Archangel Crusader Read Online Free PDF

kicked the wall with a boot, leaving a dent. Still not relieved, he sent the empty glass crashing against the kitchen tile. "I know he did it! And he'll kill me too if I don't stop him. Mark my words."
    "Calm down now... Don't do anything rash. You know where it led you before. You don't want to find yourself in jail, do you? You're paranoid, man. Are you taking your pills?"
    "Not for ages... That stuff's bad for you." Michael tried to joke, annoyed by the reminder.
    "I was afraid of that. You should, you know. Mood disorders can be serious... Anyway, it's none of my business."
    "Damn right! None of your goddamn business." Michael drank a gulp of scotch straight from the bottle and slammed it back unsteadily on the coffee table. He felt so vulnerable as he stared at Veronica's photograph. "She just happened to be in the way, man... She believed in me, thought I could help the blue bastard. She wanted me to do it. I owe her... Someone will pay for this."
    "Maybe when you go to the police they'll volunteer some information," Dave ventured timidly.
    "Me? To the police? You're dreaming." Michael took another gulp of Jack Daniels. “I jumped bail on two DUIs. I'm not taking any chances."
    "Well, anyway... My offer still stands. You're welcome here anytime. How's Jennifer taking it?"
    "She cried a little. I told her Veronica went to heaven with Penny. Kids take it a lot better than we do sometimes. When little Penny died, Jennifer didn't even cry. Of course she was prepared then. But this!" Michael paused, a painful knot contracting his throat. "I don't understand this. It's so... unexpected." He sighed but did not feel any better for it. Then, his powerful shoulders heaved out of control, and he broke into wretched sobs.
    Dave's voice came to him, soft and warm. "It's all right, brother, it's all right to cry. You're entitled. Maybe it'll make you feel better."
    Good old Dave always took anything Michael threw at him, and never complained. After a while, wiping his face with one sleeve to clear the pain, Michael added, "There's something else... Do you know whatever happened to Jennifer's mother?"
    "Tori? Last time I heard, she married a Frenchman and went to live in Paris. I could ask her mother."
    "Thanks, I'd appreciate that. Did she kick the habit?”
    "I heard she was clean when she got married."
    "Good! Jennifer really wants to meet her. I can't say ‘no’ forever. Sooner or later, it'll happen. Maybe this is a good time for her to visit Europe."
    "She's a little young, don't you think, to travel alone?"
    "She can handle it."
    "Are you going to be all right, Mike? Call me anytime... I wish I was there with you."
    When Michael finally hung up, thoughts of his childhood with Dave brought up tough memories. So much hurt, so much pain, what for? Sometimes he wished he had killed his stepfather when he'd had a chance that day, long ago, when they were chopping wood in the forest. The son-of-a-bitch had ducked the ax flying at his face. Too bad, that good-for-nothing did not deserve to live.
     
    *****
     
    Two days later, Veronica, in full makeup, looked serene and beautiful as usual lying in the expensive casket her parents had chosen. Tender pink roses and pure white carnations filled the cold room with fragrance and softness. Muted, pointless conversations buzzing in his ears, Michael felt awkward, even after a few beers. He never liked social gatherings while Veronica enjoyed them.
    Michael was glad for Bill's presence and conversation. The big man in his fifties had been his friend and working companion for the past two years. Michael trusted Bill's pale grey eyes. The weathered face and receding gray hair had lived through many experiences. It showed in the way Bill always understood, whether it pertained to work or personal matters.
    Except for Bill and Jennifer, Michael did not care for anyone here, mainly acquaintances of Veronica's mother and a few co-workers from the hospital. Lying there in state, Veronica held the