Atonement (Heaven Sent Book 1) Read online

  Working quietly side by side for the next thirty minutes she tried to clear her mind. She watched Harry move from plant to plant with the care and nurturing she knew came naturally to him. His beady blue eyes inspected every plant, occasionally a whistle would escape his thin lips as he got lost in his work. Gen noticed the lilacs were already heavy with perfumed purple flowers, rose bushes were budding, and his pothos container plants had giant happy leaves turned toward the sun.

  Gen watched him walk toward her, handing her a rag he said. “That’s plenty for today, I’ll get to the rest later. What do you say we stop for a bit to enjoy the fruits of our labor?”

  “Sounds good to me” Gen replied with a smile.

  She wiped her hands and followed Harry through the yard, under the pergola-canopied patio, and in through the double glass doors to his kitchen.

  “Tea or something stronger young lady?” Harry was staring at her as he asked the question.

  “It’s a little early for whiskey, Harry. Tea will be fine, but I wouldn’t turn down a piece of coffeecake to go with it.” Gen sat at the table and watched Harry maneuver around the kitchen preparing the tea.

  “I always have coffeecake and it’s never too early for whiskey.” Harry placed two mugs on the table and handed her a knife. “You’re on cake cutting duty. You know where it is.”

  Gen walked to the corner of the marble countertop and removed the glass lid covering the cake. She opened an upper cabinet, retrieved plates, and cut two big slices to go on them. Cake in hand she rejoined Harry at the table.

  “Now, you have your cake, what do you say we start over?” Harry’s lips curved upward, his eyes expressed kindness as he looked at Gen. “I’m sorry to tell you that I have no new information to share on Gabriel. But I’m guessing based on your impromptu visit that perhaps you do?” Harry picked up his fork and took a bite of cake.

  Gen smiled at him. “I didn’t come here about that, but since you brought up Gabe, I have to tell you, it’s strange. These last few months have been, well, different.” Gen reached for her ring and held it momentarily. Then she let it fall and took a bite of cake.

  “Well, maybe something is happening, softening perhaps,” Harry said softly. “Have you given more thought to what we talked about last time you and I spoke?”

  “I think about it all the time, there is a piece of me that wants to let go, move on, but then I think of him, of us, and I can’t picture him gone, not for good.” Gen paused trying to make sense of the conflicting emotions that have become her normal state.

  “I don’t know that moving on is exactly what you need to focus on, in some ways you have already moved on. You give yourself to your work, to your family, to humanity, that sounds a lot like you’ve already begun to move on. But, we both know, that’s not all you need to do.” Harry paused.

  “You want me to forgive him.” Gen’s eyes watered as she looked over at Harry.

  “Forgiveness, true forgiveness is not something you can force, it has to come naturally, from the same place love does. To do that, you need to open yourself again, the same way you did the day you opened your heart to Gabriel. It’s not going to be easy, but you need to do that if you really want to be free. The weight you carry, it continues to pull you down. Anger, resentment, those are dangerous things. You let them fester, they can rot and manifest into something else. I think we both know the price of an anchor like that.” Harry’s words were cutting but Gen felt the love and care they carried.

  “I know you’re right, but …” Gen couldn’t finish her thought.

  “But what? Forgiving is not forgetting, Genevieve.” Harry’s sympathetic eyes fell upon hers.

  “I don’t want to be the one to give up, I feel like I already did that to him once.” Gen had a hold of the wedding band again as she said the words.

  “Have you ever tried putting that back on? It might feel less of a burden than wearing it like an albatross around your neck.” Harry half smiled as he asked the question.

  Have I ever thought of putting it back on? Are you kidding me, only about a million times since the day I woke up to find it not on my finger! I’m frightened of even attempting it. I don’t know how it came off. Gen’s mind reeled at the thought of what it would mean if she put it on and it didn’t bind, or worse, it did bind, and she was the reason they were not together. She didn’t think she could bear either scenario, so she stayed right where she was, in a torturous limbo.

  “It’s not a burden, it helps to remind me of what I’m fighting for, Harry.” Gen forced a smile.

  “Well, I’m glad you came by. Now, if you didn’t come to discuss Gabriel, why don’t you tell me what this visit was really about?” Harry reached over and gave the top of her hand a little squeeze.

  Gen sighed. “Honestly Harry I’m here to talk about the fire.”

  “What fire?” He pulled back and sat a little taller in his chair.

  “The fire at the school, the newborn Hell Fighter we chased down. Jared killed him. I wanted to know why you weren’t there. Where were you?”

  “What are you talking about?” Harry’s forehead creased in concern. “You encountered a Hell Fighter, here, on Earth?”

  Chills ran up Gen’s arm. Something was wrong. Harry knew nothing about the fire. How can that be?

  Gen was about to explain when Harry suddenly stood up.

  “What is it Harry? What’s wrong?”

  Gen watched recognition cross Harry’s face. “It’s okay, it’s just someone else is here.”

  “Who’s here?” Gen asked as she began to look around.

  “It’s alright. It took me a moment to process why she would come to my home. We will have to finish our conversation as soon as she leaves.” Harry got up from the table and walked toward the front door.

  Gen watched him walk away. “Friend or foe, Harry?”

  “You would have known before me if it were the latter,” he retorted without turning around.

  You have too much faith in me, Gen thought.

  The doorbell rang just as Harry reached for the door handle, when he pulled the door open, Gen saw Lacey, the Watcher from the fire, standing in the doorway. Harry welcomed his guest and clicked the door closed behind them.

  Gen walked the plates over to the sink and turned to face the doorway. Lacey stopped when she spotted Gen, her big brown eyes widened as she looked back at Harry.

  “I’m sorry for interrupting, should I come back?” Lacey turned her attention back toward Gen. She noticed Lacey’s hair was tousled, and her cheeks were flushed as if she had been running.

  “No need to come back. You are welcome to speak freely in front of Genevieve. She’s not Joan of Arc for goodness sake.” Harry chuckled and walked toward the larger table in the open dining area. Lacey followed him as did Gen.

  “I’m sorry, it’s just, well, I’ve never spoken to one outside of work, you know?” Lacey was looking back at Gen as the two pulled chairs out to sit down at the table together.

  “Aren’t we always at work?” Gen quipped, but after an awkward moment of silence Gen continued, “It’s no problem, I’m happy to help if I can.” Gen was short in her response, she really wanted Lacey to be the one talking and answering questions. Always on alert, Gen was more than curious as to why a Watcher would come to Harry’s house.

  “I’m sure you can help, that’s why I’m here. I need to understand what is going on and when there will be justice for Sebastian,” Lacey stated.

  “Justice.” Harry let the word hang in the air like a question.

  “Yes,” Lacey answered simply. “It happened while I was working on this case where I encountered Hell.”

  “Well, a Historian encountering Hell during a case is not exactly unusual, Lacey.” Harry was quick to point out the obvious.

  Historian, I always forget to call them by their official title. My siblings and I aren’t the only Guardians to refer to them as Watchers, beings that don’t engage in battle but merely record the fact
s of the events and preserve that information. What good that does I’ll never know. Above my pay grade, I guess, Gen thought.

  “I know, Harry, but this was different. This resulted in an actual confrontation, surely that alone would warrant an investigation.” Lacey was indignant in her response.

  “I don’t mean to upset you, Lacey. Please go on, tell us what happened in your own words.” Harry’s statement seemed to calm her.

  “It’s only been a couple of weeks, but I would have thought someone would have already been in touch to follow up. I really need to know this is being prioritized and taken with the seriousness that I believe it deserves.” Lacey puffed out the words quickly.

  Gen watched Lacey as she spoke. Gen had no idea what she was talking about, and judging by the look on Harry’s face, neither did he.

  Well this visit just got a whole lot more interesting, Gen thought.

  Harry spoke first. “It’s been a busy week, can you start from the beginning, perhaps share what you were expecting someone to follow up on exactly?”

  Gen watched Lacey’s body pull back as if she had been physically pushed.

  Clearly, she thinks we already know what this is about. What if Harry should know what’s going on, but doesn’t? He didn’t seem to know about the fire. What if signals aren’t working the way they should? Gen pondered. That could be bad. I better jump in and cover for Harry. That will give us time to figure this out after Lacey leaves.

  “If you don’t mind Lacey, please do start from the beginning. After all, unlike Harry, who I’m sure knows the story already, I wouldn’t know what you were referring to.” Gen’s words seemed to soften Lacey’s demeanor.

  “Of course.” Lacey leaned forward slightly, relaxing her shoulders. “Why would you know, right? I mean if you aren’t the Guardian to exact justice, why would you know anything about this?”

  “Right, it doesn’t mean I can’t help and I’m willing to just listen. This must mean a great deal to you if you came all the way to Harry’s home to speak about it. Please start from the beginning for my sake,” Gen replied.

  “Ok. Several weeks ago, I was finishing up a case when I was called to another location nearby. That’s unusual, but then I thought, lately everything seems unusual.” Lacey turned to look at Harry. “Do you mind getting me a glass of water?”

  This woman is clearly on edge, she is all over the place and easily distracted. Gen was fascinated.

  “I’ll get it for you, please continue.” Gen got up from her seat and made her way to the fridge to retrieve a bottle of water, which she then handed to Lacey.

  “Thank you, I don’t know why I’m so nervous.” Lacey opened the bottle and took a long sip.

  “Nonsense, there is nothing to be nervous about, you’re safe here Lacey.” Gen saw Harry reach out and reassuringly pat Lacey’s arm.

  “Thank you,” Lacey replied. “Sorry, I’m just so easily rattled these days. Lately, everything throws me off. Sebastian was always so good at getting me refocused after a difficult encounter with Hell.” Tears welled up in Lacey’s eyes.

  “What happened to Sebastian, Lacey?” Gen asked.

  “A demon killed him, and I was there but could do nothing about it.” Gen froze.

  “Lacey, I’m so sorry for your loss, our loss really. Sebastian was a peaceful soul, with such a calming presence. He will be missed.”

  Gen let the pause in the room expand a bit before she commented on the obvious.

  “Lacey, blaming Hell for the murder of an upper-level Historian is a serious accusation,” Gen told her. “Are you sure?”

  “Let me tell you what happened and then you tell me if it was murder or not.” Lacey sat back preparing to launch into her story.

  “Stop, not another word, my siblings will need to hear this too.” Gen looked over at Harry. “I don’t want Lacey to have to re-tell this story more than she has to and I know there will be questions.

  If Lacey’s story is true, and this Sebastian was murdered by something in Hell, then we may end up going to war over it. Gen’s mind raced through the possibilities.

  “We need Michael, and if I know my older brother, he’ll be keeping a close eye on Kelly today. He’s been watching over her since the fire, and I know exactly where Kelly is. We need to go and find them.” Gen’s voice betrayed a bit of urgency, using her powers she took the three of them from the house.

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  “Oh my God, I’m in love with these shoes!” Kelly exclaimed as she looked down at the bright red strappy sandals, turning to appreciate them in the shop’s mirror. The small boutique didn’t have a large selection of shoes, but all of them were high end and fashion forward.

  “They look spectacular on you, Miss O’Mara, you must buy them.” Violet, the owner of the shop called V’s, was quick to agree with Kelly before turning away to continue pulling out the rest of the shoes Kelly had requested to try on.

  Kelly sat down and pulled the shoes off her feet to take a closer look at them. She turned the shoes over and pulled at the straps a bit. Then her eye caught the price on the box.

  Of course, they’re like a million dollars. Danny will absolutely kill me if I buy these, but how could I not?

  She dropped them back into the box and begrudgingly moved on to the next selection. The next pair of sandals were sleeker with more of a stiletto heel. She walked around in them, but they felt too dressy for what she was looking for. She removed them and pulled a pair of black wedge sandals that were cute and practical, but not as exciting.

  “Here are the last two you wanted to try on. Should I take any to the register for you?” Violet asked.

  “Not yet, I still don’t know which way I’m going, but one of these is coming home with me today,” Kelly replied.

  “Not a problem, I’ll be at the front if you need anything else.” Violet made her way back to the front counter while Kelly slipped on a pair of navy blue open-toe sandals. She was staring down at her feet when she felt Harry, his aura was like a wave of tranquility rushing over her.

  Really, I’m therapy shopping for goodness sake. This couldn’t wait? Not that I don’t miss you, Harry, but you could have had better timing, Kelly silently griped about the intrusion just as she heard the bell on the shop door ding. Turning to greet him she widened her smile and attempted to look thrilled to see him.

  “Harry, where have you been, we’ve missed you!” Kelly declared.

  “Really, is that why you had to build yourself up for that greeting, because you were so happy to see me?” Harry was smiling, but the empathy in his eyes spoke volumes.

  “Oh Harry, it’s not that I don’t love you, and I have missed you, but today, really? Of all days you come and find me today? I was out for the day trying to forget about these last few months, it’s been an absolute drain. I’m exhausted and just wanted a day to myself.” Kelly sighed as she sat back down on the long-cushioned bench and removed the sandals she was about to parade around in.

  “I can’t wait to hear all about these past few months, but we have other things to get to today. It’s not like I get to decide when things escalate and when they don’t. Believe me, I wish I could.” Harry sat down next to her.

  “I know, I was just hoping a little shopping would clear my head and help me deal with things, work through it all, you know, prepare me for what might be coming.” Kelly looked at Harry, he seemed concerned, but she sensed he wasn’t there about the past.

  “You’re going to be alright, you always are. These things ebb and flow just like an old river, sometimes it’s calm, but every so often, it’s wild and overwhelmingly powerful. In the end, you O’Mara’s make it, not because of what you are, but who you are; you’re a family. That’s all you’ll ever need when things are tough, not this silly shopping thing.” Harry waved his hands out in front of him with his reply.

  “You always know just what to say Harry.” Kelly smiled genuinely and reached over to hug him briefly.

  “Yes, well I�
�m awesome like that. Now why don’t you meet us outside, but not before you buy the red sandals. Those looked the best, it’s the color of your soul after all.” Harry put his arm around Kelly’s shoulders and gently lifted her to her feet.

  “How do you know about the red shoes, that was many pairs ago?” Kelly was staring at him in shocked surprise.

  Harry turned and walked toward the exit, he laughed as he neared the door. “I know you, now get moving, I’ll see you out there.”

  Kelly picked up the boxes of shoes and made her way to the counter. She separated two away from the rest and handed the black wedges and red sandals to Violet who was patiently waiting at the register for her.

  “I’m so excited you’re going with these, they really did look gorgeous on you. Let me just move these others out of the way first,” Violet said.

  The store owner made her way over to the back wall to leave the shoes by the stock room entrance while Kelly dug through her oversized purse for her wallet. The sound of a credit card slapping down against the countertop next to her made her stiffen in surprise.

  “You felt Harry come in, but not me? You’re slipping, I need you re-focused, we all do. You need to put this behind you Kelly, you’re going to be fine, we all are.” Michael said the words but never looked in her direction.

  Stop telling me I’m going to be fine! I hate that word, FINE. What does that even mean? I’m definitely not fine with you stalking me, that’s for sure. I must be losing my mind. What if I am, and no one is noticing? Kelly’s frustration bellowed internally.

  “Oh hello, I didn’t even hear the bell above the door this time,” Violet said as she looked over at Michael.

  So out of practice with the human world Michael simply nodded in reply.

  “Violet, this is my oldest brother Michael,” Kelly remarked. “He’s pretty stealth, but I am assuming he came in as my uncle was leaving.”

  “Yes, I can see the resemblance to one another. It’s quiet striking actually.” Violet appeared to be studying them as they stood side by side. “You have a big family, right?” she asked Kelly.