Progressive Properties is aggressively taking over where small neighborhoods once flourished. Now Angelique's Shelter, St. Gabriel's, is under attack. Who shows up at her door to deliver the news? John McDougal, now a prominent property attorney, an...
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Angelique left St. Joseph's feeling more lost than ever. She dropped Saint back off at home with Mrs. Dolton. Tonight she would work the night shift at the shelter, but right now it was time to open up her store on the other side of town.
"At least they can't take this from me," Angelique thought.
She thanked God that her lawyer had talked her into having her store set up as a completely separate entity from the shelter. Angelique still used the money to benefit the shelter, but it was as a public benefactor so that, if one day the unthinkable should happen, she would still keep ownership of the small store.
Engrossed in thought, she hadn't noticed the woman who was waiting patiently for her to ring up her items. "I'm sorry. Did you find everything you were looking for?"
"Yes, I found the most adorable angel statue for my niece's birthday. She's my Goddaughter, you know? She just adores angels," the woman said, beaming at Angelique, obviously thrilled with her find.
"Well, I am sure she will love it if for no other reason than you picked it out for her," Angelique said, wrapping the figurine in tissue and placing it in a box for the woman.
"How sweet of you to say, but if you don't mind me asking, you looked awfully preoccupied just now. Is everything okay?"
The question took Angelique by surprise. She met the woman's eyes, and they seemed familiar somehow.
"Do I know you?" Angelique asked, her heart picking up pace as she noted that this woman's eyes were the same color as her own.
"I doubt it. I don't live around here. A friend recommended I come to this place," the woman offered.
"Oh," Angelique said, finding it hard to keep the disappointment from her voice.
"You may feel troubled but I can't imagine someone who owns a store like this, could ever find herself truly alone. If you really need help, you could always just ask..." The woman held up an angel statue.
Angelique laughed. "I suppose you are right." She dedicated every item in her store to promoting her belief in Angels. "Thank you," Angelique said, handing the woman her bag, feeling oddly comforted by the woman's words.
"I have a feeling," the woman said, taking the bag from Angelique, "everything will work out as it should. You'll see. You have it in you to set things right."
Again, Angelique got the feeling this woman knew her. Especially how she spoke to her and when Angelique met the woman's eyes, she felt drawn into them. All of her problems seemed for a moment to fade away, and a feeling of peace settled over her.
Angelique smiled and replied, "I hope so." To which the woman only responded with a smile before taking her leave.
It was an extremely slow night at the shop, so Angelique closed up early. As she neared the door to set the locks, Angelique heard what she thought was screaming coming from...where?
