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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Gabriel bypassed the emergency room, getting off at the floor above and going the rest of the way by stairs to the visitor's parking lot. How he disliked traveling by these means. He thanked God though, that the car he rented was a convertible and that the hood was down so he could deposit Angelique directly into the passenger seat. Then he slipped behind the wheel and started the engine. As the engine roared to life, so it seemed did Angelique, although she still felt a bit dazed.
"What happened? Did I faint?" she asked, not quite remembering how she had gotten to be sitting next to Gabriel in a convertible.
"Not exactly," he answered.
"Now buckle up. We have got someplace to go."
Taking his warning, she did as he requested. "John?"
"He's fine. He's exactly where you left him, in the hospital."
She still couldn't believe John knew. He obviously knew they were gunning for the witnesses, he just picked the wrong one to protect. How far he has fallen?
"John has a free will, Angel. He had made some bad choices and trust me when I tell you he is paying dearly for them. His life is nearly completely devoid of love, he's pushed just about everyone away completely."
"Why?"
"That is a question, only you can answer."
"Me?"
"You need to remember why you came here."
"But it's been twelve years, Gabriel. I have no memory...can't you just...how can I...." Angelique stopped talking as she'd seen him nod his head no.
"Just relax," he answered. "You'll see."
As the convertible turned onto the street, something strange had occurred.
The buildings, stores, and people were passing by at an incredible speed. In fact, they were a complete blur. Angelique rubbed her eyes and tried to focus. Was she going to faint again? She turned all her attention to the one thing that was still clear. "Gabriel, I'm sorry about what I said back there."
Gabriel's smile deepened. "What you said wasn't half as bad as what you were thinking when you saw me."
Angelique felt a surge of guilt wash over her. "I didn't mean it really," she said, humiliated.
Gabriel regarded her thoughtfully. "So, you really don't want me to go to hell?"
Angelique stuck her head in her hands. "What's happened to me? I actually thought of wishing an angel to hell and not just any angel, you!" She shook her head in her hands as if she might shake the thought from it.
Gabriel laughed. "I wouldn't be the first one of us that has been damned. At least you keep good company. We're here."
Angelique opened her eyes slowly. She pressed her back against the seat cushion as she took in her surroundings. "Why did you bring me here?"
