Death of an Archangel

Prologue

October 1969 at the end of an airport runway near Da Nang, Vietnam.

Seven Special Forces soldiers sat waiting for their flight back to the States. They were from all branches of the military, and the war was over for them, or so they thought.

The air was hot and heavy with humidity, normal conditions for the country. There was no conversation among them, each deep in thought about going home and things they wanted to forget.

One of the men, Luke, was trying to remember what home was like. He had turned eighteen in this country and was now twenty. He had served his country for over two years, spending most of the time fighting in the jungles and completing CIA top-secret missions north of the DMZ, in Laos and Cambodia. He knew he had changed a great deal during his two years in Vietnam, and he was having a hard time remembering what the rest of the world was really like. He wasn’t sure he wanted to return to the States and did not know what he would do once he was there.

Luke, along with the others, had been informed that they would be sent to the Naval Hospital in Oakland, California, to undergo a physical and debriefing, which would assist them in returning to a normal life. The CIA had managed to keep Luke in country for an extra fifteen months because of his exceptional talents, but when they tried to keep him longer, they could not get by a field inspection held by the Marines, which turned up the fact that he had been there too long. Orders were given to return him to the States. He was actually going home, and he did not know how to feel. He had no idea what the future held for him.

During the Vietnam War, men from the Special Forces had been trained so well in the art of killing and understanding their prey—the enemy—that they became very valuable to certain branches of the government such as the CIA and FBI. If these men lived through the rigors of the war they fought and came back to the United States, they had to be taught how to live again and to blend into society in what is called a civilized world.

Physicians as well as individuals from government agencies brought these warriors directly from the battlefield to special hospitals in the States where they were reconditioned, treated for injuries, and studied. They were reprogrammed in an attempt to erase memories of certain missions that the government did not want to become public knowledge.

Some of the men were persuaded to re-enlist to serve as trainers or in some cases to return to the battlefield. Some, who it seemed were totally rehabilitated and able to be released into the public sector, were left to start their lives again. Then there were those who were so well trained to be acceptable for a new form of service to their country or to the government agency that needed their special talents. These men would be retrained for a different life.

Luke, one of the men chosen to serve forever, was told that he needed further treatment in order to return to the normal world. He had no idea that this meant a reprogramming of his mind that would lay the course for the rest of his life.

Luke had freely accepted the offer of training. After returning to the States, he felt he had nowhere to go, and he had no idea what he was going to do anyway, so why not let them train him for a job with the government?

The government agents and doctors had agreed that Luke was the perfect individual for the experiment they had in mind, because of his flawless record of successfully completed missions, self-discipline, and ability to understand the enemy.

Agent Jeffrey would be in charge of the training and later be a constant connection to Luke. It was part of Jeffrey’s job to become a close friend to Luke, earning his trust and loyalty. He must also watch to make sure that this man never got out of control. If he did, Jeffrey would eliminate him and terminate the project.

The program, known as Project Archangel, began immediately and seemed to progress faster then any of the scientists, doctors, or trainers thought possible. Their choice of Luke was perfect; he adapted very well to the different types of training and mental conditioning that were tried. Luke never seemed to question what was happening or why. He projected a natural ability to understand people just by watching them, listening to what they said and observing how they acted.

On field trips into town he and Jeffrey would sit and observe. Luke displayed an uncanny propensity for accurately describing people, including what their next moves would be. Jeffrey would note everything, then return to the lab to discuss his findings with the rest of the team.

On one occasion Luke sat in front of the team and described each team member…his likes and dislikes, what type of car he drove, what kind of foods he enjoyed. He was completely right about all of them. They actually were frightened by the event; it was as though Luke could read their minds, or more, look into their souls.

The team, of course, took credit for the training they had provided, yet in the backs of their minds they wondered if this man just had the natural ability to read their minds. In the many $1iscussions with Luke it seemed to them that he answered with words they wanted to hear. This made them uneasy, feeling that maybe he was the one in control and not they at all.

Luke passed every test they could think of giving him. He was ready to go out into the world now and do his job.

As he said his good-byes and left the constant supervision of the team, each member wondered, How long will this last? Will he ever understand what has really happened? Will he know any other life than the one we have planned for him?

Years passed, and Luke successfully completed every mission that Jeffrey, on behalf of the agency, assigned him. He had become the most reliable government agent and assassin. Very few people had ever seen him, and some members of covert operations actually feared him because of his exceptional abilities. Some officials knew of him but none, other than Jeffrey, had any idea where he was or how to contact him.

Luke and Jeffrey had developed a close friendship. Jeffrey realized that he had grown to love the man and respect him for his accomplishments as well as Luke’s principles. Even though he was an assassin, he worked only to the principles of freeing the world of evil threats.

Over the past few years Luke’s feelings had changed, and his perception of himself was different. The loneliness that accompanied his type of work had become a burden to him. He longed for more for himself. Though he completed each mission with the precision of the professional he was, things were different.

Chapter One

Colorado, December 1997

It was twenty-eight years after Vietnam and twenty-six years since Luke left Oakland, where he had been retrained.

Ah…December in the Colorado Rockies, Luke thought as he walked down the last few yards of the mountain to where his truck was parked.

The snow was falling harder now, and the existing two feet would soon be four feet deep. He had been far back in the woods at the little cabin he had built for himself.

Fifteen years ago he convinced Jeffrey that it was really good therapy for him to buy this property where no roads went, and it was a good place for Luke to get away a couple of times each year. After all, he was from the mountains of Colorado, and what better place to go to regenerate himself?

They had decided that this place should remain their secret, since the agency might not understand Luke’s need to be on his own. As long as Jeffrey knew where to find him—and no one ever walked that far into the mountains—what harm could there be?

Jeff found himself feeling sorry for this man he had grown to love as a son. Besides, wasn’t it partly his fault that Luke was living this life so void of love and friendship? He had never met a person who had such inner kindness. He knew Luke would give his life for any man, as he had demonstrated in Vietnam-one of the reasons they chose him. It was a simple request to own a piece of property and a cabin. How could Jeff deny Luke the only thing he requested during the entire time he had known him?

Luke took off his snowshoes and brushed the snow from his truck. He felt empty and alone—feelings Luke tried never to have. His life, his job did not allow for those feelings, but this time his need for something was more than he could control. He had a hard time admitting to himself that he really was alone and wanted to see other people, normal regular people.

He was experiencing thoughts and memories that were strange to him. He somehow knew they were real memories of incidents that happened far back in his life. He wanted more out of life. He wanted to experience love, real and true love, even though it meant jeopardizing his secret life.

His thoughts were interrupted by Clyde, the old man who owned the mining cabin where he parked his truck when he was not using it.

Whatcha doin down from the mountain so soon? Clyde asked in his gruff voice.

Don’t know, Clyde. Just had an urge.

Clyde looked at him in a very strange way. You ain’t ne’er done that afore. You feelin okay?

Yeah, Luke replied.

He knew the old man was trying to figure out why he would come out of the mountains so soon and in such a bad storm. Clyde knew that Luke understood the winter storms and how easy it was to become lost in the strong snows.

Boy, you gotta learn how to talk more. Is it botherin’ ya that Christmas is comin’? Ya know every year ya stay up thar on those mountains all by yerself at Christmas. It ain’t right, boy. Ya gotta spend time with people this time o’ year. Ya know ya can come with me to town, an’ we’ll get drunk. Whatcha say?

Nah…not this time, Clyde. Maybe we can do it next year. Thanks for watching the truck, as usual. I’ll see you when I bring it back. You take care. I gotta get going. Oh, yeah, you have a merry Christmas, and if you get drunk, stay in town at the motel. Tell them a friend will come pay for the room. Okay?

When ya gonna be back, Luke?

Don’t know. See you when I see you. ‘Bye, Clyde.

The old man waved, shaking his head in confusion and walking back into the little cabin. He had known Luke for twelve years and really didn’t know a thing about him, except that the man really knew nature and was one with the mountains. He always felt that there was something wrong in Luke’s head, the way he never said much and seemed to always be alone.

He also wondered where Luke went when he left for months at a time.

He had asked many times, but Luke always said, Oh, just out doing stuff.

Luke was in his late forties, with light brown hair and blue eyes, about five feet ten with a slender, muscular build and strong as a bull. Clyde had always admired the way he climbed the mountains as if they were flat, never stopping, just up and up like a mountain goat.

Two miles up the highway was a small, beautiful mountain town called Ute Valley that was frequented by tourists in the summer and skiers traveling to the more popular ski resorts in the winter. Luke particularly liked a little cafe on Main Street that served a great breakfast and a terrific espresso.

It was only 7:30 in the morning, and he had been walking for two days in the snow. Something to eat and an espresso would be great, he thought. Then he would like a room at the motel by the river and a nice long, hot shower, or a soak in the hot springs pool watching it snow.

As Luke pulled into town, he noticed there seemed to be more vehicles than usual parked in the different motel parking lots and on the streets. He wondered why so many people were there in the middle of the week.

It was habit for him to see everything and quickly analyze what he saw. He noticed that the snowplows were having trouble keeping up with the heavy snowfall and that the piles of snow produced everywhere from clearing the streets were about twelve feet high. Smoke was coming from all the chimneys, and the little Victorian-style homes looked inviting in the winter scene.

He thought, Maybe because it’s only a week till Christmas.

Staying at the cabin usually until the end of January or February, he had never come to town at Christmas time. He felt a little uncomfortable about a lot of people in the small town.

He saw a parking spot close to the cafe and pulled his truck into it. As he got out of the truck, he noticed there were two other people on the street and it looked like only one other person was in the cafe.

The cafe windows were steamed around the edges. It appeared, Luke mused, as if someone had sprayed a design to outline the glass. He walked in and went directly to a little table for two in the corner. He liked this table because he had his back to the wall, and he could clearly see the door and through the window to watch people walking by on the sidewalk. It was his habit to be wary and alert. Maggie always made an effort to be the one who waited on him. She hurriedly came to his table.

Well, well, look what this storm blew in! She flashed a very big smile. What’s it going to be, mountain man? No, no let me guess. A double espresso in a cup of coffee, right?

Now how did you know that? Luke asked as he smiled back, suddenly realizing that he had created some normal routines, a pattern, which was something he never did.

Same cafe, same order, same waitress—could this be harmful to him in the future? He didn’t want to think about it. All he knew was that it was nice to be there and to have this person smile at him. He knew it was not good to create a pattern, but he didn’t care, just wanting to enjoy the moment.

Well, I make it a point to know what my favorite customers like, Maggie responded with an even bigger smile than before.

So, I’m one of your favorite customers, huh? Luke returned, wanting the attention.

Maggie fluttered her eyes. I have to be honest. You are probably my number-one favorite customer, and I’m glad to see you. I’ve never seen you here at this time of year. It’s like I got an early Christmas present.

Luke felt that he was blushing. He was flattered because this woman in what he thought to be her early thirties would flirt with a forty-eight-year-old man. He did tell himself that he looked a lot younger compared to other men who were forty-eight, but nevertheless, he was still forty-eight. Still, he loved the attention.

Well, he stumbled on, I just came to town to see you, and of course to have my coffee.

It seemed to make Maggie’s day when he said that, and he was glad. She wore the gentlest smile he had ever seen. She was pleased.

I’ll get that coffee now, she said. Don’t you go away. I’ve got lots to tell you.

Maggie had always impressed Luke as being a very nice person. The gentleness in her eyes made him feel at peace. He often wondered why such a lovely woman, who also seemed to be very intelligent, worked in this little town as a waitress.

He had seen her here for over four years now. The first few times he came in, Maggie seemed to be shy, but now, after seeing him many times, she openly spoke with him, discussing books, world affairs, computers, and how the government should operate. Luke enjoyed listening to her and responded with short comments. There was something special about this woman that made him think of her often, no matter where in the world he was. Perhaps that was why he had created a pattern of returning to this cafe. As she walked away, he watched her, admiring her attractive figure, and realized he felt better. Maggie was about five feet one or two, with light brown hair.

He turned and, seeing his reflection in the window, thought, Wow, what a bum!

He had not shaved for over a month, and his hair was sticking out from under his cowboy hat, looking pretty ragged. He realized this was the first time he cared how he looked.

Strange…I’d better go to the restroom and wash up and comb my hair.

When he returned, Maggie was sitting at his table. The coffee was waiting for him.

Oh, you straightened up just for me, Maggie said. How sweet.

Well, I got to tell you, I saw myself in the window, and it scared me. I can only imagine what it did for you.

Luke, you look great to me, no matter what.

Luke…how did she know my name?

He couldn’t remember ever telling her his name.

How’d you know my name? he asked.

Clyde told me. Last month after you left the cafe I followed you, and after you parked your truck and went up into the mountains, I went and asked Clyde. Why? Does it bother you? No. I just couldn’t remember telling you, and you usually call me ‘mountain man.’

He remembered seeing her follow him, and as he watched her from behind the trees, she knocked on Clyde’s door. He had felt uneasy and yet flattered when he saw her follow him. He had secretly hoped that she was interested in him for good reasons.

Would you rather I call you mountain man, or your name? That is, if Luke really is your name, she said with a confused expression.

Luke is my name, and I do like to hear you say it. You should have just asked me. You didn’t need to follow me and ask ol’ Clyde.

Well, she said, you didn’t offer it up, and you never have said a whole lot. You listen to me blabber on and on, and maybe I just don’t give you a chance to talk, but I would like it if you would talk more. I’ll try not to talk so much and give you a chance.

Maggie, I love to listen to you. You have interesting opinions, and I like your soft voice. I’ll tell you if I have something to say. Okay?

I hope so, because I really enjoy talking to you. I feel comfortable talking with you about everything.

It made Luke feel good, that this woman he admired enjoyed his company.

Then tell me Maggie, what have you been up to? Read any good books?

Yes, I have. I just finished one about the millennium that was great. I want to tell you about the whole thing, but it’ll take some time. Maybe we could get together after I’m off work and I could tell you the entire story. That is, if you’re going to be around for a while. Are you? she asked with hopefulness in her eyes.

Yes. I thought after I had some breakfast, I would go get a room and rest for a while. Then I could see you later.

You’ll never get a room, Luke. The place is full for the holidays. People flock to this little town for Christmas. You could….

She paused, looking down at the table in a shy manner. You could stay at my place. I don’t know if you knew, but I bought the Becker place last year, and it’s got plenty of room. The views are just wonderful, and it is so very cozy. That is, if you want to….

Maggie, that’s very nice of you, but I wouldn’t want to impose….

Luke, I would be hurt if you didn’t, she interrupted. I mean, it would be great. I would have company for Christmas, and we could get to know each other. I’m so excited. Please accept my offer—unless you have someone you need to be with for Christmas.

No, I don’t have to be anywhere, and there’s no one I have to be with, but Christmas is over a week away. Are you sure you want a house guest that long?

Well, it’s settled then. You’ll stay with me. Oh, I’m so happy. Let me go get your order and a key for the house. You can have the bedroom by the stairs. Oh, wow, I can’t believe it.

As she rushed off to get the order for Luke, she mumbled to herself, Thank you, God. Oh, thank you.

Luke felt pretty good about the whole idea of staying with Maggie. It was the best he’d felt mentally since he could remember. She had not really given him a chance to refuse, but that was okay. He wanted to accept her offer anyway.

Ever since he met Maggie four years earlier, he knew he felt something special about this woman, but he had never acted on it because of the life he had and the work he did. Even when he was with other women for a night or two, he felt nothing. Many times he thought of Maggie when he was with another woman.

He had never experienced love. Could this fantastic feeling be love? He really didn’t know. All he knew was that he was excited and felt great. For once in his life he didn’t want to question and analyze what was happening. He just wanted to let it flow.

Chapter Two

Jeffrey had been called early by Director Manning and was told to get to the office no later than eight o’clock that morning. They needed to go over some very important information.

As Jeffrey drove, he could not help wondering what was going on. When he left the office the night before, everything was fine. Besides, he was supposed to catch a flight to Florida to spend a few weeks with his wife, children, and grandchildren for the holidays.

Jeffrey usually worked out of the Orlando office and spent about a week each month in Washington. He had made arrangements to take a month off. No major situations were in progress at the moment, so it seemed a good time to take a breather. The more he thought about the interruption, the angrier he became. He thought of all the years he had been taking care of the oh-so-secret projects.

Jeff we need this, and he would do it. Jeff, we need that, and he would do it.

Can’t anyone else do anything? he wondered.

He thought of all the times he had to call Luke for another mission, and how Luke never complained. He was always right there, and every time he showed up, he brought Jeff a special gift, something he had carved or a special item he had found during his travels.

Jeff always knew where Luke was. He wondered what he was doing up at that cabin and why he always chose to be there during the holidays. Oh, well, it seemed to be what Luke needed and enjoyed, and since he really didn’t have much of a life because agency missions, he might as well have his cabin.

Many times Jeff and his wife had invited Luke to their home for the holidays, but he always refused, saying, You and your family should be together and enjoy each other without a stranger interfering, plus it wouldn’t be the safest thing for us to do.

Jeff told him that he was like family to him, but Luke would just smile, thank him, and go his way.

Jeff arrived at the conference room early, hoping they could get this thing over with so he could still catch his plane. He saw their special Middle East agent down the hall talking with the Director. There had been some information earlier in the week that some sort of problem might be starting in the Mideast.

Jeff walked down the hall, and Director Manning turned and reached out his hand to him.

Jeff, I believe you know Fahd!

Yes, we worked together on a few assignments about two years ago. Fahd, how are you?

Fahd had been a special agent in the Mideast for many years. Somehow he had been able to keep his cover as a marketing specialist for a combined fabric company. The cover was ideal, as it gave Fahd the perfect opportunity to travel to the U.S. to market company goods. Because of his job he was able to assemble one of the best networks of informants in the Arab States. His likable personality helped him with just about every person with whom he came in contact.

I’ve been fine until recently, Fahd replied, a very serious look on his face.

Director Manning suggested they go to his office and discuss the information that had been brought to his attention.

"Jeff, I’m very sorry I had to bring you in today, but Fahd made a special and urgent trip in late last night to meet with me. He has obtained information about a man in Israel whom, with all our intelligence in that area, we didn’t even know existed. Anyway, it seems this man has some special relationship with all the leaders of those countries, which allows him to travel freely throughout the Arab Nations without a problem.

Why do you see this as a problem? Jeff asked.

Well, we’re not sure it is a problem, but we did send an agent to gather more information and find out exactly what it is about this man that gets so much attention. Until four days ago Fahd had been receiving regular reports from the agent. The last information was that this man is up to no good and not what people think he is. The agent was supposed to report that night, but he never did. Then Fahd got word from an associate that the agent’s body was found by some nomads. His tongue was cut out and a note pinned to him that said, ‘Speak only good of me.’ It was written in Hebrew.

All right, let’s see, Jeff said. We have a man who seems to have some ability to connect with a group of leaders from nations that don’t see eye to eye, and he can travel among them without any problem, and we have a dead agent with a note. Do we have any reason to fear this particular person? Do we know if our agent was actually killed by him? I think we need a whole lot more information before we get in a panic.

Maybe you’re right, Fahd said, but there is something about this man that bothers me, and you know, Jeff, I don’t let just anything get to me. There was something in the tone of the agent’s voice that scared the hell out of me. It was like this frightening chill ran through my body when he said the man was no good.

Manning, what do you want me to do? Jeff asked.

I want you to put Project Archangel on alert just in case.

Manning seemed to have something else on his mind as he said this. Jeff had a strange sensation in his stomach.

Christ, Manning, can’t this wait until after the holidays? You’ve got plenty of people in the Mideast to keep an eye on the guy, and maybe they could get us a little more information before we jump to conclusions.

Jeff felt really uneasy about this whole situation. After all, this was not the first time some strange guy had roamed the Arab Nations, and it certainly wasn’t the first agent ever killed there.

Manning looked over his glasses at Jeff, then at Fahd. Okay, maybe we are reading too much into this incident. Fahd, what are your plans from here? Are you going to stay in the country for a while, or are you going back?

I’ve got to stay at least a couple of days for appearances’ sake, and I’ll need an order for some fabric, a big order. I told the corps that I had a good lead. That’s why I had to leave so soon.

All right. I’ll get the office to make out the paperwork and get that handled. Then I want you to return and see what you can find out about this guy. I’ll contact others to follow up on the killing.

Fahd shook their hands, wished them a good day, and left the room.

Okay, Manning, what else you got on your mind?

Jeff knew there had to be more.

The Director hesitated, and then looked at him with a very serious expression. Jeff, you’ve been working with Project Archangel a long time, and you and I know that sooner or later it’s going to have to come to a conclusion.

He turned and looked out the window at the snow that had started to fall.

In other words…start thinking of how this has to happen. You’ve been around the block more than once, and you know what I mean.

No. Jeff felt his entire body tense with anger. The Archangel has been the perfect subject. He has never let us down, and you can’t just erase him like a misspelled word. I won’t go along with it. I can’t. Manning, I’ve served you well, and so has the Archangel. You can’t do this. My God, man, don’t you have any feelings? You, Daniel, and I are the only ones left from the original team who even know about him. You can fix this. I know you can.

Jeff, I’ve told you many times that you were getting too attached to him. You’ve known from the beginning that this day would come and what you would have to do.

Trying to choke back the lump in his throat, Jeff turned and said, What the hell do you expect? I’ve worked with the Archangel for twenty-eight years. He’s a man, not a machine. Over ten years ago I asked you to put me on another project, but you insisted that he wouldn’t respond to anyone but me. Manning, you’ve known him as long-maybe not as close, but you’ve talked with him, watched him. He’s a good man and deserves more. He desires to have a life now.

And if something triggers him, then what? Jeff, you know what this man is capable of doing, not to mention the repercussions if what he has done ever got out.

What he has done, he has done because we ordered him to do it, to save the world from evil. Isn’t that the whole reason we chose him, because he knew when and when not to do his thing? Remember when we were wrong about the mission in South America a few years ago, and he found out and all those kids were saved? Damn it, Manning, he’s got more intuition about what will work and what won’t than we ever will.

Jeff, I’m just telling you that you must think about it. There are others who will make the decision if we don’t. You know I’m not the final word.

No, you’re not, but with your help maybe we can convince them that he can be deprogrammed. Hell, we erased part of his memory way back when the process was just experimental. We’ve come a long way with the technology. We could just erase what we need to.

All right, listen, I’ll see what I can do. I know how you feel about him, and I agree, he’s served his country well, but please understand, there may be nothing that can be done.

I’ll never accept that, but I’d appreciate it if you’d give it your best effort—and Manning, I do mean your very best effort.

The two men stood and just looked at each other, almost as if they were trying to see into each other’s minds.

Jeff, go and enjoy your time with your family. I’ll contact you if any more information comes in about the Middle East situation. Have a merry Christmas.

In a very low-keyed manner Jeff wished Manning the same.

Jeff left his company car at the Pentagon and called a cab to take him to the airport. He gave the cab driver the destination and sat back, his head spinning.

In the back of his mind he always knew this day would come, but he had hoped against it and closed his mind to it ever happening.

Should he call Luke and let him know? No, he’d better not. What kind of reaction would Luke have when he heard? He shook his head, thinking it would be too big of a risk to tell Luke. After all, there was still a chance that things would be okay.

He wondered why Manning had him join in the meeting with Fahd and then told him to think about the end of Project Archangel. Was there some connection? His mind started considering the possibilities and the real purpose of the meeting. He would do a little research on his own.

Chapter Three

Luke pulled up about three blocks from Maggie’s house. He didn’t want the truck too close to her house, and there was a good spot in the trees to park it.

He grabbed his pack from the back of the truck and walked toward the house, all the time checking the homes along the way. They were pretty far apart with lots of trees covering them. He made sure to notice every path, openings in the trees, the colors of the houses. He digested every detail of the surroundings, always alert to anyone who might be behind or in front of him.

Maggie’s home was close to the mostly frozen river, and he heard the sounds of rushing water under the ice. The house was far enough away from the mainstream of town that there was a natural silence, kind of like that of the wilderness. He liked it.

Upon arriving, Luke stood back and admired the small, two-story Victorian-style home with its bay window in front. He had driven by it before when the Beckers owned it. He noticed that Maggie had done a lot of work to it. It looked like a house out of a fairytale, everything picture perfect.

He unlocked the door and walked into the entry, which had a second door. He opened it and stopped. The room was warm and cozy with an overstuffed sofa and chair, beautiful antique end tables, and a coffee table. The room focused on a large rock wall that contained a wide-faced fireplace, with the bay window to his right. The house was so neat and spotless; he immediately felt the need to remove his boots so not to get anything on the carpet.

He proceeded to the bedroom by the stairs. He entered the room and found it as neat and perfect as the living room. He set down his pack and put his clothes into the chest near the bed, making sure that everything would remain neat.

After he shaved and had a nice hot shower, Luke decided to explore the rest of the house, memorizing every detail. Maggie’s bedroom was upstairs with a very feminine bath adjacent and another bay window with a window-seat facing the northeasterly mountains—exactly the direction a hawk would fly to get to his own cabin in the wilderness.

The small town was nestled at the base of very high mountains all around. The road leading in from the south was very windy and treacherous. The one out of the north was not quite as bad but still required careful driving up the mountains and then down into town.

Maggie would not get off work until four o’clock. It was only ten-thirty. Luke had noticed that there were a few Christmas decorations around the house, but no tree. He searched the house, even the small basement, but found no tree decorations. He wondered if Maggie had not had a Christmas tree for a long time, like him, or if there was some other reason.

He decided to go out and get a tree and decorations, hoping it would be a pleasant surprise for Maggie.

Near one of the two gas stations in town was a small lot of trees for sale. He found a perfect one about six feet tall, full of properly proportioned branches, and thought it was perfect just like the house. He paid for it and asked the young man to hold it while he did some other shopping.

When he had finished, he realized that it would take him at least three trips to carry all the groceries, decorations, and tree to the house. He walked to get the truck, laughing at himself for buying so many things. After unloading all the goodies, he returned the truck to the secluded spot he had found to hide it.

He was not sure where Maggie would want the tree set but placed it in the stand and put it near the bay window. He proceeded to put away the groceries and set the decorations on the back porch.

He had also bought a beautiful winter flower arrangement at the drugstore, which had a very limited flower shop as part of its many other offerings. He put the flowers on the kitchen table with a note to Maggie.

It was almost time for her to arrive. He figured he would go into the bedroom, pretend to be asleep, and listen to her reaction when she came into the house.

Maggie pulled up in front of her home, and her heart dropped into her stomach when she didn’t see Luke’s truck. She rushed to the front door. Out of the corner of her eye she thought she saw a tree in her living room, and she burst through the second door.

She stopped dead in shock at the sight of the most perfect pine tree she’d ever seen. She felt so much joy that she thought her heart would pop right out of her chest.

She looked around for signs of her guest. Slowly she walked to the kitchen, and she couldn’t believe her eyes when she saw the flower arrangement. She picked up the envelope leaning against the flowers, bending to smell the flowers, and opening the note as she did.

She read, Maggie I could search the world over to find something that would express the beauty and kindness I see in you, but there would be nothing to compare, so let these flowers try to explain what I see when I look at you.

She started to cry and, clutching the note, fell back into the chair.

Luke heard her crying and quickly came to her side. Crouching down, he took her face in his hands, and turning it to his, he looked into her eyes.

She threw her arms around his neck and squeezed so tightly, he thought he might stop breathing.

Luke, I have dreamt about and prayed for this moment all my life, and I knew four years ago it would be you who would give it to me.

Luke was at a loss for words. He had hoped she would be happy, but never did he expect such a reaction.

The silence between them seemed to last forever as they just stood there holding each other like two lovers reunited after a thousand years.

Finally Luke asked, Did you like the tree too?

She laughed. Oh, yes, it’s the most beautiful tree I’ve ever seen. I thought of getting a tree on the way home, but I was so anxious to get here that I forgot. I don’t have any decorations though.

I bought some today. I hope you like what I got. It’s been a very long time since I decorated a tree, and I wasn’t sure what to get.

He went to the back porch and brought in the box of lights and decorations he picked out with such care. Luke could not remember ever having or decorating a tree.

Maggie looked all through the box like a little child opening her first present ever. They’re just right, exactly what I would have picked. You seem to know me as well as I know myself.

They spent the rest of the afternoon and evening decorating the tree, .the whole time looking into each other’s eyes with wonder. Was this really true or just a dream?

About nine p.m. they finished. They plopped on the sofa, admiring their work as if it was the finest piece of art they had ever seen. They just sat there without saying a word.

Maggie slowly reached her hand over and slid it under Luke’s hand. From her touch he felt a sensation of such tenderness and love that he thought he would cry. It was a feeling he’d never really experienced before.

He looked at Maggie and asked, May I kiss you?

She pressed her lips to his in the most tender kiss and embrace either of them had ever experienced.

They held each other for over an hour without speaking. Maggie had never felt so secure as she did in his strong but gentle arms. She looked at his hands. They showed signs of hard work—strong looking with the veins raised like muscles—but each time he ran them over her hand and arm, there was a feeling of gentleness.

She had dreamed of this moment many times, but this was better than she could have imagined. She knew then that she did love this man. She couldn’t explain it, but she knew that from the first time she saw Luke, she loved him and wanted to be with him.

Luke finally broke the silence. Well, I suppose we should go to bed. You’ve got to get up early for work.

Yes, you’re right. I just don’t want this night to end, Luke. I feel as though I’ve been waiting forever for it.

We’ll have more, I promise.

She hoped he would want to go upstairs to her room, but she didn’t want to say it. Maybe he would ask. How should she answer? She didn’t want to seem either too forward or too shy.

Should I give it more time, so it’ll be just right for both of us? What if he’s too shy, and I never say anything? We might never get together.

She told herself to stop worrying about it. So far everything had seemed to happen at the right time, so just let things take their course.

They shared a soft goodnight kiss and went to their rooms.

As she lay partially asleep, Maggie’s mind reviewed what had happened. She envisioned Luke’s light brown hair and his deep blue eyes as if he were standing right in front of her. She let out a deep breath, feeling warm and secure.

Every time Luke closed his eyes, he saw Maggie’s face, her long brown hair, her light green eyes, and her pursed little mouth. How he enjoyed that vision.

Luke had difficulty sleeping through a whole night. He would sleep for about two hours, wake for a couple of hours, then fall back asleep for another hour or two.

Lately he had experienced some strange dreams of a