Sinners and Saints

Sinners and Saints Chapter 4 - Family History

The collective bi's rip into their envelopes like they're expecting them to contain Christmas bonuses.  I grin at the thought and Clark raises a brow at my smile, the corner of his mouth lifting.  I shudder, wondering if he can read my mind.  The demonesses show more decorum, sliding their red talons beneath the flaps and opening them carefully.  Everyone pulls their papers out and start going through them. 

We and the angels sit quietly, although curiosity and suspicion are warring in my stomach.  I'm glad I ate that bagel now – maybe the bread will help soak up some of my churning acid.  I find out that indeed, Awful Waffle does have wifi and start app-shopping. 

"For goodness sakes," Father Jonas rips my IPad out of my hand with a sharp whisper, "They're tools, not toys to promote your shoe addiction, Claire."  He uninstalls the JustFab app and points me toward the business section, "I would suggest you look at these instead." 

"But I'm bored," I hiss back, "And Jojo's downloading cat apps on hers." 

Father Jonas rolls his eyes and removes JJ's tablet, gently redirecting her to more suitable selections. 

"Him?" Leftie points at Father Jonas and stares at Darius, "I have to work with him now?  Why?" 

Darius' brows draw down and he leans forward, dangerously close to her face, "Did I not sufficiently explain the situation, Rebecca?" his voice is low and controlled, but his eyes start glowing and the three of us freeze in case he decides to take his displeasure out on us instead of her, "You will go where you are told and do what you are told.  Unless you'd like to appeal to Lilith, perhaps?" 

"No," Rebecca backs up and backpedals at the same time, "No – sorry.  It's fine," she beams innocently at him, but I can see the glint of sweat in her hairline, "I'd be more than happy to work with Father – uh." 

"Jonas," Darius prompts her, "I suggest you remember it." 

Rebecca nods and flashes our benefactor a weak smile before lowering her eyes to her paperwork again.  More protests start from the bi's, but none of them are foolish enough to confront Darius directly.  They're whispering among themselves. 

"Dude, I can't go to Buffalo.  Their team sucks." 

"At least you're going to a place that has a team.  Where the hell is Lexington, Kentucky anyway?" 

"Detroit?  I can't go to Detroit?  It's freezing up there." 

"Great – Baton Rouge.  Even deeper into hickville." 

Candace has said nothing, but her lower lip is trembling and she looks like she's about to cry.  I can't help but smirk at her, hoping it's really bad.  Something like the Moosejaw, Alaska I tried to cheer Drake up with.  Father Jonas squeezes my arm again, a reminder that my own assignment could be just as bad. Or worse. 

"Well, I trust your assignments are pleasing to you all," Darius stands, looking incredibly smug.  He's heard everything they've said and knows none of them are pleased, "I have another meeting to attend to shortly, so I'll take my leave now.  Father?  May I have a word with you on the way out?" 

Father Jonas nods, "I'll meet you two at the van," he says to us before he leaves.  JJ picks her stuff up quickly, "Bathroom," she mumbles to me and scurries out the door.  I rise and push my chair back in, then reach for my own items. 

"Redeemer?  A word, please?" Clark calls me.  Surprised, I snap my head up as the bi's start poofing away to wherever they go when not attending business meetings or turning people's souls.  Clark is still seated, laptop still open in front of him.  His angels, however, have all gone, vanishing without even a flutter of wings.