Free The Creation: Chaos Rising by Art Gulley Jr.

of the thin scar bisecting his left eyebrow which gave the Seeker a menacing countenance. "To be honest with you, things between us were a bit…tense for a while, but once Nina understood where my heart truly lay she supported my decision to join the priesthood."
    "Then you're very fortunate to have such an understanding friend. To often people of faith are ridiculed for their decision to lead a life of purity while the morally corrupt are glorified for living a life of sinful excess."
    Tyree wondered at the curious undertone in the Seeker's voice. "I totally agree. I also feel that Nina was given her abilities to counter that imbalance."
    The eyes of both Seekers widened with surprise. "What made you come to that conclusion?" Quinlan asked.
    Tyree favored them with a solemn expression while opening his arms wide. "Take a good look around gentleman. Our world's in chaos, and not just spiritually. A good portion of society has fallen out of touch with God's grace, and as a result lost its way. I believe the Lord has chosen Nina to be a living example of His Divine might; to show everyone, through her abilities, that He still exists."
    Sanders considered the Minister's statement. "Your theory does have merit, Father. The world is definitely in need of a spiritual jumpstart, but do you truly believe the Lord would choose a woman such as Miss Delcielo to be his messenger? By your own admission, she's not exactly a poster-child for Christianity."
    "No but she is one for moral responsibility. Someone like Nina would be more apt to make an impact on today's jaded society."
    Sanders cocked a skeptical eyebrow. "And why would that be?"
    "Because she's not a religious person," Tyree answered smugly.
    The Seekers regarded him in silence for a moment then a slight smile creased Quinlan's full lips. "The words of a Prophet not laced with traditional, religious rhetoric would hold more weight in today's liberal society."
    Tyree returned his smile. "Exactly; add to that the coincidence of her name, and I'd say Nina fits the bill perfectly."
    Quinlan threw him a puzzled look. "What's her name got to do with anything?"
    A mischievous smile tugged at Tyree's lips. "What, you guys didn't learn Spanish in Seeker school?"
    "Of course we did, but I still don't see what…Oh!" Quinlan jerked in surprise. "My God!" He turned excited to Sanders. "The spelling and pronunciation threw me off but he's right. Nina del Cielo …"
    "Or ‘Child of Heaven'," Sanders finished his partners sentence. "I'll admit it does lend credence to your theory, but before Miss Delcielo can truly live up to such a mantle she needs to be convinced of her dubious position herself. And based on your description of her religious antipathy," he pointed an accusing finger at Tyree. "That may prove difficult."
    Tyree regarded the Seekers through cunning eyes. "That depends on who's doing the proving. Can you think of a better way for the Lord to convince someone of his power than by making that person a living conduit for it?"
    Quinlan looked at Sanders. "He does have a point."
    "Perhaps," Sanders allowed. "But I think I'll reserve judgment until after we've met Miss Delcielo."
    "I can take you to her right now, if you like," Tyree offered. "There's a big rally this Friday at the new Recreation Center she's opening on East Lafayette. If I know Nina, she's there badgering the workers to make sure everything's ready."
    "Thank you, Father, but I think it would be best if we made the initial contact on our own," Sanders politely told the Minister. "That way we can observe Miss Delcielo in a more natural state."
    "Suit your self, but I have to warn you: Nina can be a bit brusque with strangers; especially when she's preoccupied."
    "Oh I think we can come up with something that'll secure both her attention and cooperation."
    Tyree gave Quinlan's smiling face a questioning look. "And what might that be?"
    Quinlan's smiled deepened. "A grant from the Helping Hands Organization."
    Tyree