Free Some Kind of Angel by Shirley Larson Page B

from him.”  I was proud of the frost in my voice.
    “But still, you must be hoping for something.  Otherwise, why would you keep the child?  I’m sure you know how wealthy his family is.”
    “Why would I keep the child?  Because he’s already a human being, that’s why.  Because I’ve brought a life into the world and I am responsible for that life.  I am this child’s mother and I’ll protect him with my life.”
    “You think it’s a boy, do you?  Is that why you’re so determined to keep it?  You’re hoping if it’s a boy, Adam will be intrigued and want to see him.”
    “Boy or girl, makes no difference.  I hoped for Adam’s love and affection for his own flesh and blood, but since he doesn’t seem to care about me or our child, it would be foolish of me to expect any financial help from him.”
    “I’m quite willing to pay for any medical expenses you incur if you have an abortion.”
    “No.  I am having this baby, whether you like it or not.  Since both you and Adam have no interest in this child, it is none of your business.  Now if you don’t mind, I have more important things to do than stand here and listen to your insults.  I would like it if you’d leave.”
    “Of course,” Endora Clarke replied, her face wreathed in anger.
     
    Michael had been on his way to Leslie’s door to explain that he had to leave her.  Now, standing outside, listening to Adam’s mother deliver her poisonous words, Michael knew his fate was sealed.  He could not leave.  Not yet.
    Gabriel zoomed inside his head.  “ Michael, you cannot do this.  You cannot rush in like Sir Galahad and make this quixotic gesture of gallantry.  You’re an angel.  You need to remain an angel and return to your eternal life.”
    “I can’t, Gabriel.  I’ve thought for some time the only way to save Leslie is to marry her.  I know the times are different now and people are more liberal, but not all people think it’s all right for a child to be born outside of marriage.  I won’t have Leslie’s child…or Leslie…suffer any more condemnation.”
    “ She is not your responsibility, at least not in these earthly matters.”
    “No, she isn’t.  But I have come to…care for her.”
    “ Care for her?  Care for her?  You haven’t the least idea what it takes to care for a woman.  You’ve had no preparation for being a husband and a father.  On top of that, you’d be well on your way to signing your death warrant.”
    “I’m aware of the consequences of my actions.”
    “ Michael, listen to me.  You can’t do this.”
    “I can and I will.”
    “ Then I wash my hands of you, Michael.”
    Regret poured over Michael in oceanic waves.  He was leaving Gabriel’s protection.  Heaven only knew what the Eternal One was thinking. Michael was doing the exact opposite of what he’d been asked to do.
    Michael took a deep breath and stepped inside Leslie’s apartment.  “Darling, the door was open so I just thought I’d pop in and see how you are this morning after our night together.”  He walked to Leslie and put his arm around her shoulders.  He could feel her tension and her pain.  “Sweetheart, who is this woman who appears to have such bad manners, showing up at your door so early in the morning without calling?”
    At the sight of his familiarity with Leslie, that good woman slid off the stool and stood up very straight.  “I’m Endora Clarke and I…”
    “Yes, you would be,” Michael interrupted her. 
    “We were having a private conversation,” Mrs. Clarke said coolly.
    “Let me introduce myself.  I am Michael O’Malley, Miss Rutledge’s fiancé.  Anything you have to say to her concerns me as well.”
    At this bold statement, Michael wasn’t sure who was more surprised, Leslie, or the good Mrs. Clarke.  “Are you aware that she is carrying a child from a liaison with another man?”
    “Quite aware, as it happens.  Leslie and I have no secrets from each