Army of Angels

by Marcus Brown

  “I know…”

  Hilary interrupted him. “Sandra helped us all and paid with her own life. You can’t leave her there, she’s suffering.”

  “Hilary, please.” David held his hands together as if in prayer.

  “You loved her, I know you did.”

  “You’re incorrect. I still love her, very much.”

  “Then do something to help her. You owe her that much.”

  “I owe her everything, but I don’t know how to stop Juliet, and even if I could, I’m forbidden to interfere.”

  “Then find a way because I won’t rest until she’s free.”

  “You’re in terrible danger, Hilary. I’m only here to warn you.”

  “Don’t you think I already know that? My best friend’s eyes are sitting in a box on my kitchen table.”

  She could see the words had wounded him but felt no guilt for doing so. “This all started with you and it should end with you. Sandra would have been happier if she’d never met you.” Hilary’s voice cracked with emotion. “What am I going to do without her?”

  “I’ll find a way to help you, but right now, I don’t know how to. Right now, you’re on your own, so tread carefully, but know this, when the time is right, forbidden or not, I’ll be there to fight alongside you.”

  “David, if you truly love her, find a way to set her free.”

  “I’ll do everything in my power to fight Juliet, but the consequences of my interference will be severe.”

  “I don’t care what happens to you, just help her.”

  He bowed his head, the orbs enveloping him once more, carrying him back to where he’d come from.

  Hilary said another prayer before leaving the safety of the church.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  A river, clear as crystal flowed down the centre of the metropolis, as far as the eye could see.

  The streets were pure gold, like transparent glass and the walls of the city were adorned with every kind of jewel, emerald, onyx, ruby, diamond and amethyst, to name but a few.

  There was no need of a sun, or a moon, nor a need for any houses of worship.

  The presence of God would be its light.

  In amongst the beauty of the heavenly city, David wandered, deep in thought, walking for miles and taking little notice of the people idling happily by.

  He’d taken much less notice of his surroundings than he realised and suddenly found himself staring up at the huge golden doors, the ethereal light reflecting from them distorting his vision.

  For reasons unknown to him, he had the feeling he’d been summoned, led to where he now stood.

  “Wait until we call for you, David,” a voice he didn’t recognise commanded, confirming his suspicions.

  Time meant nothing in Heaven, but he was still impatient, wondering why he’d been summoned by the council of Elders. He’d never been granted entry beyond the golden doors before–it must be important.

  The doors slowly opened, and a familiar angelic face greeted him with a solemn expression.

  “We’re ready for you, David.” Gabriel bowed his head and allowed him to pass.

  “Why have I been summoned here?” David stared down the long gleaming hallway.

  “It is not for you to question. All will be revealed to you in good time.”

  He could make out another set of golden doors at the end of the long corridor. “I’m sorry, Gabriel. I thought only Elders were permitted to enter.”

  “It is highly unusual you’ve been allowed to pass through these doors, that I will admit.”

  David studied his face awaiting further clarification, but Gabriel wasn’t forthcoming. The doors loomed large and opened slowly as they both approached. He was amazed by the vision before him, for there were twelve chairs raised on platforms around the magnificent circular room. A single ornate golden throne sat in the centre of the room and David didn’t have to be told who it belonged to.

  Suddenly, the room filled with a pulsating light, forcing David to shield his eyes. As the light dimmed, he moved his hands away from his face to see the twelve chairs occupied by the elders. Gabriel took flight, his magnificent wings bursting with a golden light–he claimed his rightful place to the left of the throne and began to talk.

  “David, you have been summoned here today because the Council of Elders wish to discuss a serious matter. It is important you do not lie to us. Is that understood?”

  “Of course, Gabriel.”

  “It has been brought to our attention you visited Earth last night, and we wish to know why.”

  David was surprised they’d found out so soon. He had no desire to lie and answered truthfully, “Yes, I did go to Earth.”

  “Why?” another of the elders asked.

  “I know I’m forbidden to interfere, but I have to do something to help.”

  “Your request to return to Earth and assist was refused. You know this already, so why disobey us?”

  “Juliet has Sandra.”

  “This is old news,” Gabriel added.

  “I can't just leave her there. I’m only here because she helped me and now you want me to abandon her. I won’t do that.”

  “We have our own ways of dealing with such matters,” Gabriel advised. “The cosmic balance has been upset and you must not do anything to sway the battle either way, do you understand?”

  “No, I don’t understand. I’m sorry, but I can’t leave her there to suffer. Her soul is trapped, you told me this yourself, Gabriel. I won’t abandon the woman I love, and if you make me choose, I’ll choose her every time. I never should have left her behind.”

  “Calm yourself. None of us could have predicted this. Juliet hid herself well from all of us, and now we have to let what she has planned come to pass.”

  “And what of Sandra? After everything she sacrificed for me.”

  “She is lost to us, and her soul will never be made welcome here. You know the evil acts she has committed.”

  “I’ve been watching too, and she had no choice.”

  “She was responsible for the death of a human being–you know our laws.”

  “But so was Maisie and, Mark, but they were allowed into the light.”

  “Mark paid for his sins, and we would never hold the child responsible for her parent’s actions.”

  David could feel the anger building within. “This is nonsense. You could help Sandra if you wished to, but you choose not to.”

  “We have our ways,” another member of the council said sternly. “And it is not for you to question them. Such impudence.”

  “I’m sorry, Michael. It isn’t my intention to appear disrespectful, but I love her.”

  “Love,” Michael hissed. “Your love for this woman is nothing in the grand scheme of things. For millions of years we have watched humans make mistake after mistake and take evil into their hearts, and for what? Vanity. She knew what the risks were but was too arrogant to take heed of the warnings given to her. We will not enter into any discussion. You are not to interfere and that will be the end of the matter.”

  “I won’t sit back and watch her suffer for eternity.”

  “Are you prepared to take her place?” Michael asked, as he rose out of his seat and glided majestically from his perch, landing gracefully next to David.

  “Yes, I will gladly take her place.” For the first time in months, David was hopeful. “Please send me back and help her,” he implored.

  “Very well,” Michael replied.

  “You cannot do this, Michael, it is forbidden,” Gabriel shouted in alarm. He glided down from his seat and stood in between David and Michael.

  “I will act as I please. I don’t defer to you, now get out of my way, Gabriel.” Michael’s wings stretched out gloriously as he raised his hands in the air.

  Suddenly, a blinding light filled the chamber.

  David covered his eyes again, aware of the commotion around him.

  When the light faded, David could see both Gabriel and Michael
had returned to their respective places within the chamber. They sat with their heads bowed.

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  “Turn around my child,” the familiar voice instructed him. “We must speak and there isn’t much time.”

  David turned toward the voice.

  The golden throne was ablaze with a dazzling light. Within the light, he could make out the shape of a man.

  “Do you remember me, David?”

  “I think so.” David squinted at the brightness. “You sent me back to the lane after I died in 1901.”

  “Yes, and I kept my promise and brought you back to be with your family. You did very well, my child.”

  David nodded his head yes. “But Sandra.”

  “I see everything, as do all who sit in this chamber.”

  “Then you know why I have to help her.”

  “Yes, I do.”

  “No. Gabriel is correct” Michael objected, rising from his seat. “David must not interfere. You cannot rewrite your own laws.”

  “Quiet,” the voice thundered, shaking the foundation of the chamber. “You will not question my decisions, Michael. All of you, be gone.”

  He waved his hand and the Council of Elders disappeared.

  “What…” David spluttered.

  “Do not worry, my child. They are quite safe. I’m simply not of the mind to hear their opinions today.”

  “So, you’ll let me go back.”

  “Are you truly aware of the danger you are facing, my child?”

  “Yes, but I have to return. I don’t care what happens to me.”

  “Do not be too hasty. You must understand before I make my final decision.”

  “All right. Tell me what is waiting for me, then let me go,” he said impatiently.

  “Juliet will not stop until Samantha is returned to her. Do you know what that means?”

  “Not really.”

  “Together they will try and raise an ancient evil, banished to hell, and, if they succeed, a great many people will lose their lives. If I allow you to return to Earth, you must hide in the shadows once again and Juliet must not be aware of your presence. Do you understand?”

  “I do,” David said.

  “On that point there is one more condition, and I need your solemn vow.”

  “What is it?”

  “You are not to return to Promised Land Lane until I give my blessing. Your beloved must not know you have returned until the time is right.”

  “But,” David interrupted.

  “With one wave of my hand, I can wipe her entire existence from your memory. Is that what you want?” His tone gave no room for interpretation as to the power he could wield if needed.

  “No, I don’t want that, but I have to help her.” David thought about Sandra every waking moment and deeply regretted leaving her behind.

  “Yes, and you will help her, but at this moment, Sandra is at a crossroads and even I cannot be certain which way things will go. If you show yourself and Juliet has her in thrall as I suspect, she will know, and the light will lose the element of surprise. Do you understand what I am trying to say to you, David? I’m not asking you to forget about her. I know the love you hold in your heart for her but trust me, just for a little while longer. Can you do that?”

  “Yes, if it’s the only way I can help her, I will do as you ask.”

  “Thank you, my child,” he said kindly. “Now, there isn’t much time to waste. When you return, you must only do so within the walls of my church for they will shield your presence to evil. Neither Juliet or her minions can set foot in a holy place.”

  “What about Hilary? How am I to tell her how to find me?”

  “She is tenacious and will find you again–I’ll make sure of it.” He rose from the throne and walked towards David. “Go with my blessings, and take care, my child. If you win the battle, we will all owe you a huge debt of gratitude.” He took hold of David’s face in his hands and kissed him on the brow.

  “Before I go, can I ask you one question?”

  “Anything.”

  “If I can turn Sandra back to the light, will you help her?”

  “My child.” His tone echoed concern. “Sandra’s soul was wrenched from her body. Until Juliet Oswell turns her completely toward the dark, or releases it, I am powerless to help.”

  “But, if Juliet releases her?”

  “Then I will welcome her into the light, but her human existence is over. That I cannot change, nor am I able to restore her soul unless Juliet willingly gives it up.”

  “And what if she refuses to do that? There must be some other way.” David was clutching at straws.

  “The death of Juliet Oswell is the only other way, but I forbid you to take her life, regardless of what she is.”

  “But…”

  “You must not taint your own soul trying to save somebody else’s. You know our laws, David. Many of your kind have tried to influence the lives of those they loved and left behind, but it must be as it was always meant to be.”

  “I’d never do anything to break our sacred laws, but if I can find a way to restore Sandra’s soul and turn her back to the light, will you permit her to return with me?”

  “Only if her soul is restored and she chooses to be with you.”

  “And I can be with her, here?”

  “Forever and a day–that is my promise.”

  “Thank you.” David smiled.

  “Time is not on our side, but remember, nothing is guaranteed, and the outcome may not be what you would wish it to be.”

  “I understand.” David bowed his head in deference.

  “Be safe, my child. I will be watching.” The chamber once again filled with a blinding light.

  David was alone.

  A door at the back of the chamber opened.

  David knew he had to go through it to return to Earth.

  He stepped through, finding himself at the altar of St. Jude’s Church.

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Hilary was in the middle of brushing her teeth when the phone rang.

  She rushed from the bathroom and grabbed the landline on her bedside cabinet.

  “Hello.”

  “Hilary. It’s Andrew Hope.”

  “Oh, hi, Andrew.” She sat down on the bed. “How did it go?”

  “I just wanted to let you know I paid a visit to the lane and spoke to Juliet Oswell.”

  “Okay.”

  “She kindly allowed me to take a look around, and as I suspected, there is no sign of Sandra Miller. I know it’s not the news you wanted, but I hope this will finally help you to move on. Unless we discover anything to the contrary, we have to assume Sandra doesn’t want to be found.”

  “How can Sandra be found if she’s being held against her will?”

  “There’s no evidence to indicate that. If you recall, we searched the house from top to bottom when Nathan Miller reported his wife missing six months ago. We found nothing to suggest anything untoward had happened and nothing’s changed since.”

  “I know she’s there. I’ve seen her with my own eyes.”

  “Hilary, listen to me carefully. If I thought for one minute anything sinister had taken place, I’d be the first person to charge in. The place is shrouded in mystery and people get confused when they’re scared.”

  Hilary knew she was being fobbed off and wanted Andrew to admit he was equally perplexed as she was. “If that’s the case, explain Rachel Lang and Adam Lee to me please.”

  “Both of those cases are ongoing.”

  “And what about that Dean guy? A bit weird that he goes to the lane and ends up locked up in the loony bin.”

  “There has been no change in Mr Lewis’ condition, but please let this go. If you continue to make these wild accusations, you’re going to get yourself into trouble.”

  “With respect, Andrew, I couldn’t care less. My friend is the only thing that’s important to me, and if you won’t help her, I will.” Hilary was defiant in her
firmness to help Sandra.

  “If that is what you want to do, stay within the law, but please, keep away from Juliet Oswell. That's all I'm asking here. Something tells me that woman is more formidable than any of us realise.”

  “She’s related to Samantha Whitmore. Don’t you get it?”

  “I don’t see a connection.”

  “Maisie Whitmore lived in that house over a hundred years ago and disappeared. You already know that. Her mother was murdered there, her father’s body was never found, and suddenly a long-lost relative nobody has ever heard of, sweeps in and buys the place. Samantha had a sister by the name of Juliet, it’s all documented. Doesn’t that seem peculiar to you?”

  “Well, granted it is curious, given the history of the place, but some people seek solace in the familiar and returning where they consider home is not unusual behaviour.”

  “You could at least check her out. Find out a bit more about her.”

  “And do what with the information exactly? I already looked into her, unofficially of course, and she spent many years in South America, only making the odd trip back to England. There’s nothing to check out, trust me.”

  Hilary knew she was wasting her time, but maybe his refusal to do anything else was a blessing in disguise. She didn’t want anything to happen to him, but he would look foolish once the truth came out.

  “Fine,” she lied. “I’ll stay away, but I won’t quit looking for my friend.”

  “And I’d expect nothing less from you, Hilary, but as I said, stay within the law if nothing else. I don’t want to see you hauled down to the station again. I pulled a lot of favours getting you off the hook last time.”

  “Okay, point taken. And thanks for what you did. I know it could have been a lot worse.”

  “Take care, Hilary, look after your arm, and with the greatest respect, I hope never to hear from you again.”

  The line went dead.

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Jason hadn’t slept all night.

  He wanted to get out of the house and look for his brother, but the grimy road he lived in was surrounded by journalists wanting the latest installment in his family’s misery.