Chapter 12

“…Angel Boy, what has the Father told you?” Tess frantically called out as she followed her young friend out her bedroom door and down the hallway to Monica’s now-empty bedroom. Keeping her teary, brown eyes on her “Angel Boy’s” back as she followed him, the older angel’s heart pounded louder than ever before as she entered Monica’s room.

Just as Andrew had told her a few minutes ago, Monica really WAS gone. The sheets were thrown off to the side and the lamp on the nightstand was turned on low beside her “Angel Girl’s” rumpled bed. Gazing around the room, which once held her former charge, Tess watched as Andrew walked slowly over to their friend’s bed and sat down heavily on it.

“Andrew??” Tess tried once more as she continued to gaze at Andrew’s body language. His back seemed to stiffen as he clenched the sheets of Monica’s bed and staring up at the ceiling. His tear-stained green eyes grew wider as he listened to something that only he was able to hear at that time.

“Baby, would you PLEASE tell me what He’s telling you??” Tess raised her voice louder than she had intended, trying to get Andrew to turn to her and answer her questions. “Please, Andrew!!”

Startled at the sound of his friend’s loud voice, Andrew jumped a bit as he faced the older angel once again.  Tears rolled down his pale cheeks as he tightened his grip on the sheets and comforter he sat on.

Seeing her friend’s expression and tears, Tess walked quickly over to her “Angel Boy” and sat down beside him, immediately taking his hand and gently releasing his hold on the bedspread he kept a firm grip on. Giving it a loving squeeze, Tess met his green eyes and spoke in a firm voice.

 “What did the Father tell you, Andrew?”

Giving his head an unbelieving shake, his tangled, blonde hair swaying against his forehead, Andrew let out a tired sigh and started talking, not meeting his old friend’s desperate, but controlling, eyes.

“The Father…He’s told me…Denise IS the one who took Monica, Tess. With—with the help of Kathleen…”

Upon hearing the name of the dark angel, Tess’ brown eyes widened in horror as she gasped loudly. Terror surged through her body as she found herself gripping Andrew’s hand

tighter than ever. Keeping her eyes on Andrew’s face, she listened as her friend continued with the explanation.

“They—they took her to an abandoned house…It’s downtown…in—in a bad area…” His voice growing quieter, the angel turned his eyes back to the ceiling, refusing to meet Tess’ eyes, as he listened once more to the Voice of the Father, informing him more on the horrible situation,

“And—“

“And what, Baby??” Tess demanded quietly, squeezing his chilly hand tightly. “What?”

Taking a deep, shaky breath, Andrew, for the first time since they entered Monica’s empty bedroom, met the older angel’s terrified eyes with his own.

“And He’s telling me to be the one…to go to her, Tess. Just—just me…”

Feeling hot tears forming in her eyes again and streaming down her dark skin, Tess opened her mouth to speak, but before she was able to get her words out, Andrew interrupted…speaking the few words that she hoped he’d never have to say.           

 Especially in THIS situation.

 “But…I’m not allowed to take her back here, Tess…I have to stay in my angelic form while I’m there…”

                            *****

Turning away from the locked attic door, Denise’s mouth turned upward into an evil smirk as she faced Kathleen standing behind her, her arms crossed in front of her chest.

“How’d we do, Kath?” she whispered, her dark blue eyes glistening.

"Girl, you did perfect,” the dark angel applauded the caseworker as she reached out and wrapped her arm around her shoulders.

 “Or WE did perfect. Ya know, Denise, I was thinking…”

“What?” the dark-haired caseworker demanded, raising a thin eyebrow at  the demon.

“What are you thinking?”

Smirking down at Denise, the demon’s dark brown eyes flashed with evil as she spoke quietly.

“We would make such a perfect team, you and me,” she replied, squeezing Denise’s shoulder as the two walked slowly down the long, dark staircase to the main floor of the house.

“Don’t’ you think, honey?”

Returning the smirk, Denise’s own eyes flashed as she circled her arm around Kathleen’s waist as they continued walking down the steps.

“I think we would, Kathleen…I really think we would…”