After the Fall ba-2 Page 2

  “Oh, they don’t want to know about the boring stuff.” Rachel jumped off his lap. She rifled through the stack of bingo cards in the center of the table and looked closely at each one, avoiding eye contact as she spoke. “Uri was held captive by Lucifer and Saleos. And due to, uh, special circumstances, the archangels decided to, uh, let him”—she sank to her seat and swallowed—“die.”

  “That’s cruel.” Naomi couldn’t imagine what he’d done that was so bad to have him and Rachel deserve to suffer like that. She eyed Rachel carefully, and she squirmed under her scrutiny. There was something she wasn’t telling her. Other than Lash, Rachel had grown to be one of her closest friends, like a sister, sharing everything with her—until now.

  “The City of Ai,” Lash said. “That sounds familiar. Where have I heard of that before?”

  Naomi was caught by surprise at Rachel’s forced, high-pitched giggle. “Look at this card, Naomi. La Muerte,” she read and then handed her the card with a picture of a skeleton holding a scythe. “It doesn’t look at all like Jeremy. It’s missing his new crocodile boots. Isn’t that right, Uri?”

  Uri furrowed his brow, confused, then as if picking up on Rachel’s cue said, “Yes, his boots. Very nice.”

  Naomi saw Lash stiffen and pause mid-shuffle at the mention of Jeremy’s name. Jeremy had disappeared the day after she was reunited with Lash. She had heard about the fight Lash had with him and felt awful about it. She had asked Raphael about Jeremy, hoping she could do something to help reunite the two best friends. Raphael had merely shaken his head sadly and said Gabrielle had sent him on an extended assignment and that he didn’t know when he would return.

  “So, Jeremy’s back.” Lash resumed shuffling the cards, his voice strained.

  Rachel gazed at Lash and then Naomi, her eyes filled with pity. She then turned to Lash with what looked like a forced smile. “I saw him this morning. Maybe you, Jeremy, and Uri could start up your poker games again.”

  Lash’s jaw tensed. He stared down at the cards as his thumbs flipped through them. He tapped the deck against the table and shuffled again without a word.

  The room grew uncomfortable as he avoided answering the question.

  “That’s a great idea,” Naomi said, forcing her voice to sound cheerful. She glanced at Rachel and Uri, noticed the knowing looks they were giving each other, and sighed. More secrets. What was it with this place and all the secrets? She wasn’t used to having people keeping things from her, especially after Lash finally revealed that he was a seraph and Raphael had told her she was the seventh archangel.

  Lash had even told her about his conversation with Raphael and how Rebecca, her grandmother’s guardian angel, was his mother and Raphael his father. And when he told her Jeremy was his older brother, she had thought they were done with secrets...apparently not. How frustrating! No wonder Lash was moody when she first met him. She didn’t blame him one bit.

  “Explain it to me again: why do we have to use pinto beans?” Lash said as he grabbed a handful.

  He was obviously trying to change the subject. She sighed. Maybe it was better to stick to playing Mexican bingo.

  “We don’t have to use beans. Bingo chips would work just as well. Welita...Welita liked to use beans.” A familiar pang rung through her chest, the same one she felt whenever she thought of her grandmother and her cousin, Chuy.

  When Naomi had first arrived in Heaven, she had checked in on them during breaks from her training. But each time she had, it had become harder and harder for her to tear herself away from the bridge over the stream, the only window she had to their world. Gabrielle had picked up on her inability to concentrate after each of her visits and ordered her to avoid the bridge until after her training was complete.

  At first, she was appalled that Gabrielle was basically asking her to forget about her family. Lash, of course, was outraged and offered to bring it up to Michael, claiming she was working hard and checking in on her family helped to ease the transition to Heaven. After she had calmed down, she realized Gabrielle was right. Her new life and family were here with him, and the best way she could adjust was to delve into her new role as archangel.

  “Naomi,” Lash gently touched her shoulder. “Are you okay?”

  “Yeah, I was just thinking about Welita. I miss her and Chuy.”

  “I miss them too...and Bear,” Lash said about her grandmother’s Chihuahua. “Crazy little fur ball.”

  Naomi wondered what they were doing at that moment. She wondered if it was late in the evening there like it was up in Heaven. What time zone was Heaven in?

  Chuy and his best friend, Lalo, were probably sitting around the dinner table right now, just having gotten off work. Chuy would be on his second helping and Lalo on his third. Lalo was like a member of the family, and even he called her grandmother “Welita” rather than her given name Anita.

  Naomi could actually see, in her mind, Lalo sneaking pieces of Welita’s chicken mole to Bear, while Welita was busy cleaning the kitchen.

  Rachel gave a loud yawn as she stood up, scraping the chair across the floor. “I’m pooped. Come on, Uri. Let’s go home. Why don’t we play at our place tomorrow?”

  “You don’t have to leave,” Naomi said.

  Rachel went to her and gave her a hug. “I know that. You and Lash should have some alone time together. You’ve been working so hard lately. Besides, Uri says he has a special treat for me tonight.”

  “Every night is special with you.” Uri swept her into his arms and flicked out his wings.

  “Uri!” Rachel squealed. “What are you doing? I have wings too, you know.”

  Uri walked around the table, headed to the living room, where a wall of windows overlooked the valley. All the windows were open, letting in a cool breeze.

  “Lash, you’re smart moving out of the commune and into your own home.” He stepped to the edge of the center window and looked down. “The view from up here is magnificent. But why so far away from everybody?”

  As much as Naomi loved living with Lash, it had been crowded in his small room. Lash had immediately rectified the situation by building a small cottage on the ridge of a mountain that overlooked the angels’ living quarters. More importantly, she could see the bridge from their home, a reminder that Welita was only minutes away. She loved it. But, in the back of her mind, she wondered if there was another reason why he wanted to live away from the others—or maybe one person in particular.

  Lash wrapped his arms around Naomi and kissed her neck. “Oh, let’s just say we wanted a little privacy.” His hot breath hit against her ear as he whispered, “And space for extracurricular activities.”

  2

  Jeremy leaned against the railing of the bridge, sapphire eyes gazing in the direction of the mountain. In the distance, he could see the twinkling of lights on the highest peak.

  He closed his eyes for a moment, waiting for the ache to pass. Being away for the past few weeks, he hadn’t even realized it was still there, lingering deep in his heart. He had Gabrielle to thank for that. How did she know what he was feeling when he couldn’t understand it himself?

  He’d thought spending time away from Lash and Naomi would help him get some perspective on what he was feeling. But when he returned and stood alone in Lash’s empty room, he questioned who his heart was aching for—Lash or Naomi.

  His hands scrubbed over his face with frustration. He had let himself go since he left, almost as if punishing himself. He didn’t bother with shaving. He didn’t even bother dressing in his favorite custom suits anymore. Instead, he wore whatever he could throw on, like black slacks and T-shirts. Even his once perfectly coiffed hair was different, with scraggly bangs falling over his eyes and the rest long enough to brush against his collarbone. The only luxury he allowed himself was a black leather jacket that matched his new crocodile boots.

  He looked up into the darkening sky, trying to pinpoint the exact moment when everything changed. When had he turned from a loyal best
friend to someone who was not to be trusted? Could he blame Lash for not having faith in him when even he didn’t know if he could trust himself when it came to Naomi?

  Jeremy pushed himself off the rail and paced the length of the bridge, his shiny black boots clicking on the wood. I was doing my job. That’s all.

  Watching over Lash and making sure he took Naomi to Shiprock—that was what he’d been told to do, and he had done it. He’d followed his orders to a “T.” So what if he may have checked in on them a little more than what was required of him? There was no harm in that. And he may have felt a little bit of jealousy—no, concern. Yes, that was it; he was concerned when he saw the obvious attraction between the two of them. He had to warn Lash to leave her alone. He’d thought it would ruin Lash’s chance to return home.

  Jeremy froze as he recalled the words he had said to Lash.

  She’s not for you.

  Why had he said that to him?

  You know why, a small voice whispered in his head.

  He slammed his hand against the rail. He knew perfectly well why. He wished he could forget all of it and just have a fresh start with Lash and Naomi. But he couldn’t.

  Fighting against his memories of her, he gripped the railing so hard his knuckles went white. It had been easier before, when his sole focus was accomplishing a mission. Now, he struggled to push from his mind how he felt when he first saw her: long, dark hair falling forward draping her beautiful face as she hovered over a dying Deborah. It had been as if lightning hit his chest and restarted a heart that he hadn’t known had stopped. It had only been when Lash appeared obviously threatened by the way he looked at her that he’d been able to pull himself away and focus on the task at hand. Ever since then, he’d been shaking away growing feelings, feelings he’d had no idea where they came from until Raphael had told him—he was his son, and long ago he had been betrothed to Naomi.

  “Are you ready?”

  Jeremy whipped around at the sound of the voice. “Gabrielle. I thought I was alone.”

  She stepped from out of the shadows. A breeze blew soft blonde waves around a stern face. “You’ve been in isolation for weeks. Have you prepared yourself for your new task?”

  Jeremy was surprised by her tone. Was he dreaming that only a few weeks ago, it had been Gabrielle who suggested he leave to get some space from all that had happened between him and Lash? She had seemed so kind and patient.

  He looked back up at the mountain and wondered if Lash was still angry with him, and as much as he tried not to, he thought of Naomi. “Couldn’t this be given to Lash? He’s better suited.”

  “Michael was adamant that this assignment be overseen by you. Besides, you have your own assignment to attend to on Earth.” Her voice was firm as she eyed him carefully. She must have seen something on his face because her face softened. It was the same look she’d given him after his fight with Lash. “Did the time away not help you to prepare?”

  “Gabrielle, can’t you make an exception? I’ve always done my duty, and I’ve never questioned you or Michael for any of the assignments you two have given me...even when you asked me to strike down my best friend.”

  “It is because of your loyal service all these years that you have risen through the ranks to become an archangel,” she pointed out. “You know that with this role comes greater responsibility. If Lash had been as obedient as you...well, never mind that. He’s hopeless.”

  “Why do you hate him?”

  Gabrielle arched an eyebrow. “I am merely stating what is true. Have his past behaviors not proven that?”

  Jeremy shook his head. He couldn’t understand the animosity she had towards Lash. He’d thought once Lash had finally proven himself that she’d be more lenient with him. He’d returned only to find that she was exactly the same as when he left.

  “If you’re worried about Lash, I assure you, there won’t be any interference from him. I’ll see to that.”

  “Worried? You could say that. When he finds out that I’m the one to be paired with the love his life on her first assignment, Hell—”

  She glared at his choice of words.

  “Uh, what I mean is”—he cleared his throat—“you know, he’s not the most reasonable of angels. And we did leave things hanging there after our fight.”

  “I had suggested you take the time off in order to give you, and hopefully Lash, space to reflect on all that has transpired.” Gabrielle glanced up at the mountain and then back to Jeremy. “And maybe resolve any feelings that may be...lingering.”

  Jeremy swallowed nervously at her innuendo. “I’m not sure what you mean.”

  Her voice was low and soft as she spoke. “You do realize you have a reputation for being a great poker player. Your skills would be useful in this situation, don’t you think?”

  He furrowed his brow. “I don’t understand.”

  Gabrielle sighed. “Although I abhor the game, I am quite skilled at maintaining what you call a poker face. I would say I’ve been quite successful at it.”

  Her face changed as if a mask was taken off, and the tough demeanor she was notorious for was replaced by a soft and vulnerable woman. “You have feelings for the girl. It was clear when you were by her bedside, waiting for her to awake. In fact, it was written all over your face the first time you saw her when you were on assignment with Deborah and Nathan.”

  “You saw that?”

  “Yes.” Her voice was soft.

  “Why? Why were you watching over me?”

  “Because I knew how you felt about her long ago when she was to become your wife. And I know feelings like that don’t disappear—even when memories are suppressed.”

  He took a step forward and gripped her arm. “What do you know? Tell me.” He needed to know more. Maybe if he knew what happened in his past, he could get rid of his growing feelings.

  She winced and looked down at his hand.

  “Sorry.” He dropped his hand. He was going too far. He needed to get himself under control.

  “It’s not my story to tell.” She rubbed the spot on her arm where he had grabbed her. “That is something Raphael wants to share with you, Lash, and Naomi. He is with Michael as we speak, seeking permission to disclose some of your past.”

  “Will we get our memories back?”

  “It’s unlikely. I’m sure Raphael has shared with you that the suppression of your memory is part of his punishment.”

  Jeremy nodded. While he was waiting by Naomi’s side for her to wake up, Raphael had told with him why he and Lash couldn’t remember their past. “It seems like a long time to be punished.”

  “It is not for you to decide how long a punishment should be,” she reprimanded. “But I agree. I believe this has continued because it is all tied together with what is happening now, including your current assignment. What Raphael did had a ripple effect not only for you, Lash, and Naomi, but ultimately with...” she paused as Jeremy stared at her with bated breath.

  “Well, I must take my leave. I just wanted to tell you that your assignment will come soon, and I wanted to give you time to prepare yourself.”

  Jeremy let out a breath, disappointed. She wasn’t giving away anything. Regardless, he had to figure out a way to get out of this assignment if he ever wanted to make things right with Lash.

  “Is there any way I can appeal my assignment? Perhaps if I speak to Michael?”

  “You could, but it will only anger him more. I have already spoken to him on your behalf. How do you think you were given permission to leave and place yourself in isolation?”

  “You did that?”

  “Yes. Why do you look so surprised? I’ve been known to do a nice thing or two from time to time,” she said with a twinkle in her green eyes.

  He blinked with shock. She actually looked like she was teasing.

  “Michael wanted you to be in charge of her instruction as well as pair with her on her first assignment. I convinced him to allow me to do the training.”

 
; “Gabrielle, I don’t know how to thank you.” If only she could be this gracious with Lash, life would be so different for his brother. Although Lash would never admit it, all he ever wanted from her was respect.

  “There you are. I have been searching for you, Jeremiel.” Raphael called from the direction of the gardens. An older replica of himself walked toward them with a large smile on his face. “Welcome back, my son.”

  Jeremy swallowed thickly at those words. Raphael had always felt like a father to him. Although he’d always seemed to lavish his attention on Lash, Raphael managed to spend some of his time with him.

  “Based on the smile on your face, I take it your meeting with Michael went well,” Gabrielle said.

  “Yes. Yes, it did. He agreed it would benefit us all to divulge some information about our past in the hopes of strengthening our connections and promoting healing.” Raphael turned to Jeremy and slapped him on the shoulder. “Come, Jeremiel. We have much to share with your brother.”

  Just before Jeremy turned, he caught Gabrielle looking at Raphael with such longing that he did a double take. Her green eyes narrowed, and her face shifted back into the old Gabrielle, and he wondered if he was imaging things.

  She glanced up at the mountain and back at him, giving him a subtle smile. “Remember what I said, Jeremy. Play your game of poker.”

  3

  Naomi placed the dishes in the sink and feverishly cleaned the kitchen, trying to erase the image of a dying Uri out of her mind. She didn’t want to think about the possibility of losing Lash like that.

  “What are you doing?” Lash stood behind her, trailing a finger down her neck.

  “Cleaning.” She swept the beans into a container and placed the bingo cards in a small box.

  “I meant what I said.” He took the box from her hands and placed it back on the table.

  Smoldering hazel eyes locked with hers and slowly drifted down to her mouth. He gently stroked a thumb across her lower lip and stared at it, mesmerized.

  Her breath hitched, and she inhaled his delicious scent, making her forget about Uri, Rachel, Hell, and death. “What did you say?”