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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As John tried to weave his way through the crawling traffic, he wondered where to go next. Something must have set Gabriel off. He must have put together a piece of the puzzle as to where to find Angelique and set off on his own to find her. John was both annoyed and relieved by the idea. He knew Gabriel's feelings for Angelique were strong. It showed in his face and how he spoke of her.
It irked John, but he knew if Gabriel reached Angelique first, she would be in excellent hands. Gabriel would not let her come to harm, but the idea still rankled him that another man should be there to protect her. He knew and felt in his heart that she belonged to him. That it was their destiny to be together. He knew what life was like without her shining presence, and now that she returned to him, he knew he did not want to live without her.
Then he remembered what Veronica said: Danny told her, something about a message at the shelter. John's foot pressed down on the accelerator in his race to find her.
He had reached the shelter in record time. As he approached the office. Alice put a hand out to stop him.
"Where do you think you're going?" she asked. Alice heard all about his visit with Angelique and again with Michael. She wasn't about to let him cause more trouble for the shelter.
"I have to speak with Angelique or Michael. Are either of them here?"
"No," Alice said. She sat down at her desk outside the office, considering that to be the end of their conversation.
John realized that the woman obviously was unaware of the importance of the situation and so tried to stay calm. "Alice? Isn't it?" John asked.
"Yes," Alice said, cautiously.
"I'm worried Alice. I believe Angelique may be in trouble. I know I don't deserve your help but I would appreciate any help you can give."
Alice squinted at him, obviously trying to assess his sincerity. She quickly decided.
"Deacon Michael said that as soon as he found Angelique, he was going to come back here, but that was some time ago," Alice confessed, showing signs of concern as she glanced at her watch. "But I'm sure they should be back soon," she added, although John wasn't sure if she was trying to encourage him or herself.
"May I please wait here for them?" John asked.
He had the look of a man throwing himself on the mercy of the court. She didn't know entirely why, but she gave in. "Sure. Would you like a cup of coffee?"
"I'd love some thanks," he said, grateful that she allowed him to stay. She opened the office door for him. John looked down at the boy sleeping on the sofa.
Alice had forgotten he was sleeping there.
"Tommy. Tommy," she said as she woke the boy up.
Tommy looked around the room. "Where is Deacon Michael?"
