Arrived by Jerry B. Jenkins Read Free Book Online Page A

the phone rang. It was Judd again.
    â€œWhere are you?” Vicki said. “Tell me you’ve already gotten out of there.”
    â€œWe’re heading for another safe house, or at least where we think one is. It’s pretty slow going.”
    â€œBut you said—”
    â€œVick, Westin’s plane was destroyed. I assume most of the GC planes were burned in the heat wave, though they probably have some stored somewhere. There’s no way we’re flying out of here today. The thing is—”
    Vicki put a hand to her chest, feeling her heart suddenly drop. “Judd, you’re not thinking of staying, are you?”
    â€œJust hear me out.” Judd explained what he knew about Gunther’s plan. “There’s a chance we might meet some unbelievers, those who haven’t taken the mark yet.”
    â€œHow?”
    Judd explained the information about the holding facility. In the past few months, Vicki had heard more and more reports about rebels around the world, mostly Jews, who were transported to concentration camps rather than being put to death. The Global Community wanted to make them suffer for not taking Carpathia’s mark and for simply being part of God’s chosen people. The camps gave prisoners just enough food to keep them alive and tortured them daily. Vicki and Judd had talked about wanting to help these people, but she didn’t think they would ever have the opportunity. But Vicki’s first concern was Judd and getting him safely to Petra.
    â€œWhat happens if the lights come back on?” Vicki said. “The GC will kill you and anyone else with you.”
    â€œI don’t know if this is what I should do or not, but …” Judd’s voice trailed off, and Vicki heard brakes squeal. Then someone said something, and car doors opened and closed.
    â€œWhat’s happening?” Vicki said.
    â€œWe’re at one of the mark application centers,” Judd said. “The others are going to see if they can destroy some equipment. It’s not much, but every little bit helps.”
    Vicki closed her eyes tightly. “Judd, if God’s leading you into this, you know I wouldn’t want to stop you, but I’m scared.”
    â€œBelieve me, the last thing I want to do is risk being separated from you. I found the perfect spot in Petra. You should see it. It’s just that …” Judd’s voice trailed off again. When he could talk, he said, “I keep thinking about somebody out there crying out to God, behind bars or wherever, asking God for help, pleading with him to send someone. Maybe there’s nobody there, but while this place is dark, I feel like I need to try.”
    Everything inside Vicki screamed for Judd to get to safety, but she knew if she were in the same position, she would want Judd’s support. Finally, she said, “Go. Set as many captives free as you can. That’s what we’re supposed to be doing anyway, right?”
    â€œVick, I love you.”

    When Judd hung up, Gunther and the others were returning to the car.
    Westin hopped in with a smile and slammed the door. “They won’t be doing any marking of citizens in that place for a long time.”
    â€œWere there any people in there?” Judd said.
    â€œLots of them on the ground, screaming. Must have scared them half to death when we came waltzing in and smashed their equipment and took that head chopper apart.” Westin looked at Judd. “You square things up with the little woman?”
    Judd smiled. “She told me to go for it. When do we head that way?”
    â€œRight now,” Gunther said. He radioed the others, speaking in code, and told them where they were going.
    â€œWhy don’t we just go to the palace?” Judd said.
    Gunther shook his head. “We have no idea what kind of power Carpathia might have over this plague. Let’s stick to trying to wreak havoc out here and