CHAPTER 12

When the sunlight finally broke through the clouds and poured into Monica’s room the next morning she opened her eyes feeling completely rested for the first time in days. She knew that Andrew had stayed with her through most of the night, his loving presence and the presence of the Father helping to give her only peaceful dreams. She smiled as she glanced at the wall between their rooms. She knew that he hadn’t needed any sleep in his angelic form, but she still hoped that he was managing to steal a few minutes of it now.

“Okay, up and at ‘em!” Paul’s cheerful voice called down the hall and the little angel hurried out of bed flung her door open.

“I’m up! I’m up!” she assured him.

His eyes took on a playful twinkle as he laughed at her eagerness. “Well, you get yourself ready, and there’ll be a cup of coffee waiting for you in the kitchen,” he said.

Andrew’s door opened a moment after Paul left, and Monica rushed quietly to his side, reaching out to grasp his hand and hold it tightly. He smiled down at her lovingly, and neither of them needed to say a word. A tiny kiss on his cheek and she was off again, giving a little wave as she headed into the bathroom.

Naturally, Monica was the first one ready to go, and she did her best to hurry the others along, barely able to keep herself from flying out the door without them. Luckily it didn’t come to that, as Paul and Andrew locked down the house and declared that they were ready to go. Monica raced out to the car and immediately claimed the front passenger seat, shooting Andrew a little wink as she did so.

As they drove to the town she fiddled with the soft straw hat that was perched on her head. She was very used to hats, and loved them, but Paul had insisted that she pin her long hair up and keep it tucked beneath the brim, and she couldn’t quite get used to the feeling.

At last, Paul grabbed her hand and pressed it into her lap. “You need to leave that alone,” he said with a grin. “It looks fine.”

Monica returned his smile with a little half-smile of her own. “I know… it just feels so odd. I guess I’m used to feeling my hair around my neck,” she said.

“I’m sure you are, but that hair of yours is one of your most distinguishing features. I don’t want it waving around like a flag when we’re walking around out there. I was going to have you dye it, but I had a feeling you wouldn’t take too kindly to that idea.”

The little angel shook her head, eyebrows raised. “No, that’s alright… I’ll get used to wearing it this way.”

He chuckled and gave her hand a squeeze before returning it to the steering wheel, never noticing that Andrew was watching with a troubled expression on his face.

He could tell that Monica had thought nothing of the innocent gesture, but knowing Paul’s intentions toward the little angel made him all the more wary. He so didn’t want Monica suspecting how the agent really felt, as it would add to her plight, not to mention the fact that he just didn’t like it, despite the fact that she was an angel and did not possess the kinds of feelings that humans did. What the two angels shared they both felt went deeper than the love that humans experienced, but he knew that his friend had never before dealt with the situation that lay ahead with Paul and he had no idea how she would handle it when faced with the truth.

He shifted his weight, feeling something brush up against his side and he frowned at the reminder of the gun in his jacket pocket. He had managed, for the most part, to not have to carry it, but today Paul had been insistent that Andrew have it with him. He hadn’t missed the look of worry, concern and fear that had briefly clouded Monica’s eyes as the conversation had taken place, and he had tried to underplay the situation as much as he could for her benefit. In return she had seemed to accept it as the way things just had to be at the moment.

Monica leaned forward in her seat and switched on the radio, turning the knob until she found a country station that seemed to please her as she settled back to animatedly watch the scenery, a contented expression on her gaelic face.

“What? You aren’t going to sing along?” Paul joked as he cast a glance at her and watched as she turned her head to look at him.

A slight blush rose to her cheeks as she wondered if she would ever not feel embarrassed and just a trifle sad at this particular truth. She could feel Andrew’s love for her wrapping around her heart as he was unable to offer her any physical support in response to this question, and she gathered her strength from that, “No. I really don’t think that would be something you’d want to hear.” She managed a slight smile.

“Ah, a girl after my own heart. I can’t carry a tune to save my life, despite the fact that I love music. If I try to sing, it sends any dogs within hearing range to howling in protest,” He smiled at the grin that spread across her face, delighted that his own admission had alleviated some sadness for her.

Andrew nearly groaned aloud at Paul’s point to find things in common with the little angel and the sweet innocence of Monica’s smile at finding a musically kindred spirit which kept her from focusing on what she considered a flaw in her personality. He supposed Paul’s lack of singing ability was better than him being able to belt out the tunes with the country singers on the radio, which though that would have left Monica in awe, it also would have left her a little sad and he knew that so that was what he tried to focus on. However, between the gun, the seating arrangement and Paul’s determination to show his best friend new affection, his mood was not shaping up to be one of his best.

“So, are we planning on getting lunch in town?” Andrew asked, wanting to steer the conversation to something safer.

“I’ve already arranged it,” Paul replied cheerfully, “I made reservations the other day at The Stone Hearth Inn. It’s a bit dark and I requested a specific table that secludes us, but still allows us to keep an eye on the door,” Noticing the slightly haunted look that had entered into Monica’s eyes, he quickly added, “The food there is great as is the atmosphere. You’ll both love it.” He felt relieved as the town came into view and he could further smooth over the stress he had just caused, “Looks like we’re about here,” He remarked, watching as Monica’s eyes filled with excitement.

“Oh! It’s lovely!” She whispered, her eyes taking in the little tourist town that had a deep blue lake as it’s backdrop. With it being Spring, the trees in the town and around the lake were now in full bloom and the leaves and branches swayed gently in the breeze, giving the impression of a lazy yet peaceful early summer ‘s day.

Even Andrew had to smile at the scene, which seemed more like a painted picture than reality, as he realized how badly he had needed an outing as well. The change of atmosphere would be good for him, and even better for Monica, as her enchanted expression was already indicating.

Paul found a place to park and the older angel jumped out of the car to open Monica’s door, secretly throwing her a wink. He had missed the happiness that was now reflected in her smile and he only hoped that the winds of change would continuing blowing in the little angel’s favor.

“Where to first?” She asked, looking over at Paul as he joined them, wanting to be careful to not bend or break any rules today.

Paul smiled as he laid his hands on her shoulders to look into her eyes, “Wherever you want to go. Today is for you, Monica, and the only rule is that you stay with us. Other than that, you may explore to your heart’s content.”

Monica’s expression softened as she blinked back happy tears at the gift of this day and she impulsively threw her arms around Paul in a quick hug, “Thank you. Thank you for this. It means more than you know.”

Paul hugged her tightly for a moment, slightly taken off guard by her actions but quickly adjusting to the situation, “You are quite welcome, honey. You needed a break and I’m glad that we were able to give you one. Now, go and enjoy it,” He felt her pull away and he was careful not to disturb the hat on her head as she smiled happily at him.

Andrew shut Monica’s door, using all of his willpower to not slam it closed. Monica certainly didn’t mean anything with her simple gesture, but there was just something about seeing her arms wrapped around the agent. There was also the fact that Paul could very well read more into the embrace than was intended. He ran a hand through his hair and moved to follow the pair as they headed down the street.

“Grant me patience,” he muttered under his breath, feeling slightly less than angelic and wishing he could do something about it.

The sidewalks were paved in smooth bricks, and large planters full of spring and early summer flowers were positioned along it, sending the heady scent of hyacinths and peonies into the air. Monica stopped at one of them and took a deep breath, filled with not only the smell of the flowers but with air that seemed somehow cleaner and clearer to her here than it did back at the farm.

Andrew felt a familiar warm feeling in his heart as he watched her, and he was thankful to note that some of his less attractive feelings were beginning to fade at the sight of his friend looking so relaxed and happy. He allowed Paul to be the one to guide her along the sidewalk, pointing out the interesting shops, while he trailed just a pace or two behind, keeping an eye out for anything suspicious. The angel was also keeping watch over Paul and Monica. His uneasy feelings about the two of them may have been pushed aside, but they were still there, and he was more than ready to interject himself if he saw something he didn’t like.

Monica wasn’t usually much of a shopper. As an angel she didn’t really have a need for anything that the Father didn’t provide, but with all of the little shops laid out before her, for some reason, she felt drawn to each and every one. Paul rolled his eyes teasingly as he opened yet another door. Andrew caught sight of the look and couldn’t help smiling himself. He had to admit that he had never seen Monica quite so interested in little knick-knacks before.

“Look at this!” she exclaimed to them both, and they dutifully went to see what she was looking at.

It turned out to be a tiny little porcelain figurine of a cat with little kittens surrounding it. The shelves were full of similar animal figurines, but Monica had immediately zeroed in on the kittens. She held it up to show them, her face beautiful in its innocent pleasure.

“Looks just like your little friends,” Paul said, thinking yet again that this trip was probably one of his best ideas ever.

“There are even five of them!” the little angel pointed out.

Andrew gave a little laugh. “Yes, but are they named?”

Monica pursed her lips playfully. “They could be,” she decided. “I can almost make out writing on their teeny tiny collars.”

This time, Paul was the one to laugh and he held out his hand. “Okay, Monica, hand it over here,” he said. “Obviously we can’t leave them behind here. I’d just better get them wrapped up for you.”

A little thrill of surprise went through the Irish angel. She hadn’t expected Paul to buy the little thing for her, but now that he was she was curiously pleased about it. Andrew watched as Paul went to the counter with the figurine in his hand. He couldn’t bring himself to be quite as happy as she was although watching her childlike glee was enough to make him push aside his own worries.

They left the shop with Monica holding tight to the bag containing her new treasure. A stronger puff of wind blew in from across the lake and she pulled her jacket just a little closer. Andrew noticed and moved into step beside her.

“Are you getting chilly? We can always get the car,” he suggested.

“Oh, no,” she protested. “I’m just fine,” she turned her shining eyes to look at him. “Anyway, the next shop is just across the street,” she joked, before heading to the cross-walk, her two protectors close behind.

The next hour passed quickly and Monica’s enthusiasm never faltered, so great was her happiness for something new to do and new things to see. Andrew felt slightly concerned with her possibly wearing herself out after being sick, but he didn’t want to dampen her spirits.

“I’m getting kind of hungry,” He spoke up, deciding this was the best way to get her to take a break, “What time is our reservation, Paul?”

“Soon,” the agent replied after checking his watch, “Though with things so quiet today, they can probably take us a little early if that is what you two would like to do.”

Glancing over at Andrew, Monica nodded her head cheerfully. Her best friend and Paul had followed her around for a few hours now without one word of complaint, so as far as she was concerned, if Andrew was hungry, then they would eat, “I could eat a little something myself,” She replied, wishing she could slip her hand into his as that was the only thing lacking from the near perfect day.

“Right this way then,” Paul smiled as he turned to the left and led them down the street as they fell in step behind him this time.

As if sensing his friend’s thoughts, Andrew took a chance and reached over to give her hand a quick squeeze and watched as she turned sparkling eyes to him, “I’m glad you are having such a good day,” He said softly and meant it, despite his thoughts regarding Paul.

Before she could respond, Paul turned around to say something and froze for a split second as he saw the little angel’s hand in that of his partner. Andrew tried to pull away, but Monica held fast and smiled in Paul’s direction, “Andrew was just telling me he was glad I was having a good day,” She remarked, releasing her friend’s hand naturally and easily, “I am and I want to thank you both once again. Today has been lovely.”

Paul’s expression relaxed as her smile was contagious and her eyes held total innocence, “We’re both glad for that, Monica,” He replied, his eyes holding warmth as he looked at her.

“Definitely,” Andrew replied, hoping his voice didn’t sound as nervous as he felt, even though he felt in awe of Monica’s ability to cover the mistake.

The Stone Hearth Inn was at the end of the street, the gray stone building appearing warm and inviting. The two angels held back as Paul went to speak with the host about moving their reservation up a little bit and Andrew leaned over and whispered into Monica’s ear, a mischievous smile on his face, “Good save, Angel Girl.”

She grinned back at him, her eyes dancing playfully, “You’d just better watch it, bub,” She replied, giggling as he rolled his eyes.

Once they had been seated and had ordered, the conversation was easy and light between the three of them, and consisted mostly of Monica’s chipper chatter about the shops, the people and the town. Andrew and Paul both inwardly breathed sighs of relief once again at her happiness; both very glad that they had risked this journey as it would hopefully hold the little angel for awhile longer.

“I noticed that there was a boat that went out onto the lake,” She observed as the waiter delivered their food and she thirstily took a sip of her water, “It’s all so quaint and peaceful.”

“How about a boat ride after lunch then?” Paul grinned, delighted in the excitement that sparked in her eyes. He knew it was a risk to be out on the water with nowhere else to go, but he would make sure to run a detailed security check first, despite the fact that he felt very at ease today. He knew the chances of the killer being here were slim and nothing out of the ordinary had occurred thus far.

Laying her napkin in her lap, Monica exchanged a smile with Andrew before responding, “Paul, that would be the perfect ending to a perfect day.”

*****

He watched as the two agents and the little female left the restaurant, a delighted sparkle in his eyes that bordered on maliciousness. This had been much easier than he had ever thought it would be. An inside contact had revealed the destination of the FBI’s plane last week and from there he had known it would only be a matter of time before the agents made a mistake, though his lucky day had come even sooner than he could have ever imagined.

It was a shame really. She looked so happy and she was a pretty little thing. Nothing the agents could do could disguise her enough for him to not recall those brown eyes as they had starred at him with a mixture of bravery and fear. No, he always remembered the eyes; committed them to memory. Hair could be changed and even physical appearance to some extent, but the eyes never changed. Hers had struck him particularly. Large brown eyes, with long dark lashes; she reminded him of the deer he used to hunt with his father, when he was a child.

A pretty little doe, she was. Graceful and innocent, but she had been in the wrong place at the wrong time, so now she had to die. There was no other option.

Hunting season was upon her.