by Amy Lignor
A shudder of fear rolled through him. Michael pointed to a chair, and Emily sat down. Taking a long, deep breath, he said, “Your life up here was bound to overlap the one down there. Right this minute, you’re teaching us how things have gotten so bad. Of course it’s easier up here, Emily. The judgments we make have to be made. People have to be forgiven, saved, and loved. Wrongdoing doesn’t exist here because it is cast out at the gate. But you won’t be. Your will and determination will see you through this, Emily. And it will see Matt through, too.” Michael’s voice grew sad. “You won’t solve all the world’s problems this first time out, but you need to find the balance of good and evil in yourself. Learn when to step back and when to go forward. Watch, listen and talk to the people around you and, I promise you, you’ll be safe. We love you, and if you can’t find us for a while—believe me—we’ll come back. There’ll be signs for you to see.”
She raised her tear-stained face to look into his fatherly gaze.
“There are signs everywhere, Emily. The growing pains you feel will pass and new ones will appear from time to time. Enjoy the questions…the ferocity with which you feel things…and the imagination you use. You are a player in the loveliest creation ever made—life. The people who remember you down there, remember you for a reason. Maybe it was your kind voice that told them to take a chance once, or warned them to move aside. Maybe you once wrestled the demons from their souls so they could live in peace.”
“Can I fail?” she asked choking on her fear.
“The only way to fail is not to try,” Michael said. He tilted his head to the side. “Hey…I like that.” He smiled. “I think that could catch on someday.”
Emily grinned wiping her tears away with her hands. She made a note of the new gesture, wondering what made her press her tears into her skin instead of waving them dry like she normally did. Emily’s soul twisted. It was such a human thing to do.
Quickly, she turned the knob on the door, blew Michael a kiss, and walked out of the room.
The intercom beeped on Michael’s desk, and a beautiful voice entered the room. “She’ll be all right.”
“I know,” Michael sighed. “But I do think that Gabriel and I should explore this Dublin church. I think someone should be reminded of his real duties as a preacher.”
Lovely laughter shook the room. “Now, Michael, I can’t have you two wandering off again. Emily will be fine. She’s doing well and, I must say, we’re learning a great deal about human faith with this one. She’s filled with belief.”
“Which will make it that much harder if she fails,” Michael whispered, tossing his glasses on the desk.
The voice grew louder. “She’ll change the course of things.”
“She’ll want to go back. I thought she would be happier up here…with us…with Matt.”
“Maybe she is.”
“No,” Michael said, shaking his head at the intercom. “I can see the light inside her. Questions have been opened in her mind. Now she’s remembering things from down there when she comes home to us. I think she and Matt are beginning to understand what they really are when they’re awake down there.”
“That’s not a bad thing, Michael. You know as well as I do that their partnership is fused for a long time to come. These trials must be faced together if they’re to overcome…more difficult days.”
The archangel groaned at the thought. “Playing human games could backfire on them. If the wrong decisions are made she could end up settling for what she doesn’t want. But if they move on without each other, Matt and Emily could end up hating each other.”
“There was always that possibility, Michael. Maybe they’ll be able to tell us what hate is and where it comes from. There’s no way to see their future together, only for them to live it. Free will, remember?”
Michael nodded at the high-tech device on his desk.
“Go now, it’s time for the meeting to begin.”
“What’s it about this time?”
“A war has begun to form again in my name. One of our own has gone over to the other side and must now face the consequences.”
“What consequences will we consider?”
“Maybe we’ll give him to Francis. He was just talking to me the other day about this wonderful creature that he wants to create out in the desert. Very painful, I hear. A scorpion is what he calls it. It should make quite an insect. Francis just loves to experiment.”
“Yes, I remember the cockroach incident. I never could stand those things,” Michael said with shudder.
“Everything has its purpose.”
The archangel grunted and released the button. He waved his hands, changing his brilliant white attire into the dark golden robes representing his status as the highest member of the Council. How he missed the trouble that he and Gabriel used to create. He remembered fondly the playful times they’d had down below. But humanity didn’t know the whole story, when the Good Book described him as the fighter and Gabriel as the messenger. Michael shrugged. Oh well, the press was one entity he would never understand.
His footsteps grew heavy as he walked down the hall toward the chamber. Glancing over his shoulder, Michael watched the angel he loved fall silently back to earth.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
Faith walked out of the small washroom and stared over at her friend. Liz slowly rose from the bed shaking off the few moments of sleep she was able to steal.
“Leave it to you to nap while a grand party is taking place right below you.”
“Why are the grand parties always below? Just once, it would be nice to party up above,” she mumbled.
“Up above what?”
“Oh, nothing,” Liz said with a shrug. “But this is such a dangerous place—I think the walls have ears.”
Faith stared over at the closed door, and nodded. “I know, I couldn’t stand growing up in a prison like this.”
“Prison? Odd word to describe a palace.”
Faith wrapped her arms around her waist and shivered. “I don’t know. I can’t explain it, but I feel an inner rage. It breathes inside this house like there’s a dragon locked in the attic. It’s the same fire I feel in Charles when he lies awake at night. And I know right this minute, his mind is a whirlwind. I can sense his mood through the thickest of doors.” She spoke dreamily, “I wish I knew why he felt the need to come back here.”
“For an ending, I suppose.”
“An ending?” Fear erupted in Faith’s voice. “What do you mean? Did he say something to you about ending our marriage?”
Liz walked to the closet reaching for the soap and towel. “God, no! Faith, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said it in that tone. I just meant an ending to all the bad things he seems to cling to—no matter how hard he tries to overcome them. I think Charles just needs to let it all go, so it won’t bother him anymore.”
With a theatrical wave of her arms, Faith sat down. “Please pick your words more carefully. You know how strangely you talk sometimes, and I’m already worried enough.”
Liz hugged her. “Do you know something you’re not telling?”
“No,” she replied quickly, reaching over and pulling the lavender dress over her head. “I just don’t want anything to hurt him…or take him away from me.”
“I’ll keep him alive, Faith. You just keep him happy.”
Faith smiled at the sheer determination of the young girl in front of her. “And me?”
“I promised Charles the same thing, and I always keep my promises.”
Faith’s right eyebrow shot up. “What about Jason? Who’ll keep him happy?”
Liz took a deep breath. “Me…I hope.”
Faith whispered, “And who’s going to keep you alive to do that?”
A shudder raced down Liz’s spine. “God will. Who better to have on my side?” she asked closing the washroom door behind her.
Faith reached for the necklace. Carefully, she took the dangling diamond off the end of the strand replacing it wi
th the amulet Charles had given her.
“Yeah, who better than God?” Faith questioned her reflection in the mirror. “I love you, Lord, but I just have to ask—with all the pain that has fallen on that girl’s head, where exactly have you been? Will you be there for her when it matters the most?”
“What?” Liz shouted from behind the door.
Raising her voice, Faith asked, “Which dress have you decided on?”
“Oh, I don’t care, just hand me one that fits.”
Faith grinned. “Okay…if you want me to pick.”
The door flew open and Liz rushed into the chamber wearing a nervous smile. “On second thought, I should probably pick it out myself.”
“Why’s that?” Faith teased.
Liz frowned. “Because you’ll have me displaying all my charms to the world.”
“What’s wrong with that?” Faith asked.
“Faith, please,” Liz sighed. “The people at the party already think we’re trash, I’m not about to give them added ammunition.”
“You’re no fun,” Faith pouted. “You know, you really need to marry that dark and lovely boy down the hall. Then perhaps your inhibitions would go away.”
Liz threw a pair of slippers at her. “I like my inhibitions, thank you very much.” She blushed. “Besides, your gown is beautiful and it covers everything.”
Faith peered into the looking glass. The gown is rather becoming. What a lovely shade of lavender.
Although she had less to cover than her curvaceous friend, Faith liked the way it framed her figure. She smiled, knowing that Charles would be proud to show off his new bride to his enemies downstairs.
“Why are you wearing that?” Liz said, pointing at the silver amulet around her neck.
“I thought the guests would get a kick out of it.”
“You’re always starting trouble.”
“Trouble? No, just a wee bit of fun. Now let’s go see what these rich women think.”
“Do they think?” Liz sighed. She looked out the window at the candlelit church below. “None of these dresses are comfortable, but I think I’ll go with the red one.”
Faith clapped her hands. “Scarlet woman? And I’m the one wanting to start trouble, am I?”
“Jason likes red,” Liz said with a shrug.
“He certainly puts that color in your cheeks, so the least you could do is match accordingly. I think you have a bit of the devil in you, my friend.”
Faith lifted the gown over Liz’s head. She laced the material tightly, molding the crushed velvet to Liz’s lavender-scented skin. Faith stepped back with an amused grin allowing Liz to survey herself in the mirror.
“Oh, my God!” Liz shouted. “This is way too tight!”
“It’s supposed to be tight,” Faith proclaimed. “It’s what Dublin women call a fitted gown.”
“It’s obscene.”
“Correction—it’s beautiful.”
“Then you wear it, and give me yours.”
“I couldn’t even attempt to fill out that gown. Besides, it looks fantastic on you. The young girl I knew has definitely become a woman.” She offered a slightly disgusted sigh. “There should be no such thing as an hourglass figure. You need to have something wrong with you.”
Liz put her head in her hands. “Jason will be embarrassed to be seen with me.”
“Jason will be knocked off his feet when he sees you. He may have a heart attack. But they say a quick death is better than a long drawn out one.” Faith giggled as she glanced at Liz’s already bright red face. “Seeing how upset he is in this house—a beautiful girl on his arm in a drop-dead outfit—is just what the boy needs to get through what, I’m sure, will be a horrible evening. So be nice and think of him. Aren’t you the one who’s always preaching that we should always be putting the needs of others before our own?”
Liz ignored her teasing and began twisting the dress around her shoulders. She left her hair down, using the mass of curls to try and cover as much flesh as possible.
“Earrings?” Faith asked.
“No, no jewelry. No powders, no blushes, no creams—nothing else. I think this dress makes enough of a statement all by itself,” Liz said with a resigned sigh.
“I agree—you look stunning.”
Liz rolled her eyes. “My stomach is churning. All I want to do is run out the door, down the street and back to Achill. I miss my old dresses torn and stained from Irish hard work.” She stopped babbling, as Faith scrutinized her appearance. Nervously, Liz examined her reflection. “What is it?”
“Well…if you want Jason to keep thinking of you as a sweet and innocent girl, this gown isn’t going to help.”
“What do you mean?”
“I don’t think he’ll be able to look at you—in an unbedded, unwedded way–ever again, after seeing you in this.”
Liz took a deep breath. “That’s fine. It’s time to put an end to that image of me anyway. Everyone moves forward, and I suppose I have to as well.”
“Well, don’t sound so sad about it for heaven’s sake! Quite frankly, Jason’s been more than patient,” Faith sighed. “My God, Liz, saints wouldn’t have given you that much time to make up your mind. I was beginning to think Charles was more his type.”
“Funny.”
“Did I hear my name being uttered in vain?” Charles shouted from behind the heavy door.
Faith put her hands on Liz’s shoulders. “Here they are. Now, take a deep breath. In that dress, it just might be the only time you’ll be able to draw breath tonight.”
“That’s it,” Liz said turning to the mirror. “I’m changing.”
Faith grabbed her velvet-covered wrist. “Too late. Our men are here, and it’s rude to keep them waiting. Besides, we need to be dressed for any competition we might meet downstairs.” Her voice turned cold, wondering about the fiancée who Charles had left behind. “One rule though,” she added, as her hand reached for the polished doorknob.
“What’s that?” Liz asked.
Faith stared into the eyes of her best friend. “Whatever it is…can you take a night off? I mean…we really need to pay attention.”
“I’m sure this is more important than anything my demons could dream up. I promise. If I feel anything strange coming on, I’ll excuse myself and come straight back here.”
“I’m sorry to even have to ask it of you.”
“Don’t be,” Liz said, taking a deep breath. “Besides, I think my dreams have come to an end.”
A shudder ran through Faith’s body at her friend’s frightening words. Prayers rushed through her head as she begged for the strength to survive whatever they were about to face.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
“Jesus, Mary, and Joseph!” Charles exclaimed when Faith opened the door. “I must have died because only angels are as beautiful as you.”
Faith smiled wide as her husband beamed with pride.
He made a handsome figure in his dark suit. His crisp white shirt was starched and fitted to his muscular chest. He couldn’t hide the fire in his eyes as he reached out quickly, wrapped his large hands around Faith’s waist, pulling her to him. “Forget the party. Let’s stay up here and enjoy the room.”
His kiss was long and perfect, but Faith knew what needed to be done. “Charles, that’s a fantastic idea but, unfortunately, we have a prior commitment downstairs.”
Charles whispered, “That’s not what the rest of you says.”
Faith’s temperature rose. “Be good. There are other people in the room.”
He offered her a pout.
“Behave, my prince,” Faith laughed. “The night will eventually end, and we’ll find a quiet place to resume this conversation.”
Charles growled at the thought and scanned the room. “Where’s Liz?”
“She’s hiding behind the drapes, but I don’t think she’s going to be able to much longer,” Faith answered, just as Jason marched into the room.
His thick, dark hair was slicked back
. The brilliant white shirt showed off his well-tanned skin, and the suit he’d chosen had a long jacket with tails that touched the backs of his knees. He seemed nervous, searching the room for the one woman he desperately needed to see.
He stopped short when he heard what Faith said, and looked at the window. A shot of sympathy ran through Faith’s heart, as her best friend’s gaze remained glued to the floor.
Charles whistled through his teeth when he caught sight of Liz. “Wow,” he exhaled. “My lady, what have you done with Miss Elizabeth? Where is the young girl we’ve loved for so long?”
“Charles, stop it,” Faith slapped his arm. “This is their time, not yours.” She pushed him out into the hallway. “We’ll be right outside when you’re ready,” she shouted back over her shoulder.
“Are you nuts? They’re never coming out. Did you see her?”
“Then we’ll call down for food, and sit in the hall,” Faith snarled. “Move, so I can shut the damn door!”
***
Liz heard their laughter and hot blood rushed to her cheeks. Jason remained across the room. The emotions playing out in his eyes seemed to move between desperation and longing to happiness and love. Liz’s head began to spin as she realized she not only saw his thoughts, but she could actually feel the raging passion burning in his soul.
“It’s okay, Jason. It’s just me.”
“I never imagined you like this,” he said quietly. A smile twitched at the corners of his mouth. “Well, I guess I did once or twice, but my mind didn’t do you justice. How is it that you can change so dramatically and still be the same girl that I love?”
“Jason, I… ”
She swallowed her words as he marched with purpose across the room—erasing the distance between them in the blink of an eye. He kept his hands in his pockets. It was as if he feared that she was just a vision who would disappear the moment he tried to touch her. No warm hand pressed against her back. No muscled arm brushed her thigh. Only his warm lips pressed softly against hers. The pressure slowly intensified, as if he needed to confirm that he wasn’t dreaming.
He pulled back. “You are real…I wasn’t sure.”
