Mercy for the Fallen by Lisa Olsen Read Free Book Online

purpose!”
    “Praise His name,” Patti murmured.  At least she was capable of more than parroting him. 
    “What makes you think you’re worthy?”
    “Because the Angel of the Lord spoke to me.  I am his conduit on this Earth.”
    “I don’t think so,” I scoffed.  “See, that’s my gig.  And nobody said anything to me about you forming a commune on our property.”  I was the Clarion after all, shouldn’t I be the one doing the calling if he was truly chosen for something?  “What do you want?”
    “We seek the divine knowledge, to understand as God intended.  He has promised to reveal all.  And then we shall be as one.”
    “As one,” Patti mumbled.
    “Only that was the other guy, remember?  The devil was the one promising full disclosure.  That’s what got us kicked out of Eden in the first place,” Parker said, surprising me with his knowledge of the bible. 
    Was Lucifer Eve’s secret visitor?  “What did this angel look like?”
    “He was glorious to behold, and the light of truth spilled from his every pore.”
    “Uh huh, that doesn’t help me,” I muttered.  “Let me guess, tall, blonde, good looking enough to be a movie star, sorta full of himself?”  Of course that described about half the angels I’d encountered so far. 
    “He is the bringer of truth.  He will reveal the path to the light.” 
    We weren’t getting anywhere with this.  “What did he tell you to do – exactly ?”
    “He bade me gather an army to keep the child safe.”
    “He told you to keep her safe?” I blinked.  What the hell was Lucifer up to?  Didn’t he get that he was exposing her with all the attention?  How was that supposed to keep her safe?
    “Keep her safe, praise His name.”  Disciple Patti rocked. 
    “Hey, it’s real sweet you want to take on this supposed holy mission and all, but you can’t do it here.  You’re going to have to leave.”
    “We can not leave the path to understanding.”
    “Back off or we’ll call the cops.  You understand that?”  Parker stepped forward, smacking the baseball bat against the palm of his hand.
    “We shall fear no evil, for ours is a just cause.  Will you let us see the child?”
    I started to see Adam’s point the night before.  There was no use trying reason on a crazy person.  “Ugh, I didn’t want to have to do this…” I muttered, producing my sword with a flick of the wrist.  “I am the Bringer of Life, and I will keep the child safe.  You are not to approach her, lest you incur my wrath.”  The sword gleamed in the morning sun and I hoped like hell none of the neighbors were watching at that particular moment.  At least I kept my wings out of sight, the sword would be far easier to explain. 
    “Hail to the Bringer of Life!”  Steve bowed low, Patti following right behind him.  “What is your message, holy one?”
    “Leave us in peace.  The Child of Light is innocent and should remain so until His purpose is revealed.  Whatsoever you do… do it somewhere else.”  That was about the extent of my bible-speak.  Anything else and I intended to use the sharp end of the sword to make my point.   
    “It shall be as you say, Holy Mother,” Steve edged backwards, on his knees.  “We will gather our army in secret, awaiting the day when all will be revealed.”
    “You do that.”
    “Come, Patti, there is much work to be done.”
    “Praise His name,” she murmured, awkwardly backing away on her hands and knees. 
    We waited there, me with my sword and Parker with his bat until they reached the sidewalk and started down the block, still backing away slowly.  Finally, I opened my hand, letting the sword disappear as we shuffled back to the house.  Neither one of us said a word as Parker took the bacon out of the fridge and popped it in the microwave to heat up.  My coffee was a smidge cooler than I liked, but still warm enough to drink, and I drained the mug.  Neither of us spoke until Parker set