by A L Williams
I rolled my eyes. “Hayley told you, didn’t she?”
He chuckled. “That girl couldn’t keep a secret if her life depended on it.”
We both laughed. He moved around the counter to the line of napkin dispensers on the half-wall next to the coffee machines and started refilling them. I watched him, admiring him for being willing to work hard when he didn’t have to as the boss.
I walked over to him as he shoved napkins into a dispenser. “Corbin?”
He glanced up. “Huh?”
I moved closer to him as he continued his task. “What made you come looking for Hayley?”
He looked over his shoulder with surprise. “I received a letter from the local Department of Child Safety. I was her only remaining relative. Finding out my aunt, Lory had died years prior and Hayley was left with that man was a shock. It seemed like the perfect time to move on after…” He paused, then stuffed a stack of napkins in. “When they informed me that… that he…” he tensed, clenching the bundle of napkins in his hands. I leaned against the wall.
“She told me,” I said.
Corbin nodded. “My first thought was to kill the bastard, but Hayley needed me. When I arrived, they said she had run, and I didn’t know what to do. I searched for a month and found out the authorities arrested her, and a judge put her in rehab. I waited until her treatment was close to done not wanting to remind her of her mother and disrupt her progress.”
I tilted my head.
He smiled. “We looked a lot alike.” I nodded. He stood once he filled the last dispenser. “It took six months for her to recover enough for me to confront her. She was skeptical at first.”
I smirked. “Of course she was.”
He chuckled. “She came around. We only had each other.” He met my gaze. “And now we have you.” I smiled, warmth spreading through my chest.
We continued closing the store as twilight passed, stars shimmering in the sky. The bell rang as the door swung open. I looked up as Gabriel strolled in. My fingers started to tingle and I struggled to keep the flames under control. “Hello, we’re closed,” Corbin said.
“Go to your office and lock yourself in,” I growled, glaring at the angel.
“James what— ?” he started.
I pushed him towards the kitchen doors. “I said go!” It slammed shut before I could get him through.
“Oh, let him stay. I don’t mind,” Gabriel said.
Corbin tried to move in front of me. I pulled him away. “Please, stay behind me. They are the one that hurt Hayley.”
He opened his mouth, brows knitted. “She said she was in a car accident.”
“Lying to your friends, James? How naughty,” Gabriel said.
I glared at the angel, struggling to get the boiling fire under my skin at bay. “Get out!” They puckered their mouth, releasing a burst of flame. Corbin and I flew across the room. He landed on the floor and I hit the pastry display case, shattering the glass. Shards fell around me as I struggled to stand, blood dripping down my face.
Flames spread, blanketing the shop in white, the sound of sizzling filling the building. Smoke rose from the tables, wafting the stench of burning wood into my nose. My eyes began to water. I looked up and saw them drift over to Corbin as he pushed himself up from the floor, breathing hard.
He peered at Gabriel, his body trembling. “What are you?” They did not respond, inching closer to him. He backed away. “You need to leave or I’m calling the police.” They chuckled. Their eyes began to glow and Corbin’s face twisted in pain and terror.
They circled him. “You have many wounds, human.”
“Please, stop.” He collapsed to his knees, panting with his arms wrapped around him.
They grimaced. “How horrid.” I ran towards them and they whipped their hand through the air, throwing me against the wall once again.
“So much blood,” Corbin whispered. “Is it mine or hers?”
I rushed to him and Gabriel snapped their waist. I slide, collapsing. Flames emerged from me, whirling around my body in a torrent of fury. “Leave him alone!”
Corbin held his head as he shook, his eyes squeezed shut. “No, no, no, no…” he mumbled, curling into himself on the floor.
“You didn’t save her. You sinned, and she paid for it because you Your dirty desires.” Gabriel’s voice changed into an ethereal whisper.
Corbin continued to chant “No.”
“It’s your fault,” they said.
“I didn’t mean to. I I tried to be normal,” he whimpered.
Corbin’s sobs of agony echoed, mixing with the crackle of flames and the groan of bending metal and wood. I charged at Gabriel, getting thrown again. A shriek tore from Corbin’s mouth, sending a chill down my spine. He quieted, his mouth remaining wide in a silent scream.
They stared down at Corbin with eyes that were empty voids. “You are such damaged creatures. Why does he love you so?”
I shook with anger, launching fire at them. They caught it and balled their hand into a fist, snuffing the flame out with a puff of smoke.
Gabriel walked towards me, almost floating. “Morning Star will suffer the way I suffered.” I thrust all my power at them, focusing on my rage. The heat twisted towards them, snapping and crackling as it flew. They caught it again, moving with unnatural speed. They grimaced and waved their hand, sending a wall of fire around Corbin. Panic rose in my throat and I released more flames. Gabriel flew across the cafe, hitting a support beam, snapping it in half with the force of their body, pieces of wood piercing their back and shooting through their chest. They staggered to their feet with their hand pressed against their wound, blood dripping and staining their shirt. It began to stitch together as they looked up at me with a sneer.
Gabriel’s wings burst from their back. “You have learned much.” They flew at me, knocking tables and chairs over. I dodged their attack, tossing flames at them again. The register sailed across the room, hitting the wall. Money scattered, the glint of the setting sun reflecting off each coin. They glided to the floor, and I released more fire. Flames crawled, curling around Corbin’s trembling form. I ran towards him and the inferno intensified, preventing me from crossing.
I turned to Gabriel. “Why are you doing this? Why did you…”
They laughed, the sound bitter and cold. “The sins of the father.”
“He isn’t a part of this.” I glanced at Corbin surrounded by flame.
“He knows you. That’s enough.” They said.
“Bastard!” I yelled.
Gabriel arched their brow. “You’ve mistaken me for you. I am a divine child of God.” Sweat started to gather on my forehead, and my throat tightened from the thick smoke rising.
I scowled. “Divine is the last thing you are.”
Their eyes flashed. “You know nothing, boy.” They pushed out their lips once again, breathing jets of flames. Smoke drifted up, coating the shop in dark clouds. The fire spread across the floor in rippling sheets. The beams of the roof bent in from the heat. Burning wood and soot filled my nose as I started to cough. I covered my nose.
Loud coughing grabbed my attention. I stared through the veil of flames and found Corbin coughing as he struggled to breathe.
The walls bubbled as the paint melted away. I glanced at Gabriel, standing across the room, unaffected by the flickering fire and creaking structure. Their eyes burned white, intense as the surrounding chaos. The sound of a fire truck in the distance drifted through the shattered windows, surrounded by sharp shards of glass in the panes.
“As satisfying as killing you would be, I want him to see you die.” Gabriel’s wings curled around them and they faded away seconds later.
Staring at the stop, I heard a gasp and ran to Corbin, focusing my power on the wall of fire. It spread, allowing me through. I lifted his limp body, throwing his arms over my shoulder. He slumped against me, his eyes closed as he continued to wheeze. I hauled him across the room to the door, willing the flames away, and ca
rried him through the doorway.
When we reached the other side of the street, people gathered to watch the scene. I guided Corbin to the ground onto his back. He coughed a few more times. I watched the shop burn, gray, billowing plumes rising into the sky. The roof crashed, caving in as the flames took over the structure. The fire truck sped around the corner, stopping in front of the blazing building with sirens wailing. The firemen jumped out, strapping oxygen tanks to their backs and grabbing their equipment. One of them pulled out a heavy-duty water hose, spraying the burning building with a gush of water.
I collapsed to my knees, watching my world fall apart before me. Everything I cared about was being taken from me— Again. I watched firefighters rush around to contain the blaze. A strangled sound caught my attention and I turn back to Corbin. I crawled close to him. His eyes were wide and empty, his body still trembling. “Corbin.” He didn’t respond. I dragged out my phone out. My hand shaking as I found Andrew’s number.
Please be okay.
Not you, too.
I’m sorry.
~
Minutes, maybe hours later, Andrew and Detective Skyler jogged over to us as I sat motionless next to Corbin. Andrew dragged me away. Paramedics ran to Corbin, taking out equipment from their bags and checking his vital. They lifted him onto a gurney, rolling him to the ambulance. Detective Skyler followed them, watching them haul Corbin up and in. I watched the doors shut as they attached him to an IV and a heart monitor. They took off, sirens screeching and lights flashing. Detective Skyler walked over with a deep frown. “He was catatonic.” I curled my fingers into fists in the dirt.
Andrew kneeled in front of me. “This is not your fault.”
I glared at him, jerking away as he tried to touch me. “Isn’t it?”
He furrowed his brow and dropped his hands. “No.”
Chapter Nineteen
Andrew
Hours later, James and I entered his apartment, finding Lucifer in the kitchen. James walked to the table and sank into a chair, staring at nothing. Lucifer tilted his head, studying his son.
I moved closer. “Gabriel attacked, and the shop went up in flames.”
“Corbin was…” James muttered, “he was screaming as if he was in severe pain.”
Lucifer frowned. “He must have experienced a lot of suffering.”
James glared at his father. “What’s that supposed to mean? And I don’t need the cryptic bullshit right now.”
Lucifer’s face remained blank. “Gabriel has the gift of Truth.” James looked down at his clenched hands in his lap.
“What does Corbin have to do with that?” I asked.
Lucifer sighed. “Whatever truth he ran from must have been horrid. Gabriel drowned him in it.”
I balled my hands into fists. “Will he be okay?”
Lucifer stood. “I don’t know.”
“What do you mean you don’t know?” James said.
Lucifer looked down at him. “Gabriel is powerful.”
I narrowed my eyes. “Aren’t you the most powerful angel created?”
He turned to me. “I was. My powers have grown weak during my time on earth.” I scoffed. Of course, because that would have been too easy.
The door swung open and Hayley barged in. “Why aren’t you answering your phone!?” She crossed her arms in front of her when she reached James. She inspected him, and her eyes widened. “What’s wrong?” she dropped to her knees.
James nodded. “Corbin got hurt and the shop burned down.”
“What?” She curled her fingers into fists at her side. “They did this?” He nodded. Her shoulders shook. “Piece of shit.” James stared at the floor, his body slumped and dejected. She lifted his downcast chin. “This is not your fault.”
I walked over. “I keep telling him that.”
She pulled herself to her feet. “I’m going to check up on him. Don’t stress yourself out.”
She walked towards me and narrowed her eyes. “And you have some groveling to do.” I nodded, and she left.
James slammed his fist against the table, splashing water from the glass in front of him. “This has to stop.”
A glint of the setting sun reflected in Lucifer’s gaze. “It does. I will pay another visit to Steven.” Lucifer crossed the room. “I’ll take my leave.” He spread his wings, vanishing in a veil of feathers.
The wind knocked on the window. I approached James. “She’s right, you know. This is not your fault.”
He stared at the floor. “Don’t. Please, go.”
“James— ” I started.
He squeezed his eyes shut. “Go!”
I slumped my shoulders and turned towards the door. “When you’re ready, I will tell you the whole truth.” He didn’t respond. “Rest.” I walked out.
~
When I got to the station, I sat in my car, leaning back in my chair. The rain streamed down my windshield. I closed my eyes and the defeated slump of James’ body flashed through my mind. I was helpless, and it killed me. I touched my necklace under my shirt. Why did I keep lying? The sound of drums and chanting flowed into my ears as the memory of the day I became human returned.
The humans were dancing and thrashing among the trees, consumed by their need to see us. I never understood why, but the chants drew me like a moth to a flame. I drifted between them as the moon glistened. The others dashed towards dancing figures, absorbing into their bodies. Humans would fall to the ground convulsing until they pulled themselves to their feet, the consciousness of my brethren shimmering in their eyes.
I sailed through the crowd, examining the people. I continued through them until I caught sight of a small boy who wore a plain shirt and jeans. His hair was short, close to his head on the sides and longer on top, each tiny curl dusty. His loose clothes hung from his lanky body, his face dimmed with exhaustion. Despite this, he had a big smile as he gazed up at the woman next to him, gripping her fingers with his tiny hand. I drifted closer, studying the woman. She wore a dress with a floral print that swayed in the wind. Looking down at the child, her eyes twinkled with affection. As I approached, he looked up at me. That wasn’t possible, was it?
He watched me, awe across his face. My curiosity drove me forward and I sank down to him, seeping into his body and fading into darkness. I scanned the shadows until the boy appeared, his expression sad.
He turned to me. “Take care of her,” he said with tears in his eyes. “Don’t leave her alone.” I didn’t understand what he meant, but before I could question him he faded away. Darkness closed in, thick and consuming.
My eyes shot open and as my vision cleared the woman stared down at me, tears streaming down her face. “Junior! Junior! Please wake up, beau garon.”
My heart sank at the sight of it.
Why was she crying?
My heart? I blinked. I could blink.
She lifted me from the group and carried me through the tree. Confusion twisted in my chest as we approached a greenish house with worn shingles and thin wooden pillars holding up the part of the roof that expanded beyond the walls.
A stone wall surrounded the porch as she moved up the steps, carrying me through the door. She lowered me, the cold and strange, fluffy surface pressing into my back. I sank into it, searching the room. “What is it? Does something hurt?” she said, her brow furrowed. I stared at her and she frowned. “I’ll get you some water.” She ran into the kitchen.
I turned towards the window and stared at the boy in the reflection. Sitting up, I held the tiny hands out in front of me, examining them. Touching my face, I dragged my fingers down every curve.
I had a body.
How?
My mind drifted back to the boy who had vanished before me. I tensed. He was dead, leaving only me. If I left, only a corpse would remain. My stomach twisted as the woman returned with a glass, holding it to my lips.“Drink, baby.” She smiled at me. I took the glass and drank the water, the strange wetness flowing down my throat. I touched my n
eck. When I finished I handed the cup back to her and she placed it on the wooden table next to the bed. “Good boy. Now Mama wants you to rest, okay?” I nodded and laid back. Wrapping the blanket around me, she kissed my forehead.
Warmth washed over me as exhaustion settled in and I drifted away. “Goodnight, sweetheart,” she said and walked out of the room.
I opened my eyes as the memory faded and climbed out of the car and ran towards the station.
I miss you, Mama.
Chapter Twenty
James
I entered and examined the remains of the coffee shop. Beams that were ripped from the now-nonexistent ceiling leaned against the walls. A cold breeze blew through the gaping holes, kicking ash up around me. Over the last several days, I spent my time cleaning up what remained of the shop. Hayley informed me, a few days ago, that Corbin was sent to Sonora Behavioral Health facility out north.
I wandered around the room, my stomach twisting. His mental state had improved during his stay at the medical hospital, but his doctors decided he needed more care. They had said he was still at risk of suicide. I didn’t know how we would rebuild the shop, but we had to deal with the issue at hand: Gabriel. I strolled through the shop, examining the remaining debris of tables and chairs that I had not dealt with. The bell rang and my heart slammed into my chest. I turned, finding Detective Skyler standing in the doorway in a cashmere suit.
“Sorry, didn’t mean to scare you,” he said. “Can we talk?” I nodded. He moved closer, stepping over the debris. “I know you’re angry at him. But please understand that he had his reasons.”
I chewed my lips, taking a step back. “Detective-”
He shifted forward and smiled. “Ben.”
I sighed. “Ben, this isn’t any of your business.” My shoulders grew tense.
“He is my friend and partner,” his gaze hardened. “Everything to do with him is my business.” I furrowed brows. “I get that you’re going through a lot.” He crossed his arms over his chest. “Crazy angels and such.” He leaned in close to me. “He was afraid.” I jerked my head back to him, my adrenaline spiking.
