Angelica popped the bread in the toaster. “So, you’d rather be lied to?”
“Yes. I prefer my head in the sand.” She smiled and sipped more coffee.
The talking head continued, “In other news, the famine in the Midwest is growing increasingly worse. Farmland that used to be covered in lush grain is now dry and arid, and farmers are abandoning their land to move to the city.” Pictures of desert-like landscape filled the screen.
“See? More bad news.” Leigh poured herself more coffee.
“At least it explains why food is so expensive.”
The news continued, “Threats to annihilate Israel are mounting from a new alliance of nations—Turkey, Iran, Libya, and Russia, among the most prominent. Yet despite the looming war, the Jewish people continue to build their third temple right beside the Al-Aqsa Mosque.”
“Why should we care what’s going on in Israel?” Leigh shuffled across the floor and sat at the dining room table. “We have enough problems here.”
The toast popped and Angelica buttered it, slipped it in the oven on warm, and then put another two slices in the toaster…all the while praying silently for what to say next. “Do you know that God in the real Bible told us all of this would happen?”
Leigh rolled her eyes. “Yeah, right.”
“I’m serious. I can show you. He told us asteroids would strike the earth in the book of Revelation. In Matthew, Jesus told us there would be wars, earthquakes, famines, and diseases, even signs in the sky, and a host of other events. And these nations threatening Israel?” Angelica gestured toward the TV screen. “They are all listed in Ezekiel thirty-eight.”
“No, they aren’t.”
“I’ll show you. If you’ll let me?” Angelica gave her friend a questioning look.
“Okay,” her roommate finally said, her lips slanting.
Dashing into her room, spirit soaring, Angelica brought out the Holy Scriptures, flipped them open to Ezekiel and read the passage to Leigh. Thankfully, Angelica had done her homework on the archaic names of the nations and could identify who they were today.
Leigh sat back in her chair, an unreadable expression on her face.
“And the temple they are building now, it was foretold in both Daniel and Matthew.”
Leigh shook her head. “They musta added this stuff in afterward.”
“The original Bible has not changed for thousands of years. Many scholars have proven that. But at the very least, you know it hasn’t changed for the past ten years since I’ve had it, right?”
Something registered in Leigh’s eyes then, a flicker of light, a spark of understanding, that made Angelica smile and add, “Who else can tell the future but God?”
Oh, Lord, please help her see.
Leigh was about to say something when Joel dashed into the room, stuffed elephant in hand. “Mommy!”
Leigh swept him up in her arms as Isaac ambled behind, yawning and shouting. “SeaWorld today!”
And that one little phrase managed to steal all the joy from Angelica.
♦♦♦
Seven hours later, Angelica could not deny that Isaac was having the time of his life. When he had turned five, he had proudly announced that he wanted to be a marine biologist. Since then, not a year passed in which he hadn’t begged her to take him to SeaWorld. But she never had the money. Not only was the park expensive, but it was a three-hour drive there and back, and Angelica’s car was not in the best of shape. The last thing she needed was to be stranded on the interstate with a child and no money.
But in Daniel’s limo, they had made the trip in under three hours. And in the lap of luxury. Which was another exciting adventure for Isaac as he examined every cool feature of the car and waved to passersby, pretending to be a movie star.
Yet, after four hours in the park, Angelica realized there was no way to see everything in just one day. So far they’d only seen two shows, the orca whale and dolphins, and five exhibits—the manatees, Turtle Trek, Shark Encounter, Stingray Lagoon, and the penguins. Now, as Daniel and Isaac stood in line to go on some roller coaster called the Manta, she couldn’t help but notice how talkative Isaac was, how often he glanced up at Daniel and smiled, and how easily the two of them kidded back and forth.
They even looked like father and son as they moved past the attendant, same casual gait, same lift of their shoulders. Cringing, she gripped the railing and closed her eyes. Father, I can’t handle this. Please help me…give me wisdom. Casting a smile at Daniel’s bodyguard, she found a seat and waited for the ride to finish.
During lunch, when Isaac had been busy feeding ducks, Angelica had asked Daniel what his thoughts were on the healing he’d witnessed at the beach. She had hoped he would bring it up himself, but no such luck. At least he hadn’t laughed at the absurdity, warned her, or shrugged off the incident as hocus-pocus. Instead, he appeared genuinely interested. He even asked her questions about the identity of the man who was healed and how they knew he had been truly crippled.
“I never saw him before,” she had answered. “But why would he fake his paralysis? What purpose would the miracle serve anyone? There was no money exchanged, no one benefited but the man who can now walk.”
He rubbed his jaw. “Well, actually it might bring more people to your Saturday meetings.”
“Yes, but we don’t charge money. We minister completely for free.” She set down her lemonade. “Why fake something to draw others to come for healing if the entire thing is a sham? It doesn’t make sense.”
He had nodded then, confusion in his eyes, and gripped her hand. “Please be patient, Angel, I’m just not sure yet.”
His hand felt so good, so familiar, all strength and warmth circling hers. And she remembered how this man had always made her feel safe. A tingle traveled from her belly outward, and she pulled her hand away. But when she lifted her gaze, she found him staring at her...just like he used to…as if, even after all these years, their souls were still connected.
Thank God, Isaac had darted up at that moment. “Mom, do ya got more bread? The ducks are hungry!”
His smile made both her and Daniel laugh.
The ride—and her reminiscing—came to a halt as she spotted the two of them heading her way, giving each other fist pumps.
“Mom, Mr. Cain said he’d buy me an ice cream sundae.”
She gave Daniel a look of disapproval. “After the popcorn, hamburger, and churros? You’ll never eat dinner.”
“Aw, come on, Mom.” Daniel gave her that charming grin of his. “It’s not every day you go to SeaWorld.”
She sighed. “Very well.” And off they strolled through the crowd, the heat of the day suddenly increasing her desire for ice cream with each step they took.
“Lookie, Mr. Cain!” Isaac darted to a railing behind which several flamingos stood knee-deep in a pond. Daniel joined him, the two of them leaning over the railing discussing the oddity of pink birds who stood on one leg.
And standing there, seeing Daniel in his T-shirt and jeans, laughing and being his witty self, unwanted memories flooded Angelica, sweeping away the past twelve years as if they’d never happened. They were at Disney World, his one-year anniversary gift to her, standing in line for the Pirates of the Caribbean—her favorite ride—for the twentieth time that day. Even though it wasn’t his favorite ride, he went on it over and over just for her. Even after she relieved him of any obligation.
“No. I want to be with you,” he had said. “Besides, I love watching your expressions. You’re like a little kid in there.” He had rubbed his finger down her cheek like he usually did and kissed her.
Even now, Angelica couldn’t help but smile at the memory. They’d had the time of their life, running around the park, going on every ride, watching every show, eating themselves sick with junk food. She had given her heart and soul to this man, who, as she glanced at him now, looked nearly the same today as he had then, only better. And her heart did an unexpected flip in her chest.
T
hat he bonded so well with her son didn’t help the sensation.
She shoved it down and stared at the bodyguard standing off to the side. Good. He would remind her that Daniel was not the same man. And that no matter how kind he was, he would only corrupt her son.
♦♦♦
“Dinner of champions.” Daniel announced as he set down his spoon, eliciting a giggle from Isaac, who had long since finished his sundae and was squirming in his seat.
Angel shook her head and pushed away her half-finished bowl. “What happened to your healthy diet?” She teased.
“I took your advice and decided to give myself a break. Though”—he patted his stomach—“I’ll have to hit the gym extra hard tomorrow.”
“Not that you need to.” She smiled, her eyes admiring him, and Daniel warmed beneath the compliment. Suddenly, he felt like he was twenty-one again and in love for the first time. The only time, if he admitted it.
He could hardly take his eyes off her as she sat across from him with the sun setting behind her in swaths of red and gold, the wind fingering her blond hair, her sea-moss eyes surrounded by lashes as thick as a forest, and that cute little nose of hers. She looked angelic. Maybe she was an angel. For she made him feel something he hadn’t felt in years. Alive.
What surprised Daniel even more was how much he liked Isaac. Sure, he’d always wanted kids, but if he were honest, most of the ones he’d met annoyed the heck out of him. Isaac was a joy to be around—fun, witty, interesting, and fascinated by everything around him. How lucky Angel was to have such a son.
How lucky Daniel was to spend the day with them, for he couldn’t remember having this much fun in a long while. His life for the past ten years had been all work and business—gaining converts, planning programs, handling the business of the church, counseling, speaking, writing…making his way up the ecclesiastical ladder, as Thomas called it. Even his spare time had been devoted to working out and eating right. No time for fun when one was headed toward a seat of power in D.C.
Isaac leapt from his chair and tugged on Angel’s arm. “Mom, can we go see the mantas?”
Easing hair behind her ear, she shielded her eyes and glanced over her shoulder at the sun. “It’s getting late, and we have a long ride home.”
“No worries, my driver will get us back in no time.” Leaning toward her, Daniel pointed at Isaac and whispered, “He’ll probably sleep in the car.” A whiff of her scent drifted over him, and he felt his body react. Ah, the memories it invoked. Baby powder. That was it. She always smelled like baby powder.
As if sensing his reaction, she moved away and faced her son. “Okay, the manta rays and then we head home.”
“Thanks, Mom!” Isaac tugged her to stand, and the three of them started off, Isaac taking the lead.
“Thank you for being so kind to him,” Angel said, watching her son with a smile. “He’s really enjoying himself.”
“I’m glad. Like I said, he’s a good boy. Makes me wish I started my own family.” Makes me wish I’d started one with you.
“I suppose you’ve been rather busy for that.”
Busy, yes, but honestly, he hadn’t found a woman worthy of his time. Until now. But how could a man of his position pursue a woman caught in an illegal cult? His church would never accept her. Nor would anyone in D.C. In fact, if the truth were known, she’d be arrested. Thomas was right. If Daniel continued seeing her, he’d lose everything.
Yet, as she gazed up at him now with her innocent smile and admiring eyes, he almost thought it was worth it.
Almost.
Why couldn’t he have it all? He was Daniel Cain. With his charm and skills of persuasion, he had brought thousands of converts into the church. Surely, he could convince one woman of the error of her ways, get her to leave that ridiculous home church, and break all ties with those fanatics.
Then, it would be no trouble at all to convince Thomas that Angelica Smoke would make Daniel the perfect wife.
♦♦♦
Baliel, Nazare, and Zarene followed close to their charges, keeping their eyes focused and their swords at the ready. They’d received a warning from the Commander of Heaven’s Armies that the enemy had planned an assault on those under their protection. They’d also felt it themselves—a malevolent darkness looming nearby. Hence, they had kept conversation limited as they maintained a vigilance over the three humans.
Nazare, however, had briefly expressed his joy at seeing Daniel bond with the boy—at their camaraderie and the easy way they conversed. Baliel and Zarene had agreed, albeit tentatively due to what they all knew were Daniel’s ulterior motives.
“He uses Isaac to get to her,” Zarene said, angry that his charge was being manipulated. “The boy needs a father, one who truly loves him.”
“He has a Father,” Baliel said sternly.
“Of course. But I speak of an earthy influence. You know how important good earthly fathers are to these humans. Without them, so many drift into darkness.”
“Agreed. How fragile are these children of God,” Nazare said as they followed the trio into the manta ray exhibit and watched Isaac study the rays with glee.
Zarene drew closer to the lad and smiled proudly. “He loves the Father’s sea creatures.”
“He is gifted for their care. Perhaps he will be put in charge of them in the next age,” Baliel commented.
Zarene smiled.
Nazare huffed. “If only Daniel would respond to Angelica’s leading.”
“Be patient, my friend. The Father has a plan.”
They continued on in silence as the three humans walked through the exhibit and enjoyed all the various displays, including a huge 360-degree aquarium that formed a circle in the center of the room.
“If they think this is wonderful, wait until they see heaven,” Zarene said, hovering over Isaac.
Nazare chuckled. “Indeed.”
Finally, the humans had seen enough and headed out into the crowd once again.
A chill shivered down Zarene’s back, and he gripped the hilt of his sword and glanced around. Baliel and Nazare felt it too and did the same. The human guard was staring at a female dressed in tight shorts, oblivious to the danger, while their three charges strolled down the walkway, unaware.
Zarene scanned the crowd, ignoring the demons that surrounded so many of the people. He spotted an unusual darkness among the throng—moving slowly and stealthily, like a human made of tar. A man stood within its shadows, barely discernible through the black sludge. His narrowed gaze was upon their charges.
“That’s the one,” Nazare said.
“I’m on it.” Baliel pulled his sword. “I’ll hold him back. You two protect them.”
Nazare and Zarene dashed away as Baliel approached the demon-infested man and sliced through the blackness.
Otherworldly screeches of agony filled the air as the demons drew their blades to counter his attack. So many! Baliel slashed this way and that, dipping in low, then spinning to meet another blade. Nazare appeared by his side, and the two charged at least a dozen specters coming at them from all directions.
Baliel thrust his blade through a particularly thick, oozing demon, hitting his mark. Shrieking, the beast crawled off to lick his wounds. Nazare attacked a pair of short, sharp-fanged specters, their eyes dripping blood, their mouths foaming. Hatred and Murder. He’d met them before. They growled, teeth sharp and jagged. He swung his sword low and met both their blades with an ear-piercing crack. They fought with such ferocity, Nazare was forced to retreat. He glanced at Baliel for help, but his friend fought against three other dark spirits.
Nazare charged them again, slashing and thrusting, yet they refused to release the human, who relentlessly continued forward. Reaching inside his shirt, he pulled out a pistol. Nazare heightened his attack, glancing over his shoulder at Zarene who protected the humans, blade drawn.
“There are too many of them!” Nazare shouted.
“Keep fighting, my friend.” Baliel slashed anothe
r demon in half.
The man cocked his pistol.
“No!” Nazare shouted and started for Daniel as Zarene did his best to shield the three humans.
The pop pop of gunfire crackled the air.
Chapter 13
At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.
Matthew 24:10-13 (NIV)
A strange sensation came over Daniel. He couldn’t explain it. A foreboding, an anxiousness that was completely foreign to him. Glancing casually behind them, he spotted his bodyguard smiling and laughing with a young woman. Great. Some protection he was.
Daniel scanned the crowd. Something caught his eye. A man—tall, thick-boned, a gauge hanging from one earlobe—staring straight at Daniel.
With a gun in his hand!
“Noooooo!” Diving for Angel and Isaac, he shoved them to the ground and covered them with his body as the eerie pop pop of a gun ricocheted through the throng.
Someone shouted, “Gun!” and hysteria ensued as people screamed and scattered in all directions, pushing and shoving and tripping over each other in an effort to escape. The man with the pistol was swallowed in the mob. Daniel’s bodyguard stood frozen in place, gun drawn, staring at the chaos.
“What are you doing? Go after him!” Daniel shouted before turning to gather Angel and Isaac in a tight embrace. “Are you both all right?”
Angel was shaking. Isaac snapped wide eyes to Daniel.
“Yes, I think so.” Her voice quavered as she frantically brushed hair from her son’s face. “Are you hurt?”
Isaac shook his head. “What happened?” Though his lips trembled, the boy stood and helped his mom to her feet before falling into her embrace.
“Let’s get out of here.” Daniel glanced around, his one thought to get Angel and her son to safety. Who knew if there wasn’t another shooter or if the first one wouldn’t come back? And now his inept bodyguard was gone too. In fact, there wasn’t a soul in sight. Music still eerily played over the intercoms, interrupted by a voice announcing that the sea lion show would begin in ten minutes…as if nothing at all had happened.
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