by Linda Creel
“We’ll know more after we examine the site. For now, have the residents open up the shops and go about their daily lives. Gregory’s funeral is planned for tomorrow afternoon. Because of the time difference anyone interested in attending, should expect to leave Utopia by noon.”
“You can expect my family to be there, but some of the others may be too afraid to leave,” Henry sighed. “Should I join you at the woods?”
“No, the children will come with us, and when we have finished with our inspection, we’ll take them home. I think Willow has had enough of Meredith for one day.”
“Again, I must apologize for my wife’s behavior.”
“It might be wise to have a little chat with her before the funeral. Eve won’t tolerate any derogatory comments about the children.” Paul said. “We don’t want Meredith to wind up in the lake behind the mortuary.”
“Do you mind if Will and Joshua come with us?” Rita asked. “They’ve already been to the ashes and it might be easier for them to guide us so nothing is disturbed.”
“We can stop at my parent’s home. There are enough horses for everyone,” Will said.
Willow winked at him, and then started sniggering. “Um -- we’ll use another form of transportation, if you don’t mind. Just think of where you found the fire, and then grab hold of one of us.”
Without hesitating, Joshua slid his arm around Jessica’s waist, and Will tentatively held on to Rita’s hand.
As soon as everyone was united; the portal took them to the woods.
Chapter 44
When Samhael arrived in Purgatory, he found Mortriel and Richard sitting at a table in one of the outdoor cafes.
The shops were open, but none of the young angel-bloods were in view. “I see you took my advice and moved the girls back to the dormitory. Its better they don’t see the Abyvir,” he said.
“Yes, but I did show the creatures to Verah. I told her if she didn’t keep the brats in line, I would put her in the cage with the beasts and make the children watch them shred her like a head of lettuce.”
Samhael chuckled. “So you had no trouble with Chester and Clarence -- oh, I mean, Fenryr and Faelan?”
“We were able to get them inside the cage without too many problems,” Mortriel said, unable to contain his smug smile. “Of course, they are still in chains.” He motioned for his friend to take a seat, and poured him a glass of red wine.
Richard nodded. The beasts woke up as soon as they arrived, and he had to talk them down again. Thankfully, Samhael was right; because he administered the hound’s blood to the brothers, they had to follow his commands.
“How about you; how was Mehri’s meeting with the priest?” Mortriel asked.
Taking a small sip from the glass; Samhael put it on the table and leaned back in his chair. “The meeting went well, but we have another problem. It’s nothing I can’t handle, but your father does need to be informed.”
Mortriel slid his chair closer and leaned forward. Though he didn’t often keep the other fallen angels in the dark, he wanted to make sure nothing interfered with his plans, so the details about the pending attack were not discussed with anyone except Richard and Samhael. “What kind of problem?”
“Mehri killed her mother.”
Mortriel started laughing. “I don’t see why that’s a problem.”
“In doing so, she lost Laelah’s bracelet. I went back to the farm to retrieve the jewel, but Paul and some of the children were there.”
“Paul – why would he involve himself with the deaths of a couple of mortals?”
“Didn’t Lucifer ever tell you how Mehri came to him?”
“I was told she made a deal to save her son’s life.”
“That’s partly correct. When Mehri’s mother, Charlotte, found out her daughter was pregnant, she went on a rampage and threw her out of the house. Your father happened to be in the area, and told Charlotte he could take care of the problem, in exchange for a small favor. All she and her husband had to do was to keep an eye on the Guild’s children, and report their activity to him.”
“That was years ago. Paul and Adam’s eldest daughters are only eighteen,” Mortriel scoffed.
“Your father was patient. He knew the Guild would marry angel-bloods and have children who were descendants of the archangels. When Mehri’s son was born, he was deathly sick. That was your fathers doing.”
Mortriel frowned. “What does this have to do with the mortals?”
“Charlotte and her husband both made a blood pact with your father. As planned, the child was near death when he was born, but Lucifer had plans for the boy. He approached Mehri and told her that if she agreed to come with him, he would save the child and send him to a good family where he would be well cared for. The Baron and his wife were believed to be loyal. We discovered later, they had a change of heart. Byron would grow up, marry Lucifer’s sister, Loralei, and eventually give birth to a son, who, with the combined blood of the two angels, would become a powerful weapon.”
“Yes, but Loralei and Byron had a daughter, Meredith.”
“Who proceeded to have a son who is completely faithful to us,” Samhael said, as he pointed to Richard.
“You still haven’t explained how Paul got involved with Charlotte,” Mortriel sighed.
“After the children of the Guild were born, Lucifer paid another visit to the Chastains. He instructed them to join the church the angel-bloods attended and get close to the children and their priest. Father Patrick often stops to visit the elderly couples; I suppose the Chastains were on his list today. Your father put a protective charm on the bracelet. I suspect the priest’s hands were burned when he touched the relic, and he called Paul.”
“What does it matter if Paul found the bracelet?” Richard asked.
“The bracelet belonged to my mother, Laelah,” Mortriel said. “She was Paul’s sister.”
Richard almost dropped his glass. “Paul’s sister was married to Lucifer?” he asked incredulously.
“Yes, though I can tell you my mother was nothing like that pious ass.” He drained his glass and banged it on the table. “You should get back to Utopia. Samhael and I have to see my Father.”
“Are you sure the Abyvir can be trusted?” Samhael asked.
“We have two guards outside the carriage house and the chains should hold them until we get back. Shall we go? I can’t wait to hear what Father thinks of his precious Mehri now. Her carelessness could cause us problems.”
He waited for Richard to leave, and then he walked to the cage where Faelan and Fenryr were sleeping. “They shouldn’t give you any trouble, but I want no one in there,” he warned the guards. “Samhael and I should be back within the hour.”
He turned, and the guards watched as Mortriel and his friend vanished in a puff of black smoke.
“I hope he knows what he’s doing,” one of the guards whispered to the other. “Nothing good will come of making these creatures. How do we know Mortriel won’t turn them against us? No -- as soon as he gets back, I’m out of here. I’ll take my chances hiding amongst the mortals. Mortriel will be too busy to look for me.”
The other guard nodded. “Yeah – I think we’ll be better off as far away from here as we can get.”
Purgatory was supposed to be a safe haven for the fallen angels, but ever since Mortriel started bringing the angel-bloods there, they had known nothing but trouble. It was only a matter of time before the Guild and their friends showed up, or worse, the Elite Guard.
Chapter 45
The portal dropped Paul and the others in front of the woods where the fire was started. No one noticed the cabin hidden behind some thicket and a large group of oaks, a hundred yards away. As they followed Will and Joshua, the acrid stench became stronger, making him and Adam more concerned, though the rest of the group didn’t seem to notice.
They walked a short distance until they came to a clearing. “The blaze has completely burned out,” Joshua said, pointing to the ashes.<
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“Was anyone else here with you?” Paul asked, seeing footprints in the dirt.
“My father, and a few of the servants, but they were careful not to disturb anything.”
Seeing an object glistening behind some vegetation not affected by the flames, Paul bent down to retrieve a small glass vial. After holding it to his nose, his brows knitted together, and he carefully handed the bottle to Adam.
“What is that?” Rita asked.
It wasn’t in Paul’s nature to lie, but he needed absolute proof before he alarmed his family. “I’m not an expert; it’s best to wait until I show this to the High Council.”
Jessica stared curiously at Rita’s father. “Do you have an idea who started this fire?”
“If my suspicions are correct, I would say someone close to Lucifer was here.”
All of a sudden a sound of leaves crumbling could be heard coming from the entrance to the woods. “Did you hear that?” Willow asked. “It sounds like we have company.”
They all turned to see Richard walking towards them. “Well, well – look who finally decided to make an appearance,” Rita said. “Coming to make sure you didn’t leave behind any evidence?”
Paul gave his daughter a scathing look, which Rita ignored.
“I just got back from my meeting and heard there was a fire,” Richard said. He looked at Adam, who slid the vial into his pants pocket. “Have you found anything?”
“We know someone died here today,” Rita spat. “It was pretty convenient you having a business meeting at just the right time. Did you also hear Gregory Godwin was poisoned? His wife said he was coming to see you.”
Richard didn’t seem the least bit nervous. “Gregory was a dear friend; are you certain he’s dead?”
“He died in my arms. He was trying to tell me who killed him, but all I got was “rich.” You don’t suppose he was trying to point a finger at you?”
“Rita, that’s enough. You’ll have to forgive my daughter,” Paul said to Richard. “She seems to have jumped to conclusions without knowing all the facts.”
Richard nodded. “How is Andromeda? I should go to her and see if there is anything I can do.”
“My mother doesn’t need help from the likes of you,” Matt yelled. “Her friends will take care of her.”
“I can see everyone is still upset over this terrible tragedy,” Richard sighed. “I trust you have made arrangements for Gregory’s funeral?”
“Yes, we’re having a small service at the mortuary tomorrow afternoon. Your father can give you the details,” Paul said.
“Thank you. Well, since there is nothing to be done here, I should get back to the house. I’m sure my mother is in distress. She really liked Gregory.” He was walking towards the road when he paused and turned. “I suppose I’ll see you all tomorrow.”
“Oh, you can bet on it,” Rita muttered.
Richard walked away. As soon as my sister is taken care of, that mouthy twit is going to be next.
“You didn’t have to be so rude,” Paul said to his daughter.
“Oh come on --you’re not buying those lies, are you? Don’t you agree his absence was just a little convenient? If you ask me, I think Gregory saw something he wasn’t supposed to, and Richard followed him to New York and poisoned him. I’m sure Mom knows the truth.”
“Your mother may have seen what happened, but her vows keep her from disclosing her visions to us,” Paul sighed.
“That’s fine. I’ll do some digging on my own.”
“Will and I can keep an eye on Richard and let you know if he meets with any mysterious friends,” Joshua offered. “Do you remember what Aura said about the stranger she saw yesterday? I’m sure he was the same man who met with Richard the day before. I have to agree with your daughter. First this stranger shows up, then bodies, or at least we think they’re bodies, are destroyed in these ashes, by a fire unlike anything I’ve ever seen before. You have to admit, it’s a bit coincidental.”
“Don’t forget about that disgusting stench we smelled when we first arrived,” Matt chimed in.
“I’ll agree something is wrong about all of this, but until we have proof, we can’t accuse your brother of any wrong-doings,” Paul said. “He’s the governor’s son.”
“Maybe if you knew Richard like I do, you wouldn’t be so quick to discount his involvement,” Joshua muttered. “Do you think Caspian and Axel are safe out there on their own?”
“After we drop the girls at Aura’s house, Adam and I will find them and advise them about Gregory’s death. There is a good chance neither will be at the funeral tomorrow. I’m sorry, but their work is too important to allow any interruptions,” Paul said.
“My mother will understand,” Matt replied. “She thinks Caspian is on his honeymoon anyway.”
Joshua laughed out loud. “My brother didn’t spend the night with his new bride – well, at least my brother Caspian didn’t. I can’t swear that Richard didn’t share Desiree’s bed.”
“Yeah -- Caspian couldn’t wait to leave. He told me he’s planning to have his marriage to Desiree annulled when he returns,” Will said. “I’m sure Richard will be pleased when that happens. But don’t say anything to your mother. She has enough to deal with now.”
Jessica cleared her throat, warning this wasn’t a conversation they should have in front of young ears.
Poor Matt’s face flushed a deep red as he gave Will a curious stare. “I won’t say anything, but I don’t understand why it matters.”
“It matters,” Willow said, letting a soft giggle escape from her lips. “Besides, we don’t want anyone to think Caspian had anything to do with your father’s death.”
“W-why would anyone think that?” Matt stuttered.
Willow grabbed his sweater and pulled him closer, whispering in a low tone, so the others couldn’t listen. With his mouth agape, Matt’s eyes widened, as he gawked at his best friend.
“It’s the truth, I swear it,” she said.
Matt smiled and made the sign of the cross over his heart. “It can be our secret, but I hope you’re right.”
“Jessica and I are going to stay here and catch a bite to eat with the boys, if that’s Ok?” Rita said.
“Can Matt and I stay too?” Willow pleaded. “He didn’t get to see the square yesterday. They have a really cool antique toy store.”
“Don’t you want to check on your mother? I’m sure she’s upset about your father’s death?” Jessica asked.
“We’ll take care of them,” Joshua promised. “We can have lunch at one of the outdoor cafes Afterwards we can walk around the village for awhile, and then take a buggy ride out to the country.”
Willow’s eyes sparkled as she grabbed Matt’s arm. “Let’s go; I’m starving.”
Joshua, holding Jessica’s hand, was the first to exit the woods. They were followed by Matt and Willow. On their way out, Rita spotted another small, glass vial, thrown into one of the bushes. She reached down to pick it up, and that’s when the smell hit her and she stumbled back.
“Are you alright?” Will asked.
Rita nodded, and then handed him the bottle. “Smell this, and tell me what it reminds you of.”
Will brought the opened vial to his nose. His eyes started watering and he began to cough violently. When he finally caught his breath, he looked at Rita. “Whatever that horrible stench was we smelled earlier, seems to be coming from this vial. What do you think it is?”
“I don’t know, but my father was pretty evasive when I asked him about it. I think he knew what this was, but didn’t want to say. Whatever it is – I’m sure it’s a whole lot of bad news.”
“Paul said he was going to show the bottle to the High Council. Maybe you should ask your grandfather about it.”
Without thinking, Rita snatched the vial from his hand and slipped it into her jeans pocket. Embarrassed, she turned and walked hurriedly towards the entrance.
Will finally caught up to her and grabbed her sweater.
She thought about swatting his hand away, but then reconsidered. “I’m sorry,” she said. “I didn’t mean to be so – uh -- aggressive.”
“Don’t worry I’m getting used to you.”
Rita’s mouth twisted into a snarl. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“We aren’t the bad guys here, you know. Just because we aren’t descended from the archangels, doesn’t mean we don’t have some value.”
Her face blanched and she felt a sudden pain in her chest. She broke free of his grasp and stomped towards the exit, muttering something under her breath.
Will caught up again, and stood in front of her, blocking the exit. “That’s not what I meant.” He ran his hands through his wavy blonde locks. “Damn, why is it so hard to talk to you?”
“You seem to think we are immortal – we’re not. Do you think my family hasn’t been tempted by Lucifer? My mother’s bro…” She stopped. It was none of his business.
Will couldn’t read Rita’s thoughts, but judging from her empty stare she was remembering something.
She had been a young child when her mother’s younger brother, Edward decided to turn his back on Heaven. After torturing, and then murdering his half-mortal wife, who was pregnant with their son, the Council determined his crimes didn’t warrant forgiveness. They ordered Paul and Adam to take his life.
Edward was one of the reasons some of the members of the Elite Guard didn’t trust angel-bloods. They felt they were undeserving of the powers they had received.
Rita’s family didn’t speak about Edward after his death. His name had been erased from the tree of life, and even his own father – Rita’s grandfather, Gideon, whose shield protected the angel-bloods, refused to acknowledge he ever had a son.
“I meant what I said. Joshua and I will do our part to help you and defend the citizens of Utopian,” Will said. He managed a weak laugh. “Although from what I’ve heard; maybe you and Jessica should be protecting us.”
There was no smugness -- no arrogance -- he sounded so sincere, Rita pushed aside his hurtful comments and smiled. “Where would the fun in that be?”
