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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"Angel?"
"Hello, John. I'd ask you what brings you to my door but I have a feeling it's not a social call."
John had smiled at her sardonically.
If the devil had a son, Angel would have sworn it was John. He certainly had the face of an angel, which just screamed innocence. To look at him was to think here is a model "A" citizen with nothing to hide. Angelique could see why he was such a success as a lawyer. To a jury, his devilish good looks must ooze trust.
Only Angelique knew better. She knew what danger lies just beneath the surface. The only sign of imperfection he had was a slightly crooked from being broken in his youth. A fight he had gotten into because of her, and so she saw that flaw as his most endearing feature. It still amazed Angelique at what the mere sight of him could do to her senses. She was not even aware she had been standing there staring at John until he interrupted her thoughts.
"So, are you going to invite me in or just enjoy the view?"
Ashamed and annoyed with herself, Angelique replied without her usual tact. "No, I don't think so. Despite my passion to want to shelter and protect every stray animal I meet, I still haven't gotten over my aversion to snakes."
"Funny. You know, not all snakes are evil, Angel."
"So, the serpent said to Eve," Angelique pointed out, "and look where that got her. Why don't you get to the point and tell me why you are here? I have already told your beloved law firm my children's lives are not for sale unless you failed to pass on that message."
"I did, and it was intentional. I've come for a second chance to convince you to take the deal."
He so wanted her to take the deal. Then they could all put this behind them and moved on. He did not want to face her in court. How would he hold up under her accusatory glare? Seeing her pain and knowing he was responsible? Again, his anger took hold. "Why the hell didn't she just take the deal?" Then it would be over, quick and easy. She had no idea what it took for him to get them to offer her anything. The way Caldwell's attack dog, his son Danny, was salivating over the chance to be the one "handle" Angelique.
John had seen firsthand how Danny "handled" defendants that wouldn't do as the firm wished. John practically begged for the case. He'd rather Angelique despise him forever than see Danny get within ten feet of her.
John's answer surprised Angelique, but she stood firm. "I don't want money, John. I want a safe place where my kids can go to get off the streets. That's what they want to take away from me, that is what you are going to take away from me."
"They are not your kids, Angel. They are just kids. And St. Gabriel's... is just a building."
"And that's why you and I cannot come to a resolution," Angelique said, and moved to shut the door, but John leaned his full body weight against it to bar her from doing so.
