An Angel's Crusade (An Angel's Wings Sequel)

Chapter Eighteen: FBI = Crazy People with Black Wings and Swords

Kinsley

The second Kinsley and Alex step into the house, Kinsley could feel the tension, or maybe it's just radiating off of her.

Everyone is in the family room surrounding Payton and a middle-aged light-brown-haired woman, who are sitting on an old, worn couch.

Alex leads her to a corner in the room, within hearing distance, but easily forgotten.

"Someone needs to explain to me what the hell is going on." Nancy Slayter's voice is shaky and quiet. She has her hands on her knees, palms up, and is staring at them as if they aren't her own.

"We will, Ms. Slayter, we just want to make sure that you're okay and ready," Asher says calmly. He speaks softly as if he's talking to a scared child.

Nancy takes notice of his tone and frowns. "I don't know you, and I don't appreciate your patronizing." She turns to her daughter. "Who were they?"

Payton stares at her mother, her mouth is open, but no words come out. She turns to Iris with desperate eyes.

"Nancy, it's going to be harder to explain, so I'm just going to show you, okay?"

"Show me what?"

Iris takes a deep breath and grabs the zippers of her jacket.

"They were from the FBI!" Kinsley blurts.

Everyone's eyes turn to her.

"The FBI?" Nancy Slayter's voice is full of confusion, which matches about everybody else's expressions. "Why would the FBI be after me?"

"They're not." Kinsley is well aware of her own confusion slowly boiling in her mind. What is she doing? Why? "They're after me."

"What does this have to do with me? I don't even know you!"

"Your daughter and I go to school together. They think that we're close friends." Iris is giving her a look mixed with anger and confusion.

"What did you do?" Nancy's voice is a bit calmer, but now Kinsley senses some suspicion.

"They think that I hacked their data base; which I didn't."

Nancy stares at Kinsley, while everyone else watches Nancy.

"Okay," she starts slowly. "But why did they have swords?"

Kinsley blinks. "Swords?" Shit.

Nancy nods. "I could have sworn they had swords."

"Mom, they were probably guns." Payton sends Kinsley a look saying, You started this. Explain!

"Yeah they were probably just guns."

Payton rolls her eyes, then looks at Alex. "What are we going to do with her? She can't stay here, they might come back."

Nancy's face drains of all blood.

Gabriel notices and stands up. "Let's get you some water, Ms. Slayter."

Nancy exhales and nods. "I think I'm going to need something stronger than water." She stands and follows Gabriel through the swing door that leads to the kitchen and dining room.

As soon as they're out, Payton turns to Alex again, waiting for an answer.

His eyebrows furrow. "I don't know. They think she's dead, so maybe this is the safest place for her to be."

"Unless they tracked us somehow," Charlie chimes in. "They could think something is up."

"But then if we move her," Iris says, "they'll see anyway."

"We should move her to Miss Cooper's home," Daniel says. His low voice trumps everyone, causing all heads to turn his way. "The Dark Angels did this out of desperation, when they were after Miss Cooper. But now they're after us, the White Angels. Miss Cooper is no longer the main target, therefore, the Cooper home will probably be the safest location for Ms. Slayter to be."

Alex stares at Daniel, distrust in his eyes.

Kinsley takes a step forward. "He's right, Alex. The Dark Angels are more focused on the war that is about to start with Caesar's army." He turns to her, the hardness in his eyes softens and he nods.

"It's no use for all of us to go back to the Coopers. It might cause suspicion in case there are Dark Angels around."

"I'll go," Payton says standing up. "She can't exactly be carried, so I'll have to drive her."

Alex nods. "Gabriel can go with you. Bring Charles, too." He turns to the lone Dark Angel, who nods.

"If Charlie is going, I'm going," Bailey says grabbing Charlie's hand.

Alex shakes his head. "I need you here, we're going to need a plan, and I want your input."

Charlie turns to Bailey. "Alex is right, you're the idea girl, they need you here. I'll be fine."

Bailey gives an exasperated sigh. "They always need me."

Alex rolls his eyes, then directs them at Daniel and Aiden. "Either of you want to join them?"

Daniel's eyes flick to Kinsley, then back to Alex. "My mission is to protect Miss Cooper, therefore, I am staying with Miss Cooper."

Aiden nods. "Yeah, I've got to keep Miss Cooper in my sight." He sends Iris a wink.

Kinsley looks at Asher who is glaring at the chestnut-haired rebel with the promise of physical pain.

"Fine, then it's just Gabriel and Charlie with Payton and her mom."

"We should leave now," Charlie says. "We'll take one of the cell phones so you can tell us where you're going."

Alex nods. "Asher can give you his."

Asher starts reaching into his pocket but stops halfway when Gabriel and Nancy emerge through the swing door.

"I have a question," Nancy starts. Kinsley notices the slight slur in her speech, which brings her eyes to the half-empty whisky bottle in her hand. "Why do you have swords?"