by Gay N. Lewis
Sarah squeezed one eye shut. Emily had named the car Old Girl? Emily planned to purchase Old Girl a belt and some earplugs? Interesting—new bling usually helped female mortals and brightened an attitude. Who knew? Maybe it would benefit the car too. Sarah cocked her head. Next time she chose a disguise, why not wear belts and earplugs? She usually wore earrings, but maybe plugs were the latest style in human accessories. She could conjure up some plugs covered in rhinestones. That might be a good idea and sparkly wads sticking out of her ears along with blingy earrings in her lobes would probably look nice. She could pull her hair back so people could see the extra glamor.
Emily continued to talk to Old Girl. Hmm. Sarah spoke to squirrels and birds, but her voice always frightened the little things. Talking to inanimate objects seemed strange, but Emily appeared fine with it. Sarah shrugged. This automobile was ancient, the name fit, and if it helped Emily to talk to the timeworn gizmo, so be it.
Old Girl spurted to life and Emily smiled. So did Sarah. She stroked the roof of the car several times with her hand. “Thanks, Old Girl. Good job. Emily needs us today.”
Old Girl made a loud, popping noise, and black smoke billowed out a pipe protruding from the car’s rear bumper.
Sarah jumped and then grinned. “Hey, Old Girl, it sounds like you’ve got a little smelly gas bloating your belly today. That’s okay. Let that hot air escape. There’s more room outside than inside.”
Old Girl belched again.
Emily slowly backed down the driveway and then, as slowly as an antiquated car would go, she zipped along tree-lined streets for a few blocks before entering a major highway. Sarah saw the Dallas skyline and wondered how far they must travel to their destination. Would they end up in downtown Dallas? Horrors. That might bring on a panic attack. She’d experienced those unpleasant things before. Better think of something else. What did Mother Goodness always say? “When in doubt or fear, turn to the Father.” After a quick prayer, Sarah returned her thoughts to the mission at hand.
Wonder what Emily would think if she knew an angel clung to the roof of her car? Sarah snickered at the thought. Her appearance on earth was to help the young woman. “But no doubt I’d shock her into oblivion if she could see me hanging up here.”
Emily pulled into a parking lot and hopped from the car. Sarah trailed her as she entered the high-rise building.
Emily smiled at an older man dressed in a security uniform as she entered the door. “Morning, Keith.”
The guy returned Emily’s smile. “Ready for Christmas and your big day?”
Emily’s eyes sparkled as brightly as Christmas lights. “Tree is up at home and I’m going shopping when payday arrives. I’ll buy my shoes and last minute gifts, and then all I have to do is wait. Just think, in five days, I’ll be Mrs. James Morrow.”
“Is James as excited about the wedding as you are?” Keith’s brows disappeared into his hairline.
Emily lips curved into a beautiful smile. “I think so. His family does things a bit differently in Pittsburgh, but he’s about to get used to Texas ways.”
Keith nodded. “If it weren’t for the natural gas business, I doubt he’d be in Texas.”
Emily nodded. “True, but his Pennsylvania family has been involved with our industry for generations. Most Texans think black gold is exclusive to Texas, but oil was discovered in northwestern Pennsylvania in the 1800s. James’ ancient ancestors launched the business a few years later. We didn’t find it down here until 1900. The Morrows are now working in the Marcellus Shale Play. It’s the most prolific trend right now, even though oil and gas prices are at an all-time low.”
Keith shook his head. “If the oil prices keep dipping, we’ll all be out of jobs.”
“Let’s hope that doesn’t happen.”
Keith chortled and winked. “Yep. Agreed. James sure has an accent.”
Emily giggled. “We Texans do too. James teases me—says it took him a while to understand my nasal twang. I’m lucky James came to Dallas and contracted with us here at Jones. He was impressed with our success in the shale and natural gas recovery.”
Keith chuckled. “Sure didn’t take him long to scoop up a Texas beauty. How long y’all been dating now?”
Emily’s smile gleamed with perfect white teeth. “Thanks for calling me a Texas beauty.” She glanced at her diamond-studded engagement ring. “We’ve been together for almost a year and engaged for three months. He wanted to marry later this summer, but I thought a winter wedding sounded like the perfect idea.” She beamed a smile as if she’d received an award. “I’ve wanted a Christmas ceremony since I was a little girl playing with bride dolls.”
“You’ll make a beautiful bride.”
“That’s a lovely thing to say. I’m excited. A Christmas wedding is practical too. My church decorates the sanctuary at Christmas, and that prevents me from spending a bundle on flowers. Mom is bringing her wedding dress for me to wear, and that saves money. I love the traditional gown she wore. My parents will come from Austin tomorrow. We’ll have a rehearsal dinner on Christmas Eve, and then the ceremony will take place on Christmas morning. Doesn’t it all sound romantic?”
Keith nodded. “Sure does. Sounds perfect. The five days will go by before you know it. Where y’all heading out for the honeymoon?”
“James plans to take me to the Bahamas. He prefers warmer weather—he grew up with snow and he’s tired of it.”
Keith’s cell phone buzzed but he declined to answer. “I’ll call ’em back. Best wishes to you. I’ll miss you that week you’ll be gone. You’re a real favorite around here. I don’t know what we’ll do while you’re off celebrating your nuptials.”
Emily hugged Keith. “Thanks, Keith. You’re a sweetheart.”
* * *
Sarah followed Emily into the elevator and waited with her charge.
Well, that was an interesting conversation. She learned a lot about Emily’s past in a short period of earth moments. So—James wasn’t the intended cowboy for Emily. Her fiancé was in the oil and gas business.
Sarah’s hands flew to her mouth. My stars in the galaxies! I saw one of those big derricks on a past mission. They were huge, terrifying things. One of them must have crushed him. Why else would Emily need a new romance? That must be the bad news coming her way. Having a rig fall on him would be a nightmare way to meet his demise, wouldn’t it?
At least she’d discovered an important detail. James was the wrong man. Humans could be wonderful about communication. They often gave more info than the Superiors did. Sarah cringed at her thought, but she heard no thunder. A good sign.
Emily strode through the large common area to her desk and put personal things away. Sarah peeked over Emily’s shoulder as she began work on the computer.
Sarah gritted her teeth. Those pesky devices had caused her so much misery in the past. Mr. Google gave her a headache, and she preferred to avoid him at all costs. Emily seemed comfortable and efficient as she clicked the keys and worked on some sort of document.
Mindboggling how humans knew these things. Sarah sighed with relief. Sure was a good thing she didn’t need that gadget in The Heavenlies, and she hoped to never use it again down here. Remembering how she’d goofed up the Internet Dating Service gave her the willies. She’d seen the drilling rigs on that mission, and they had been daunting too, but Tomas had come to her aid on that assignment. The Commander always kept his eye on things.
Sarah stretched out in midair and inspected the office. She estimated about one hundred people worked on this floor. From her position, she could see them all. Some had cubicles with no roofs while others worked in the large open area, as did Emily. Many had smiled or spoken to Emily when she entered, but in spite of the Christmas tree, swag lights amidst garlands, and happy décor covering many surfaces, a somber atmosphere seemed to fill the space.
A man approached Emily’s desk. “Hey, lady. How’s it going?”
Emily glanced up. “Hi, Charles. I’m about to finish t
his document on statistics. Are you ready for Christmas?”
“Not exactly. I’m worried about my job. With oil and gas prices this low and work slowing down, I’m afraid Jones can’t keep all of us.”
Emily frowned. “I don’t think we have anything to worry about. Things will pick up soon.”
Charles inhaled deeply. “I wish I had your optimism.” He leaned toward Emily’s ear. “Between you and me, I’m looking for another job.” His voice was just above a whisper. “I’m taking stock of what might be available—just in case I need to prepare my family. My wife lost her job last month. We’re in bad shape, but you’re fortunate.” Charles paused as he waved his hand in the air to indicate the expanse of space. “If something happens to this position, you’re engaged to a man who comes from a wealthy family.” Charles licked his lips. “I hate to ask, but I have to. Do you think James might hire me? I’d move to Pittsburgh or wherever. I need a job.”
“You can ask him. He’s picking me up for lunch, but we have no plans to move to Pennsylvania. I’ll be here and James will fly back and forth as needed. We’re going to live in my duplex until we find a house.” Emily smiled. “I’ll make sure you have a moment alone with him when he comes, but don’t worry. We’re going to be fine. I don’t see any reason for Vincent Jones to get rid of employees, especially at Christmas. He’s a kind man and wouldn’t do that. I think you’re worried about nothing. Relax.”
Charles nodded. “Maybe so, but I’d appreciate a word with James when he comes.”
“You got it. The two of you can visit in the vestibule while I freshen up in the ladies’ room.”
“Thanks.” Charles, with the same anxious expression he’d come in with, spun around and returned to the cubicle next door.
Sarah frowned. How awful. Most earthly humans would be in a terrible mess if they lost their employment. But at Christmas? That would be a real downer for them. Surely God wouldn’t allow that. Sarah sighed. God directed good things for His creatures, but another power—the unholy one—also thwarted events and circumstances, and that unholy one loved throwing wrenches into Christmas festivities. Satan hadn’t been able to prevent a sweet, holy baby being born in a manger some two thousand earth years ago. He hadn’t been able to foil a cross, or block a resurrection, but he could throw a shebang of cruddy stuff at humans to keep them from recognizing or honoring blessed events.
Sarah sat cross-legged in air and fumed. She didn’t see any evil spirits lurking about, but that didn’t mean they weren’t there.
CHAPTER THREE
Sarah glanced at the wall clock in the reception area. The gadget read ten o’clock. She’d been present with Emily for two hours and her tummy cried out for food. Should she leave and find a bite to eat? What if she missed whatever was going to take place? Sarah shook her head. Nope. She’d better stay put and see what was in store for her charge.
The Commander had instructed her to become Emily’s friend. He’d given permission to help in whatever creative way she could think of. How about those apples? She had his permission to be Sarah—within reason, of course.
Sarah recognized the hour was short. Something would happen this day, but how could she find a way to befriend Emily? What cover should she use? She’d been Cynthia Winger in the past. She’d also appeared as Hope Halo once before. And then there was that disastrous experience when she’d masqueraded as Miss Estella. Would one of those images do? She shook her curls again. Not Estella. The Commander had enjoyed a good laugh when he’d reviewed that disguise. She’d appeared as an infirm, ninety-year-old woman, got into trouble, tossed a walking stick a mile into the air, and sped away. She shivered as she remembered his words. “We clocked the speed, and you left that man eating your dust. You went from zero to seventy-five miles an hour in a blink of an eye. The poor guy went to the doctor—thought he was seeing things that didn’t exist.”
Sigh. Nothing came to mind, but maybe ideas would come later when she needed one.
Sarah watched as a man with a grim look on his face made his way to Emily’s open space.
The man spoke softly as he stood by her desk. “Emily?”
“Hi, Vincent. I’m almost finished with the statistic document. Did you want it now?” Emily smiled but her eyes held a question mark.
Vincent shook his head. “No thanks, but I’d like to see you in my office if you don’t mind.”
Emily’s brows shot up, but she nodded and followed Vincent out into the main area. Sarah floated along behind the two.
Charles passed the human duo with an ashen face. He glanced at Emily and gave a slight nod.
Sarah inhaled deeply. Oh my. This doesn’t look good. I think the trouble is beginning.
Vincent opened his glass office door at the back of the area and indicated for Emily to sit in a chair. He closed the door, strode to his place behind the desk, and cleared his throat.
“Emily, this is the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do, but I have no choice. I can’t afford to pay you any longer and must let you go.” Vincent’s eyes grew watery. “I’ll give you a two-week severance—that’s all I can give. I’ll also provide you with a good recommendation. You’ve been an excellent worker, but I must cut two employees. You and Charles are the newest on staff, so you two are the first to go. I wanted to wait until after the holidays, but I can’t. Payroll won’t allow it, and I may need to dismiss others in January. I’m sorry to do this to you at this holiday time and wish I didn’t have to do it at all.” He coughed, glanced away, and then returned his teary eyes to Emily. “This has nothing to do with your work. One of our major clients found a firm that outbid me and I lost a major job. The margins of extraction are not as viable these days as they once were, and it’s causing fracking to shut down. If I don’t find another client to take the place of the one I lost, more staff will go.”
Emily’s mouth hung open and her face drained of color. Her hands shook and she didn’t say anything. She merely stared at her boss.
Vincent coughed into a handkerchief. “I hate doing this. I tried to put it off but I can’t wait any longer. I’m so sorry. This will place a damper on your upcoming wedding.” He made a steeple with his fingers. “I wish things were different. I…kept hoping the price of oil and gas would go up and we could afford to operate, and more work would come in, but there’s too much uncertainty.” He wiped his eyes. “My heart breaks for both you and Charles, but at least you have James, and he’s in a financial position to take care of you. I worry more about Charles.”
Emily blinked and tried to focus. “I can’t believe this.”
“I can’t either.” Vincent blew out a breath. “I’ve asked Keith to come up here and escort you both from the building. He’s on the way. Gather your personal belongings.”
Emily sat as though glued to the chair with a frozen, white face.
Vincent’s lips trembled. He stood and walked to the window with slumped shoulders. He kept his back to Emily as if he didn’t wish to see her leave.
Sarah drifted to him and patted his shoulder. The man couldn’t prevent the downturn in the economy and he appeared heartbroken. She brushed a tear from his cheek. Vincent must have felt her feathery touch, for he placed his hand where hers had been.
Turning back to Emily, Sarah floated to her, knelt to chair level, and kissed Emily’s temple. Could the heartache in this room be more palpable? Sarah’s eyes filled with drops of grief. Only on Earth did this happen to her. No tears existed in heaven, but she’d been gifted with human empathy while conducting earthly missions. Such understanding made her identify with her charges.
Emily gripped the arms of the chair and pushed herself up. She paused as if wanting to speak to her former employer but shrugged instead and turned. Her high heels clicked on the tile as she left Vincent’s office.
Keith greeted her with a large cardboard box as she rounded the bend. His eyes drooped at the corners. “I’m sorry.”
Emily nodded and motioned for him to follow to her space.
He waited while Emily gathered personal belongings from a file cabinet and desk drawers.
The silence grew to earsplitting proportions. The entire office personnel occupied themselves with activities. Even a whisper would have been heard far and near. Some would glance at Emily now and then and just as quickly drop their eyes. Sarah chewed the inside of her jaw. She guessed everyone was hurting for the two dismissed employees and wondering who would be next.
Charles had finished his packing and stood close to Emily’s desk with a cardboard box in his hands.
Keith picked up Emily’s carton. “Ready to go? I’ll accompany you and Charles to your cars.”
Emily nodded and the trio trudged toward the double door leading to the vestibule. Sarah floated above them as they made their way across the workplace. Several murmured apologies to Emily and Charles, others nodded, but most people kept their eyes on computer screens.
Just as the trio and invisible angel reached the middle of the giant working area, a uniformed policeman strode into the room. Everyone stopped and gawked at the big, burly man. His black, curly hair poked from the rear of his hat and made his hat look too small for his large head.
“I’m looking for Emily Stanton.” His earsplitting voice could rouse the comatose.
Several women recoiled at the sound, and Sarah shuddered. Maybe the law officer merely seemed extra loud because everyone else was so quiet. Whatever—the booming bass speech coming from the brawny, mortal male temporarily scared the willies out of her.
Sarah crossed her arms, narrowed her eyes, and recovered from the initial fright. She stood motionless above Emily, ready to attack if necessary. Emily should have guardians on board, but if they didn’t materialize and rescue her charge, well, come hades or high water, Sarah would do it herself. She’d face the consequences of interfering with guardians later. Even if this dude was a police officer, he reeked of trouble. Sarah glanced about for some kind of item. What handy gadget could she use? The guy deserved to be walloped on his big head with something.
