“Exactly,” Azrael said. “The Angels should have enough time to evacuate, but Salem won't.”
“I hope he brought his valuables with him. I know how much he loves his treasures.”
“There's a trunk in the tracing room. I'll move it into one of the downstairs guest rooms for him.” Az headed back into the tracing room.
“And we'd better get back to the meeting,” I said to everyone else.
“We can finish up on the veranda,” Thor said. “Then the ladies won't be left out.”
“Or our husbands could take the children,” Hekate said.
“I'd be happy to, my love.” Horus took Astie and settled her in the crook of one arm. Instantly, his expression softened.
“You'd have to drag some chairs over.” Samantha, who was leaning in the doorway, waved toward the right side of the veranda. “Just leave the babies with me. Salem's got the older kids occupied, so I don't have to divide my attention.”
“Thanks, Sam. I'll update you later,” I said.
“No problem.”
“I'll put Astie in her bassinet,” Hekate said as she took Astie from Horus. “She's ready for a nap anyway, but if she gives you any trouble, just shout.”
“She'll be fine, I'm sure.”
“I think I'll stay with Samantha and help with the babies,” Raedra said.
“Do you want me to lay the blanket out for Ari?” Thor asked.
After a nod from Rae, Thor headed outside with Hekate. As Raedra followed with Ariana, a squeal came from the sky. Through the open doorway, I caught a glimpse of Salem doing a flip.
“It might be quieter inside,” I said.
“Oh, she'll be fine.” Rae waved at the sleeping baby. “She's a good sleeper. Go on, don't worry about us.”
“Thanks, Sam.” Persephone handed Demetera to Samantha.
“My pleasure.” Sam smiled blissfully as she cradled the baby. “I miss this.”
“You're welcome to her whenever you want,” Sephy offered, and by the look on her face, she was only half joking.
Our slightly larger group headed into the dining hall.
“Since Heaven is copacetic for now, I think we should set our plan into motion,” Jesus said as we settled around the dining table.
“No, we need to get the location prepared first,” Thor said.
“We need tofinda location first,” I amended his suggestion. “Then we need to purchase the property andthenprepare it for war.”
“Build a church that's actually a fortress,” Hades said with a nod.
“And booby-trap the hell out of the church grounds,” Torrent added with a wink at the Devil.
“Booby trap the hell out of the church grounds.” Luke chuckled. “I like that.”
“I think I may have a place,” Karni Mata, the Hindu Goddess of Rats and Teharon's girlfriend, said. Her full-black stare settled on Teharon (at least, I think it did). “The property in Wyoming.”
“Are you sure?” Teharon asked. “It will be destroyed.”
“It's perfect for a battle. The land is mostly flat and there are no structures on it. If the plants or trees are damaged, they'll grow back.”
