Free Archangel Crusader by Vijaya Schartz Page A

landed in Paris, yet." The ageless head tilted with compassion. The long-fingered hand came to rest on Michael's shoulder, and the gesture more than the actual contact sent shining rays of warmth throughout his body and mind. "So long, my son." Regret shaded the musical voice. "I will be with you wherever you go."
     
     
    Chapter Eight
     
     
    When Michael returned to his living room, he was thirsty. All these exercises in teleportation, telekinesis, mental healing and mind reading had left him parched. It seemed like a week since he had touched a drink. In truth, his extensive training had only taken a few hours. Michael immediately went to the refrigerator for a Coors and popped the tab. Checking himself in mid movement, he emptied the can in the sink. He hated the debasing habit, mainly since he had a new purpose in life.
    After throwing a few clothes, an Uzi, and his favorite hatchet in the saddlebags of his motorcycle, Michael slipped a knife in his boot then called Shadow. The big cat came to him in the garage. Michael picked it up and tucked the feline inside his leather jacket, straddled the motorcycle and took off. His first stop was at Bill’s place. His good friend and long-time work partner had agreed to take care of things during Michael’s absence, including baby-sitting Jennifer’s cat. He apparently even enjoyed this addition to his household.
    After goodbyes to Bill, Michael mounted the Harley and turned on the ignition. He felt lighthearted and almost happy after relinquishing his daily responsibilities. "Krastinios, here I come!"
    The superb machine slowly wove its way in and out of traffic as Michael freed his mind to fully enjoy the moment. With Jennifer safe on her way to France, he could relax and concentrate on his mission. Although he felt guilty about it, for the first time in ten years Michael savored his freedom. The little girl had filled his life. Raising her had been fun most of the time, even when it meant changing diapers and feeding the baby on a construction site while his crew wondered about his sanity. Although Michael already missed her, Jennifer's absence would make his task easier.
    If Amrah had guessed right, Krastinios would soon show himself. This time, however, Michael would be ready for the confrontation. His powers, exceptional from the start, were developing fast. To speed up the process, he must renounce his favorite red meat. His temper might still flare once in a while, but with time his willpower would increase. Daily meditation could also help improve his concentration.
    On this beautiful spring day, cruising with a warm breeze bathing his face, relishing the smell of freshly cut grass in the park, Michael basked in freedom. He could not help thinking about how good he must look perched on that beautiful piece of black, shiny steel, long hair flying in the wind, the sun reflecting on his sunglasses.
    Veronica would have teased him and Michael would have liked the compliment. Veronica... So much had happened in a few days. She seemed far away now, almost like a dream. Michael cherished her memory. Would he finally become the man she wanted him to be? If she could see him now... Then he realized she probably could and the thought made him smile.
    Briefly going over the maps earlier, Michael had memorized the road to the capital city. He could sit back and enjoy the ride. He knew where to find the help he needed. On his way south to Dave's house in Little Rock, he would stop in Washington, D.C. to visit Debbie, Dave's sister-in-law. Michael had not seen Debbie since last Christmas when they had gathered at her house for the holidays. Dave and his wife had also attended the family gathering, still childless at the time, looking forward to adoption. Finally, two months ago, they’d succeeded in adopting an orphan girl a little younger than Jennifer. Now they had everything they wanted.
    Jennifer and Veronica had enjoyed the holiday...
    Funny, everyone expected Debbie to die