Angelic Business 3. Pink, Angel or Demon?: Angelic Business, #3

By Olga Núñez Miret

This is book 3 in the Angelic Business Series and the trilogy ends...

OK, OK, OK. Pink gets it. She's the Elected, whether she likes it or not. Heaven and Hell are closing in, and their envoys are closer home than ever. So close she can't ignore them. And she'll do everything but.

However long she has, she's determined to make it count. She'll sort her friends out, she'll help her family and, she'll live a bit. And then, she'll take charge. Because no one will say that Pink went down without a fight. However big and bad the enemy.

Gender benders, romances, old loves that come to fruition, new challenges, divine interventions, tears, laughter and magic. All of that and more. Because, if you're gonna go, you might as well go with a bang.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Olga Núñez Miret
• Release date: Jul 30, 2015
• ISBN: 9781910214268

Olga Núñez Miret

Me llamo Olga Núñez Miret y soy escritora. También traduzco las obras de otros autores. ¿Qué más? Nací en Barcelona, España, pero llevo viviendo en el Reino Unido hace muchos años. A lo largo de mi vida he hecho y estudiado muchas cosas y he tenido otras vidas pero no importa cuánto me aleje de esto, siempre acabo volviendo a los libros y las historias, mis dos amores primeros. Cuando leer ya no me bastó, empecé a escribir. Mi primer libro fue publicado en 2012 y mi obra cubre muchos géneros, desde la ficción literaria al romance, la novela juvenil y los thrillers psicológicos. Planeo escribir más novelas en los mismos géneros y si mi imaginación así lo decide, exploraré otros. Me encanta conectar con los lectores, así que no dudéis en poneros en contacto conmigo. Si queréis estar informados de mis novedades, ofertas, y promociones, podéis suscribiros a mi lista, aquí: http://eepurl.com/bAWjPj También me podéis encontrar en los lugares habituales y siempre incluyo enlaces al final de mis libros. No os olvidéis de echarle un vistazo a mi página web y a mi blog (http://www.authortranslator.com). Siempre descubriréis alguna sorpresa. ¡Y gracias por leer!

Book preview

Angelic Business 3

Pink, Angel or Demon?

by

Olga Núñez Miret

Text copyright ©2015 Olga Núñez Miret

Published by Olga Núñez Miret (Just Olga Books)

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted by any person or entity (including, but not restricted to, organizations such as Amazon, Google, etc), in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, scanning or by any information storage or retrieval system, without prior permission in writing from the author.

Edited by: Express Editing Solutions (www.expresseditingsolutions.co.uk)

Cover: Lourdes Vidal (www.lourdesvidaldisseny.jimdo.com)

Table of Content

Chapter 1. Here We Are

Chapter 2. The Cousin

Chapter 3. The Reveal (1)

Chapter 4. Spring Fair

Chapter 5. Brothers and Friends

Chapter 6. The Reveal (2)

Chapter 7. Matchmaking

Chapter 8. Duel of Angels. Well, not quite

Chapter 9. Calling his Bluff

Chapter 10. A Week in the Cabin 1. (Easter)

Chapter 11. A Week in the Cabin (2). Lorna’s News

Chapter 12. Aunt Gemma’s Visit

Chapter 13. Spiritual Healing

Chapter 14. If I Decide...

Chapter 15. A Pact with the Devil

Chapter 16. Fancy Dress Party

Chapter 17. And Now To Work

Chapter 18. The End?

Thanks and also in the series

If you want more information or to get in touch:

Chapter 1. Here We Are

I know about Einstein’s theory of Relativity. Well, maybe know isn’t the right word. I’ve studied it, the basics, the principle behind it, but maybe know is too big a word. I don’t consider myself an expert on it. I’m sure my friend Sylvia, for instance, has a much better understanding of it than I do. Lorna...well, she definitely knows things are relative. Look at her, from being nearly invisible to being on the way to becoming a fashion muse and modelling for girls’ fashion all over the country, and maybe the world in a matter of months. And that wasn’t the only change for all of us, but maybe it was the most visible.

What I meant when I was talking about Relativity was...time. It hadn’t been long since my first encounter with the celestial and otherwise beings. It seemed as if a whole life had gone by but... So, you’re a girl, not the most popular, not the prettiest, but you’re clever enough, you have a few great friends, you are a good student... No, not a cheerleader, no boyfriend, but not that bothered. And then all kinds of strange things begin to happen. How could all they fit into that amount of time? It wasn’t even Easter yet, and I’d been humiliated, decided to get revenge, met a guy, had a pact with him, he insisted he was an angel, and by God he could do things and knew things, and then another strange being appeared and told me that the first one was no angel, but a demon, and to be careful. G (or Gregorious, to use Latin, like with plants’ official classification) and Azrael. The relationship between those two was the stuff novels were made of.

From asking myself, How could it be possible? Is it true? at the very beginning, I had arrived to questioning Why me? in only a matter of a few months. If Heaven and Hell, and Angels and Demons, really existed (and considering everything that had gone on, either they existed or my reality was something out of The Matrix or Twelve Monkeys without the Time Travel, at least yet) and they had been fighting an ongoing battle for supremacy over the known and unknown universe, why did I have to get involved? I didn’t have a clear explanation for that.

If G and the demons were to be believed, I was not the elected who had in her hands bringing back harmony between Heaven and Hell (at the price of destroying Satan, but we know that everything has a price). They’d just pretended I was and made Heaven believe so to buy themselves some breathing space, as the real elected had died years back of natural causes. Yeah, right. It sounds far-fetched to me, too.

On the other hand, if Azrael and the good side were right, I was the elected, and my death could result in the destruction of the World – well, the whole of the Universe. OK, I know it stinks of delusions of grandeur, but none of this was my idea.

All this is very well and good (not really, but you know what I mean), but nobody had bothered to answer my question. Why me? There was some kind of prophecy (or what passes for it, in celestial and demonic circles) and I fitted in. I imagine somebody must fit in (and they were very insistent that I was the only one) but again, why me? No false modesty, but there isn’t anything that special about me. This is not one of these paranormal young adult books where the protagonist discovers that there’s a long history going back to the Middle-Ages of witches and special powers in her family. There’s no fay blood in my line, nobody I know regularly becomes a wolf or a dog, or shifts shapes, as far as I’m aware. And although the world is full of bloodsuckers, I’ve met no official vampires yet. I’ve never seen a ghost, and I don’t live in a haunted mansion. And although recently demons and angels wander around as if they were in season, to the best of my knowledge there’s no portal to the other world open in Hope Springs.

The weirdest thing about it was that outwardly, nothing had changed for me. Yes, I’d lost weight, but that was not related to divine intervention (I wish it had been!). My mother had died and resurrected, and as a result of the deal to bring my mother back (or turn time back), now my aunt had a melanoma. But nobody knew yet. My friends thought I might be in love with G, who appeared and then disappeared from my life, but had no inkling of the truth.

In contrast, both my friends had lived through very interesting times.

Lorna had attended an arty New Year’s Eve party and thanks to that she was now working closely with Alana Minkin, a top New York designer, and would become the centre of her new fashion campaign.

And Sylvia had gone to the Christmas Ball with my friend and neighbour, Seth, one of our high school stars, and had gained in acceptance and popularity, and had nearly been kidnapped by a team of predators who snatched girls after contacting them in social media. Thanks to our intervention (Seth and mine, but also some angelic help and a tiny bit of demonic advance warning) the culprits were in prison now and girls were safe.

I felt as if I were the eye of a hurricane. Everything was flying around me and spinning at great speed, from tiny ants to huge buildings, but although I was right in the middle, everything went flying by. How long could I avoid being sucked in?

And what would happen next? G had told me he was coming back to work with me but there would be changes. Now, that could mean anything. In the mouth of a demon that could mean even more anythings. Should I prepare for it, like one prepares for a marathon? Healthy living, exercising, good food, stock up on proteins... Or maybe a more spiritual and character-building kind of preparation. Yoga, meditation, going to a retreat... I could always try some research. There was no lack of resources, although the degree of evidence-based findings, and the quality of the science involved, varied enormously. I could watch innumerable films about demons and angels, read plenty of modern novels about the secrets of the Vatican and buried documents or codes hidden in all kinds of places. I could read books and watch TV series with mediums, paranormal fighters, and a few zombies thrown in for good measure. (Yes, I know zombies don’t feature at all in my story, but they have always seemed to me easier to handle. After all, you shoot them in the head and you’re done. And they don’t tend to be very fast either, so that saves some of the other training. Although I’d never done any shooting...). I could go down the religious route, but from the snippets of information I had obtained in my conversations with G, Dash and Azrael, the official version wasn’t always very accurate, and it had to be taken with a pinch of salt.

Maybe all I could do was...wait and see. Que será, será. At least, if things worked out well (however we might define well), I’d have enough material to write a manual for others in my situation. I even had a title for it. How to prepare for a tug-of-war between Heaven and Hell. Don’t be just a spectator! Including recipes, clothing and make-up tips. I am planning on getting my mother and Lorna to collaborate. And if Sylvia can come up with some computer program that fits in, we could always consider the creation of an App.

I had done enough thinking and had got nowhere, so I decided to go out for a walk. Walking always helped and gave me new ideas. And even when it didn’t, we all know that exercising is good for you. Beta-endorphins and all that.

My parents had left early to go and do the weekly shopping trip and decided I could have a lie in, but I’d been awake for ages and, after getting dressed, I grabbed my keys and went out.

Seth was shooting hoops in front of his garage. Although he was officially a football player, and pretty good from what I heard (I’d never been one for football or sports in general, other than some that I found were either artistic or very spectacular, like artistic/figures ice-skating and gymnastics), he was pretty nimble on his feet and enjoyed many other sports. But he didn’t like baseball. He saw me and came to talk to me. He was sweating but thankfully not smelly. And yes, he looked pretty good, even with the sweat dripping from his brow, a reddened face and fast breathing.

Hi, Pink!

Hi, Seth! Are you thinking about changing sports?

Eh? No, no. Just having a bit of fun. It’s good to vary the training. Anyway, our schedule of training since Dash left has been a bit irregular.

Any idea when they’ll get somebody in his place?

Spring break is just around the corner. They are unlikely to get a proper coach, unless it’s somebody who’s been kicked out of somewhere else, and that wouldn’t be very good news.

Maybe somebody who is not happy elsewhere...

He shrugged his shoulders and then smiled. I guess it’s possible, but so far... A variety of teachers keep having a go at it, but even the ones who like football don’t seem to know much about what’s involved. Your dad used to play in college, didn’t he? Seth asked me.

Yes. He did. I think he was a pretty decent fullback, but as years went on he wasn’t big enough for the position, and not fast enough to be a quarterback or a tailback. I guess he fell in between two stools...

I looked at Seth. He gave me a knowing look.

Hey! You might be right! I’m sure he’d enjoy doing it. Not so sure about the timing, with work and all, but maybe if he could get somebody to take on some of the sessions of training... You should talk to him. I’m sure he’d be pleased.

Seth looked at my house.

He’s not in. He’s gone shopping with my mother.

I think your mother and mine were planning on going to the mall later. I don’t think very late, so I imagine your parents won’t be long. Otherwise I can always catch up with him later.

I could mention it to him if you want, but I’m sure he’d prefer to hear it from you. That is if you think the rest of the players and the school would go for it.

I don’t think the other players will have any problems, and the headmistress will be thrilled to have the responsibility taken off her hands.

We looked at each other quietly for a few moments. As I was about to open my mouth and say that I should go, he asked me, How is Sylvia? Is she OK after the ordeal?

Yes, she seems to be coping OK. Sylvia isn’t one for great declarations or dramatic episodes, but she seems relieved that they caught the criminals and everything ended up well. It’s scary to think about it, but she’s learned her lesson and now doesn’t entertain strangers, either live or on-line.

Very wise.

I was about to pat his shoulder but he was too sweaty. Instead I just lightly touched his arm. Thanks so much for coming. You’re a true hero.

He laughed and blushed. Well, if I’m a hero, you must be Wonder Woman, because you managed to grab her right in front of all those guys and saved the day.

At a push I might be the Robin to your Batman.

He laughed again. I wish I could have a secret cave. Especially now.

Why? And why especially now?

Do you remember my Aunt Martha? My dad’s sister? She lived in Reno but moved to Buffalo a couple of years ago...

I think I’ve met her a couple of times. She is divorced, has no kids, and had a small catering business she ran from home...

He nodded and sighed. Well, it seems she’s met a man. Fred... Frank... ? No, I think it’s Fred, but not sure I’d bet my life, or even the result of a match, on it. I haven’t met him, but for what I hear he’s a pretty ‘alternative’ sort of character. He emphasised the alternativeness of alternative with hand gestures and a peculiar intonation. They decided to go and get married in Goa, and they liked it so much that they’re thinking of staying there and opening a little restaurant, bar, health shop... Well, we’re not sure exactly what, and I’m not sure they know themselves, either.

If they’re happy... I said. I’d never noticed Seth had any particular strong feelings about his aunt, and although I had met here on some of her very occasional visits, she’d never featured prominently in his conversation.

It’s not that easy.

Why? Have they asked for money?

No. Nothing like that.

Then, how does it affect you?

This Fred, Frank or whatever, chap, is also divorced and has a daughter of a similar age to ours. Her name is something weird beginning with a Y.

Yolanda?

No. That’s not that weird.

Yasmin? No, that’s not weird either. Probably if it’s that weird I’ll never guess. So what happens with Y-whatever?

That Fred...has custody. I think it was all worked out between them, as it’s all very amicable with the girl’s mother. You’ll love this, but she’s a missionary, and I guess Fred quickly changed his thoughts about that and that resulted in the divorce, but not before they had a girl. They decided it would be easier if the girl grew up here, so she only sees her mother when she comes for a visit.

And now Fred is going to be in Goa... I looked at Seth and he nodded. Is the girl coming here?

Yes. Dad decided to offer our house and, although it cost him, and I don’t know fully the conditions of the treaty. My mother has agreed. So she’ll be coming to stay here, and will come to school with us. Maybe I should swap and go to Goa... he added thoughtfully.

It might be OK. She’s probably a nice girl.

Well, I’m not holding my breath.

I smiled. Don’t tell me you’re scared of a girl. Your talents with girls are well known!

Too close for comfort, dear Pink. Too close for comfort.

And when is she supposed to arrive?

Sometime next week.

You can always come and take refuge at my place.

Thanks, Pink. I might take you up on that.

I said goodbye and went for my walk. When I went back home my parents had just arrived, and I saw Seth talking to my father. As I approached our car in the driveway, Seth gave me a thumbs up. It seemed my father had agreed to coach the football team while the school tried to find another coach.

Petra... Pink... my mother corrected herself when she saw my expression. Although it didn’t sound too bad when Azrael called me Petra, I’d decided only attractive angels had my permission to call me that for the time being. Do you want to come shopping with Pam and I? It seems she will have guests for a while, a sort of niece, well, her sister-in-law’s new husband’s daughter...how complicated! Anyway, she’s coming to stay with them and will go to school with Seth and you.

Seth was telling me.

Yes, Pam wants to buy some towels, bedding...the usual things. Do you want to come?

Sylvia and Lorna were away that weekend and it seemed a good opportunity to get to know more about this girl who would be, at least temporarily, a new neighbour. So...

Why not? I’ll get ready. Shall I bring anything in?

No, your dad already carried the shopping in. Get ready. I’ll knock next door and tell Pam we’ll be leaving in ten minutes or so.

OK.

My father was putting the shopping away in the kitchen. I waved at him.

Are you going shopping with Pam and your mother?

Yes, it seems I am.

Good. Seth asked me to coach his team. I’m not sure if I’m up to the job. It’s been a while since I last played.

From what he was telling me, none of the people who’d tried knew anything about the sport, so you should be miles ahead. And I’m sure there will be people more than willing to give you a hand.

Do you think it’s a good idea then?

I think it’s a great idea!

While I was getting ready, I wondered about Seth’s new cousin. After the way things had gone for me in recent times, I wasn’t too inclined to optimism for optimism’s sake, but perhaps things would be OK and she’d fit right in. Perhaps. Or...

Chapter 2. The Cousin

The week started as usual. I met Lorna and Sylvia at the bus stop. How was the weekend, girls? Any news?

Sylvia shrugged her shoulders. My grandparents are OK. Other than a new lawnmower, nothing of note. She sighed. "Jackson managed to get out of it. Something to do with preparing the Summer Ball and belonging to the committee. My brother...can you imagine? I’m sure he’s made it up. He has