As Sure as the Dawn(52)

Rizpah wanted to hold Caleb closer, but relinquished the sleeping baby to set Atretes’ mind at rest.

Babe in arms, Atretes looked at the apostle. “My thanks,” he said gruffly. “I never expected to receive help from you.”

John smiled. “The Lord uses unexpected ways and means to rescue his people.”

“But then I’m not one of his people, am I?” His gaze flickered to Rizpah, then he stepped onto the gangplank and left them standing on the dock.

“I think he’s hoping I’ll stay here,” Rizpah said. “Perhaps I should.”

“He took Caleb to make sure you didn’t.”

Rizpah looked up at the apostle, all her fear and misgivings showing. “Oh, John, I don’t know if this venture is God’s will or Atretes’. I’ve never known a man with a darker soul.” It was on her tongue to blurt out what Atretes had done, but she kept silent. It wasn’t her right to reveal another’s secret. “Their blood is on my head . . . as is the blood of better men I killed before them.” His angry words had been filled with anguish.

Her heart cried out a desperate, silent prayer, for she realized she ached more for him than for the two men he had killed. Was she already sinking into a mire? Would her growing attraction to Atretes be the undoing of her faith in Christ?

“Stand firm, beloved,” John said gently. “We ourselves were once deceived. We were no different than he is now. We lived in disobedience, hateful and hating. Stand firm in the truth. Christ has redeemed us from every lawless deed and purified us for his good purpose.”

“But Atretes . . .”

“Is anything too difficult for God?”

“No,” she said because she knew it was the expected answer.

“Let the light of Christ so shine in you that Atretes will see your good works and glorify Christ Jesus. In all things show yourself to be a pattern for him. To the pure, Rizpah, all things are pure. As you are pure in Christ. Speak of these things to him. Speak of the things that will edify and light his way out of darkness.”

“I will try.”

“Don’t try. Do it.” He smiled, full of confidence. “Love him as Christ loved you, beloved. Bear Atretes’ burdens. The Lord will finish the good work he’s begun in you.” Seeing her tears, he cupped her face. “Know the presence of the Holy Spirit is in you at all times. Yield to him. God will show you the way.” He kissed her forehead. “And I will pray for you.”

She smiled tremulously. “I shall need and be thankful for every prayer you utter.” She embraced him, clinging to him briefly before she let go. Embarrassed by her weak faith, she took his hand and kissed it before she turned away.

As she went up the gangplank, she saw Atretes above her. How long had he been standing there, waiting? Holding Caleb in the crook of one arm, he held his hand out to her. Hesitantly, she took it. His fingers closed firmly around hers as he gave her support down the steps onto the deck of the ship. His expression was veiled, his mouth hard.

“I didn’t say anything,” she said. “What happened is between you and me and God.” Surprised, she felt his grip relax as though her words had relieved his troubled thoughts. The muscles in his face eased as well, making him look less wary and distant.

“Do you want to take him back?” Atretes said, shifting so she could retrieve the baby from his arms if she chose to do so.

She recognized the peace offering and offered her own. “He looks content in his father’s arms.”

Atretes looked into her eyes then. It was a full look that made her pulse jump and her face fill with heat. Disturbed by it, she looked away.

John was on the dock below. She drew comfort from his presence, for he had always offered safety and godly wisdom. Now, he was leaving, milling his way through the workers toward the streets of Ephesus. Watching John disappear among the crowd, she felt utterly alone and frightened.

“If I can learn to trust you, maybe you could learn to trust me,” Atretes said wryly.

One of the ship’s officers approached and demanded their passage papers.

“Rizpah!” Porcia said, coming to her in relief. “I was so afraid you wouldn’t come in time. The ship is due to sail in a few hours.”

Rizpah embraced the woman briefly before introducing Atretes. Smiling, Porcia looked up at him. “We are pleased to count you among our members,” she said, but her words and smile died. Atretes looked down at her without expression, his blue eyes unblinking. Rizpah could feel Porcia’s rising misgivings.

“There are only fifty-seven passengers on the ship, so we’ll have plenty of space,” Porcia said as others approached, greeting them. Everyone was clearly interested in Atretes, but he responded not at all. He stood, his son in his arms, silent, grim, and forbidding. He looked around once, as though eager to escape, whether from the ship or the people, Rizpah wasn’t sure.