Page 10 of Fallen
“This is a”—I coughed—“donation and tithe for the church’s generosity in taking her in.” Before I could lose my nerve, I plopped the cash onto the surface where she could see it.
Sister Carrie’s eyes widened, and she lifted a hand to cover her gaping mouth.
Frowning, I pushed it closer. “Twenty-five thousand for the costs incurred with Anna’s housing and amenities, with an extra ten thousand for whatever she desires, especially with things for the blind, such as braille books. She also needs a nice tablet loaded withage-appropriateaudiobooks. And whatever else you deem beneficial to her education.”
I crossed my arms over my chest and raised my eyebrows, annoyed with the woman’s dumbfounded shock. “Well?”
She snapped her mouth shut. “I’ll make sure, sir.” Nodding, she reached toward a pen. “To whom should I make out the receipt?”
God must’ve been rolling on Her pristine marble floor with laughter.
“I don’t need a receipt,” I snarled through my clenched jaw. “But Iwillknow if my requests are not being carried out.”
I needed to get the fuck out of here before my wings turned white.
“Absolutely. Thank you so much. She will be ecstatic to know—”
“Donottell her.”
Sister Carrie’s eyebrows knitted together.
“I’d not have her feel indebted to anyone.”
The nun nodded. “I understand.”
“I’ll ensure someone makes a…donation…once a year.” I glared at the stack of cash.Am I really doing this?
“Thank you, sir. The church deeply appreciates—”
“Shut it.” Grimacing, I swiveled around and sprinted to the front door, slamming it behind me. The cloying, sweet presence which always lingered in places of worship caused my gorge to rise.
Or maybe it was the fact I’d just done something nice. For a human.
There. Happy now, God? I hope the tiny thief steals your church and orphanage blind. Pun intended.
I strolled the sidewalk under leafy oaks, enjoying the myriad of patterns dappling the concrete sidewalk.
I wonder if Anna remembers the shapes and colors of trees.
Shaking my head, annoyed with myself, I focused on an ancient priest hobbling his way toward me.
When he nodded his head in greeting, I dropped my human façade and grinned, knowing he couldn’t miss my black irises. Imighthave let my wings appear for a second, too.
Stopping in his tracks, he stared at me with wide, rheumy eyes.
Still irritated with everyone and everything, I flicked a finger and blasted him off his feet in a flurry of shadows and wind.
I itched to squeeze the life out of the do-gooder. He truly wasn’t that far from the end anyhow, yet I hesitated. If I started picking off God’s servants, it would give Her the right to single out my commanders. Our universe demanded balance, and I wasn’t willing to start another war over a petty annoyance.
With a scowl, I blinked back to my realm.
At least I took care of that irksome human child.
Feeling better with this thought, I whistled as I stalked into my throne room with renewed vigor.
Now I can put her out of my mind and get back to what I do best.
Punishment of the wicked.
