The Love of an Angel

Gabriel: Chapter 3

I arrived at Kore, the city of my target, and I paused my ride just outside of its limits. It was perfectly situated, right in the middle of the clearing, the sun warming its tall buildings and cobblestone roads. This was one of the most important cities to the Angels in that it was known for its abundance in uranium. From my vantage point I could just barely see the mines far enough away from its citizens to keep them from getting sick. Many of our weapons came from these mines, and a few times they saved my skin. I sighed, pulling my mind back to the task at hand. I needed to find Magdalene Steel. A young woman, slender with wavy brown hair and deep chocolate eyes. Apparently, she was well known amongst the people and had a thirst for getting out. Even I couldn't blame her. This city was much too stuffy for my taste. I patted Ash on the nose, calming his nerves as I tied him to a tree behind some bushes. Assuring him I'd return, I went down the hill into Kore.
I made my way to a small cafe, a quaint patio outside with flower vases on tables set for two. A bell rang when I entered, and I was welcomed with suspicious stares. Fortunately, I was used to it.
"Excuse me," I said to the woman behind the counter. "I'm looking for Mr. Steel's residence. I have an urgent appointment with him."
She side eyed me, wiping one of the dishes and setting it down.
"And who are you?" she asked.
I was expecting this, considering she was one of the family's acquaintances. Unlike most people, she was smart enough to question my motives.
"I'm Mr. Johnson," I replied, shaking her hand. "I'm a new business associate, and I've come into town to discuss the terms of our agreement."
She raised an eyebrow.
"Mrs. Steel never told me about this."
"Well, that would be my fault ma'am. I prefer to keep my business transactions between me and my partner you see. I hate making matters public before they're set right."
She looked me up and down, considering whether she should believe me or not. She sighed, shaking her head.
"Fine. You'll find Mr. Steel's residence on Maple St. It's at the top of the hill."
I smiled.
"Thank you ma'am. You've been most helpful."
After exiting the cafe, I walked up the sidewalk, and after inquiring where Maple St. was, I was much closer to finding Ms. Steel. I adjusted my collar, making sure my tattoo was covered.  Even though this city was not filled with the brightest, I was not about to blow my cover.  As I walked on, I paused at an intersection, waiting for traffic to pass by or for someone to let me cross. Suddenly, a woman began to pass over just as a car was approaching. I bolted, reaching for her.
"Look out!"
I grabbed her by the arm, pulling her to my side just as the driver made his turn. People looked on, wondering what was going on, but onlookers were the last thing on my mind.
"Are you alright?" I asked.
She looked up at me, saying nothing, and I instantly knew her face. In my arms was Magdalene Steel, the woman I had to kill, and as she studied my face, I studied hers. I didn't know she was so — beautiful. It was her eyes, full of innocence. But there was something missing, life. She was like a bird stuck in a cage, and she wanted to be free. I didn't want to do this, but her life meant my freedom.
"Are you alright?" I asked again.
"Y-yes, " she finally stuttered.
"Are you sure?"
She looked at me, stars in her eyes.
"Yes, I'm fine."
"You need to watch where you're going. You could've been hurt," I warned, letting her go.
"I was distracted," she replied, crossing her arms. "But I'll pay better attention next time."
I smiled.
"Good."
I then turned the corner, appearing to be on my way, and when she was finished looking for me, I followed.  She went on until she reached the outskirts of the city and into the forest.  I stopped, keeping myself behind a favorable bush, and I watched.  For a moment, she stood still, breathing, feeling the wind kiss her face.  She was at peace here, and when she opened her eyes, she smiled, and she continued on her way.  As she flitted about, I noticed a figure in the near distance, a man sitting on a fallen tree.  I inched closer, trying to make out who he was.  Then I realized, he was an Angel.  The dark attire was unmistakable, and the gun on his hip only confirmed my concerns.  I could barely make out the tattoo of a part of a wing on his neck, the collar of his shirt keeping it well hidden.  He was an Angel.  But what was he doing here?  Magdalene Steel was my target, and when an Angel had a hit, no man was allowed to interfere.  It was against the rules.  The only question was, did he come here on his own accord, or was he sent?  The Dominion did mention rumors of my character gone weak, but those were false allegations.  Yes, I did not wish to kill because someone wanted me to, but I would kill if I had to.  My counterpart greeted Magdalene with a smile that was all too real for comfort, to which she politely replied.  Before she could walk away, he began to make inquiries.  She pointed back to Kore, slowly backing away, and he continued to approach.  I knew what was going to happen.  He would kill her, make it look like a suicide, and leave.    That was the job, and I would've done the same thing.  Only now, it would seem I didn't have to do anything.  I could leave, start a new life, and no one would no the wiser.  I wouldn't have to do this anymore.  I started to back away, but I paused, clenching my teeth.  I knew I couldn't leave.  Even though I would be free of this life, this moment would haunt me forever.  This didn't have to happen.  Maybe, today, my skills could be used for something good.  I moved, finding a better advantage, and I pulled out my rifle from my coat.  I leaned against the tree, standing still as possible, and after I fixed the sights until it was no longer blurry, I aimed.  I watched, and I waited, breathing in and out.  In.  And.  Out.
BANG!
Magdalene screamed as he fell, blood dripping from my shot.  She stood frozen, hands on her mouth, fear in her eyes.  I knew she'd start to run, and that was out of the question.  Just before she came to her senses, I snuck behind her, and I grabbed her, silencing her before she could yell. 
"Be quiet," I commanded, tightening my grip and pulling her close.
"What do you want from me?" she whimpered.
"I want you to stay alive. Now move."
I kept my hold on her as we ran out the forest and down the hill, stopping behind a building for me to get a quick look before we bolted for the next cover.
"You're that man who saved me!" she cried. "If it's money you want, I'll give it to you. Just tell me your price."
"Look," I hissed, making her face me, "I don't have time for this. That man back there was paid to kill you, and there might be more of them. So keep your mouth shut, and stay close."
I guided her to the other side of the road, and keeping our heads down, we marched with the crowd. It was possible no one would see us, but I knew that was too much to ask. Even I knew a crowd was still in the open, and nothing stopped an Angel from killing his prey. I kept a sharp eye open, and up ahead, a suspicious character approached, and in his hand was a knife.
"Move!" I yelled, pushing Magdalene out of the way.
On cue, the man attacked, and I blocked his blow. In the midst of dodging, I pulled out a knife of my own, freshly sharpened, and within minutes, the hitman was disarmed and dead.
"Magdalene!" I called, but she was no where to be found.
That dumb bitch. I growled, and I ran, searching for any sign of her as I shouted her name.
AAAAAAAH!
At the scream, I swiftly turned and ran in its direction to find her face to face with another Angel. I threw my knife straight into his neck. Confusion and fear ruined his face, and soon, he fell. I retrieved my weapon and glared at Magdalene.
"I told you to stay close."
I grabbed her, racing out of the alleyway. There had to be a way out. Across the street, a man left his car, windows opened. Bingo.
"Come on."
We ran to the car, unlocking it from the inside, and I threw her in.
"What are you doing?" she asked, backing away in her seat.
"Getting out of here."
I hot wired the car, and the engine roared out life. But there was no time to celebrate.
BAAAAAAANG!!!
I pulled her head down, glancing in the review mirror to see another dead man with a Tommy gun. I gritted my teeth. Just another lovely day in the field. I put the car in reverse, flooring it towards the Angel, but he jumped just before I could hit him. I changed the gear, and we sped out of the city. We needed to get away as quickly as possible, and I knew there would still be enemies along the way. At least I could keep Magdalene out of danger, for now.