If Angels Fall

TWENTY-NINE

Behold the Seraph’s face.

The Angel appeared in the distance. A celestialvision.

Edward Keller stood at his truck, driver’s door open,Gabriel nearing him. Smiling. Empowered by God. The Angel-child. Immortal.All-knowing. Radiant with the glory and the calm.

I am cleansed in the light of the Lord!

Keller was overcome, blinking back tears.

From inside the truck’s cab, Jackson saw Gabrielleapproaching and barked. The rope around his neck was knotted to the passengerdoor’s arm rest. Keller had long ago removed the door’s inside handle and lockbutton. The passenger door could not be opened from the inside.

Gabrielle ran to the truck.

Keller stepped aside, leaving a clear path to Jackson.

Gabrielle hesitated, a tiny wave of unease ripplingthrough her. She wanted to hold Jackson so badly it hurt, yet something was outof place. She didn’t know what it was. Like the time she glimpsed a solitarytuft of black mingled with Santa’s white hair at the Stonestown Mall. She didn’tknow what to do, so she kept it a secret. What about now? She was not worriedabout the kidnapper, like her mom, because this man was her dad’s friend. Shewas sure about that because Jackson was right there. She just didn’t want toget the man, or herself, in trouble. She glanced back at the carousel.

“Maybe I should tell my mom?”

“I suppose, but it would ruin the surprise.”

Jackson yapped, and wagged his tail. He was so cute.

“My other door’s broken there. Won’t open. Go on inthis way and see your pup. Never seen a dog in more fierce need of a hug.”

Jackson panted, moving as close to her as the ropepermitted.

“Okay a quick hug, then I’ll go back and keep it asecret.”

She crawled into the cab along the bench seat andembraced Jackson, nuzzling his face, giggling as he licked hers.

“I missed you so much. You naughty doggie running awayfrom me!”

Leaving the door open, Keller slipped in behind thewheel, and casually kneaded the dog’s neck.

“My name’s Ned Jenkins. I live in the other side ofthe park. I found your little fella in my garage the other day.”

“In your garage?”

“Yes ma’am. Seems he got himself pinned under a pileof junk. Luckily there was a big old bag of dog cereal I left there. My old dogFred died awhile ago.” Keller saw little traffic in the corner of the lot.“This fella’s got a lot of spark. He tore into the cereal, kept himself alive.Seems like a real nice little guy and he’s no worse for wear.”

Gabrielle gave Jackson a bone-crushing hug.

“Thanks for letting me in on the surprise, Mr.Jenkins. I better get back now. It’s going to be hard waiting for my birthday,but I promise to keep our secret.”

Keller didn’t move. He produced a worn copy ofJackson’s missing-reward poster the Nunns had put up weeks ago.

“Your notice here says there’s a reward?”

“Yes. Fifty dollars. It’s at home at my house.”

Keller thought. “Well since Jackson’s return is nosurprise anymore I might as well get my reward. What the heck?”

Gabrielle didn’t understand.

“But it’s at my house and Dad and Ryan went to CoitTower.”

“I’m sorry, Gabrielle, I forgot to tell you that yourdad was meeting me at your house. I told you I know him from the station.”

But wasn’t this supposed to be a surprise?

“Look, we’ll drive to your place, tell your dad aboutmy screw-up. It will be all right, don’t worry. Paul will get a laugh. I’malways messing up at the station. Then I’ll get my reward and your dad willdrive you back to the party here.”

Gabrielle looked toward the carousel.

“You were telling the truth about the reward, weren’tyou?”

She nodded, hugging Jackson to her chest.

“I want to pick it up now because I’m going out oftown on business tonight and I’ll be gone for a long time.”

Keller slammed his door, started the engine,surprising Gabrielle, flooding her mind with confusion. Before she knew whatwas happening, the truck rolled out of the lot and down Kezer Drive.

“This will only take a second. You’re safe with me.”

“But I just don’t know.” In a whisper, more to herselfthan to Keller, Gabrielle said, “I don’t want to get into trouble.” She buriedher face in Jackson’s neck, squeezing him until he yelped. She caressed him asthey left Golden Gate Park.

I don’t want to get into trouble.