The Soul Redeemer: From Victim to Victory (47 page)

N
icole was the first one
out of her seat when the plane finally came to a stop and the "Fasten Seat Belt" light went off.

"Hold up there Breeze!" Gus complained.  It was harder for a man his size to navigate the small isle of the aircraft.  "He's not going away without you!"

She ignored him.  He just didn't understand.  She wasn't afraid that Jake would leave.  No.  It was that she felt like her heart couldn't continue to beat another minute without him.

They exited the plane and Gus decided that as long as she was in his line of sight that he would let her go….as if he could contain her anyhow.  Once they were through the causeway and into the airport, Nicole took off running.  Gus watched as she left a trail of annoyed people staring after her as she whizzed by them, nearly knocking them off their feet. 

She saw him when she was still what seemed like a mile away.  Jake was standing as close to the doorway as the guard would allow.  She ran as fast as she could until she was close enough to see that he had something in his arms.  She stopped running and began walking as she watched in wonderment at the not-so-little fluffy fawn colored fur ball wriggling its way to the floor. 

She saw Jake look at the guard, then smile as he released his hold on the Anatolian Shepherd puppy.  She stopped walking and dropped to the floor as the puppy ran straight to her and into her arms.  She scooped him up as he licked her face, her eyes and ears, then she held him at arms length long enough to look him over. 

"Gabriel.  That's who you are.  My little angel that will grow to be a big protector!"  When she pulled him close, he nuzzled her neck with his nose and settled down like he had found his way home. 

Nicole looked up at Jake and realized that she wasn't the only one who was crying.  He had tears streaming down his face as well.  She broke into a run and dove into his waiting arms.  Suddenly she heard clapping and cheers.  She looked up and saw that a crowd of people had stopped to watch their unusual reunion, and she blushed in embarrassment. 

Gus had caught up to her and said, "People like happy reunions." 

Jake smiled. "So do I!" he said as the crowd began to disperse.

"It is time for me to go home to my Bertha and kittens as well," Gus said with a rare grin.

Nicole handed Gabriel to Jake so that she could give Gus a hug.  "I don't know how to thank you, my friend.  God be with you."

He patted her on the head.  "And I thank you.  I'll send you pictures of the kittens as they grow.  I could send you one, but I'm afraid that Gabriel here might eat it for his supper… mistakenly of course!"

They all laughed, and Gus turned and joined the security line. 

Nicole took Gabe back in her arms, and Jake placed his arm lovingly and protectively around his wife as they headed toward the front doors. 

As they passed in front of a small airport café, Nicole caught the familiar sight of Rosie's on the large TV screen and they stopped to listen and watch.  The pictures flashed between the female reporter standing in front of Rosie's and other images of the building, including the doorway that led to the cavern below.

The reporter was saying, "We are still waiting to hear the final word on the investigation concerning Friday's militia intervention here at one of Chicago's famous bistros known as Rosie's Bar and Grill.  The assumed death of Peter Chavel, the prominent fashion designer and owner of Rosie's, are still unconfirmed as are the rumors of an underground sex-trafficking operation."

"So that's going to be the cover story," Nicole said as they began walking.  "I wondered how the world would receive news of a clone army." 

Gabriel began to stir.  "I think we better get this little guy home," she said.

"I couldn't agree more!"  Jake declared.  "Let's go home!"

Cantor and Jair walked tall and proud beside their people.  "She did well, my friend," Jair said.  

Cantor smiled.  "My little Victory of the People has indeed chosen to honor the True Master with her faith and obedience.  I will have to make sure that her grandfather, David, knows of this victory.  It will bring him joy to hear that his obedience and prayer for this little warrior made a difference in the eternal Kingdom for many people."

"I quite agree with you there.  Sophia as well will be full of joy at the news."  Jair paused a moment then said, "I hate to bring this up at such a joyful time, but I feel that I must call your attention to the fact that several dark ones are shadowing us."

"Indeed, the air is darkened with them.  The Adversary will not be put off forever," Cantor said.

"This is true.  I am thankful that all things will happen according to the Master's plan, and none other.  However, at this moment I am referring to those specifically shadowing Jake and Nicole," Jair explained.

"Ah.  Thank you for illuminating the darkness, my friend.  We must proceed with caution and be on high alert," Cantor replied.  "I will speak praise into Nicole's mind, and you can speak words of illumination and discernment to Jake as the Holy Spirit leads you."

"Yes, I quite agree with this plan.  I believe it is also appropriate to call for extra protection on the road leading home, do you agree?"

"I certainly do," Cantor replied.

"Lord God Almighty, we request extra help in protecting these two beloved children."

When they approached the car, Jake bowed his head and thanked the Lord for bringing his wife back to him and asked for continued protection.  Neither Jake nor Nicole was aware that their prayers had joined with the angel's.  And neither were they aware of the heavenly escort that surrounded the car in response. 

But when Nicole laid Gabriel on the seat beside her while she buckled her seat belt, he looked up into the eyes of his special friend and barked a welcome greeting.  The angel smiled and patted his head, and then Gabe crawled over onto Nicole's lap, closed his eyes and fell into a peaceful sleep.

S
everal weeks later
as Nicole walked into the house with her arms full of groceries, she noticed the light blinking on the answering machine.  She set the bags on the counter and punched the "play" button.  She listened as she began putting the groceries in the refrigerator.

"Hey Nicole.  It's Trisha.  I think it's time for me to deal with the strongman.  Remember Incubus Succubus? …."

Nicole stood up and shut the refrigerator door.  She looked at the answering machine expectantly as if hoping to see her friend.  It had been a long time since she had heard from her, and had wondered if she had given up. 

Then she realized that God's timing is always perfect.  She had overcome and now it was time to begin to lead others into victory.  Not only Trisha, but much of Samaria was still under the dominion of that principality as well.

And that's when she heard the joyful laugh of her Soul Redeemer.  "
That's right.  You are My battle-ax and weapon of war.  Come with Me and I will lead you in Victory for My People!"