Angel Realms
Page 26
“That is, if you approve,” Justine says.
“Of course, I approve,” I say. The idea of legitimately being someone’s daughter is something I thought would never happen. In all those years of floating from one foster home to another, growing older each day, the possibility of ever being part of a family was nothing more than a little girl’s fading dream. I guess, eventually, I gave up and figured I would never know what it was really like to belong somewhere. Now, for the first time, I feel like I have a chance at having a real home. Justine brings me in and hugs me. We embrace for a moment, but then I see Liv and step back. “What about Liv?”
Ms. Garza looks at her and says, “Justine informed me of the situation earlier over the phone. The father has agreed to allow Jeff and Justine to take her in while he gets help. I’m surprised she didn’t tell you. But by the look of it, you have been preoccupied with other things.”
Liv smiles at me, her joy beaming from her face. “I’m so glad you’re alright,” she says.
“I told you that I would see you again,” I say. “And I meant it.”
Garza shakes her head. “I don’t know how you pulled it off,” she says. “I thought for sure the police would be taking you away. Turns out they picked up Mr. Hammond.” She points to the squad car. Mr. Hammond sits in the back seat, handcuffed. “Apparently, he’s involved in some sort of murder. Something about angels and the end of days. I told you it was the quiet small town types you had to look out for.”
I remain silent, trying to maintain the illusion that I have no idea what she is talking about. “Anyway,” Ms. Garza continues, “I will draw up the papers for the adoption. In the mean time, you will stay here in the Gregor’s home, if there is anything left of it.”
“Thank you, Ms. Garza,” I say as I hug her. She is surprised and slightly uncomfortable with the action, but says nothing about it. “Well, I suppose I had better return to the city before the National Guard blocks off the streets.” She takes the hand of the police officer as they cross back over to their cars. Soon they are both pulling away and Hammond with them.
“Do you think we will see him again?” I ask.
“I think the police will be keeping a close eye on him,” Justine says.
Somehow this does not inspire confidence in me. But for now, I have Ashur and I am safe. Besides, with Sorath gone, there is no reason for him to come after me. As Ms. Garza’s Cadillac turns the corner, ambulances and fire trucks emerge, bringing what relief they can.
“We should get you checked out,” Ashur says, as he takes me under his arm and leads me toward an ambulance. Along the way, he picks up the sword, but this time it remains lifeless. “I still don’t understand how an angelic sword ended up in a novelty shop.”
“Some things are best left undiscovered,” I say. “What matters is that we are alive.”
He examines the etching. “This is the language of the Aeons. Long before my time. It isn’t spoken any more. Perhaps Mallek could decipher it.”
I take the sword from his hand. “Can we just forget about it for now,” I say. “I’m tired.”
Ashur smiles, “I guess it isn’t important,” he says, then pulls me in close. “I’m just happy you’re alive.” He kisses me and amidst all the uncertainties, we remain that way while the world continues on around us.
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Coming soon….. The Vigilant Book 2 in the Angel Realms series.