Detective Angel - Lost Angel series

Chapter 7

I awoke several hours later to banging on the door. I groaned and attempted to turn over. Jeremy’s arm tightened around my waist. I laughed and tried to free myself again. This time he growled low in his throat and slid his other arm around me.

“Jeremy. I have to see who is at the door.” I couldn’t help the laughter in my voice, I was so happy to be in his arms again.

“It’s just Jake chere. He can handle whatever it is.”

I turned in his arms and caressed his cheek. One eye popped open and stared at me grumpily. I smiled sweetly and shook my head. He knew as well as I did that I had to get the door. He grumbled and loosened his grip just as Jake barged in.

“Angel. We need…”I looked at Jake but he was frozen in place.

“I’m coming Jake. We just woke up.” I giggled and crawled out of bed. “Lead the way.”

Jeremy grumbled and rolled out of bed. Jake looked at me expectantly. I only motioned for him to lead the way. He shook his head and turned to go. I followed Jake into the training room with Jeremy on my heels. Everyone stopped talking immediately when they saw Jeremy trailing me. I looked at each person in turn, they were all surprised.

“So…what’s up?” I wanted to get to the issue at hand. We needed to get back to the others and try to figure out what else would happen with me.

“Well we need to get started on our mission.” The anger in Jake’s voice made Sara glare at him.

“So…get started.” Why did they need me to start everything?

“Really Angel. He comes here and you brush us off.” Everyone looked at Brooks.

“Who said I was brushing anyone off Brooks? I am going through a lot at the moment but I’m still here with all of you trying to pretend everything is fine. I am slowly falling apart over here and still I think of all of you first. Excuse me if I am having trouble getting into the spirit of things when my world is falling apart. I had no memories and no clues about myself, so I made a half-life for myself. Now things are starting to work themselves out so I can be whole again. I would appreciate a little sympathy from all of you.”

I had no intention of reprimanding them but I was becoming unhinged. The world I had made for myself was not my world any longer. I finally understood why this would be my last mission. I couldn’t continue the same as before. I was a wraith before. No family, no home, no memories, no life. I wanted to be whole again. I wanted to belong somewhere and not feel like a ghost. Brooks looked hurt and a little ashamed but remained quiet. Jeremy placed his hand on my shoulder to show his support.

“Angel. We didn’t realize things were like that for you. You’ve always been so strong that we forget that you need help too. We’ve all been frustrated with having you gone that we didn’t consider your feelings. I’m sorry that we overlooked it all.” Sara sounded so sad that I went to her. I pulled her into a hug.

“Sara’s right. We’ve been selfish. Wanting to keep Angel here with us. All of us are sorry Angel.”

“It’s alright Jake. All of you have come to rely on me because I didn’t allow you to take charge. I felt that I had to control my life any way I could. That was wrong of me. This mission will be my last with you. I can not continue to be half here and half elsewhere. That’s dangerous. If I lost any of you because my mind was far away, I wouldn’t survive the guilt.”

Sara squeezed me a little tighter. “So what do we do now?”

“That is a great question L. I have been going through everyone’s reports and I think the only fair thing to do is to fight it out.” I laughed at their nervous looks.

“Very funny boss lady. I thought I was the jokester.” Brooks smiled at me while he clapped.

“Who said I can’t be funny every now and then.” I blew Brooks a kiss, just to top off my sassiness. “I wanted to wait to do this for a while but I’ve run out of time. Jake, you have always been my back up and I know you don’t want to lead. We’ve talked many times about it. This might be too fast for some of you but I’ve decided that in my absence, L will lead this crew.”

Jake and Sara nodded their approval. They had been the ones to point out all of her qualifications to me. Brooks started to clap loudly. Lee and Olesia started congratulating her. Jason on the other hand remained quiet. He was looking at me with a forlorn express on his face. I couldn’t take it. I went to him and slid my arms around his neck. He broke down and clung to me as if I was his savior.

“I’m going to miss you so much Angel. You’re they only person I know that understands me.”

“This isn’t goodbye forever Jason. I will never be truly gone. Anytime you need me, I will be there. Besides, I have a surprise for you. I spoke to Tony before we left and he is coming here today to help you. I think he might have a crush on you.”

Jason pushed me back enough to see my face. “Do you mean that?”

“Yes. I guess he’s been asking everyone about you. I also know that you have a little crush on him. Maybe you two can work that out while you work together.”

The biggest smile replaced the look on Jason’s face. He picked me up and spun me around thanking me over and over. I could only giggle. When he finally set me down, I was a bit dizzy. Jason started mumbling something about getting ready for his arrival. He hurried off towards his room. L approached me apprehensively.

“Angel, I don’t know what to say.”

“You don’t have to say anything. This is temporary while I figure some things out. I will be checking in from time to time. These people are my family, so I want to make sure that all of you are doing well.”

L smiled and nodded. She turned and started issuing orders. She didn’t know it yet but they were now her crew. I would still be checking in on everyone. I loved each of them and would never want anything bad to happen to them. I needed to focus my attention on unlocking myself. If what Jackson said was true then I couldn’t be around them when my powers came back either. Jeremy and I went back to my room. I needed to get my luggage and leave. As soon as the door closed behind me, I burst into tears.

It was sinking in that I had just given up my crew, my family. Jeremy pulled me into his arms as I allowed the tears to fall. I could hear Jeremy trying to comfort me. Saying it would all be ok. I knew in my heart that they would be alright together. I wasn’t prepared for how leaving them would make me feel. I always thought that I would die before them so they would have to mourn me. My heart hurt thinking of each one of them. Then I heard Jeremy’s thoughts again.

We will just have to check in with them frequently. Whenever she wants, wherever they are. I will not allow her to lose her family.

“Do you mean that Wolfie?” I snuggled closer to him as my tears began to slow.

“I meant every word my love. We can visit them anytime you want. They love you and you love them. I could never keep you away from your family.”

I could hear the truth in his words and they gave me comfort. The tears stopped coming so I could focus. I didn’t know how I got so lucky with Jeremy. He was perfect for me. I would figure out a way to stay with him after all of this craziness was over. I lost my crew but I would not lose him.

Pulling away from him, I realized that I never unpacked last night so I only had to grab my bags. Jeremy didn’t allow me to carry them though. He carried all three while I lead the way out of the safehouse. I wanted to look back so many times but I kept looking straight ahead. Even though I was afraid of what was to come, I knew that this was the right decision. I would always be connected to this life but it was time to move on.

When we emerged from the barn I noticed a van in the drive. Maybe Sara arranged it for us. Then I saw Tony. He was getting his luggage out of the back. Jackson and the others were watching him closely. Ignoring all of the looky lous, I walked up to Tony and hugged him. He was surprised but hugged me back. I could feel eyes on me but I didn’t care.

“Thank you for coming Tony. I know you didn’t get a break before you were pushed over here. Jason and the others are excited to have you join them. If you wait in the sitting room, I’m sure one of them will be along to get you.”

“Thanks again Angel. I really appreciate this opportunity.”

“You earned this. Don’t ever forget that. Oh and don’t tell the others that I threw a fit to get you here. That’s our little secret.” I smiled and winked at him.

“Whatever you say Angel.” Tony chuckled and made his way into the house to wait.

“Anything else before I go Angel?” The driver had popped his head out of the window.

Before I could respond I heard Sara yell my name. Turning around I saw her running toward me with Jake strolling behind. I reached for Jeremy, I needed his support. I couldn’t take anymore goodbyes.

“Angel. With everything that happened I forgot about this.” She handed me a file. “Widow was spotted in Ireland about a week ago. John sent some people to investigate but there was no trace of her. I know she was exiled from the Agency and placed on the blacklist. We both know that doesn’t matter. I took the liberty to get everything we had on her for you. I think she will still come after you. I don’t know why but it seems like she put a target on you.”

I smiled at her as Jake reach us. “Thank you Sara. If there are any more sightings just let me know. I’ll be on alert as well. I think you’re right, she’ll come after me one way or another. While I’m gone will you watch out for everyone for me? I know all of you will be fine but I worry.”

“I’ll take care of them for you. Don’t be gone too long though.” Sara hugged me one final time and squeezed me. “Wolf man?”

“I know princess. I’ll take care of her. If you need her for any reason, then I’ll bring her to you.” Jeremy chuckled and nodded to Jake.

Sara just nodded and began walking back to the barn. Jake looked at me and I almost lost my hold on my emotions.

“You aren’t coming back, are you?”

“Jake…”

“I know you want to keep us safe. I knew when you said it was temporary that you were leaving for good. If you need us, we will be there. We all love you my sweet sister. I’ll keep an eye on everyone just as you have. Jeremy take care of her or I’ll hunt you down.”

Jake embraced me and whispered goodbye. He headed for the house instead of the barn when he let me go. I only watched him go fighting the tears threatening to fall. Could I really do this? I had to, that much I knew. Could we survive this new adventure? Someone cleared their throat and brought me out of my thoughts.

“Gentlemen, it is time for us to go. I was a coward before and left in the middle of our investigation. I was wrong and caused everyone undue stress. Once we get back to the states, dinner is on me. Wherever you want to go and anything you want that is on that menu. Phillip, I realize we just met but you are free to go your way.”

“Oh poppet, I’m going wherever you are.”

“Then it’s settled. Everyone get into the van. Driver if you could take us to the airport, that would be wonderful.”

Everyone just loaded into the van as I fought with my emotions. Jeremy loaded my bags into the back and came up behind me. He embraced me from behind and I sighed. At least I still had him. Whatever the future held in store for us, we would face it together. I closed my eyes to send a pray to the Lord and Lady for strength. Jeremy pulled me into the van and placed me on his lap. I must have falling asleep on the way there because I came to being carried out of the van in Jackson’s arms.

“It’s alright little one. Go back to sleep. I can arrange transportation for us.”

“There should be an Agency plane still here refueling. They can take us back.” I groggily replied without opening my eyes.

“Is she alright? We were just about to take off.” I could hear Frank’s panicked voice through the haze I was in.

“I’m fine Frank. Just tired. Can you take us home?” I opened my eyes slightly to make sure he heard me.

“You know I will Angel. Let’s get moving and you can sleep on the ride.” Frank tried to take me from Jackson. I felt Jackson’s hands tighten on me.

It’s alright Jackson. Frank is a friend. Jackson jumped. Did I just do that? I spoke in my head but he heard me.

I would prefer to carry you little one. I do not trust anyone else with you. My powers seemed to be growing already.

“Frank, it’s ok, Jackson will carry me onto the plane. He’s a little protective.”

“Well anyone who is protective of you is ok in my book. Everyone aboard that’s going home. Jackson in the back of the plane there is a bed that you can put her on. She’ll be more comfortable there anyway.” I drifted off into darkness once again as I felt myself being carried away.