Deadly Echoes Read Online Free PDF Page A

in our church. I shared it with them because I felt they had the right to know.” He took a long, deep breath. “I almost shot a man once. Thankfully, I didn’t have to. But I was ready to do it.”
    To say I was shocked was an understatement. This friendly, quiet, unassuming man had pointed a gun at someone? “But you lived as a Conservative Mennonite before you came here.”
    â€œWell, I looked like a Mennonite, and I went to a conservative church, but obviously I wasn’t living by all the principles.”
    â€œCan I ask why you wanted to shoot that man?”
    â€œYes, you may. I was afraid he was going to kill the woman I loved. I raised my gun to protect her.”
    â€œDid she live?”
    â€œYes. Someone else took the shot before I did.”
    â€œSo someone else saved her life?”
    He nodded.
    â€œAre you grateful to that person for protecting her?”
    â€œI’m grateful she lived, but I’m also glad her attacker survived. If I’d shot him, I believe I would have killed him.” He sighed. “Believe me, when I was caught up in that moment, wounding him was not my intention. I still have to face that every day. Don’t get me wrong. I know I’m forgiven. I don’t feel guilty anymore, but that incident showed me what I’m capable of. It forced me to take a hard look at myself. In the end, I decided I had to start trusting God to protect me and those I love.”
    â€œYou said you loved that woman, yet you’re still single.”
    He nodded again. “Yes. She married someone else.”
    â€œBut . . . but you were willing to kill to protect her. Why isn’t she with you?” I suddenly realized how personal my question was. “I’m sorry, Pastor,” I said quickly. “That’s none of my business.”
    He smiled. “It’s all right, Sarah. I don’t mind. She married a man who would have died before going against what he believed. I wasn’t as strong as he was . . . then. But I believe I am now.”
    â€œWhat does your story have to do with me?”
    â€œIt has to do with making wrong choices for the right reasons. In the next few weeks, you might begin to feel incredible rage toward the person who killed your sister. With your past,there could still be unresolved feelings about your parents. I hope you’ll deal with those feelings honestly and not keep them locked inside. You and Cicely will need to heal. Just remember, exposing a wound to the air brings healing faster than covering it up.” He stood up. “Look, I’ve taken enough of your time. But please consider what I’ve said. Let God bring justice. You work on restoration—and forgiveness. It will be very important in the upcoming days.”
    â€œI’ll think about it, Pastor,” I said softly. “Maybe there is some unresolved anger inside me because I’ve lost so much.”
    Jonathon came over and put his hand on my shoulder. “God’s in the healing business, Sarah. Just rest your burden on His shoulders. He’s willing to carry it.”
    â€œI’ll try. Thank you.”
    Jonathon smiled. “I believe some of the women in town will be bringing food by. Both churches are getting together to help.”
    Fresh tears stung my eyes. “That’s so nice.”
    â€œPeople want to let you know you’re loved. They truly care about you.”
    As if someone were listening to our conversation, the doorbell rang.
    â€œI’ll walk you to the door,” Jonathon said. “I need to get back to the church.”
    I nodded and we both headed toward the door as the bell rang again. Janet came into the room from the kitchen.
    â€œIt’s okay,” I told her. “I’m already on the way.”
    I swung the door open and found Jeremiah standing there, his eyes wide. He looked back and forth between Jonathon and