“Come on, man, relax. Everybody does it.” Thomas put on his shoes.
“Not at my church.”
Thomas snorted. “You’d be surprised.”
“What does that mean?”
Rising, Thomas slicked back his hair. Rebellion sparked in his eyes, and Daniel longed to wipe that smirk off his face. “Good grief, I realize they took out the passages about fornication from the Bible”—Daniel huffed—“But two of my pastors boinking each other? Right in your office where anyone could see!”
“You have some right to talk, Daniel. Hanging out with that prostitute.”
Fisting his hand, he took a step toward Thomas, then stopped. It would do no good for the senior and associate pastor to get into a fistfight. “You know very well she’s no prostitute.”
“She’s a cocktail waitress with no education and a son out of wedlock. What does that look like?”
“I don’t care what it looks like. I only care what I saw happening in here. And it won’t happen again. Do you hear me?”
When Thomas didn’t answer, Daniel stormed out and went to his own office, seeking his coffee pot, praying Mrs. Clipton had made a fresh batch.
She had. God bless her.
He heard Thomas’ footsteps pounding the carpet behind him. “You’d better care because the entire church is talking about the little tart you invited to our play. Sitting her up front on display for all to see. What were you thinking?”
Daniel poured himself a cup, trying to control his anger. “I was thinking how nice it was that I could invite a friend to the play, that’s all.”
“But she’s a woman, and an attractive one, and the way you were ogling her from the pulpit… you don’t think people noticed?”
“I wasn’t oglin—”
“Now the entire church thinks you’re dating a cocktail waitress.”
Daniel sat behind his desk and set down his coffee. “So what?”
“So what?” Thomas leaned his knuckles on Daniel’s desk. “They are up in arms! Harold Jakes and his cohort Brinkenburg are already calling a board meeting to discuss it.”
“Discuss what? I invited a friend to the play. She happened to be a woman.”
“You’re going to ruin everything.” Thomas pushed from the desk and walked away. “You know that, don’t you?” He spun to face Daniel. “This Washington gig and any chance of getting elected, the New World Religion Conference. Everything. Including this church.”
“Don’t be ridiculous.” Daniel knew Thomas had a flair for the dramatic, but this was too much. “For dating an old girlfriend? Listen, I almost got her convinced to leave these religious fanatics she’s involved with. I can tell she’s weakening. Just think what a great human interest story that would make.” He waved a headline in the air. “Famous pastor rescues woman and her son from dangerous cult and then they fall in love.” He smiled. “Everyone loves a story of redemption and romance.”
“Please don’t tell me you’re in love with her.”
Daniel made no reply.
Thomas growled. “If you can turn her, I suppose we could spin it into something people might accept. But that’s a big if. I just don’t get you. Why take the risk?” He took up a pace. “I know it sounds archaic, and you’d think with our permissive culture, people would move past it, but they don’t. Not in religious circles. Not if you want to be a world spiritual leader. You have to be perfect, holy, without a past. And you can’t date a woman with a past either. Sure, you might be able to convince the board and keep your position here, though you’d definitely lose members. But as soon as D.C. or the World Religions Conference hears about it, you can kiss any future beyond this church goodbye.”
Daniel stared at the picture of his mother on his desk and longed for her advice. Everything was permissible in today’s world. You could even marry your dog if you wanted. But Thomas was right. Spiritual advisors and leaders were still held to a higher standard.
“How did you turn your little incident with Kimberly back on me?”
“I’ll stop things with Kimberly if that’ll make you feel better. Besides, she came on to me. But man, you gotta pull it together. We’ve come too far to lose it all now.” Thomas halted and stared at Daniel. “And for what? A woman who dumped you and broke your heart. She almost ruined you once and she’s gonna do it again.” A look of disgust came over his features. “Unless you really do want to end up a failure…just like your dad.”
♦♦♦
Arithem released a sigh of frustration as he watched his charge, Thomas, try to convince Daniel to stay away from Angelica.
“I’m sorry,” he said to Nazare standing beside him in Daniel’s office.
“No need to apologize,” Nazare said. “You cannot control him. Your job is to protect him, not influence him one way or the other.”
“I know.”
“The Father gave them free will, just as He gave us. Remember how Lucifer and a third of the angels chose to rebel against the Father long ago? They made their choice and were thrown out of heaven, permanently separating them from the source of all goodness, love, and light. Now they consist solely of evil and wickedness. They are no longer angels—but demons. But we chose to remain His servants, to obey His every command. When God made humans, He gave them the same choice to obey or disobey Him, starting with Adam and Eve. We can only watch as they make their own decisions, just as we made ours.”
Arithem shifted uncomfortably. “Very true. But I feel responsible in some way. See all the demons that have him in their grip?” He gestured to at least twenty foul spirits inhabiting Thomas.
“Yes. He follows their evil suggestions, which allows them to stay. We can’t override his choices.”
Arithem crossed arms over his chest. “It is hard to stand by and not be able to intervene. I wish the Father had assigned me an easier charge.”
“He must have thought you were well equipped.” Nazare watched as Daniel defended Angelica, feeling hope rise, but then it plummeted when he insisted on dragging her away from the truth. “He’s so close.” Nazare spoke with more emotion than he intended. “The darkness weakens in him. He must keep seeing Angelica. She is the only one speaking life to him.”
“At least there is hope for yours. Thomas continues to slip further away from the light.”
“Be patient, my friend. The Father would not have assigned you to him if he had hardened his heart beyond the point of salvation.”
Arithem nodded.
“We must speak to Campana. Perhaps he can urge Marley to influence these two. Marley is walking in more light each day.”
“Good idea.”
Nazare glanced at his friend, noting the urgency in his eyes. “Don’t get too involved. We are only to watch and protect.”
“I don’t know how you do it.”
“Not well. For, in truth, I fear for Daniel every day. I have known him since he was born. I have seen him love the Father with all his heart, and oh, how I long for those days again.”
“How foolish these humans are. So many choose the path that leads to despair, rejection, and sorrow.”
“They buy the enemy’s lies, the deception he has placed over the entire world—that fame, power, and money will lead to happiness, that those things give value and importance to one’s life.”
“If they only knew how valuable they already are.”
♦♦♦
A warm breeze, ripe with the scents of the sea and suntan lotion caressed Angelica’s face, and she opened her eyes. While Daniel and Isaac fished off the pier, she’d taken this rare opportunity alone to pray. There were so many requests, so many people in her life who needed to know God’s love. And then there were the Cascadia earthquake victims. News had been filled with horrific stories of death, destruction, looting, crime, and so many homeless in need of basic necessities. Her church, though tiny, had taken a collection of goods and money to send to a church in that area for distribution. That and her prayers were all she could do.
Which, of course, begged the question why she was here with him now, allowing him to interact with her son. Her gaze found Isaac’s small frame standing beside Daniel’s large one on the edge of the pier, fishing poles over the railing, lines in the water. Another one of her visions coming to pass. The fishing trip had been planned over the phone days before Angelica had stormed into Daniel’s office. Isaac had always wanted to fish, but Angelica had no idea how, nor the money for the equipment. How could she turn down an offer for both when her son was bursting with excitement?
What am I doing, Lord? Isaac needed a strong man of God to influence him in the right direction, not a compromising power-hungry pastor.
Hot, fiery rays showered down on her from above, and she grabbed her sunscreen and lathered more on her arms and legs. As a Florida native, she always had a tan, but she was prone to burn if she got too much sun.
“Hey, Angelica!” The cheerful voice caused her to shield her eyes and look up to see Anna approaching in a T-shirt, shorts, and flip flops.
“Anna! What a surprise.”
The lady plopped down beside her. “I thought I saw you over here. Robert and I came for an early morning swim.” She gestured to her husband sitting in a beach chair several yards away, book in hand, then drew a deep breath. “Kinda miss the beach since we stopped doing our Saturday thing.”
“I miss our Saturday thing.”
“Yeah, me, too. But we seem to be doing pretty good at Scottie’s.”
Children laughing brought Angelica’s gaze to a group of kids in a sand fight. “True. There have been so many new people lately. Several who used to listen to us here on the beach.”
Anna squeezed Angelica’s arm, her eyes sparkling. “God is doing amazing things.”
Angelica nodded. “How many got healed last week?”
“At least four. And two saved. And then Robert cast that demon out of that new guy, Rich.” She smiled at Angelica. “Plus your prophetic word.”
Angelica glanced at Isaac, then cupped a handful of sand, allowing it to sift through her fingers. “I just say what the Lord gives me.”
“But it brings such encouragement. Especially when we hear the Lord telling us to hold on, to persevere in the face of such mounting evil.” Removing her shoes, Anna dug her toes in the sand. “The Holy Spirit is being poured out everywhere. Scottie told me yesterday that he’s been in touch with over forty home churches in Fort Lauderdale alone.”
“Forty…” Angelica whistled. “I had no idea.”
“And some of them are in touch with churches throughout the nation and the world. Things are happening Angelica. Miracles, healings, so many people coming into the kingdom. Exciting times.”
“Such good news. I hope he shares that with us on Saturday.”
“I’m sure he will.”
Angelica watched a pelican dive bomb the water. Moments later, it surfaced, a fish in its mouth.
“Where’s Isaac?” Anna asked.
She followed Angelica’s point, squinted her eyes, and then smiled. “Is that the famous preacher?”
When Angelica didn’t respond, she added, “Thought you were going to stay away from him.”
She laughed. “Yeah, that didn’t work out so well.”
“And that’s a bad thing because…?”
Angelica sighed and stared at the foam-capped waves crashing on the sand. “Too many reasons to list.”
Daniel and Isaac drew in their lines and began packing their stuff.
“He broke your heart once…I know that.”
Broke, devoured, and spit out. Anna had been the only person Angelica had told. Not even Leigh knew the whole story. “It’s not so much that. He’s part of the apostate church.”
“Who better to influence him than you?”
“But he won’t listen. He’s too stubborn. Believe me, I’ve tried. He still thinks we are a bunch of kooks.”
Daniel and Isaac reached the edge of the pier and started across the sand.
“You love him, don’t you?”
“No.” But her heart betrayed her as she watched him approach, his confident gate, wind in his hair, and the way he chatted with her son. “Yes, I guess. Maybe I never stopped.”
Anna laid her hand on Angelica’s. “Be careful. The man is obviously pursuing you, but since he’s not following the Lord right now, you must seek God’s guidance. Pray for him, be an example, but guard your heart. God may use you to bring him back into the light, but follow Him and not your emotions.”
Angelica kicked the sand. “Easier said than done. But why me? I’m just a cocktail waitress, a single mother who can barely provide for her son.”
“Because the man obviously loves you.”
Angelica blinked. “What?”
“He bailed you out of jail and then risked getting Gecka to take care of you. I don’t know many men who would do that.”
“He likes playing the hero.” Angelica dared to glance at him, his muscular physique admired by several women whose eyes followed him as he strolled by. “Besides, he could have any woman he wants.”
Anna raised a brow. “Odd, then, that he chooses to hang out with you.”
“More frustrating than odd.” Angelica smiled. “Besides, I’m worried for Isaac. Daniel’s not a good influence on him.”
“Hmm. Perhaps.” Anna stared out over the glistening sea as a gust of wind blew her brown hair behind her. Daniel and Isaac were just yards away when she faced Angelica again, a knowing smile on her lips. “By the way, when are you going to tell him that Isaac is his son?”
Chapter 22
The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie.
2 Thessalonians 2:9-11 (NKJV)
Angelica opened her mouth to reply to Anna’s shocking question, but something had lodged in her throat—a clump of terror and shock. She glanced up to see Daniel and Isaac, laughing and talking, coming closer and closer.
“Mom, I caught a fish!” she heard her son shout.
But all she could do was stare at Anna.
Smiling, the lady squeezed her arm and struggled to rise. “Mr. Cain, good to see you again. And Isaac, look at that fish!”
Daniel greeted Anna while Isaac smiled proudly.
Thankfully, Angelica found her breath before she passed out.
The strong smell of fish bit her nose as the slimy gray creature filled her vision.
“Mom, you okay?” Isaac’s face appeared behind it.
She forced air into her lungs, and excitement into her voice. “Did you catch this?”
He beamed. “Yup.”
She glanced at Daniel who looked as proud as her son, and then her gaze sped back to Isaac. “That’s awesome! Guess we’re having fish for dinner.”
“Cool. I can feed the family too!”
“That will be a huge help.” She gave her son a hug. And she meant it. Any extra food would truly be a blessing. Except now she had to learn how to cook fish.
“He’s a natural, of course.” Daniel set down his pole. “Picks up everything so easily.”
“Well, I’ll leave you all to it. Robert looks lonely.” Anna winked at Angelica, grabbed her shoes, and strode away.
Daniel glanced after her and rubbed the back of his neck. “For a minute, I thought the old gang was back causing trouble.”
“Isaac!” A boy around Isaac’s age called from
shore.
After glancing his way, Isaac snapped pleading eyes toward Angelica. “Mom, can I go surf?”
Shielding her eyes, she checked the boy again to make sure she recognized him. “Sure. Just be careful.”
After dropping his fish in the bucket, Isaac set down his pole, grabbed his board, and took off like the wind.
Plopping on the sand beside her towel, Daniel stretched out his legs as if he intended to stay. He smelled of fish, the sea, and Daniel, and she was having trouble concentrating.
Anna’s declaration had sent such a streak of terror through her, she didn’t think she would recover. She kept the identity of Isaac’s father a well-guarded secret. But if Anna could figure it out, others could as well. And that must never happen.
For Isaac’s sake.
Either Daniel would completely reject him to save his career—as he had already proven he was more than capable of doing—which would devastate Isaac and scar him for life, or Daniel would embrace him, sue her for partial custody, and sweep her son into the delusional apostasy he propagated from the pulpit.
And she’d go to her grave before she allowed either of those to happen.
♦♦♦
Daniel could tell something was up with Angel. She’d been acting weird ever since he and Isaac had brought her the fish they’d caught. For one thing, she wouldn’t look him in the eyes. For another, she kept staring at Isaac surfing as if she wanted to scoop him up and run away.
From what? Him?
He’d done nothing but help the boy. And not for any reason other than simply because he enjoyed his company. Daniel had always longed for a wife and children, but his career had taken precedence. Yet these moments with Isaac made him wish he could have fit in a family somehow. He would think Angel would be thrilled to have a godly man take Isaac under his wing. Yet most of the time, she seemed anything but thrilled.
“Thanks for letting me teach him to fish,” he finally said.
“Are you kidding? He’s been begging me for years.” She drew her knees up to her chest. “I just can’t wrap my mind—or my fingers—around worms and hooks and well…the stench.” She gave a little laugh.
When Angels Cry Page 19