Nyla Cruz, one of the most notorious Deviants! She’d been at the top of their wanted list for years. She and her husband were responsible for setting up multiple underground churches and deceiving many into committing treason against the New World Union. They were a festering cancer that must be eliminated, yet, for some reason, they always seemed to evade capture. And now, it was rumored they ran a hideout of Deviants somewhere in the Appalachian forests. “Yes, of course. I can see why you are so determined, sergeant.”
“I will catch her one day, you can bet on that, sir. But for now, I will find Miss Griffin and discover who helped her escape.”
Thomas gave a flat smile. “Of course. Let me know if I can be of any assistance.”
“I’ve given Cruz complete authority here,” Landry said. “Especially when you and I are absent, as we may well be. I expect us to be called overseas soon.”
Thomas nodded, his usual excitement at being a part of such important global meetings squelched by the visitor hiding in his home. If he left town, she would most certainly leave. Who was he kidding? She might already be gone. Though her promise used to mean something, she might have taken the opportunity to flee for her life. Who wouldn’t? The thought pierced him like a knife.
“I do hope you find whoever it was who helped the prisoner escape, sergeant.” Thomas said. “Though it seems they covered their tracks pretty well.”
“Don’t worry, sir,” Cruz lifted his chin slightly. “Everyone makes mistakes. Even the smartest and most cunning.”
???
Tori never tired of the beauty of God’s creation. Even after all the disasters—the meteors, asteroids, tsunamis, quakes, plagues, and volcanoes—had destroyed much of the land and sea, even after the NWU had manipulated weather patterns and most of the old farmland barely produced any crops, even after fires had destroyed parks and forests, and the skies remained a gloomy gray, even so, the original beauty of the planet couldn’t help but shine through in rare moments. Moments like this morning when Tori rose, found paper and pencil, and headed out to the beach.
Lord, you are incredible. Even in the midst of the Tribulation, you display your beauty, delighting those of us who still notice. I praise You!
Digging her feet into the cool sand, she continued drawing while she prayed, thanking God for her rescue, for Thomas, for allowing her to stay to help save more souls, and praying for His strength and mercy.
A warm breeze eased over her as if God Himself were caressing her face. “Are you pleased with me, Lord?” she whispered into the wind, longing to hear an answer, longing to see a vision of the Lord Himself walking to her over the incoming waves. Rays from a golden sun scattered glitter upon foamy ripples as they lapped ashore. Birds with long skinny legs hopped about in the pools of water, no doubt seeking crabs or tiny sea creatures to eat. If there were any left. Much of the wildlife had died already. But she didn’t want to think about that. She wanted to enjoy the gorgeous scenery and sing praises to her Father.
“I wish you’d appear to me, Lord, or maybe allow me to see one of your angels?” The ones she felt so strongly wherever she went. The ones people like Nyla saw so often. Tori glanced right, then left down the coast, still surprised no one else was enjoying the beach. But then again, these were private beaches belonging to the rich who could afford mansions like Thomas’.
No angels appeared. No visions of glory or heaven to keep her going, give her hope. Nothing. She sighed. She didn’t deserve it anyway, not after the life she’d led. No, it seemed the only beings she ever saw were demons, and to be honest, she’d seen enough of those vile creatures to last a lifetime.
A bird squawked overhead as the first drip of perspiration slid down her back. She hurried to finish her drawing before the heat became oppressive. The Lord might not have given her the ability to see angels, but He had given her a prophetic gift, which she had used to help many people see the light.
“Thank you, Lord.” She finished her drawing and set it aside, then leaned back on her arms and raised her face to the sun. “You have given me all I need to do Your work. Please help me to complete my job in these hardest of all last days. Give me a chance to make up for what I’ve done.”
Instead of receiving an answer, a gust of hot wind struck her, firing sand into her face and sending her drawing teetering in the air. Leaping to her feet, she scrambled to get it just in time, then plopped back down into the sand and laughed. Placing the paper beneath a crusty shell, she laughed some more, unsure what was so funny. Certainly nothing in the world, nor anything in her life, but it felt good, and she fell back to lie in the sand. An odd thought flitted through her mind, and she swung out both arms and legs. A sand angel.See, Lord, I can see angels!
???
Thomas's heart shriveled as he walked through his house, calling Tori’s name. She must have left, as he suspected, broken her promise like every other person he’d ever trusted. He couldn’t really blame her, but somehow, he’d hoped…. hoped she would be different. He cursed. Hope was for fools. After pouring a shot of whiskey, he headed out to the pool, noticed the back gate open, and went to shut it when…
The most astounding, beautiful, yetoddvision appeared on the beach before him. Tori, lying on the sand, laughing and making a snow…no, a sand angel. Leaning against the gate, he stared at the spectacle, wondering if he was seeing things. Had she gotten into his alcohol? There was no other explanation.
But who cared?She was still here!
The leap of his heart nearly matched the confusion storming through his brain. Shewashere, but clearly the stress had driven her mad. Yet he found himself smiling, unable to tear his gaze away, unable to stay away at all.
Slowly, he made his way toward her, grumbling at the sand creeping into his Bontoni Italian shoes. He halted beside her, blocking the sun. “You’re getting sand in your hair,” was all he could think to say.
She stopped, opened one eye and squinted at him. “Join me. It’s fun! And from the looks of you, you could use a little fun.”
“I have plenty of fun,” he returned sharply, thinking of all the parties he’d attended, all the drugs, alcohol, and women he’d had. Then why did this simple childish act of hers seem like more fun than all of those put together? He would ask what she was doing out here, but that much was obvious. Instead, his gaze landed on a paper flapping in the breeze beside her, and he moved to retrieve it.
It was an exquisite drawing of the sea, complete with foamy waves and sunlit sand and little birds hopping along the shore. Even though devoid of color, there was life to the drawing, as if it moved and danced in harmony with nature’s song. Thomas knew she’d gone to art school, but he’d never actually seen her work.
“This is really good.”
Sitting up, she squinted up at him. “Thanks.”
Speckles of sand dotted her wind-swept hair as pink formed on the tip of her nose from the sun. And Thomas wanted nothing more than to take her in his arms and hold her until the ache in his soul went away.
“What are you doing home anyway?” she asked with a grin. “Checking on me?”
