“What is this, Nico? I told you once before if you even enter the same city as her again I’d kill you myself and happily endure an eternity in hell. If you hurt her in any way—”
“Shut your trap already and watch.”
David quieted as Nico turned the audio up. The video zoomed out a little to reveal Tessa wasn’t at her house, but she was standing in Heaven with Ezekiel. Though a million questions popped in his mind, he squelched them and continued to watch.
“So have you thought about my offer, Tessa?” Ezekiel said as they walked through a path in the gardens.
The video zoomed in on Tessa’s face, causing David to yearn for her. She crinkled her eyes in hesitation and it made David run his finger over the line. “I don’t know. Are you sure it’s what David would want? He didn’t seem like he wanted this life for me when we talked about it.”
“It’s the only way to truly help him. You must do this if you want him to keep his healing abilities. I know it’s a hard decision, but you have to choose. And you have to make the decision willingly.”
Tessa stopped and sighed as she rubbed her temples. “Give me a little more time to think—a day. I really wish I could talk to my friend Morgan about it. Can I please go see her first?”
“I’m sorry, my dear, that isn’t possible until you agree. As a half angel, you can’t skip between Heaven and Earth whenever you have a whim.”
“But I’ll be able to still go and see her once I become a full angel, right? I can be stationed at my home?”
“It’s a possibility. You’ll have to put in a request.”
“And if I agree, will I have to go on missions like David did and heal people? I don’t like being around people who are hurt. I don’t feel good afterward.”
“It’s something your training can help with. It won’t be like that for long.”
Standing up a little straighter she looked Ezekiel in the eyes and nodded her head. “Yes, I agree. I will become a full angel.” And then, lowering her eyes she whispered almost inaudibly, “For David.”
Nico took the iPad and turned it off, trying to gauge David’s reaction, looking for any sign of weakness to exploit. David, in turn, kept his face and emotions calm.
“What’s the meaning of this, Nico? Is this some kind of trick? A new way to torture me?”
Not even trying to hide the sneer on his face, Nico delighted at being given the honor of delivering this message. Even if he had not been asked, he would’ve volunteered. To see the look on David’s face when the truth was revealed would be priceless. He almost blurted it out right then, but Nico knew the build up and anticipation would be well worth the wait. “Everything you see is true, and there’s more. And you’re going to want to see this next part.” Nico went to the next video in the queue and pressed play once more, lounging back in his seat to watch the Healer’s reaction.
***
Tessa walked into a large, mostly empty room save for the giant panel of desks where the Council of the Archangels sat and reigned. She stopped a short distance from them and stood, not knowing what she was supposed to say or do next. She fumbled with the hem of the heavy robe they made her wear and bit the side of her bottom lip. David longed to soothe her, to take her bottom lip with his own and hold her once more. He wasn’t sure what kind of game Nico was playing yet, but he’d happily stare at Tessa for the rest of his penance.
Tessa stopped fidgeting and looked up when the man at the head of the table addressed her. “Tell us why you’ve come today, young one.”
She took a deep breath and squared her shoulders. “After a lot of consideration, I have come to an agreement with Ezekiel. I agree to become a full angel, in exchange for the Healer David keeping his abilities”
“And you understand what this means? The full ramifications of your choice today?”
“Yes, Ezekiel explained everything, and I choose this willingly. I will follow your commands and honor your authority for the rest of time.”
After completing her speech, she bowed in reverence and waited for their decision.
David fought against his chains, ignoring where the cuffs cut into his skin. He’d break his own arms if it meant he could take her away from them before the Council made their final decision. She had no idea what she was agreeing to, how much she stood to lose by agreeing to this. What was Ezekiel thinking allowing her to do this? Had he lost his mind?
He dropped to his knees, no longer worried about his own pride or reputation and begged Nico for help.
“Please Nico, Surely you’re not the evil villain you work so hard to make people believe you are. There has to be a shred of humanity in there some place. Please, let me go so I can stop this. There are consequences of these actions that affect us all. You must let me free.”
Nico chuckled at the request, but David was not deterred. “If you won’t let me free to stop this, I beg you to stop it yourself. Don’t let her do this. There’s so much she doesn’t know, so much I never had the chance to explain. Please go quickly before it’s too late. I’ll do anything, pay any price for your help.”
“As tempting as that offer is, I cannot. What you fail to realize is what I have shown you today is not live. This has already taken place. I’m simply delivering a message.”
David screamed out and fought once again against the restraints, this time wanting to strangle Nico for toying with him like a snake hunting a mouse. He was so foolish to believe he could do anything to stop this and needed to take it out on the despicable being in front of him. Nico relaxed back into the chair and enjoyed the show, but after a few minutes it bored him.
“I told you once crossing me would be a mistake. And as much as I’d love to sit here and watch you struggle for the next few hours, I owe you for healing my wife. And so for that reason alone, I will remind you that you can’t break free and you know it. It is futile to even bother trying.”
David stopped struggling. Nico was right, but that knowledge did little to assuage his anger. He needed to think smart—work smarter not harder. He needed information. “Why were you sent here? If all this has already happened, what good does it do to show me? Just deliver your message and leave.”
“In due time, my friend. First, I want you to watch one final video.” Nico once again placed the iPad in front of David, but before resuming he added another element to the torture. Not wanting his play time with David to end or wanting to return to his normal duties, he took out a cold bottle of water and languorously sipped it. “Hot in here, isn’t it?”
David ground his teeth together so tightly he thought they would break. “One day, Nico. You can have your fun and jokes now, but one day I’ll make you regret them.”
“Seems to me you’re hardly in a position to make threats.” He took another sip of the beverage David longed for since entering this room and made an audible “ah” after he finished. Replacing the cap, he addressed David, “I’d offer you a sip, but I backwash.”
David said nothing, knowing it would add fodder to Nico’s ranting. Instead, he stilled himself and closed his eyes, choosing to ignore Nico. The narcissistic prick hated being ignored above anything else. With his eyes still closed, David flinched when something cold touched his skin abruptly and trickled down his cheeks. When he opened, he realized Nico threw some of the water down his face. While he meant to do it to incite David, he enjoyed the few moments of relief and reveled in the liquid cooling his skin and moistening his dry, cracked lips.
“Are we done with the childish games? Can you get on with it already?” David retorted, licking a few stray drops from his upper lip to relieve his scratchy tongue.
“Yes, let’s,” Nico concurred, recapping the bottle and placing it just out of David’s grasp. He was disappointed David didn’t take the bait and begin to struggle again, but knew the next video would be the coup de grâce he’d been waiting for.
***
Tessa wore a loose tank top and shorts, and sat alone on a plush velvet couch, knees pull
ed up and she hugged her arms around them. From the way her eyes furrowed, she was lost in thought.
“Something’s not right. I’ve always listened to my gut and it’s telling me this was too simple, too easy. David worked so hard to keep me hidden, there has to be a reason other than he didn’t want me to lose my normal life, especially since Ezekiel told me I could stay at my house and keep my friends. I’m missing something, things aren’t adding—“
She was cut off when a door creaked open at the other side of the room. Ezekiel sauntered in and took the seat on the other end of the couch.
“Have you tried out your new wings yet? I’m sure you’re anxious to give them a spin.”
Tessa glanced over her shoulder and examined the spot where her shoulder blades met her back. “No, they’re still too sore. I want a few more days to get used to the heavy feeling of having them before I take a test drive.”
Ezekiel chuckled and patted her knee. “They’ll feel so natural soon you won’t even realize they’re there. We have your official swearing in ceremony later today, but in the meantime I’d thought we could go over a few rules. Just a few things you need to adhere to in order to keep our kind protected and to keep the balance.”
“Okay, I guess.” Tessa shrugged her shoulders. “Although I thought I’d get to meet more of David’s friends by now. I’ve only met you and the Council. I’d wanted to—“
“Well, you’ve been quite busy, dear. And I didn’t want any of them to influence your decision before you made it. You’ll meet others, remember: here you have all of eternity. A few days are nothing but a blip to us.”
Tessa nodded and bit her lip. “I know, but I still feel like there’s something not quite—“
“Tessa, I’m David’s mentor. His confidant. When he was in trouble, it was me he turned to. I helped him when no others did. Surely you can trust me to see to it you get trained properly?”
David stared at the screen. What in the world was Ezekiel talking about? He didn’t help David—no one did. He kept the decision to defect private and specifically hid it from Ezekiel, not wanting to see the disappointment on his mentor’s face. Why was he lying?
“I’m sorry, Ezekiel. Of course I trust you. Please go on. What were you saying about more rules?”
“There are a few more things I need to clarify. First, it is forbidden for humans to know what we are. There’s an agreement between both sides that free will becomes altered if people base their decisions on knowing rather than having faith. That’s first and foremost.”
“I won’t tell anyone else, you don’t have to worry about that.”
“Else?”
“Well, my roommate and best friend Morgan knows. I told her before I knew. But don’t worry, she won’t tell anyone.”
“I’m sorry Tessa, that can’t be. I’ll have to send someone to correct that.”
“What, like erase her memory?”
The edge of Ezekiel’s mouth twitched for a second, but he smoothed it before Tessa noticed. “That’s not something you need to worry about. I promise I’ll take care of it for you. You just focus on your duties.”
“But how exactly are you going to ‘take care of it’? She’ll still remember me, right? You’re not going to erase her memories of me?”
Tessa rubbed her stomach, and David willed her to stop ignoring the red flags all around her. She stared hopefully at Ezekiel for reassurance, but he offered none. He didn’t even answer her question before moving on.
“Rule number two , everything is done for a purpose—God’s purpose. That means you can’t act without cause or command.”
“What do you mean?”
“For example: you’re little heroics at the train crash aren’t allowed. You have no idea the damage you caused.”
“But I helped people; I saved their lives. Isn’t that a good thing?”
“Not always. I understand you have adopted David’s point of view on the issue, but you can’t continue thinking that way. Some people are supposed to die. It’s the natural course of things. By you interfering, you have created problems. That boy, Ajay? Because he didn’t die, he has now been set on a path that will change the world.”
“Will he be evil or something? I’m sorry. I was only trying to help.”
“That’s not the point.” Ezekiel shouted, leaping out of his seat toward Tessa. His angry outburst scared her to the back corner of the couch where she shook visibly.
David balled his hands into fists. He couldn’t believe his oldest and most trusted friend would act this way and threaten Tessa. He didn’t care how long they’d known each other, if he scared her or hurt her again, David would make him pay.
Ezekiel smoothed his rumpled tunic and sat down gently. “Forgive me, dear, I did not mean to scare you. I’m just worried you’ll take David’s wayward actions to heart, and I’d hate to see you punished like he is.”
“I thought you said you didn’t know anything about his sentencing or punishment? Weren’t those records kept sealed?”
“Oh, I’m just assuming, dear. I don’t know anything for certain. So now that you’re clear on the two most important rules, let me go ahead and tell you a few of the plans I—er the Council—has for you.”
Tessa once again rubbed her stomach. “There are a few things that I want to clarify. Some things that aren’t adding up. I know you’re David’s friend and I can trust you, but this is all so overwhelming.”
“I see great things in your future, my dear.” Ezekiel said, no longer able to hide the sneer on his face.
Tessa’s breath hitched as he spoke. David’s friend or not, she didn’t trust him. She couldn’t bring herself to ignore the uneasiness that grew when he was around. She slowly slid forward on the couch so her backside was on the very edge and thought of a polite way to leave and without drawing his suspicion.
“It’s been a really long day. I think I’ll just go and let my wings heal a little more.” Ezekiel grabbed her arm before she had the chance to even stand up. She tried to yank it back, but he had an iron grip and squeezed harder.
“Not so fast. I’m not done going over the important details.”
“We can go over it tomorrow. You’re hurting me, please let go. I would like to go and rest now.”
“I think the very next lesson I teach you should be about showing respect to your elders and doing as you’re told,” he spat, no longer trying to hide his anger.
“Let go!” Tessa struggled to free her arm from his grasp, but no matter how hard she twisted or pulled, he would not let her free. Purple bruises began to form under his grip, causing her to yelp in pain. “Wha—what are you going to do?” she cried.
Ezekiel jumped to his feet, dragging her up with him, and walked straight toward the hidden camera. He yanked Tessa down so her face, wide eyed with fear and terror, was close up on the screen. Tears brimmed in her eyes, both from the panic in her chest and the pain he caused.
***
Though he could no longer see Ezekiel’s face, David caught a glimpse of his hand fisted in Tessa’s hair, tugging so hard she couldn’t look anywhere but straight ahead. As much as David’s body wanted to fight to get free and run to her, he was paralyzed with fear for what would happen next, remembering Nico said this all took place in the past.
When he heard speaking again, he was surprised Ezekiel was talking directly to David this time.
“You’d better be watching this you fool. Do you see what you’ve done, David? Do you see what you’ve caused? I hope you truly regret your actions now, because all of this could have been prevented if you had taken my advice years ago and not left. It was your duty to stay, to work with me to ensure the future. Everything has consequences, David, you know that better than most.”
“Please let me go,” Tessa sobbed, but Ezekiel tightened his fingers around her arm, causing Tessa to cry out. She raised the arm he’d previously held above her head to try to loosen the grip. Her efforts were to no avail and blood dripped down her b
ruised wrist in five distinct places where his fingertips dug into her skin.
“And you,” Ezekiel snapped at her, dragging her by her hair once more so she could watch his eyes. “You were supposed to die. Why couldn’t you just die like a good girl and save me all this trouble? Do you have any idea the chain reaction you’ve set off simply by surviving? All the fires I’ve had to put out over the last year and a half? And then you have the nerve to disrespect me? No! I’m done playing these games. It’s time everyone realized their true place in this world. And you, my dear, have none. You’re an abomination and maybe—just maybe—if I get rid of you the snowball will stop rolling down the path of destruction.”
“Why would God want me to die?”Tessa asked. David puffed up his chest with pride. She was stalling for time, and while he was flipping out was her best chance of catching him distracted.
“It doesn’t matter what He wants. I want you to die. Me! You’re ruining everything! I originally had other plans for you, ways to use you as a bargaining chip to set things right again. But I see now—I see nothing will work right again until I fix what was wrong in the first place.”
As Ezekiel continued his tirade, Tessa lowered her eyes until they noticed the camera. Her eyes crinkled at the edges as she smiled. Very discreetly, so Ezekiel couldn’t see from above, she mouthed the words “I love you” and smiled before turning her face hard again. Very slowly so as not to be noticed, she took a deep breath and pushed up with all of her might and let out a war cry.
The camera also tilted, and David could only see the ceiling. She must have knocked it over when she stood up. He leaned closer to the iPad Nico held, listening for what might have taken place and praying she made it out of there all right. He heard the sounds of a scuffle and items being knocked over. Grunts and ominous moans from both parties filled the silence in David’s cell, and he stopped breathing. Finally, a long, low wail from Ezekiel blared from the tiny speaker, followed by a slamming door
David smiled, hoping Tessa caused him a lot of pain, but held his breath for whatever happened next. As if granting his wish, Ezekiel, lying on the floor crouched in a ball, grabbed the camera and shoved it next to his face.
Echo of an Earth Angel (The Earth Angel Trilogy: #1) Page 19
