Covet - A Novel of Fallen Angel Part 31

G.o.d, when the news. .h.i.t that someone you knew died, you got a small shot of what the deceased was getting a whole boatload of: You stopped short and pulled out of the business of life as the ringing of the bell resonated through your mind and your body. And because humans were a pain in the a.s.s, usually the first thought was, No, it canat be.

Life, however, didnat come with a rewind b.u.t.ton and it sure as f.u.c.k wasnat interested in opinions from the peanut gallery.

The curtain pulled back, revealing a stocky man with dark hair and dark eyes. aVin diPietro?a Vin jerked himself to attention. aAhayeah, thatas me.a The man stepped inside and took out a badge. aIam Detective de la Cruz from Homicide. How you doing?a aHavenat thrown up in about ten minutes.a aWell, good for you.a He nodded to Gretchen and gave her a little bow. aIam sorry we have to meet again so soonaand under these circ.u.mstances. Now, can you guys give me a quick version of what happened? And listen, neither of you is under arresta"but if youad rather talk with a lawyer present, I understand.a Mick Rhodes hadnat been called yet, and head no doubt advise against saying anything without him, but Vin was too tired to carea"and anyway, it didnat hurt to be nominally cooperative when youad acted within the bounds of the law.

Vin shook his head back and forth on the pillow. aNo, itas fine, Detective. As for what went downawe were upstairs in the bedroom withaa For no good reason, an overriding instinct told him not to mention Eddiea"one so strong that he felt powerless to resist it. aawith Jim.a The detective took out a little pad of paper and a pen, all Columbo-style. aWhat were you doing in the house? The neighbors said that usually thereas no one in it.a aI own the place and Iave decided to finally do it over for resale. Iam a real estate developer and Jim worksaworkedafor me. We were there discussing the project, you know, going through the roomsa. I guess Iad left the front door open and we were upstairs when it all happened.a As the detective nodded and made notes in his pad, Vin gave him a chance to get it all down. aWe were in the bedroom, talking, and the next thing I know I hear this gun go off. It happened so d.a.m.n fasta. Jim jumped in front of her and took the bulleta. I was by the dresser with my back to the door, and I went for my piecea"which, by the way, is registered and I have a license to carry. I shot the guy with the gun and he went down.a More notations in the pad. aYou shot him a number of times.a aYeah, I did. He wasnat getting a chance to let loose any more rounds.a The detective backed through his notebook, the inked-up pages making a crackling sound. When he looked up again, he smiled briefly. aRight, okayaso why donat you try it again and tell me the truth this time. Why were you in that house?a aI told youa"a aThere was salt poured everywhere and incense in the air and the window upstairs in that bedroom had been broken. The sink on the second floor was filled with some kind of solution, and there were empty bottles of things like hydrogen peroxide all overa"and the circle drawn on the floor in the middle of that bedroom you were in was also a nice touch. Ohaand you were found with your s.h.i.+rt off and no shoes on, which seems like an odd wardrobe if you were gum-flapping about business. Soaalthough Iam inclined to believe you about the shooting part, because I can trace the paths of bullets as well as the next guy, youare full of c.r.a.p about the rest of it.a Right, pin-drop time.

aI think we should tell him the truth, honey,a Gretchen said.

Vin looked over at her and wondered, Exactly which truth would that be, dear?

aPlease do,a the detective said. aAnd look, Iall tell you what I believe, if itall help. The guy you killed was named Eugene Locke, alias Saul Weaver. Heas a convicted murderer who got out of prison about six months ago. He was renting the house next door and he was obsessedaa"the detective nodded at Gretchena"awith you.a aThis is what I canat understandawhya"a Gretchen stopped. aWait a minute, how do you know that? What did you find at his house?a The detective looked away from his notes, focusing on a middle ground. aThe man had pictures of you.a aWhat kind of pictures,a she asked in a flat tone.

As Vin rubbed her hand, the detective met her eyes. aWide-lens, telephoto stuff.a aHow many.a aA lot.a Gretchenas palm tightened against his. aYou find anything else?a aThere was a statue upstairs. One that actually had been reported stolen from St. Patrickas Cathedrala"a aOh, my G.o.d, the Mary Magdalene,a Gretchen said. aI saw it was missing from the church.a aThatas the one. And Iam not sure if you noticed or not, but she looks a lot like you.a Vin struggled with the urge to kill the guy all over again. aCould this EugeneaSaul guyawhatever his name was, be responsible for those deaths and beatings in the alleys?a The detective flipped through his book. aSince heas dead, and therefore thereas no chance of maligning his reputationaIall tell you that I think I can tie him to both incidents. Right now, the man who was wounded in the head last night is still hanging on. If he makes it, I believe heall identify his attacker as having dark hair, because when we went through Lockeas house, we found a menas brunet wig with fine traces of blood splattering on it. The CSIers are already running tests, and I believe that the residue is going to match one or all of our victims. We also have a shoe print from the first scene which happens to look a h.e.l.luva lot like what Locke was wearing tonight.

aSo, yeah, pulling this all togetheraa More with the flipping through, then another glance at Gretchen. aIam thinking that Locke was targeting men youad danced with or for at the club, and that explains those attacks. And it was a stroke of lucka"or misfortune was more like ita"that he happened to live in the house next to where you guys were tonight. Because he didnat know that place was yours, right?a Vin shook his head. aIad been there like one other time in the last month, and before thataI canat recall. And I donat think he knew my name to search the real estate records. Besides, how long had he lived next door?a aSince he was released from prison.a aYeah, she and I didnat meet butathree days ago.a De la Cruz made another note. aOkay, Iave been candid. How about returning the favora? You want to tell the truth about why you were there?a Gretchen spoke up before Vin could. aDo you believe in ghosts, Detective?a The man blinked a couple of times. aAhaIam not sure.a aVinas parents died in that house. And he does want to do it over. The problem isathereas a bad spirit in it. Or was. We were trying to get it out.a Vin popped his brows. Holy c.r.a.p. That was fantastic, he thought.

aReally?a the detective asked, his brown eyes going tennis-match between them.

aReally,a Vin and Gretchen said together.

aNo s.h.i.+t,a the detective murmured.

aNo s.h.i.+t,a Vin replied. aThe salt was supposed to create a barrier or some c.r.a.p, and the incense was to clean the air. Listen, Iam not going to pretend I understand all of ita.a h.e.l.l, he still wasnat clear on everything. aBut I know what we did worked.a Because he felt different. He was different. He was just himself now.

De la Cruz flipped to a fresh page and wrote something. aYou know, my grandmother used to be able to predict the weather. And there was a rocker up in her attic that moved by itself. What got thrown out the window?a aWould you believe it broke on its own?a Vin answered.

De la Cruz glanced up. aI donat know.a aWell, it did.a aGuess whatever you did might really have worked.a aIt did.a Vin rubbed his eyes with his free hand until his shoulder let out a holler he couldnat ignore and he had to stop. aLetas f.u.c.king hope it keeps, though.a There was a pause and then De la Cruz looked at Gretchen. aI have a follow-up question for you, if you donat mind. You stated to the medics that your name is Gretchen Capricio, but I have it down as Marie-Terese Boudreau. Would you feel comfortable helping me out a little about that?a Gretchen did a thorough explanation of her situation, and as she spoke, Vin stared at her beautiful face and wished he could take all the pain from the past and the stress from the present away from her. She had shadows in her eyes and under them, but as head come to expect, her voice was strong and her chin up.

Man, he was in love with her.

The detective was shaking his head as she finished up. aIam really sorry about all that. And I understand completelya"although I do wish youad been up-front in the beginning with us.a aI was afraid of the press, mostly. My ex-husbandas in prison, but his family connections are all over the countryaand some of them are in law enforcement. After what happened with my son, I donat trust anyonea"even those people with badges.a aWhat made you decide to come clean tonight?a Her eyes s.h.i.+fted to Vin. aThings are different and Iam leaving town. Iall still let you know where I am, butaI have to get out of Caldwell.a aAfter all this, I understand ita"although weare going to need to be able to reach you.a aAnd Iall come back anytime you need me.a aOkay. And look, Iall talk to my sergeant. Giving a false ident.i.ty to the police is a crime, but under the circ.u.mstancesaa He put his notebook away. aI also heard from the staff here that you told them you were his wife?a aI wanted to stay with him.a De la Cruz smiled a little. aI did that once. My wife and I were dating and she sliced her finger open with a knife cutting up a salad for dinner. When I took her to the ER, I lied and told them we were married.a Gretchen lifted Vinas hand to her lips and kissed it briefly. aIam glad you understand.a aI do. I really do.a The detective nodded at Vin. aSo you two just started dating?a aYeah.a aGuess your previous lady friend didnat like it, did she.a aYeahaI had the ex-girlfriend from h.e.l.l.a Literally.

In a rush, Vin thought back to the mess his duplex had been left in and the lies Devina had told the police. aSheas vicious, Detective. Worse than you can imagine. And I did not hit her, not once that night, not ever. My mother was abused by my father, and I donat pull s.h.i.+t like that. Iad walk out and leave everything I own behind before I ever struck a female.a The detectiveas eyes narrowed and that eagle stare locked on Vin. After a moment, the guy nodded. aWell, weall see. Iam not handling that side of things because itas out of my departmentabut I wouldnat be surprised if they didnat find there was more going on, like a third party or something. Iave looked into the faces of a lot of wife beaters and youare not one of their kind.a De la Cruz put his notebook and pen away and glanced at his watch. aHey, check it out. Now you havenat thrown up in almost a half hour. Thatas a good signa"maybe theyall let you blow this Popsicle stand.a Vin extended his free hand even though his shoulder didnat appreciate it. aYouare okay, Detective, you know that?a A solid palm met Vinas and they shook. aAnd I hope you two are going to be all right. Iall be in touch.a After the guy left, the curtain flapped back down in place and Vin took a deep breath. aHow long do you suppose I have to wait before I can go?a aLetas give it another half an hour, and if they donat come to check on you, Iall go find that doctor.a aOkay.a The trouble was, being powerless and waiting like a good boy had never sat well. Within five minutes, he was getting ready to hit the nurse-call b.u.t.ton, except then the curtain parted again.

aPerfect timinga"a Vin frowned. Instead of a nurse or a doctor, it was Eddie, looking as grim as a guy whoad just lost a friend and fallen out of a second-floor window.

Go. Fig.

Vinas first instinct was to sit right up, but that didnat go over well at all. As his shoulder let out an opera-singer scream, he had to close his throat up to keep from vomiting all over the front of himselfa"but at least it wasnat from the Demerol.

As Gretchen lunged for a fresh bedpan and Eddie held up both of his palms in the universal language of whooooooooooooa, Vin tottered on the edge of losing it.

Thank f.u.c.k the tide receded and his stomach eventually loosened up.

aSorry about that,a he said roughly. aIam having issues.a aNo probs. No probs at all.a Vin breathed in through his nose and out through his mouth. aIam sorryaabout Jim.a Gretchen went up to Eddie and gripped the guyas ma.s.sive upper arms. Standing in front of him, she was both tiny and fierce. aI owe him my life.a aBoth our lives,a Vin chimed in.

Eddie hugged her briefly and nodded once at Vin. Clearly, he was the type who controlled his emotionsa"which was something Vin could respect.

aI appreciate it. And now, why Iave come.a Eddie reached into his pocket, and when he brought out his palm, in the center of it was the diamond ring and the gold earring. aAdrian did what he had to and got them away from her. Youare both completely free, and the way it works is youare now off-limits to her. You donat have to worry about Devina coming back. Just hold on to these, okay?a As Gretchen took the pieces and hugged him again, Vin let her embrace say everything he wished he could, but didnat dare. He was getting a little choked up, and not because his stomach was rolling into another evac: Sometimes sharp grat.i.tude had the same effect on the gut as nausea. The thing was, he just couldnat figure out what these men had gotten from helping him and Gretchen. Jim was dead, Eddie looked like s.h.i.+t, and f.u.c.k only knew what Adrian had done with Devina.

aYou guys take care of yourselves, okay?a Eddie murmured, turning to leave. aIave got to go.a Vin cleared his throat. aAbout JimaIam not sure if you were planning on claiming his body, but Iad love to give him a proper burial. Nothing but the best. Straight up.a Eddie looked over his shoulder, his odd red-brown eyes grave. aThat would be coola"Iall leave you in charge of him. And Iam sure head appreciate it.a Vin nodded once, the deal struck. aYou want to know when and where? Can you give me your number?a The guy recited some numerals, which Gretchen wrote down on a piece of paper.

aText me with the details,a Eddie said. aIam not sure where Iall be. Iam taking off.a aYou donat want to be seen by a doc?a aNo need to. Iam fine.a aAhaokay. Take care. And thank youaa Vin let the words drift because he didnat know how to say what was in his heart.

Eddie smiled in an ancient way and held his hand up. aYou donat have to say anything else. I feel you.a And then he was gone.

As the curtain flapped shut, Vin watched under its hem as those s.h.i.+tkickers turned to the right, took one stepaand disappeared into thin air. Like theyad never been there in the first place.

Bringing his right palm to his face, Vin rubbed his eyes. aI think Iam hallucinating.a aDo you want me to get the doctor?a Gretchen came over, all worried. aI can use the nurseas b.u.t.tona"a aNo, Iam okaya. Sorry, I think Iam just really overtired.a For all he knew, the guy had simply moved over to the left and was now, at this very moment, striding out of the ER and into the night.

Vin tugged Gretchen down next to him. aI feel like itas over now. This whole thing.a Well, over except for the fact that his visions were back to staya"at least according to Eddie. But maybe that wasnat a bad thing. Maybe he could find some way of channeling them or using them for good.

With a frown, he realized head found a new purpose. Only this one would serve others, not himself.

Not a shabby outcome, all things considered.

Gretchen opened her hand and the jewelry, especially the diamond, gleamed. aIf you donat mind, though, Iam going to put these in a safety-deposit box.a As she shoved them down deep into the pocket of her jeans, Vin nodded. aYeah, letas not lose those again, shall we?a aNope. Never again.a

CHAPTER 42.

When the taxi pulled up in front of Gretchenas rental house, the light of dawn was breaking over Caldwell in a lovely wash of peach and golden yellow. The trip away from St. Francis had been a h.e.l.l of a lot better than the one to the ER in the back of that ambulance, but it was clear to Gretchen that Vin was far from well. With his pale green, rigid face, he was obviously in pain, and mobility was going to be a problem with that arm of his in a sling. Plus he looked like a homeless man in the floppy s.h.i.+rt the hospital had given him, its wide-open collar showing off the super-white bandage that ran from the base of his neck all the way across one side of his chest.

aNext stop the Commodore, right?a the driver said over his shoulder.

aYeah,a Vin replied in an exhausted voice.

Gretchen stared out the window at her little house. The babysitteras car was parked in front on the street and there was a light on in the kitchen. Upstairs, Robbieas room was dark.

She didnat want Vin to go back to the duplex by himself.

She wasnat sure how Robbie would take to meeting him.

And she felt trapped between the two.

Turning to Vin, she searched his familiar, handsome features. He was talking to herapatting her handaprobably telling her to get some rest, take care of herself, call him when she was upa.

aPlease come in,a she blurted. aStay with me. Youave just been shot and you need someone to look after you.a Vin stopped in midsentence and just stared at her. Which was precisely what the cabbie did in the rearview mirror. Then again, both the invitation and the gunshot part were no doubt equally surprising to each of the men, respectively.

aWhat about Robbie?a Vin asked.

Gretchen glanced up and met the driveras eyes. G.o.d, she wished there were some way of putting up a part.i.tion so the guy behind the wheel didnat hear all this.

aIall introduce you to him and him to you. And weall just go from there.a Vinas mouth tightened and she braced herself for a no. aThank youaIad like to meet your son.a aGood,a she whispered with a combination of relief and fear. aLetas go.a She paid the fare and got out of the cab first so she could help Vina"but he shook his head and grabbed the side of the taxi to pull himself up. Which was a good thing, considering the way the muscles in his forearm clenched. Given how much he weighed, she was more likely to fall on him than actually get him to his feet.

Once he was upright, she hitched herself under his good side, shut the door, and helped him up the front walk.

Instead of trying to find her keys, she knocked quietly and Quinesha opened the way immediately. aMy lord, will you look at you two.a The woman stepped back and Gretchen got Vin over to the couch, where he didnat so much sit down as fall on the cus.h.i.+onsa"which led her to believe his knees gave out.

For long moments, everyone waited to see if he was going to need to be rushed to the bathroom.

When it seemed like he had himself under nominal control, Quinesha didnat ask a lot of questions. She just gave Gretchen one of her quick, hard hugs, asked if there was anything she could do, and hit the road when she was thank-you-but-noad from the heart.

Gretchen locked the door up and put her purse down on the ratty wing chair by the TV. As Vin let his head fall back and his lids crash down, she was not surprised when he took a series of long, deep recovery breaths and held otherwise completely still.

aYou want the bathroom?a she asked, hoping he didnat have to throw up again.

When he shook his head, she went into the kitchen, got a gla.s.s out of the cupboard, and filled it full of ice. Courtesy of her son, there were two things she always had in the house: ginger ale and saltines, also known as motheras cure-all. Even though Robbie was homeschooled, he played with other kids at the Y, and the sitters all had children who came down with flus and colds and stomach bugs.

A mom never knew when she might need the magic combo.

Cracking open a fresh can of Canada Dry, she poured the soda over the ice and watched the fizz go crazy and foam up right to the top of the gla.s.s. As she waited for things to settle, she got out a sleeve of the crackers and put a two-inch stack on a folded paper towel.

Just as she was topping off the gla.s.s again, she heard Vinas gravelly voice from the living room: aHi.a Her first instinct was to rush in to rea.s.sure Robbiea"but she knew if she made it look like there was a problem, shead only make things more dramatic than they already were going to be. Picking up what shead gotten for Vin, she forced herself to walk calmly into the living room.

Robbieas hair was sticking up in the back as it always did when he got out of bed, and his Spider-Man pjas made him look smaller than he really was because shead purposely bought them two sizes bigger than he needed.

Standing just inside the room, he was focused on their guest, his eyes wary, but curious.

G.o.daher heart was pounding and her throat was tight and the ice in the ginger ale was rattling from the way her hand shook.

aThis is my friend Vin,a she offered quietly.

Robbie glanced back at her and then refocused on the couch. aThatas a big Band-Aid. You gots a cut?a Vin nodded slowly. aI do.a aFrom what?a Gretchen opened her mouth, but Vin got there first with an answer. aI fell down and hurt myself.a aThat why you gots the sling, too?a aYeah.a aYou donat look so hot.a aI donat feel so hot.a There was a long pause. And then Robbie took a step forward. aCan I look at your Band-Aid?a aYeah. Sure.a Though it clearly cost him a lot of agony, Vin moved the strap of the sling off his shoulder and slowly unb.u.t.toned his borrowed s.h.i.+rt. Peeling the cloth back, he exposed the padding and gauze and tape.

aWooooooooow,a Robbie said, walking all the way over and reaching out.

aDonat touch him, please,a Gretchen said quickly. aHeas hurting.a Robbie retracted his hand. aIam sorry. You knowamy momas good at healing my cuts.a aYeah?a Vin said roughly.

aUh-huh.a Robbie glanced over his shoulder. aSee? She already gots the ginger ale.a Dropping his voice down to a whisper, he added, aShe always gives me ginger ale and saltines. I donat really like aem all that much, but I usually feel better after I eat aem.a Gretchen went over to the couch and put the crackers on the table next to Vin. aHere. Thisall steady your stomach.a Vin took the gla.s.s and looked at Robbie. aYou okay with me hanging on your couch for a little while? Truth is, Iam really tired and I need a place to rest.a aYeah. You can stay here till youare all better.a Her son put his hand out and introduced himself. aIam Robbie.a Vin extended his good arm. aNice to meet you, my man.a After they shook, Robbie smiled. aI have an idea, too.a As he headed out of the room, she said, aYou want to get changed out of your pjas, please?a aYes, Mom.a It took every ounce of control for Gretchen not to do the whole s.n.a.t.c.h and hug thing as he pa.s.sed bya"but he was behaving as the man of the house, and seven-year-olds deserved to have their pride.

aYou think that went okay?a Vin asked softly.

aI really do.a She blinked fast and sat down next to him. aAnd please drink some of that.a Vin clasped her hand in a fast squeeze and then took a sip. aI donat think Iam up for the saltines.a aWe can wait on those.a aThank youafor letting me meet him.a aThank you for being so good with him.a aIall stay on the couch, okay?a aYup and we can do our lessons in the kitchen. I home-school him, and todayas Monday.a aI love you,a Vin said, turning his head to face her. aI love you so G.o.dd.a.m.n much it hurts.a She smiled and leaned in, kissing him. aThat might just be your shoulder talking.a aNo, itas closer to the center of my chest. I thinkaitas called the heart? Not sure, as I havenat had one before.a aI believe that would be the heart, yes.a There was a pause. aYou still going to move into my farmhouse?a aIf itas still okay with you, yes.a aYou mind having someone else in one of the guest rooms while youare there? You know, a fellow tenant? Itas a big place, and thereas this maidas room over the kitchen that he could use while you and Robbie have the whole run of the second floor. And I can vouch for the guy. Heas neat and clean, quiet, respectful. Known him a long time. Heas trying to get his life back together and is going to need a place to stay.a She stroked his face, and thought they hadnat known each other for all that long if you counted the hoursabut considering what theyad been through, it was as if everything needed to be measured in something like dog years. Or more.

aI think that would be great.a They kissed again quickly and he said, aIf it doesnat work, Iall leave right away.a aSomehow I think itas going to be fine.a Vin smiled and sipped a little more. aI havenat had ginger ale in years.a aHowas your stomacha"a Robbie came back down, still in his pjas. aHere, thisall help!a As he held out his favorite Spider-Man comic book, Gretchen took the soda so that Vin could accept the gift.

aThis looks really cool,a Vin murmured as he put the comic on his lap and opened the first page.

aItall take your mind off things.a Robbie nodded as if speaking from decades of experience. aSometimes when you hurt, you need distraction.a Distraction came out discracks.h.i.+on.

aI gotta go get ready for school. You stay here. Drink that. Mom and I will check on you.a Robbie marched out of the room like head arranged everything.

And just like that, Vin was in like Flynn.

CHAPTER 43.

Again with the fresh gra.s.s.

Although at least this time, Jim knew where the f.u.c.k he was.

As he opened his eyes and got a whole lot of bright green and fluffy, he turned his face to the side and took a clear, deep breath. His whole body hurt, not just where head taken the bullet, and he waited for things to quiet down a little before he attempted any flashy moves likeaoh, lifting his head or some s.h.i.+t.

Guess this facedown business meant he was really deada"

A pair of perfectly polished white bucks overtook his visual field, and above the natty shoes, a set of linen slacks pressed with a knife edge hung with the perfect break at the ankles.

The bottom cuffs were jacked up sharply, and then Nigel knelt on his haunches. aHow lovely to see you again. And no, youall be going back down again. You have more missions ahead of you.a Jim groaned. aAm I going to have to die first before I come here every time? Because no offense, but for f.u.c.kas sake, I can just give you a cell phone to call.a aYou did very well,a Nigel said. The manaangelawhateveraextended his hand. aVery well indeed.a Jim gave the springy ground a shove and turned himself over. As he shook what was offered, the sky was so bright he blinked fast and let go quickly so he could rub his eyes.

Manawhat a trip it all had been. But at least those two people were okay.

aYou left out one crucial piece of information,a he said to the angel. aThe crossroads was mine, wasnat it. When that bullet went flying, the key choice in all this was mine, not Vinas.a aYes, it was. When you chose to save her over yourself, that was the critical turning point.a Jim let his arms flop down at his sides. aIt was a test.a aYou pa.s.sed, incidentally.a aGo, me.a Colin and the other two dandies came over, and all three of them were dressed as Nigel was, in pressed white slacks with cashmere sweaters that were peach and yellow and sky blue, respectively. Nigelas top half was done in coral.

aYou guys ever wear camo?a Jim grunted as he propped himself up on his palms. aOr does that offend your sensibilities.a Colin knelt down and actually put his knees right on the gra.s.sa"which suggested Heaven had Clorox bleach in its laundry room. aIam rather proud of you, mate.a aAs are we.a Bertie stroked his wolfhoundas head. aYou succeeded marvelously.a aMarvelously indeed.a As Byron nodded, his rose-colored gla.s.ses winked in the diffused light. aBut then I knew you were going to choose wisely. All along, I was sure, yes, I was.a Jim focused on Colin. aWhat else are you guys hiding from me.a aIam afraid things are on a need-to-know basis, dear boy.a Jim let his head fall back on his spine and he stared at the milky blue sky that seemed at once miles away and close enough to touch. aYou donat by any chance know a f.u.c.ker named Matthias, do you.a As a soft breeze rolled on by and rustled through the blades of gra.s.s, the question went unanswered, so Jim struggled to get to his feet. When Bertie and Byron leaned in to help him, he put them off even though his a.s.s was about as steady as a pencil standing on its eraser.

Jim knew what was next. Another a.s.signment. Seven souls out there and head saved oneaor was it two?

aHow many more do I have to take care of?a he demanded.

Colin swept his arm over to the left. aSee for yourself.a Jim frowned and looked to the castle. On the top of its towering wall, curling in the breeze, was a ma.s.sive triangular flag in brilliant red. The thing was incredibly bright, as vivid as the green of the gra.s.s, and as it waltzed in the breeze, he was transfixed.

aThat is why we wore pastels,a Nigel said. aYour first flag of honor is unfurled and nothing save the gra.s.s of the earth here should rival it.a aThatas for Vin?a aYes.a aWhatas going to happen to them?a Byron spoke up. aTheyare going to live out their days in love, and when they come herein, they shall spend an eternity together in joy.a aProvided you donat c.o.c.k things up with the other six,a Colin interjected, getting up. aOr quit.a Jim leveled his finger at the guy like it was a gun. aI donat quit.a aWe shall seeawe shall see.a aYou are such a p.r.i.c.k.a Nigel nodded gravely. aHe very much is.a aBecause I am logical?a The angel didnat seem concerned at alla"or aatall, as he would saya"with the label. aThere is a point in every endeavor when one feels the burn of too many vertical steps. We have all been there ourselves and so have you. We shall just hope that when you reach that pointa"a aIam not going to quit, a.s.shole. Donat you worry about me.a Nigel crossed his arms over his chest and stared flatly at Jim. aNow that Devina knows you and youave taken something from her, sheas going to start targeting your weaknesses. This is going to get much harder and much more personal.a aThe b.i.t.c.h can bring it on, how about that.a Colin grinned. aIt is a bit of a shock we two donat get along better.a Byron cleared his throat. aI think we should all just take a moment to support Jim as opposed to challenging him more. He has done a wonderful, brave thing, and I for one am quite proud.a As Bertie started chiming in and Tarquinas tail wagged, Jim held out his palms. aIam coola"Oh G.o.d, no hugging, noa"a Too late. Byron wrapped surprisingly strong arms around Jim and embraced him, and then Bertie was next, with Tarquin rising up and putting his paws on Jimas shoulders. The angels smelled good; he had to give them thata"just like that smoke that had come from the cigars Eddie had lit up.

Fortunately, though, Nigel and Colin werenat the brothers-inside-arms types.

Sometimes you lucked out.

Funny, Jim was a little touched, though it wasnat like head admit it. And abruptly, he was also ready to go back into battle. That flag, that tangible symbol of success, was a serious motivator for some reasona"maybe because in his old life headstones were how he measured whether he was getting the job done, and that waving banner was far more attractive and uplifting.

aOkay, hereas the deal,a he said to the group. aIave got something I need to do before my next case. I need to find a man before he gets killed for the wrong reasons. Itas part of my old life and not the kind of thing I can walk away from.a Nigel smiled, his strangely beautiful eyes locking onto Jimas as if they saw everything. aOf course, you must do as you wish.a aSo do I come back here after Iam done ora?a More of that all-knowing smile. aSimply take care of things.a aHow do I get in touch with you?a aDonat call upon us. We shall call upon you.a Jim cursed under his breath. aYou sure you donat know Matthias?a Colin spoke up. aYou do realize that Devina can be anything and anybody. Men, women, children, certain animals. She is pervasive in her numerous forms.a aIall keep that in mind.a aTrust no one.a Jim nodded at the angel. aNot a problem, I got plenty of experience with that s.h.i.+t. One thing, thoughado you guys actually communicate with me through the TV or did I lose my d.a.m.n mind?a aG.o.dspeed, James Heron,a Nigel said, raising his palm. aYou have proven yourself worthy against our enemy. Now do it again, you tough b.a.s.t.a.r.d.a Jim got one last look at the castle walls, and imagined his mother safely and happily on the far side of them. Then a blast of energy blew out of the angelas hand and he was scrambled down to his molecules and sent flying.

Hard. Cold.