm to do ads on television because everyone loves the infamous Destiny. He wants it to look like I have some sort of divine intervention with computers, just because I use his software products. He said he'd pay me a million to start, and take it from there.

Adam's mouth dropped and he stared at me with raised eyebrows. You're kidding me. What did you say to his offer?

I tried to get away, but he forced me to talk to him. I told him I'd never use my faith to sell a product and never make fun of God or religion, because that's sacrilegious.

You're right. What did he say?

I lowered my eyes. Um…he said God told him to ask me to do it.

Adam's energy seemed to ramp up to a ridiculously high level. What? Is he delusional? He doesn't care about religion and Mom's an atheist. He even spoke with his hands. Yikes.

I leaned closer and touched his arm. He's adamant about this and even wants to film it in their summer home, where we're staying. I don't think he's going to stop, either. He wanted to ask you but was worried about what you'd say.

He sat back and sighed. He should be. There's no way you'll be making those types of commercials or even working for him at all. He rubbed his forehead with his palm, forcing his hair upward. My family drives me nuts. For Mom to call me on my honeymoon… He glanced over at me. Now I know why she was doing it. She asked if you were happy and if you had anything to do in your free time.

Free time? What free time? I ticked the things off on my fingers. I'm teaching English to people at the homeless shelter, I'm going to be translating things online, plus I have the RIA.

He leaned closer with a grin. "Yep. You're my wife, so you need to bow down to me and take care of