Aaron's Quest: Sadler Family Saga, #2

By J. H. Dehart

In one cataclysmic moment the entire planet is amidst the deepening chaos and suffering of the Tribulation. The Sadler family finds themselves thrust into End Times events beyond imagination. Aaron, one of the 144,000 evangelists selected by God, seeks the help of the Sadlers to rescue God's "Chosen People." In a race against time and the forces of evil intent on destroying both Jews and Christians, the family becomes embroiled in a mission of hope as the world is almost literally falling apart all around them. As hardship, tragedy and evil besiege the remnant of humanity still inhabiting the Earth, how will any of them survive until the end of the Tribulation? It is the ultimate test of Courage and Faith.

• Language: English
• Publisher: J. H. Dehart
• Release date: Jun 21, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223953739

Book preview

PROLOGUE

"And I heard the number of them

which were sealed: and there were

sealed an hundred and forty and

four thousand of all the tribes of

the children of Israel"

Revelation 7:4

Aaron shoved a folded paper toward Barney saying, I must leave you now. Here’s a map with directions to the Sadler Compound.

Barney, his heart pounding with fear, gazed at Aaron in disbelief and choked out a reply. You’re abandoning us?

Aaron swallowed hard, dreading his next reply. Barney had become a good and trustworthy friend and Aaron would miss their Bible studies, but he must obey God.

He hung his head and said, Barney, God has told me to do this. I have another family I must go to, which desperately needs me.

Barney glanced at his children waiting for them in the distance. He knew he must be courageous and not show them his fear. How could he try to stop Aaron from going to rescue others as he had rescued them? How could he try to discourage Aaron from taking the truth of God’s Salvation to others? He couldn’t. Willing himself to remain calm and ignore the turmoil erupting in his stomach, he took the paper from Aaron saying, God bless you and keep you safe, Aaron.

Turning, he walked away from Aaron and returned to his children. 

CHAPTER 1

Nicole and Thomas rode their horses around the meadow in strained silence, Nicole’s nerves a jumbled mess. She thought Thomas was a nice guy, but that was his problem; he was a man. She had only wanted to be alone and contemplate what was wrong with Jon, because he had been lost in his own world of torment, refusing all help from his family, since he had returned to the bunker a few months ago. Thomas had insisted he accompany her, and Clay had backed him up. So, here she was, riding the perimeter of the meadow, with a man she had no desire to be with.

This was the first time, since Thomas had moved into the Sadler Compound, that he had been alone with her. He interrupted her thoughts, desperately searching for a topic she would talk about. So, Nicole, where’re you from originally?

She glanced sideways at him, her golden eyes showing her irritation at his interruption. Idaho.

Now Thomas was confused. Jon and his family were from Seattle. Thomas’ curiosity burned and he blurted, I thought you all were from Seattle.

She shrugged, muttering, Whatever.

Thomas could take a hint and shut up, riding slightly behind her so he could gaze at her. The initial feelings of stunned amazement, when he had first met her about six months ago, had not diminished. She was beautiful. He now knew she had just turned 16 years old. Her golden skin glowed warm in the bright sunshine and her dark curls, pulled back in a ponytail, bounced with each step of the horse. He knew her cheeks were sprinkled with soft brown freckles and her pert mouth was usually smiling. She intrigued him. She glanced back at him, and he was again lost in her golden eyed glance. He was in love with her.

Thomas had been watching her so intensely he had not realized they had returned to the bunker until she stated flatly, Well, I guess that’s all for today.

They dismounted and led the horses into the stable area of the bunker, unsaddled them, brushed them down and then walked silently back up to the first floor, Nicole still refusing to have a conversation with him. He was beginning to think she couldn’t stand being near him. He decided after the miserable ride they had just taken together he would leave her alone.

When they entered the living area Chloe rushed forward her eyes alight with excitement and said, Nicole, Jon just got saved.

Nicole felt herself cringe at the declaration. She didn’t want anything to do with God, not after what she had been through.

Jon stepped toward Nicole who glanced up at him, surprised to see the tortured look gone from his beautiful blue eyes. He smiled at her, and her heart skipped a beat.

Jon said, Nicole, I’m sorry for the pain I’ve put you through since I came back.

He opened his arms, and she ran to him, feeling overwhelming joy when he wrapped his arms around her. Resting her head on his chest, she held him close. He had saved her, and she was not aware she almost worshipped the ground he walked on, she was only aware she desperately needed him.

Jon stepped back from her and gazed into her eyes shimmering with unshed tears, and said, I still have a lot to figure out, Nicole, but I promise not to push you away. But please realize there will be times when I’ll need to be alone.

She smiled weakly at him. I understand, Jon. Then she shocked herself when she whispered, I love you.

He smiled like the Jon she had met only eight months ago. Yeah, Squirt, I know. I love you too. I guess we are stuck with each other. He paused, gazing intently at her with his warm blue eyes. I know I can’t officially adopt you, with the world in the crazy shape it’s in, but I would like to be your dad; if you’ll have me.

Tears rolled down her cheeks as she hugged him tighter. Yes, oh yes. You can be my dad!

Thomas was befuddled, having no idea what was happening. He had not understood who Nicole belonged to, but he had taken it for granted she was someone’s daughter, so maybe she wasn’t. Suddenly the family rushed Jon and Nicole, hugging them.

Katie laughed, I’m your Auntie now.

Chloe declared, Welcome to the family!

Betty hugged her tightly and Amos said softly, Nicole, I’m proud to be your grandfather.

And with that declaration fresh tears flowed down Nicole’s face, as she said, I’m so happy to be a part of your family!

Nicole was happier than she had been since the day after the Rapture when her parents had been murdered and she had been sold into sexual slavery. Jon, whom she would now call Dad, had rescued her from her nightmare and brought her here to this wonderful family which was now her family. She watched Jon, wondering if the sudden difference she was witnessing was really him getting saved. The haunted despair was gone from his eyes, and the tension gone from his body. But how could she believe in a God that had allowed her to be so violently used and abused? How could she believe God loved her? But what about this Sadler family? They had suffered unimaginable horrors too, a child dying of cancer and another who had been brutally murdered, and they believed in God and had accepted His salvation. She shook her head, refusing to entertain the idea that maybe she should consider accepting God’s salvation, wanting to remain angry at God.

She glanced at Thomas and felt the familiar shiver up her spine when she thought about what he could do to her; what others had done to her. She couldn’t stand to even be near him. She admitted to herself his tall, thin good looks were appealing but she wanted nothing to do with him and she wished he would just stay away from her.

Betty Sadler watched Nicole. She was happy Jon had finally reached out to the young woman who needed him so very much. It had taken months of patiently talking to Nicole before she had finally opened up to Betty and told her what she had been through. It had stunned and appalled Betty that the girl had been so brutally assaulted constantly for six long weeks. Betty had doubts Nicole would ever recover from it.

Betty was well aware that Thomas was in love with Nicole. At times she contemplated telling him what Nicole had been through but wisely realized that the story was Nicole’s to share with whomever she deemed needed to know, so she prayed for them both, hoping they would learn how to navigate their tenuous, difficult relationship.

Jon glanced at his father when Amos told him to follow him and stood up walking with him to his parent’s bedroom. Amos flicked his free hand toward the vacant chair in the room saying, Please sit down.

Jon was still having a hard time believing this man was really his ruthless, domineering father. The change he had seen in Amos when he returned to the bunker had been the main reason Jon had considered accepting Jesus as his Savior. Jon had grown up under the influence of his unyielding, merciless father, Amos Sadler, who at one time had owned Prism Technologies, one of the largest, richest, most influential companies on Earth.

Then the Rapture had turned the world upside down and the Sadler family had gone into hiding in the family bunker, losing control and ownership of Prism Technologies. Jon had returned to the bunker after he had sought and found revenge for his little brother’s murder, a broken, haunted man, trying to deal with the demons destroying him, to find most of his family had accepted Jesus as their Savior and his father a radically changed man.

Today, just a few hours ago he had accepted Jesus as his Savior and he was wondering what his father wanted to talk to him about. He still felt the misgivings from years of dealing with his father’s tyrannical rule, settle on him. He sat in the chair his father motioned toward and watched the crippled patriarch slowly make his way to the loveseat.

When his father was seated, he looked at Jon with happiness shining in his soft gray eyes. Jon was rather shocked at the sight. He could not recall ever seeing happiness in his father’s eyes. After Jon’s older brother Christopher had died from cancer when he was eight years old, Amos had become a bitter, driven man who had been unable to show any feelings but anger and dissatisfaction. Jon was anxious to hear what his father had to say.

Amos smiled saying, Jon, I think this may be the happiest day of my life.

Jon was confused. Really?

Yes, because you are saved. I want you to know I’ll help you with any questions you might have about the Bible. Amos paused, praying for the strength to continue. Jon, I also want you to know I’m aware of some of the men you contacted while you were searching for Reggie’s murderers.

He watched Jon lean forward and lower his head in his hands, so that all Amos saw was the sandy blond waves of hair on top of his head. Amos fought the urge to reach over and ruffle Jon’s hair as he used to when he had been a little boy, suddenly feeling deep regret when he realized the last time he had touched his son’s head was before Christopher’s death. He had neglected Jon. He hoped he would be given a chance to show his son how much he truly loved him.

He spoke again. Jon, this information will remain our secret. I only told you this so you’ll believe me when I say I hope you’ll feel you can talk to me about anything when needed.

Jon glanced back up at his father, shocked when the older man rushed on. I’m ashamed to say I was thrilled when you sought the revenge I could not. His father’s voice cracked with emotion as he continued, I only cared about my own selfish desires. I didn’t care how much you suffered or how much you were going to suffer, I just wanted them to pay for what they had done. I’m sorry, Jon.

Jon spoke, a hard edge of emotion in his voice. Don’t, Dad. I did what I felt I had to do. You didn’t make me do anything. Thanks for the offer to talk, if I ever feel the need, I’ll talk to you.

Jon listened to his father sigh with relief and stood up. I look forward to learning from you about my salvation, but I think I have been through all my emotions can handle today, Jon said, turning to go to his room.

Betty watched her husband and son walk through the door leading to the family hall and wondered what Amos was up to, but she knew they must be left alone. So, she picked up her knitting and continued working on the tiny pair of booties she was making. A week ago, Clay and Katie had announced to the family they were expecting a baby and the excitement had been electric. She had helped Katie determine she was about two months along. This would be their third grandchild, their daughter Chloe’s twin girls had been taken in the Rapture, so she was thrilled at the thought of having another baby to love.

She enjoyed listening to her children playing a game of rummy, glad they could forget the horrors the family had endured thus far and enjoy each other’s company.

Nicole laughed when Clay yelled, Rummy! as he picked up Nicole’s discarded card causing Katie to playfully punch him on the arm, Quit playing cutthroat rummy, you just ruined my whole hand by laying down those three Jacks!

Clay grinned mercilessly, as he then lay down two 10’s, one on Katie’s trick and the other on Nicole’s trick.

Katie declared, I give up, laying her cards face down on the table.

Nicole whined, Hey, Katie, that’s not fair. You are ruining the game for the rest of us.

Katie picked up her cards, glaring at Clay. Ok, I’ll finish the game.

On Nicole’s next turn she picked up the card she needed and placed her last remaining card in the discard deck.

Katie said, You both are horrible players!

Clay and Nicole grinned at each other as Katie flung herself away from the table and marched toward the kitchen. Thomas glared sullenly at Nicole as Amos and Jon laughed.

Meanwhile, Betty, watching Thomas, felt she must help the young man with his unrequited love; she could tell him he needed to give Nicole space without breaking Nicole’s confidence. Thomas, can I talk to you, please.

Thomas glanced at her in startled surprise. He had been so engrossed in his misery he had zoned out, ignoring what was happening around him, except for what Nicole was doing.

With a shrug, he stood up saying, Sure, and followed Mrs. Sadler to her room, wondering what she wanted to talk about.

She said sweetly when they entered the room, Have a seat.

He sat down as she sat across from him saying, Thomas, I know you haven’t been here very long, but I have been watching my family and I’ve noticed how you look at Nicole.

Thomas jumped up in frustrated anger. I don’t know what you’re talking about! I just want to be left alone!

He started to walk toward the door but paused when she continued softly. Nicole has been through much and if you don’t learn to calm yourself and control your feelings you’ll lose her forever.

Thomas stopped in his tracks and turned around to look at Betty. What do you mean?

She is only 16 and needs time and space to heal. If you love her like I think you do, then patiently give her that space and the time she needs.

Thomas stood gazing at Betty, his emotions in an uproar. He lowered his head to hide his disappointment when she continued. You’ll have to put her first and only care about her feelings to have any chance for a relationship with her.

Thomas sighed and walked from the room thinking about the advice Mrs. Sadler had given him, realizing he must take her wisdom to heart, and do as she suggested. Truthfully, he had no idea what trauma Nicole had suffered, but he did love her enough to wait for her.

Watching Thomas walk away, Betty’s heart swelled with empathy for him because the road he must travel was going to be a very long and extremely difficult one. She wondered if he loved Nicole enough to travel the road. Only time would tell.

CHAPTER 2  

A few weeks later Jon was jolted awake wondering what had roused him. He stood up and gingerly made his way into the living area careful not to make a sound; turning on the lights, he stood in the middle of the area searching the room, finding nothing out of place. He felt the earth beneath his feet lurch and roll violently with the roar of an earthquake. Dishes, pots, and anything sitting on the tables and countertops were flung to the floor. The screams of one of the women reached his ears.

Then, as suddenly as it had started, the earth calmed, and silence greeted Clay as he rushed into the room and skid to a stop when he saw Jon. What’s going on?

I don’t know? Jon replied.

After a brief silence the bunker shook again, this time with a loud explosion. They each grabbed a rifle and headed to the rear entrance before the rest of the family made it to the living room.

When they reached the stalls Jon’s sisters, Nicole and Thomas came running up to them. What’s happening? they asked, Nicole squealing when the ground rumbled as another explosion erupted.

We don’t know, Clay declared. Stay here while we go investigate. Thomas, we need you to stay inside to protect the family.

The women had no problems obeying Clay because they were terrified. Chloe said she was going to check on their parents while Katie and Nicole stayed with the horses.

Jon and Clay waited impatiently as the door slid open and then they bolted outside just in time to see the sky grow glaringly bright with an incoming meteor. It slammed into the ground somewhere to the west with an extraordinary explosion that made the ground shake violently.

What was it? Jon asked.

A rocket? Clay speculated.

Before Jon could answer, the sky lit up again with several flaming objects flying at breakneck speed toward the earth.

I think it’s meteors, Jon, Clay said in disbelief.

I think you’re right. Let’s go back inside and tell them what’s happening, Jon said.

They ran back into the bunker, Katie throwing her arms around Clay, as he held her close saying, It’s meteors, falling to the earth.

Meteors? Katie asked in disbelief.

Yes, Jon confirmed. Clay, take them back upstairs. I’m going to sit at the door and monitor things.

Ok, Clay said walking upstairs with the women and telling the Sadler’s what was happening, then he returned to Jon’s side.

What’re you doing back out here? Jon asked.

I don’t want you left alone out here. We’ll both monitor the situation.

Did you stress that everyone is to remain inside?

Yes. Clay grinned. But you know how stubborn Katie can be.

Jon laughed.

Another meteor took aim at the earth and crashed with thunderous effect.

Do you think this is what Revelation was talking about? Jon managed to ask above the noise.

"I think so, Jon. We need to pray because