Succubus Revealed Chapter 12

My brief conversation with Kayla torment me for the lie of the evening as I corralled kids at the mall. I couldnt energise the image of her eyes as she told me virtually the Darkness. It was one of those successions I two blessed and cursed her psychic abilities. If she hadnt had them at all, I neer wouldve cognise ab add together on(prenominal) topic was amiss in the Mortensen household. only if with her imprecise earning of her powers, I was left with too m both(prenominal) questions some what she efficiency micturate perceived. Erik wouldve k immediatelyn instantly. t here(predicate) was an separate amour for me to worry ab disclose.Erik. Murdered because of me.And if we were operating on the assumption that booby hatch had directly acted against him, then what was I supposed to approximate ab break Kayla? In the past, some(prenominal) unusual elfin activity in the ara had been the result of rogue forces outside of the Heaven and hell on earth system. by and by all, Heaven and Hell had certain rules they were supposed to follow. Milton was proof, how ever, that Hell wasnt above respite those. So was it possible someone from my own side had been call gameing Andrea Mortensen coincidentally during the cadences her condition worsenedned? And if so, wherefore?That, as roman allowters had pointed out, was a question with an answer that would crack all of this commodious open.My only recrudesce in ruminating on immortal affairs came when I tried to draw Walter into doing a house call to the Mortensens. Two mothers had gotten in a exhort in line, so we were all on an impromptu break epoch mall security sorted matters out.Santa doesnt do house calls, Walter told me.Last time I checked, thats exactly what Santa does, I countered. Every Christmas Eve.Santa orduret vindicatory be employ out for entertainment. Children must either wait until Christmas morning or puzzle vi place the retail wonderland Santas inspectbo is in . Those are the rules.Of course you lowlife be hired out, I give tongue to. Its why youre flowing here to begin with keep an eye on on, Ill pay you. Ill buy you a drink. Both, if you want. These are little girls who subscribe to to influence Santa. Their mother has earth-closetcer, for Gods sake. How stomach you not be moved by that?He peered at me through his spectacles. Im very sorry for their plight, exactly I cant do it. Taking on this role is a commitment for the holi solar day season, a vow to stay true to the spirit of Santa. If Im outside this mall small-arm compete this role, and bobtail is here playing the resembling role, then what does that theorize to the children?I stared at him incredulously. Well, unless these children are capable of breaking the rules of time and space, no(prenominal) of them would retire theres a Santa here, in Lake Forest Park, or in any of the other thousands of malls in this country.I would recognise. I cant be Santa while Bob is playing Santa. It would break our sacred pact. Sacred pact? Its sound a job I was seriously considering breaking the drinking rule. If I got him in love enough, surely hed agree to what I cherished.Not to us, it isnt, he told me solemnly. Security consummate up their intervention, and the line began moving again, bringing the discussion to a encumbrance before I could point out that run short Id checked, liters of whiskey werent plane section of the spirit of Santa either.I might as well throw been ill-natured for the rest of my shift. I appreciated Walters dedication to the role, merely honestly, it was phase of move absurdity.I stayed at Seths place that night, in spite of my rather plans to dialogue to roman about what Kayla had told me. tho when I called Seth on my course home, there was just some topic so sad and strained in his example that I knew it was more than important to be with him. Andreas worsening condition had kick him hard. He and I spent the night chastely, alone there was a desperation in the mood he held me, a sense that I was all that was belongings him firing in this madness.Oh, Thetis, he whispered, kissing my type breast as we snuggled in whap. What am I going to do without you?Dont worry about it, I tell automatically. Im still here for a while.I know, he verbalise. only if then . . .Silence. My heart lurched.I know, I said at last. I know you cant leave them. Its okay.At least(prenominal) until she limits better. . . .His words faltered for a scrap. I could guess his emotions because I shared them. We were both worried about that looming, unspoken fear. That maybe Andrea wouldnt nominate better. And the really, really howling(a) thing was that if she didnt, then eventually, Seth might be able to postdate to me in Las Vegas. But how could I live with myself knowing what the price of my blessedness was?He finally managed to find his words again. I realise why you get so frustrated with the unive rse, he said. Ive never valued anything so lots as Ive wanted to be with you. I finally got you . . . and now this happens. People sing about throwing everything away for love, but reality doesnt proceeding out that way. And honestly, if I was the kind of guy who could ignore his family for his own self- inviteking wants . . . well, then, I dont depend Id be worthy of you. So here we are.Its okay, I repeated, forcing more bravery than I felt. Well be fine. They need you. Do what you keep back to do.Georgina.Seth. I brushed my lips against his. This is more important right now.Than us? he gestateed.It took me a want time to answer. But I did.Yes.The next day I had an early shift at the mall, working with Bob. I essay the aforesaid(prenominal) bargain I had with Walter, in the go fors of arranging a visit to the Mortensen girls, only to be met with the same reception. Id kind of hoped that since Bob wasnt a glaring alcoholic, hed be more reasonable. No such luck. He was full of the same nonsense about the magic and integrity of the Santa role.Fortunately, things im elevated when I strand roman letters at home later onward. We had bowling practice that night, but Id wanted to talk to him in private. My other immortal friends could be coaxed on calling card with a lot, but as Hells hand became more obvious in all of this, I was hesitant to get them winding. romish didnt demo the same repercussions, and I didnt mind exposing myself to the wrath of my employers. I was less excited about subjecting my immortal friends to that same wrath on my behalf.Did she say anything else about this Darkness? Roman wanted to know, once Id recapped everything for him. Greater immortal, lesser immortal, outside deity?She doesnt understand what any of that is, I said. Shes only four. Five now, I guess.She needs to understand it, he said darkly. You should train her up.With everything else going on in her smell? I figure thats the last thing she needs.Not if som e supernatural creature is making her mamma sick Roman perched on the edge of the couch, his sea green eyes both thoughtful and angry. And lets face it, Georgina. If something is, I really cant imagine its because the powers that be have singled out that family by random. If somethings targeting Andrea Mortensen, its because of her corporation to you.I felt ill. More consequences, laid at my feet.So Andrea suffers because of me, I said, sinking into a chair. Wonderful.Its Hell, said Roman. What do you expect? If they want O.K. at you for something, then theyre going to find creative slipway to do it.Seems uniform there are more direct ways to capture me pay, I noted. Especially see as they own the contract on my soul. Were assuming a lot that this is Hell.Roman shrugged. Not really. We already know theyre interfering with your life. And healing and injuring are specific powers given to nonpareils and demons.Do you esteem Carter could secern what visited her? I asked. If he breasted at Andrea?I think he could. Roman considered for a few moments. The question is if he would get involved with it at all. You know how he is. Heaven, at least, bring ons a pretense of playing by the rules.I nodded slowly, remembering my last conversation and how reluctant Carter had been to intervene. True, I murmured.Well, said Roman, straightening. You can ask him right now.Huh? How?Hes coming to practice. I everyplaceheard him and Jerome public lecture about it yesterday.Apparently, Seth wasnt the only one with a perverse cheer in watching Jeromes misfits bowl for his honor. I stood up as well. because lets go. Ill drive.As we inquiryed downstairs, I gave Roman a sidelong look. get down you ever wondered how youd look in a w tripe beard and Santa hat?Roman returned my look warily. No, I have not.I quickly excuseed how the Mortensen girls hadnt seen Santa yet this year. He was already shaking his head before I finished the story. be intimate on, Roman. They need to see Santa. And I know you dont have any of those hang-ups worry Walter does about multiple Santas existing together.Nope, agreed Roman. My hang-up is about preserving my dignity, no matter how intimately the cause. Besides, I dont feel that guilty. If you really wanted them to see Santa, you could shape-shift and put us all to shame.I scowled. It was annoying because it was true.Roman and I were the last to arrive at the bowling alley, a great deal to my dismay. Id hoped to speak with Carter privately, but he and Jerome were already deep in conversation (and in their cups). The rest of the Unholy Rollers were waiting anxiously for their leader and gave me no end of ruefulness for not travailing my shirt.I forgot, I said. Its no big deal. Ill take in it for the real game.Peter sighed. But it helps build team solidarity now. And that sense of soldering and closeness impart make us better.Actually, said Jerome, hitting more pins would make you better.Look, I told Peter. If I have to use the bathroom at some point, Ill shape-shift the shirt on.Its not the same, he grumbled.Fortunately, Jeromes impatience allowed little time for further debate on the matter. He hadnt seen how our last practice had stop and was anxious to know if wed improved. We had, to be fair, but I think Jerome was expecting us to all be throwing strikes every time. When it was clear that wasnt the case, he grew impatient and angry.How can you do that? he demanded, after Cody made an impressive 9-1 spare. Why cant you just hit them all the first time? He glared at Roman. Do something.Roman eyed his take irritably, not liking his teaching skills questioned, oddly since Cody was the best of us. Why dont you? Why dont you give it a shot, Pop? Jerome had been up pacing by the lane but wouldnt deign to actually pay heed a ball himself.Because its not my job, Jerome retorted.Roman rolled his eyes. Then let me do mine.While they bickered, I leaned oer to Carter. I need to talk to you. In private. cease you stick around after this?Carter had been watching the father?Cson exchange, but his eyes flicked briefly toward me when I spoke. He gave a small, precisely perceptible nod. And when Jerome returned to his seat a few moments later, state he wanted to leave and drink mop up his annoyance at the Cellar, Carter declined the offer.Nah, he said lazily, stretching. I think Ill see how this pans out. on that points no way Peter can keep throwing splits want that every time. It defies all the rules of physics.Peter looked torn on whether he should be flattered or not by that.Fine, said Jerome. If youve got any miracles you can work to help them, nows the time to cash them in.Noted, said Carter, gesticulate as Jerome left.My lesser immortal friends were agitated by our bosss disapproval, so I focused on the game and didnt bring anything up with Carter until we finished our practice. Jerome could ping all he wanted, but Roman really was a good teacher. I think our gre atest triumph was when Peter went four frames in a row without a split, thus returning the laws of physics back to their rightful state. True, he didnt get any strikes or spares either, but by that point, we were all so exhausted that we were willinging to take what victories we could.Roman, Carter, and I let the others leave ahead of us once Id promised I would definitely wear my team shirt next time, of course. As in brief as we had sexual congress privacy, I explained my problem to Carter. His face grew graver and graver as he listened.Daughter of Lilith, he said when I was done, you know I cant interfere.Im not asking you to, I said. Not exactly. I just want to know if you could tell if someone manage a demon had made Andrea Mortensen sick.Carters gray-haired eyes were unreadable. Yes. I can tell.Will you go see her with me and tell me what you sense? Thats it. Im not asking you to break any rules. Well, I didnt think I was. Honestly, I didnt understand half of these rul es he was incessantly talking about. I just need the information.Okay, he said, after what felt like forever. Ill go with you. Giving you that information doesnt violate anything.I dont suppose, said Roman, that apprisal us why Hell would do this wouldnt violate anything either?I answered before Carter could. We already know. To get to me. Ive pissed somebody off, and theyre going to make me suffer by making those I love suffer.Yeah, but why Andrea? asked Roman. I mean, no offense, but there are other ways to agony you more. Why not make Seth suffer?I couldnt help but scoff. Well. With this transfer, I kind of feel like he already I came to a screeching halt, once I recognize what Id been about to say. Roman was sitting opposite me in one of the emaciated leather chairs, and from the ra urge on look in his eyes, I thought he was going to reach over and shake me.What? he demanded. What did you just think of?Andreas sickness is terrible, I said slowly. A horrible, unfair thing that could hurt her whole family. But theres something else. As long as shes sick, as long as the whole family needs help . . . Seth has to stay with them. He cant go to Las Vegas with me.And there it is, said Roman, wonder lighting his eyes. Thats what this transfer is about. To get you out of Seattle, away from Seth, and to make sure he cant follow. flattually . . . My stay was twisting again, just like it always did when I thought of mess being affected because of me. Eventually hed be able to. Andrea will either get better, or . . . or she wont.Yes, but how long? demanded Roman. How long will that take? Long enough for you to fall even more in love with your picture-perfect scenario the one that they handcrafted for you? Long enough for you to move on with some other artsy introverted mortal? By the time hes free, it wont matter.I was perfect(a) off at Roman but not really eyesight him. Jerome had always been annoyed at my relationship with Seth, chastising me for being to o given to a mortal and letting it affect my job. Carter himself had said I was doing something that Hell didnt like. Was it possible this was it? That all of these forces were moving to keep Seth and me apart?If Hell wants me away from Seth, then why not just forbid it? I asked. Jeromes given me a hard time before. Or why not just push down me somewhere . . . anywhere . . . that isnt here? Why should they handle that its a place Ill fall in love with?So that youll blank out him, said Roman. So that you wont look back. If they ordered you apart, a teenage prohibit romance complex would kick in like that. He snapped his fingers. Youd never stop pining for him. But this . . . this is more subtle. And effective.It is, I agreed, still reeling. Even after all of Jeromes criticism, I never thought . . . I never thought Hell would be this upset over me being with a human.Roman had no answer for me but lifted his eyes to Carter. Youre being awfully quiet.Carter shrugged, face neutral. You two have plenty to say. No need for me to chime in.Are we right? I asked the angel.Of course we are, said Roman. Youve always known Hell thought you were too distracted by Seth. This explains everything.Doesnt explain Erik, I said.Are you sure you have nix to add? asked Roman, gaze still on Carter.I think we should get to the Mortensens before it gets some(prenominal) later, said Carter mildly. Im sure those girls have respectable bedtimes.I stood up, knowing wed get nothing else from him. I have to drop Roman off at home first. Then we can go over there.How are you going to get me in to see her? asked Carter. Itll be a little uncanny bringing in a stranger to a sick womans bedroom. Do you want me to go invisibly?Id been about to suggest that very thing when a new idea struck me. I gave Carter a once-over. Have you ever wanted to put on a Santa suit? I have always wanted to do that, said Carter gravely.Roman groaned. once I explained the situation to Carter, however, he was t otally on board. In fact, he told me not to worry about the costume arrangements and promised to light upon me at terrycloths in an hour, once Id had a chance to drop Roman off. As soon as we were in the privacy of the parking lot, Carter vanished into thin air.I hope he doesnt get an outfit from wherever it is he normally does his shopping, I mused to Roman as we drove. We dont want a hobo Santa. Although, if Ians there, hed probably love and say we were breaking out of the mainstreams iron grip.Goddamned hipsters, said Roman. He leaned his head against the cars window. Youre rolling the dice a little with Carter, but something tells me he wont mess this up, not for a bunch of girls with a sick mother. Hes an angel, after all. Hes got to earn his keep somehow.And thank goodness he doesnt have any hang-ups about Santa being at more than one place at the same time, I joked. No space?Ctime contradictions there.Roman jerked up so fast, I nearly slammed on the brakes, thinking I was about to hit something. Half a second later, I realized whatever had shock him was in his own head.Oh God, he said.What? I asked, acting like him earlier. What did you just think of?I think . . . I think Ive figured this out. thither was fear in his junction.What? This mystery weve been beating our heads against? We already figured it out.Roman shook his head, wide-eyed. No . . . oh, Jesus. Georgina, if Im right . . . how do I even prove if I am? He leaned back in dismay. How do I get proof?Tell me what youre thinking, I demanded.No. Not yet. conscionable drop me off, and well talk when youre done. I have to figure this out. in that location wasnt much that was more infuriating than that. I hated having the lure of a inexplicable being dangled before me. I hated the Ill tell you later stance. But no matter how much I badgered him, he refused to say any more. With Carter on his way to Terrys, I couldnt linger long over Roman. I had to get to Lake Forest Park first. With much gru mbling, I left Roman to his machinations, after first warning him that hed better be ready to swash when I got home later.When I arrived at the Mortensens soon thereafter, I was sticking out(p) to see that Seth was around and that all the girls were still awake. Recalling Carters joke, Id worried on my drive over that it might be past the littler ones bedtime. almost of them were in their pajamas, but it was clear from their excited reaction to me that sleep was the last thing from their mind. Returning their hugs, I couldnt help but imagine their response when the real act showed up.Only Brandy stayed on the couch when the others hugged me. She still grind and nodded in greeting, but there was a haunted, hollow look that hadnt been there yesterday during our outing. My heart ached for her. After letting her have her night out, they must have told her the truth today about her mom. I sat down on the other end of the couch.Did you have fun last night?Yeah, she said. It was okay.D o you want to see the pictures? asked Kendall excitedly. She nudged Brandy. Show herSmiling at her sisters enthusiasm, Brandy produced her cell name and gave it to me to scroll through. It was filled with the kinds of pictures girls her age like to take, group shots of her and her friends crowded in, some with silly faces. I was pleased to see that it looked like any other school dance. I hadnt been sure what to expect from a church. The shots of her in situation were stunning. Margaret had done a good job with the French twist. oneness picture showed Brandy grinning next to a cute boy with sandy redheaded hair. He looked like a smart surfer. I glanced over at her and raised a questioning eyebrow. She nodded.Nice, I said.A knock at the entry brought everyones excited chatter to a halt. Terry looked up in surprise from where hed been leafing through a picture book with McKenna. Who on earth is that? He glanced around the room, as though doing a head count to make sure anyone who might possibly stop by was already here. I suppose with that many daughters, there was always the insecurity of losing track of one. Ian, Margaret, Seth, and I were also accounted for. There werent too many others who would drop in unannounced.I dont know, I said cheerfully. Seth, why dont you answer the introduction and see?Seth immediately picked up on the tone in my voice. He shot me a questioning look but walked over to the door anyway. He turned the knob and leaped back in bewilderment when Carter burst in through the door.Well, I was taking it on assent that it was Carter, based on our earlier conversation. Because really, the man who entered the living room looked nothing like the disreputable angel I knew. In fact, he didnt look like any of the Santas I knew. He looked better. There was magic in the way he moved his round frame. His red suit seemed to shimmer, and his rosy cheeks looked like hed just come in from the North Pole, not a aristocratical Seattle winter.He h ad out-Santaed Santa.Ho ho ho he bellowed, in a voice that filled the entire house. Merry ChristmasDead silence and wide eyes met him for a few moments. Then Kendall and the twins began squealing in delight as they ran over to him. Santa SantaWhat are you doing here? demanded Kendall. You arent contractually cause to come here until Christmas Eve.True, he said in a go voice that I still couldnt believe was Carters. But I have to find out what you want for Christmas, dont I?This was met with more oohs and ahhs, and the twins urged him to sit down on the couch. Brandy scrambled out of the way, and Kendall immediately took her turn first, claiming Santas lap.Margaret and Terry looked like they were going to burst into tears. Ian looked dumbfounded. Seth caught my arm and pulled me to the side.Is that one of the guys you work with? he whispered.I grinned. In a manner of speaking. Its Carter.Seth did a double take, wearing the amazement Id felt earlier. Really? But how . . . I mean . . . even his body . . .Mysterious ways, I replied.Kendall was rattling off a list of board games and economics books. Nearby, the twins stood quivering with excitement, yearning for their turn but too well bred to show bad tact in front of Santa. After a few subscriptions to prominent demarcation magazines and newspapers, Terry gently cut Kendall off and suggested she let her sisters take a turn. Kendall agreed eagerly, but not before throwing her arms around Carter and thanking him.Okay, said Seth, drawing me near. This was kind of amazing. Not that I should be surprised by anything you do anymore. He kissed my forehead. We definitely have to make the most out of your last month. If were going to be apart for a long time, then we have to find a way to work around my agenda here.I started to protest and tell him not to change his plans with the family because of me but stayed dumb instead. Some desperate part of me wondered, what did any of it matter? If Hell wanted us apart, the n we couldnt stand against that. A long time would receive never. Maybe I really should be trying harder to maximize these last precious days. And yet if I did . . . would that make Hell work harder against us?Glancing up, I saw Morgan had now replaced McKenna on Carters lap. They were having a discussion on the virtues of two different kinds of pony action figures. Morgan wasnt sure what kind she wanted.Princess Ponies come in more colors, she told him seriously.True, he said. But some of the Power optical prism Ponies are unicorns. And you can do more stuff with their hair.Across the room, I saw Kayla curled up in a chair, watching Carter raptly but making no moves to talk to him. Slipping away from Seth, I walked over and knelt beside her.Are you going to tell Santa what you want? I asked in a very soft voice.It took Kayla several moments to tear her gaze from him. Hes not Santa, she said. I was grateful she spoke as restfully as me. No one else heard.Of course he is, I said. W ho else would he be?Hes not Santa. She smiled and analyze him again. Hes beautiful. Hes more beautiful than anything.No human could see an angel in his or her true form, unless the angel revealed it. Even then, a human would be destroyed by it. No, Kayla wasnt seeing Carters true form, not exactly, but she was seeing something. Some piece of his true nature. I felt a moment of envy, wondering what it was she saw, what her senses allowed her that mine didnt. Whatever it was, Id never know, but the enchanted look on her face made it clear it was wonderful.Beautiful, she repeated. She looked back at me. Can he stop the Darkness?Hell try, I said. Not the entire truth, but it would have to suffice. Can you pretend hes Santa? Tell him what you want for Christmas?She nodded solemnly, just as Morgan finished and Carter beckoned toward us. I walked Kayla over. I helped her onto his lap, and he glanced up at me with glow gray eyes. Those, if nothing else, were definitely Carters. I stepped b ack and let them talk. Kayla go along staring adoringly at him, but no one demur me knew what truly captivated her. She looked like any other child starstruck by Santa as she related her list, making no mention of his beauty or supernatural creatures prowling through her home at night.Leaving them to it, I quietly went upstairs and peered in Andreas room. She was awake, reading a book. Dark circles hung under her eyes, and her face looked gaunter than last time. She nonetheless gave me a cheery smile.Georgina, she said. I shouldve known you were the obtain of all that commotion.I laughed. Not all of that. A friend of mine is here, playing Santa for the girls. Hes taking their Christmas orders right now.Her expression softened, resembling the near tears Id seen on the others faces. Thats very sweet of him. And of you.Would you like to represent him before he leaves? I asked.Andrea grimaced and absentmindedly patted her hair. Yes, in theory . . . but Lord. I look terrible. suppose me, I said. He doesnt care.When I went back downstairs, Kayla had finished, and Carter was trying to get a list out of Brandy who told him point-blank there was no way she was acquiring on his lap.I think you have plenty to work on with their orders, she told him good-naturedly.And theres nothing you want? he asked in his best echoing Santa voice. vigour you can give, Im afraid, she said. Her smile faltered. But thanks.Carter peered at her with that piercing look he sometimes used on me, the one that seemed to look right within me. No, he agreed. Youre right. But I can give you all my prayers. And my hopes for the best.Brandy stared at him, caught up in that gaze, and simply nodded. I dont think she knew what a regent(postnominal) thing it was, for an angel to offer all of his prayers, but she most sure as shooting sensed the sincerity and intention in his words. Thanks, she repeated.I caught hold of Carters arm. Their mom wants to meet you, Santa.He stood up and followed me to the stairs. We passed Ian along the way, who watched us condescendingly. Arent you going to ask what I want?Carter paused and looked him over from head to toe. Sorry. My workshop doesnt do mothy chic. Carter continued following me, despite Ians protest that his style was vintage and that flash chic is for wannabes.If Andrea felt insecure at the thought of meeting a stranger, she did a good job of hiding it. Indeed, when Carter walked into her bedroom, a little awe passed over her face, reminding me of Kayla. Andrea couldnt see what her daughter had, but I think she sensed some of Carters grace. He came to a halt at the foot of her bed and took of his red hat in a genteel style, revealing rows of pureness curls.This is my friend Carter, I said, after first making sure no one small had followed us.Mrs. Mortensen, he said, dropping the showmanship. Its very nice to meet you.She smiled, and the joy in it made her beautiful, despite her weary state. Nice to meet you too. Thank you for coming over and seeing the girls.Their exchange was brief. He said something nice or funny about each girl, making Andreas smile grow and grow. She in turn couldnt stop thanking him. When the pleasantries were finally done, I bid her farewell and stepped outside the room with Carter. I closed the door and was about to head downstairs when he caught my hand.Did you see what you needed to? I asked quietly.He nodded, face grave, looking more like Carter than ever. You were right. Her condition was made worse by a demon.Can you tell which demon? I asked. I knew Jerome didnt have my best interests at heart, but it was a hard thing to think of him purposely harming those I cared about.No, said Carter. But it probably wasnt Jerome. Its the kind of dirty work a minor demon would do. I can also tell you that her illness, originally, was natural. Nothing gave this to her.They just made her relapse when she was starting line to get better. To get to me. To keep Seth busy.Carter nodded.Okay. Thank you for coming here tonight. I appreciate it. I started to turn, and he again stopped me.Georgina . . . There was an odd, troubled note in his voice, one I didnt usually agree with confident, laconic Carter. Georgina, Ive told you over and over that there are rules about what I can and cant do, how much I can be involved. As a general rule, Im really not supposed to do too much active interference in mortal lives.I understand, I said.But what happened to her . . . He frowned slightly. That was another breaking of the rules, something that shouldnt have happened. And in this situation, two wrongs can make a right.I stared up at him in amazement. What are you saying?Im saying that I can heal her. I cant all told eradicate the cancer, but I can take it back to the take it was at before she was harmed this week. I can undo what they did to her and clean the slate.My yap away wanted to drop. That . . . that would be amazing Carter still looked sad, and I couldnt figure out wh y. Did he feel like he was violating a rule, even if he was righting a wrong? Whats the matter?He sighed. What you and Roman said earlier . . . about Hell wanting to keep you and Seth apart? close how her condition keeps him here? Well . . . its possible, this is exactly what they want. She got better, then they made her worse again. Then, if she gets better on her own or because of me then everyone gets hopeful again, until they come back and make her worse. Im not saying they will come back. But that they could. A limbo state like this ensures Seth stays around. If I heal her now and I will if you want I might be perpetuating that.There were two key things I pulled out of that. One was a very, very subtle acknowledgment that Roman and I were right. Oh, Carter wasnt saying for sure that Hell was after Seth and me, but he for sure wasnt denying it either. It was all part of that careful angel way of his. The other thing the most startling one was the implication that thwarti ng Hell meant keeping Andrea out of the limbo they wanted her in. Seth would always be secure to his family if she moved in and out of health. If she completely recovered, he would be free. And if she died . . .No, I said. It doesnt matter. Heal her. I dont care if he stays here forever, so long as it keeps her alive.Carter nodded, and something shone in his eyes, something a little like presumption . . . and sadness. I thought youd say that.He knocked gently on Andreas door before stepping back inside. Sorry to bother you, he said. But I forgot to ask what you wanted for Christmas.Andrea laughed, eventually degenerating into coughing. Reaching for a glass of piss beside her bed, she finally recovered herself. Thats nice of you, but Im too old.Never, said Carter. There must be something.Andrea was still smiling, but it grew a little wistful. There is something, she said. I wondered if shed ask to be cured, which was obviously what Brandy had wanted as well. I want . . . I want my girls to be happy. No matter what happens to me, I want them looked after and cared for.Carter-as-Santa studied her with that soul-searching gaze, and it was as though something passed amid them, something I wasnt part of. At long last, he said, I swear, it will be so.He walked over to her bedside and extended his hand to her. A mantle ran down my spine as he did. I swear. Those werent words an angel could say lightly. Id thought what hed said earlier to Brandy was powerful, but it was nothing compared to this. Tentatively, Andrea took Carters hand. I saw nothing blatant, no blinding flash of light or anything like that. I didnt even feel anything with my immortal senses. But Andreas face transformed, growing radiant and dreamy, as though she were seeing and hearing the most beautiful things in the world. When Carter released her hand, she smiled at him and closed her eyes, drifting into sleep.You healed her? I asked, deciding not to mention the promise.Yes, he said. She wont rem ember much of my visit. in all likelihood just as My cell phone rang, and I hurried out of the room to answer it before Andrea woke up. It was Roman.Hey, I said.Hey, are you still with the Mortensens?Yeah, why?Because I think Ive figured out how to prove my theory, he said, voice stern and strained.I still dont even know what your theory is, I said.You will soon enough. Ask Seth how he feels about hypnosis.