Stand: Science Falsely So Called, #2

By Kristina Hall

"Evolution is a lie."

With those four words, Derek Walker ruined his teaching career and put himself in Dr. Green's crosshairs. But the stand he's taken for his newfound faith is far from over.

Finally free from her brother's threats, Cassie Randall finds herself with an impossible task—saving the life of the man she's growing to love.

All too soon, Derek and Cassie are given a choice. They can either concede to the lies of man or stand by the power of God and face Green's wrath.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kristina Hall
• Release date: Mar 1, 2021
• ISBN: 9781393905653

Kristina Hall

Kristina Hall is a sinner saved by grace who seeks to glorify God with her words. She is a homeschool graduate and holds a degree in accounting. When she's not writing, she enjoys reading, arm wrestling, lifting weights, and playing the violin.

Book preview

Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

-Ephesians 6:13

Chapter 1

EVOLUTION IS A LIE.

With that one sentence, Derek Walker had destroyed his chances at this university, at any university.

He strode into the office adjacent to his lab and gathered his few personal effects in a cardboard box. A picture of Nate and Rebecca. A few mementos students had given him over the last three years.

His brother’s smiling face stared up from the box.

Nate. Gone.

His throat tightened. He lowered his hand to the back of his office chair and squeezed.

Footsteps echoed through the hall and into the lab.

I know you are in there. Pretending you are not will not do you any good. Dr. Green’s shout rattled through the lab.

Derek let his hand fall from the chair and turned to the door. Give me strength. A prayer, so foreign, so right. But it didn’t banish the trembling that invaded his muscles.

Dr. Green stepped into the doorway separating the lab and the office. Dusky red flamed over the dean’s hardened features.

I gave you my resignation. Green could shout and threaten all he wanted.

Green dragged in a harsh breath. Do you realize what you have done?

Yes. He’d told the truth. The truth he should’ve accepted long ago.

Green stormed into the office, his face approaching purple. And when you walked onto that stage, did you have any idea how your actions would affect this university?

I did. And Green—despite whatever position he’d held in the FBI before he’d become dean of the science department—couldn’t take back any of what Derek had said on that auditorium stage.

Green crossed his arms. I am a reasonable man. We could have done this another way. His voice dropped low. A way that did not smear this university’s name. Your mockery of opening comments was livestreamed.

Derek rested one shaking hand on the desk. I’ve given you my resignation. I’m no longer in your employ.

I thought you might feel that way. So I took appropriate precautions.

Two men filed into the office. Men with cold, hard eyes and blank expressions. They positioned themselves on either side of Green, hands resting on the pistols at their hips.

Moisture fled Derek’s mouth. Were these guys going to shoot him and leave him to bleed out on the tile floor?

One side of Green’s mouth tipped up. You will seek out the news and tell them you retract every word you said tonight. You will then affirm evolution as the truth you know it to be.

Truth? Never. I won’t take back a single word.

Green nodded, and the guys on either side of him stepped forward.

Derek fisted his hands. He didn’t stand a chance against two armed men, but he had no other option than to do the unthinkable.

Walk into the lab. Green tipped his head to the door. We will continue our discussion in there.

Derek stepped into the lab. Footsteps thumped behind him.

Two other men stood blocking the closed door that led into the hallway, their arms crossed.

His pulse quickened, and he spun around.

Green lunged and slammed his hand into the side of Derek’s face.

Stinging exploded through his cheek, and he stumbled back. To attack Green would earn him nothing more than a few bullets.

Green folded his arms over his chest. You will do as I have asked. One way or another.

CASSIE RANDALL SLIPPED through the side door of the auditorium and let it fall shut behind her. Andrew Sanders’s confident voice followed her into the hallway.

Evolution is a lie.

Words spoken by a man who’d spent his life as a staunch evolutionist, who’d once ridiculed the truth.

The man who’d stood on that stage and told how he’d come to faith in Christ.

Just minutes ago, Derek had handed the stage over to Andrew and disappeared into the wings.

She shoved her hands into her jacket pockets and wound her way along the sidewalks and through the hallways that would take her to his lab.

But what would she say? Could she force intelligible words from her mouth?

A huge smile broke over her face. Thank You, Jesus.

She paused outside his lab’s closed door.

Thank You.

She twisted the doorknob and opened the door. Hard hands gripped her upper arms, and a huge guy yanked her forward. A shriek wrenched from her throat.

No. Not again.

The door slammed shut behind her, but the pressure around her arms didn’t ease. The guy towered over her, his dress shirt stretched tight across his chest. She lifted her foot and drove the toe of her shoe into his shin. Over and over.

A muffled grunt tore from his mouth, but he jerked her around, slammed her against his solid chest.

She squirmed. Kicked at his shins. Gasped for air.

Stop. There is no cause for such theatrics. Dr. Green stood to one side of the room, flanked by three men.

Air stalled in her lungs, but she stilled against the guy’s hold. What was going on?

Derek stood in front of Green and whoever the other guys were, his dark hair disheveled, his cheek red.

He met her eyes, and his widened. Let her go. She’s got nothing to do with any of this.

What was this?

She fought against the guy’s grip, yet his arm only tightened around her chest. Help me. Help us.

Was this all because of what Derek had said? Did Green truly think this would solve things?

Green tilted his head. Do as he says. Let her go.

The man holding her laughed and shoved her forward.

She stumbled, and her hands slapped the tile floor. She scrambled to her feet, and shaking swept through her.

More hands grasped her arms and steadied her. She forced her head up.

Pallor claimed Derek’s face. I’m sorry. So sorry.

He pressed her behind him and shifted so his body shielded hers. The wall touched her shoulders, and cold seeped through her jacket and shirt.

Does your answer remain the same, Dr. Walker? Green’s voice. Though it held none of the warmth he’d directed toward the audience when he’d welcomed them to the debate.

Yes. Derek’s reply came clipped.

What had she walked into?

You are an idiot. Footsteps thudded across the floor, and she tensed.

Derek pressed against her.

She eased to the side enough to see around Derek’s shoulder.

Green aimed a pistol at Derek’s chest. I will ruin your career. I will ruin your life. I will break you until you crawl back here and beg to do whatever I say. He jerked the gun an inch to the right. Go on. Try to fight against me, against this university, against science. But I assure you that you will fail.

Her pulse rushed in her ears. Help us. Please ...

Green slipped the gun inside his suit coat. And when that time comes, you will be the most powerful statement to the public I could ever ask for. He stepped back and motioned toward the closed door. Go, before I decide to solve this another way.

Derek gripped her arm and pulled her in front of him. Walk. Don’t look back.

She crossed the room, legs shaking, and yanked open the door.

The hall stretched empty before her.

Go. Derek shoved her shoulder.

She broke into a run. Her dress shoes skidded across the tile floor, and pain throbbed through her left thigh. Derek’s footsteps pounded behind her.

At least they’d better be his steps.

She pushed through the double doors that led out of the science building. Cold air slapped her face, cut through her jacket.

Parking lot lights shone through the darkness as they did on every other night of the year. A breeze rustled the bushes that grew against the science building. A few flakes of snow drifted from the sky. All the sights and sounds of a normal winter night, yet nothing about this night was normal.

Derek came even with her. My truck’s over there. I’ll drive you home.

Yes. She had to get out of here. And Madison and Andrew would be occupied for at least another couple of hours.

Derek unlocked the doors, and she clambered into the passenger side of the truck. He started the truck and throttled out of the parking lot.

She clicked her seat belt in place and glanced in the side mirror. Nothing behind them moved.

Nothing.

Her heart pounded against her ribs, and she gasped for air. Wh-who were those guys with the dean?

The glow from a streetlight flooded the truck, and Derek’s fingers whitened around the wheel. Security Green hired for the debate. FBI more than likely.

But Green had pointed a gun at Derek. Had threatened him ...

Did he mean what he said? That he’d ruin your life? What did he want you to do?

Take back what I said and affirm evolution. He tilted his head toward her, but shadows masked any emotion. But that doesn’t change anything. I’m not taking anything back. He turned his eyes to the road. I meant what I said on that stage. I’ll stand on the Word of God, by His grace alone.

Tears rushed her eyes, but she blinked them away. Those words would’ve never come out of his mouth before. I’m so thankful. So thankful.

So am I. He cleared his throat. So am I.

He took a few random turns, checked the rearview mirror, steered into the parking lot of her apartment complex, and eased his truck next to her car.

He killed the engine. Cassie, I have to talk to you.

She pressed a wavering smile to her lips and angled toward him. So much hung between them. So much that should make her jump from this truck and limp into her apartment without a backward glance.

Yet all that was in the past. Jesus’ blood had washed away his sins—and hers.

And her legs shook way too badly for her to do any walking right now.

His chest rose and fell. I’m sorry. For everything. Getting you fired. All the things I said. I was wrong. So wrong. But I’m not asking for your forgiveness. I don’t deserve it, but I want you to know I’m sorry. I’d give anything to go back and do things differently.

Tears stung her eyes, and she knotted her hands in her lap. Was any of this night real? Derek’s testimony at the debate. Green’s threats. This apology.

You told me the truth. You showed me what faith looks like. You didn’t give up on me even when you probably should’ve. And you gave me your Bible. He drew a slow, shaky breath. Jesus saved me. He really saved me.

Moisture dripped down her cheeks, but she swiped it away. Was she supposed to have a rational reply after everything that’d happened?

She squeezed her hands tighter together. I—I didn’t do anything. It was all God. Because nothing she’d said could’ve changed what he’d believed. Nothing she’d done could’ve broken through the hardness of his heart. Only God could’ve done those things.

Thank You. For mercy that reached into even the darkest of souls and set them free.

She set her hand on his arm. I forgive you.

He hung his head, and his arm vibrated beneath her hand.

She squeezed his arm, then pulled away. I forgive you. She opened her door and undid her seat belt.

Thanks. His voice came quiet.

She slipped from his truck and paused. You can come inside for a few minutes and catch your breath. I know I’m still shaking.

As she would be for hours.

GREEN COULD’VE HURT Cassie.

Derek lowered himself to her couch and fought for air.

She sat beside him, eyes reddened, dark hair windblown. She’d forgiven him. After all he’d done to her. After every terrible thing he’d said to her.

He shifted, and the couch squealed beneath him.

Peeling paint covered the ceiling, and a multitude of stains splotched the carpet.

This was what he’d done to her. He’d taken away her source of income and forced her to stay in this place. But even this place was a stretch if she didn’t have a job.

She offered him an unsteady smile. Don’t do that to yourself.

Do what? Had his thoughts been written across his face?

She tugged her jacket closer. Beat yourself up over things you can’t change. It’s okay. It really is. If it makes you feel any better, I started a new job yesterday. And my rent’s paid through the end of December. So everything’s good.

I saw Sam got nine years in prison. After he’d tried again to kill Cassie and had been shot by one of her neighbors. I’m glad he got what he deserved. No, not what he deserved. The man deserved a bullet between his eyes for all the harm he’d caused his sister.

Then again, he wasn’t much better than Sam.

Her eyebrows dipped. Are you okay? You’re awfully pale, and your hands are shaking.

How could he be okay? Didn’t expect Green to react quite like that. And I hate that you got wrapped up in it.

Those guys could’ve hurt her with ease.

He fisted his hands. And this is all so new. Who was he to take a stand for Christianity?

Her face softened. "But you have Him, and He’s more than enough. This verse has helped me. ‘Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.’ He’s your Strength. He’ll bring you through this."

She pushed from the couch and knelt in front of him. I’d like to pray for you. The slightest bit of tension played over her features.

She’d offer to pray for him after how he’d treated her the last time she’d said she’d pray for him?

His throat closed.

He lowered himself beside her and squeezed his eyes shut.

Lord, thank You for saving Derek. And thank You for saving me. We’re completely unworthy, yet You love us anyway. Please guide Derek through this. Show him what You want him to do and give him Your strength to do it. Please protect him. Don’t let these guys hurt him. We trust You. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Thanks. His voice came as a rasp. Thanks. He stood and helped her up.

Would Green hurt her to get to him? Would his presence here put her in danger?

He eased his hand from hers. It’s late. I’d better get home.

She furrowed her brow and shoved a stray strand of hair from her face. Will you be all right? I mean, those guys won’t try to hurt you?

I’ll be careful. He’d keep his 9mm handy as he should’ve tonight. He’d been an idiot to leave it in his nightstand drawer. Not that he could’ve taken down five armed men and come out alive.

Derek?

He blinked. Sorry. Thinking.

No, it’s okay. She leaned against the couch. I just wanted to say it took a lot of courage for you to say what you did tonight to all those people. I couldn’t have done it.

He didn’t deserve her admiration. He’d only done what was right for probably the first time in his life.

He ran his hand through his hair. It was the truth. Something I’ve avoided for a long time. In a way, it felt good. Really good.

Even if he lost everything.

HEADLIGHTS FLICKERED on in the parking lot below, and Derek’s truck pulled away from the apartment building. She let the curtains fall into place and turned from the window.

Protect him, Lord. Please don’t let Green hurt him.

She walked into the kitchen, scooped up the landline, and dialed Madison’s number. Madison would have her phone off or silenced if Andrew were still speaking, but she could at least leave a message to let Madison know she didn’t need a ride home.

Cassie. Madison’s voice filled her ear.

Hey, I didn’t think you’d answer yet. Is Andrew already finished?

Madison gave a light laugh. No, he’s taking questions now. I stepped out to use the restroom. How is he?

Derek? How did Madison know she’d gone to see him?

Oh, come on. It’s not like I don’t know you. You wouldn’t not go see him after all he said.

I couldn’t believe it. Cassie’s throat clogged. I never expected something like that.

Madison laughed. Neither did I. But then again, we don’t know the mind of God. Still, I couldn’t believe it when he got up there and said evolution is a lie. I’d been prepared for Andrew to have to argue that point inside and out, and Dr. Walker gets up there and says it for him. She paused. How did you get home? You’re calling from your home phone, right?

She leaned against the counter, legs still shaking. Derek drove me home. How could she tell Madison about Green and those guys in Derek’s lab?

Madison cleared her throat. "Hey, if