When the Angel Sings Again

kfast table, his face a perfect mask of piety. He said it was to celebrate the anniv

g no warmth. "The church is holding a charity

possession, a family heirloom passed down for generations, said to cont

h as oil. "It would be a magnificent do

d it. "Caleb, this is all

"And what better way to honor h

pped. I slowly unclasped the locket and placed it in his outstr

d Maria, calling her "First Lady," fetching her drinks, adjusting her chair in the front row. She was glowing, her hand resting posse

in the end, Caleb himself made the winning bid. With a grand flourish, he walke

g his "generosity." Maria looked direct

he opening hymn, to summon the voice that had healed so many. But only a choked, s

y voice, my gift, was gone. I stumbled off the stage, gasping

hildhood friend, rushed to my s

ce etched with worry. "I'm getting Pa

ow of his public performance with Maria. I could h

coughing up blood, she can't si

ic. She's probably upset about the locket. Give her some water

m wrapping around her shoulders. Debra returned, her face pale with d

aked open. It was Maria. She wasn't alone. Caleb's head o

o my bedside, her eyes gleaming with malice. "You look pathetic. Your

to the doct

he doctor approached with a strange, humming device. He forced my mouth open. I saw