Simra’s ragged breaths calmed when the raging earthquake came to an abrupt end. The pouring showers and racing winds ceased. Crickets and frogs began singing their evening lullabies outside the window. Zach released Simra from the firm grip of his warm hands.
He helped Simra to stand, and Ms. Hanley stood from the bed with her eyes wide from shock. "What happened, Simra?"
Simra dared peeking out the bedroom window. The setting sun splayed its orange light over the gardenias and pink rose bushes in the yard. It was almost like the storm never happened. The only evidence was the mess in the house.
Simra ran from the bedroom and looked out the kitchen window to see if Mandy and Lucinda had arrived. Her cousin's car wasn't outside. So they must have been safe. Simra rushed to Ms. Hanley and took her hands.
"Ms. Hanley, Tristan tried to frighten us out of the house. He wants to kill you and capture me. This madness will end very soon. I promise."
Tears misted Ms. Hanley's eyes, and the woman hid a slight gasp behind her hand. "I can't imagine someone so evil. How'd he come from me and Miles? Where'd we go wrong in parenting him?"
Zach stepped toward his mom as pain entered his eyes. "Tell her they did everything right. And he's not someone; he's something. A demon. His father's the devil, not Miles. Not God. This is what Azazel wants you both to feel. Guilt, remorse, and shame. These are all bad feelings caused by him. Don't give in to them. Live in confidence and faith. Those are from God."
Simra repeated to Ms. Hanley what Zach told her. "Tristan's very manipulative and controlling. Zach's teaching me that we're safer when we draw closer to Christ."
The front door swung open, and Mandy called out Simra's name. “Sim? We’re here.”
Her cousin came inside beside Lucinda with a pink polka-dotted umbrella folded up in one hand. “Grandmother, Mandy! You’re all right. I got so worried, and Tristan just caused a terrible storm.”
Mandy hugged her cousin and drew away. Her eyes searched Simra’s. “Oh my! Are you all right? We just arrived. It looks like a horrible storm just left. I had to stay late to do some paperwork.”
Relief swam through Simra after Mandy told her what kept her a little later than usual. “All that matters is you two are here and safe.”
Mandy glanced at Ms. Hanley and back at Simra. "Is this Zach and Tristan's mother?"
Ms. Hanley gave Mandy a welcoming hug. "You must be Simra's cousin. She informed me that you and your Grandmother are staying here too. It's a pleasure to finally meet you."
Mandy gave her a warm smile. "It's nice to meet you too."
Tears filled Ms. Hanley's eyes as she took Lucinda's hands. "Ms. Reece, I've heard so much about you from Simra. I'm so sorry about what he did to you."
Lucinda mumbled unclear words, walked into the den, and sat on the couch. Simra sat down and placed her arm around their grandmother’s shoulder. She could feel Lucinda’s relaxed muscles. The woman never appeared so at ease until she was inside the lake house or near Zach. Their grandmother seemed so trusting of him.
Simra's cell buzzed on the coffee table. Jeff. She answered in a rush. “Jeff?”
“Sim, I'm hurt. I’m in the hospital because something strange happened to my car. It caused me to have a bad wreck. Are you all safe?”
The cell slipped from her trembling hands. She gathered herself together. She placed the phone to her ear again. “We’re safe. Which hospital? Will you be all right?”
Mandy bolted up from the couch. “What is it?”
“I’m at St. Rest Hospital. Sim, you and Mandy shouldn’t come. Both of you stay safe with Zach. I’ll be fine.”
“Zach and I are on our way,” she stated with determination.
“Sim, don’t-“
Simra hung up and turned to the angel. “Take me to Jeff. He needs us. I think Tristan hurt him. The demon will kill him.”
Mandy placed her hands on Simra’s shoulders, and her eyes were wide with alarm. “What happened? Is he all right?”
Simra told her cousin everything. “Stay with Grandmother and Ms. Hanley. It’s dangerous out there for all of you. I’ll return to let you know how he’s doing. We need to make sure he’s all right.”
Ms. Hanley stepped closer to Simra. "But it's dangerous out there. Don't you think you should stay here and just let Zach check on him?"
"Zach isn't visible to Jeff. I have to find out what happened and see for myself what Tristan did," Simra replied, glancing from Ms. Hanley to Zach.
“Sim, you're not going out there. Tristan probably did this. You'll get killed!”
“I’m sorry, Mandy, but I need to check on him. Tristan needs to be stopped before he kills Jeff. That might be his next move. I’m going. Just stay here with Grandmother and Ms. Hanley. Have faith we’ll be all right.”
Zach folded his arms across his bold chest. “Your faith has taken a wrong turn. We should talk about this. Going to see Jeff is much too dangerous for you. Your trust in God is very weak right now. Speaking to your friend over the phone is much safer than seeing him.”
Simra pursed her lips together and couldn’t stop from frowning at him. “I’ll be fine. We’ll talk later. Our friend’s the one who’s in danger. I know how Tristan is, and we need to stop him before he kills Jeff. Hurry.” She rushed toward the front door in the dining area.
Zach glowered at her. “You’re thinking with a reckless mind. You’re worried about Jeff, and your emotions are out of control. He’ll be fine. You won’t be safe if you throw yourself out there as bait for Azazel. That's what he wants.”
“Zach, Jeff needs me whether all of you think so or not. Just take me so I can see that he’s all right.”
"You're just as stubborn as your grandmother," Zach growled.
Mandy followed her cousin and pleaded with her. “Sim, please don’t go. It’s much too dangerous. This might be what Tristan wants. He could’ve harmed Jeff just to get you out of the house.”
Ms. Hanley nodded in agreement. "I agree with Mandy. Most likely, he plans to capture you again."
Simra placed a gentle hand on her cousin’s cheek and glanced at the angel and his mom. “I’ll be fine. Maybe Zach and I can stop Tristan before he hurts Jeff again. There has to be something we can do. I need to find out exactly what happened. I promise to return with answers.”
Zach squared his shoulders, and his face shadowed with darkness. “Fine. I’ll take you. Just know that Azazel could’ve done this to draw you out of hiding. My brother saw he couldn’t draw you out with the storm. He knows how much your loved ones mean to you. Jeopardizing their safety will draw you out of hiding.”
Simra placed a hand on her hip. “I have to know that Jeff's going to be all right. Take me to my friend.”
She slid into his arms and left Mandy, Ms. Hanley, and Lucinda in the house. Zach traveled with her in his arms to St. Rest Hospital. Dark clouds hovered across the radiant white moon until it wasn’t visible anymore. The overpowering stench of smoke almost choked Simra. The vivid city lights became dim from the fog in the distance. Lightning struck in the clouds above them.
Thunder boomed near them and caused Simra’s bones to feel like they jumped out of her skin. Tristan's shadow appeared before them with a wicked laugh. The demon appeared and disappeared in different areas beside the highway. Simra's blood froze when she noticed him getting closer and closer. If she didn't destroy him soon, Simra and everyone she loved would die.
Chapter 21
"And you shall say to them, 'Hear, O Israel! Today you are drawing near to do battle against your enemies. Do not lose heart, or be afraid, or panic, or be in dread of them; for it is the Lord your God who goes with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to give you victory.'" -Deuteronomy 20:3-4
Zach held her tighter against his hard chest. “My brother’s testing you. Trust in Christ. Think of what God did for you today. He's saved you and your family's lives many times. The Father doesn't want you destroyed. The Lord has many purposes for you and your loved o
nes. He loves everything about you.”
The angel’s sincerity pierced through her soul. Her faith transformed from nothing into a solid wall of strength. Guilt plagued Simra for blaming God. The Lord’s loving presence embraced her.
She prayed a silent prayer to the heavens and thanked Him for speaking through Zach. Simra repeated the same prayers she prayed during the past two horrendous storms. The lightning streaks and thick fog disappeared. Simra nodded a silent ‘thank you’ to God and couldn’t control a content smile.
There were still many questions that needed explaining. Those issues must not be thought of now; however. Her faith would be lost if she doubted the Lord again. She needed to hold on to her trust in God. He kept her safe.
Focusing on making it to St. Rest safe and sound, Simra tightened her grip on the angel. “Let’s go.”
“Hold on to your strong faith. It’s keeping Azazel away.” Zach dropped her to her feet in front of the hospital. “We’re here.”
Zach’s eyes were fixed on the employees they passed inside the building. “I know many of these people. I saw patients here in my mortal vessel. I miss working as a doctor sometimes.”
Afraid others might believe she had an imaginary friend, Simra said nothing. Grabbing his hand, she squeezed with much affection for a brief moment. Being an angel must be so devastating. He couldn't have the normal joys of a human. Becoming involved with Tristan caused enough of her own joy to be stolen. She couldn't imagine what it must have been like dealing with Tristan since the beginning of time.
Simra approached the nurses’ desk. “I’m here to see Jeff Theron. He just called me and got admitted not long ago. Can you give me his room number please?”
Zach looked at the nurse with recognition. “Sharon…”
Simra turned a sideways glance toward him. A small tinge of jealousy burned inside of her to notice how beautiful the woman appeared. Her long brunette hair was tied in the back. The nurse’s large brown eyes gazed across the desk.
Many men would probably want to date Sharon. Curiosity overwhelmed Simra if Zach ever dated her while in human form. Then again, his main priority was destroying a demon and collecting souls.
Simra couldn’t refrain from inquiring about their past relationship. “You know her…well?”
The nurse tilted her head and raised an eyebrow. “Excuse me?”
Zach gave Simra an amused grin. “Yes, we worked together.” He placed a gentle hand to Simra’s cheek. “I’m not a human, and we were only very good friends. I've never dated. She isn't right for me anyway.”
Who is right for you? An angel awaiting your return in heaven? Is that why you turn all human women down? The questions stung the tip of Simra’s tongue, but she dared not ask.
Instead, she shook her head and placed her fingers at the bridge of her nose. Simra remembered how she and Zach would never be together as a couple either. They were of different worlds.
“Miss, are you all right?” The nurse leaned forward in her chair.
A playful chuckle escaped from Zach, and he patted Simra on the shoulder. “Simra’s fine. Just a little jealous. That’s all.”
Simra gasped, and her cheeks tingled with heat from embarrassment. “Sorry. I was thinking out loud. Never mind me.”
Sharon gave her a slight nod, but her eyes remained puzzled. The nurse continued checking the computer for Jeff’s room number. “Room 215.”
“Thank you.” Simra left the area in a rush and never looked back.
Sharon seemed to perceive her as insane. Did the woman not believe some people communicated with angels? Maybe that’s why the angel never had feelings for her. The nurse may never believe in angels and probably couldn’t be convinced.
Simra shook her head of such pathetic thoughts and squared her shoulders. They pursued walking down the hall. Zach gave her a relentless smile the entire time. A deep sigh escaped from her when they stepped into the elevator alone.
An angry heat simmered Simra’s cheeks. “What on earth is so amusing?”
The angel laughed and leaned against the wall of the elevator. “You embarrassed yourself back there, and you're cute.”
More heat rose to her cheeks. “Stop reading my thoughts!”
The aggravating smile never left his face. “I know you want answers.”
“Answers to what?”
“You're the only one who would be right for me. No, there's no angel or other female awaiting my return in heaven. And I turn all female mortals down because angels can't be with them. We must put all our time in completing our duties for God.”
The elevator doors opened on the second floor, and the nurses’ station stood right in front of them. Simra forced a smile toward everyone they passed. She didn’t want to risk anyone else like Sharon judging her. Simra hated how she could not speak to him in public without everyone believing she'd lost her mind. She walked into Jeff’s room and saw no one but her friend there.
Simra let off some steam. “If you think I’m jealous, we both know I shouldn't be. We aren’t right for each other just like you and Sharon. You’re an angel of death, and I’m only human.”
She paused and added, “We’re only working together to destroy an evil demon. And never say such things to me about how I'm the only one right for you. I'm sure you said the same to Grandmother, and look how she ended up.”
Jeff grunted beside them. “Sim, I told you not to come! What on earth are you talking about?”
Zach interrupted her before she could reply. “There is no need for you to be jealous. I feel different about you. And no, I won't allow you to end up like Lucinda. I'm more on guard this time.”
Simra bit her lip in frustration and crossed her arms across her chest. Was he implying he was more distracted by her grandmother because he'd had stronger feelings for Lucinda? She'd had enough of his games!
Simra squared her jaw with defiance and stomped toward the detective. Simra couldn’t control her lips from parting in disbelief. His entire body was bruised and scratched from the car accident.
“Oh, Jeff! I’m so sorry. Please tell me everything.”
Jeff drew away when she tried touching his arm. “Sim, you shouldn’t be here. It’s dangerous. My entire body’s very tender. It’s bizarre how the accident happened. It’s like the car had a life of its own. The steering wheel jerked by itself, and the vehicle flipped into the ditch. I’m surprised I got out alive.”
He paused and added, “I believe we’re getting close to finding Tristan’s body. I started searching for old abandoned houses around town. Suddenly, I had this feeling Tristan would find a way to stop me. I began searching anyway. That’s when I had the accident.”
She couldn’t stop her lips from parting with shock, and Simra turned from Jeff to Zach. “This is all my fault. I should’ve never got you involved. Tristan almost killed you! I’m so glad you’re all right. Promise me you won’t look for him again after you’re released. Zach and I must do this on our own.”
Jeff grimaced in pain when he tried to sit up in bed. “No, I won't promise you that. I’m finding his body regardless of what you say. He’ll capture you, and I won’t allow it. God's on our side, and I believe He’s the one who saved my life. Stay hidden at the lake house. Allow the angel and me to do the work. My faith is stronger than ever now because God kept me alive.”
Tears filled Simra's eyes. “I’ve never been as afraid as I am now. I didn’t imagine Tristan would turn out to be this way. He’s killing his own family and trying to kill mine. What kind of person does such things?”
“Demons. Allow Jeff to help. It’ll be done much quicker with more people. Like your friend said, God is on our side. The Lord protected your friend from getting killed. Have strong faith,” Zach interjected, his expression solemn.
She wiped away a couple of tears falling down her cheeks. “Yeah, I suppose we need strong trust in God to protect us. I can’t help but worry about you and my family, Jeff. Tristan will try to kill anyone who gets in
his way of me.”
Jeff’s eyes filled with sympathy for his friend. “I know, but I don’t believe God will allow the demon to kill us. We each have a part in destroying Tristan.”
Zach paced the floor on the other side of the bed and rubbed his chin. “Listen to your friend, Simra. We do need his help.”
Simra turned her gaze toward the angel as he towered over Jeff. Her wild heart pounded with a longing to destroy Tristan once and for all. Tonight. She clung to her faith by recalling how God rescued her many times.
The Lord also saved Jeff from being killed. Determination rose inside her to find the body. Simra’s eyes grew heavy from sleep deprivation. The round white clock across from Jeff’s bed showed it was only 9 p.m. There were many restless nights without much sleep. Her body began to grow weary.
Simra blinked her eyes several times to stay awake. “Zach, let’s look for the corpse tonight. My faith’s strong right now, and you can protect me. We should be safe.”
“Are you kidding me? Sim, I told you to let me take care of it. It’s not safe for you. You’re the one Tristan wants,” Jeff interrupted before Zach could respond.
“Jeff, Zach and I are the only ones who can destroy the body. Remember? I just needed you to help us search for it and take care of the drug dealer.”
The detective sank down into the bed with distress. “I just think we're all worrying too much about each other. You look so tired. Go home and get some rest tonight. Start fresh on the search in the morning. Maybe I’ll be out of here and well by then. Be careful out there. The cops are still looking for Quint. Watch out for that thug.”
Zach gestured for Simra's hand and led her toward the exit of the room. “Your friend’s right. Let’s get back to my place so you can rest for the night. We’ll start fresh in the morning.”
Simra smiled at the detective before leaving the room with Zach. “I’ll do that. Take care, Jeff. You be careful too. Hold on to your faith. Night.”
Immortal Memory (Book One) Page 12
