Free The World Ends at Five & Other Stories by M Pepper Langlinais

it.
    “Don’t let him fool you,” Andrew barked, breaking the momentary connection. “Disobedience is not an option.”
    “It was for me,” Lucien said. “And several others.”
    “And you’ll pay the price for it,” Andrew pointed out.
    Gently, Stephen removed Lucien’s hand from his arm. Lucien did not protest. His eyes were searching the office for something, some way around this, some loophole in his contract. He finally focused on Andrew, his eyes narrowing in thought. He smiled slightly. And then the room became excruciatingly bright.
    “Good Christ, Lucien,” Jezebel exclaimed somewhat dryly as she turned her head and shut her eyes as tightly as possible, “you still have it.”
    Stephen gathered Doria to himself to protect her, although he wasn’t exactly sure she needed it. The light did not bother him at all; Heaven itself was a thousand times brighter. But, he noti ced, it bothered Andrew a great deal.
    Lucien’s light had thrown Andrew’s being into darkness. If a black hole had passed by a supernova, the contrast could not have been greater. Stephen found himself unable to look at his companion.
    “I have won, Andrew.” The voice seemed to echo through the office. Stephen found it easy to imagine the foundation of the building was quaking in response to the sound. “I’ve made you hate.”
    Andrew gave a low growl of pure fury and shouted, “Get her out of here, Stephen!”
    The young angel braved a look at his elder, but he could see no expression, only blackness. He began to tug Doria towards the office door, but something caught at his arm.
    It was Jezebel. “Take me with you!”
    “Oh, no,” Lucien said evenly, turning to her. “Changing loyalties so quickly? The battle isn’t even won, and you’re already collecting on bets!”
    Jezebel ignored him, tugging insistently at the sleeve of Stephen’s robe. “Please! Whatever you want, it’s yours! Just take me with you!”
    Stephen surprised himself by laughing; he’d never done that before, and the shock of the realization of it startled him into abrupt silence. Then, quietly, he said, “It isn’t reached by bribery but by true change of heart, and somehow I sincerely doubt yours.” And he started for the door, Doria firmly in his grip. He stopped only to wait for Andrew, who waved him on.
    “Go!” Andrew roared. “Get out of here!” And before Stephen could voice a protest, Andrew launched himself at Lucien.
    Stephen towed Doria out into the hallway and towards the stairwell without looking back.
     
    Once out in front of the Ames Enterprises building, Doria pulled herself free of Stephen’s grasp. “That’s it!” she declared suddenly, startling the angel into backing up a couple of paces. “I’ve had enough for one night! I’m not going anywhere with you until you explain this to me.” And she began to sob uncontrollably.
    Stephen glanced up at the dark clouds above t hem, then returned his gaze to Doria . “We really don’t have time--” He moved towards her again, but she skittered away.
    “No! Why should I trade one kidnapper for another? Give me one good reason!”
    “I’m not trying to kidnap you. I just need for you to come with me.”
    For a long moment, Doria only stared at him, mouth slightly open, brow furrowed, everything in her expression suggesting to Stephen that he’d said something foolish or strange. But then, with a huff she only asked, “Why? Where are we going?”
    Before Stephen could answer, the glass room at the top of the tower exploded outward, raining glass onto the sidewalk below. Doria shrieked and Stephen grabbed hold of her, hurrying her away from the building and back towards the bay.
    Thunder continued to rumble as they walked, and lightning licked at the city. They had gone more than halfway before she dared ask again, this time in a harsh whisper, “Where are you taking me?”
    Stephen glanced behind them, as if afraid someone might be following or listening. He could