Chaper 3Chapter 3

Jonathan's Execution

He and Officer Norris went searching on horseback through the woods. They both felt it would give better cover for someone who would stand out in prison orange. They both had really good tracking skills, which were never used. Once they came upon the creek, they knew for certain that they were on the right track. They stayed as close to the creek as they could and still remain out of sight. Both men were hoping to get the drop on their quarry.

It was getting dark and both men were starting to lose patience. The more they looked, the less of a trail they found. Carl was starting to gain more and more respect for the man, they were chasing. If for some strange reason this man were to make it to Grissom's territory, it would not bother him so badly for this man would have earned his freedom.

Carl was about to give up this chase and call it a night when something up ahead caught his eye. The movement was that of a person and not of an animal, and Carl was certain of that. He signaled to Norris that they would circle around the person up ahead. Norris nodded that he understood. Slowly and quietly, they made their approach.

"Freeze!" yelled Carl as he parted the shrubs and broke into the clearing.

Jonathan was sitting down, rubbing his right ankle that was starting to swell. He looked up at Carl, never saying a word or moving.

Carl replaced his sidearm, walking toward their runaway prisoner. "Norris, watch him. If he moves, shoot him." The guard went back to his horse to get the rope out of the saddlebag. When he returned, he saw that the man had not moved, accept to raise his hands in surrender. Carl had him to stand, and tied the rope around both hands; then tied the rope to the saddle. As he mounted the horse, he made sure the rope was tight, as he led the recaptured prisoner back to the prison.

Jonathan stumbled several times, due to the sprained ankle. When he stumbled and fell, he would then be dragged several feet before he could regain his footing to walk once more. It hurt, but he did not even care. Right at this moment, he was alive. He only hoped that Sam would succeed where he had failed. It was now up to his brother to finish what he had started.

He walked until he could not walk anymore. As he fell the final time, Carl took pity on him, placing him on the horse. The three of them were all tired and ready to rest.

Once at the prison, Jonathan was placed in the box, still having to stand on his bad ankle. He didn't understand why they didn't just shoot him once they had returned instead of torturing him. He had idea that he was not alone in the box. "Who's there," he asked.

"Sam," the voice said.

"Oh no!" Jonathan said in a desperate cry. "They found out you knew and you didn't tell them?"

"Yeah, I talked, but I didn't tell them anything useful. That's why they put me in here. Are you okay?"

"Yes, for the most part. I twisted my ankle a little bit, and it hurts, but for the moment, I'm alive, but I'm not sure how much longer that will be the case," said Jonathan.

"At least 'til first light, or that's what I heard a couple of the guards saying. Jonathan, I'm so sorry. I am really beginning to hate these people," Sam said crying.

"Sam, don't hate them. They have no idea what they're doing. Please forgive them, and go on with your life. Show them the forgiveness and mercy that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has given us. Be the light in this dark world."

"I don't know if I can. What am I going to tell mom? She needs you more than she'll ever need me."

Jonathan sobbed as he heard his brother crying. It was breaking his heart to know that they would never have another day together. They had always been there for one another, even in this prison, and now Sam would be all alone. He wished he had the words to comfort his little brother, but could come up with nothing. So, he started praying, "Lord Jesus, please give Sam the courage to stand in this dark time. Let him be the light of your word. Guide him. Give him the strength that he needs to forgive these people. For without you, my Lord, we are nothing. Let him see these people with your own eyes, and let him love them with your love. In your holy name I pray. A-Men."

Jonathan was overcome with the peace of God and was not afraid to face his own death. He trusted the Lord with all his heart. He knew where he was going, and that was to meet the Lord. Yet, Sam would miss him as well as his mom, until the coming of their Lord.

Sam had somehow fallen asleep during the night and felt somewhat rested. His heart ached as the guards came to release him and Jonathan from the box. They both were led to a small courtyard where the other prisoners were gathered to watch the execution. Jonathan surprisingly was relaxed and at peace. This was something that puzzled Sam, who was all tied up in knots, and it wasn't even his execution. How could Jonathan be so relaxed?

Watson stood in the middle of that same courtyard with a satisfied look on his face. He was about to win the fight with Moore, and then he would regain the respect that he had lost. It surprised him that the man was not scared as he walked to where Carl stood waiting. Carl looked at the Warden and then at Lewis with confusion because of the way Jonathan was acting. Never had he or anyone else at the prison seen such control.

The Warden approached Moore with a smug look on his face before reading the form of execution. "Under my power as Warden, Jonathan Moore, is hereby condemned to death for the following crimes; escape, assault, trying to start an upraising, and for treason against the United States of America. For these crimes, the prisoner is to be executed on this day, March 30 2042; with all of you as witnesses. Does the prisoner have any last words?"

Jonathan closed his eyes and took in a deep breath and remembered what Jesus had said in Luke Chapter 21:10-15 (NKJV) Nation will rise up against nation and kingdom again kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, and famine and pestilences, and there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven. But before these thing, they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you to the synagogues and prisons. You will be brought before kings and rulers for 'My names sake.' But it will turn out for you as an occasion for testimony. Therefore, settle it in your hearts not to meditate before hand on what you will answer; for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your advisories will not be able to contradict or resist.

Jonathan laughed for a second before answering the Warden and everyone there. "I am glad you think it is in your power to have me killed, Warden. However, I have news for you. You have only the authority that Jesus Christ has given you. If it weren't his will for me to die here, you wouldn't be killing me today. Everything that has transpired is for his glory, and not yours or mine.

I am standing here right now asking all of my fellow prisoners not to hold this act against these people. What I am asking is for you to forgive them for they do not know what they are doing." Jonathan turned to Carl, smiling at him. "Just to let you know, Watson. I don't hold anything against you, at all. Please forgive me for not being a better witness to you. I am so sorry I failed you."

Carl stood there shocked. He was about to kill this man, and all this man wanted from him was forgiveness? Carl gave the Warden a horrified look and was unsure of what to do. "You're asking me for forgiveness?"

"Yes, I am," said Jonathan.

The Warden stood angrily, "Don't just stand there. Carry out the execution. You were the one who wanted to do this."

Carl nodded, and slowly raised his weapon, but as he stood with the pistol pointed at Moore's head, he realized that he couldn't bring himself to kill him. Carl unloaded the handgun and handed it to the Warden with a puzzled expression on his face, and then started walking away. "If you want it done you'll have to do it yourself; I can't," he said, and then the troubled guard left with Lewis Johnson right behind him.

The Warden laughed, "You got to Watson. However, your little speech didn't work on me. Now, get on your knees, son."

Jonathan smiled once more, "Jesus couldn't reach everyone, so I don't expect to either. There's just one other thing, sir. I forgive you," he said, and then he dropped to his knees. He looked once more over to his little brother, "Remember little brother, forgive and love them, and don't seek revenge. I love you, Sam." As he finished the last statement, the warden squeezed the trigger, killing Jonathan.

Sam turned away horrified. His brother and best friend in the whole world lay dead in front of him. He kept hearing the words his brother had spoken a moment before, "forgive them and love them." How could he now not do what was asked of him?

"Take this prisoner to the box and keep a close eye on him. We don't need another one to escape," said the Warden.