Echo of an Earth Angel (The Earth Angel Trilogy: #1)

by Sarah M. Ross

  Vindictive laughter wrenched Tessa out of her thoughts. Nico snarled, “Oh child, you have no idea what this boy has done. He deserves much more than this sentence and he’ll pay for his crimes.”

  “Enough Nico. I said I’d go. Give me a few minutes with Tessa, and then I’ll come along quietly.”

  “55 seconds left.”

  David took three steps backward to Tessa without turning. She could see he didn’t trust Nico not to stab him in the back—literally—and she didn’t blame him.

  Seeing the rosy hue once again begin to occupy Morgan’s cheeks and hearing her steady breath, Tessa risked taking her hands off her friend to talk to David. She needed to touch him, knowing the briefest of connection would soothe her aching body. She stood up and strode to him. She leaned in close so Nico wouldn’t overhear their conversation, inhaling his woodsy scent as she did so. It was enticing, and she wanted to wrap herself up in him. Here was this great guy, who not only helped save her life but saved her best friend’s life too. He didn’t look at her with pity, sadness, or like she was the town’s one man circus act. Instead, his eyes always revealed awe and delight, as if she was the most beautiful thing he’d ever seen. No one ever looked at her the way he did. And now she was losing him. It wasn’t fair. Why did life keep taking people away from her?

  ***

  David beheld her as she approached and smiled. He wrapped his arms around her and placed his head next to hers so his soft lips barely touched her ear. It was tantalizing. Saying goodbye was going to be hard, but he would spend every moment of his time in Purgatory remembering her and the way the light reflected off her silky hair. Or the way her eyes sparkled. The way her forehead creased when she smiled. Oh, her smile. That thought alone could give a dying man hope. He ran his fingers down her arm, sighing as he saw the goosebumps formed in the path. Entwining their fingers, he gave her a little squeeze. Her breath hitched, and he knew she was fighting back sobs. His heart broke.

  “It’ll be okay, Tessa. I promise you.” He tilted her head up so he could look in her eyes. “Just remember, we’re immortal. This isn’t goodbye. It’s I’ll see you later.”

  “I can’t do this alone. Please don’t go. Isn’t there another way?”

  David shook his head. “Not this time. I promise you this: no matter how long I’m gone, I will come back to you. I’ll find a way.”

  Nico huffed behind him, not trying to hide his impatience. It could be years or even decades before he saw Tessa again, and he wouldn’t let this chance pass him by. He would seize this moment as his last act while free. He wanted—no needed—to kiss Tessa now. Really kiss her, not like when they were pretending to be boyfriend and girlfriend earlier. This kiss would tell her everything he didn’t have time to say. He leaned in slowly and brought his lips to hers. At their meeting, his soul rejoiced and he swore he could hear the angels singing. Her soft, silken lips nourished the emptiness he’d endured for so many years. She tasted of sweet strawberries from her lip gloss, and it became his new favorite food—a way to remember her always. She took her free hand and ran it through his hair, allowing a small moan of pleasure to escape. His pulse raced, thumping in his chest like an African drum beat. He became lost in her, the world around them melting away. He’d thought about what this moment would be like for a year, but not even his highest expectations could have compared. What wouldn’t he give to spend eternity this way?

  After several moments, he regrettably drew his lips away but stayed wrapped in her embrace. He whispered in her ear, “Find Andre Moore. He’s probably in town or nearby. He’ll help you, tell him I sent you.”

  “David, I don’t want to lose you.”

  “You’ll never lose me. You own my heart.”

  At his final words, he kissed her again and allowed his eyes to behold her face one last time before he turned and walked away.

  ***

  Before David even stopped walking, Nico had shackled his arms and legs with a thick metal that looked heavier than iron. Tessa took a step toward him, but paused fearing Nico would hurt him if she interfered. She tried to catch the sob before it escaped out of her, but there was no holding it back now. She fell to her knees, feeling guilty and empty and frightened and alone.

  ***

  Having secured David, Nico shrugged out of the confines of his shirt and released his wings. Yes, he’d leave the girl for now. His eyes lit up at the thought of the new powers and rewards he’d receive. He’d have to make sure that little girl didn’t talk about what happened to Maggie. He couldn’t afford another strike against him. He’d come back to deal with those two eventually, but for now he had his prize. They couldn’t hide from him forever. No one could.

  Tessa returned to Morgan’s side after Nico took David away and called 9-1-1 to get her more help. There were still several injuries from the car accident Tessa and David hadn’t healed, but the most life-threatening wounds were less severe. The ligature marks from being restrained were healed, and she hoped the police didn’t ask questions she couldn’t answer. She had no idea how to explain the situation, and would have to worry about that later.

  “You’re going to be fine, Morg. We’re both going to be fine. We’ll get through this. You helped me, and now it’s my turn to help you.” Morgan’s eyes fluttered in attempt to open them, so Tessa knelt beside her. “Shh, don’t try to do anything yet. Help is on its way. I can hear the ambulance now.”

  She ran to the entrance of the alleyway and flagged down the ambulance when it arrived. As they strapped Morgan onto the gurney, she gave them a brief synopsis of what happened—leaving out any mention of David or Nico. The paramedics rushed Morgan away, telling Tessa she’d have to ride separately.

  Throughout the car ride to the hospital, Tessa’s hands shook, and she hiccupped from crying. David was gone. Morgan almost died. How had her life turned so far upside-down in a matter of hours? She took a few deep breaths and tried to clear the grief and worry from her mind. She needed clarity now more than ever. She needed a plan.

  Arriving at the hospital, she practically threw the keys to the valet as she rushed inside. It was a shock to her senses being back there after so long. Standing in the entrance for a few minutes, she blocked out all the pain and misery around her. Now that she could feel peoples’ emotions, being here was so much worse than when she was a patient. It felt like there was a hurricane swirling in her stomach and her skin tingled and burned. There weren’t enough Tums in the world to make her feel better, so she sucked up the pain and headed to the triage station in the ER.

  She begged and pleaded with the staff, but the hospital wouldn’t give her any information since she wasn’t family. She called Morgan’s dad instead, cringing in anticipation of his blaming her but even worse the hell he’d raise with the staff.

  “Mr. Makowski? It’s Tessa. I need you to get down to AGH. Morgan was hit by a car. They won’t tell me anything because I’m not family.”

  Tessa could hear his breath hitch and the rustling of keys. “Put the nurse on the phone. I’m getting in my car now.”

  Tessa handed the charge nurse the phone with a smug grin. No one told Mr. Makowski “no”. He had a deceptive way of charming everyone into agreeing with him and bending to his will. The man could make a thief apologize for stealing. The nurse handed Tessa the phone again and gave her a curt smile before buzzing her in. She hung up with Morgan’s dad and was led through the ER to a curtained off area where Morgan was unconscious. The nurse informed her they were awaiting test results, and as soon as they came in, or family arrived, a doctor would be in with news.

  Sitting vigil, Tessa popped a couple of aspirin to dull the throbbing headache that raged behind her eyes. Tessa had always hated hospitals, even as a child. She would hide in the tree house in her backyard when Mom announced she needed to go to the doctor’s office for shots or a check-up and being stuck in a hospital for a year made the phobia so much worse. Absently, she stroked Morgan’s hand while she thought about her strateg
y for getting David back. Getting him back was Morgan’s best shot at recovery, and she was everything to Tessa. She couldn’t lose her too. First and foremost, she needed to figure out who this Andre was. How was she supposed to find him? She didn’t have time for this; David could be half way to Timbuktu by now. Or even on a whole other planet. How exactly was Andre supposed to help her? How was she supposed to find him? Starting with the obvious, she plucked out her phone out of her pocket with her free hand and asked Siri to Google “Andre Moore”. Great, almost 200,000 hits. This was going to be impossible.

  “What in the world are you doing?” A shrill voice broke through Tessa’s thoughts.

  She dropped her phone and looked around, frantic. An older nurse stared at her. Tessa followed her gaze to the place where Morgan’s hand was clutched within her own, and her stomach clinched when she saw a faint glowing. Oh my God! I was healing without even trying. I need to cover this up, quick!

  “Oh, this? It’s just…uh…body paint. You know, for parties. Raves. It’s all the rage with kids these days. I’m a big dancer. I love dancing. I’m out dancing all the time. Must have worn off on her while I was holding her hand. Nothing to worry about.” Tessa hoped the shaky story didn’t sound as dubious as she thought, but quickly changed the subject anyway. “Are the test results back?”

  The nurse glared at her for a moment, but shook her head and answered. “The doctor will be in momentarily to discuss the test results. He wants to wait until her family gets here.”

  “They should be here any time now. Thank you for everything.”

  Tessa stood up hoping to shoo her away. She didn’t need this nosy Nelly asking any more questions. The nurse turned away and Tessa released the deep breath she was holding. That was close—too close. How did I do that in the first place? When she first found Morgan, she had to focus and concentrate to make the healing work. Now, like the restaurant, it burst out of her. Did it have to do with stress? Or was there some trigger to it she didn’t realize she was pressing? Oh she missed David!

  She was careful not to touch Morgan again while waiting for the doctor. Instead, she inspected her hands and tried to remember the first time it happened. If she could push herself, start remembering and filling in the holes, then maybe they held an answer. And even if it didn’t, what did she have to lose?

  She closed her eyes and tried to picture how her body felt the first time, the first feelings of warmth spreading through her fingertips so she could emulate it at will. Her therapist always said visualization was a great tool, and there was no time like the present to try it out. She listened to the ticking of the clock above her. She focused only on that sound as she took slow, deep breaths in and out. In and out.

  She was awaking from her coma. She could hear people, things. Laughter from the hallway and the beeping of monitors. Her eyes wouldn’t open, but she felt the emotions of two people around her. The one nearest her was tired, exhausted really. Regret flowed through her. No, that’s not right. Not regret—it was more like the person was chiding herself. That person also had a slight physical pain. The second person’s emotions were stronger even though they were further away. Such love and longing. The person wasn’t touching her, but was sitting near the edge of the bed based on the shuffling of feet she could hear. Tessa didn’t need to see this person to recognize the distinct impression they left. It was David.

  Tessa’s eyes flew open, and she squinted, a little dizzy. David was there with her the first time she healed. He must have seen and known. Why didn’t he say anything? And why did he wait an entire year before finding me and telling me who he was—who I was. She needed more information. She needed to remember more. But there were so many holes, she’d never be able to fill them all in. She peered over at Morgan who was still unconscious. She studied the monitors to make sure Morgan was okay. There were two bags of fluid flowing through an IV, and Tessa recognized the labels from chemistry class. One was an antibiotic and one was for pain. Good, she didn’t want Morgan to suffer any more than she already had.

  Glancing at the clock, only a few minutes passed. There was probably enough time to try again before anyone arrived. Somehow she just knew that was the key to unlocking answers David left behind.

  She closed her eyes once more, slipping away from this hospital room and focusing on another. She reentered the time where she’d left off. It came to her clearly this time. David was still there, but the nurse was now far away, as if ready to leave. She could hear their hushed conversation.

  “Can’t believe I was silly enough to run into it. Working a double shift four days in a row is really getting to me.”

  “It must have just been a bump. But I’m glad you’re feeling better now.” David said quietly. She enjoyed hearing the deep tenor of his voice; it brought her strength knowing he was still out there.

  “Must have been. I was sure I cut it. Oh well, I’m just glad this day is finally over. A new nurse will take over shortly. You should go home and get some rest. You’ve been with her all night. Her brain activity hasn’t changed, and you could use a break. What is this, the fifth night in a row?”

  David chuckled. “I’m worried about her. She doesn’t have any family left. That uncle in Florida didn’t even bother to come up to her parents’ funeral. He just sent some flowers. I don’t want her to feel alone.”

  The nurse sighed. “I can see how much you care. As long as she has someone like you in her life, she’ll never feel alone. Trust me on this one.” The click of footsteps headed out the door and stopped. “Go get some rest. Look, her friend is on her way in now. She won’t be alone.”

  “Her friend is here? Maybe I will take your advice.” She heard him stand up and step closer. His warm breath stroked her cheek. “Sleep well my angel. I’ll be back tonight.”

  He kissed her forehead and walked out with the nurse.

  “Tessa?”

  The voice brought her out of the memory. She opened her eyes and saw Morgan’s dad was standing across from her and holding Morgan’s hand. Tessa longed to stay in the memory for a little while longer, but she needed to focus her attention on Morgan.

  “Hello Mr. Makowski,” Tessa greeted him as she went over to offer a warm hug. “She’s still unconscious, but the doctor should be in any minute with an update.”

  “How did this happen?” he asked, his voice cracking slightly when he stroked her face.

  “We were downtown, going to a nice dinner when she was hit by a car. My back was turned, and I didn’t see it. The driver never stopped.” Tessa hated lying to the man, but it was necessary. She was just glad the emergency room nurses had replaced her shredded pajamas with a hospital gown. He couldn’t know about the rest of it. If he knew Morgan had been kidnapped, he’d have the entire police departments of three counties and the whole team out looking for Nico. And how was she supposed to explain why she was taken?

  Before he could respond, the doctor came in, introduced himself as Dr. Tallerico and filled them in on Morgan’s condition. She had several broken bones and bruised liver and kidneys, but the bleeding in her brain was the most serious. The doctor said it was “miraculously” healing on its own, but Tessa knew what the real miracle was. They expected her to be out of it for another day or two, but the sooner she woke up the more hopeful they were there wouldn’t be any lasting brain damage. She wanted to continue to heal Morgan’s injuries, but she remembered that’s what David did accidentally to give her these powers. She didn’t want Morgan to have to deal with the consequences too. The overhead pager went off, and the doctor gave Mr. Makowski his business card. “Please feel free to call with any questions. If I’m not on call, I’ll have one of my residents return your call. She’s going to be okay.” The doctor shook Mr. Makowski’s hand and gave Tessa a reassuring squeeze on her shoulder before leaving.

  “I’m going to get us some coffee. Is there anyone else you need me to call?” Tessa asked Morgan’s dad once the doctor left.

  “No, thank you sweeti
e. My sister is on her way, and Morgan’s uncle is calling the rest of the family. But I will take some of that coffee.”

  “I’ll be right back.”

  Tessa found the hospital cafeteria, but didn’t go inside. She wanted to spend a few more minutes remembering more about the times she’d healed to try to make sense of it all. She stepped inside an empty room and closed the curtain for privacy. She needed a few minutes of uninterrupted silence to bring herself back to the place that held her forgotten thoughts.

  Tessa sat on the bed and crossed her legs Indian style. She closed her eyes, but found it hard to focus. Her thoughts shifted back to the last memory of David. He called her his angel. The words echoed through her mind and filled her soul with warmth. She replayed it over and over in her mind, but then warmth turned to anger when she remembered he was taken away from her. All over some stupid rule that didn’t even make any sense. If she was going to help get him back, she needed to do this. She shook her head and let out a breath. She breathed in deeply through her nose, focusing on the memories. Breathing out, she let go of her worries and let her mind clear once more.

  “…prom in six weeks. I can’t believe you’re going to miss it. We’ve been talking about this for years. I got my dress last weekend…”

  “…so there I was, looking like a train wreck in my sweaty gym clothes when who should come in but Abby. And of course she tried to take a picture so she could put it on Facebook, but I didn’t let...”

  “…the most amazing guy. We’re going to the movies on Friday. I have no idea what I’m going to wear. I will definitely need to go shopping for something new. He’s sweet and funny, and oh my God is he hot. I’m talking Chaning Tatum and Taylor Lautner combined hot. His name is…”