Your grandmother is not in any immediate danger, Rebecca said calmly. Chuy saw to her every need, and she was given the best medical care. She was given a pacemaker, and it helps her tremendously, but... She looked at Naomi with worry. They struggled with the finances.
Oh, Chuy, Naomi sobbed. I shouldve been here.
Rebecca shook her head. It was the first time I heard him pray.
Chuy prayed?
She nodded. It broke my heart. In all the time Ive watched over your grandmother, it was the only time hed asked for help, other than the time when you were in the hospital.
Lash wrapped a hand around Naomis shoulder. He felt so helpless watching the guilt eat her up from the inside. He had to find Welita and Chuy for her. Where are they? Why did they leave?
Rebecca sighed. They held out as long as they could. Chuy took on a second job to pay off the bills, even his friend tried to help him out.
Who? Lalo? Naomi asked.
Yes, Lalo. What a fine young man. He was devastated when his father decided to sell off his moving business.
Mr. Cruz sold his business! Naomi cried in disbelief.
He wanted to retire, and when representatives from Prescott Oil came into the neighborhood, they bought up the surrounding local businesses first. Mr. Cruz was the first to take their offer. But it wasnt too long before the others followed.
No. Naomi paled.
Im afraid so. Then after that, they made offers to the property owners, for the homes in the neighborhood. As you know, many of your neighbors rented their homes and had no choice.
But Welita owned her house.
She was the last to hold out. But with the mounting medical bills and Chuy needing a job, they had to move. So, Welita finally agreed. Rebecca placed a hand on her shoulder. It wasnt easy for them. Welita wanted to stay.
Naomi sank to the floor. She tucked her knees up to her chest and dropped her head. I knew it was my fault. They drove them out because of me.
Rebecca glanced at Lash with a sad, knowing look on her face before sitting down next to Naomi.
Naomi, none of this is your doing. Theyre safe. They live in North Texas now. Chuy placed her in an assisted-living facility so there would be someone looking after her while he and Lalo work. They live just outside of Gardenville.
Were new to the city. Just moved here from Gardenville. Lash recalled Nathans teasing voice when he teased his wife, Deborah, about having to be careful living in a big city like Houston.
He felt the hair on the back of his neck stand up. It seemed like Welita and Chuy had been intentionally directed to North Texas. But why?
I dont get it, he said. Why go all the way to North Texas to work? Why not get a job here in Houston?
He was offered a very well-paying job there.
Where? He asked.
She glanced at Naomi and then back at him. Prescott Oil.
Prescott Oil? Prescott Oil! Naomi slammed her hand against the floor. You mean the same Prescott Oil that bought them out? The same Prescott Oil owned by Lucifer?
Yes.
Oh, Chuy, she moaned and banged the back of her head on the wall. If he knew who Luke Prescott was, hed have never taken the job. Wait! Naomi jumped up, her face looking hopeful. You can tell them. Youre Welitas guardian angel. Cant you do that? Cant you warn them?
It doesnt work that way, Naomi. Her voice was gentle. Were not allowed to interfere with human will.
But were not interfering. Were just providing them with information. Naomis face scrunched in frustration.
Please believe me. She stood and went to Naomi. If it were in my power to do so, I would tell them. And Im not her guardian angel anymore. My work with her is done. Im only here because I knew you would worry, and I wanted to let you know what happened.
What? So whos looking after her? And what about Chuy? Naomi paced the length of the hall. Its not right. We cant just leave them like this. We cant let Lucifer use them as pawns in whatever crazy scheme hes up to. Tell her, Lash.
Lash gaped at her, wishing he could support her. He wanted to so badly. How could he explain to her the ramifications if they helped or that shed lost her father because of his interference thirty-five years ago?
Naomi, Ive made the mistake before. Itll put too much at risk if we interfere. Believe me, I know.
Her face filled with pain. I thought you were on my side.
I am on your side. Its just... He felt like kicking himself. She didnt know he was the one whod saved Jane, whod been meant to die on that plane so many years ago. The same Jane who had killed her father.
What?
I... He glanced over at Rebecca, and she gazed back at him knowingly. Instead of being bothered that she knew, he felt comforted. But how did she know? She was forbidden to see Raphael, so he hadnt told her, but somehow, she knew. I dont want you to make the same mistakes I did.
Naomi reached out to him and placed her hand on his chest. It cant be a mistake to care for the ones you love.
Naomi, youre new to our world. There are rules in place for all of our protection, Rebecca said.
Sometimes, rules need to be broken. She turned back to Lash. You broke them to be with me.
And Id do it again, just to be with you.
So why not break this rule, for me? she breathed, begging him.
You need to tell her, Lahash, Rebecca said softly. No more secrets.
Tell me what? Naomi asked.
Lash glanced at Rebecca, and she nodded with encouragement. This secret was a burden hed carried with him ever since he fell in love with Naomi, and fear of what shed do if she knew nagged at the back of his mind constantly. His mother was right. He had to tell Naomi his secret about her fathers death. If they were to be bound together, he had to be truthful with her.
He picked up her hands and kissed them. Then, he squeezed his eyes shut and prayed for the strength.
Lash? Her voice sounded worried.
He opened his eyes and looked deeply into hers. No matter what happens, know that I love you more than my own life.
Youre scaring me.
He took a deep breath. I was waiting for the right time to tell you this. And, well, there is just no right time. I never told you about the assignment that got me kicked out of Heaven.
No, you didnt.
I was sent to watch over a little boy. A boy named Javier Duran.
She inhaled sharply. It was you. You saved him from the plane explosion. Welita told me it could only have been from divine intervention that he was saved. I thought it was luck because of where he was sitting. He was behind a twelve-year-old girl, right?
He nodded. Welita didnt tell you who the little girl was?
No. I didnt think it was important to ask. She furrowed her brow. Why?
Well, the girl made it out alive because I saved her and shehe gulpedshe wasnt meant to live.
Why not? She was just a little girl.
Because she ended up being with Lucifer, and... He looked over to Rebecca, who smiled sadly, her eyes shone with love and support. That little girl was Jane Sutherland.
There was a beat of silence.
Naomis face grew pale as she stepped away from him. No, her voice was barely above a whisper. Thats not true. Tell me thats not true.
Naomi. He reached out to her, his heart breaking into pieces. Im sorry.
She jerked back and shook her head, tears streaming down her face. Dont touch me.
Please, Naomi.
No, I cant. I just...cant. She spun and fled out of the house.
Naomi!
He tore out of the house chasing after her. She shot high into the sky, her wings spread at full length, giving her the power to out-fly him.
He pushed with all his might to try to catch her. If he could only reach her, he could explain everything. Then maybe, just maybe she would understand and forgive him.
Faster, he soared up higher and higher. With one final push, he got close enough to reach out and grab her shoulders. He turned her to face him, and his heart stopped at the shattered look on her face.
Naomi, I
Dont. Her voice was raw. I cant be with you right now.
He inhaled sharply as the pain in his chest crushed him. She looked at him one last time, turned, and flew away.
7
Not knowing where else to go, Naomi paced the path that went through the cherry tree gardens. It hurt too much to go to the mountain home she and Lash shared. Being in the beautiful gardens didnt help, either. Everywhere she looked, she thought of Lash: his beautiful hazel eyes, his strong arms around her, the feel of his unshaven jaw against her palm, and then the torment in his eyes when he told her about saving Jane Sutherland.
She felt her heart breaking as she struggled between her love for her father and her love for Lash. If only he had listened to his orders, then she would still have her father.
She remembered the last time she saw him. It had been at her college graduation. She recalled the proud look he wore as she walked toward him with her diploma in hand. She smiled as she thought of him sitting on the porch next to her as they both gazed up at the stars that night.
She sank onto a bench under one of the dozens of cherry trees. A breeze blew gently, causing stands of her dark hair to brush against her face.
She was so confused. If she accepted that her father dying was somehow Lashs fault, then how could she continue to love the person who basically shortened her fathers life? But then, if that hadnt happened, she wouldve never known the love of her life.
She tilted her head back to look at the clear blue sky.
Why was this all happening to her? Fate. Free-will. Had Lash put something into motion that wasnt meant to be? Was she meant to have lived her life on Earth with her father, her family?
She burst into tears. She couldnt give Lash up, but she couldnt even bear to look at him. She felt so lost. For weeks, she had struggled with missing her family. She wanted more than anything to feel like she belonged in Heaven, to have a home with Lash. And now, now it felt like Heaven was her Hell.
She heard footsteps approaching and quickly wiped the tears from her eyes.
Raphael, she croaked. She cleared her throat and forced a smile on her face. How are you this morning?
Raphael looked into her eyes, reached out, and brushed a stray tear from her cheek. He told you.
She nodded, choking back fresh tears.
It is not easy being an angel, and to be an archangel, that can be even more difficult. Lahash has great compassion for others. It leads him to be ruled by his heart rather than by what his superiors tell him to do.
Its not supposed to be like this. My father should still be alive. Im supposed to be with him and Welita.
Perhaps, he said. Or maybe things are exactly the way they should be.
She looked at him, surprised. Are you saying his disobedience was meant to be?
I was just as surprised as Lahash when he was thrown out. For years, I went to Michael, advocating his return. Now, I am not quite sure of this, but it seems to me there is something larger at work here.
More secrets. She couldnt take it anymore. This is too much. I cant think right now.
Raphael looked over her shoulder and spoke softly. Gabrielle and Jeremiel are coming. I can divert them if you wish.
She let out a breath. No, Ill be fine.
She needed a distraction, anything to get her mind off how miserable she was feeling at that moment. Burying herself in training with Gabrielle was just what she needed right now.
Squaring her shoulders, she stood to greet her. Gabrielle, Im sorry for the late start, but Im ready for my training session now. Is Jeremy joining us today?
Seeing Gabrielles green eyes dart from Raphael to her, Naomi hoped her eyes werent too red and puffy, although she knew her voice sounded strained. She mustve looked awful because Jeremy kept staring at her strangely.
Theres other business we must attend to today. Wheres Lash?
Uh, hes
Hes in the Room of Offerings, repairing some of the damage, Raphael interrupted.
Naomi shot him a surprised look. Raphael could be sneaky when he wanted to be. Lash had told her about the mess hed made when he thought hed never see her again. She had wanted to go with him to help him clean it up, but hed kept putting it off.
I see, Gabrielle said, looking suspiciously at him. Its taken him long enough to do so. Well, then, lets get straight to the business at hand, shall we?
Gabrielle handed her a small white envelope. As she took a hold of it, Gabrielle looked intently into her eyes. It is of utmost importance that you stick to your assignment at all costs. Do you understand?
Yes, I do, she said quickly.
Gabrielle continued to hold on to the envelope. Although you are moving along quite nicely in your training, I fear you are not fully invested in the role youve been given. However, events have taken place that make this assignment necessary.
Naomi dropped her hand at the seriousness of Gabrielles voice. She wasnt ready to take on something like this. Maybe its better to send someone else.
Michael made specific instructions for you to carry this assignment, and Jeremy is to go with you.
I hope you dont mind the company, he said, his dimples flashing as he smiled at her.
N-n-no. Its just...uh, well, after last night, Im not sure if thats such a good idea. As angry and hurt as she was with Lash right now, she didnt want to make things any worse. Although Lash appeared to have made peace with Jeremy, even asking him to give them permission to go down to Earth, she couldnt shake the feeling that Lash still had a problem with him.
You have no choice in this matter, Gabrielle snapped. Jeremy is to accompany you. Hell serve as a mentor to you as well as taking care of his own assignment.
Naomi glanced at him. With Jeremy going with her, maybe she could search for Welita. If it were Gabrielle, shed never be allowed to do it.
Okay, she said as she reached for the envelope and pulled out the card containing information about her assignment. When do weholy shit! This isnt...this cant be...
She slapped a hand across her mouth, mortified.
Gabrielles face turned a bright red. We do not use such foul language here.
Aw, come on, Gabrielle, Jeremy said. Dont tell me you havent thrown around a cuss word or two when Lash was around.
She narrowed her eyes at him. Never.
Cut the girl some slack. Shes just in a bit of shock.
It is her first assignment, Gabrielle. Raphael added, placing a hand on her shoulder.
Her face softened. Fine, just mind your tongue, Naomi.
Im sorry, Naomi said. This just isnt someone I expected to ever have to watch over. So, when do we leave?
Well need to head out right away, Jeremy replied. We can stop by the Room of Offerings so you can say bye to Lash before we head out.
Why would you say bye to me?
Naomi spun around at the sound of Lashs voice. His face was a mask. The pain in her chest resurfaced, and she found it hard to breathe. She turned away, unable to look at him.
Michael has given Naomi an assignment, Raphael said. Jeremy is to accompany her. Theyre leaving at once.
Naomi could feel Lashs eyes on her. She wanted to look at him. She wanted to forget everything he had told her. She wanted her Lash back. But, she couldnt take those words away.
I see. Lashs voice was cold.
Taking a deep breath, she looked to Jeremy. Im ready.
Dont youJeremys eyes bounced between her and Lash, puzzleduh, okay then, come with me.
She stared down at his hand as he held it out to her. Her head turned slightly, fighting the desire to see Lash one last time before she left. She couldnt look at him, not now, especially if she wanted to focus on the assignment shed been given. Slowly, she placed her hand into Jeremys, and then they were gone.
* * *
It took every ounce of strength for Lash not to cry out to Naomi as he watched her place her hand into Jeremys. He kept repeating to himself that shed been given an assignment, that Jeremy was just doing his job as an archangel. But with what Raphael had said about Jeremy wanting Naomi so long ago, and the way hed looked at her last night, he couldnt forget it.
Lash, I would like to speak to you in private, Raphael said. Gabrielle, if you dont mind.
Of course. Ill be with Michael, she said and then disappeared.
Lash slumped on the bench. Did you know about this?
I was told about it some time ago. I didnt think it would happen this soon. Something must have changed to speed up the events.
You knew Jeremy was to go with her? Why didnt you tell me?
Raphael gave him a stern look.
Right. You archangel, me lowly seraph. Youd think I wouldve learned that by now.
Raphael let out a breath as he sat next to him. You told her about saving the girl.
She didnt take it very well, and now shes gone. Lash leaned forward, placing his forearms on his knees. She couldnt even look at me.
He dropped his head against his chest, not wanting Raphael to see the tears forming in his eyes. The look of pain and betrayal on her face was seared into his mind. She didnt have to say goodbye to himher silence said it for her.
My son, she is not gone forever. Shes merely off on assignment. She will return to you.
I know shell come back, but will she come back to me? Can she forgive me?
Naomi loves you, and I have faith in her.
Lash shook his head. He wanted to believe in her love. He wanted to so badly. He just couldnt shake off that look.
He felt Raphaels hand pat his back. Think of it this way: shell have time to think this through, and I know she will understand that you meant no harm.
I dont know if I can do it, wait so long without going crazy. Even though time went faster in Heaven than Earth, each second seemed like hours to him.
How did you do it, Raphael? How do you make it through all that time without seeing Rebecca? The thought of being away from Naomi for even a day leaves me breathless.
Raphael swallowed thickly. It is...difficult.
Lash looked up at Raphael and wondered if he should tell him about seeing Rebecca. Would it hurt him more if he did?
Crap! I cant tell him. Only Jeremy knew about them going down to Earth.
Son, youll be with her again soon, he continued. Mark my words. And once you are, she will need you to be there for her. Just as you were tested, she too will be tested in her faith and loyalty to her Heavenly family.
Naomi is strong.
That may be, but I fear that Naomi and Jeremys assignment will test her limits. And she has been here for such a short time.
She gets along with everybody. I dont think shell have a hard time with it. Whos her assignment?
You and I know her well. You may know her just a bit more so than I.
Lashs brow furrowed. What do you mean?
You have carnal knowledge of this person.
Who? he squeaked.
Megan. Megan Dalene.
8
Jane Sutherland tapped a pen against the desk as she read her tenth newspaper that morning. She scribbled on her yellow note pad furiously as she read the opinion page. Each paper she went through bashed her position on environmental policies. Most of them even dared to claim that she didnt care for families or the community and instead sided with big business. Being a senator, shed thought she would get used to being questioned about her voting record. She even accepted the fact that shed be scrutinized because she was a close friend with Luke Prescott. Regardless, it still stung to read what people thought of her and her closest confidant.
If only people could know the Luke shed known almost all her lifekind, protective, sometimes overly protective. But saying she didnt care about the people in her own home state of Texasthat was going too far.
Jane, dear, how many times have I told you reading the papers will make you old before your time?
She looked up from the paper to see a pair of kind gray eyes gazing at her.
I know; I know. She sighed. Im just working on my speech.
We have speech writers on staff for that. Use them. Luke sat on the sofa across from her desk and placed a cup and saucer on the coffee table. Theyre the best in the field.
Im sure they are. Announcing that Im running for the presidency is very important to me. I want to get it right.
Even more reason to use a speech writer.
This is personal for me, Luke. Im doing this because I truly believe I can make a difference. The American Federation party can make our country better for everyone.
Spoken like a true politician. He grinned.
She rolled her eyes. I mean it, Luke.
Then use what we have at our disposal. This is going to be a long campaign, and were fortunate to have plenty of financial resources.
Thats the problem. She sighed as she picked up a newspaper from the stack in the middle of her desk and waved it at him. How can I touch the hearts of the people in this country when the media portray me to be out of touch with Middle America? I have to figure out a way to make them see that what our party is doing is good for all.
He tugged on the sleeves of his crisp white shirt. Small diamond cufflinks twinkled as the light hit them. What are they complaining about now?
Fracking. Jane searched through the pile of newspapers, pulled one out, and tossed it to him. This one says that the fracking Prescott Oil is doing in North Texas is causing the earthquakes in the area.
Luke laughed. I was told on good authority that the seismic events barely registered. Besides, we have our own geophysicists, Harvard-based, mind you, who say it is a natural shift in the plates in that area.
She pursed her lips before continuing. Then there is this paper. She waved it. They have a reporter doing an undercover investigation in Gardenville.
She got up from her desk, sat in the seat across from Luke, and handed the paper to him. He claims the wells arent safe and that chemicals used in the fracking process are seeping into the drinking water.
Absurd! There is absolutely no proof. Luke tossed the paper onto the table. Besides, Texas has some of the most stringent regulations in the country.
That may be, but Ive received word that State Representative James Keith will be introducing a bill requiring companies to disclose the chemical used in the fracking fluid.
Jane felt an eerie chill at the blank expression on Lukes face. It wasnt a look shed ever seen on him before.
His lips slowly curled into a smile that didnt reach his eyes, and she shivered. It sounds like an environmental witch hunt to me.
I dont know. What harm could come from disclosing the information? I plan on fully backing his bill, to show my support of transparency in the fracking done by Prescott Oilor any company for that matterinvolved in this type of business.
Ah, excellent political move, my dear. It also shows youre environmentally friendly.
Jane scowled. Its more than that, Luke.
Now, now Jane. Dont be upset. Im only teasing you. I know your discomfort with the politics of it all. However, I fear your support of this bill would do more harm than good for the people in Texas.
And why is that?
Luke leaned over, picked up the cup of coffee, and took a sip before continuing. If Prescott Oil were forced into full disclosure, then our competitors would have full access to our proprietary business information. This could severely impact our profits. We might have to pull out of Texas.
He took another sip, his eyes observing her over the cup as if gauging her reaction.
She felt like the wind had been knocked out of her. Was he threatening her?
What exactly do you mean? She drawled the words slowly.
He carefully placed the cup back on the table and studied her for a moment. Prescott Oil has brought many jobs to the people of Texasto people whove been hit during these troubling economic times. It would be a shame if they lost their livelihood because the company had to look elsewhere for a more...amenable location.
Janes stomach churned. She didnt like where the conversation was going. In all the time shed known Luke, hed never interfered with her political work, and hed never asked for political favors, which she knew were common in the world of politics. So far, most of what shed done had benefitted the people in her state. The last bill she co-wrote had broken the red tape and allowed companies like Prescott Oil to expand fracking. She was proud of the fact that now it would be easier to bring fracking to more rural counties in the country and even to go international. It would mean more jobs and hopefully a better economy for all. While she was writing the bill, she got a lot of heat from the media, claiming her friendship with Luke had influenced her. It couldnt have been further from the truth.
Sir, may I have a word with you?
Jane jumped at the sound of Sals voice. She looked over at the hulking body at the entrance, taking up the entire doorway. How could someone so huge not make a sound? She wondered how many conversations Sal had overheard between her and Luke over the years.
What is it, Sal? Lukes voice sounded irritated. He continued to look at Jane expectantly.
Its about the Houston transfers in the job-training program. I have the report for you. You said you wanted it as soon as I received it. He held out a manila folder.
Job-training program? She raised a brow.
Luke reached out to take the file from him. Its a program Prescott Oil started about a year ago to train men and women to be ready to work in the oil and gas industry. We have a few transfers from our Houston training site working in Gardenville.
Really? Im impressed. Relief swept over her. This was the Luke she knew and loved.
Prescott Oil is not in it all for the money. Luke glanced down at the report, and a look of disappointment crossed his face. I have some business to take care of. Think about what I said?
She looked into his eyes as they gazed back at her kindly. Those were the eyes she remembered from her childhood. Over the past year, she had seen less and less of them, and she wondered what was going on with him to have changed so much. He had always been on her side, and she wanted to trust him like she always had. But lately, she felt like it would be safer for her to keep her thoughts to herself. She couldnt get rid of the nagging feeling that something was off. He was different.
Ill consider any avenues that benefit the people and our country, she said.
He stood and placed a hand on her shoulder. It was cold.
Thats all I ask.
9
Naomi watched Megan climb out of the red pickup truck that was parked along a farm road. She looked exactly the same as when shed last seen Meganwith her arms and perfect body all over Lash. Same silky blonde hair. Same flawless sun-kissed skin. Same dazzling smile.
Megan smoothed down her pastel yellow dress, flashing manicured nails and matching nail polish.
Great. Even her nails are gorgeous. Naomi made a guttural sound in her throat.