The Angel of Everything Bright

Chapter One: It’s Over

Okay, I’m sitting down. What do you want to talk to me about?

Daphne crossed her legs and peered up at her boyfriend as he paced in front of her. Something was bothering him, but Daphne didn’t know what. She’d been out shopping most of the day. She’d barely made it through the front door with her bags when he had insisted they talk. Jack, please. Is something wrong?

Jack Hunter massaged his eyes as if he’d just been stricken with a headache.

I don’t even know where to begin, he said under his breath, more to himself, it seemed, than to Daphne. He fixed his eyes on hers. Everything’s wrong.

Daphne’s anxiety level shot up another notch and then, out of the corner of her eye, Daphne noticed Jack’s packed suitcases and a couple of taped up cardboard boxes piled up at the bottom of the stairs. Her jaw dropped. She tore her eyes off the suitcases and faced Jack.

You’re leaving. It wasn’t a question. Unbidden tears flooded her eyes.

Yeah, Jack said with a nod. I’m sorry if this seems sudden, but it’s been a long time coming. I just reached the point I can’t take anymore of…this…this…. He clearly couldn’t define it.

Daphne shot to her feet. "This? This what? What’s going on? Just tell me! She gestured at the suitcases. Why are you moving out?"

Jack flung his arm in Daphne’s direction. Why else? It’s because of you.

Me? Daphne shrieked.

Yes. No. It’s because of the way you’ve been treating me. The way you’ve always treated me. He raised his hand to stave off Daphne’s impending protest. We’ve been together for two years, Daph. I’ve asked you countless times to be honest with me. I know you keep things from me, though. You act like you’ve just met me and that you don’t know me at all. You always have. I thought I knew you, but I’ve finally realized I don’t. Not deep down. Not really. But one thing I do know, I’m tired of all your secrets. You never once confided in me. It’s like you still don’t trust me. Maybe there’s a reason. I don’t know. I’ve just had enough of trying to pull off a relationship at arm’s-length.

He paused to take a breath and Daphne was quick to jump to her defense. What are you talking about? You said it yourself. We’ve been together for two years. You’re telling me that in all that time, you never got to know me deep down? You’re my best friend, my lover. How can you not know me? I know you well enough. I love you.

Jack shot her a look full of skepticism. You say you love me, but you’ve never really let me in. You disappear for days at a time and even when you are home, you still go sneaking around. You never tell me where you are or what you’re doing. I’m tired of all the wondering. My imagination has been running wild lately. Today was the last straw.

For a moment, Daphne couldn’t speak. She wiped at her drizzling eyes and then shook her head. She knew what Jack was talking about now, but she didn’t know what to say in her defense because of it.

Today? I told you last night I was going to go out shopping for some last minute things I needed before Kinney and Haley’s wedding tomorrow, Daphne claimed. You grunted, but you didn’t bother looking up from your phone when I told you, so maybe I was wrong thinking you were paying attention. God! You make it sound like I’m out cheating on you!

Jack gritted his teeth. "Yes, I knew you were out shopping today. I meant, today I decided to take action. Today, I decided I’d had enough. He gestured at the few shopping bags she’d brought in with her. It took you all day long to buy that? You know, if you had told me you were going to meet the girls for lunch and a movie after, I could see it."

You’re being ridiculous, Daphne told him, her throat tightening with rising emotion. "I don’t disappear. I have a job. A job I’m on-call for. I can get summoned any time. Just like you. I go because I have to go to work. You know that. Yes, okay. I don’t go into any details about my work, but it’s to protect the privacy of my clients. A lot of the things I do are confidential. It’s no different from your job. You can’t discuss cases you’re working on or people you arrest."

"It is different! Jack came back with. I’m a cop. I’m law enforcement. You work in an office. Somewhere. I think. Hell, I don’t even know. I’ve never been there. I still don’t even know what it is you do, exactly!" He stepped closer to Daphne and glared at her, his eyes full of accusation.

I never really got into what I do because…well, it’s kind of boring. I had no idea knowing all about my job was so important to you. To be honest, I handle sensitive documents for people. Crucial documents in most cases, with all kinds of private information about those people. I help them track down papers they need and create legal binding certificates to replace any that are lost or unattainable. Daphne dismissed it all with a wave of her hand. I thought I told you as much before, back when we first met. What? Did you suddenly forget or something?

Jack spread his arms wide. "But what does any of that mean? Sensitive documents with private information? What for? And for who? Who do you work for? Do they have any business providing legal documents to people who don’t have any? He paused, looked away for a moment, and then faced Daphne with a stony look. And why are nearly all the clients you meet…ridiculously handsome, young men?"

Daphne froze. How? How do you know that?

Turning his eyes away, Jack seemed to deflate a little. I know because I’ve been following you for the past two weeks. I’ve seen those men. I’ve seen all the little hide-away places you meet up with them at, too. All hours of the day and night. You can’t blame me, Daph. It looks too suspicious. The whole thing. What have you gotten yourself involved with?

Numb, Daphne tried hard not to look as alarmed as she was. She took a deep breath and tried to collect herself.

"You’re right about one thing. Your imagination is running wild. So what if some of my clients are nice looking men? It doesn’t mean I’m doing anything wrong. Or illegal, for crying out loud." She resisted the urge to sit down in spite of the fact her legs were wobbly. Her stomach felt sick.

Come on, Daphne, Jack almost pleaded. I survive trusting my cop instincts. Something doesn’t smell right about any of this. I’ve seen you pass them envelopes. I’ve seen them examine the I.D.s you give them. I’ve seen you…embrace these guys like they’re your long lost brothers or something. You tell me how not to come to the conclusions I have. He lowered his eyes and his voice. Now’s your chance to explain. And don’t just tell me I’m imagining things. If you value our relationship like you say you do, it’s time to come clean. Talk to me. Trust me.

Shaking her head, Daphne turned away from Jack so he wouldn’t see the pain in her eyes. It was too late. She couldn’t give Jack what he wanted. He would leave her and she would have to make sure he forgot the real reason why.

I can’t believe you’ve been spying on me, she said, her normally melodic voice cracking. All I can say is it’s not what you think. You want me to trust you, well, how about you trusting me? It’s obvious you don’t. You never have. I know you’re a cop, but that’s not why you’re suspicious. Or jealous. I don’t know what to think. I feel like I’ve been ambushed. She faced him again. Besides, your mind is already made up, Jack. I can see it in your eyes. Guilty before proven innocent, instead of the other way around. Okay. I get it. It’s over. We’re through. It’s not me who doesn’t value our relationship. You’ve sabotaged any hope of amending us with your spying and crude accusations.

Jack took on an incredulous expression. So. Instead of explaining yourself, you’re letting me go. It’s easier, sure, but I thought I meant a little more to you than that. I’m a forgiving guy, Daph. I would have at least tried to work things out, but you’re the one who doesn’t want to. Don’t accuse me of sabotaging us. It wasn’t me. It was never me.

Stop it, Daphne said without hesitation. Tears streamed from her eyes. Oh, just leave. Take what you’ve gathered and go. You can pick up the rest of your stuff tomorrow afternoon. I’ll be out with my friends at the wedding festivities all day. She picked up one of the shopping bags she hadn’t even gotten a chance to unpack yet and threw it at Jack. Here. I got you a new shirt for the reception. Just take it back if you don’t want it. The receipt is in the bag.

Jack caught the bag one handed. Fine. I guess I’ll just be on my way. He turned away from her, but then turned back. "For what it’s worth, I’m sorry. For a while, I thought we were on the right track. I thought you just might be the one, Daphne. God! You’re brainy and beautiful! You’ve got a great personality. You’re so sweet and warm and caring. You really clicked with me. I couldn’t help falling in love with you and even now, I do love you. It’s just not enough, you know. I also want trust and commitment. I wanted to get married…but I can’t marry you. I want to know my wife. I want a woman I know every last little thing about."

So you can control her? Daphne snapped. She had nothing left but anger now. As far as she was concerned, he ruined everything for her.

Jack winced. No! Not for control. For love. What she loves, I want to love. Whatever it may be. Her work, her friends. Her favorite restaurants and childhood toys. And that’s another thing. You never talk about your childhood. You never mentioned your parents to me once. I don’t know where you grew up. Where you went to school. Who took you to prom? He paused and lowered his voice. I want to know these things because I want to blend my life with the woman I love. I want the kind of wife who finishes my sentences. I don’t want secrets. I don’t want mystery. I want to be let in. I’ll never have that with you. We’re going nowhere.

Daphne shook her head. I still don’t understand what set you off. You never questioned me like this before. You never made these kinds of demands. And you never once talked about us getting married. I thought you were fine the way we were. You seemed happy.

Jack moved to gather his suitcases. I was happy once. I’m not anymore. Look, this wasn’t an easy decision. And actually, what set me off was this wedding you kept talking about. You kept going on about this…couple who I’ve never met, by the way, and how close they are. How much in love they are. It just got me thinking. It made me take a hard look at us in comparison.

As Jack headed toward the door with his arms loaded, Daphne considered opening the door for him. She was already resigned to the fact he was lost to her and at this point, she wouldn’t be able to keep him without changing the dynamics of their relationship in a profound way. Daphne didn’t want to resort to those options, however, although she was also resigned to the fact she would still have to alter his reality to some extent. She was going to have to use a little divine influence on him to make sure he remembered today in a different light. She’d change his perspective of their break-up so he’d believe it was her decision, not his. All his suspicions would be forgotten. Things like her never mentioning her childhood just wouldn’t occur to him as anything peculiar. She’d make him think they parted on amicable terms. Daphne hated the idea, but it was necessary. In her opinion, it was better than telling him who and what she was.

Having taken his suitcases outside, Jack returned for the last of his boxes. He picked them up and then faced Daphne as if giving her one last chance to come clean. Daphne just looked back at him, numb and saddened. Tears trickled down her cheeks.

Well, good-bye, Daphne, Jack said in a low voice.

Good-bye, Jack, she replied. I hope you find what you’re looking for.

He didn’t respond. Instead, he bowed his head and hurried out the door, slamming it behind him.

Daphne jumped, startled. She felt weak in the knees and sunk down to the plush carpet in a heap, sobbing with an inconsolable pain.

Chapter Two: Compromised

Kinney had just turned the ringer on his cell phone off for the night and if he hadn’t been looking right at the screen, he’d have never realized anyone was calling. For half a second, he debated whether or not to answer it. He knew who was calling, however, and if it had been anyone other than Daphne, Kinney would have ignored it. Still, he waited to answer it until right before it would have gone to his voicemail box, hoping she’d get the hint and hang up. She didn’t.

What’s up, Daph? Did you lose another earring while you were here? Sitting back in his chair, Kinney grinned, being facetious on purpose, but his grin faded when Daphne spoke.

Oh, Kinney, she said and sniffed. I’m sorry for calling so late. I know you’ve got a big day tomorrow, but I really needed to talk to you.

Kinney sat forward. It’s okay. You’ve got my undivided attention. Haley’s gone to stay overnight at her mother’s and Amber and Hodges turned in an hour ago. I was heading to bed myself, but I can talk for a while. Please. Tell me what’s wrong.

Everything, Daphne whispered, recalling Jack’s response earlier. She took a deep breath. No. Not everything. I just thought you should know that Jack moved out tonight. He was packed and waiting for me to get home so he could break up with me. Her entire explanation had been given in one expelled breath.

Frowning, Kinney struggled to think of something comforting to say that wouldn’t ring hollow. He’d never met Jack, but he had never relished the idea of Daphne hooking up with a police officer. Daphne had seemed content and happy with him, so Kinney had let it alone.

Oh, babe, I’m sorry to hear that. His timing sucks, Kinney told her. I know you loved him. Did he give you any reason why he wanted out?

Yeah, that’s kind of why I’m calling you.

Kinney froze. This couldn’t be good. He had to make an effort to keep his voice level. What does this have to do with me?

Well, Daphne began. Our whole mission, really. I guess I got a little too complacent with Jack. I got careless. Jack said he was leaving me because I wasn’t letting him get close. He said he didn’t know me deep down and wanted to, apparently, so, he acted on his cop instincts and followed me around for a couple of weeks. He saw me with some of our charges, passing them envelopes in out-of-the-way places. Of course, he also had to comment on how good-looking they all were. I can’t believe any of this. I had no idea he was suspicious. I didn’t see any of this coming and now…we’ve been compromised. For all I know, he might have seen me with you or Shorter or Parson.

Kinney moaned. He knew where this conversation was heading now and hated the I-told-you-so that seemed inevitable at this point. Making it worse was the crack of emotion in Daphne’s usually sweet, melodic voice. It was obvious. Jack’s betrayal had broken her heart.

I know you never felt like you had to influence him, Kinney said. You told me he was such an easy-going guy for a cop and that he was crazy about you just the way you are. He didn’t ask questions before, but I’ve always kind of worried his true nature would come to the surface someday. People are smart, Daphne. They think about things, a lot. Of course, he’d get curious after a while. I have to say, I wish he hadn’t gotten so suspicious of your comings-and-goings that he felt it necessary to follow you, but don’t worry about it. Really. I doubt the operative was ever compromised and even if it were, you know what you have to do now, don’t you?

Yeah, Daphne murmured. It’s done already. I’m not taking any more chances with him.

I’m sorry it had come to this, Kinney went on. It’s hard for us, carrying on a relationship with a human being if you choose not to influence them from the start or trust them enough to simply tell them the truth. Your relationship with Jack was one of those rare animals that seemed to be an exception. Or, so I thought.

Me, too, Daphne admitted. Oh, I know, I’ll…get over him in time, but what I’ll never get passed is the fact I jeopardized our mission here for my own selfish reasons. I’m ashamed of myself, Kinney. I really am.

Daphne, don’t be so hard on yourself, Kinney admonished. We all learn from our mistakes. I know you’ll be more careful about meeting with our charges from now on and please consider telling your lover the truth about you the next time you fall in love. That or influence them to the point all those weird little quirks about us don’t occur to them.

Oh, no, Daphne was quick to reply. There isn’t going to be a next time. I’ve gone centuries without falling for someone the way I fell for Jack. I can go a few centuries more.

Now don’t be silly, Kinney scolded. "A few centuries is one thing. Going through the rest of eternity without falling in love? I doubt it. Besides, love has a way of sneaking up on you when you least expect it. I should know. It happened to me when I least expected it to."

There was a long pause before Daphne spoke again. Kinney wondered if she was mulling it over or just didn’t know what to say to contradict him.

No, she said at last, sounding sure of herself. I just don’t like the options we’re given. If I had to influence my lover, I’d never be able to look them in the eye.

Kinney nodded even though he knew Daphne couldn’t see him. He agreed with her. And there were a lot of angels who felt the same way about influencing people. They saw it as unethical in a way.

You’ll just have to tell them the truth then, Kinney concluded. He knew he made it sound like a simple solution.

But think about it, Daphne answered. You have to be absolutely sure whoever you tell is the one person you want to spend the rest of time with.

Is that why you never told Jack? He wasn’t…the one?

Another long pause. Then: "I guess not. I mean, I loved him. I was in love with him, but to be honest, I don’t think I ever wanted that kind of commitment to him. Huh. He was right. I wasn’t the one he once thought I was. He was never the one for me. I never thought about it that way before."

Kinney’s voice was soft. Then maybe your break-up was a good thing after all. Being in love isn’t enough for us. We have to want to be…all in.

Daphne expelled her breath into the phone. Wow, that’s kind of what Jack said. There’s love and then there’s the kind of love you and Haley have. The kind where you can’t imagine facing a new day without them.

Yes, Kinney said with a smile. Exactly that. He shifted in his chair. Don’t be afraid of that kind of commitment, Daphne. If it’s meant to be, you’ll know it, and being open and honest about yourself will feel right. Look around you. It’s happening to a lot of angels in this day and age and it’s working out just fine.

I know, Daphne said. She didn’t go on.

Kinney sighed. Still, I’m sorry for what happened between you and Jack. I was looking forward to meeting him tomorrow. He sighed deeper. God help us. If Haley and I can pull off this ceremony and then mingling so many angels and people without a hitch, it will be a miracle.

Daphne chuckled. If anyone can blend in, you can, Kinney. Besides, angels believe in miracles.

Kinney smiled. We kind of have to. He cleared his throat. Um, you are still coming tomorrow, I hope?

Oh, of course, Daphne told him. I wouldn’t miss it for the world. Even if I have to show up alone. Just, please, help me fend off all the ‘where’s Jack?’ inquiries.

Mmm, too bad we can’t influence our fellow angels, Kinney mused. Don’t worry; I’ll spread the word before you arrive. Now, are you going to be all right?

Yeah. I’ll be fine. More than anything, it was just nice to have someone to talk to. The house seems awfully big and empty now that I’m alone in it.

I’m here for you any time, Kinney said. What are bosses for if not to unload on?

Daphne sighed. Thanks, Kinney. You’re the best boss ever. Go get some sleep. Don’t worry about me. I’ll be all right. Promise.

Okay. If you insist. I do have a big day tomorrow and it wouldn’t do to show up with dark circles under my eyes.

That’ll happen, Daphne replied with a light laugh. You’ll look dashingly perfect as always.

You go get some sleep, too, missy, Kinney said. Tomorrow you’ll feel better and probably see things in a whole new light.

I already do. Goodnight, Kinney.

Goodnight, Daphne. Sweet dreams.

With that, Kinney hung up. He tried not to read too much into the fact Daphne had just told him he looked dashingly perfect. It did make him smile, however.

Chapter Three: Visitation

Daphne didn’t know when she had finally fallen asleep, but she knew she must have slept a little. She rolled to her side, picked up her phone, and glanced at the time. It was 2:36 in the morning. With a moan, she lay back down and pulled the covers tighter around her nude body to ward off the chill in the room. She closed her eyes, hoping to fall back asleep, and reached across the bed to snuggle with Jack. Her hand came up empty and suddenly, the recollection of yesterday’s occurrences rushed to the forefront of her mind. She moaned again, her heart twisting with sadness, and turned away from the vacant side of the bed. Why had she thought he’d be here?

Because someone was here. Daphne could feel their presence. She sat up again and looked around the room. It was too dark to see anything—even if there was something to see. It was more of a feeling, but Daphne quickly dismissed the notion as Jack’s dissipating residual energy. Tomorrow night, the sensation would probably be gone.

With a growl