Page 13 of Still Afraid

Aaron shrugged and stepped out of Josh’s grip. “It was good to see you guys. I’m gonna go find out if there is anything we can do to help, or at least pack up and get out of the y’all’s hair.” He lovingly punched his sister’s shoulder and walked away.

“Love you, Aaron.” She called to his back.

Without turning around, he tossed a “you too” over his shoulder.

A sigh deflated Chloe’s shoulders. Josh pulled her close and prayed loud enough for only Chloe to hear. “Jesus, please reach into Aaron’s heart and heal him from the inside out.”

They stood there for a brief moment before they went to find Lance and set up their own makeshift camp for the night. Other teams would continue the search while they slept. They would be of better use when Poirot had specific people to search for, and that would come in the morning.

Chapter Four

Darkness still reigned as Chloe shifted in her hammock and tried to not disturb Poirot. But her dreams made it hard to sleep. She had expected the nightmares. They’d always crept in after traumatic events, ever since she lost Owen.

They had hit after she and Josh had faced a vindictive killer, and then again when she almost lost Josh to that flood only a few months ago. Stuff like yesterday’s tornado always triggered them. She’d spent the last half hour or so praying and trying to go back to sleep, but while the Spirit’s peace had settled her some, she couldn’t fall asleep no matter how hard she tried.

A rustling sound nearby brought Poirot to full attention, nearly squishing Chloe. He let out a low bark.

“Go back to sleep, Poirot.” Josh’s soft whisper met her ears.

She tugged back the side of her hammock and glanced up at him. The headlamp set to red cast a goofy glow across the man she loved. She chuckled.

“Didn’t mean to wake you guys.”

“I was awake anyway. What are you doing up?”

“Can’t sleep. I’m going to see if they have scent items for anyone yet.”

She moved her wrist to glance at her watch. Five forty-five. “It’s close enough to morning. I’m definitely not going back to sleep at this point.”

“Take your time. I’ll go check in.”

She nodded.

Poirot barked.

“Fine, go with him.”

The dog jumped from the hammock and bounded over to Josh, who petted his chocolate head.

Josh said, “Let’s go, boy.” The two of them walked toward base camp.

Chloe swung her legs out but didn’t stand up yet.

With a few deep breaths, she prayed for strength of body and spirit. She could feel the anxiety rising up within her. And she hated it. Why did it always seem to be but a breath away? One tense situation before she crumbled. Jesus was the only thing that held her together, but sometimes it seemed as if it was too much for even Him.

That was a lie. He was her sustainer. Her rock. Her anchor. But she was tired of being wind-tossed.

With another whispered surrender, she popped out of her hammock, and, after brushing her teeth, started breaking down camp as the sun caused the eastern sky to glow.

Her movements stirred Lance to get up and do the same. He gave her a wordless wave good morning.

Once she finished with her hammock, she took Josh’s down too.

A few minutes later, Poirot came bounding toward them, followed by a smiling Josh.

“Good news. The missing family was reached. They are safe and sound.”

A flash of joy filled Chloe’s heart. “Praise the Lord.”