You dont understand, Megan. His voice was somber. I have to take care of my family.
You couldve died too, Chuy! Who wouldve taken care of your family then? I bet you wouldnt go back to work for them if Prescott Oil killed your family.
Naomis breath hitched as she watched Chuys brown eyes darken and his nostrils flare. His voice was low and steady as he looked intently at Megan. I lost my uncle when Jane Sutherland killed him in a car accident. My cousin tried fighting back, and days later, she disappeared.
Oh, Chuy, Naomi whispered as she felt tears stinging her eyes.
I know shes dead. I felt it the moment it happened. It was like a part of me disappeared that day. His voice was thick. I cant help but think that somehow Luke Prescott was involved in all of it.
Megan placed a hand on his arm, speaking softly. Then how can you still work for them?
I have no choice! He spun around and headed toward the window. Looking out with his back to her, he said, They took everything away from us. Everything! I couldnt get a job anywhere.
Megan went to him and placed a hand on his back. Im so sorry.
He turned to face her. Believe me, I tried. I got a lot of interviews, but every time I showed up, it was like suddenly the job was no longer available. The only one who offered me work was the Prescott Oil training program. I didnt even apply for it! I got a letter offering me a job. Lalo got the same letter two days later. We thought it was offered to everyone who lived in the neighborhoods that were bought out by the company.
Chuy sank into the chair under the windowsill and dropped his head into his hands. I sold out. I didnt know what to do. Im sorry, Naomi. Im so sorry. I didnt know what to do. God, I wish I had her strength.
Tears streamed down Naomis face as she went to Chuy. She placed a hand on his head, wishing he could feel her. Its okay, Chuy. Im sorry I wasnt there to help. Im here for you now.
Chuy lifted his head and looked around.
What is it? Megan asked.
He tilted his head as if listening.
Naomis eyes widened, and she looked to Jeremy. Can he hear me?
Its doubtful, but I think he can sense you, he replied.
After a moment, Chuy shook his head. Never mind. He took a deep breath and reached for Megans hand. Look, I know if Naomi were still here, shed want me to help you.
Her face lit up. Will you?
Yeah, but we only have a brief window to do this. All Prescott Oil employees were given time off to attend the senators presidential campaign announcement Friday. You can get national media coverage there.
I dont have any proof to expose them, or anything that will at least get the feds to investigate them.
Chuy stood and reached for his cell phone. Yeah, let me give Lalo a call.
Lalo? Megan and Naomi voiced at the same time.
They have him doing janitorial work in the offices where they keep confidential information. He can get into their servers and dig up some information for us.
He can? Megan and Naomi said in unison.
Chuy grinned. Lalo has mad computer skills that would make even Mark Zuckerberg drool.
14
Naomi stood at the entrance of Sunrise Haven. She couldnt believe that in a few minutes, she would be with Welita again.
Nervous?
Jeremy looked down at her with the same tender expression that he had at the hospital. She didnt know what to do about it, especially now, when he was going against protocol and allowing her to see Welita. She owed him so much. She didnt want to hurt him.
A little.
She felt a quiet calm when he placed a hand on her cheek. Want me to go in there with you?
She gazed into his eyes and saw the love he had for her. He cared...too much. She turned her head and took a step back, feeling a stab of pain when she did so. She hated hurting him this way after hed been so kind to her.
No. Ill be fine.
It doesnt look like Megan will be leaving the hospital anytime soon, and Chuy is with Lalo. Ill watch over Megan for you, so take your time.
He turned and started to walk away.
Jeremy. She grasped hold of his arm before he could leave. Thanks for letting me do this.
She watched his broad shoulders stiffen at her touch. When he turned back to face her, his face was somber. His eyes held hers for a moment, and he swallowed. Then his face shifted, erasing the pained expression and putting on his normal, flirtatious twinkle. Lets just call it my gift to my future sister.
He winked, and then he was gone.
Naomi closed her eyes and sighed. It was going to be more difficult than she thought, working so closely with Jeremy. She loved Jeremy; he was so sweet and caring. She wanted so much to be close to him, like a true sister. Maybe if she had a talk with him, aired it all out in the open, they could find a way to be like family, without all the awkwardness.
Ill have a talk with him when the assignment is over. Now, she needed to see Welita.
She headed toward the glass doors, and they slid open as she approached. She really didnt have to use the entrance. It was a habit. She still couldnt get used to being an angel. She couldve easily just made herself appear anywhere in the building, although she didnt know exactly which room Welita was in.
She glided down the halls, listening carefully for any signs of where Welita might be. She heard the muffled sounds of women talking to each other and dishes clattering. In one room, she heard an older woman cooing and the sounds of a baby giggling, making her smile. She thought about going into the room so she could see, but then thought against it, reminding herself that she shouldnt abuse her angelic abilities. The family in the room that the happy noises were coming from deserved their privacy.
In that moment, she realized Welita would never have a chance to hold her child, and the thought saddened her.
Then she heard a loud and familiar voice that chased the thought away.
Ay, Dios mio! No, Pablo! Dont listen to her. Shes lying to you. Maria slept with your brother. Shes carrying his child, not yours.
Naomi chuckled at Welita, yelling at the television. She always did that when she was watching her favorite showa telenovela about Pablo Rivera, the handsome ranch owner, and Maria, his maid turned movie actress.
She followed Welitas voice until she found the place it was coming from. She stepped into the room, and her hand flew to her mouth, stifling a cry, when she saw Welita sitting on a small sofa. Her brown wrinkled hands stroked Bears fur while she stared intently at the TV screen.
Oh, Welita, Naomi sobbed. Whats happened to you?
Welitas raven hair was now almost entirely white. Her once-strong hands were like brown toothpicks, ready to break at the slightest touch. She was so frail. It was as if the life in her that made her rock solid had been zapped away, leaving her a shell of who she once was.
Naomis eyes shifted to the walker beside the chair. She mustve been really bad off to even allow something like that in her presence. Welita had always been so proud to be independent and to use her own two feet to get around.
I did this to her. If she had been there, she could have helped Chuy get Welita the best health care so that she wouldve never needed the walker in the first place.
Better yet, if she had stayed with her and never left with Lash, Welita wouldve never had a heart attack. She would still have her home. Shed be watching Pablo and Maria in her own living room in Houston, not in some one-bedroom apartment in an assisted-living home in North Texas.
Naomi took a step closer. Bears head jolted up; her ears perked straight up like two furry antennae, and she barked.
Not now, Bear. Welita patted Bears head. Wait for the commercial.
Bears brown eyes looked straight at Naomi.
Can you see me, Girl? Maybe she could. She recalled Lash saying that sometimes animals could see angels.
Bear sniffed the air and then leapt off Welitas lap, yapping. She ran in circles around Naomis feet, whining, as if she were crying. Her tail wagged so fast, it was a blur.
Oh my God! You can see me! I missed you too. She laughed as she reached down to pet her. Her hand went through Bears body, and Bear shivered. Im sorry, Girl. I wish I could touch you.
Ay, Bear! Why are you crying? Ill let you out during the commer
Naomi watched as Welita turned slowly in the direction where she stood. Whos there?
Its me, Welita. Can you see me? Of course she couldnt. Why should she? Welita was able to see Rebecca, but that was because she had shown herself to Welita. Rebecca was her guardian angel. Naomi wasnt. I wish you could see me.
Welita closed her eyes and reached up for something on her chest. Naomi went over to her and looked down, wondering what she was doing.
Her hand flew up to her mouth, and she sobbed. It was her necklace. Welita was wearing the necklace Naomis father had given to her on her graduation night. Oh Welita, I miss you so much.
Welita opened her eyes. Looking up, she smiled. Naomi, she breathed.
She knows! She knows Im here. Tears streamed down Naomis cheeks.
Naomi knelt in front of the sofa, placing her hands over Welitas. If only she could feel her touch, feel the strength of her hands, the hands that always guided her when she was lost, the hands that soothed her when she was in pain, the hands that always reached out to her with unconditional love. Oh, Welita, theres so much I wish I could tell you. If only...if only...
The air became a buzz of energy, and she felt a warmth rush through her body. A tingle deep within her started to grow. It began in the pit of her stomach and slowly spread up to her chest, making her heart pound faster. Then her arms and hands began to tingle as if theyd been asleep. The sensation intensified and spread to her legs. It felt like a thousand needles pricking her all over her body.
Then she felt her knees hitting against something hard, and she looked down.
The floor! I can feel the floor!
She felt soft fur rub against her forearms, followed by a wet lick.
She looked down to see Bear licking her arm. She can feel me!
Mijita!
Naomi looked up, and Welitas hands flew out and cupped her face. I can see you! Mejita, I can see you! She sobbed.
Welita! She threw herself into her arms. She didnt know how she was able to make herself appear in human form to Welita. She was never shown how to do that. It didnt matter. For now, she wanted to cherish the moment.
After a few minutes, Naomi pulled back, sniffling and brushing off tears with the back of her hand. She went to the corner of the room where there was a portable table covered in a cheap plastic yellow table cover, and took a chair. Placing it next to Welita, she sat down and scooped up Bear.
I miss this. She laughed as Bear went wild licking her face.
Welita reached out and held Naomis hand. Ive prayed to see you one last time. Thank you, Lord, for answering my prayers. I didnt think I would ever have a chance. After you left, I didnt see Rebecca anymore. I sensed her presence once in a while, but she never appeared to me again.
Uh, Welita. I wasnt really sent here. She squirmed in her seat under Welitas scrutiny. Im supposed to be watching someone else. Im really not supposed to be here.
Naomi! Welita took out a handkerchief from the pocket of her pale blue housedress and fanned herself. You were not raised like that. We raised you to be a good girl.
I know, Welita. But I just had to see you. Besides, Jeremy said it was okay.
She stopped fanning. Whos Jeremy?
Hes an archangel. Hes here with me.
Welita looked around. Right now?
Not here here. Hes looking over the person Im supposed to be watching over.
Welita gave her the look, and she shrank back. It was a look that could put the fear of God in full-grown men. Welita may have looked older and frailer, but that look of hers could still scare the crap out of anyone.
Hes doing your work for you?
Just for a while. Its a favor, really.
And Lash? Where is he?
Her heart lurched at the sound his name. She gazed down, studying Bears fur as she brushed her hand over it. Hes still in Heaven.
Look at me. Welitas voice was firm. Tell me what happened.
Slowly, she lifted her eyes to meet Welitas. How could she tell her what happened? Welita would be devastated if she knew what Lash had done.
I-I cant.
You love him?
Yes, but its more complicated than that.
Whats complicated about love?
She sighed. She wanted so badly to tell her, to take the weight she was feeling off her chest.
I cant explain, Welita. Its just...complicated.
Yes, you can explain. She leaned over and cupped her cheek. Dont be afraid.
Naomi felt Welitas strength from that simple touch as if she were passing it to her.
She placed Bear on the floor, and taking a deep breath she blurted, I know how dad died.
Welita inhaled sharply. He was hit by that senator woman... Jane Sutherland. She was driving drunk. We all know that.
Do you remember when dad was little and was in the plane crash and the girl who survived the crash too?
How could I forget? I remember thinking that the angels were looking after Gods children.
Well, the little girl who survived was Jane Sutherland.
Really?
And, well, she wasnt supposed to survive that accident. She stopped, unable to continue.
Naomi, tell me. Welita reached over and placed a hand over hers. Tell me.
She couldnt hold it in anymore. Tears ran down her face as the words rushed out in one breath. It was Lash. Lash saved Jane. Oh Welita, he didnt know this would happen. I know he did it because he cares so much for people, I just know it. But, if hed just done what he was supposed to do, dad would still be here, and, and... She took a gulp of air. ...and maybe I would still be here, too. And wed still be in Houston, and...and Chuy and Lalo wouldnt have lost their jobs, and there wouldnt be stupid bulldozers tearing down the neighborhood.
Welita held out her handkerchief, and Naomi took it, wiping her nose. And I keep thinking about that over and over in my head: if only Lash hadnt saved her. And...and then I think I wouldve never met him. And maybe I wouldnt be as happy as I was when I was with him, but then I wouldnt be as miserable as I am now. Welita, Im so confused.
Like she used to do when she was little, she threw herself at Welita and dropped her head into her lap, weeping. Bear licked her fingers, trying to comfort her, and that made her cry even harder.
Welita rubbed her back and softly crooned. Spanish rolled off her tongue as she sang the lyrics to Señora Santa Ana, a song shed always sing to Naomi when she was a little girl and feeling sick. Slowly, Naomi began to feel calmer. Somehow, Welita always found a way to make her feel better, even now when she was an angel, the one who was supposed to help humans, not the other way around.
Mejita, one of the hardest days in my life was having to bury my own son. Its something I wouldnt wish on my own enemies. It helped ease the pain knowing that Javier was with your mother. Rebecca told me that when he went to the other side, he was reunited with her. And when you left with Lash, that was also hard. But like your father, I knew that you were with Lash, that you had a love that was everlasting with him.
Youre not mad?
Mad at Lash? How can I be angry with the person who brings light to your eyes whenever you see him? Even now when you speak of him, you say his name with such love. How could I be mad at someone with such compassion in his heart that he dares to defy orders? You two are the samea perfect match.
Welita, I dont know what to do. I was so hurt when he told me. I felt betrayed, like he took something away from me. I mean, I know it wasnt intentional, and I think I understand what he was thinking when he did it, but I cant help what I feel. She thought about the struggle shed felt when she wanted to leave Megan and protect Chuy. It was the hardest thing she ever had to do.
Let go of your anger and believe in him. Believe in your love. Lean on it. Love is strength.
I dont know if I can. I dont even know if I can be a good angel, she said, her voice barely above a whisper. Angels are supposed to be perfect. Im not.
Ay, Naomi, angels are not perfect. No one is. We are all made in the Lords image, and He too feels anger, jealousy, so why not his angels? Why not you?
Angels are supposed to have faith. I dont know if I have that anymore. I almost messed up my first job by... She hesitated, not wanting to tell her about Chuy almost dying. Well, there was a courageous person who I thought was going to die in a fire, and I was supposed to watch over someone else, and I didnt want to.
You do have faith. I know you do. Youve always been stubborn, Mejita. Sometimes it works for you, and sometimes it works against you. Cant you see youre fighting against Lashs love because to accept it means to accept your place with the angels? Welita cupped Naomis face and stared intently into her eyes. Your place is with them now. Surrender yourself to his love, and the rest will fall into place.
Naomi heard the sound of heels clacking down the hall, heading towards the room. Bear jumped off her lap and ran to the door, barking. Someones coming.
There was a soft rapping on the door. Mrs. Duran. Its Jane Sutherland. May I please have a word with you?
Shit! Did Lucifer send her here? Naomi listened carefully for any signs out of the ordinary.
Dont let her in, she whispered furiously when Welita reached for her walker.
Why not?
Shes dangerous. She works with Lucifer.
Welita gasped and made the sign of the cross and muttered a quick prayer. Are you sure?
Yes. Luke Prescott is Lucifer.
Does she know?
I dont know.
Then we must tell her.
She wont believe you.
You dont know that. There must be some good in her for Lash to see it and want to save her.
That was a long time ago. The senator may have been innocent back then, but shes a powerful woman now. And may soon be the leader of the most powerful nation in the world. She and Lucifer together would be unstoppable. Naomi shuddered at the thought.
Mrs. Duran? There was another knock.
Welita turned to Naomi. Both of you showing up here at the same time is too much of a coincidence for me to ignore. I need to see it through.
Fine. Naomi sighed. But Im staying here until she leaves. She looked quickly around the tiny room. There was no place for her to hide. She couldnt let the senator see her. She wasnt sure if the senator knew about her death. More importantly, she didnt want any information going back to Lucifer.
Naomi closed her eyes and wondered if she would be able to change into her angel form. If she replicated what shed done before, she should be able to change backshe hoped. Okay, let her in.
15
Jane heard Anita Duran talking to someone through the closed door, and she wondered if someone was visiting her. She thought maybe her grandson, Chuy, was there with her, but when Anita opened the door, she was surprised to find her alone.
Mrs. Duran, Im sorry to bother you this late in the evening. Ill only take a few moments of your time.
When she stepped into the room, a small dog ran up to her. What a precious dog, she said, reaching out to touch the dog.
It snapped at her.
Oh! She jerked her hand away.
Bear! Dont be rude to our guest, Anita said. Would you like something to drink, Senator?
Please allow me. I can get myself a glass of water.
Jane watched as Anita nodded and slowly maneuvered her walker as she made her way back to the sofa. Maybe this wasnt a good idea, digging up old wounds.
She grabbed a glass from a small open shelf in the corner of the room that served as a kitchen. Turning on the faucet, she made small talk. Its pretty hot out therealmost as humid as it gets in Houston.
Senator Sutherland, I dont mean to be rude, but you didnt come all this way from DC to talk about the weather.
Jane took a sip of water and then turned to face her. Actually, Im in town to make an important announcement.
Your run for the presidency.
Why, yes, Jane said, surprised.
Dont look so surprised. I watch the news.
Im sorry. I didnt mean for it to come out that way.
No apology needed. Please, have a seat. Anita motioned to the chair across from where she was sitting. Why are you here?
I hope you dont take this the wrong way, Mrs. Duran, but I wanted toshe gulpedI wanted to ask you a question about your son.
The silence in the room was thick. Anitas brown eyes seemed to bore into her, and Jane felt beads of sweat collecting on her forehead. She wiped a palm on her skirt and slowly took a sip of water, hoping Anita would say somethinganything to break the tension.
Ask your question, Anita finally said.
Jane let out a breath. Your son, Javier, was he ever in a plane accident?
Yes, he was in the Flight 1724 accident when he was a boy. You and he were the only survivors. I thought you knew.
She felt the blood drain from her face. I-I-I was told that the Javier Duran I was with on the plane passed away years ago.
You were misinformed, Senator. Im surprised. I thought someone in your position would get accurate information.
I got the information from a reliable source. Or at least, I thought so, Jane mumbled.
Who would that be?
Luke Prescotts people. Jane lifted the glass of water to her lips.
Thats your problem right there. Mr. Prescott is Lucifer.
Jane spit the water out of her mouth, coughing. Excuse me?
I said Luke Prescott is Lucifer, one of the fallen. A powerful dark angel that walks the Earth.
Something inside of Jane stirred when she looked into Anitas eyes, and for a moment, she actually believed her.
Jane pushed the thought from her mind. It was preposterous. There was no such thing as the devil, Lucifer, or whatever name people called evil spirits. She wondered if Anita had lost her mind. Maybe that was why shed been put in this home. Thats a bit far-fetched, dont you think? I mean even if Luke lied to me, that wouldnt make him evil.
He is evil. I know because my Naomi told me so.
Naomi? The granddaughter who disappeared? When did she tell you this?
Just now.
Is she here? The poor woman was having hallucinations. She made a mental note to have her personal physician check in on Anita.
Shes sitting right next to me.
She is? She recalled Luke mentioning a good psychologist, Dr. Ryan Dantan. Maybe she should give him a call and ask for a consult. She could fly him in from Houstonat her own expense.
You cant see her, and I cant either at this moment. But she appeared to me earlier. She told me she wouldnt leave until after you left.
I see. Jane stood, walked to the kitchen, and placed the glass in the sink.
Senator, even if you dont believe me about my granddaughter, its not hard to see that what Luke Prescott is doing is harmful to us all.
Im not sure I understand what you mean.
All of my neighbors have been talking about it. My grandson works for Prescott Oil, and he sees it too. Whatever that company is doing to the land is bad. Whats it called?
Hydrofracturing.
Yes, hydrofracturing. Its doing more harm than good. I even read that he plans to take it to other countries. What is happening here: the earthquakes, the bad water, will spread.
Ive heard this all before, Mrs. Duran. The media has a way of sensationalizing everything. I honestly believe that we can do good for many more people. She glanced over at a photo, noticing the dark handsome features of the young man she recognized as Chuy. Your grandson has benefited from working with the company. He and many other families wouldnt have had a job if it wasnt for Prescott Oil.
Distress washed over Anitas face, and Jane felt horrible for what she had said.
If it wasnt for me, my Chuy would never have taken the job. It pains me that I couldnt do anything to help him, and I ask for forgiveness every night for that.
Im sorry, Mrs. Duran. I didnt mean it that way.
Anita sighed and smoothed her face. Javier told me what you did for him when he was on the plane. I know there is good in you. Cant you see that the person youre supporting, the one you call friend, is creating nothing but destruction to the country you love?
I dont see things the same way you do. Besides, that wouldnt make someone a devil.
She turned and headed to the door. Shed read the scientific reports and felt confident about hydrofracturing at the time. So why were Anitas words stirring something inside of her? Stirring fear that maybe she was right. Mrs. Duran, thank you for your time. Again, Im so sorry to disturb you.
Do you believe in God?
Jane stopped abruptly, her hand on the doorknob. What kind of question was that? Of course I do.
Then why cant you believe that what Ive said is true?
Well, because...because... Jane turned to face Anita, and she was at a loss for words. Thoughts flashed through her mind: what shed overheard Luke telling Sal, Luke attempting to sway her vote, and the serious expression on Anitas face.
Suddenly, she felt feverish, and a heavy feeling pressed on her chest. She couldnt breathe. She had to get out. Now. Good-bye Mrs. Duran.
She ran down the hall and out of the building. Her heart slammed against her chest a hundred miles a minute as she plucked a set of car keys from out of her purse. She needed to leave, to get far away from there. Far away from the memories that fluttered through her mind: the presence of someone near her during the plane crash, protecting her; the same presence protecting her during the auto accident; Luke rising to the top of the corporate world in unprecedented speed, never aging, always the same. If she believed in God, how could she not believe in evil?
No. It wasnt possible. It couldnt be possible. Luke was not Lucifer. He wasnt the devil.
Her hands shook, and the keys slipped out of her hand, falling onto the pavement. When she bent down to pick them up, a cold chill swept through her. She could feel someone watching her every move.
She glanced up and froze when she saw a pair of crocodile boots.
She blinked, and they were gone.
* * *
After the senator left, Naomi reluctantly gave Welita a kiss good-bye, promising to watch over her and Chuy whenever she could. When she arrived back in Emmas hospital room, Megan was asleep and Jeremy was nowhere to be found.
Looking out the window, she saw him in a grove of trees across the hospital parking lot, sitting on one of the tree branches. He mustve seen her because he waved and gestured for her to join him.
After crossing the lot, Naomi glided through a field of wildflowers that were dispersed in small patches near the trees. Craning her neck, she watched Jeremy swing his legs like a little boy. He wore a silly grin that lit up his face. He almost looked like the Jeremy shed first met in New Mexico.