Dark Angel (An Angel Novel Book 2)

by Jane West

  He was sending me home, and I had to get his attention. So I screamed. “Wait!” Frustrated, tears streaming down my face, “I need your help. I can’t do this alone. You’re the only one I know who has a chance in finding my child. Ms. Noel said you could help me!”

  “What does a feeble old woman know?” He clenched his teeth. “Go home! You’re too young to be playing these games.”

  Despite his resistance, I wasn’t giving up that easily. “You think I’m a child. I’ll tell you what I am.” I hung my head out the window, trying to jar his attention. “I’m a mother determined to find her lost child!” I yelled through choked tears. “Even if that means sleeping with you!”

  Disconcerted, Gold-Eyes kicked the tire and ran his fingers through his blonde hair. Clearly his hesitance exacerbated his dilemma only worse. I could see his struggle, but then he drew back. His face became stoic. “Freckles, I wish I could help you, but I can’t.” With that said, he nodded to the driver, and before I could say anything else, the taxi rolled away.

  I watched from the rearview window the growing distance as we both stared back at each other. For a second, I thought I’d caught a glint of regret, though I must’ve been wrong. He stood frozen, watching my departure, with no attempt in recanting his decision.

  After we had turned the corner, I faced back around, feeling the full effects of defeat. Every hope I had was left back there standing at the curb. I should’ve known using my sexuality wouldn’t have changed his mind. What a fool I’d become. He didn’t have to worry about me any longer. I finally got the message. I was going to have to do this on my own.

  I put on my determined face. I couldn’t allow this little bump in the road stop me. But for tonight, I just wanted to wallow in my pity.

  Help

  Last night I managed to get past Dom’s and Jeffery’s notice and scurry to my bedroom before they were the wiser. It was not until the next day after lunch when Jeffery sought me out. I assumed they had figured out that last night didn’t turnout the way I’d hoped by my hibernating all morning.

  I was still in bed, lying low under the covers, when a soft tap came at my door. I bit my lip, reluctant to answer. I knew stalling would only delay the inevitable. Giving in to a recalcitrant sigh, I groaned, “Come in.” I didn’t really feel much for talking. Setting aside my foul mood, I suppose I needed to reassure them I was still alive and fine as one could expect under the circumstances. The door opened slightly, and Jeffery’s head peeked inside.

  “Is it safe for me to come in?” He merely whispered.

  “Yes,” I replied, tugging the coverlet over my head.

  Jeffery stepped in and sauntered over to my bed and flopped himself down on the edge. “I take it things didn’t go as planned.” Jeffery patted my foot, followed with a consoling smile.

  I peeked over the blanket. “You could say that.” I let out a shameful sigh.

  “Gurrrl, I know a little voodoo that can take care of this jerk! It works too! I’ve used it a time or two.” Jeffery’s chin lifted with pride.

  I giggled shaking my head. “That’s not necessary. Besides, I doubt it will work on his stubborn ass.” I sat up, drawing my legs to my chest. “He wouldn’t even hear me out.” My heart sunk like an anchor at sea.

  “The dress didn’t get him stirred up?”

  I scoffed. “That’s an understatement. At one point, I thought he was going to take me right there in front of everyone.”

  “Girlfriend, I can’t imagine any straight man refusing you!”

  “I don’t know what to make of him. We were kissing, and then suddenly he was dragging me outside to the curb. He hurled me in a cab, ordering the driver to take me home, never to return to his courtly bar, ever again.” I shook my head in disbelief. “I was mortified. How could I ever show my face again after that fiasco?” I took an exasperated breath. “I only asked of his assistance in finding my child. Yet I squashed that chance.” I swallowed back the tears that threatened.

  “Oh, honey, I don’t think it’s as bad as you think.”

  I squeezed my knees to my chest, regretting the stupid charade I tried to pull off last night. What was I thinking? I should’ve known listening to Jeff’s advice might’ve not been exactly the smartest approach. Though, I couldn’t blame him. After all, it was my stupid idea. Stupid as in being that the man saw right through my desperate attempt. I frowned to myself as I shrugged in reply.

  “Now listen!” Jeffery wagged his finger at me. “I know things didn’t go quite as planned for you, but don’t give up just yet. It sounds to me this guy cares about you more than you think. It’s obvious, he stopped himself before he ruined your virtuous reputation.”

  “My virtuous reputation?” I scoffed. “Oh, the dude cared all right! He dumped my ass on the sidewalk!”

  “Was that before or after he kissed the hell out of you?” Jeffery’s lips pursed.

  “It was after.”

  “Did he approach you, or did you approach him?”

  “He came to me,” I moaned.

  “Where at the time did this encounter take place?”

  I blushed, hiding under my lashes. “On the dance floor.”

  “And were you dancing like that night we were together?”

  “Uh...yeah.” My cheeks blistered with embarrassment.

  “Uh-hmm! Gurrrl you hooked that man line and sinker. He’s into you, but, it sounds like you might’ve frightened him.”

  “That’s not it. I don’t believe Gold-Eyes is easily intimated.”

  “Wait! What did you just call him?”

  “Gold-Eyes,” I said, confused.

  “Honey, did you ever find out what his actual name is?”

  “Yeah. Briefly, we exchanged names.”

  “So, has the man ever called you by your first name?”

  I rolled my eyes. “No, not that I recall.” I didn’t see Jeff’s point.

  “What does he call you?”

  “Hmm Freckles,” I confessed.

  Jeffery burst into laughter. He laughed so hard I thought he was going to break a rib. I on the other hand, didn’t see the humor. I sat there silent, waiting for him to let me in on the joke. “Girlfriend!” he wiped the tears of laughter from the corners of his eyes. “That man may not know it yet, but he has fallen for you! He gave you a pet name. It’s called an endearment.” Jeffery’s self-assured grin stretched from ear to ear. “Men aren’t that creative. They don’t waste time on mushy stuff unless they really like you. If he’s calling you a name such as Freckles, you have cha-cha on that man’s heart, gurrrl!”

  “You once claimed I’d done the same thing to Aidan.” I tried to smile, rather instead, I grimace.

  “Yes, and I still do. Nowhere is it written you can have only one true love. Although sometimes with love comes heartache. It ain’t always pretty with a pink bow, boo.” Jeffery smiled. “But this one is different. You see.” He winked.

  “You didn’t see his inflamed face and hear the asperity in his tone.” I shook my head. “If he had any interest in me, he’d be more obliged to help me find my child.” I waved my hand, dismissing my crushed faith. “It doesn’t matter now. Finding my child is more imperative than winning favors from a man I hardly know. I can’t allow any more distractions.”

  “It isn’t always that simple, boo.”

  “Either way, he’s not knocking at my door offering his gallant hand.” I turned over on my side and pulled the cover over me. I didn’t have the patience or the energy to discuss this any longer.

  Jeffery patted me on the leg. “I think he’ll change his mind. Some folks have to let the idea settle a bit before they make a firm commitment. Let’s not forget the Family’s position has less than ethical practices. They is complicated as they is ugly with bad juju. Just be patient, he’ll come around. Mark my word!” With that said, Jeffery left my room, shutting the door quietly behind him.

  ***

  The next day, I decided to get down and dirty, close to Mother
Nature. My mind was tight with thought of how to proceed with my next plan. At Haven, the nurses’ shifts changed at twelve midnight. They were usually busy scurrying about with their routine for the night. I thought if I went disguised as a nurse, I could slip in the office where they keep the files, find my case and slip out before anyone realized what happened. It was a weak plan. Though, it was all I had. I wished I had Aidan’s ability to pop in and out of thin air. It certainly would make my mission easier. Unfortunately for me, I guess that was one talent I didn’t inherent. A big disappointing bummer, if you asked me.

  Today I promised Dom I’d help out with the garden. There was a good bit of work that needed to be done and he needed an extra hand. I didn’t mind. It felt good working the cool soil. I sensed a connection to the earth’s richness, getting my hands dirty and grit under my nails. I started with sowing a small patch for the fall vegetables. The rolls I dug out weren’t perfectly straight, but Dom said the plants didn’t care about precision. As long as they had plenty of dirt and water, they’d grow. I decided gardening was my new passion. Dom seemed to appreciate my unskilled aid too.

  Jeffery didn’t like getting his manicured hands ruined or for that matter, doing anything that meant menial work. I often wondered how he managed the trade of a butler. I suspected Aidan didn’t expect Jeffery to carry out the traditional role. Though, Jeffery was very loyal. I sensed there was a kindred spirit between Aidan and Jeff by my conversations with both men. For Dom and Jeffery, my heart went out to them that neither one had a chance for closure with Aidan’s death. Although Dom or Jeffery never discussed much at the dinner table, I sensed the lost took its toll on them more than they revealed. It certainly had affected me, even knowing of Aidan’s betrayal.

  Any who, apart from unpleasant memories, it was a wonderful autumn day, great for planting. A shift in the weather stirred the trees, bringing in a brisk coolness as the sun caressed my face with its consoling warmth. I felt enlivened. After being confined at Haven for three long years, not allowed a simple glimpse of the sun’s golden rays made this day a wondrous treat that I’d cherish for the rest of my life.

  It was great working in the garden, but my time with Dom was especially endearing. I’d discovered he was quite well-read of the medicinal use of plants. He reminded me of Ms. Noel in that way. I’d obtained quite a bit of knowledge from watching her prepare common herbs such as jimson weed for asthma. It was in high demand during the flu season.

  Near twilight and many rows of new seeds planted, leaves raked into piles and burned, my face had become beaten by the sun’s kisses. Dirt and mud had spread from my bare feet to my hair, I was a frightful mess. The hopes of ever becoming clean again would take several washings, yet I didn’t care.

  Dom had finished for the day and left me to myself as he went inside to prepare dinner. I wasn’t ready to give the day up and decided to finish up a few more spots. I had my heart set on planting a few more flowers such as periwinkle, lantana and marigold along the side of the house. I thought I’d touch up the veggie garden with a little more tilling. It was important for the plants’ roots to have room to flourish.

  I think I enjoyed the garden even more than Dom. There was something special about this patch. My troubles seemed to dissipate while digging my fingers into the soothing dirt. It was the best medicine for a heavy heart.

  I found myself humming to a favorite tune while hunched on my knees in the middle of the flower bed, digging with a handy trowel. I thought I’d plant the lantanas against the house first since they would grow the tallest, then the periwinkle and set the bright gold and orange marigold last to line the flower bed. With my small garden fork, I worked the moist soil until it loosened. I prepared small holes for each flower and then dumped each plant one by one out of its little plastic cup as I dropped the flower and its roots into the individual hole. Then I packed the dirt around each stem so the rain wouldn’t wash it away.

  Out of the blue, I heard Jeffery’s throat clear. I thought, oh dear, what does that man want now? All day he’s been bugging me about everything underneath the sun. I didn’t even bother to look up at him standing behind me.

  “Jeffery, not now! I’m busy!” I snapped, irritated. Whatever he wanted could wait. I wasn’t going to the store for him looking like a mud wrestler. Then I heard his throat clear again. Aw hell! I twisted around, not giving a thought to my state of appearance.

  Stunned, I realized it wasn’t Jeffery as I held my hand over my eyes trying to block out the sun’s glare. The sun blotted my view of the tall stranger’s face. I froze unsure who stood before me. After my visit with Helen, I wasn’t too fond of unannounced visitors. Then he smiled. I swallowed down shock, staring at a lopsided smile that not even the sun could hide.

  “Gold-Eyes?” I called, doubting myself. He gave way to a snort as he sidestepped, blocking the sun’s rays and coming into full view. “I hear mud is a great skin care.” His eyes glistened, raking over me from a mud covered face to my black feet.

  Startled, I leaped to my feet, losing my balance. Gold-Eyes reached out, but not fast enough before I’d fallen onto his chest. I hadn’t notice his white shirt until my hands had landed on his chest. I instantly jumped back, stammering over my words. “I-I-I’m s-s-so sorry!” Instinctively as though my brain had stopped, I quickly started rubbing the mud off the front of his shirt, only making it worse. Under the muse of his golden eyes, I had no doubt he thought of me as a blundering idiot.

  He grinned wide, wiping the dirt off his chest with no avail. He chuckled, “It’s fine.” Then he paused as our eyes hitched for a silent moment. Right then, I realized how much I loved his speckled eyes. Whenever he smiled, the gold glistened. “You...um...wear dirt well.” He commented as he let out a soft laugh, something I’d never heard him do.

  I was quite thankful for the shroud of mud, hiding my blushing cheeks. I composed myself as best I could under the circumstances and asked, mystified, “Why are you here?”

  He pulled his eyes away for a second and then looked back into my perplexed face and relented, “I’d like to reconsider helping you.”

  My eyes orbed. “You’re serious?”

  “Yeah...I guess I am.” His full lips gave a half-tug smile. Without a second thought, I leaped into his arms, mud and all, and something magical happened. He began kissing me. It was not demanding or possessive but sweet and tender. A kiss of endearment? When it ended, it was as though time had stood still. A quiet understanding came between us. His eyes had filled with a gentleness. It touched me and I giggled. “Umm, your shirt!”

  He glanced down at his once-nice, clean shirt, and slipped me a sideways glance. “Yeah...I guess I’m staying for dinner. Since you got my shirt dirty, I think it is only fair you wash it.” He grinned, impishly.

  I bit my bottom lip. “Yeah, you’re right.” I paused, “Jeffery can wash it.” I smiled brightly.

  ***

  I had left the men downstairs to their discussion over sports and boy stuff. I hurried with my shower. After the hot water had run its course and a ton of dirt followed the trail of water down the drain, I jumped out grabbing a clean towel wrapping it around my dripping body. I quickly brushed my teeth and attempted running a brush through my defiant hair. My face was a bit red from the sun, so I didn’t bother with makeup. Tonight, I decided to be me, barefoot and bare face. No glitz or glamour.

  When I came downstairs, I had on my old tattered blue jean cutoffs and a simple tank top for a relaxing evening with a new dinner guest.

  Jeffery had loaned our guest one of his T-shirts. I think he had a sneaky reason behind his generosity. The shirt had to have been two sizes too small. It hugged every defined ripple in Gold-Eyes’ washboard stomach, along with the short sleeves hugging his biceps. I had to admit, it was quite distracting. I found myself kicking Jeffery several times under the table. Gawking at the dinner guest displayed a lack of manners and sparked a deep embarrassment that I’d preferred to keep to myself. Nonetheless, I had to
thank Jeff later for the T-shirt. Nice thinking, I thought.

  After the wonderful meal Dom prepared, a true Louisiana meal of mudbugs, fresh corn on the cob, and boiled potatoes, we settled down in the sitting room for a beer. I hated the stuff and preferred sweet tea. Jeffery decided to entertain us with his recent piano lessons. I smiled, clenching my teeth through the torture of “Bridge over Troubled Water.” Never once in tune, I discovered that the screeching of chalk across a blackboard was much more enjoyable than Jeffery butchering a perfectly good song.

  On the other hand, our guest, Gold-Eyes, was gracious enough to keep himself together and managed a kind smile.

  Once Jeffery finished, he stood and took a bow as if he had played a profound performance equal to Mozart’s or Beethoven’s. Needless to say, I felt a yearning to have my foot up Jeffery’s backside.

  “Bravo, bravo!” We all cheered. Despite the encore, I think we all secretly hoped he wouldn’t insist on a repeat. Setting apart from Jeffery’s enthusiasm over his new found hobby, I thought about cutting the strings in the piano. There was only so much one could bear.

  Before long, Jeffery lost his interest in the piano and moved on to the paintings on the wall. He loved his taste in art and loved showing off his modest knowledge of the artists as well. Dom allowed Jeffery the floor. He sat back passively and joined in the conversation whenever Jeffery stopped for a breath. Dom didn’t seem to mind. I think he appreciated Jeffery’s flair for life. When we got into the mid part of the evening, I interjected by nudging our guest. “May I have a moment with you in private?” I asked, half whispering.

  Gold-Eyes’ smile dwindled down into a slight tug at the corner. “Certainly. I’m all yours.” I couldn’t help feeling a little nervous. I gave him a tight smile and took his hand. As we rose to our feet, I announced to the guys, “Hey, fellas. I need to have a moment with Gold—” I stopped in midsentence. It occurred to me that I’d forgotten his name. I glanced up at my guest, and there appeared a little grin taunting at the corner of his mouth.