by R. D. Brady
Recruit
A Belial Series Novella
R.D. Brady
Scottish Seoul Publishing
Copyright © 2014 by R.D. Brady
Recruit: A Belial Series Novella
ISBN E-Book:
ISBN Paperback:
Published by Scottish Seoul Publishing LLC, Dewitt, NY
All Rights Reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without the written permission of the author, except where permitted by law.
Printed in the United States of America.
"Courage is the decision that there is
something more important
than the fear we feel."
The Essential Edgar Cayce, 27
CHAPTER 1
Detroit, Michigan
Fifteen-year old Lou Thomas walked down the street, her shoulders hunched against the cold. She knew there were two of them behind her. She'd seen them when she cut through the parking lot of the supermarket five minutes ago.
She hadn't liked the look of them then and she sure didn't like the look of them now that they were following her.
One of them was white, one black, both in their mid-twenties. And they were thin - heroin thin with scruffy beards. They each had old flannel jackets that had seen better days and dark skullcaps.
And although she hadn't gotten too close, the wind had shifted letting her know that one, or probably both of them, were in desperate need of a bath.
Another wind blew against her now. Lou pulled up the collar of her jean jacket, although it didn't help much. She hitched her backpack up on her shoulder. She'd stayed late at her shift at the diner - not that she'd made much extra. People weren't really in a tipping mood these days.
And now these guys are going to take what little I did make, she thought. Anger and resentment ran through her right next to the fear.
She debated what to do. Cutting through the park would be faster and the park would probably be pretty empty with a storm kicking up and it getting close to dark.
She pictured the dark trees and winding paths. The city hadn't been keeping up the park and as a result, the trees and bushes were wildly overgrown creating lots of hiding spots.
A shiver ran through her. But anyone I run into in there will not be someone I want to chat with.
She glanced behind - the two men were a little farther back. If she turned the corner quick enough, they might not notice her heading to the park. If she stayed on the streets, though, it would easily take an extra fifteen minutes to get home.
Another wind, stronger this time, blew against her. The chill sliced right through to her bones.
Decision made. Lou picked up the pace, darted around the corner, and leaped over the chain link fence into the park. If she was lucky, they wouldn't realize what she'd done until-
The rattle of the chain link behind her told her she was not lucky tonight. Shit.
Moving faster, Lou headed deeper into the park. Stupid. So stupid. I should have stayed on the road.
Of course, there wouldn't have been much help there, either. People in this neighborhood didn't exactly leap to one another's defense.
A scuffle sounded behind her. Lou turned her head. They were closer. Two arms wrapped around her biceps as she collided into someone.
Her head whipped around. "Sorry," she said stepping back.
The two hands held her in place. "Hey beautiful. You can run into me any time."
The man was the Latino version of the other two. Except instead of a flannel jacket, he had on an old dark sweatshirt with the hood up.
Lou's voice turned hard. "Let me go."
"Not yet sweetheart. My friends and I were going to have a little party." He looked up. "Hey guys."
Lou looked behind her. The two guys she'd seen on the street. They'd actually been heading to the park. If she'd stayed on the damned street, she would have been fine.
Fear raced through her. "Get your hands off of me."
He shook her and her head jolted with action. Her backpack slipped down onto her elbow. He yanked it off her and tossed it at one of his friends. "See if there's anything good."
"Let me go," Lou said again, her voice shaking.
"Not until we're done." He smirked, taking a step back while keeping her in his grip. He looked her over. "You're a tiny little thing, aren't you? But that's good. I like tiny. Makes me feel big. Real big."
He pushed her toward the woods. "Come on."
Lou dug in her heels. "I'm not going anywhere with you."
Anger began to replace her fear. At that moment, she was sick of always being scared. Scared at school. Scared at home. Scared just living. And for whatever stupid reason, even though part of her mind yelled at her to just do what he said, she was done with being scared.
And somewhere deep inside of her Lou felt a binding snap loose.
The man holding her reared back with one hand, bringing it toward her face. With a speed that astonished her, Lou reached up and blocked it. Grabbing onto to the man's wrist she twisted it to a ninety-degree angle.
He screeched, dropping to his knees. "Let go bitch."
One of the other men ran at her. Keeping hold of the first guy's wrist she turned and kicked the other guy in the chest.
A crack sounded. He screamed and fell back, holding his side.
Lou's eyes went wide. Were those his ribs?
The third guy pulled a switchblade from his pocket, flipping it open.
Lou yanked on the guy she was holding, placing him between her and his knife-wielding friend.
"Tell your friend to get out of here or I'll break your wrist." She twisted his wrist for emphasis.
He yelled. "Get out of here, man."
His friend didn't seem interested in listening. He circled around her and tried to run at her.
Lou was faster.
She twirled her prisoner in between them again and shoved him, turning his wrist - hard. The bone snapped.
He screeched and fell to the ground. The man with the knife tripped over him with a yelp and fell onto his stomach.
The first man scrambled to his feet, cradling his wrist. He backed away from her. "You bitch. You broke my wrist."
The man Lou kicked also got to his feet holding his side. "Get up, Mike." He kicked Mike who was still lying face down. Mike didn't move.
Lou's eyes travelled from the man's ratty sneakers up to his skullcap. Nothing moved. A dark liquid began to seep from under him onto the path.
Lou took a step back in horror.
"You killed him." The Latino guy stared at her with accusing eyes.
Lou stumbled back from them. "I didn't mean- I didn't -" She looked up into the two men's eyes. Anger burned bright in them and a small dash of fear.
Lou slammed her mouth shut, turned on her heel, and ran.
CHAPTER 2
Henry Chandler walked across the sprawling lawn of his three hundred acre estate. His estate, which dated back to the late 1800s doubled as the business headquarters for his analytical firm, the Chandler Group. While most of the estate was lavish, his own home was a small cottage located just beyond the main building.
He'd walked the path from his office to his home more times than he could remember. But today an uncommon feeling joined him: stress - because in a short while he would introduce his unofficial son to his long 'dead' mother. He couldn't remember the last time he'd been this nervous.
He glanced at the tall, dark haired woman next to him. Her dark almond shaped brown eyes met his and his heart gave a little stutter.
"He'll understand, right?" he asked.
Jennifer Witt slipped her hand into his. "It's going t
o be fine."
He looked down at her. Henry stood at seven foot two and normally towered over people - especially women. Jen, however, was only fourteen inches shorter than him. One night when they went to dinner she'd worn heels and shortened the height differential to less than a foot.
"I know," he said.
She squeezed his hand. "But you're worrying anyway. I thought you Fortune 500 tycoons were known for your steely resolve."
"That's for work. In which case, I'm fearless."
Which was true. Henry had started the Chandler Group when he was just twenty-two, right out of college. His mother had 'died' four years earlier and he knew he needed to make a life for himself.
Actually, that wasn't entirely true. He could have just lived off his family's money and not done a thing with his life.
But he wanted something for himself - something he created. As a result, the Chandler Group, a world-renowned international think tank was born. Now almost twenty years later, he was sought after by heads-of-state for his analytical skills as well as the wealth of experts under his leadership.
But the meeting tonight eclipsed all the others in its importance.
"Is he home yet?" Jen asked.
Henry nodded as they cut through the blue spruces that surrounded his and Danny's home. The simple two-story cottage came into view. Lights shone through each window. Henry smiled. While he might second-guess a lot of his decisions regarding Danny, choosing to live in a simple home over a giant mansion was definitely one of his best.
The sun disappeared behind the horizon as Jen and Henry covered the short distance to the front door and opened it.
Danny Wartowski walked out of the kitchen. "So what's this big surprise?"
Henry looked at the boy he had unofficially adopted seven years ago. Danny was now five foot eight and seemed to get taller every week. His hair had darkened although it was not yet as dark as Henry's. But he still had those freckles and big brown eyes that made him look younger than his age.
Of course, he also had an off the charts IQ that made him seem much older than his chronological age as well.
Legally, Danny was an emancipated minor. But Henry and Danny had easily fallen into the family routine. They had both needed that stability in their lives. They still did.
Henry looked at Jen who arched an eyebrow back at him. He turned back to Danny. "Um, how about you help me get dinner ready and then I'll tell you about it?"
Danny paused, watching Henry. "Okay," he said slowly.
Henry headed down the hall toward him, throwing an arm around Danny's shoulders, and leading him to the kitchen. "Come on. It will be fun."
An hour later, dinner was ready, the table was set, and Henry felt like he was about to have a heart attack.
Danny placed a water pitcher on the table while Jen walked over to Henry. "It's going to be okay," she said quietly.
The doorbell rang.
Henry's heart began to gallop. He turned to Danny. "There's someone here to see you."
"Who?" Danny asked.
Henry struggled for the right words. "Um, just, uh -"
Jen took pity on him. "Why don't I get the door and you can make the introductions?" She moved down the hall. Henry and Danny followed in her wake.
Jen glanced over her shoulder at Henry when she reached the door. Henry nodded back at her. Jen pulled the door open.
Standing on the front steps was a woman with full head of white hair, cut into a sleek bob. She stepped in and the light from the hallway shone for a moment against her striking violet eyes - eyes the same color as Henry's.
Victoria Chandler smiled at everyone. "Good evening."
Henry stepped forward. "Danny, I'd like to introduce you to-"
Danny cut him off. "Your Mom." Danny walked forward and hugged her.
Victoria's shocked eyes found Henry's over Danny's shoulder. Henry looked back at her dumbfounded.
Jen laughed. "Serves you two right for trying to keep anything from him." She grinned at Danny. "How long have you known?"
Danny stepped back from Victoria, his grin a little sheepish. "Well, I've suspected since Henry told me about the bridge accident. But I was sure when Henry was abducted."
Henry shook his head. "Why didn't you tell me?"
Danny shrugged. "I figured you'd tell me when you were ready. And I'm guessing Victoria-"
"Grandma," Victoria cut in.
Danny smiled. "Right, Grandma had a reason for staying hidden. So can we eat now?"
Henry nodded. "Uh sure."
"Great." Danny offered his arm to Victoria. She took it with a smile.
Henry watched them walk down the hall together, knowing his mouth was gaping. "Who was that boy?"
Jen laughed. "I have no idea. Isn't he the shy, introverted one?"
"I guess not with family." He offered Jen his arm. "Shall we?"
She placed her hand on his. "Let's."
They walked toward the kitchen, hearing Victoria and Danny chatting away. Henry shook his head. This is not how he had pictured tonight going. He expected long explanations, maybe a little anger. But pure acceptance? He had not considered that possibility.
An hour later, Henry sat at the table and looked around in surprise and gratitude. This is what he had always wanted - a family. The only two missing were his sister, Delaney McPhearson and his best friend, Jake Rogan. Henry had finally convinced the two of them to take some time for themselves.
Feeling content, Henry pushed his coffee cup and desert plate away. For the first time in a long while, he felt relaxed. He realized with a shock that he was finally having his Rockwell moment. The brick fireplace on the right hand side of the kitchen gave a warm glow to the room. Everyone was smiling and chatting. And even Moxy, Danny's shepherd mix, was curled up next to the fire.
He smiled across the table at Jen and she smiled back. Yeah. This is good.
A beeping sounded over by Danny and he pulled out his phone. Danny's face fell and he looked up at Henry.
Dread began to seep into Henry. "What's wrong?"
"I think I found one," Danny said.
"One what?" Victoria asked looking between the two of them.
Danny glanced at her before his gaze returned to Henry. "A Fallen."
CHAPTER 3
Jen watched from the front door as Henry walked his mother to the helipad. After Henry saw his mother off, he was going to stop by the office and call Maddox Datson to see if he'd be willing to run down the Fallen. As far as Danny could tell, the girl was a teenager.
She probably doesn't even know what's happening to her, Jen thought. Or what's going to happen to her.
And Jen would know. Jen was a nephilim, the child of an angel and human, just like Henry. They were one type of angel that existed in this world. The other type they called Fallen: the full reincarnation of a Fallen angel.
Although I suppose there's actually three types, Jen thought thinking of Laney. But Laney's the only one of her kind.
A few months ago Laney, Henry, and Jake had learned that a group of Fallen was trying to round up teenagers who were just coming into their abilities or who might come into abilities. But the other group's goals for the kids weren't exactly heart warming. In fact, they were nightmare inducing.
Maddox had worked at the camps for years, trying to get kids out from the inside before he'd nearly lost his life. Jen, Henry, Laney, Jake and a bunch of others had already found and liberated kids from two camps.
But the leads had dried up. This was the first clue they had to another young potential Fallen in weeks. Jen shook her head, hoping they'd get to this girl in time.
Jen watched Henry and Victoria until the tall evergreens that hid Henry's cottage from the main headquarters blocked them from view. It was weird. Henry and his mom were so close even though Victoria had basically been in hiding since Henry was eighteen.
And Victoria was the keeper of more secrets than any of them could probably imagine. She hadn't even told Henry about his
own nature, letting him wonder for years why he had the abilities he did.
But even with all of that, you could feel the love between mother and son. That's what made the difference. Victoria might be secretive, but she was never secretive about how important Henry was to her - and Laney too.
Jen closed the door and turned around. Danny stood just a few feet away.
Jen smiled. "Hey. I didn't hear you there."
Danny nodded toward the door. "She's kind of cool, right?"
Victoria who lived in the world of information, who knew things about the Fallen that none of them could even begin to guess at, who had somehow even brought someone back to life, and who'd been married to one of the most powerful angels ever.
Jen smiled. "Cool is definitely the word. Now how about you help me clean up the dishes?"
"Okay." Danny followed Jen into the kitchen. They worked in a comfortable silence. Jen tackled the sink. Danny took the table. Moxy once again curled up in her dog bed in front of the fireplace.
Jen was finishing up the last few dishes when Danny, who was wiping down the table, spoke. "Jen? Can I ask you a question?"
Jen stopped loading the dishwasher and looked at him over her shoulder. "I suppose."
"Um, it's about your parents."
Jen turned around to look at him, surprise filtering through her. "Um, okay. Shoot."
Danny gestured to the table.
Jen wiped her hands off on a towel, walked over to him, and sat down. "Go ahead."
Danny looked at her and then away. He traced an imaginary pattern on the table. "I was just wondering, who'd you get your powers from - your Mom or your Dad?"
Jen sat back, an image of her mom floating through her mind - dark hair and eyes like Jen's. "I don't know. I never met my Dad and my Mom disappeared when I was seven. I can't remember seeing her with any special skills. It could have been either of them."
"And you got your abilities early, right?"
"I was nine." Jen paused. "I think your abilities show up when you need them."