Night Hawk Trilogy (Night Hawk Series)

by J. E. Taylor

  I stared at her and for the first time, I saw the slight change in her stomach. It was no longer the flat washboard I was used to, and I wondered how I could have missed the nuance of change in her. Of course, I had been dealing with the strangeness of being human again after so long, but that still didn’t excuse my lack of noticing the changes in her body.

  The doctor ran a thin line of clear gel on Naomi’s belly and pulled a thick wand from the side of the speaker. “I’m just warning you, it’s extremely rare to hear the heartbeat at this early stage, so if we can’t find it, I don’t want you to worry.”

  “Okay,” Naomi said and I squeezed her hand as she tucked the pillow under her head and stared at the ceiling. A smile formed and I glanced up. Taped above the table was one of those posters of Anne Geddes baby gardens.

  Dr. Wolk glanced up and echoed both our smiles. “I try to give my patient’s something unique. There’s a different picture in each room,” he said and the wand touched Naomi, running slowly across the path of gel.

  The volume was turned to high and the noises echoing from the speaker sounded like an underwater wonderland. A slight fluttering sound came and went and the doctor retraced his path, finding the flutter again. He looked up at Naomi with a grin.

  “You are one lucky girl. Six weeks is usually early for a heartbeat, but there it is,” he said and pulled the wand away from her belly, wiping the gel with a cloth and pulling her shirt down once she was clean. “I’ll want to see you next week so we can go over the test results. You can set up your next appointment at the front desk before you leave.” Dr. Wolk stood and gave a nod as he exited the room.

  The reality that the woman I loved was carrying my child hit and I bit down on my lip to push the swirl of emotions away. I smiled at her and brought her hand to my lips. Her eyes sparkled with unshed tears and she wrapped her arms around me, using my height to get to her feet.

  “We’re having a baby,” she said and her voice cracked. She buried her face in my chest and the first wave of tears struck.

  I blinked my eyes clear and kissed the top of her head. “I love you,” I said when I was sure I had a handle on my voice. Since I met her, she was the more emotionally stable of the two of us, now it was my turn to be solid and strong.

  After scheduling Naomi’s next appointment, I checked my phone; there was nothing from Valerie so I stuck my head into the waiting room. Her seat was empty and my gaze shot to the parking lot. The truck still sat where we parked it and icy dread filled my veins.

  Instead of heading out of the office area, I turned toward the desk.

  “We have a bit of a drive, is there a rest room my wife could use before we get on the road?”

  Naomi’s lips pressed into an embarrassed smile. The girl pointed toward the way we had come.

  “Down the hall and around the corner on your right.”

  I took Naomi’s hand and led her farther into the office, looking for one specific thing; when we turned the corner, my nerves relaxed a fraction. Before we could be intercepted, I pulled her through the exit, into a small stairwell and put my hand over her mouth, shaking my head before closing the door as quietly as I could.

  I glanced between her and the stairs leading down to a lower entrance, before maneuvering her into the darkest corner. I pulled my phone out without speaking and typed a text to Valerie, telling her they were running another test, so we would be another fifteen minutes or so.

  I put my finger on my lips and showed Naomi the text before making sure my phone was on silent. She didn’t understand until I hit send and Valerie’s ringtone echoed through the stairwell.

  “Fuck,” an unfamiliar voice muttered from below and Naomi’s eyes widened.

  I glanced at the stairs leading up and pulled her with me, silently climbing to the next floor. The door didn’t have a handle so we continued to the third floor.

  This one had a knob and I closed my eyes, saying a small prayer and turned. It gave and I opened it to another hall, moving Naomi into the carpeted stretch before shutting the door.

  “What is going on?”

  “Demons have Valerie,” I whispered and continued down toward the other end of the hall. I wanted Naomi out of the building before they figured out our game, but I had no idea how I was going to get Valerie away from the bastards. I stopped at the next exit and leaned against the door, running my hand down my face before meeting Naomi’s gaze.

  “I wish she had let me take the gun,” I said, pushing the fear down into my already knotted stomach.

  “What are we going to do?” she asked and her hand went into that protective reflex, covering her abdomen without knowledge of the move.

  “We aren’t going to do anything. You are going to stay here and I’m going to take care of those bastards,” I said and I recognized the shadow that traveled over her features before they hardened into that stubborn aggravation I was used to. I shook my head before she opened her mouth to argue. “No. You’re carrying my child. You aren’t going out there until I know it is safe.”

  Naomi’s lips thinned and she turned her back on me, crossing her arms and surveying the hall. She glanced over her shoulder, sending a glare at me before she marched away. Halfway down the hall sat a fire alarm box and when she reached for it, I almost laughed. Leave it to my wife to find a valid way out that wouldn’t leave us alone in the parking lot with the enemy.

  She pulled down and as the alarms broke out, wailing throughout the building, she passed in front of me and pushed open the door leading to a set of stairs on the opposite side of the floor. We joined a group of people clearing the building in an orderly fashion.

  We exited at the far side of the parking lot and I didn’t want to leave Naomi alone in the crowd. At least one of the demons knew what she looked like and if I left her alone, I’m sure that’s when all hell would break loose.

  “Follow me,” I whispered and started to navigate the parking lot, which was easier than I anticipated, especially with all eyes on the building, including the demon bitch that sat in the passenger seat.

  Valerie sat still, her gaze locked in front of her, unfocused, even as we passed her line of sight. Her waxy skin glistened with sweat and I wondered what the hell held her in place. When we were a car away, I pulled Naomi lower.

  “Stay here.”

  She glanced at the truck and then back to me, her eyes pleading in that way that made me hesitate, but I put my hand up and turned, focusing on the truck. From our vantage point, we couldn’t see the building and I had no idea who else was working with the demon bitch of a nurse holding Valerie hostage.

  I did a quick scan and then stepped to the side of the truck, yanking the passenger door open. The bitch’s head snapped in my direction, but I reacted faster than she did. My fist connected, breaking her nose before she had a chance to remove the knife buried in Valerie’s side.

  The anger that flared pulled a growl from my lips and I yanked psycho nurse from the car, twisting her neck as I turned. The sickening crunch of bone bounced off the car and I dropped the limp body, turning toward Naomi.

  “Hurry,” I said and as soon as she was in the car, I closed the door and ran to the driver’s side. Without thinking, I slid Valerie to the middle of the bench seat and turned the key hanging from the ignition.

  The truck revved to life and I hit the gas, tearing through the parking lot as fast as I dared. The hospital emergency room wasn’t far and I chanced a glance at Valerie. The girl still stared out the window almost like she was already...

  I shook the thought out of my head. “Check her pulse,” I ordered.

  Naomi’s shaking fingers reached into my peripheral vision, landing on Valerie’s throat as I took the turn into the emergency room entrance.

  “Does she have a pulse?” I barked and glanced around Valerie, meeting Naomi’s frightened stare.

  “I, I don’t know,” she said. I slammed the brakes, stopping the vehicle within a hair of the ambulance sitting in front of me and j
umped out.

  “You can’t park here,” a heavy-set officer said as he stepped out of the sliding doors.

  “My friend was stabbed,” was all I said, yanking the passenger door open. Naomi hopped out and moved aside, so I could reach in for Valerie. I didn’t hesitate; I scooped her up so the hilt of the blade faced the hospital. My heart dropped when she didn’t react with even a grunt from the change in position. I marched past the cop without another look. Each step brought back a random memory of Valerie. Years of memories, of watching her grow, flooded my senses and I carried her right past the desk and into one of the exam rooms. I didn’t have to speak, the blade and blood dripping a path from the car was all the hospital needed.

  The emergency room staff descended like a pack of wild eagles, pushing us aside while they assessed the damage. Naomi pulled me back against the wall as they barked commands that didn’t register. The sound of a heartbeat pulled me out of my stress-filled trance, yanking a breath of relief from my chest. The nursing staff herded us from the room, despite my protests.

  “They are bringing her to surgery,” someone said and I glanced down at the owner of the voice. A petite nurse stood with her hand on my chest. The name tattooed on her shirt read Sara, - RN.

  “Is she going to make it?” I asked, my voice weak and unsteady and I cleared my throat, glancing at Naomi, who stood next to me with the same shell-shocked stare I imagined I wore.

  “Are you family?”

  “She’s my cousin,” Naomi said, gaining Nurse Harding’s attention. “Is she going to be okay?”

  “We have the best doctors working on her right now,” she answered and I closed my eyes, finding the wall with my hand. “The waiting room is that way. I will come find you when I get word as to her condition. Okay?”

  I nodded and threw my arm around Naomi, turning in the direction the nurse had pointed.

  The officer waited by the door, swinging a set of keys from his finger. When I approached, the keys stilled and he crossed to me.

  “What happened, son?” he asked.

  “I don’t know,” I said. “Valerie came into Dr. Wolk’s office with us and she was in the waiting room last I knew. The fire alarm was pulled and we went out to the truck and found her like that.” I pointed a shaking finger toward the exam rooms.

  “The police are processing your vehicle.”

  I glanced around him at the cop cars and crime scene tape and nodded. “I hope they find the son of a bitch...” I muttered and glanced back at the cop.

  “Did you touch the knife?”

  “No. I don’t think either of us did.” I glanced at Naomi.

  “I didn’t touch it. The only thing I did was feel for a pulse when you asked me to.”

  The cop seemed satisfied for the time being and pointed us to the waiting room. Another staff member approached and handed us a clipboard to fill out with Valerie’s information. I stared at the blanks and then at Naomi. I had the name, address and date of birth down, but not much else and I sighed, dropping my head into my hands.

  “Michael,” I whispered, calling on the power of heaven to perform yet another miracle.

  Chapter Four - Damian

  The one good thing about adrenaline is while it’s running through your blood stream; you’re pretty much numb to emotions beyond the need to take action. When the battle ends and the adrenaline dries up, the wave crashes, and right now I was drowning in the thought of losing Valerie.

  Naomi was doing her best to hold it together, but she barely contained her tears and the lack of response from our angelic relative was starting to bite at my already raw nerves. I reached out, lacing my fingers through Naomi’s, gave her my best reassuring smile, and brought the back of her hand to my lips.

  Strength in the face of tragedy was not my most reliable trait, but I needed to put on the brave face for her. She sniffled and buried her face in my chest. I wrapped my arm around her and gave a squeeze, knowing damn well it wasn’t enough to erase the soul-consuming fear.

  I had no idea who the other demon was, but I’d bet my fortune that they knew the outcome of Naomi’s tests, which meant Lucifer would soon know we had a trinity on the way.

  Movement in the entry to the waiting room caught my eye and I moved my gaze from Naomi to the man standing in the doorway. I lowered Naomi’s hand and straightened. Her gasp followed as her eyes landed on the same view.

  “Michael?” I asked. I wasn’t sure, not with the haggard being leaning on the doorframe. His slight nod kicked me into action and I dropped Naomi’s grip, crossing the room and offering him a hand. He glanced at the offer and irritation raked over his face but he took a hold of my arm and allowed me to lead him to the empty seat next to mine.

  The young vibrant angel I had known for all my days had finally aged... a lot. His once ebony hair was almost pure white and lines carved deep shadows in his face. Even his hands were wrinkled and gnarled. It took me a few minutes to find my voice.

  “Can you... help?” I asked.

  He gave my leg a pat. “I’m sorry,” he whispered and his chin dropped. “As you can see, I haven’t had the chance to rejuvenate yet.”

  “What happened?” I couldn’t help it, even though on some level I already knew.

  He turned his gaze to mine. “I spent most of my energy on you, leaving just enough to make sure Naomi didn’t bleed out.” His gaze moved to Naomi and he offered the slightest of smiles.

  He had performed a miracle. I should have roasted in the sun, or at least dropped dead from the amount of blood loss and crushed bone, but I hadn’t because Michael swept in at the last minute and saved both of us. I just didn’t realize what it had cost him.

  I licked my lips and stared at the tile patterns traversing the floor.

  “Will you ever...”

  “Recuperate?” Michael finished my sentence and shrugged in a way that left my blood cold. “I honestly don’t know.”

  “Valerie...” I started and fidgeted, picking at the hangnail on my thumb before I cleared my throat. “Valerie was stabbed.”

  “I know.”

  “By a demon,” I added.

  “I gathered it was something along those lines, especially since she asked for your protection,” he said. “She wanted to make sure you two survived, even if she didn’t.”

  “She...” Naomi started.

  Michael put his hand up, stopping her from asking the question that swarmed my mind as well. “I don’t have any more insight than that.”

  An angel without insight. Now I’ve heard it all, but I wasn’t in the position to make a snide comment. Instead, I sighed and pinched the bridge of my nose.

  Naomi’s grip tightened on mine and I turned, something outside the window held her gaze. When I followed her gaze to the glass, my already chilled blood froze and my chest constricted like someone tied a complex and very tight knot with my lungs.

  Outside, the crazy nurse I killed stood next to Valerie’s truck, staring at us through the window with a narrowed glare. She cracked her neck and smiled, and then her lips moved reciting the unmistakable name that would bring the devil to our door.

  Lucifer.

  The freeze in my blood turned to the burn of adrenaline and I grabbed Michael’s arm with my free hand, moving us with a speed I didn’t think I still possessed. It wasn’t vampire speed, but it was damn fast, especially while dragging an old man and my stunned wife.

  I turned toward the belly of the hospital, looking for a way to escape our intertwined fates. My heart hammered in my temple, creating a beat my feet followed. The clap of thunder announced his arrival, but I didn’t even chance a look, instead, I found a staircase leading to the floor below.

  It wasn’t until I stood in the sparsely populated cafeteria that I stopped. Both Michael and Naomi huffed, their faces as red from exertion as I imagined mine and I let them rest at the table near the door. Michael collapsed in the chair next to me and Naomi took the one farthest away from the door.

  Her hea
d dropped to the table and the rise and fall of her back was enough for me to grab the nearest garbage can and slide it under her. She spit a couple of times and then nodded and I moved the can back to the wall by the door. As I approached the table, the air in the cafeteria shifted and I stopped with my gaze locked on Naomi’s.

  I didn’t need to turn to know Lucifer stood behind me, but I wondered if he was in the same condition as his brother. Michael stood and for a brief instance, I saw the fire flare in him, but it flickered and he grabbed the edge of the table to steady his feeble form.

  I inhaled, and spun, facing the monster that was hell bent on destroying me. Lucifer stood before me in human form, but unlike Michael, he was still young. A bandage covered his neck and Eve’s burning form had left quite a bit of damage on the right side of the devil’s face.

  His gaze narrowed as he studied me and then it transitioned to Michael.

  “You fool. You gave him your grace?”

  My skin flushed hot with those words. Michael’s grace? Holy shit. The old angel stepped to my side but I couldn’t look at him. I was still processing Lucifer’s words.

  “Now all he needs is yours,” Michael snarled and Lucifer’s clawed hand shot out, puncturing Michael’s chest.

  “He may have your grace, but I am claiming your soul.”

  Michael somehow produced a smile. “My soul belongs to God,” he uttered.

  Lucifer yanked, ripping the heart from Michael’s body. A scream pierced the room and the shuffle of panicked footsteps filled the cafeteria. Michael collapsed on the floor and Lucifer stared at the heart, mesmerized as the muscle’s contractions slowed until it was still.