Into the Fire

Don't Leave Me by James Scott Bell is the exciting, intense story of a big brother (Charles "Chuck" Samson) and his younger adult autistic/savant brother Stan (think of the older film Rain Man) as they tackle the confusing and dangerous aggressions by those who insist Chuck has something they want from his past as a military chaplain in Afghanistan. No longer a man of faith since his estranged wife was killed in a car accident, Chuck struggles with PTSD symptoms and some loss of memory concerning the events in Afghanistan where he survived but lost fellow soldiers. 

On his way to take Stan to work at the local supermarket where he serves as a greeter, what feels like an intentional fender bender begins the odd assault on Chuck Samson and eventually on his brother Stan. Shortly after the car incident, Chuck leaves school after his 5th grade teaching job to pick up his brother from work. When they get close to home, there are cops, fire engines, and lots of smoke. It's their home up in flames. Chuck knows this must be related to the strange earlier car problem, but his primary fear and reality is keeping his brother safe. Stan is truly frightened by the fire, loss, and their current homelessness as Chuck finds them a motel. 

With Chuck holding a monumental grudge against God for taking his wife, he's forced to realize he's going to need more than just himself to figure out what is going on after he's arrested under false charges. He's scared for his brother and gets a savvy Public Defender to secure his temporary freedom. He calls upon one man he trusts to help him figure out what's happening and why, but his friend tries to talk him out of his dangerous pursuits. 

Don't Leave Me presents a troubled hero with deep hurt trying to survive the remnants of his life and take care of his brother, teach kids, and possibly pick up enough pieces to understand what a relationship might be when pure and lethal chaos breaks out big time. At first, Chuck isn't a very likable character in spite of his love for his brother. His grudge against God makes him sardonic, and it isn't until he's totally invested in finding the truth at all costs that his hero heart makes him appealing as a man and as a person. Ultimately his vulnerabilities in a life and death situation coupled with huge betrayals cause him to reexamine himself and find the real help he needs. James Scott Bell ties this one up nicely with a satisfying end after a harrowing ride.  

Father, I'm always wowed at the talent dispersed to your people. Jim Bell is one of them. Please continue to bless his life with your abundance and incredible knack for storytelling. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.