Now he stood before the five council members, all eyes trained on him. Even Orfiel had rotated both of his eyes forward to pay close attention. The air was pregnant with anticipation. Kalev took to his knee; the cool of the marble floor seeped through, chilling him. He had never bothered to take note of it before.
“Please report, Kalev,” Azriel said without his usual distain.
“Daemon has surfaced. He approached Grace this evening and was going to abduct her. I intervened but did not apprehend him.”
“Did he reveal who he was working for, or what his plans were?” Aniela asked, leaning forward slightly in her chair.
“While he did not say anything outright, he did insinuate that he, or perhaps Loray, is planning another attack soon.” He should end his account here. His job was only to report facts and not to express his opinion. To protect Grace, however, he was willing to throw all tradition out the window. Before any of the other angels had a chance to respond, Kalev continued. “We need to plan an aggressive counterattack. Catch them off guard. The numbers of demons they send continue to increase. I will not be able to defend Grace from them indefinitely. The time for us to strike back at our enemy is now.” He trembled as he smacked his right fist into his left hand on the word ‘now’.
“That has never been the type of approach this Council has sanctioned. We must know much more about our opponents’ motivations before we make such decisions. We would not want the situation to escalate beyond the imperilment of just one life,” Orfiel said. His eyes rolled back, darting from side to side, as if he was examining every previous occurrence like this one.
The phrase ‘just one life’ enraged him. He was unable to control his voice, shouting at the Council, “Just one life?! Have we not been protecting this family line for generations? Does she mean nothing to any of you? Because you wanted the ring in her hands, hoping to lure out a target, she has been in constant danger. Her whole life has been turned upside down, she has given up everything to protect herself and now that the opportunity has come along to act, all you wish to do is wait and see?!”
“Kalev, pull yourself together,” Hadriel snapped. “Do not forget that this Council gave you an opportunity to prove yourself as a Guardian. You are the muscle only. We make the decisions.”
“Now, now, everyone. Why don’t we have a calm and civilized conversation. No need to resort to threats,” interjected Azriel. While his voice remained low and steady, his eyes betrayed frustration simmering below the surface.
“Agreed,” Dobiel said, removing his hands from the table and folding them on his lap. “There is no need for such shouting. “Kalev, we do care about Ms. Lightbourne and her ancestry. Although I can only speak for myself, I feel that you are doing an excellent job thus far and she will certainly be fine if we wait a bit longer. We do not wish to miss the opportunity to bring Daemon into our custody because we rushed.”
“Here, here!” Piped Hadiel.
“It is evident that this committee needs to discuss the matter further and then take a vote,” Azriel announced. “Kalev, we will inform you of our decision. You are dismissed.”
Furious, Kalev stormed out of the chamber and slammed the doors behind him. He had spent over a thousand years reporting to this Council and had seen them miss enough opportunities due to inaction to know what their decision would be. He would not just stand by while Grace’s life hung in the balance. He would act with or without the Council’s support, damn the consequences. He would spend the next ten thousand years in soul recovery, hell in graveyard watch duty for that matter, if it meant she would be safe.
Kalev was preparing to descend when a hand clasped his shoulder. It was Azriel.
“I know that we have not always seen eye to eye,” Azriel began. Kalev smothered a snort; that was putting it mildly. Azriel ignored it. “I, however, happen to agree with you on this issue. You and I both know the Council will vote to do nothing, as it seems it is their favorite thing to do. But I’m sure that if we can present an enticing enough concrete plan, I could convince the Council to act. We all wish to see Daemon brought to justice.”
There was no way his own argument had swayed Azriel’s opinion, or that Azriel was hurt so deeply by Daemon’s actions he’d anxiously awaited revenge. Azriel must have a selfish motive driving him to extend the olive branch to Kalev, at least temporarily. But, while he didn’t know what Azriel’s real angle was, he didn’t much care. They were finally going to do something.
“I’ve been thinking about how to take advantage of this situation since the moment I laid eyes on Daemon this evening. I’ve already been tossing around ideas in my head,” Kalev answered, eager to get the ball rolling.
“Excellent. Why don’t we go to the War Room and run through some scenarios? When the Council reconvenes tomorrow, I’ll present our plan. They will see reason on this. I’m sure of it.” Azriel tightened his fist with conviction.
“Lead the way,” Kalev said motioning with his hand. It had been too long since he’d gone to the War Room to strategize. In his time as a Guardian it had been his specialty. He’d not only used it regularly to plan protection for his own assignees, but he’d been called in by other Guardians and even by the Council itself to lend his expertise. For him, seeing all the pieces laid out over a map made the situation so clear. He could easily point out the advantages and disadvantages each strategy presented given the proposed conditions. He was confident that, between the two of them, they could create a course of action the Council would approve of. He couldn’t wait to return to Grace and tell her that a plan was in place to end this once and for all.
Chapter 14
A beam of bright morning sunlight forced Grace to squint her eyes and roll over with a groan. She had no time this morning to lay around in bed, which only made her more sluggish. Hours after Caleb had left last night, she’d lain awake processing her feelings for him. This time felt nothing like the ‘love’ she’d had for Steve. That entire relationship had been a step by step recipe of what society deemed was the next logical step for a couple to take. She had decided she was in love because they’d been comfortable, not because she had been head-over-heels, heart pounding out of her chest, crazy for him. How she could’ve confused the former for love now that she’d experienced the latter was beyond her.
In the earliest hours of the morning, as she had finally begun nodding off, Caleb had come home with exciting news. He and one of his contacts, Azra he’d said was his name, had worked out a plan to take down both Daemon and Loray. And, if the plan succeeded, she’d be free from immediate danger. While she would never be rid of the ‘mark’ of the demon that had first bitten her, the leaders hell-bent on taking her down would be nonexistent. The stray demon might find her, but she wouldn’t live in the shadow of constant threat any longer and would be able to return to a somewhat normal life.
Caleb probably hoped that she would pick up her life where she left off and be able to be ‘normal’, but she had no intention of doing so. She would continue her job, certainly, but she would also do what he and Gav did. How could she be aware of this struggle and not do her part in the fight? How could she know that Caleb risked his life to keep the very souls of humanity safe and not do the same? To her it would be no different than seeing someone dying in the street and walking right by them. She could envision herself fighting alongside him, working together against the forces of evil. A team bound by respect, trust, and love.
The possibility of this future motivated her to finally open her eyes. She looked up towards his bed; he too was already awake, staring at her with a small smile that just creased the corners of his bright hazel eyes. She grinned broadly at him.
“Good morning,” she said. She stretched lazily.
“Morning,” he replied, moving the covers off himself. Her breath caught. Again. As it had every time she’d seen him like this since she’d begun staying there. The smooth planes of his pectorals giving way to his chiseled abdomen were a feast for the eyes to
be sure, but it was his clearly defined pelvic bone that curved to disappear under his low-slung waist band that made her ache for him. She wasn’t sure if he was aware of her visceral reaction to it or not, but he didn’t seem to have a problem with her drinking in the sight.
“What time is it?” She asked, as she forced herself to also get up out of bed.
“Nearly ten.” He started the coffee pot. Grace couldn’t thank Gav enough for bringing the coffee pot over from her apartment. He may not know exactly what essentials were for a woman, but for Grace, her coffee pot was certainly one of them.
“Ten?!” She shrieked in alarm, causing Caleb to nearly spill the water he’d just gotten from the sink.
“What’s wrong?” He had paused in mid-stride heading back toward the coffeemaker, his hands dripping from the water that had sloshed over the sides.
“Matty’s home visit is at 11:00! Annalise told me that I could come if I wanted and I would really like to see Matty. I’m worried about him. Something is going on in that house.” Grace snagged a sweater pullover dress out of the suitcase in triumph to match the black leggings she’d already set aside.
“Are you going to go out regardless of what I say?” He asked, setting aside the carafe without bothering to turn the machine on.
“Yes,” was her only reply as she scurried off to the shower. Thankfully the Murphy’s didn’t live far and she’d be able to meet Annalise there, but she was going to need to take a record speed shower.
Thirty minutes later, Grace slipped on her pointed black leather ballet flats and pushed a stray hair back from her face. She’d gone with a half blow dry, half towel dry approach for her hair, which was faster than styling it, but left stray locks of waves to creep like jungle vines in random disarray. Messy waves were in, anyway right?
“Ready to go?” Caleb was standing there, dressed in a fitted single-breasted black suit, sunglasses perched on the top of his head. Her first impulse was to run over to him, rip off said suit which tantalizingly hinted at the strong muscles underneath, and shove him down on the bed. Instead she just stood and looked at him.
“You’re coming with me?” She raised her eyebrows at him.
“Of course I am. Until we finally bring down Daemon and Loray, I won’t leave you unprotected. Besides, you told Annalise you have police protection. So here it is.” He winked at her and gestured at himself to indicate that he was her so-called police protection.
“You look like you should be protecting a president, not a random civilian that has a stalker.” She chuckled as she grabbed her purse. “But I’ll take what I can get. We need to hurry up, it’s at least a twenty-minute walk from here.”
Caleb fished into his pocket and pulled out a shining pair of keys. “What kind of bodyguard would I be if I made you walk?” He smiled, making the keys clink back and forth. “Relax for a minute and have a cup of coffee.” He gestured to the table where a steaming cup was waiting for her.
Oh, just when he couldn’t get any sexier, she thought and happily took a long swig. “Thank you.”
“I’m ready to go whenever you are.” He swung the keys in a loop around his finger. After one more long gulp, Grace put the cup in the sink.
“I’d prefer to be a little early. So let’s go.”
✽✽✽
Grace stepped up on the sidewalk as Annalise turned the corner. She waved at her and then dipped her head back into the car to thank Caleb for the ride.
“I’ll look for a good vantage point where I can see the house. I’ll pull up when you come out.” She stepped back and Caleb pulled away in the black Lincoln town car he’d apparently borrowed for the occasion.
“I’m so glad you were able to come. I thought after last night they would have nixed it,” Annalise said, meeting up with her on the sidewalk.
Grace shrugged. “I’m fine. They think they’re on to something. This should all end soon.”
“That must be such a relief. We miss you at work! Hopefully, you’ll be able to return shortly.”
“I hope so too,” Grace said and turned toward the house.
“Though I wouldn’t mind keeping that bodyguard from last night around…” Annalise winked. Grace rolled her eyes and shook her head as the two walked up to the stunning red brick colonial. It must cost a fortune in this location.
“Why hello, please come in.” Mrs. Murphy answered the door smiling widely and gestured for them to enter. The Murphy’s home belonged on an HGTV show. Every piece of furniture was in the perfect spot, expensive artwork hung on the walls, and not a single speck of dust marred the picturesque setting. For a home that was supposed to contain a young and vibrant boy, it was too pristine. It hardly looked lived in, no less played and roughhoused in.
Mrs. Murphy herself was wearing a cashmere sweater with multiple pieces of delicate Tiffany jewelry and a diamond the size of a marble. Mr. Murphy came up behind her, politely offering his hand. Grace shook it, briefly noting the Rolex on his wrist. If they truly were a kindhearted couple, then Matty had won the lottery of family placements. The loss of the Donahues had been hard for him and she had hoped that, although this new family would never replace them, Matty would find happiness here too.
“Please step into the drawing room.” Annalise and Grace followed the Murphys into a side room that housed a large crystal chandelier and an imposing open-hearth fireplace. They sat upon a sofa worth more than what she paid for a year’s rent. She ran her hand absently over the velveteen surface while the Murphys took seats across from them.
“As you know, Mr. And Mrs. Murphy, we are here for a routine visit to see how things are going with Matty. Would you like to tell us, from your perspective, how things are going?”
“Oh, Matty is a delightful young boy. So well behaved, so willing to follow direction. He has been a pleasure to have in our home,” Mrs. Murphy said clasping her hands before her. Her perfect teeth were visible in the grin she had plastered on her face. The description sounded odd but she said nothing.
“That’s so good to hear,” Annalise responded and made a note in her notebook. “And you Mr. Murphy?”
“I agree with my wife. A quiet, non-intrusive boy to be sure. Nice to have around.”
Grace tried to catch Annalise’s eye, but she was too focused on the couple before them. Just then, Matty stepped into the doorway of the room. He waited silently, arms at his sides, to be acknowledged. His clothes, somewhat baggy and worn, were out of place in the otherwise immaculate home.
“Well, don’t just stand there, boy, greet our guests!” Mr. Murphy prompted.
“Hello Ms. Lightbourne, Ms. Clarke. Could I offer you a beverage? Water? Tea? Coffee?” This half-hearted, overly formal greeting concerned Grace even more than the state of his clothing did. A quick glance at Annalise’s raised eyebrows told Grace that Annalise found it as bizarre as she did.
“No Matty, thank you. That’s very kind of you.” Grace replied and Annalise refused his offer as well. Matty then turned to face the Murphys.
“I placed a basket of folded laundry on the bench by your bed. Another will be ready in about an hour.”
“Well, Matty, you have been so helpful.” Mrs. Murphy tittered with a bit of laughter. She sounded nervous. “Why don’t you go play in your room while we adults have a nice talk. Alright?”
“Actually, we need to have a discussion with Matty as well. Perhaps Grace could go with Matty in the kitchen while we finish up here?” Annalise interjected before Matty could leave.
“Well, we can all surely have a pleasant and productive visit together, can’t we?” Mr. Murphy asked, gesturing for Matty to come sit in an empty chair.
“I’m sorry Sir, but it is protocol,” Annalise responded curtly. Grace stood from her chair and, without another look at the Murphys walked over to Matty.
“Why don’t we go sit at the kitchen table and catch up, okay?”
“Okay,” Matty agreed and led her to yet another gorgeous room in the house. Marble counter tops, st
ainless steel appliances, and dark cedar cabinets created a modern but cozy kitchen space. They took a seat on the stools at the island counter.
“How have you been, Matty?” Grace asked, putting her elbows up on the counter.
“Don’t let the Murphys catch you doing that,” he gestured to her elbows, “I had to scrub all the kitchen counters the first time I did.”
“You mentioned that they ask you to do a lot of cleaning in the house. Is that still the case?” Grace said casually, masking her rising alarm. Matty nodded.
“I have to do everything around here. They won’t let me eat ‘til I finish cleaning. And sometimes it’s so late that by the time I’m done, it’s bedtime and I can’t have anything.” He hung his head.
“Matty, are you getting enough to eat?” Grace inquired, dipping her head low enough to catch his down turned eyes.
“Most of the time,” he admitted. “They let me order what I want for lunch at school, so I get extra snacks and keep a stash in my room.”
“Well, it’s nice that you can get what you’d like at lunch,” Grace said, trying to sound cheerful.
“Yeah, the other kids think I’m really lucky.”
“Do you feel lucky?” She asked him.
“I miss the Donahues. They were nice. I came home and I did my homework and played. I had to do dishes and stuff sometimes but not like here.” The sorrow in his voice was apparent. It was crushing Grace’s heart.
“Oh, honey, transitions can be so hard. I know you loved the Donahue’s very much.”
“They loved me too. The Murphy’s don’t like me at all.” He sniffled.
“What makes you say that?”
“They tell me all the time that I’m only here to serve them and I should be grateful to have a place in their house. When they have their friends over, they dress me up and make me say hello but then ask me to go to my room. Sometimes I hide around the corner and I hear them say what I bad kid I am. How much trouble I cause. And their friends tell them how selfless and kind they are. I’m not a bad kid, am I, Ms. Lightbourne?”
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