Thomas patted the hair at his temples. “Then I also don’t need to remind you how important this exposure is. If you nail this, everyone in D.C. will know your name.”
Daniel rose and walked to the side bar for coffee. “Want some?”
“No, I’m good.”
“Then what is it?” Daniel asked as he turned around. “Something’s on your mind.”
Thomas fingered a crystal dove paperweight on Daniel’s desk. “It’s just that for the past week you’ve been moping around here like you just found out you have cancer or something.”
Daniel sipped his coffee, regretting that his friend had noticed. “I’ll be fine.”
“It’s Smokes, isn’t it?”
Daniel hesitated, wondering how his friend knew. “I miss her. But she’s made it clear she doesn’t want to see me again.”
Thomas’ smile was a little too victorious. “Good thing. Since you won’t listen to me and stay away from her yourself.”
“Then you must be very happy.”
“I can’t say I’m not, Daniel. Especially with what she’s gotten herself into now.”
“What are you talking about?”
“You haven’t heard?” Thomas snorted. “She and her gang of Jesus freaks were arrested yesterday and thrown in jail.”
♦♦♦
Baliel and Zarene stood side by side against the cold steel bars, along with five of their companions. All of them watched their charges huddling together at the far end of the large cage that housed at least fifty people—most of whom were drunks, drug addicts, and prostitutes. A few thieves were added to the mix and a man accused of molesting his nine-year-old niece. Baliel noted that the man’s heart was completely dark, his conscience seared by repeated sins, which now forbade him to feel pity, remorse, or even regret for his vile actions.
“There is no hope for him, is there?” Zarene asked.
“Nay. He has chosen his path.”
“So sad, these humans.”
“Aye. But let us focus on our charges.” Baliel couldn’t help but smile as he gazed at Angelica. How proud he was of her for obeying the Father rather than man, for risking her life and safety to do His will. And especially for risking the safety of her son.
“She worries overmuch about Isaac.” Zarene gestured to the way she drew the lad close to her on the bench.
“It is her weakness. One she must overcome soon.”
Zarene gazed up at Baliel, who stood at least two feet above him. “He is a good boy. I have been blessed to watch over him since his birth.”
Baliel only nodded.
The two of them stood in silence for a moment watching Robert, Anna, Clay, Angelica, and Isaac form a circle, grip each other’s hands and begin to pray.
Some of the prisoners mocked them and spit on them, uttering all manner of foul curses. Yet the group persisted in their petitions to the Father. Beams of light surrounded them, shooting up into heaven as each word they uttered became perfumed incense floating before the throne.
The other angels smiled and nodded at Baliel. “They are doing well,” Hikith, Robert’s watcher, said.
“Indeed,” Baliel answered.
Zarene tugged on Baliel’s robe. “Remember when Paul and Silas were singing hymns in prison and the Father sent an earthquake to shake off their chains and open the door?”
“I do, indeed,” Baliel said. “I was there, watching over Silas.”
“You were? I only heard about it.” Zarene looked up at Baliel with admiration. “How blessed you were to guard such a man.”
“We are blessed now, my friend, to be assigned to such holy end-times warriors.”
Nodding, Zarene’s gaze sped back to Isaac, excitement in his voice. “I wish the Father would do something like that again.”
“He has other plans this time. Watch and be patient.”
Not one of Zarene’s best qualities. “There is much at work here.” Baliel studied Angelica, noting the sweat on her forehead and the way she leaned against Robert for support. “Much evil has been unleashed on Angelica, many dark assignments from the enemy, for she has been given an important task from the Father, one which could lead to thousands gaining entrance into heaven.”
“Thousands?” Zarene said. “Then I must remain ever vigilant over Isaac.”
“Agreed. Behold, his mother now.” Baliel pointed at Angelica and Zarene finally noticed that she faltered.
“She is ill,” he said.
“Aye. She has Gecka.”
“The plague that has killed so many humans? Where did she get it? How did she get it? Why did the Father allow such a thing?”
Baliel said nothing.
“Tell me this will not end in her death.”
“I do not know.”
♦♦♦
Something was terribly wrong. Angelica had known it for a while. She’d started feeling unusually warm just an hour after they’d been tossed into the cell. Then came the chills, the stomach upset, and finally the itchy rash that blossomed in pink dots on her stomach. She had prayed against it for hours, but she had only gotten worse. The enemy kept whispering in her ear that she had the plague and would die and leave her son alone in prison. And no matter how hard she tried to ignore him, her fears rose until they nearly strangled her.
She was not afraid to die, but leaving Isaac…especially in prison! How would he get out? Who would take care of him, protect him, keep him from being deceived and ending up in hell? Of course, she knew God would. At least she knew that in her head. But her heart was in a state of panic.
Within minutes of arriving, they’d all been booked, fingerprinted, and had their mug shots taken. They were criminals now. Criminals for Christ. Though this meager suffering could hardly be compared to the thousands of saints being butchered by the Islamic State or worked to death in labor camps in North Korea, it was terrifying enough for her. Yet after twenty-four hours in this cell, crowded with the dirtiest, smelliest people she’d ever seen, there was still no sign of being released or even of speaking to a judge or having a fair trial. Nothing. They hadn’t even been allowed a phone call, and Angelica wondered when that right had been stripped away…like so many others.
Now, she was sick. And getting worse by the minute. And though she had tried to keep Isaac from getting too close to her, the poor, terrified boy had not stopped clinging to her since they’d been arrested. If only they’d allow her to call Leigh, she could arrange for her to pick him up and take him home. He was just an innocent boy! But her constant pleas to the jailers fell on deaf ears.
Finally, when the others in her group noticed her illness, Robert had suggested they form a circle and pray for her. The act only seemed to upset Isaac and cause a truckload of foul curses to be shot at them from the other prisoners. She had wanted to cover her son’s ears, but instead just embraced him and sat down.
Anna held her hand, while Robert reassured her God had a plan, but her mind was growing hazy as if she were living in a nightmare. If only that were true.
Somewhere in the distance, she heard someone vomiting and another prisoner banging on the cell door, yelling for a guard. Minutes passed, or was it hours? Angelica’s brain sizzled, and she clung to Isaac like a lifeline. The jangle of the cell door filled her ears, followed by approaching footsteps and a harsh voice.
“Alright, you religious kooks, you’re free to go.” The officer motioned in their direction. Angelica felt Anna’s arm wrap around her and help her to her feet. The five of them shuffled out of the cell to the sounds of cursing and complaints from the rest of the prisoners. They marched through a maze of cells, then up a set of stairs, finally ending up in some kind of office, where they were each instructed to sign release papers.
“Why are you releasing us?” Robert asked.
“Some fool paid your bail,” the man behind the desk answered. “But you’ll have to come back for your court date next month.”
“Praise God!” Anna signed the paper. The rest of them di
d the same and just like that, they were free. Or were they? To Angelica everything seemed like a dream. The world hazed around her in a surreal vision as if she were watching a movie in 3-D—there, but not there. And why was it so hot, so horribly hot? She looked around for her angel but saw nothing as they exited the police station, nothing but blue skies and puffy white clouds…
And Daniel leaning back against his limo.
Chapter 16
Now a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a garland of twelve stars. Then being with child, she cried out in labor and in pain to give birth.
Revelation 12:1-2 (NKJV)
Daniel tried to deny the leap of his heart when Angel walked through the front doors of the police station. Man, but it was good to see her. And Isaac too, who much to Daniel’s surprise, broke away from his mother and came dashing toward him. Before Daniel could react, the boy plowed into him and gave him the biggest hug he’d had in a long while.
Swallowing his emotion, Daniel tousled Isaac’s hair. “Hey, little jailbird.”
The boy gazed up at him. “I knew you’d come save us!”
“You did?”
“Just had a feeling.” Isaac looked over his shoulder. “But you gotta help Mom.”
Daniel looked up as Anna and Angel stumbled toward him, the rest of her friends following behind.
He’d been all ready to unleash his “I told you so” speech when he noticed Angel’s pale face, the sweat on her brow, and how much trouble she was having walking.
“What’s wrong?” he questioned Robert, who followed close beside his wife.
“I’d stay back if I were you, Dan. We think it’s Gecka. Can’t be sure though.”
“I don’t care what it is. She needs a doctor.” Daniel motioned for his driver to open the door and then took Angel from Anna and helped her climb inside.
“Thanks, preacher,” Clay said. “Was it you who paid our bail?”
After settling Angel, Daniel motioned for Isaac to crawl in beside her. “Yup.” He faced Angel’s friends. “But I won’t do it again if you continue this nonsense.”
Robert slapped him on the back. “You’re a good man, Dan. I don’t know how to thank you.”
“No need.” He wouldn’t tell them that he actually considered just springing Angel and Isaac and leaving the rest of them in jail—as a lesson. “Do you need a ride?”
Clay whistled. “In this thing? How can we resist?”
“Yes, if you don’t mind.” Anna’s shoulders slumped. “It’s been a long night.”
The cult members climbed into the limo with oohs and ahhs and comments about the luxurious seats and carpet that made Daniel’s face grow hot with embarrassment. He longed to set them all straight about their illegal activities and false religion while he had their undivided attention, but he was more worried about Angel at the moment. One touch to her forehead revealed a fever that was out of control.
“We should take her to the nearest hospital,” Robert said after they dropped off Clay.
Anna shook her head. “They won’t do much. She has state health insurance and no money. They’ll just put her in quarantine, is my guess.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll take care of her,” Daniel offered, anxious to be rid of them and do just that. “I’ll call my personal doctor.”
“You would do that?” Anna smiled.
“Of course.”
“Told you he was a good guy,” Robert said as they pulled up in front of his house, and he opened the door and got out.
Anna scooted to the edge of the seat and hesitated. “Maybe we should stay with her.” She glanced at Angel then up at her husband.
“She’s in good hands.” Robert helped her up. “Besides, we can pray for her right here.”
No sooner did the limo drive off than Daniel called his doctor and demanded he meet them at Daniel’s home.
“What’s wrong with my mom?” Isaac’s voice trembled.
Daniel squeezed his hand. “Don’t worry. We’re going to find out. I’m getting the best doctor in Fort Lauderdale to take care of her.”
But he couldn’t help the fear rising within him. If it was Gecka, there may be nothing he or anyone else could do.
♦♦♦
Angelica stood on her favorite beach, staring out upon the calm sea. She loved this time of day when the sun barely peeked over the horizon, reaching golden fingers over crystalline blue waters, kissing them to life. There was such purity to the morning and such magnificence to the sea, that the combination never failed to remind her of her Creator.
The ground shook. Sand shifted over her bare feet. The morning turned to noon and a crowd instantly appeared on the beach—families picnicking, women tanning, teenagers flirting, and children building sand castles.
The waves withdrew from shore as if something frightened them. Back…back…back, they sped toward the horizon, leaving behind foamy arcs upon wet sand, flopping fish, and a treasure trove of shells.
Searing heat from the sun fired down upon Angelica. Shielding her eyes, she watched as children and adults alike scrambled with glee to collect shells and fish and venture out into the soggy seabed.
A blue mountain appeared in the distance, spanning the horizon. No, not a mountain. A wave. A wall of water rose from the deep like an otherworldly dragon rising from its lair. Higher and higher it grew until it blacked out the sunlight.
Angelica dashed toward the people collecting shells. “Tsunami! Run!” She pointed at the wave, but no one was listening. “Run everyone! We have to get out of here!” She grabbed a little girl and began to drag her toward the parking lot, but her mother picked her up and gave Angelica a spiteful look.
“It’s coming. You have to leave!” Angelica shouted again, waving her hands and trying to get everyone’s attention.
But no one listened. They continued eating, tanning, collecting shells, and playing in the sand as if they weren’t about to be swept away.
The wave now tumbled toward them—a giant Leviathan of angry, foamy water.
Dropping to her knees, Angelica bowed her head and prayed.
The water struck.
She heard herself scream.
“It’s okay, Angel. Just a dream. It’s okay. You’re safe.”
That voice…strong, deep, reassuring. Daniel.
Where was she? Why was it so hot?
“The tsunami,” she managed to mumble.
“She’s hallucinating…” an unfamiliar voice said. “Part of the fever.”
Her last thought was of Isaac before everything went black once again.
♦♦♦
“It’s definitely Gecka,” Doctor Milson said through his face mask as he packed his instruments back in his bag. “I’m sorry.” He faced Daniel, but the words refused to register.
Numb, Daniel dropped to the chair beside the bed.
Doctor Milson glanced at Angel with a look of defeat in his eyes.
Gecka. The name finally landed in Daniel’s unwilling mind. “What can we do?”
“Nothing. It’s such a recent virus, we don’t have a cure. It ravaged South America last year, killing nearly a quarter of the population, and now there’s been several cases in the U.S.”
Sure, Daniel had heard of it. But this was something that struck other people, people he didn’t know who lived in faraway places. Not his friends…
Not the woman he loved.
Daniel slowly rose. “There’s gotta be something…some experimental treatment…something.”
“Keep her comfortable. Try to get her to eat something.” The doctor checked the bag of fluids attached to Angel through an IV, then glanced at the masked nurse sitting beside the bed. No sooner had Daniel called Doctor Wilson and described Angel’s symptoms, then he had called the hospital and arranged for a full-time nurse. She had arrived before the doctor and immediately applied cold compresses and an IV. Which had only increased Daniel’s fears.
Fears that were now realized as a morbid cloud of doom descended on Daniel.
“Call me if there’s any change,” Doc Wilson said to the nurse before he headed for the door. “I’ll check on her tomorrow.” Halting, he faced Daniel. “I wish you’d wear that face mask I gave you. We don’t know how it is transmitted.”
“I’ll be fine, Doc.” Daniel barely remembered walking the man to the front door. Or even returning to sit at Angel’s bedside. What was he going to tell Isaac? He glanced at his watch. Two hours before he had to pick him up from school.
Angel moaned and tossed her head back and forth, and the nurse adjusted the cold compresses on her face and neck. She looked so pale, so weak. Her lashes fluttered against her cheeks, and he desperately longed to see those jade green eyes of hers again.
Feeling helpless, Daniel went to his room and closed the door. After pacing for several minutes, he did something he rarely had time for anymore. He prayed. Hard.
♦♦♦
A gentle wave of warm water caressed Angelica’s bare feet before bubbling back to the sea. Taking a deep breath of damp, salty air, she spread her arms wide and gazed up at billions of stars shining across the night sky—diamonds on black velvet. She couldn’t remember ever seeing so many of them, sparkling so bright.
Some of the stars formed the shape of a woman lying on her back. A branch was in her hand, and she wore a crown of stars. The sun sat upon her shoulder and the moon shone at her feet. But something was terribly wrong. Screaming in agony, she gripped her belly as if she were in labor. A red dragon, fierce and terrifying, spanned the heavens before her, mouth gaping, teeth dripping with blood.
Angelica wanted to scream a warning to the woman, but instead she could only stare as the play was being acted out in the dark expanse above her. The woman gave birth to a child. The dragon snapped its jaws. But a mighty hand reached down and snatched the child, carrying it out of harm’s way.
When Angels Cry Page 14
