Confronting the Fallen

by J. J. Thompson

  “Yes, the diner. Well, I would say that what you did in the diner was to reverse your healing power; it is the same thing really. Instead of helping, you harmed.” The judge gave Chris a piercing look. “I doubt that it was pleasant.”

  “It was horrible,” Chris answered bluntly. “I ended up almost puking not long after that. I felt the same way after the puppy and the birds.”

  “Well,” said the judge, “now we come to it. The reason that you are here, and the reason that we believe your help in the coming conflict would be essential.”

  Chris found himself holding his breath as he waited for the judge to explain.

  The man caught Chris' gaze. “We believe that angelic souls are being born into human bodies. And we believe that you, Christopher, are one of them.”

  Chapter 7

  Chris stared at Judge Hawkes, waiting for the punchline to the joke he had just made. But the man simply stared back at Chris calmly, not saying a word. Finally Chris felt compelled to speak.

  “Sir,” he said, trying to sound reasonable, ”what exactly does that mean? Angelic souls being born in human bodies makes it sound like, well, like angels are coming to life as humans.”

  “Exactly right, young man. That is precisely what is happening.”

  “That's impossible,” Chris replied flatly. “I don't even believe in angels. And as for them being born as humans? If they do exist, why would they want to do that? We're weak, mean-spirited, not to be trusted. No one, especially not an angel, would want to be born as something like that.”

  “I think you are seeing humanity through the eyes of your experiences on the street, Christopher,” the judge said gently. “Humans have many saving graces; their capacity to love, their willingness to sacrifice themselves for others, their loyalty. The list goes on. Please don't mistake the evil of some as a definition of the whole. It is not.”

  Chris sat back, considering the man's words. Was he judging everyone by some of the slime he'd had to deal with over the last couple of years? He tried to be objective; tried to think like his Dad would have. He sighed to himself. The judge was right. He was lumping the good with the bad, and that was unfair. But still...angels? He looked at the judge.

  “You're right, sir. It isn't all or nothing when you're dealing with people. But to believe angels would be born in human bodies? That's another thing entirely.”

  “I understand your skepticism, Christopher. I would be surprised, and a bit alarmed, if you accepted what I was saying at face value. So, I suggest that you stay with us for a while. Get to know the staff and the other young people here. See us for what we are, close up. And if you aren't convinced that we are telling you the truth, well then, you can be on your way.”

  “Stay here?” Chris was suspicious again. “For how long?”

  “Oh, a week, maybe two. It's up to you. You wouldn't have to attend classes or participate in any activities that you didn't want to.” The judge gave Chris another piercing look. “And you are, of course, free to leave at any time; no strings attached.”

  Chris thought about it for a minute. “So, say I wanted to leave right now. Could I?”

  Judge Hawkes nodded and looked serious. “If that is your choice, then yes. Of course. I will have a car brought around and a driver will drop you off in Ottawa; anywhere you wish.”

  The man picked up his phone. “You might want to head back to your room and grab your belongings. You can meet the car down at the front entrance.” He started punching in a number.

  “Whoa, wait a second!” Chris said quickly. “I didn't say I wanted to leave. I just asked if I could.” The judge stopped dialing and Chris shook his head. “Gees, sir, you don't waste a lot of time, do you?”

  The judge put the device back on the desk. “Of course not, Christopher. I told you; you aren't a prisoner here. I will not have someone thinking that we are some sort of military organization, or a shady criminal group, or something even worse. We are exactly what I have said we are. No more and no less.” The man sat back and glanced at his watch. “Now, for the moment, I need to know if you wish to stay or do you want to go?”

  “I...I'll stay, sir. For a little while. You're right. I do need to get to know you all before I make a decision. And I hope you don't think I'm ungrateful for what you've done for me. I just...need a little time.”

  The judge smiled warmly. “I appreciate your candor, young man. Take your time, look around. I promise that you are safe here.” His smile widened as he picked up several papers. “At least stay long enough for Chef to feed you up a bit.”

  Chris laughed. “Yes sir, I'll do that.” As he headed for the door, Chris suddenly remembered something and turned back to the judge.

  “Um, sir?”

  Judge Hawkes looked up from his papers in surprise. “Was there something else, Christopher?”

  “Yes sir. One of the guys I met earlier mentioned something about a test?”

  “Ah yes.” The judge frowned slightly. “It isn't something we usually discuss. However, yes, there is indeed a test that we administer before we accept a new member.” The man smiled again. “But until you decide on whether you wish to join us or not, there is no need to worry about it.”

  “Oh, okay.” Chris realized that the man wasn't going to explain further and thanked him and turned to leave.

  The judge wished him a good day and Chris left the office, surprised at how much better he felt. He was actually looking forward to spending some time not looking over his shoulder, like he did most days on the street. He had learned to keep his emotions in check and put thoughts of Talon and of his parents aside for the time being.

  It should be an interesting few days, he thought and he headed off to find the games room.

  Chris spent the rest of the afternoon playing video games, after having a great lunch with Tyler and Jacob. Occasionally, another teen or two would wander into the room, say hello and start playing a game. Two older girls smiled at him when they entered and got into a serious game of chess. Chris stopped playing for a while and watched. They were very good. He was called on his phone to remind him when dinner time rolled around and he headed off happily, looking forward to some more of Chef's excellent cooking.

  Once the amazing lasagna was polished off, Chris headed back to the games room, accompanied by his two new friends. They played for an hour or so, then Tyler reminded Jacob that they still had a lot of homework to do. So, after some grumbling, the two boys said good night to Chris and left.

  Chris looked around the room. His phone showed him that it was only seven-thirty, but all the other teens had already headed off to do schoolwork. He felt a bit lonely and was surprised at himself.

  You've been alone almost three years, he thought. What's the big deal now? You're safe, you're fed and you can do whatever you want. So what's the problem?

  He had no answer to the question but the games room suddenly felt too big and empty to spend any more time in. He thought about the library but he wasn't really in the mood to read. What I need, he thought, is to get some fresh air.

  He wondered whether he would be allowed to go outside and look around. The judge had said he was a guest, but did that mean he could come and go as he pleased? Chris decided to find out.

  When he left the room, he checked the map on his cell to be sure he knew the route to the front door. Even so, he took a few wrong turns before finally reaching the big, central room with the two staircases that he had seen on his arrival. From there, it was a straight walk down the main hall to the entrance.

  Chris saw another woman sitting at the desk next to the front door. When he approached her, she looked up from her computer screen and nodded amiably.

  “Good evening, Mr. Wright,” she said briskly. “I'm Ms. Quaid. What can I do for you?”

  “Um, hi,” Chris said hesitantly. “I was just wondering if it would be okay if I went outside.” The woman raised an eyebrow and Chris hurried on. “You know, for some fresh air? I'm not used to being coop
ed up inside all day.”

  Ms. Quaid smiled and looked like she understood how he felt. “Certainly, Mr. Wright. This house can be a little...overwhelming for newcomers. One needs to get out on occasion, clear one's head. You aren't locked in, after all. But I will ask that you check in with whomever is manning the front desk, as you are doing now, when entering or leaving.” She tapped a few words into her computer, then looked back at Chris.

  “When you exit, there will be someone near the door. Tonight it should be Mr. McKenna. Just tell him who you are, and he'll take it from there.”

  She obviously noticed Chris' look of confusion and said gently, “The Nest is kept under tight security at all times. We have patrols on the grounds and Mr. McKenna will have to notify them that you are out and about, so you aren't stopped and questioned.”

  “Oh, I see,” Chris said. He had wondered why he needed to check with anyone if all he was doing was getting some air. “No problem, Ms. Quaid. I'll make sure I talk to him first thing.”

  “Excellent. Well, off you go. Enjoy your stroll.” She nodded and went back to staring at her computer screen.

  Chris headed for the door. It was huge but opened easily and smoothly, making no noise at all. Once outside, he looked around for the man that Ms. Quaid had mentioned. But before he had a chance to do more than glance around, a tall, dark-skinned man with black hair, wearing the usual dark suit that most of the staff seemed to wear, was standing in front of him.

  “Good evening,” the man said with a polite nod. “May I help you?”

  “I think so,” Chris replied. “Are you Mr. McKenna?”

  “I am indeed. And you are?”

  “Chris, sir. Chris Wright. How are you doing?”

  Mr. McKenna extended his hand and shook Chris' firmly. “I'm fine, thank you. So you are Mr. Wright. A pleasure. What brings you out on a lovely evening like this?”

  The man waved his hand upward and Chris looked at the darkening sky, amazed at how many stars he could see now that he was outside of the city.

  “Well, actually sir, I just wanted to get some fresh air. You know, stretch my legs a bit.”

  Mr. McKenna smiled warmly. “I know how you feel. I prefer patrolling the grounds to inside duties.” His smile widened. “At least until winter hits.”

  Chris laughed and nodded. “I hear that,” he said. “Winter has always been my least favorite season, except for hockey, of course. So, it's okay for me to wander around?”

  “Of course. Just let me inform the rest of the team that you are out and about.”

  The man pulled out a cellphone and quickly tapped out a message. He waited a moment, nodded and looked at Chris. “All clear,” he said. “Just one more group to inform of your presence.” He put two fingers in his mouth and whistled loudly.

  Chris looked at Mr. McKenna in confusion. What the heck? Then he heard a distant baying, like a pack of wolves on the hunt.

  “Um, what's going on, sir?” he asked the man nervously.

  Mr. McKenna made a reassuring gesture. “Not to worry, Mr. Wright. The grounds are patrolled by dogs as well as guards. Once I introduce you, you will be safe to come and go without them bothering you.”

  “Oh. Okay,” Chris said dubiously. The barking was coming closer and the deep voices of the dogs told him that these were definitely big animals. He swallowed and hoped that this man knew what he was doing.

  And then from around the far corner of the house, a pack of dogs appeared and raced toward Chris and Mr. McKenna, baying at the top of their lungs.

  Chris stood frozen. He'd never seen dogs this large before. The head of the lead animal was level with his elbow. All of the dogs were covered in brown fur and they looked heavy and strong.

  The pack came to a sliding stop just a few yards in front of Chris. He counted ten of them. The leader stared at him with its huge brown eyes. Chris felt like it was sizing him up. Then slowly, one foot at a time, it stalked toward him.

  “Mr. Wright,” Mr. McKenna said calmly, “this is Eliza. She's the leader of the pack. In fact, most of the others are her children. Eliza, this is Chris Wright. He's a guest.”

  The dog stopped and looked at the man. Wildly, Chris thought that she seemed to know exactly what was being said. Then the dog looked back at Chris and shook her tail once. He took a deep breath, knelt down on one knee and extended a hand toward Eliza. Her head was now higher than his own.

  “Mr. Wright, I don't think that's a good idea,” the man said cautiously, but the dog cocked her head and then stepped forward and rested her lower jaw on Chris' shoulder. He grinned and spontaneously wrapped his arms around her neck in a huge hug. He just knew that it was the right thing to do.

  Eliza nuzzled into his neck and shook her tail vigorously. Her pack mates quickly crowded around and Chris was swamped by large furry heads and wet tongues licking his face and hair. He started giggling uncontrollably.

  Chris finally pushed the dogs off of him and stood up. Eliza gave him a final nudge, then with an imperious bark, she led the pack off into the darkness.

  He looked over at Mr. McKenna. The man looked amazed but smiled as he met Chris' gaze.

  “That was...extraordinary, Mr. Wright,” he said, sounding a little dazed. “The dogs rarely accept anyone so quickly. And to show you such affection?” He shook his head.

  “Aren't they like that with everyone, sir?” Chris asked.

  “Hardly. They recognize those we ask them to, and do not harass them when they are out on the grounds. But they are very stern beasts, very proud. And Eliza is the proudest of the lot. For her to accept you that quickly is a great compliment.” His smile widened. “I tend to judge people on how they interact with my dogs. So I think we'll get along just fine, young man.”

  Chris grinned. “I hope so, sir. What kind of dogs are they? I've never seen any that big before.”

  “They're Irish Wolfhounds, Mr. Wright. Very loyal, very clever. They almost have a sixth sense with people, which is why I pay attention to their reaction with strangers. Eliza is large even for her breed.” Mr. McKenna smiled slightly. “She is the boss and the pack takes their lead from her.” He gazed off on the direction of the dogs. “They patrol the grounds after dark, but now that you've been introduced, you'll be able to walk around at your leisure.” He looked back a Chris. “So off you go, Mr. Wright. Enjoy your walk. Just remember to check in with the front desk when you get back.”

  “Thanks, Mr. McKenna,” Chris said. “I will.” And with a wave, Chris set off to explore.

  The front yard was lit by lights on poles leading from the front gate to the door of the house. Chris followed the line of the poles toward the gates. They were closed and two people, a man and a woman stood on either side. Both were wearing what Chris had started to call the uniform; a dark suit, no jewelry or flashy colors and a tie. He waved at them and both of them nodded back.

  Chris turned left and followed the wall. A light shone down at regular intervals along the inside of the wall, every ten yards or so. It didn't light up the entire yard, but he could see well enough. He reached out and trailed his fingers over the rough stone of the wall. Then he stopped, turned and rested his back against it and stared out over the dark expanse between the wall and the house.

  A cool breeze touched him for a moment and he smelled the sweet scent of fresh-cut grass. The sky was entirely dark and Chris finally went over the day that had passed in his mind.

  He always thought better at night, in the darkness. And the thing that he had avoided contemplating all day now came back to him in full force. Angelic souls.

  He thought about the idea the way that his parents had taught him; dispassionately, without judgment. He just let it roll around in his mind to see where it would take him.

  What could it mean? If it were true, that is. Angels as people? The end of the world? He shook his head and laughed a little.

  The judge thinks he knows me, Chris thought. All he sees is a thirteen year old kid. Thirteen. Ha. If he on
ly knew what I've had to do to survive in the last three years. Even my parents wouldn't recognize me. And I have an angelic soul? Yeah, right.

  Chris pushed himself away from the wall and started walking slowly across the darkened yard, still working through his confused thoughts. He reached the corner of the house and turned to the left. The night was cooling down quickly but Chris liked it. Suddenly three people appeared out of the darkness and he stopped quickly and took a step back.

  Two of the guards in their suits flanked a third figure. All three came to a halt and stared at Chris. His heart was in his throat and he stared at the figure between the guards.

  The person was wearing a long leather coat that reached almost to the ground. He was wearing a hoodie that covered his hair, but the light from a nearby pole shone slightly on his face, his eyes almost covered by blond bangs, and Chris recognized his new friend Tyler.

  “Hey Tyler!” he said with relief. Tyler had jumped slightly but now grinned at Chris.

  “Hey man, what are you doing out here?”

  Chris shrugged. “Needed some air. What are you up to?”

  “Me? Um, well...” Tyler glanced at one of the men beside him who shook his head slightly. “Nothing much. I'm patrolling. All of us take a turn once in a while.”

  The other man spoke up. “Come along, sir. We have our rounds to complete.” His voice was flat.

  Tyler looked at him a bit nervously. “Yeah, of course.” He smiled weakly at Chris. “Sorry. Gotta go.”

  “Yeah, sure,” Chris said in confusion. “See you later.”

  Tyler waved and the three walked past Chris and disappeared around the corner. Now what the heck was that about, he wondered as he stared after them. He decided that he'd wait to talk to Tyler when there were no adults nearby.