Free Rage and Redemption (Rebel Angels) by Cyndi Friberg

ledger and several well-read tomes were scattered across the surface. Brother Aaron was dressed in monastic robes, but the white cross centered upon his chest was elaborately embroidered.
    Brother Aaron’s gaze shifted to some point behind her. Glancing over her shoulder, she found Brother Gabriel standing in the open doorway. Fear rippled through her in a numbing wave. He smiled. Naomi just stared. She had only to close her eyes to see the strange golden light emanating from him again.
    “Come,” Brother Aaron said. “Sit. I have interesting news.”
    Brother Aaron seemed casual, almost jovial. This couldn’t have to do with the night before. Did he know what Brother Gabriel was? And what exactly was Brother Gabriel? Naomi settled herself in the chair beside him, unable to meet his gaze.
    “I received a message from Antioch this morning,” Brother Aaron began, apparently oblivious to the tension crackling between the other two.
    “Who sent the message?” Brother Gabriel asked.
    “King Louis of France .” He paused for a rather cheeky grin. “Perhaps you have heard of him.”
    Brother Gabriel smiled and shot Naomi a speculative glance. “Perhaps,” he muttered. “What was the message regarding?”
    “It seems King Louis is making inquiries on behalf of one of his noblemen.”
    “Inquiries into what and on behalf of whom?” Brother Gabriel prompted.
    “The message is not detailed. King Louis says only that one Leon of Le Puy needs to speak with the Knight Hospitaller who was entrusted with an infant girl in Jerusalem nineteen summers past. To my knowledge, that can only be you.”
    He rested his hands on the tabletop and gazed at them silently as if there were no more to explain.
    Naomi folded her hands in her lap. What did it mean? Was someone looking for her? This was every orphan’s dream, but why now after so many years?
    She was about to speak when Brother Gabriel asked, “What is his interest in the incident?”
    “That is what you shall find out two days hence. That is when Monsieur Le Puy is due to arrive,” Brother Aaron informed them with a casual smile.
    “This man is coming here?” Her voice cracked with disbelief. Seeing the displeasure in Brother Aaron’s eyes, she quickly bowed her head, offering a belated show of deference. “I beg your pardon. I’m confounded by these tidings. What will be expected of me?”
    “The message was to make us aware of his impending arrival and to encourage our full cooperation with his investigation. It would seem that our guest is on rather familiar terms with French royalty.”
    “And if his investigation proves I have some connection to this person, you will no doubt be pleased.” Naomi continued to stare at her folded hands, knowing her gaze would reveal her frustration.
    “I have reserved my conclusions. I suggest you do the same.” Hearing the calm authority in Brother Aaron’s tone, she glanced at him. “I intend to extend Monsieur Le Puy every hospitality. I expect you to be polite and cooperative. These are characteristics that do not always come naturally to you, hence the reason for this meeting.”
    “Naomi.” Brother Gabriel’s beseeching tone drew her gaze to his. “Why do you feel threatened by this man when you have yet to meet him?”
    The threat closing in on her had nothing to do with the unexpected Frenchman, but she couldn’t explain that in front of Brother Aaron. “I treasure my life the way it is. I have worked very hard to find contentment in circumstances that are unusual to say the least. I want nothing to disrupt the balance I have managed to create.”
    “If the balance in our lives is never disrupted, we never change, never grow, never reach our full potential,” Brother Aaron said.
    Naomi silently inclined her head, unwilling to debate the issue when she was unable to explain the true cause of her turmoil.
    “I will have Sister Renee find something more suitable for you to wear when you are presented to