Whether death would come from a bullet or a fall to the pavement fifty feet below, Hassan didn’t know, but he believed his companion would use his weapon with the slightest provocation. At least the jump – even if it failed – would extend his life a few more seconds. And if he made it across the gap, who knows what might yet save him? Adrenaline – and angels, perhaps – yielded the most magnificent leap of Hassan’s life. He landed with room to spare, and his obviously practiced kidnapper thumped beside him, pistol still in hand, two seconds later.

The assailant seized Hassan’s right arm again and forced him toward a hatchway in the abandoned warehouse. Hassan was sure he would never again see the night sky.

Hassan whispered, “Jesus, into Your hands I commit my spirit.”