Angel Incarnate: Second Sight

by Linda Creel

  I doubt he was here for the girls. “Let’s get these bodies in the ground. There should be a shovel in the shed out back,” Paul said ignoring the priest’s question.

  Father Patrick followed him to the tool shed. When the priest picked up one of the shovels, Paul took it out of his hand. “This will go faster if I do it.”

  After the shallow graves were dug, Paul placed each of the bodies in the ground and used the excess dirt to cover them. He refused to put a marker or head stone to identify the graves. “This will have to do. I want you to take the car back to the church; better yet, perhaps I should drive.”

  “My hands are fine now,” Father Patrick insisted.

  Paul snorted. “Please forgive my brutal honesty, but it’s not your hands I’m concerned about. I’ve seen you drive. After you are safe and sound, I’ll find Adam, and then we’ll come back to the farm and have another look around. We may find something else to connect the Chastain’s to Lucifer.”

  “In twenty years, I never knew they were linked to the fallen angel.”

  “None of us did, Father. Lucifer is a master at keeping his mortal disciples well-hidden.”

  Paul used the outside hose to wash the dirt from his hands. Afterwards, Father Patrick offered him the keys to the sedan. “When Adam and I have finished sweeping the property, we’ll make arrangements for the farm to be given to a needy family. At least some good will come from the Chastain’s deaths.”

  Father Patrick buckled his seatbelt. “Do you think Samhael will be back?”

  “No – he knows we will be watching. He won’t be careless enough to risk a confrontation with the Guild. I think we should do some more research on the Chastain’s children. Both seemed to have died very young. That may have something to do with the pact they made with Lucifer.”

  “We can check out the archives in the library. I’ve heard them speak about their son, but in all the years I’ve known them, they never once mentioned their daughter. I imagine they did not part ways under the best of circumstances.”

  “Yes, I remember a conversation with them. Apparently the daughter became pregnant and they disowned her. Still, when I return, I’ll search for pictures of the children.”

  Paul put the car in gear, backed out of the driveway, and followed the dirt road until he came to the interstate. “The church is only a few miles from here. I’ll have you back in a jiffy.”

  Father Patrick closed his eyes and leaned his head against the headrest. He was ashamed for not noticing the intentions of the Chastains, and now began to doubt the sincerity of the other mortal families who had become parishioners. He didn’t want to be distrustful, but he promised to look out for the children. Hopefully, Paul was right, and Samhael wouldn’t return, though he doubted it.

  First thing Monday morning, I’ll check out the death registries. Maybe they will include a picture of the Chastain’s siblings.

  After making sure that Father Patrick was safely delivered to the church, Paul used a portal to take him to Aura’s house. He suspected Adam would be there.

  He found the little ones chomping down on Chinese food, some trying, without much success, to use chopsticks. There was more rice on their clothing then in their mouth, but he watched the determination in their eyes. If Bren and Tracy could do it; they could do it too.

  “What are you doing here?” Rita asked. “I thought you would be at the mortuary with Adam.”

  “I’m sure Aura told you we buried the Chastains in their back yard.”

  Rita’s eyebrows squished together. “I’m talking about Gregory Godwin. Didn’t you hear –he was poisoned this morning? He collapsed in my arms just outside the Academy.”

  Another death; is it possible they’re related? “Is Adam still at the funeral hall?”

  “Yes – he’s waiting for you.”

  “Did Gregory say anything before he died?”

  “He was trying to tell us something, but all I could make out was “rich.” You don’t think he was talking about Richard Fairbourne, do you?”

  “I know you don’t care for Henry’s son, but let’s not jump to any conclusions. Adam and I have to convey some information to the Council. When we return, we’ll go to Utopia and advise Henry about Gregory’s death.”

  “Jessica and I want to come with you,” Rita said. “I’m curious to find out if Richard was MIA for any period of time this morning. We’ll stop in New York first and pick up Willow and Matt. I think Andromeda probably wants some time alone to mourn. Do you know when the funeral is planned?”

  “Your mother and Angie will arrange the hall so we can have the service tomorrow. That will give us time to notify Gregory’s friends.”

  “From what Willow says -- Matt’s dad didn’t have a lot of friends. It will probably just be us and the family.”

  “I’m sure Henry will pay his respects. Well, I’d better be off. I have a busy afternoon ahead of me.”

  He gazed at Aura, who had remained unusually quiet during the conversation, and then pointed his finger at the little ones. “You may want to put them in the bath when they’ve finished eating.”

  “I’ll take care of them.” Aura walked her father to the door and kissed him goodbye. “Please, be careful. There have been three deaths today already.”

  Paul kissed her forehead. “You worry too much. Why didn’t you mention the bracelet to Rita?”

  Aura shrugged her shoulders. “When she told me about Gregory, it didn’t seem important.”

  “Charlotte and Pierre were marked with the pentagon. Remember what Michael told you about Lucifer starting separate conflicts in Heaven. He may be trying to do the same thing to get us off our game.”

  “He’s messing with the wrong family if he comes after us.”

  “It’s our mortal friends that concern me.”

  “Do you think Michael will give me permission to exchange blood with Ryan now?”

  Paul cupped her chin with his hand. “I’m sorry, but the Council has made their decision. I doubt they will change their minds.”

  Aura nodded. “We’ll just have to keep a closer eye on him. He meets several times a week with his support group. Maybe, I should get to know the girls a little better.”

  “It couldn’t hurt. Stay close to the house until you hear from me. I should be back in an hour or two.” He gave her one last hug before walking outside and disappearing.

  Aura lifted her head to Heaven. Please Father -- guide him with your light.

  She closed the door and stared at the mural on the wall. Angie had added the names of the six little ones to their family tree. I will keep my promise to all of you. If need be, we will fight to the death to protect you.

  Paul arrived at the mortuary a few seconds later. Located a few miles south of the valley, the funeral hall sat atop a small rise, overlooking a still-green pasture. Huge, round, white pillars flanked the entry to the single-story, classical Grecian-style structure.

  Built by Paul and Adam a few years earlier, it was used to hold memorial services for family and friends of the Guild. Long, feathery cushions covered each of the maple pews, and lilies were placed in planters along the walls. Near the front of the hall, a bronze casket with a gold satin lining, held Gregory’s body.

  Adam greeted him as soon as he passed the entrance. Paul then proceeded to tell him about the Chastain’s deaths, the pentagon marks he found on their bodies, and Samhael’s appearance.

  Then, Adam told him about Rita’s suspicions. “She thinks Gregory was trying to speak Richard’s name.”

  “Or maybe he thought Richard was in trouble too.” Paul reached into his pocket and pulled out the bracelet. “This was found next to Charlotte’s body.”

  Adam’s face paled as he took the jewel in his hand to examine it. “Is this what I think it is?”

  “Yes – it’s Laelah’s wristlet. Take note of the eyes – they’re black now. This must have been in Lucifer’s possession when he was banished. The question is who lost it when they killed
the mortal couple.”

  “So the Chastains were in cahoots with the fallen angels? Do you think they informed Lucifer about Aura?”

  “It would make sense. Father Patrick is going to do some digging into their background. They had two children – a son, and a daughter – both died in their teens. There were pictures of the boy throughout the house, but none of the girl. Apparently, she was disowned when she became pregnant.”

  “Do we know what happened to her child?”

  “Not yet, but we may be able to find some of the girl’s friends -- if they’re still around. They would be in their nineties now, so it’s a bit of a crap shoot.”

  “None of this makes sense. First Lucifer shows up in Aeden -- then, we learn about the deaths of the angel-bloods and capture of their children, and now, Gregory and the Chastains are dead. This can’t be a mere coincidence.”

  “I agree. We’ll stop in Savannah to notify the other members of the Guild, and then we’ll meet with the Council. I’m sure my father will be curious to see the bracelet. Eve and Angie can finish the preparations for Gregory’s funeral. We’ll plan to have a small service tomorrow. Father Patrick has agreed to preside over the ceremony.”

  “You realize we’ll have to go to Utopia and notify Henry. Some of the students live in his colony. If Gregory was killed just outside the school grounds, their parents may demand they return home.”

  “I’ll have Eve send a message to Alistair in the Australian colony. We all have to be on our guard now, because all of these little brush fires are leading to something much bigger. When we return from Utopia, I want to go back to the farmhouse. In my hurry to get Father Patrick home, I may have overlooked something.”

  Samhael’s visit concerns me the most. I don’t think he was expecting to see me at the Chastain’s farm. Maybe my presence will keep him away.

  Paul clapped Adam on the shoulder and then they vanished.

  Chapter 42

  Will and Joshua were still having a leisurely stroll through the marketplace when they saw the fiery, sooty, tangerine-hued flames coming from the woods.

  Even though the fire was several miles away, it left a foul-smelling, bitter smoke in the air. Most of the merchants stood outside of their shops, staring at the inferno.

  Coughing and gagging, the outside cafés cleared as the residents sought shelter inside. Some had taken wet napkins to cover their mouths and noses, trying to escape the sour fumes.

  After tying handkerchiefs around their faces, the boys headed in the direction of the blaze. “I’ve never smelled anything so vile,” Joshua said. “Shouldn’t we go back to the house and bring my father?”

  Will looked around until he spotted Acadia, one of the servant girls who worked for Henry. “Hey,” he called out. “Can you go back to the house and tell the governor we have a fire in the woods?”

  She dropped her basket in one of the vegetable bins, and picked up the hem of her uniform, running as fast as she could out of the square.

  “We’ll stop at my parent’s house and pick up the horses,” Will said. “That should make it easier to get to the woods.”

  “What do you think is causing that odor? Could it be some kind of dead animal?”Joshua asked.

  “I’ve never known an animal to smell like that. Didn’t you notice the color of the flames? There is something evil out there.”

  Joshua felt dizzy as a wave of nausea exploded in his stomach. “Maybe we should wait for the rest of the men.”

  “I want to see if anyone is out there.” Will grabbed Joshua’s shirt sleeve and dragged him along the path that led to his parent’s country estate.

  The Crestwell’s were standing outside the stables, where Arian had three of the fastest ponies saddled and ready to go. The flames had died down, but the acrid odor and smoke was still in the air. Wasting no time, the boys mounted and sped off in the direction of the woods.

  Acadia ran into the house, slamming the door harder than she expected. Out of breath from running non-stop, she found the governor and his wife still in the dining room.

  “What do you think you’re doing barging in here without my permission?” Meredith bellowed.

  Ignoring her, Acadia turned to the governor. “P-pardon me sir, b-but there is a fire in the woods. W-we s-saw the f-flames from the s-square.”

  “Sit down and calm yourself.”

  “Are you out of your mind? I’ll not have the servants sitting at my table,” Meredith barked.

  Henry’s face blanched. “Enough – can’t you see how distressed she is? The least we can do is to allow her to sit for a few minutes and get herself together.”

  “There is a table in the kitchen. She can collect herself there.”

  Henry’s nostrils flared and his face reddened. Slamming his fist on the table caused Acadia and Meredith to both flinch. He walked over and waved his finger in front of his wife’s face.

  “This is my house, and if I give her permission to sit at my table, then that’s my business. If you’re bothered by her company, then I suggest you move to another room.”

  Meredith’s jaw dropped. Henry had never spoken to her like that before, especially in front of the help. I don’t have to take this abuse. She threw her napkin on the plate and slid her chair across the floor before stomping out of the room.

  Acadia hung her head down. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to upset the Baroness.”

  Henry chuckled. “My wife stays in a state of unrest. I can assure you, her attitude has nothing to do with you. Now, tell me more about this fire.”

  She talked about the bright orange flames and the horrible smell in the air. “I believe Joshua and Will have gone to investigate.”

  “I’d better gather some men and find out what this is all about. You stay here until you’re feeling better.”

  As he was leaving the room, he stopped. “Perhaps you should take the rest of the day off. It would be better to avoid Meredith until she gets over her temper tantrum. You’re friends with my granddaughter, Jade. Why don’t you change your clothes and spend the day with her? In fact, since Axel is gone, she and Analie would probably welcome some company. You should plan to spend the night.”

  “What will the baroness say if I’m not here?”

  Henry patted her on the head. “You let me worry about my wife. I’ll send word to Analie that you need a respite from her mother.” He chuckled. “I’m sure she’ll understand.”

  He’s so kind. How did he wind up married to an evil beast like Meredith?

  “Thank you, sir.”

  “Acadia – your parents were my closest friends. You don’t have to call me sir. After all, I am your godfather. I know Meredith can be overbearing, but if she causes you any problems, you have to come to me. I promised your parents I would take care of you.

  She wrapped her arms around his neck, and then kissed him on the cheek. “Thank you – Godfather.”

  Run along now and pack an overnight bag. I need to check out this fire. It’s probably nothing more than a group of mortal teenagers who live outside the city -- just being mischievous. Where is Richard? I haven’t seen him since last night. Maybe he’s already there.

  Henry grabbed a light jacket from the coat rack and as soon as he walked outside, the smell overpowered him. What in God’s name is that foul odor?

  He asked four of the male servants to join him. Included in the group was the gardener and three of his caretakers. “Shall we prepare your carriage?” one of them asked.

  “No – we’ll do better with the Welsh ponies.”

  As soon as the horses were saddled, Henry and the men made their way through the now empty village square, until they came to a fork in the road.

  “Excuse me, sir, but we should go this way,” one of the men said pointing to the west.

  “We’ll follow you,” Henry said. He knew the man grew up on the outskirts of town, and was more familiar with the area than the rest of them. Taking the lead, the middle-aged gardener directed them do
wn the right path which circumvented the country and led to the woods.

  By the time Joshua, Will, and Arian, arrived at the woods; the flames had burned themselves out. The stench from the smoke still lingered in the air, so they kept their kerchiefs over their faces.

  Sliding off their ponies, which began neighing wildly and refused to move any further as they approached the tree-line, the boys secured the reigns to a nearby post. “Even they smell something wicked,” Joshua commented.

  Will started to walk ahead, when Arian pulled him back by his sleeve. “Wait – none of us knows what’s hidden behind this copse. Whoever started this fire may still be in there. I’d feel better if we stayed together.”

  Joshua bit the inside of his jaw so hard, a trickle of blood seeped out of the corner of his mouth. “Acadia should have notified my father by now, and I expect he’ll be here at any time with reinforcements. Don’t you think we should wait for them?”

  Will shook his head. “If someone is still in the woods, I don’t want to give them an opportunity to escape. If you’re afraid -- you can wait for your father, but I’m going in.”

  Scowling at his friend, Joshua gave an impatient huff before muttering something under his breath.

  With a few feet separating them, he followed the brothers, keeping his movements slow and cautious. After hearing a rustling noise coming from behind them, he jumped back, causing Will and Arian to burst out laughing.

  “Relax – it’s probably just your father,” Will said, before stopping in front of a giant pile of sooty ash.

  “Boys – are you in there?” Henry called.

  Joshua let out a slow breath as he felt the tension leave his body. “We’re in here, Father.”

  A few seconds later, Henry and the four servants were standing in front of the boys. “Whoever was here is gone now,” Will said. He picked up a broken tree limb, and knelt down, sifting through the ashes.

  “Yeah – I wish the smell was gone too,” Joshua said.

  Henry pulled his handkerchief out of his shirt pocket and covered his face. “What in God’s name is that horrid smell?”