Then putting his tablet back in his pack, he swung it over his shoulder and gestured for the remaining men to follow him.
He smiled. Soon the Deviants would lead them straight to their hideaway, and by then, Kyle would have them surrounded. He, alone, would be responsible for not only locating the most important Deviant hideout, but for bringing to justice the most notorious Deviants in the North American Region.
He could only imagine the rewards and promotions that awaited him.
For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways. In their hands they shall bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone. Psalm 91:11-12
Chapter 26
Tori could hardly contain her excitement. So much so, she ran through the forest, shoving aside spindly branches and kicking up dry leaves as she went. In the distance, something moved. She halted, peering through the brush.Wait. An arm, a face appeared!
Nyla!
Dashing toward her, Tori caught a glimpse of Calan as she flew into Nyla’s arms…before she bounced off something around the lady’s belly.
Backing away, her gaze dropped to the bump in question. “Oh, my goodness, you’re pregnant!”
Nyla grinned and exchanged a glance with Calan. “So it would seem.”
“Praise God!” Tori could not help the tears flowing down her cheeks. “You have no idea how happy I am to see you!” She embraced her more gently this time, breathing in the scent of her, all spice and forest.
Calan joined his wife. “Wecanimagine. You look like hell”—he looked behind Tori— “you all do.”
Brianna, Callie slung about her chest, along with Thomas and Carla entered the small clearing.
Tori made the introductions as Nyla went to embrace Brianna, then knelt to kiss Carla on the cheek. The little girl giggled.
Calan shook Thomas's hand. “I hear you rescued our Tori from certain death.”
Thomas nodded sheepishly and raked back his hair. “Guess you could say that.”
“Well, we owe you. And thanks for getting everyone here safe.”
“I can’t take credit for that.” Thomas glanced at Tori. “That was all her doing.”
Tori approached. “It was all God’s doing.” She embraced Calan and stood back. “You guys look great. A little rough around the edges but great.”
Nyla’s long dark hair hung in waves to her waist, and aside from a few shadows beneath her eyes, she looked as beautiful as ever. Calan, who’d once been a Navy SEAL, had not lost his muscular physique. His hair had gotten a bit longer than his usual military cut and there was more scruff on his jaw, but he beamed at his wife as if she were the most precious thing in the world.
“It’s not always been easy, but God takes care of us.” Calan glanced around. “Speaking of, it’s not safe to be out here.” He jerked his head toward Thomas. “Is he with us?”
Frowning, Tori shook her head. “I don’t think so.”
Thomas huffed. “Standing right here, you know. And, of course, I’m with you!”
“Are you a believer in Jesus or not?” Nyla narrowed her eyes at him. “We can’t risk taking a Vice Regent of the New World Faith to our hideout.”
Growling, Thomas kicked the dirt, then blew out a frustrated sigh.
He didn’t have to say anything for them all to know his answer.
“So, let me get this straight,” he began in a sharp, angry tone. “After all I’ve been through, after all I’ve done to help your friends get here, you’re going to leave me alone in the middle of the forest?”
Tori gulped, her heart suddenly shriveling.
Calan stared at Thomas, his expression sorrowful yet dogmatic. “I’m sorry, man, but we can’t risk it.” He no sooner said the words, then he suddenly stiffened and looked around.
“What is it?” Tori asked.
