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

Underground, and all that had gone on afterward, Lionel was there like a rock. Judd threw his arms around his friend and hugged him.
    Judd told Lionel the full story about Nada and the jailer and how he was feeling.
    â€œMan, you can’t blame yourself.”
    â€œWho else?”
    â€œIt was instinct. She moved a little faster, that’s all. Her family doesn’t hold it against you. They’re down there talking about you like you were their son.”
    â€œWhat kind of son would let his sister get killed?”
    Lionel put a hand on Judd’s shoulder. “We’re going to get through this. You and Sam and Nada’s family are going to come out on the other side.”
    â€œI don’t know how.”
    â€œTime. Take as much as you need. Come get me if you want to talk.”
    When Lionel closed the door, Judd pulled out Nada’s letter. What was it she was trying to tell him? Judd read:
    I have prayed many nights about this. I’ve asked God to show me why I’m feeling this way. Honestly, I think something is holding you back. At first, I thought it was God. You’re so sold out on him, and you want to live for him. But the more I thought and prayed, it became clear that God wasn’t coming between us. I really believe there is someone else. You’ve never talked much about your friends in the States, but I sense there is someone there you care about deeply .
    Maybe I’m making this up. If so, I apologize. But if I’m right and you find this letter, go back to her. You’re a wonderful person with so much to offer. I have loved being your friend. I’m sorry for the trouble I caused you in New Babylon. I’m sorry for being difficult at times. (You had your moments too.) I’ll look forward to seeing you again, whether it’s in this life or the next. May God bless you .
    Love ,
    Nada
    Judd folded the letter and shook his head. A thousand thoughts swirled in his head. Is she right? Did I hold back in our relationship? Why?
    Judd lay back on the bed. The shock of seeing the horses and the experience at the jail had drained him of emotion and strength. He didn’t think he could sleep, but when he closed his eyes, he drifted off and dreamed of Nada.

6
    VICKI listened closely to the reports about the deadly horses as they drove east. Through Nebraska they saw the effects of the latest judgment. Houses in Lincoln were charred. The kids drove through billowing yellow and black smoke that floated through the area. They spotted herds of horses and riders in Omaha.
    â€œI hope I never see those horses again,” Shelly said.
    Conrad turned the news down. “I don’t get it. Those beasts are evil. They must want to hurt believers.”
    â€œGod’s using those killing machines for his own purpose. Somehow he’s put a hedge around those who are his, and those beings know it.”
    Though it was a lot smaller than the van, the kids slept in the car as much as they could. In Iowa City, they rented two motel rooms with most of their remaining money. Conrad staggered to his room. “I’m going to sleep, and I’m not waking up for a week.”
    Vicki and Shelly tried to order a pizza, but they couldn’t get an answer at any restaurants. Instead, they walked half a block to a convenience store and bought snacks.
    â€œThis used to be my favorite thing to do on vacation,” Shelly said. “My mom would give me a few dollars and send me to a store next to the hotel. I’d get all kinds of soda and junk food, then stay up all night watching television.” Vicki smiled. “We used to have fun at the vending machines. I’d take my little sister, and we’d get pop and candy. Sometimes the machines would give us more than we’d paid for, and we felt like kings.”
    Shelly flicked on the television as Vicki spread their food on one of the beds. Many of the channels carried updates on the incredible