by Ciara Lake
“Get some sleep.”
“Good night.” Sighing, Avery hung up the phone.
Relaxed, her eyes closed and her phone fell out of her hand onto the mattress. The rain beat a steady rhythm on the roof, making her feel sleepier. Burying herself under her comforter, she slept until her alarm woke her.
Tossing the covers back, Avery sat up in bed. She pushed her hair out her face and checked the time. Oh, phooey. I forgot to change the alarm to an hour later. She fell back into her pillows. The softness of her bed comforted her, but she couldn’t fall back to sleep. Finally, she gave up and got out of bed. Digging through her laundry basket for clean clothes, she found what she needed. She dressed then went into the bathroom to wash her face and brush her teeth.
After applying some makeup, she looked at herself in the mirror. Big brown eyes gazed back at her. Dark circles were under them. Fortunately, her pink shirt gave her some added color. Putting her hair a bun, she pinned it up high on her head. She applied final touches to her makeup. “A little powder and paint can make you what you ain’t.” She chuckled at the familiar memories the words stirred.
She opened the blinds to look out before leaving the room. It was still steadily raining and very dark. Daylight was hours away. She looked for the moon, but it was noticeable absent. Closing the blinds, she headed to the kitchen to make some breakfast.
When she opened her bedroom door she froze and stared at the living room in amazement. It was spotless. How did that happen?
Backing up, she closed her bedroom door. She shook her head, exhaling slowly to calm down. Walking over to the bed, she grabbed her phone. Armed with her phone, she opened the door and slowly stepped out into the living area. Again, the TV was on, turned to CNN.
Her clothes were piled in the laundry basket, and all of her towels were folded neatly and stacked on the coffee table. The sofa’s pillows were straightened and in their proper places.
“Who’s here?” Standing in the center of the room, she spun around and noticed her magazines were neatly stacked too. The bridal magazines, which had been scattered over the floor, were now placed on the end table next to the sofa. “Who’s here?” she repeated as she dialed the front desk.
“Yes, Avery. How can I help you?”
“Can you send security by? I’d like to talk to them.”
“Sure. Is everything okay?”
“I want them to check on something. I heard some noises.”
“They’ll be right over.”
“Thanks.” Avery hung up.
She looked at everything in the room for several minutes. Why would anyone come in and clean my place? This is spooky. She laid her phone down and flicked on every light in the room. She shook as she walked into the kitchen. Her legs could barely carry her.
As she pulled the carafe out of the coffee maker the doorbell rang, startling her.
“My Lord.” She nearly dropped the pot, spilling the coffee all over. She backed up, hitting the counter behind her. She rushed to the door. “Who is it?”
“Security, Ms. Avery. You called Ethan at the front desk.”
Avery opened the door. “Thanks for coming.”
“Sure thing. I’m Bill Williams. How can I help you?”
“Did you send someone to clean my cabin?”
“I don’t think so, Miss Avery. You would have known. But I can check with housekeeping.”
“Okay, I am puzzled. My cabin has been cleaned and I didn’t do it. I’ve heard some noises too. Could you look around the outside of the cabin for me?”
“Sure thing.”
“Thanks.” Avery shut the door and returned to the kitchen.
She opened the dishwasher to get a coffee cup, but it had been emptied.
The phone rang, and Avery answered it. “Hello.”
“Miss Avery, I am still outside your cabin. I didn’t see anything suspicious. Also, I checked at the inn’s office to see if your cabin has gotten any maid service.”
“Has it?”
“No, your cabin has not been put on the list for maid service.”
“Okay, thanks.” She hung up and looked back to the open dishwasher. Stunned, she stared at the empty racks. She slammed it shut.
Confused, she didn’t know whether to rush out of the cabin or sit down. This is so odd. How did this happen? Avery walked to the kitchen table and plopped down into a chair. She put her head in her hands.
“Dear God, I’m going bonkers.” For several minutes, she sat there trying to rationalize what was going on. When she looked up, she saw her crystal angel laying on the table only inches from her elbow. The ornament sparkled at her. She picked it up. “How did you get here?” She caressed its wings. Again they looked as if they were in a different position.
Tears started rolling down her face. What’s wrong with me? Tears rained down on the ornament, washing it with them. She wiped them away with her fingers, and the ornament gleamed even brighter. She set the ornament down and sighed. Obviously, I need a mental health evaluation.
“Be at peace, child. I bring you no harm,” a deep male voice said.
Startled, Avery looked up. She gasped in fear at the sight of a man sitting next to her at the kitchen table. When she looked closer...it was her angel, now flesh and blood. He was vibrant and colorful, with black hair, dark eyes, and a nice tanned complexion. To be sure, she glanced down to where she’d placed the ornament on the table. It was gone. He truly was there, materialized into a full-sized man sitting next to her.
“You can and will accept my presence. Know all is well.” Warmth emanated from him, making her feel flushed, but his words strangely relaxed her.
His features were strong, as perfect as they were in crystal form. Surprisingly, he touched her arm as if to soothe her. A scream started to form her throat. Then she froze, unable to make a sound.
“Be at peace, young one.” Huge white wings unfurled behind him. “I am a heavenly angel, I mean you no harm.” Tilting his head to the side, he studied her. Once more, a calming sensation passed over her, chasing all fear away.
Avery coughed, nearly choking.
“Do not scream. All is well.” His eyes were wide as he watched her.
She sighed. As if hypnotized, all she could do was stare into his sparkling eyes. They were captivating. Intelligence and wisdom stared back at her. In the lamp light, his skin glowed with an unearthly radiance. When he smiled, his teeth were perfectly white.
“I am Aiden. I was trapped within the crystal prison until you freed me with your tears the night you brought me home.”
“Are you my guardian angel?” Avery asked in a soft voice.
“No, it is happenstance I am here and that you rescued me with the shedding of your sweet tears.”
“My tears?”
“Yes, when your tears fell on my crystal prison, it reversed the wicked one’s curse, freeing me from captivity. You are not my ward. My last ward passed away from this earth a long while ago.”
“That’s awful. How did she die?”
“It’s a long story.”
“How come I’m not freaking out more about all of this? I’m oddly accepting.”
“Yes, you are. It is perceptive of you to notice. I have calmed you with my words. For centuries, angels have appeared to men and reassured them with mere words. It is one of our special gifts.”
“Oh.”
“You have a nice cabin. It is cozy, especially now that it is all cleaned up.”
“Did you cleaned it?”
“Yes. You were in need of help. When you freed me, I made myself useful to you. I am sorry you were panicked.”
“You turned on the news channels?”
“Yes.” He nodded.
“I guess the place was a bit messy.”
“It is understandable, you work hard. I have been watching the news to get caught up with your world. I am sorry you dislike the news so much. There are discouraging reports.”
She nodded. “Every day, it seems.”<
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“I have been imprisoned for more than a century. Much has changed. At times, from my crystal prison, I was able to see a little of the world. It just depended on where I was. Sometimes I could see nothing.” He frowned. “Thank you, Avery, for freeing me.”
“How do you know my name?” She pulled back from him.
“I heard Norm call your name.”
“Did Norm see you?”
“Yes, and I allowed my presence, my angelic persuasion, to make him change his attitude and show you more respect.”
“How?”
“I have a supernatural influence over people, especially weak ones. Norm is a simple man with a coward’s heart. It was easy to sway his thoughts with only a glance from me.” He chuckled. “Also, I know your name because the magazines are addressed to Ms. Avery Royce.”
Avery studied her unusual guest. Even seated he was imposing, taking up most of the space in the room. His sword rested against his knee, shimmering in the light.
“Do you use your sword?” Avery nodded toward it.
“If and when necessary, but if my sword bothers you, I will put it away.” He waved his hand, and in a flash, the sword disappeared. “I had grown used to needing it regularly when I was fighting off the wicked one. It seems my sword did me little good. Despite my efforts, the wicked one caught me and imprisoned me. Then he took my ward’s life.” He hung his head, a pensive look on his face. “My superintendent, Qasim, has since considered me gone from this earth, hidden. They have stopped looking for me. I failed.” He shook his head sadly. “I deeply regret my failure.”
“Is the wicked one gone too?”
“I do not know if he has met his judgment, but if he has not, I am going to hunt him down. But first, I deserve some freedom. I also need to determine where to start my search. So much time has gone by. May I stay with you for a time?”
“Did you drink the coffee?”
“Yes.” He laughed. “Is it a problem?”
“No.”
“I do not have to eat or drink. But I do enjoy some pleasures of the flesh. Eating can be pleasing. I like the smell and taste of coffee. Are you sure you are not upset I drank your coffee?”
“No, of course not.” Avery shook her head. “I need to have my coffee this morning. I have to be at work by three.” She quickly checked the clock.
Aiden stood up. He towered over the table.
“Dear me, you’re big.” She looked him over.
“I am a warrior.”
“You make me feel very small.”
“That is understandable. I am a guardian angel. However, you have not been assigned to me. My duty is to protect those assigned to me. I protect with brute force as well as angelic abilities. I am part of the highest order of guardian angels.”
She heard what sounded like pride in his voice.
“Let me pour you a cup of coffee,” he offered.
She sat back down, her eyes never leaving him. Aiden wore black trousers and they hugged his powerful legs. Tall black boots came up to his knees. He resembled a well-dressed gladiator.
“Would you like cream or sugar?”
“No, I’ll take it black.” Avery rested her head in her hands again. “I have to make sure I’m really awake. This seems like a dream.” She rubbed her forehead.
“I assure you, this is not a dream. May I stay for a time in your space? I need to decide how to hunt the wicked one I search for.” Aiden set a cup of coffee down in front of her. “And I need some time to be free. When I am ready, I will report to my superintendent.”
She watched him for a few moments. “Yes…I guess. Yes, it’s okay if you stay. I think…it’s fine.” Avery stumbled over her words. “Thanks for making coffee.”
“I appreciate your kindness. You will not regret this generosity.”
“I hope not.” Avery smiled. “But how can I tell an angel ‘no’?”
“You can. I have not influenced you to my will.”
“Thanks, good to know. Yes, you can stay until I say otherwise.”
“That is fair.” He nodded. “There is so much I have missed.” He sat down in a chair with his cup of coffee, looking wistful. He leaned back in a comfortable posture.
She sipped her coffee. “This is great coffee.”
“For years I watched Eleanor make coffee. It smelled delicious. I lived in her kitchen curio cabinet for over forty years.” Aiden rested his arm on the table as he sipped his coffee. “Prior to that I was in a box somewhere and various other places.” He inhaled. “Smells good. The aroma made me long to try it.”
Avery nodded, then took another sip. The light above the table flashed on.
“It was dark in here.” Aiden smiled. “You are a lovely human woman.” He seemed to be examining her. “You have a soft heart, an innocent spirit. I can sense these things. Your form is lovely too. You are such a beautiful combination of desirable qualities.” He watched her over his cup’s rim. “Few humans possess all of those traits, at least at the same time.”
“Thank you.” Her stomach fluttered.
“I merely speak the truth.” He was quiet for several moments as they drank the coffee. “Do you work close to here?”
“Huh?” His compliments with his melodic voice had dazed her. “Oh, yes. I work at the Foster Inn, in their kitchen.”
“I overheard you make wedding cakes.” His smile made her stomach flip. “I wish to taste your cakes.”
She looked at the clock. “I’d better run, it’s time for me to leave for work. I was allowed to be an hour later today. But I have a big day with the wedding. There’s a large crowd for breakfast too. I have to make muffins.”
“Oh, I would enjoy tasting your muffins.” Aiden pushed back his chair and stood. “I am going to straighten up around here some more. Is that okay?”
“Yes.” She nodded, standing up too. “I’d be grateful for your help.”
Aiden walked toward the sink. His wings vanished.
“Oh my.” She put her hand over her mouth, a gush of escaped air making her cough.
“What?” He turned to look back at her. “Is there something which has frightened you?”
“No, I was just surprised when your wings disappeared.” After putting her coffee cup in the sink, she glanced up at Aiden standing beside her.
“Here, let me.” He gestured at the dishwasher. “This is a fantastic machine. If you fill it as you dirty dishes, you will have less work to do.” He took her cup and placed it in the dishwasher beside his.
“Yes, I know. My mother has been telling me that for years.”
“That is good advice.” Aiden turned to head back to the living room. “It is still raining outside. Stay dry.”
“I don’t have an umbrella. I’ve misplaced mine.” She followed him.
“Here.” He stopped and handed her a black umbrella.
“Where did you get this?”
“I saw a CNN reporter holding one. It is the fashion of the day, is it not?”
Avery smiled. “Yes.”
“The rain is cold. Winter is on its way. Dress warm. I can feel the change coming.”
“Thank you for the umbrella.” As he’d suggested, she grabbed her jacket, then picked up her purse.
“Avery,” he called as she reached for the doorknob. “I may not be your guardian, but if you need assistance, please call my name and I shall come to your aid. I like you. In addition to freeing me, you have been very kind. You have done much for me of your own free will.” His eyes shone brighter in his handsome face. “Have a good day at work, young one.”
“Do I have a guardian angel?” she asked, her heart pounding hard from the sudden excitement she was feeling. My angel is real.
“No, it seems you do not.” He shook his head. “Not all mortals have one. It is complicated. There are rules and reasons certain mortals are assigned protection. The protection is generally against things not of this earth. It is not always fortunate to be under our protection. It usually means somethi
ng nasty is after you.” He frowned.
“Like the wicked one?”
“Exactly.” Aiden nodded.
Chapter 3
Avery stepped off the porch, umbrella in hand, and darted for the inn. The historic mansion was lit up, looking very welcoming. It was getting closer to Halloween. More jack o’lanterns lined the porch, and a plastic skeleton—which looked entirely too real—sat in one of the rocking chairs. Just as she made it to the porch steps, she saw someone in the shadows not far from her, but when she turned, they were gone.
She pushed the inn’s doors open.
“Hello, Avery.” Ethan waved as she entered. The lobby was quiet, the atmosphere warm.
“Good morning, Ethan.” She returned his wave.
“How is everything at your cabin?”
“It’s good. Thanks for sending Bill. He checked things out, and I felt much better.”
“Excellent. Your staff’s here, waiting for your instructions. They’re ready for business today. Your kitchen’s immaculate.” Ethan winked. “You’ll be having a heavy breakfast crowd, perhaps as many as fifty or sixty people. Plus, there are several room service requests already.”
“Then I need to make a ton of muffins.” She rushed off.
The kitchen gleamed. Her staff, including Lucy, waited in uniform, all except Timothy. “Good morning.” Relief washed over her, relaxing her tense muscles in her neck. As she took in the change in attitude she was all business. She pulled on her hair net, chef’s hat, then her white jacket. “We’re going to bake blueberry, apple, and date muffins. Lucy, I have the recipes on my computer. Please have the ingredients pulled to make fourteen dozen.”
“An equal amount of each kind?” Lucy turned on the computer.
“Yes.” Avery nodded. “We’ll make the muffins first. Then we’ll start on the groom’s cake.”
“Timothy’s in the breakfast room drinking his coffee,” Vivian said, pointing toward the door.
“Okay, leave him there. He can drink coffee on his own time. And this is his time off, without pay.”
“Good morning, Avery.” Norm grinned. “Muffins sound delicious.”
“Thanks. Okay, let’s get started.”
