Free The Creation: Chaos Rising by Art Gulley Jr. Page B

without a doubt. I thought he was going to hit you with his crucifix when you questioned him about their relationship."
    "Yeah, the lad did get a might defensive. And that makes me question his objectivity in regards to our budding psychic. It'll be interesting to see if her abilities really are as impressive as our smitten friend claims."
    "We're about to find out." Quinlan nodded toward the street markers mounted on an approaching overpass. "Lafayette's coming up."
    Sander's braced himself as his partner abruptly switched lanes then exited the freeway. Having grown up in a rural town in Arkansas, the Seeker found the heavy traffic common to metropolises like Detroit unnerving and Quinlan's aggressive driving made the situation even worse.
    "I guess we're not in Kansas anymore, Toto," Quinlan muttered at the numerous dilapidated store fronts and vandalized structures that greeted them as they cruised slowly down the street.
    "Apparently not," Sanders agreed, also shocked at the radical difference between the idyllic neighborhood surrounding Saint Christopher's and this socially depressed area. "There's the Center coming up on the left." He pointed to a large, industrial building.
    "Nice place." Quinlan was immediately impressed by the Center's brightly refurbished exterior and gated parking lot. "It definitely brings a ray of light to this gloomy neighborhood."
    "Indeed it does," Sanders agreed as Quinlan pulled the Ram into one of the angled parking spaces at the front entrance. "I think my opinion of Miss Delcielo just increased a notch."
    Quinlan shot his habitually cynical partner a surprised look. "Why is that?"
    Sanders nodded in the direction of the Center. "Anyone willing to invest that type of money and effort in an area like this can't be all bad."
    The two men left the truck and made their way toward the main entrance; their movements observed by the Celestially masked figure squatting atop the ornate canopy mounted above the double glass-doors.
    Quinlan and Sanders. Gabriel frowned. He had encountered the stalwart duo on more than one occasion. Their presence meant Nina's priest friend had alerted the Presbyterii of her abilities.
    The Seekers entered the center, and Gabriel released an amused snort. First the Disciples make a play for Nina. Now these two religious zealots show up at her door. I wonder who's gonna pop up next.
    He shifted his body through the Center's tiled roof so he could track their movements.
     
    *
     
    "It's looking good, guys," Nina shouted to the group of workmen meticulously rigging decorations from the gymnasium's steel rafters. "This place is starting to feel real festive!"
    "Yeah, it's coming together," one of the riggers yelled back. "Another hour or so and we'll be done up here!"
    Nina flashed him an approving grin. "That's great news, Mike. What's the speaker setup looking like? You know we gotta have the place jumping tomorrow night."
    Mike flashed a toothy grin. "Art's already got you tight on that with those new sub-woofers. Trust me; you're gonna be rockin' half of downtown!"
    "Miss Delcielo?" a deep voice sounded, and Nina focused on the two men making their way toward her.
    "That's me," she said, studying the tailored-suit wearing duo through suspicious eyes. "And you are?"
    Quinlan offered her a polite smile. "My name is Thomas Quinlan, and this is William Sanders." Sanders dipped his head in silent greeting. "We represent the Helping Hands Organization, and are here to discuss your recent application for financial support."
    Both men presented their credentials, and Nina's face brightened instantly. "It's certainly a pleasure to meet you!" She eagerly took hold of Quinlan's outstretched hand. "I hope you're here with good news."
    Quinlan smiled. "As a matter of fact we are. You're application for funding has been approved."
    Nina stiffened as the man's words washed over her. "Did you say we were approved?" For a moment she was afraid that this was a dream she was about to