by Rachel Dylan
Grant noticed that Layton was placing all of his attention on Nina Marie, not on Olivia. That couldn’t be a good sign. But Layton had promised him that he would stay on task and act professional.
“The evidence will show,” Olivia said, “that once Nina Marie spited Layton, he went on the warpath. The jury will see email after email of the exchanges between the two, demonstrating Layton’s animus for Nina Marie after she broke off the relationship. The emails will also show threats to ruin Nina Marie. What better way to do that than to try to take down the company she cares so much about?”
“Liar!” Layton rose from his seat. His face reddened with anger.
Olivia didn’t even flinch at his outburst. “I think a jury will clearly be able to determine the true set of facts here. I don’t really think there’s anything else I need to say. Especially if Mr. Alito acts this way in the courtroom.”
Nina Marie smiled and Layton made a growling sound before he literally threw himself across the small conference room table. He launched at Nina Marie, wrapping his hands around her neck.
But in a split second, Grant had his hands on Layton, pulling him off of her. What a disaster.
“I will not tolerate violence,” Mary Beth yelled. “Mr. Baxter, please control your client.”
He needed to get Layton out of the room ASAP. He guided him out the door and into their private conference room.
“What in the world were you thinking, man?” Grant asked him.
Layton’s face was still red as he stood with clenched fists. “Olivia was spewing lies. Lies all put into that head of her by Nina Marie. Didn’t you see the smirk on Nina Marie’s face?”
“Remember, Layton. We were supposed to use this opportunity to get inside their heads. Not the other way around.”
Grant watched as Layton took a few deep breaths and shifted his weight from one foot to the other.
“That is one evil woman. Don’t you ever forget that.”
Grant reached out and put his hand on Layton’s shoulder. “Do you think you can handle continuing this mediation? Because if you have another outburst like that, the mediator will end it anyway. And it will allow Nina Marie and Clive a victory we don’t want to give them.”
“What would be the next step?”
“We can end the mediation right now. That’s the beauty of mediation. Any party can just walk away.”
“The alternative?”
“We would go back in there, and finish up the joint session. Once that is over, each side will meet privately with the mediator.”
Layton sighed. “Do you still think there is some strategic advantage to staying?”
“Only if you can pull it together.”
“Nina Marie really got inside my head. I’m usually so good at controlling my emotions.”
“But Nina Marie didn’t say a word.”
Layton shook his head. “She doesn’t need to speak to wreak havoc.” Layton pushed his finger into Grant’s shoulder. “You need to be careful, too. Who knows what she’ll do to you.”
“Layton, I think the stress of the litigation may be getting to you.” How could he say this without totally offending his client. “Nina Marie can’t do anything to you unless you let her.”
Layton laughed. “Son, you have no idea what you’re dealing with here.”
Grant took a seat and motioned for Layton to do the same. “Well, explain it for me then.”
Layton rested his arms on the table and leaned toward Grant. “Nina Marie consorts with the devil.”
Grant had to keep from rolling his eyes. Was everyone around him crazy? “I hate to break it to you, Layton, but there is no such thing as the devil. Or God, or heaven and hell. Or whatever else it is you think you know.”
Layton shook his head. “You just wait. Once Nina Marie attacks you, then you will understand that she isn’t just operating on a human level. The evil one supports her and will allow her to do unimaginable damage to you. And since you have no spiritual protection because you aren’t a believer, then you’re in even more danger.”
“Listen to yourself right now.” Grant quickly pushed away any thoughts of what had happened to him months ago. No, that was him being paranoid and sick. Not a result of witchcraft. Of that he was now sure.
“I know it sounds outlandish to a skeptic, but you asked me and I told you. This is not your regular legal case. If you want out, now is the time.”
“No way. I’ve never withdrawn from a case, and I’m not about to start now.”
“Then you need to consider asking the evil one for protection.”
Grant huffed. “How can I ask him for protection if he doesn’t exist? And more than that, you said Nina Marie was in bed with him. Why would he protect someone if he was aligned with the other person.”
Layton grinned. “You really have no conception of how this all works, do you?”
“No, I don’t.”
“The evil one will definitely play both sides.”
Grant couldn’t believe he was going to ask this, but he had to. “Then the obvious question to me is why would anyone serve him?”
“Because the power and riches he can provide on this earth are immeasurable.”
“I’m fine with earning my power and riches the good old-fashioned way. Hard work.”
“You’re so naïve.”
“I have a feeling this could be an extended philosophical discussion. Right now we have an immediate issue about what to do with the mediation.”
“It’s over. I’m not in the mood to tangle with Nina Marie again today.”
“Are you sure? They could see us walking out as a victory.”
“I’m fine with that. We’ll still prevail in the end.”
“All right. I’ll go inform the mediator.”
**
Micah looked over at Ben who stood outside the conference room wearing a deep frown.
“Are we just going to let this be a free for all for the time being?” Micah asked.
“We can only do so much when they are going after each other. Our job is to protect Olivia and Grant and give them what they need when it’s time for them to do battle. This Layton and Nina Marie thing is a sideshow.”
“It’s all very personal for Layton.”
Ben nodded. “And Grant’s got a long way to go. I thought that after Nina Marie attacked him that he would start to question things, but he’s only moved further away from it all with the passage of time. He’s afraid of what he felt that night.”
“It’s going to take more than one attack.” Micah took a step back. “He was able to quickly rationalize it away. He doesn’t want to believe that any of this is real.”
“He’s only seen the dark side and the workings of Satan. Olivia needs to help him see the other side.”
“She’s trying, but if she pushes too hard she could lose him forever.”
“Failure isn’t an option. Maybe it would do some good if Nina Marie came after Grant again. That may be the only way that he’ll start to get the picture.”
“Or we could pay him a visit,” Micah said.
“No. He really needs to come to this through his own volition. Most people will believe if an angel of the Lord appears to them and tell them to. No, for him to be the warrior that he will need to be it has to be him searching it out. Not the other way around.”
“There’s one more thing we need to talk about.”
“All right,” Ben replied.
“The young woman, Stacey. She is dangerously on the brink with Morena. I think we have to intervene or risk losing her forever.”
“She wasn’t forthright with Morena about her religious background.”
“Why don’t we go to her now?”
“All right. Let me take the lead since you did so with Olivia,” Ben said.
**
Stacey sat in her small one bedroom apartment with books spread out around her. She also had a few supplies she’d gotten from Indigo. She probably shouldn’t be spend
ing her money on this stuff, but she couldn’t help herself.
It was like she couldn’t say no. A force was pulling her to learn and read more about witchcraft and the dark arts. She’d also found out from Morena that a lot of stuff she’d learned at Windy Ridge Community Church growing up just wasn’t true. She’d had that sinking suspicion which is why she stopped going to church a year ago anyway.
She’d never felt this powerful before in her life. This much in charge of her own future. Morena had made promises to her about what she could accomplish and the thing is that she actually believed every single one of them. Especially since Layton Alito the CEO of the company had taken such an interest in her. She understood from talking to Morena that Layton didn’t just take time out for everyone.
She was no fool. She could tell that he had more than a professional interest, but she didn’t care. This was all just part of being a grown up and making adult decisions which would further her goals in life.
Lighting a candle, she opened the book in front of her preparing a spell. Morena had explained that there were a couple of different areas she could work on. But to her, casting spells seemed the most interesting. Morena had taught her that she had preconceived notions about the devil. He wanted his followers to have freedom. Something she would’ve never ever gotten in the church. No, just the opposite.
Pastor Dan and everyone at the church were always telling her what she could and couldn’t do. But it appeared there was a way for her to have a lot more flexibility. It wasn’t like she was sacrificing small animals to him. No, what she had in mind was much less barbaric but no less effective.
Her aspirations of finishing college and getting a top notch corporate job actually seemed feasible for the first time. All thanks to him. What he’d given her—power and confidence.
It was time to thank him.
She took a deep breath preparing herself, but then the candle blew out.
“Ugh,” she said. She picked up a match and again lit the large purple candle that smelled of sweet lavender. Closing her eyes, she was about to start to chant when the light from the candle no longer illuminated under her eyes.
Opening up her eyes, she saw it was out again.
“What in the world?”
“Stacey,” a deep male voice said.
He seemed so near that her heart constricted in fear. How had someone gotten into her apartment?
“Don’t be afraid.”
It was so dark now in her room, and she couldn’t see anything. Scrambling around the floor for something to use as a weapon, she kept talking. “Who are you?”
“I’m not here to harm you, Stacey.”
“Then why did you break into my apartment?”
“I didn’t break in.”
A light exploded so bright in front of her eyes, she had to raise her arm to shield the rays. There standing right in front of her was a man with dark hair and striking hazel eyes. A bright light emanated from him. She knew immediately that this was no regular man.
“Who are you?” she whispered.
“My name is Ben. I’m an angel of the Lord. I’ve come here to speak to you about the path you’re starting to go down.”
Her hands trembled and her entire body started to shake. “But I don’t understand.”
Ben took a step toward her, and she scooted back on the floor away from him. “I think you know exactly what I’m talking about. Witchcraft, demonic worship, the dark arts. You’ve turned away from God, Stacey, but I can guarantee that He has not turned away from you.”
“Why are you doing this?”
“To give you the opportunity to stop. A way out. Layton Alito is an evil man and his witches are no less so. If you go further down this dangerous path, I fear you will be lost forever. And I don’t want to see that happen.”
Her heartbeat sped up and she tried to speak, but no words came out.
“It’s your choice, Stacey. No one can make you pick one way or the other. It’s all your decision.”
“Then why are you here?”
“To plead God’s case. To help you remember how much God loves you. To remind you about what joy you used to have in your heart before you turned to darkness.”
She didn’t even realize that tears had begun to run down her face. And just like that, the warmth she was feeling from the angel Ben faded and she became cold.
“What are you doing here?” Ben asked.
For a moment she was confused. But then she realized that the question wasn’t directed at her. She looked over her shoulder and a dark figure stood looming large behind her.
“She’s mine,” a loud voice said. “Leave her alone.”
She couldn’t see his face, but the figure was clothed all in black with a large dark hood covering his head. Suddenly freezing, she wrapped her arms around herself. As if that would provide her with some warmth and protection.
“Stacey, remember I said you had a choice,” Ben said. “It is up to you. Not him.”
“Who are you?” she asked the dark figure.
A lavender light emanated from the man as he removed his hood. Standing before her was one of the most handsome men she’d ever seen in her life, with jet black hair and bright sparkling blue eyes. “I’m here to guide you and protect you. Don’t listen to this false prophet. I’m not going to hurt you. There is no need for you to be afraid of me. It’s the angel that is trying to steal your soul.”
“Stacey, he’s lying to you,” Ben said. “Trying to deceive you by being pleasing to the eyes.”
This man standing in front of her was gorgeous and smiling, but she still felt cold, despite the light that now surrounded him.
“You still didn’t tell me who you are? What’s your name?”
He kept smiling. “I’m your friend. My name is Othan and my mission is important. You’d begun to do such great work. Think of all you have accomplished in a short time. There is more work to be done. You could have everything you ever wanted in life and more. But you have to abandon this God that the angel speaks of.”
“I don’t understand.” Who was this beautiful creature tempting her with everything she wanted?
“It’s simple,” he said. “You’ve begun your education in the dark arts. What I can promise you on this earth, the angel cannot. All of his promises about the future are empty ones. I offer you power, freedom, riches, independence, and pleasure now. All you have to do is follow the prince of this earth.”
She stood up and took a step closer to the man who called himself Othan. But he wasn’t really a man. Her gut was telling her that. Yes, he had the form of a handsome gentleman, but it was a farce. As she looked closer into his blue eyes, a chill shot down her arm.
She knew in her heart what she had to do. Right then and there.
“Rebuke the devil and he shall flee,” she said quietly.
“Don’t do this.” The man hissed and moved toward her. “You’re not thinking straight,” he said. “I’ll give you one more chance. Here take my hand, and I will show you unimaginable riches and power. The angels of God will bow down to you.”
The long dark cloaked arm stretched out toward her. Lord, she prayed, I am sorry for what I have done. But I need you now.
On her silent prayer, the light from the angel Ben exploded.
“Tell him to go, Stacey. In the name of our Lord, cast him out away from you.”
She took a deep breath. As she looked up into his eyes which were no longer blue, nothing like human eyes anymore—but yellow eyes filled with pain and rage, she tried to find the words.
It had been over a year since she’d been to church, but before that she’d gone her entire life. The words would come to her.
The stench of death and destruction poured off the hooded man. He no longer even looked like a man. She’d never been so afraid in her life. Or so certain that she’d made a horrible mistake in turning away from God. One that could’ve changed her entire life.
The creature moved closer toward her
and she heard herself scream just as Ben stepped in between Othan and her. Seeing Ben protect her like that gave her renewed strength.
“I rebuke you in the name of Jesus Christ. Leave me.”
The creature screamed in pain just before he vanished in a cloud of darkness, leaving her alone with Ben. More tears flowed down her face and she couldn’t stop shaking.
Ben put his hand on her shoulder. “Are you okay?”
She shook her head, because no she wasn’t okay. She’d never be okay again in her life. “What just happened?”
“That, my friend, was a demon.”
Sucking in a breath, she had known the answer before he gave it, but hearing the actual words come out of his mouth just solidified her fear. “I don’t even know what to say.”
“Stacey, what you just saw is only the tip of the iceberg. I’m sure Morena is making this witch thing seem cool and young and hip. But there’s nothing good involved in the devil’s work. You can dress it up and call it all different types of names, but it’s still evil. And very powerful and destructive.”
She had to get a grip and stop shaking. “What have I done?”
“It’s not too late, Stacey. You can walk away from this now, but you need to walk totally away. Go back to church. You’re going to need support, because Layton and Morena will come after you again. This is far from over.”
“And my internship?”
“You know the answer to that. I need to go now, Stacey. But never forget that the Lord is always with you.”
And just like that she was all alone in her room again. But she was afraid to be alone. She did the only thing she knew to do—fell to her knees and prayed.
**
Layton sat in his office seething about the mediation. Nina Marie had gotten to him, and he didn’t even know if he could blame it on witchcraft or just her being her. That fact made him even angrier.
But he had to keep his cool, because he had a much larger plan. One that included his asset on the inside of Windy Ridge Community Church. At the right time he would employ the valuable resource he had cultivated. Now was no time to lose sight of the long game.