The Echo of Whispers

Chapter One

M iss Baklanova? Lina? Are you all right?

I—um—yes … Lina opened her eyes. Judy hovered inches away, her face clouded with concern. The preschool. Lina tried to sit up, but her arms gave out. She fell backward against a table. The children?

They’re fine out on the playground. Here, let me give you a hand. Judy took Lina’s arm and helped her onto a chair.

What happened? Lina tried to focus but the room remained a foggy white haze.

We were sitting on the floor, arranging the story board. I was in the middle of a sentence when you–

I haven’t been feeling well. Lina rose slowly and tucked her blond hair behind her ears. I think I might be fighting the flu, she lied, avoiding Judy’s eyes.

Do you want me to ask someone to take over your class?

That was the last thing Lina wanted. She needed this job, especially with this semester’s college tuition due. No, I’ll be fine. Let’s call the children in from the playground now.

Judy tilted her head and searched Lina’s face. You sure?

Lina rested a hand on a chair to steady herself. I’m sure.

As Judy hurried out the door, Lina’s heart thumped like a hammer pounding in nails. What was going on? Tears burned the corners of her eyes. She didn’t need any more symptoms to report to the doctor.

Dropping into one of the tiny chairs, Lina filled her lungs and then exhaled slowly. Grateful for the moments alone, she relaxed her shoulders and tried to quiet herself. She had to keep her physical problems to herself. But it was happening again. Her right hand shook, as though she were an old woman—one with tremors.

She grabbed her wrist to still it and stood abruptly. She gathered the puppets and other props for story time. Thank you, Lord, for the sunny July in Massachusetts, that the kids could play outside today. Thank you for this time to regroup.

Judy opened the door and stepped aside. Playground time is over, teacher. A noisy gaggle of three- and four-year-olds surged into the room.

Hi, Miss Lina. A girl with blond braids flashed a smile.

Welcome back, Becky. Lina patted the sweet child on the shoulder. Okay, boys and girls. Sit in the circle and we’ll begin story time.

Judy scowled. Uh oh. She whispered into Lina’s ear, Looks like Darren’s done it again.

Chapter Two

Lina took in the telltale stain on the front of Darren’s pants and groaned. Not again. This was getting old. She made a mental note to talk to Carol Carlson about this almost daily accident. Okay, I’ll get this one. Maybe start with a song while I change his clothes.

Obviously relieved to be off the hook, Judy brightened and said a bit too sweetly, You feeling okay enough to do it?

I told you I’m fine, Judy. Irritation dripped from her words. She didn’t know who she was more annoyed with—Darren or Judy.

Three-year-old Darren, oblivious to his wet pants, had joined the other kids in the circle and tugged on Amanda’s braids.

Ow!

Come on, Lina whispered to the redheaded rascal, gently removing his hand from his neighbor’s hair. Let’s get your bag of extra clothes.

Do I have to? Darren whined.

Lina snatched the bag from his cubby and led him to the bathroom. He seemed perfectly happy to sit in his urine-soaked clothes, but she couldn’t have that. She liked her children to be clean and dry.

Darren used his emergency clothes a couple of times a week. The director, Carol Carlson had a rule that children weren’t allowed to attend the preschool unless they were potty trained. Lina had spoken to his mother, but Mrs. Mangione shrugged it off, saying certainly he was potty trained. Darren, an only child, could do no wrong in her eyes. Or maybe she was simply too busy to be bothered. At any rate, Lina and Judy did not have the time to change soiled pants every day.

Once inside the miniature-sized bathroom designed for preschoolers, Lina left the door ajar and knelt on one knee. Here sweetie, let’s see what’s in your bag.

Darren fidgeted next to her and began playing with the handle on the commode. Then he suddenly jerked the handle down. A powerful rush of water from the bowl splashed on Lina. She jerked back. Oh! He laughed with delight and clapped.

Stop that! she said.

Darren’s laughter cut off. He scowled at her. I didn’t do it.

Yeah, right, Lina muttered. She grabbed a paper towel and wiped off her arm.

It was the boogeyman. Darren giggled. "The boogeyman. Ha. Boogey is a dirty word."

Lina resisted the urge to snap at him. Suddenly, she fought dizziness and her right hand trembled while pulling a clean pair of jeans out of the emergency bag. She sat on her haunches in front of the boy and silently counted to ten.

Boogey, boogey, boogey.

Let’s get these wet pants off. Lina pulled them down but couldn’t get them off over his bulky double-knotted sneakers. She should have untied them first, and now she couldn’t get them undone with her shaky fingers.

Darren, with his pants and underwear halfway down his legs and bare bottomed, continued to wiggle. I’m missing the story, Miss Lina.

It’s okay. I’m trying to go faster. Using her left hand, she tackled a knot and got the first one untied. She yanked off the shoe and one leg of his pants.

My pee-pee is getting cold, he said with another giggle.

Be a good boy and hold still another minute, okay? She worked the second knot, and finally it came free. Darren started to pull away from her and stumbled backward. She grabbed him, pulling him toward her to keep him from falling. His pee-pee brushed up against her arm.

I wanna go! A petulant pout puckered his mouth.

Let Miss Lina help you get your dry pants on, then you can join the circle. We’ll retie your shoes after the story, okay?

’Kay, he said with a sniff.

After he ran out, Lina slumped against the wall and fought back tears. Why was she so irritable and impatient? She had special affection for all her kids, even spoiled Darren. It’s more than simply an off day. Pushing herself up, she rose and joined the class for the story.

An hour later, during nap time, Judy approached Lina. How’re we feeling?

With a flash of annoyance, Lina replied, "We are feeling fine."

Judy’s eyes widened, then narrowed. Sorry. Was only trying to–

No. Lina placed a hand on Judy’s arm. I’m the one who’s sorry. I shouldn’t have bitten your head off. I’ve been staying up late doing school work—a couple of papers and a ton of reading. Maybe it’s not the flu–I think all I need is rest, but I have to study late again tonight.

Judy’s stricken look dissolved and her smile returned. I think it’s great you’re going to college. I mean, someone your age? It’s pretty amazing.

Lina tossed back her head and laughed. I’m only thirty. Lots of people go back to school when they’re older.

Judy blushed. I guess. It seems old to me, is all.

When you’re twenty, thirty does seem pretty ancient.

You look better than you did earlier. Maybe it’s not the flu after all. Cause we certainly don’t want the kids getting it, now do we?

Lina spun and glared at the young woman. She didn’t need to be reminded of the children’s welfare. No one cared about them more than she did. She opened her mouth to make a retort, then realized Judy didn’t intend to be judgmental. She simply spoke before thinking, which she did a lot. Besides, who was she to be critical of Judy? Hadn’t she lied about the flu in the first place? That was the problem with lies. They could get you into big trouble.

Chapter Three

Meanwhile, strains of heavenly music followed Lieutenant Milo into the Headquarters of Guardian Angels where Colonel Casimir waited.

Lieutenant, greetings to you. The colonel offered a slight dip of his head.

Milo bowed deeply. And to you, Colonel. I came as soon as I got your message.

There is someone I want you to meet. Lieutenant Vlad, come in please.

Another angel, as dark as Milo was blond, about eight feet tall with a black beard and muscular build, appeared through the wall. He wore a green tunic embroidered at the hem and down the front. Tall black boots added to the look of a Russian Cossack. Quite the contrast to Milo’s simple white tunic. Milo had never seen him before.

"Privyet," Vlad greeted Milo in Russian.

"Privyet, Milo replied. Hello."

I have long awaited this meeting. It is time for you to meet and work together, Colonel Casimir said.

Work together? Milo and Vlad exchanged surprised glances. But Milo was especially puzzled by this turn of events. The colonel had long awaited this meeting? Why?

The colonel chuckled, obviously reading his thoughts. I know you are wondering about this arrangement, and I won’t keep you in suspense. Milo, you are the lead guardian to Paulina Baklanova. Vlad, you are to assist Milo. Your past history and experience will be a welcome benefit to the lieutenant.

Sir? Milo said.

The colonel shrugged. Sorry. That is all the information I am at liberty to divulge at this time.

Milo didn’t recognize Vlad—hadn’t ever seen him before. And yet, the colonel said Vlad was indeed a guardian.

Casimir turned to the newcomer. Thank you for accepting this assignment. Your knowledge of the … er, family will greatly assist in kingdom matters.

Vlad bowed.

Milo’s thoughts echoed the colonel’s words. His knowledge of the family? How exactly did he have knowledge about Paulina’s family? Unless ….

He opened his mouth to speak, but quickly closed it. This was most unusual. He’d never had another angel assist him. With anything. Should he be alarmed or relieved? Was something big coming? But why would he need help for upcoming battles?

He’d already fought many on Paulina’s behalf. Hadn’t she received Christ as her Messiah against hellish odds? Heaven’s choir celebration rang with high praises on the day she’d entered the kingdom fold. It had been glorious, the triumph of a guardian’s tour. Paulina had been a tough case. One of his toughest. Why then did he need help now? The hardest part was over, wasn’t it?

The colonel’s words jarred him out of his musings. Remember your mission. You are to assist your charge to embark on her kingdom destiny—her destiny beyond salvation. Her created purpose.

Heat surged through Milo’s cheeks. Had the colonel read his thoughts again?

Dismissed. The colonel dipped his head to indicate the meeting was over.

Both guards followed suit, dipping their heads as a sign of respect. Aye, sir.

Vlad extended his arm, palm up, allowing Milo to leave the room first. A sign of deference.

Good. He needs to know who’s in charge. But before Milo could take another breath, a spear of guilt entered his heart. Forgive me, Lord for pride. I am so sorry. He turned to speak to Vlad but the angel had disappeared.

Strange. Milo continued on toward the Throne to worship Creator God.

Glorious strains increased in volume as Milo approached the vast open space. A spicy blend of fragrances–of myrrh, cinnamon, cloves and other spices– filled not only his nostrils but his entire being. A cool breeze rustled past. Words of adoration wafted all around and through him. His mouth brought forth songs of praise, thanksgiving, blessing and honor to the One True God of the universe. A vibration like an electrical current hummed through the worshipers. Light so bright he could not look into it encompassed the Throne. Glory. Wonderful glory light. The Kingdom of Light.

Hundreds of thousands of voices lifted in harmony so perfect they appeared to be part of the atmosphere—in communion with the very air they breathed. All worshiped with freedom and joyful unity, with arms outstretched and faces raised toward the brilliance. Milo could not distinguish a single individual. Every face shone with the reflected glory of I AM.

As he drew closer, Milo’s face radiated warmth, and his being overflowed with joy as his knees gave way. He lay prostrate, unable to move. His eyes spilled tears. His heart nearly exploded with deep love and appreciation for his Creator. He began to chuckle. Happiness bubbled up and out. Soon, jubilant laughter echoed around him, bringing more heavenly harmony.

Recharged by supernatural power, like a new battery filled to capacity, Milo soaked in the joyous atmosphere. All concerns about future challenges flitted away.

In time, he withdrew from the glorious Throne. Wistfulness filled his heart. What could be more fulfilling than being in the Presence? Silly question. Absolutely nothing. Although servant-hood came in a close second.

Time to return to earth. He inhaled deeply, closing his eyes, inviting the incense to wash over him once more before he left. He needed this spiritual refreshment before this next season with Paulina. He sensed it would be a crucial time for her fledgling faith, decisive for her future. Would he be able to steer her toward her kingdom destiny? How did Vlad play into that? How did he have knowledge of the Baklanovs? Why did Milo need help?

He didn’t have the answers to those questions but an ominous urgency grew as he departed the Throne.

He must return to Paulina. Now.

Chapter Four

Lina stared out the window of her apartment while cuddling her favorite stuffed goose in the crook of her arm. Something dark and ominous lurked … an unseen cloak of heaviness weighed her down. A wave of chills rippled up her spine like a scale ascending the keys on a piano.

Rain pelted the windows. Only a summer squall, but even so, she wanted to stay in tonight, do some baking, work on a quilt, read a book. Anything but go out. Maybe if she stayed home, she’d be safe. Safe against whatever was invading her body. Safe and protected from whatever was coming.

She hugged herself, trying to quiet her shaking hand. If only Kat were in town! She really needed to talk to her big sister. This was no time to be alone. The hammering in her heart intensified. She panicked.

Rummaging through her purse, she pulled out her phone and speed-dialed Scott.

Hi, this is Pastor Scott. I’m probably with the kids from youth group. Leave me a message and I’ll get back at ya. His voice rang with relaxed authority and confidence.

Lina opened her mouth to leave a message but instead ended the call. She’d talk to him tomorrow night at youth group. Next she dialed Uncle Yuri.

Paulina, my little cabbage. How’s my favorite niece? His deep rumbling voice calmed her galloping heart.

I’m okay. Just needed to hear your voice.

Why? What is wrong?

Nothing serious. A long day at the preschool. Her hammering heart eased.

You are magnificent with those kids.

Lina smiled. That’s what she loved about Yuri. He was a one-man cheering squad.

Must be something bothering you.

She couldn’t tell him about the blackout. Or the tremors. He’d worry.

Paulina? You there?

One little boy, Darren, wet his pants again. Little kids wet their pants all the time. Why even bring it up?

Maybe he needs to get some Depends. Yuri chuckled at his own joke. We got lots of diapers around this place. Want me to send you some?

Lina chuckled. No, but thanks for the offer. I merely called to check in, to see how you’re doing. But I should go now. I’ve got class tonight.

Have I told you how proud I am? You going to college to be a teacher?

Every time we talk.

It’s true. Now you go and get some more high marks.

Lina turned off the phone and moved away from the rain-splattered window. She picked up faded Grigory Goose and held him close. He lacked an eye, and stuffing poked out of a ripped seam. Sure he was beat up, but he was her last remnant from childhood and she loved him.

Setting him on his perch atop the sofa, she grabbed her raincoat and umbrella. She hadn’t cut class all semester. Why start now? Besides, she needed to turn in the research paper she’d worked on for weeks.

Uncle Yuri always made her feel special. Sometimes he repeated himself, but that was okay. She hoped she could be as active when she was eighty-two. If she even lived to eighty-two.

Which reminded her—she had a doctor’s appointment next week. She dreaded it. With the new symptoms, there was no denying it. Something was seriously wrong. And it couldn’t be good.

Chapter Five

Milo expected Vlad to be present when he returned from the Throne, but there was no sign of his fellow messenger. Not yet, anyway.

With his attention on Paulina, he nodded in approval as she made the calls. She was reaching out for comfort and fellowship—a good thing. Yuri Markov had served her well as an uncle. She responded to his encouragement and loving attention, especially with her parents no longer on earth.

Milo followed Paulina as she dashed to her car and made her way to the university. He positioned himself next to her when she settled into a seat at the front of the class. Vlad appeared on the other side of her.

"Privyet."

Greetings, fellow messenger, Milo replied.

The class began, stopping all conversation between the angels.

LINA, WOULD YOU PLEASE DISTRIBUTE THIS handout? the professor asked.

Sure. She smiled, rose and counted out the sheets to pass down the first aisle. At that moment, her right hand began to tremble and tingle with pins and needles. Not now! She couldn’t lose her grip. Not here in front of all these people. Heat crept up her neck into her cheeks.

Ever near, Milo whispered, Trust in the Lord.

Lina switched the sheets and tried to use her left hand to count, but she dropped the papers. They flew every which way. Sorry, she said weakly when the professor looked up.

Margaret, help Lina, please. He turned back to his PowerPoint presentation.

I can do it! Lina whispered, bending to retrieve the papers.

Let me help.

No. He asked me.

Margaret stood and watched Lina as she fumbled picking up the papers.

STUBBORN, VLAD COMMENTED.

The tremors are new to her. She’ll learn.

Hmm.

The professor stopped his presentation. Lina! You’re wasting class time. Give the papers to Margaret. Be seated, please.

Paulina thrust the papers at Margaret. She put her right hand in her pocket and took her seat.

Be of good courage, Milo whispered.

On her other side, Vlad leaned in close. When your father and mother forsake you, then the Lord will take you up.

Milo frowned. Why on earth did he quote that verse to her? He resisted the urge to scold Vlad but instead kept his eyes fixed on Paulina. Her shoulders relaxed. She’d responded to Vlad’s words!

Vlad shrugged and said to Milo, Her mother usually responded to that verse. I thought she might as well.

Oh. Milo remembered the colonel’s words that his new assistant had knowledge of the family. When Paulina took her rest for the night, Milo would question Vlad. He needed to know more in order to complete this mission successfully.

FIVE MINUTES BEFORE THE CLASS WAS over, Lina gathered her things, ready to bolt to the parking garage. No stopping to chat or have coffee with another student tonight. When the buzzer sounded, her feet sprang into action by the surge of emotion bringing tears to her eyes.

Once inside the car, she leaned her head against the steering wheel and cried in gulping sobs. Oh Lord! That was awful! Why is this happening to me? Why are You doing this to me? What have I done? I’m trying to be a good Christian. Why, Lord?

The two angels exchanged glances. Milo leaned forward and said to her, Perfect love casts out fear.

Vlad caught Milo’s eye. Nothing worse than the spirit of Accusation showing up in prayer.

This is her first major trial since receiving Jesus as her Messiah. She has many false ideas about God.

Yes. Her mother did also. She had no grasp of spiritual matters.

Milo said, Demonic forces undoubtedly engineered that.

Of course. There were and still are powerful territorial strongholds over Russia.

Milo added, "And Paulina doesn’t understand that when she listens and accepts demons’ whispers, she is receiving them as her own thoughts. Her sister went through that last year. Took her a long time to grasp it."

Take every thought captive, Vlad muttered. Second Corinthians ten five–one of the most important weapons in guerilla warfare, if not the most important. We all benefit when we obey that admonition.

A lump of ice began to form in Milo’s chest. We all?

Chapter Six

The ring of Lina’s cell pierced the quiet of her car. Kat.

Lina quickly wiped her nose and answered on the fourth ring.

Lina? You got a cold?

No. A summer allergy, I think.

Oh.

Lina tried to sound cheerful. What’s up? How’s Philadelphia?

It’s good. I got some great interviews. But the exciting news is I won a free trip to the Bahamas! I’ve always wanted to go there.

Congratulations. That’s great, Kat.

It is. I can bring someone with me, and Grady can’t go. Work.

The Bahamas! I’ll need a new bathing suit. Macy’s was having a sale ….

Kat continued, I have a lull at work in two weeks so that might be perfect for a little vacation.

No time like the present, Lina said lightly, while her brain scrambled to figure out how she could get a week off with short notice.

I was thinking, Kat babbled on, that I’d ask Giza …

Lina’s musings stopped dead. She didn’t hear the rest of the sentence. She’d heard all she needed. What do you want?

What?

What do you need from me? Lina heard the catch in her voice while fresh tears threatened.

Kat laughed. You always were astute. I volunteered to work the carnival for the school arts program fundraiser Saturday, the seventeenth. Two weeks from today. Grady’s playing in a charity golf tournament sponsored through his office. Can you work the carnival for me?

She had some nerve. Did Kat ever listen to herself? Was she aware of how she hurt people? Hurt her sister? Just when Lina thought they were rebuilding their relationship.

All of a sudden, Lina felt exhausted, far too tired to continue this conversation. She rubbed her eyes. She’d been through this many times before.

See? Kat doesn’t want or need your friendship. She only wants you to do things for her. That’s all.

Lina?

I’m here. Saturdays are the only day I can be with Scott.

Just this once?

Knowing she’d be badgered endlessly and already sick of the chatter, Lina’s words dripped with exasperation. Oh, all right.

Thank you! You’re the best sister. Talk to you soon.

Yeah. She was such a great sister that it never occurred to Kat to ask her to go on the vacation.

No one has ever wanted you.

Lina drove out of the university parking garage. The rain had stopped, but another storm raged—a torrent of angry thoughts inside her head.

Kat’s using me again. Taking advantage because I’m single with no husband and kids. It’s totally one-sided. That’s not love. If Kat loved me, she would’ve asked me to go with her. I’m not enough for her.

Milo and Vlad propelled away from Paulina. There he is again.

Rejection is relentless with her, and she’s agreeing. Again. Milo made a fist and pounded it against his palm.

Rejection knows her well. It’s as though she welcomes him. Vlad stated the observation without rancor.

Yet Milo jerked his head toward his assistant, who caught his glare. Heat flooded Milo’s features.

Vlad shrugged.

Milo tried to let it go, but he sensed his compatriot was sending him a message.

Rejection’s signature stench—pungent skunk oil–shifted Milo’s attention. The odor wafted around the angels, filling their nostrils, permeating their clothing, making their eyes water.

Vile, Vlad muttered, holding his nose. Ironic, ya, that Rejection takes skunk as its identifying odor?

A perfect fit for him. And smell the rotting garbage? Abandonment’s on his way. Makes you want to turn and run.

Ya. To abandon the garbage dump. Vlad’s dark brows wiggled playfully.

Milo paused. He didn’t know what to make of his fellow angel’s humor. Working alone as he usually did, he rarely had interaction with other angels. It felt strange to joke about such matters. Milo looked down on their charge in the distance. Oh, Paulina, dear one. I thought agreement with the enemy ended when you accepted the Messiah.

Really? Vlad’s eyes bored into him.

Milo felt himself redden. It was a ridiculous statement. Followers of Jesus agreed with the enemy all the time, and he knew it. An angel can hope, can’t he?

Chapter Seven

A ha! Won again. Yuri tossed down his last card with an exaggerated flourish. That’s it for me.

Oh Yuri, you always win. Rita grimaced and then smiled while she fanned out her cards on the table. If this keeps up, you’re going to make me into a poor widow.

Fat chance of that.

Come on. One more round, Frank said.

Yuri chuckled and scooped the coins in front of him into a half-full gallon jar. You only want to win your stash back. This old coot needs to go to bed. Beauty sleep, you know. Tomorrow we play again. For quarters.

Frank groaned. Quarters? I’ll be broke.

Yuri shrugged and lifted a hairy eyebrow at Rita.

Okay, okay. Quarters.

Yuri patted Frank’s shoulder as he passed.

Rita picked up her sweater and walked alongside Yuri as they left the senior facility’s activity room.

When they arrived at her apartment, Yuri leaned down and gave her a peck on the cheek. G’night, Rita.

See you tomorrow, Yuri.

He waited until she was safely inside. Double-lock it, he said through the door. He heard the dead bolt snap into place and murmured, Good girl.

He walked the corridors to his own apartment and greeted a few night owls like himself along the way. He carried the heavy jar full of coins under his arm, smug he had beaten them again. He still had a few tricks up his sleeve. Always was a card shark. The old geezers in this place couldn’t hold a candle to him. Should make some serious money tomorrow, playing for quarters.

He trudged along and shifted the weighty jar to his other arm. He should empty it and take the coins to the bank. He’d do that day after tomorrow.

His niece’s youthful smiling face flashed before him, spurring a fresh pang of guilt. Paulina. He’d avoided thinking about her all evening. He should call her back, see how she was really doing. Something about their phone call earlier had disturbed him. He couldn’t pinpoint the problem but he’d learned over the years to trust his instincts. Instincts that were still sharp, all these many years since he’d left the agency. Yes, he was still on his game. Still keen in his perceptions. Even if his body couldn’t quite keep up. He’d never admit that to Frank, though.

He opened the door to his place, turned on the lights, pulled the bottle from the freezer and poured himself a stiff vodka. Fortified with his drink, he retired to his favorite recliner, elevated his feet, and leaned his head back.

On the end table, the framed photo of Kat’s and Paulina’s smiles last Christmas caught his eye. He’d thought about Paulina a lot lately. Since she’d moved from Virginia to Massachusetts last year with Katyenka, he didn’t see her as much. Oh, they talked on the phone, but it wasn’t the same. He missed her. She was like a daughter.

Uneasiness descended on him like an itchy wool blanket. He needed to have that talk he’d put off. Should have done it years ago, but it never seemed like the right time. For years, Marta nagged him to tell the girl the truth.

The days of secrets are over, Yuri. You’ve got to tell her the facts about where she came from. Yes, it’s going to hurt, but putting it off will only make it worse.

Now his dear bride Marta was gone. He’d be next. If he didn’t act soon, he risked losing the chance to make things right with Paulina. He certainly did not want to answer for that on judgment day. Was old Yuri the Fury scared?

Belting down the rest of his vodka, he muttered, This won’t help anything, and plunked down the glass. He released the lever on his chair but fell back. It was