Listen for His Voice

By Eryn Grace

*** Based on Christian Morals--Christian Romantic Adventure *** When Adam's knifed by a homeless man, he's forced to stay in the hospital while she has to take care of the business. In the meantime, a kidnapped young girl is begging for her help. She's juggling way too much to handle, making her realize her only true friend is God.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Eryn Grace
• Release date: Dec 24, 2019
• ISBN: 9781938350528

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.

Book preview

Chapter 1

The chalk fell from my hand, stunned at what I'd just heard. I stared at our friend, Matt, who stood at the open door to the classroom where I'd been teaching Arabic to other members of the Rescuers in Action, or RIA.

Destiny, did you hear me? Matt asked. Adam's been knifed. You have to come with me.

Go. Barry got out of his seat, ran to my side, and took me out the door with his hand on my back. I'll come with you.

Matt, Barry, and I headed down the hallway at a fast pace. I felt numb, not even sure how to react. Is he okay?

I don't know, Matt said. He was helping a man in emergency. The guy grabbed a knife from his pocket. He stuck it into Adam's side before any of us knew what had happened. I tried to call you, but your phone was off.

I pulled my cell phone from my pocket, staring at the dead thing in my hand. Tears filled my eyes. I should've charged it, making me feel guilty for not thinking ahead. Our lives were in such turmoil right now, with him working so hard while I just tried to keep everything together. If anything happened to him, I'd be alone more than I was now. Grief and horror hit me hard, but I tried to keep it together. Our marriage was dissolving before my eyes, possibly for the last time. If by some miracle Adam did live, our marriage was over anyway. He was supposed to speak at a church on Sunday, and if anything happened, he'd never be able to do it. I'd have to step in instead, making me more upset. I'd definitely be in mourning, if anything bad happened to Adam. No way would I be able to take on his work. Needless to say, It was bound to be an awful week.

I couldn't imagine life without him since he did so much for everyone. Fixing this marriage was out of my hands.

I had to find out more. Did he call me? I asked Matt.

Matt opened the building's outer door for both Barry and me. I don't know, he said. We all headed for his car, parked at the curb. Adam and I were working in the emergency room when the guy was wheeled in. Some Good Samaritan had called an ambulance.

The guy was probably one of the homeless they worked with. For all I knew, he could even be a repeat customer. However, I knew better than to ask, because doctors couldn't tell anything about their patients, by law.

Matt opened the front passenger's door to his SUV and I got inside right before he closed the door for me. He was in a huge hurry, so I pulled on my seatbelt. Barry got into the back and Matt ran around to the other side of the car, hopping into the driver's seat.

It'd been six months since our last mission with the RIA, when we'd rescued Matt and a few other people that'd been kidnapped and taken to Saudi Arabia. Adam and I had been married the day before we left on that mission. Since then, we'd moved to the Denver area to be closer to the RIA's main offices. Many of us had relocated to Denver, to make the group stronger.

Even though Adam had told me he'd only take a job with the RIA and nothing more, he'd gotten a great job as an emergency room doctor. Matt was in training to work with Adam. An internist by trade, Matt needed more training to be an emergency room doctor. They both donated time at the homeless shelter, helping the sick. I was teaching the RIA members to speak Arabic, Spanish, and French, because linguistics was my gift, along with a few other things. I also had a few other jobs that were sucking up my time. Needless to say, Adam and I were both working harder than we probably should.

I wiped a few tears from my cheeks. I couldn't lose Adam. We'd finally worked out some problems with his family by moving away. Even though we'd experienced some bumps on the road—at least I was trying to work on our marriage. We had a long way to go, but moving was tough on everyone. I had to have faith we'd make it and decided I wasn't ready to lose Adam until we'd tried everything. The thought of being alone without him horrified me.

I stared out the front window. I didn't even get to see him before he went to work. For the past few months, we hadn't had time to ourselves. We rarely saw each other, and to take him from me just didn't seem fair.

I had to know more, but Matt wasn't talking. So, I touched his arm. He jumped a bit while trying to keep the car on the road. If the situation hadn't been so dire, it would've been hilarious, because I'd barely touched the guy.

Tell me he's going to live, I said. I can't go on without him. Help me out here. Tell me he's going to be okay.

Life without Adam just wouldn't be the same. We were good together, when we had time to ourselves. We laughed, we cried, and I felt a certain bond with him, like I'd never known with anyone else. Lately, that time together wasn't even a blip in my day.

I don't know, Matt said. But I do know what I've been holding onto. From parts of Psalm 46 verses 10 and 11, 'Be still, and know that I am God.' And, from verse 11, 'The Lord Almighty is with us.'

God will take care of this, Barry said from the back seat. Destiny, He's going to take care of all of us, including Adam.

I sucked up my tears. I had to be strong, because Adam was the head of the RIA. I couldn't show my emotions to any of these guys, even with these two who were some of our closest friends.

I glanced over at Matt, realizing he'd made a major decision in his life and I should trust him. He'd been raised Jewish and had changed his beliefs, becoming a Christian. Even though he looked nothing like me, with his curly dark hair and brown eyes, he reminded me of a brother. Since I was part Hispanic and part Caucasian, I knew what it felt like not to fit in. With the RIA—a Christian organization—everyone was accepted.

Matt pulled up to the hospital, parking in his regular spot. Travis is operating, he said, getting out of the car.

I hopped out and ran with him and Barry into the hospital. I want to see the guy who did this.

No, Barry said. You'll hurt him. He's probably out of his mind.

Let him go, Matt said. It's not really his fault.

It still didn't make sense to me. Why would he hurt Adam, though? I don't get it.

Matt held open the hospital door for both of us. Who knows?

Barry followed me through the door. An EMT by trade, he was a huge man with dark hair, dark eyes, and a heart of gold. He was one of the first RIA members I'd met, along with Adam.

Because of the shock I felt, I wished I could turn back time to that fateful day when I'd first met Adam. With his medium blond hair and blue eyes, he always said that with my long brown hair and green eyes, we'd make beautiful children together—if we ever had time to consider it.

I wasn't sure we'd have any kids, because it sounded like he was in bad shape. I didn't want him to die and didn't want to be alone for the rest of my life. I really wanted to work out our problems and make a family with him, even though it seemed like a long-shot at the moment. The thought made me breathe hard while trying to suck up the tears.

We all headed to the elevator and Matt pressed the button for the fourth floor. He should be in surgery now. They couldn't tell if the knife had damaged anything major, but he was cut on the right side, below the liver. He pointed, but I couldn't even concentrate on what he was saying.

I just shook my head, willing the tears to disappear. Tell me the truth. Is he going to die?

Not if we can help it, Matt said. We need to pray for him. That's the best thing we can do right now.

The elevator door opened. As we all walked out, Cliff, the main psychiatrist for the group, approached me. He had dark brown hair and blue eyes, staring at me like my father would. He's in surgery right now. Once he put his arm over my shoulder, he took me into the waiting room. We're going to have a group prayer. He leaned closer to my ear. Are you going to be okay?"

I kept my gaze straight ahead. No. What would be going through your head right now if you were me?

I'd be praying and thinking faith is going to get us through this.

I hope you're right.

"I know I'm right." He sat me down in a chair in the waiting room. I wasn't sure what to think, watching him walk away. If Adam died, I'd remember this moment for as long as I lived, watching each face as everyone sat down. They all seemed very worried, making me swallow hard. I couldn't lose Adam. I had to have more faith, but it was terrifying. The knot in my stomach grew in size and I just wanted to run away. However, I was held tightly in that seat by the strength of my friends in that room.

We all sat in a small circle and held hands while Cliff led us in prayer. I thought of Adam and prayed a silent prayer that Travis could help him. I talked to God, ignoring the prayer that was being led around me. I prayed for all I was worth, feeling the grip of Barry's and Matt's hands on either side of me.

This amazing peace suddenly covered me, telling me Adam would be okay. I knew God was watching out for him and knew He had a plan for Adam and for me. I don't know how I knew it, but felt it all the same.

When Cliff was done, I lifted my eyes. Every one of us smiled as we dropped our hands.

Did you feel that? Barry asked.

I nodded. Adam's going to be fine. I leaned closer to Matt, who was seated beside me. Go find out what you can. Tell Travis I want a full explanation in layman's terms of what happened.

Travis was a surgeon by trade and a great friend of mine. He never let anything get him down, with a smile on his round face most of the time. He had dark hair and brown eyes, and could play a mean game of chess. But I always beat him.

Matt got to his feet and left the room.

Cliff stood up and sat in Matt's vacant seat on my left. How are you doing, really?

I'll know when we find out Adam's condition. You?

I have extreme faith he's going to be okay. What if he dies? How will you handle it?

Pessimist. I wanted to roll my eyes at him, but refrained. I'll cope if it happens. For now, I have faith God will get him through the operation. I have to.

I see.

Cliff had this weird habit of psychoanalyzing me whenever he had the chance. Maybe it was his blue eyes or something. Ever since I had a tough time on the last mission, he probably considered me to be nuts, or at least slightly on the edge. I was actually fine, but I guessed it made him feel like he was valuable.

Even though I stared straight ahead toward the rest of the group, out of the corner of my eye, I could see Cliff watch me. You're doing it again, I said with a chuckle.

I am? He seemed so surprised.

I kept staring straight ahead. Yeah. Stop it. I'm worried, so relax. I'm not going nuts.

I never thought you were. I wonder, though, what's going through your head? Are you and Adam doing okay?

We'll be just fine. I felt the tears in my eyes as a sudden pang of sorrow hit me. I'd be lost without him.

Cliff pulled me close to him with his arm going over my shoulders. I know. That's what I was waiting to hear. You're going to be okay.

You're insane. I chuckled, moving away from him. Now tell me what's up for the next month. I want to get my mind off everything.

Well, you and Adam were going to visit churches for an update. He shook his head and paused. I guess that's out of the question now.

I'll go alone. I can talk about the RIA and tell them what a great service it is.

He shook his head and blew out a breath as if he knew public speaking wasn't my thing. You're not going alone. I'll go with you. I think some of the other guys can join us. Andy's coming into town and he'd love to be there as well.

Andy was the son of a famous senator from New Hampshire. He was young, with blond hair and brown eyes. As the computer expert for the RIA and a member of the board, he had a hand in every aspect of the organization as Adam's right-hand man for many things.

I haven't seen Andy for a while, I said.

He's been in Germany with a mission trip, hunting for recruits to help us. He said he's rounded up about 20 people who can't wait to get started. I think he's flying them back here for training as soon as they can.

German? That would be a fun language to learn. Languages seemed to be my favorite outlet in life. The more I learned, the more I wanted to learn.

Go for it. We've bought a lot of tapes and software for many languages and it should be in the office today.

I didn't know that. I felt so excited about the thought. When can I get started?

Escapism.

I lifted my index finger to make my point. Escapism at its finest, I said, correcting him. I do it well.

Yes, you do. I want you to be around people right now. I don't want a repeat of what happened at the language school. Never again, Destiny. You're one of us, and no more holding it all in. It took a long time to get you to talk and I'm afraid you might backslide. I see what's happening right now with you—

Matt walked back into the room with a smile, addressing me. I saw Travis. The operation's over and the damage wasn't as serious as he thought. Adam's coming out of sedation right now. He's asking for you, Destiny.

I hopped to my feet, practically running down the hallway. I couldn't be happier to get out of Cliff's assessment of me, anyway. Matt joined me, running right along, but grabbed my hand, making me stop. Slow down. He doesn't need to see you winded. He'll wonder what marathon you were running without him.

A marathon. What a great idea. Show me where he is and I'll tell him about it. We can train together.

Matt pulled on my arm and took me through the double doors on the left. When you see him, he might get sick from the anesthesia. I don't want you to get upset about it. He might look a little pale. It'll be fine. He's being monitored by Travis and two nurses.

I stopped dead in my tracks and crossed my arms. Cute nurses?

Matt chuckled. Old nurses. You never have to worry about Adam. He loves you and would never leave you.

Good. I want their names and ages. I forged ahead, while Matt slowed me down again by taking my arm. We went into the recovery room, where Adam was hooked up to a few different monitors.

Two older women were taking vitals while Adam squirmed. I want to see Destiny. Where's my wife?

Uh-oh, I whispered to Matt. I'm in trouble. I can hear it now. Those women are no threat. They don't look very happy with him.

I'll be with you, he said. We have to calm him down or I'll have Travis give him a sedative.

Good.

As we approached the bed, the two women were more than frustrated, but glanced at us. Who are you? the older one asked.

That's Destiny, Adam said. Don't you recognize her?

The woman shook her head while staring at me. Nope. Are you famous?

Of course, she is, the other woman whispered. She's the one who stopped the terrorists in Indonesia from hurting more people, especially in the United States.

You're Destiny? the older woman asked me. "The Destiny?"

I pasted a smile on my face, trying to be nice. I hated fame. Today I'm just Adam's wife. I'm nothing special.

Adam lifted his hand for me, and I took it after walking to his side.

My sweetheart, he said. Get me out of here.

No, Matt said. You were knifed and you know what that means.

Adam glanced over at Matt and scoffed. I don't have an infection. The guy hardly scratched me.

Travis walked up closer to Matt and crossed his arms. He and Matt had some sort of medical conversation while staring at Adam.

Explain that all to me? I said to the men.

I have a boo-boo, Adam said, trying not to laugh. That's it.

Such technical terms, Travis said. It's more than a boo-boo. He has a cut right below his right rib that just missed his liver… …blah, blah, blah. That's what I heard. I knew nothing about medical things, but acted like I understood, nodding, and acting interested. I really just wanted to know if he'd be okay and when he could go home.

Travis continued with words I understood. I sewed up the hole and took out his appendix, just in case. The appendix is… …blah, blah, blah again. Whatever he said, it sounded good to me, so I nodded again, acting interested once more, but it gave me great think time.

See? Adam said. A boo-boo. I'll be fine. I'll be able to go to the church on Sunday for that speech.

Travis shook his head. I don't think so. Sorry, buddy, but you have to sit this one out. I don't want to chance any infection.

It's only Monday. I know I can be better before Sunday. Besides, this one's only in Colorado Springs. I'll even let Destiny drive.

Travis stared at Adam, shaking his head. We'll see.

Adam seemed to disagree. I can get up right now and show you. He sat up, holding onto his side, but the nurses lowered him back to the bed, growling at him for even trying.

I want to get up, Adam yelled.

Travis addressed the older nurse. Sedative. I'll get it right now. He walked away.

Adam, if you don't relax, you'll be asleep all week, Matt said. I'll make sure of it.

Adam gazed up at the ceiling and sighed. I bet.

I'm here, I said to him. I'll be at your side, so you don't need to get up. I'll do anything for you.

He grabbed my hand. I know you will. Now go home and get some games, my computer, and my Bible. I'm going to be bored out of my mind in here. I have work to do and no one will let me do it.

Travis walked back to the bed. You're right about that. He measured out something in a syringe and put it into Adam's IV. Now go to sleep and listen to me. I want you well in case we're called out again.

Adam shook his head at Travis. I'm the emergency room doctor on call. I can't take time off.

You've been replaced, Matt said. Get better and we'll handle things without you.

Adam's eyes fluttered. That's just mean giving me a sedative. Wait until I wake… He was out.

Doctors make the worst patients, Travis said. Destiny, come with me. I want to show you what I did for him. He glanced over at Matt. Join us, in case I need help. He darted his eyes at me, making me laugh.

I almost didn't want to know what he was going to show me. He was right that it might upset me even more.

~~~~~

Chapter 2

We followed Travis down the hall and into his office, where he directed us to seats in front of his desk. Matt and I both sat down and watched Travis, who sat on the other side of the desk in his big chair.

Travis pulled out a big medical book, opened to a page in the middle, and turned it so I could see it. This is the digestive system. He pointed to a big red object. This is the liver. It sits on the right side of the body. Right under that is a long object called the ascending colon. At the bottom of that is the appendix, which I took out. He lifted a pen and stuck it right in the side, just touching the ascending colon. This is where the knife went in, just nicking the ascending colon.

I had no idea what he was saying, but started thinking about what I missed in the class I'd been teaching instead. I popped back to what he was showing me. Was it hard to fix?

Once I found where the cut was, it wasn't tough. He bled a lot, so it took time to get everything cleaned before I could sew it up. I want to keep him for a few days, just to watch for infection. I don't think I want him in Colorado Springs.

I understand. At least he's still alive.

Yes, and feisty. Before he went under, he was telling me how to do my job. He makes a terrible patient.

I'm sure of that, I said. He doesn't have that great a bedside manner, either.

Both men laughed.

Yes, he does, Matt said. Just not with you when you're sick. He knows you too well.

I wasn't about to get into that discussion. Can I stay here with him? I asked.

Travis nodded. Yes. I really want you here, because we don't have the nursing staff to stay with him all the time. I need you to make sure he stays in bed. Is there someone who can cover your class for you?

Leron, I said to Matt. Where is he? Or maybe Raja? Leron grew up in Saudi Arabia, so he knew the language better than I did. Raja had been a terrorist who turned his life around and joined our group. He'd also saved my life when his father wanted me dead on the last mission.

Matt sighed. Raja is out of the country, and Leron is training in the Rocky Mountains. We can call him back. Don't worry about your class. We'll have someone else work on the other things you do for us.

Good. I hate stocking the planes with supplies. All the drug names start to look alike after a while. I was stuck with the busy work because the volunteers they'd tried to make do it couldn't understand how to do it. It was frustrating, but I'd stepped up to the plate and volunteered.

Don't worry, Matt said. I know we have a bunch of volunteers in the new recruits and at least one of them can read the pharmaceutical names. We'll call out a few of them from the training camps and have them help. It'll be good for them to know what's going on anyway. Besides, I think Adam wants you to travel with him, so you don't need to be stocking planes. We were supposed to go on a mission trip to South America at the end of the month. They started the new RIA branch down there and want to minister to the poor, but need help.

It was the middle of September, which meant we'd be going there toward spring in South America. Fine with me. I hated winter.

Good, I said. I need a diversion. What part of South America?

Brazil, Matt said. The rainforest.

They speak Portuguese there, I said. I'll start working on that. When did they find out about that trip?

This morning, Matt said. If Adam can't travel, you may have to go without him.

I took a deep breath. This was typical for our marriage. I understand.

Travis stared at my face as if he could read my mind. There's one other thing I want you to do.

Travis was a great friend and I'd do almost anything for him. Name it.

I want you to forgive the man who did this. Adam has already. He told me that in the emergency room.

I had a tough time with forgiveness and I knew it, lowering my eyes. I'll do that.

Right now, Travis said. I don't want it eating you alive while you watch Adam sleep. Let it go and move on. From what I understand, the man didn't know what he was doing.

I needed more information. Can I see the guy?

What do you think? Travis asked Matt.

He darted his eyes at me, and returned to see Travis. I'll go with her. He's been admitted downstairs.

I guessed I wasn't trustworthy, almost making me laugh.

I'll join you both, Travis said. Maybe Cliff would be good, too.

I really didn't want a psych person in my head. They were just annoying at times, like a fly that's just bothersome. I can go by myself. I want to talk to him. That's all.

Travis shot Matt a look I could read a mile away, and returned his gaze to my face. We'll go with you but we'll leave Cliff out. Deal?

I crossed my arms because they knew me too well. I guess I don't have a choice, do I?

Nope. Matt took my arm and helped me to my feet. I have to go back to work in an hour, so let's get moving. We have to update the group, first.

The three of us walked down the hall and stopped in the waiting room. Cliff was talking to Jack and Neal.

Jack had red hair and freckles. Because he was dressed in scrubs, I was sure he'd been in surgery when everything had happened.

Neal was a psychologist and ex-minister with brown hair and weird brown eyes. Sometimes I could swear they were a strange color of green, the more I got to know him. It might've been because he saw dollar signs in my plight, or he was green with envy about reporters wanting my story. But it didn't matter. I didn't trust the guy because he'd tried to write a book about me from a psychological viewpoint without my permission. He was probably in the room for fame instead of support, knowing him. If the reporters found out about Adam, Neal would probably try to take charge, much to my dismay.

Destiny, Neal said. He walked toward me and gave me a hug.

He knew I had a problem with his character. He was bending over backward trying to get me to like him. He was one person I had a really tough time forgiving. There would always be that hint of mistrust between us.

He backed away, but stared as if looking through me. Are you okay? Those brown eyes used to terrify me, because I was sure he was judging me and able to get into my brain. When the book deal was exposed, I no longer saw him as a threat.

I stared him right in the eyes. I'm fine. I talked to Adam and he'll be fine. He tried to get up, so Travis knocked him out again.

Neal grinned, glancing at everyone in the room, as if he was in charge. Good.

Everyone who'd been listening gave a sigh of relief.

I think we need to thank God for helping Adam, Cliff said, moving me away from Neal. He knew I didn't like or trust the man, even though I prayed every day I could get to a level of friendliness with Neal. He always seemed to do something to make me trust him less.

We all sat in the waiting room, shared in a prayer of thanks, and talked for a few minutes, while Neal tried to steal my attention once again. I couldn't even get up from my chair without being rude. I half-listened to his story, but was more interested in what Jack and Travis were discussing at the side of the room.

Neal rambled on. …and I prayed we'd have rain…

I touched his arm. If you'd excuse me, I'd like to talk to Travis for a moment. I need to know what room Adam will be in.

Sure. I'll finish that story later.

I could hardly wait, thinking of some other things I'd rather be doing—even stocking the drugs in the planes' infirmaries. I stood up and walked toward Jack and Travis, who were having a quiet conversation closer to the hallway.

I told him to be careful, Jack said. I think he should stop working with the homeless. The RIA needs him.

Yes, he's valuable, but we're talking about Adam here, Travis explained. He'll never stop working with people in need.

What's going on? I asked. I don't mean to interrupt, but I'm curious.

We want Adam to stop working so hard, Jack said. I think this should be a wakeup call for him. He should just have one job with the RIA.

He'll never do that, I said. He has to stay in medicine or he'll get bored.

I know the feeling, Travis said. This was one day I was glad to be at work for him. The hospital needs a fulltime doctor, not one who's spread thin with everything going on. He's new here, and I have a feeling they're not going to deal with this very well.

I sighed. What would you like me to do?

Have a baby, Jack said. That would keep him home and make him realize he's needed with the RIA only. Money isn't the issue, so he needs to prioritize. He needs to spend more time with you.

Was he crazy? A baby? What about my career?

What about the in-laws? I had to work or I'd be a lesser person in their eyes. Even having a baby was a challenge in itself, but I wasn't about to tell either of these guys about my medical issues.

Travis stepped closer and leaned toward my ear. You don't need to prove yourself to your mother-in-law anymore. Let it go. Be a mom and relax a little bit.

How did you know about my in-laws? I whispered.

He laughed in my ear. Rumors run rampant in the RIA. Adam will handle your mother-in-law the right way. She needs to back off and leave you guys alone.

Do you think a grandchild would help? It'd be worse than ever if I had a kid. It'd be her first grandchild.

That's true. Jack glanced at Travis. Think we could hide them until the baby's 21?

Travis chuckled. One step at a time. He addressed me again. A baby. That's your new job. If you need help figuring out when you can get pregnant, we can figure it out together.

Without Adam's knowledge?

Jack nodded. Yes. He won't stop until it hits him that it can be an 'accident.'

Unbelievable. They wanted me to deceive my own husband. "No. I'm not going behind his back. I'll talk to him and tell him he has to slow down. Then we'll take it from there.