Nir hadn’t realized he’d been speaking out loud. He bit his lower lip to make sure he didn’t accidentally start up again.

The second man continued. “You know, I’m thinking this guy really doesn’t know anything. After what he’s gone through? I would have talked hours ago.”

The other man laughed. “Yeah, you would have. Honestly, I don’t care if he knows anything or not. He deserves what he’s getting. I hope the doc skins him alive.”

“If he does, I don’t want to be here. Once you see that, you won’t be able to get it out of your head.”

As they went about their work, Nir tried to shut down. Every nerve in his body was screaming with pain, and all he wanted was a little relief. Another wave of cramping twisted his muscles. Even if that relief meant death, he was ready for it. Nothing awaiting him in the afterlife could be worse than what he was experiencing in his present life.

God, if this is Your idea of rescue, then I think everything Nicole has said about You is wrong. I’m trying to do good, and this is my payment. I offer myself up, and You crush me. Why must I be tortured and die a horrible death just so others can live? I don’t get You. What kind of insane plan is this?

But then he pictured those little kids he and Nicole had seen along the beach at Jaffa. He pictured his nieces and nephews, who lived up near Galilee. He pictured a laughing Nicole sipping one of her horrid, iced coffees.

Okay, I get it. If taking my life means life for them, then take it. Please just do it soon. And can You give me some kind of sign that this really is You? That You exist and are really here?

Saltwater splashed on him. Then one of the IRGC men nudged him hard with his foot, and Nir gingerly slid his body sideways. More saltwater splashed, sluicing through every open wound.

“Clean enough,” said the guard.

Not the sign I was looking for, God.

He heard them walk across the room. Then the lights went out, and the door closed. He was lying in complete darkness. The first time the doctor and his assistants left, Nir had tested the ropes, finding them secured to the wall with just a little slack. He tugged again weakly now and found them to be the same.

He laid his head down.

A sound woke him. He had no idea how long he’d been out. He opened his eyes, and a small bright light was shining on him from across the room. Confused and still half asleep, he pleaded. “Please, no more. No more.”

The light came closer, and Nir saw the shape of a person dressed all in white. Maybe God had answered his prayer by sending an angel.