War of Whispers

CHAPTER ONE

Kat slammed the mascara down on the bathroom counter. Absolutely not, Annie. She turned away from the mirror to face her daughter who was still in her pajamas.

But Mom, I don’t feel good.

On the first day of your freshman year? No. You can’t stay home. As soon as the words were out, guilt washed over Kat. Clearly, Annie looked pale this morning, but she needed to learn how to push past how she felt.

Annie’s eyes narrowed. With venom poisoning her tone, she said, If Dad were here, he’d believe me! Seconds later, her bedroom door slammed.

Clutching the sides of the sink, Kat hung her head. What should she do? Annie used to love school, her friends, her clothes-all the things normal fourteen-year-old girls should love. But this mysterious illness was slowly robbing her of all that. If only Grady were here.

Trevor appeared in the doorway. Now what’s wrong with her, Mom? Another allergy? Silence crackled in the room for a second. Mom?

Kat looked at her son’s reflection in the mirror. Oh. Sorry, Trev. She doesn’t feel good and wants to stay home.

She seemed fine when we were in Florida. I can’t believe she’d want to stay home on her first day of high school. Wow.

I know.

Can’t she take something? She’s getting sick more and more.

Tell me something new.

Trevor shrugged and hoisted his new backpack onto his shoulder. I’m going down for breakfast. No way do I want to be late.

While finishing with her makeup, Kat heard Annie’s bedroom door open, then slam. Footsteps descended the stairs.

Congratulations, Kat Kerrigan, successful news anchor. You’ve just won the prize for Most Unpopular Mother of the Year.

###

In the meantime, a strategic meeting convened in heaven. Colonel Casimir looked up from his desk. This will be Zuriel’s first post as a guardian angel.

Lieutenant Arman winced and clenched his hands behind his back. He shifted feet. But sir, I can handle this assignment alone. Haven’t I done well in the past?

You misunderstand the purpose of this assistance, Lieutenant. It is not a reflection of your prior duty. He tapped the golden folder set before him. You have earned exemplary fitness reports, but there are factors you are unaware of. At the appropriate time, you’ll recognize them. Your orders are to mentor Lieutenant Junior Grade Zuriel.

Arman stood erect and snapped off a salute. Aye, sir.

The colonel hesitated. Remember, this is not a disciplinary order, Lieutenant.

Yes, sir. Permission to leave, sir?

Permission granted.

Arman released a weary sigh as he drifted out of Colonel Casimir’s office.

A heavenly force pulled him forward like a giant magnet toward the Throne of Glory, where he would find everything he needed. As he drew closer, perfect harmonies from every instrument ever created on earth, and some not yet created, played praises to the King of the Universe.

Closing his eyes, Arman let the beauty soak into his being. Nothing on earth, not the finest, most celebrated symphonies could compare with heaven’s orchestra.

Thousands of angelic voices rang out, blending, soaring and floating, resplendent with glory. Arman’s concerns faded as he joined in song. Unspeakable joy flowed through him, fluttering his robes as he sang. He raised his arms high and lifted his face to the Lord of the Universe. Transcendent warmth enveloped him. He dropped to his knees, then fell prostrate before Perfect Love emanating in waves from the Throne.

Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; and Your glory above all the earth, he sang. Praise You above the heavenly hosts….

###

In the next moment, Lieutenant Arman appeared in the backseat of Kat’s SUV. He tried to sit straight, but his seven-foot frame slouched to the left, crammed against the door.

As she backed out of the garage, Kat glanced in her rearview mirror, completely unaware of the two heavenly warriors stationed in her backseat.

Zuriel, hunched over next to Arman asked, Been guarding her long?

All thirty-seven years of her life. Where’ve you been assigned until now?

Principality duty the last thousand years.

Wow. Tough mission.

Not so bad. Arman turned toward his mentee, a question burning on his lips.

But before he could ask it, Zuriel said, I requested a change in assignment.

Really? Why would a principality warrior, one who used state-of-the-art warfare techniques and strategies request guardian duty?

Zuriel continued. I needed to get back to where the battle begins … inside the mind of the individual.

Exactly. The war begins in the thoughts. If we can stop the enemy there, at the point of entry, the Kingdom will gain significant territory.

Silence filled the space between them.

Zuriel seemed riveted by Katyenka’s every move. I haven’t been this close to a human being in some time. She’s certainly attractive by their standards. She has all the external trappings of worldly success. Stylish blond hair. Trim figure. Culturally fashionable clothes and lots of gold jewelry. But what about the invisible workings of her heart and mind?

Arman’s jaw and neck stiffened at Zuriel’s critical appraisal of Katyenka. Was this junior-grade lieutenant finding fault with his work? He opened his mouth to retort when a waterfall of heavenly love washed over him-revealing that he was displaying defensiveness. Not a good sign. Perhaps he cared too deeply about Katyenka. Could this be why the colonel felt he needed a partner?

When Arman spoke, his voice held no trace of indignation. Her thought life will be deeply challenged. And every thought affects every choice.

Free will?

Yes. Free will. It is wonderful for the Creator when His created beings choose Him, but when they don’t-

Are you thinking about the rebellion in heaven long ago?

Yes. A tragedy. One third of the heavenly host gone forever. But there was no time to dwell on that. Arman turned to face his assistant. You’re larger than most guardians.

Zuriel chuckled. Principality warriors are at least nine feet. I’m actually on the shorter side.

Really?

Most are ten feet or more.

Arman’s eyes widened. Amazing. So tell me about principality duty.

It was predictable. We fought every day. I was attached to a battalion on the forefront of territorial strongmen and demonic princes.

Over cities and nations?

Yes.

Those must have been ferocious battles, Arman said.

Zuriel hesitated and his face took on a strange look. Yes. Yes, they were.

Arman wondered again why a seasoned warrior would request such a monumental change. Guardian duty will be very different. Here we use tactics and strategic maneuvering but on a much smaller scale. It will not be predictable.

That’s what I’m looking forward to, Zuriel said.

Patience is a guardian’s primary weapon.

Patience?

And speaking forth the Word.

Their heads jerked forward as Katyenka pulled up to a stop sign. Arman shook his head. I try not to ride in the car with her.

Zuriel grinned. Did she learn at a speedway?

Watch your neck. She always guns it after a stop. Their heads lurched back before they could resume the conversation. Circumstances are going to force Katyenka to reexamine how she thinks and what she dwells on. She has a decisive battle ahead of her.

I’m ready. Zuriel’s hand flew to the hilt of his sword.

Patience, my man. We must wait for events to unfold. Now for the Word. As Arman began speaking into Katyenka’s ears, heavenly light surrounded him. Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report, if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

###

Kat rolled down the car windows and inhaled deeply, filling her nostrils with the earthy scent of crisp falling leaves. This would be a long year with Grady deployed. He would miss the colorful autumn in the Virginia countryside. In a week or two, their small town of Elmdale would boast orange pumpkins and yellow squash across the landscape. Instead of savoring his favorite time of year in the States, he would have to endure Afghanistan’s parched deserts and relentless beige heat.

Another mile passed before she pulled into the empty parking lot of WUVA Communications. A smile softened her lips. She knew it was a cliché, but it fit-home away from home.

Unlocking the front door of the concrete building, Kat stepped inside the narrow gray hallway. Her gut clenched. Something didn’t feel right. She quietly set her things down and checked all the rooms, behind doors and inside closets. Satisfied no intruders lurked, she shook off her concerns, switched on the computer and turned her attention to the first story of the day, one about her neighbor, Nadeem, and his narrow escape from the Taliban.

Minutes later, the front door opened. She stood and poked her head out the doorway to see Rob and Jean enter the hall. G’morning. Happy Monday.

The Farnsworths cast a quick glance at each other before Jean eased into a smile. Hello, Kat. Welcome back.

Rob slipped into his office a bit too fast, but not Jean. She approached Kat and gave her a quick hug. Tell me all about your vacation. Did you have a good time?

Florida? Great as always. Grady’s parents went all out. They offered plenty of food Annie could eat, new video games for Trev, and we played lots of cards by the pool. Kat stepped aside and motioned for Jean to take a seat.

Jean hesitated before sitting down. And Grady? Did he get off okay?

We got back from Florida on Friday. He flew to Kabul on Saturday. The other contractors left earlier in the week. I got a short e-mail that he arrived, but communications will be scarce because of the mission.

Jean nodded. I understand. When Rob served in Vietnam, my mind worked overtime, thinking up all kinds of awful scenarios. You’ll probably have to guard your thoughts, too.

Guard her thoughts? Kat had never considered something like that before.

What about Annie?

We start with an environmental illness specialist at Children’s on Wednesday.

Good. You know we want the best for you and your family. Right, Kat? Jean’s mouth quivered, as though trying to smile but her lips wouldn’t cooperate.

Sure, I know that.

Jean stood. Rob and I will have our weekly meeting in a few minutes. We’ll call you when we’re ready, okay?

Fine. I’ll be ready. Monday meetings were part of life around WUVA. Funny Jean acted so odd about such a routine event.

Less than ten minutes later, Jean buzzed. Can you come in now?

Kat grabbed her notepad. I’m on my way.

###

Arman, realizing what was about to happen, gently elbowed Zuriel. Go ahead.

Okay. Zuriel moved close to Katyenka and cupped his hands around his mouth to whisper in her ears. Take your thoughts captive to the obedience of Christ. He glanced back at Arman.

Arman nodded. His amusement at the mighty warrior’s timidity faded as he closed his eyes. Would Katyenka listen?

###

In the conference room, sitting stiffly side by side, Jean and Rob swapped furtive glances.

Fear funneled through Kat like hot water through ice. Something was up. And from their expressions, it wasn’t good. She sat down across from them while her mind searched for anything she’d done wrong-stories she’d reported on before vacation, perhaps?

Where was Eric?

Rob cleared his throat awkwardly. Kat. He cleared again. Jean said you enjoyed a good vacation.

Yes, we did. Thanks.

You know you’re like family to us, right?

Kat patted her sweaty palms discreetly on her skirt.

The guardians moved in closer, standing at Kat’s side, alert and at attention.

When Kat didn’t answer, Rob rushed on, his words tripping over each other. We didn’t want to say anything before because we knew how desperately you needed this time with family-to move into your new home and to see Grady off without adding another worry.

Tilting her head, Kat managed to croak, What worry is that, Rob?

He glanced at his wife and then studied his notebook for a tortuous long pause. When he looked up at Kat, tears glistened in his eyes.

She swallowed hard. Oh, this is very bad.

Times have gotten really tough at the station, Kat. Economically, we can’t afford to keep you on any longer.

If an earthquake had struck at that moment, it couldn’t have jolted her more. She blinked and leaned forward. What?

Watching closely, Arman signaled Zuriel. Both angels hoisted swords.

Rob continued, For the last year, we kept hoping things would improve ….

As the news sank in, words flew uncontrollably from Kat’s mouth. So how about Eric? Are you letting him go, too?

A guilt-ridden look passed between them. Not yet.

Kat’s heart pounded in her ears. She let the tidal wave of anger rush to her mouth.

"Of course not. He’s your precious son-in-law. You’re not going to fire him now or ever, are you? How convenient to use me to train him to become anchor. Why couldn’t you dump me before we bought the new house? How am I going to pay the mortgage now? You know all of Grady’s pay is going toward medical expenses." Her eyes shifted from one to the other, challenging them.

Waves of anger radiated from Kat, propelling her two unseen guardians far across the room.

We hate doing this, Jean said. We really do. We’ve brainstormed and prayed to find another way, but we’re at the end of all our cost-cutting solutions. Eliminating your salary is our last option. We’re really sorry, but we know that God will open a new door for you.

Kat’s throat seemed to tighten, too small an opening for her voice to squeeze through, but then somehow she was talking. Sure. When one door slams in your face, another will open. Isn’t that how the saying goes?

We can give you two more weeks, Rob offered.

Kat pushed herself out of the chair. No severance? Oh, that’s right. There was no severance when the station was starting out. So, no, thank you. I don’t want to burden you any further. Straightening her shoulders, Kat pasted on a professional smile.

Thanks for everything.

Jean stared at Kat, tears flowing freely down her cheeks. Rob looked stricken, but said nothing.

Kat stormed out of the conference room, marched down the hall to her office and shut down her computer.

Arman and Zuriel swapped looks and followed as closely as they were allowed.

Grabbing a trash bag from the kitchen, Kat tossed in pictures and personal items from her desk. Then, with shaking hands, she pulled the station key from her keychain. Tossing it on the desk, she strode down the hall and out the door.

Ten years. Gone just like that.

CHAPTER TWO

Kat’s thoughts spun like a whirlpool of water spinning down a drain as she slammed the car in reverse and spun out of the station’s parking lot. Scalding tears blurred her vision. She brushed them aside with a swipe of her hand. Oh, God.

###

Arman and Zuriel instantly arrived in the back seat. They leaned forward, mouths open, about to speak, when dark whispers heavy with condemnation descended on Kat’s mind like curses.

A raspy, wheezing voice spoke the beginnings of unforgiveness into Kat’s right ear. No wonder it was so quiet at the station this morning.

Arman scowled and leaned closer. Take these thoughts captive, Katyenka.

Another singsong utterance entered her left ear and filled her with resentment. "They probably told Eric to take the day off while they canned you. They’re giving your job to him. They planned this all along."

Take them captive, Arman said, as he was forced away from her.

How coy of her to ask about the family vacation. As if Jean Farnsworth cared about the Kerrigan family.

Don’t listen!

Eeew. Do you smell that? Zuriel asked.

Take your thoughts captive, Katyenka. Now.

After all the years working long hours, dedicating myself to the good of the station. How could they dump me like this?

Kat’s hands tightened on the wheel and her mouth pinched into a steely line. She would never, ever forgive them for firing her without warning.

With a jolt, Arman and Zuriel were hurled from the car. They lifted their arms before hitting the earth, then rose, their eyes zeroed in on their charge. Kat had made her choice. She was listening to hell’s demons.

Her thoughts continued out of control.

Fired.

As though I was some stranger who’d only been there a month instead of ten years. Ten years!

Acid-laced tears full of anger and self-pity spilled down Kat’s cheeks as she sped along the country roads oblivious to the beautiful fall landscape she’d savored earlier. She could kick herself for not being suspicious. When they brought Eric on board last year, without a degree or any training, she’d shown him everything she knew. Everything.

What a fool I’ve been.

Gullible, stupid Kat.

But don’t worry, she said sarcastically. God will open another door. She laughed with a derisive snort. Right? Isn’t that the convenient little phrase good Christians use when they stab their friends in the back?

###

Forced high above the car, the two angelic guardians glanced at each other as a putrid stench rose from below. Zuriel pinched his nose at the reek of foul spirits.

Who would have thought such horrible, disgusting smells could be used as weapons? An effective technique, Arman had to admit. The stench caused their eyes and noses to water copiously, as if they were slicing a hundred onions all at once. They couldn’t tolerate being too close. Their every assault, every lunge, every thrust of the sword needed to be carefully calculated or they would be overcome.

In the car, demons took turns whispering evil suggestions into Katyenka’s mind.

Each sinful word they speak releases noxious fumes, Arman said matter-of-factly.

Zuriel peered far below to their charge and wriggled his nose in disdain. "Maybe if she could smell them she wouldn’t listen to them."

She’s in total agreement.

"As though their words are her thoughts."

You’re the one who wanted to be where the battle begins.

I do, Zuriel replied. So why are we being pushed away from her? We can’t fight the enemy from up here.

By agreeing with them, she’s given the demons legal right to speak to her.

Free will in action, Zuriel muttered.

The trouble is, we’re bound and can’t remove them.

Is that why we’re being forced away from her?

Precisely why, but we can return faster than a blink. Arman patted his friend’s arm. Put away your weapon, my friend.

So we wait?

Arman nodded. Lesson number one is patience.

Swinging his saber in a feint and lunge, the junior-grade lieutenant said, Just let me at them. I’ll take them all out.

No! Arman’s tone cut with sharpness, but he must prevent his assistant from doing something illegal. He wondered again about Zuriel. Exactly why had he left principality duty?

Sheathe the weapon. Now.

Aye. Zuriel didn’t seem bothered by his superior’s curt tone. She’s one of God’s own, is she not? Surely we can do something. Now she has progressed to negative emotions and reactions.

She’s an easy target for enemy assaults, Arman said, while continuing to rise. Until Katyenka learns to take her thoughts captive and to take control of her mind, all we can do is stand by, observe, and speak the truth from afar.

Take thoughts captive. Right. Second Corinthians 10:5, Zuriel muttered while gripping his sword, turning it over. He caressed the blade with his index finger, the diamond edge as thin as paper, so precisely sharp it could slice through a demon like a surgeon’s knife removing a malignancy.

Lieutenant Zuriel? Put up the weapon.

Oh, yes sir. Right. In a swift, practiced movement, he sheathed his mighty sword.

Katyenka continued to spew angry words. The sinful feelings in her heart multiplied like poisonous mushrooms in a dark forest.

Come on, Zuriel whispered. Choose differently, Katyenka. We want to help you.

Increasingly, Arman became engulfed in light so bright his face disappeared into the radiance. With a bold booming voice, he declared, You are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God and you are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.

###

Once home, Kat changed into running clothes and headed out in the opposite direction from her usual route.

It was barely nine o’clock in the morning. Already fatigued, she made a mental note to pop more vitamin C. She sucked in a huge gulp of fresh air to try and revive herself. She ignored the ugly thoughts while beating the pavement in a mesmerizing rhythm. The anger dissipated with each step until her mind cleared. On this quiet country lane, the leaves were transforming from yellow to red-orange, thanks to recent cold nights. Oh, if only she could surrender to the process of change so easily and gracefully.

Finally she paused, hands on knees, out of breath. A squirrel caught her attention. He scrambled up a tree, his cheeks laden with treasures for the winter. The little guy darted about, busy and determined in his task. He didn’t have a worry in the world. She envied him.

When she reached a quiet grassy meadow, she slowed to a stop and sank down into the tall grass to stretch her legs. She laced her fingers behind her head and let the midmorning sun warm her face while her churning insides were anything but warm and cozy.

God, I don’t understand this. Why did you do this to me? I loved that job. Why did it have to happen now with Grady gone? Why now with the new house? Why now with Annie’s medical problems? Help. Please.

###

The two guardian angels instantly showed up at her side.

Zuriel looked confused. But she blamed the Most High.

Arman shrugged as if to say he couldn’t understand it either. No matter. She cried out and Elohim, in His mercy, forgave. Praise be to the Most High God for His loving kindness.

Their heavenly noses wrinkled at the mix of sour odors left behind by hell’s soldiers. Together, they blew away the last traces of stench to release heaven’s incense.

Arman wrapped his arms around Katyenka to comfort her.

Zuriel spoke words of encouragement. Let the peace of Christ rule in your heart.

Help me understand, Lord, she said.

The raspy, wheezy voice of Unforgiveness tried to interrupt again, but Arman signaled Zuriel to drown him out.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your heart, Zuriel repeated gently over and over, his face dissolving into brightness.

Shrieks from departing demons cut through the air.

They’d be back. But for now, Arman was content. Yes. Colossians 3:15. He gave Zuriel an affirming nod.

Katyenka’s eyes drifted shut. She sighed.

Deep within, Arman could see serenity flowing deep within her, soothing her fraught body and mind. Praise be to God. This skirmish we claim as ours. She’s back on the right path. Katyenka has finally appealed to her Source, the one true God, her Creator, the Lover of her soul, the Three in One.

Things were looking up. No pun intended, he thought, chuckling.

Yet this was only the beginning.

CHAPTER THREE

Kat jogged back to the house, the quiet of the early fall morning broken only by the rhythmic plodding of her shoes on the pavement. Fresh tears trailed down her cheeks.

She wiped her nose with her arm, all the while hoping she wouldn’t run into anyone. Crying always made her eyes red and her face blotchy.

No need to tell the children about losing her job. Why get them upset and worried too? For as long as it took, she’d get dressed every morning and pretend to go to work.

Once a new job surfaced, she’d tell them everything.

She pushed the backdoor open and toed off her running shoes in the mudroom. Time for a quick pick-me-up. She leaned against the granite counter in the kitchen and vigorously stirred the protein drink. How could everything go from so right to so wrong so quickly? Maybe it was a bad dream. Like those television series that went astray and corrected course by having the main character … wake up.

Ouch! The pinch hurt like the dickens but it didn’t change a thing.

Wait until Grady heard. He’d see it as a breach of honor, bringing in someone green to learn at her feet and then booting her out. He’d be furious. What ever happened to honor among friends? Apparently Rob forgot how Grady had saved his life when he suffered that heart attack two years ago.

Mentally living through the scene in the conference room again, she stormed around the kitchen, slamming cabinet doors and drawers. They fired her.

She sipped the strawberry shake, but her stomach twisted and soured in revolt. She gagged, running to the sink. Once the wave of nausea subsided, she stood up. Dumping the contents of the tumbler, she watched it ooze down the drain. Like her life, sucked down and washed away by forces out of her control. Eyes riveted on the thick pink mess, the ball of anger in her belly coiled tighter. She blinked and defied anymore tears to slide down her cheeks.

She turned and headed upstairs to shower. Once under the hot spray, she reached for the organic, perfume-free shampoo and thought of Annie. How was she really coping at school? Her sweet baby girl had transformed into a distant, sometimes-sullen young woman. Asthma, allergies and hormones, Kat thought ruefully, resulted in a malaise that shrouded not only her child but their entire household.

Sometimes she wished she could’ve been the one to take the contracting job in Afghanistan. A job far away from all the problems sounded wonderful right now.

Traitor. What kind of a mother was she?

A lousy one.

She pulled on her favorite pair of jeans and one of Grady’s flannel shirts and muttered, I can’t sit around blubbering all day. Got to get started.

Digging through the pile of business cards in her desk drawer, she found the contact information for Betty Smalley, a headhunter she’d interviewed a few months back. At the time, it never crossed her mind that she’d be reaching out to this woman for her own benefit. Maybe it was destiny she’d kept the card. Grabbing a pen and notepad, she sat down at the kitchen table and dialed Betty’s number.

Of course I remember you, Kat. What can I do for you?

I’m looking for another anchoring position in television.

You’re leaving WUVA?

Kat swallowed her embarrassment. I’m a casualty of the economic slump, I’m afraid.

I’m so sorry to hear that, Kat. Betty’s voice had shifted from warm and friendly to businesslike and now apologetic. We simply don’t deal in the communications field. If you want to stay in that arena, you’ll probably have to get an agent and be prepared to commute to DC.

Commute? Two hours each way is no commute. It’s an expedition. So much for destiny.

She should’ve minored in business, like Papa recommended. If she’d listened to him, she probably wouldn’t be in this mess. But no, she knew it all back then.

After calling other local agencies, Kat heard the same story. To stay in television she should get an agent. Be ready to travel into DC. She listened but scribbled on her pad, NO WAY.

Hours later, with little progress to show for the morning’s efforts, she dropped her head heavily into her hands.

What had she expected? That she’d make one call and land a prestigious position paying six figures? How naïve. Was she surprised that some people had never heard of the famous Kat Kerrigan? What a puffed-up head. She’d never find a job like the one at WUVA. Just forget it.

Thank you, Farnsworths.

###

Zuriel seized his saber and held it high, glistening but useless against the evil energy beginning to separate them from Katyenka. We’re being sucked away. Like a vacuum!

Arman momentarily shut his eyes and let his arms fall to his sides, demonstrating to his subordinate that it was pointless to resist. She’s agreeing with them again.

This time, instead of moving up, they moved horizontally toward the front door. The house temperature slowly dipped to frigid zones and their nostrils filled with the smell of death, like a rotting carcass.

Zuriel swung his sword with a slashing motion. Is that Resentment?

Good call, Arman replied. You’re learning.

It’s not hard. She’s got them all.

Not unlike every human. Arman leveled a challenging stare at his assistant. Bitterness is a stronghold.

Of course. All have sinned and come short … Zuriel dropped his eyes. I didn’t mean to judge.

Arman responded with measured kindness. Our purpose is to serve and we must remain above reproach. Faultless, in fact.

Zuriel’s face flushed a rich ruby red.

A nerve had been struck, Arman observed. Was his subordinate perhaps not so faultless? What was his story? He fought the urge to question Zuriel further. No time for questions during an alert.

Shall I speak the Word to her? Zuriel tipped his head toward Katyenka.

By all means.

As soon as he spoke, Zuriel shimmered, as though standing under a spotlight of pure radiance. In a loud voice, he centered on Katyenka. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

###

Still at the kitchen table, Kat shut the phone book and tossed it aside. Oh, God. Are you there at all? Help, please.

###

The evil pressuring the two angels stopped abruptly. Zuriel lost balance but Arman caught him. They resumed their posts beside Katyenka.

A refreshing ocean breeze lilted through the room, purifying the space.

###

Kat’s cell phone rang. She quick-checked the number and relaxed.

Giza … am I glad to hear your voice.

How can you possibly be glad? You haven’t heard it yet.

Kat laughed and moved to the couch. Minor technicality.

"I was just thinking about you and your first day back to work. How are you, my dearest friend?"

Kat swallowed hard, afraid if she released the pain and anger in her heart, all of it would tumble out and pollute the conversation.

Kat?

She still didn’t answer.

I knew something was wrong, Giza blurted. I fought this nagging feeling that wouldn’t go away. Come on. Does it have to do with saying good-bye to Grady?

Shaking her head, Kat collected herself. No. No, it’s worse than that.

Worse? Ohmygosh. What’s happened? Annie?

No. No. Annie’s fine. I take her in Wednesday afternoon. You know, to the EI specialist.

You’re not going back to the allergist?

No. Kat wiped her nose. She said Annie’s problems are more serious than allergies.

So if that’s not it, then what’s wrong?

Kat squeaked out, They fired me.

What? You’re kidding. How? Why?

Kat’s voice caught. Something was off. I knew as soon as I walked in the station this morning. I was the only one there.

Odd. Eric wasn’t in?

No. They probably told him not to come in until after ….

What happened?

I did my usual routine until I heard Jean and Rob arrive. Jean came into my office to chat. She acted a little strange but I brushed it off. The tension was palpable at our Monday morning meeting. I sensed something bad was coming. I just knew it. Rob claimed money troubles. Said they had no choice. She gave a snort of derision. Yeah, right.

So they cut your position?

Not exactly.

Repeating the details caused Kat’s stomach to retract into the hard knot. She stood up and walked to the window. She sighed, wishing she were anywhere but here.

Ah, I get it. Dear son-in-law Eric is taking your job.

You always were quick.

You’re thinking they planned it all along?

Yes, ma’am.

Oh, Kat, I know how much you loved that job and the Farnsworths, too. This has got to feel like betrayal.

It’s a huge betrayal. I thought I’d be at the station forever. She paused to blow her nose and wipe away the stream of tears. The Farnsworths were like family. To be booted out like this? It hurts bad. Real bad.

I’m so sorry. I wish I could be there to hug you.

"Thanks. I wish you were here, too. Intellectually, I understand these things happen. It’s just … Grady took the contracting job in Afghanistan so we could save a chunk for Annie’s future medical expenses, and