Miracle at Gabriel's Rock

By Richard Weirich

Do you believe in miracles?

Alexandra Zakharov is thrilled to have her five-year-old son, Danny, back in her life. But then the unthinkable happens when her old nemesis, Helel Ben Shazar, kidnaps the boy and the only way to get him back is to surrender her soul to the Devil.

As the deadline rapidly approaches for her decision, Alexandra is summoned back to Divinity Falls where she is reunited with the man who abandoned her before the child was born.

Alexandra reluctantly teams with Johnny Hinson, the man she had vowed to hate forever, to battle evil and find their son. Their adventure lands them in the middle of a terrorist plot to destroy the United States of America.

The largest force of terrorists ever to set foot on American soil gather in Pennsylvania's Hope Valley at the site of the 1779 Miracle at Gabriel's Rock. According to legend, an angel intervened to protect Hope Valley settlers from an Indian attack and ordered both sides to coexist peacefully. Their reward would be a future of friendship, prosperity, and blessings.

Alexandra and Johnny's only hope is...a second Miracle at Gabriel's Rock.

Will tragedy bring Alexandra and Johnny closer together or drive them further apart?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Richard Weirich
• Release date: Jan 23, 2017
• ISBN: 9781370918041

Richard Weirich

Christian author Richard Weirich writes entertaining and inspirational fiction novels, daily devotionals, and nonfiction books that motivate, challenge, and help believers grow in the faith. Richard’s unique perspective on life is rooted in his many experiences as musician, radio personality, minister, and voiceover talent. Richard grew up in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia and after high school played trombone in the U.S. Navy Band. While in the Navy, he became interested in radio, enrolled in the Tidewater School of Broadcasting and quickly landed his first radio job in Norfolk, Virginia. For 30+ years Richard was the Burt half of the popular morning radio duo of Burt and Kurt, entertaining listeners in Jackson, Mississippi; Tampa, Florida; Houston, Texas; and Birmingham, Alabama. In Birmingham, Richard prepared for the ministry at Southeastern Bible College and Samford University, which led to a fifteen-year ministerial career serving as pastor of several Alabama churches.

Book preview

DEDICATION

This book is dedicated to my grandmother who introduced me to the subject of angels. Although, if humans were to become angels, they don’t, but if they did, she would definitely be worthy of her wings. She was the model of goodness, kindness, and godliness.

Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters. Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it. Hebrews 13:1-2

Miracle at Gabriel’s Rock

Angels Diner Book II

Richard Weirich

TABLE OF CONTENTS

DEDICATION

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Five

Chapter Twenty-Six

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Chapter Thirty

Chapter Thirty-One

Chapter Thirty-Two

Chapter Thirty-Three

Chapter Thirty-Four

Chapter Thirty-Five

Chapter Thirty-Six

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Chapter One

June 1 - 8:45 p.m. - Minneapolis Orchestra Hall

On stage, Alexandra Zakharov rhythmically bends and sways adding even more life to her breathtaking performance. A classical pianist extraordinaire, dazzling the Minneapolis crowd as she has entertained audiences across the northern tier of the United States on her debut tour.

Alexandra is in her element. Focused. Intense. Joyful. In her mind’s eye, her photographic memory recalls every note, every dynamic, and tempo marking. Normally shy and reserved, performing for an audience ignites her personality revealing a flair for showmanship.

Some are here for the music. Others, curiosity about Mystery Girl, a pseudonym from numerous headlines chronicling her disappearance. Some in the crowd prefer to call her Molly Sanders, the name she chose when running away from home. Her story is an inspiration to many. Small town waitress, down on her luck, who overcomes adversity to become a superstar.

Alexandra was the benefactor of a flurry of media attention. Possibly, the commentary of syndicated entertainment columnist Reba Tynes prompted the rumors that captured the public’s imagination. She called Alexandra the total package: charismatic, youthful, lovely, extraordinarily gifted, and technically able beyond her years. To which she added, Magical. Soon magical grew to include speculation that Alexandra was supernaturally empowered by angels or that she is an angel. Perhaps her instant fame resulted from the strange shadows in the YouTube video that went viral. Some interpreted those images as angels standing guard, protecting Alexandra while she performs.

Gone was the simple life to which Alexandra aspired. Seemingly, overnight, celebrity status had robbed her of her freedom. Since the beginning of her concert tour in March, she refrained from visiting public places. Most people were civil but those who believed she was an angel were out of control. Begged her for all sorts of miracles, from winning the lottery to healing lumbago. A week ago, while performing in Peoria, a woman rushed the stage pleading with Alexandra to restore hair to her husband’s baldhead.

True enough, Alexandra received considerable help from her guardian angel. However, her musical talent is all hers. Daughter of a renowned concert pianist and an esteemed orchestra leader, she had been groomed to follow in the family profession since she was five. She becomes angry when someone suggests that her skill is supernaturally enabled. Hard work and persistent discipline, she insists. Except for the two years when she was on the run from her father, Alexandra has practiced no less than eight hours per day.

Her father, Yuri Zakharov, with whom she was reunited in January, resigned as conductor of the Philadelphia Symphony to manage her career. He waits proudly back stage as she nears the end of her performance. His new wife and former secretary, Belle Meade stands by his side.

At the conclusion of a medley of songs dedicated to her mother, Alexandra pauses, closes her eyes, and turns her head as if listening to something or someone.

Look. An angel is talking to her, calls someone from the balcony. Actually, Alexandra did hear a voice, although unrecognizable, telling her to return to Divinity Falls. It had been a long time since she had heard from her angelic friend, Angel Lopez. Not since January 21 in Philly. It was also her last contact with the prince of demons, Helel Ben Shazar. Who was telling her to return to the Pennsylvania town where her adventure began nearly a year ago?

Return to Divinity Falls. There it was again. A female voice. Soft. Calm. Comforting. Still unrecognizable.

Yuri was alarmed. Was she all right? Alexandra faces the audience and apologizes for the interruption. I was just thinking about trying something new. To my knowledge, what I am about to do has never been done for a classical music audience. I hate to select the music for my concerts so I decided to leave that up to you. How about a request?

Sure enough, this was a first for a classical venue but not for those who were there for more than the music. Play some bluegrass, yelled a large man with cherry red cheeks in the front row.

Alexandra laughs, turns back to the piano, sighs, and then lets loose with a spirited rendition of Foggy Mountain Breakdown. The stuffed shirts from the arts community initially took offense at her departure from classical etiquette. But it didn’t take long to win them over with her skillful technique and virtuosity. When she finished her audience rewarded her with a standing ovation.

After the concert, Yuri challenged his daughter on her decision to take requests. You are classically trained. What was that?

Last I heard — classical music is a dying art form. But our concerts are selling out. Just wanted to show my appreciation to the new folks who are hearing our genre for the first time. Let them know they matter and we’re not all a bunch of fancy britches.

Yuri laughed. Britches. Something you learned in the hills of Pennsylvania?

Maybe.

Well, I thought it was wonderful, said Belle. And you have a visitor in your dressing room?

Who?

It’s a surprise, said Belle. Better go see.

June 1 - 10:10 p.m. - Backstage

Alexandra had a short list of close friends. It would be wonderful if Norma brought Danny to see her but it wasn’t likely they would travel all the way from New York. That left Casper, her boyfriend who she seldom saw. As manager of a men’s apparel store, he worked long hours with only Sunday’s off. The likelihood that he could get away was slim to none. Whoever was there to greet her, she hoped they were hungry because she was famished.

She pushes open the dressing room door and sees Casper sitting on the sofa. She smiles. What a surprise? When did you get in?

Casper looks sullen. Stays seated. Hello, Alexandra.

What’s the matter? Are you OK?

He stares at her for a moment. Looks to the floor. Avoids eye contact. I’m seeing someone else.

Alexandra pulls out a chair from beneath the dressing table and sits down. Wow. You came all the way from New York just to tell me that. That’s big of you.

Since I proposed at Christmas, you’ve been distant.

Well, yeah. Of course, I’ve been distant. I’ve been on the road.

Not the entire time. Admit it. You aren’t into me. All you care about is your career.

She bites her lip. Pulls tissues from a box and wipes tears from her cheeks. You could have at least had the decency to breakup with me before you started dating somebody else. How long have you and this other person been together?

About three months.

Alexandra raises her voice. Three months. Are you kidding me? You need to leave. Now. She rushes to the door. Holds it open. Goodbye, Casper.

He remains seated. Fidgets with his ring. His voice cracks when he speaks. There’s more.

Oh, great. What other good news do you have for me?

Might want to close the door for this?

She follows his instruction and returns to her chair. I’m listening.

It was Norma’s idea that I come here. She would have come, too, but she couldn’t get off work. He pauses to choose the right words but Alexandra continues for him.

Oh, my God. You are dating my best friend. Now you really need to leave.

We should have told you sooner but we didn’t want to upset you on your tour. But the more involved we got, we feared that you would find out before we had a chance to tell you.

Alexandra says nothing more. Tears stream down her face as she walks back to the door and opens it. As Casper passes by, he stops briefly and looks at her one last time before leaving. Starts to say something then stops. Turns. Departs down the dimly lit hallway.

At first, she was angry. Wished she had slapped him. Yet in her heart of hearts, she knew that he was right. She really wasn’t into him. Liked Casper a lot. Great guy. Had all the makings of a perfect husband. But she didn’t love him. Back when he asked her to marry him, she thought that eventually she would fall in love. It still hurt to hear that he had been seeing someone else for three months. Even worse, Norma, her best friend.

Furious. Deeply hurt. Betrayed. Alexandra stretches out on the sofa and weeps. She never wanted to see or talk to Norma again. However, that wasn’t about to happen, because Alexandra needed Norma. A good relationship with Norma insured access to her birth child, Danny.

June 2 - 2:12 a.m. - Backstage Dressing Room

Alexandra awakens in darkness, shivering from unbearable cold. Disoriented, she struggles to determine her whereabouts. Her only clue is the sofa, a reminder that she must have fallen asleep in the dressing room. But who turned out the light and why did the room feel like a meat locker? She sits up. Can’t see her hand in front of her face. Slides across the sofa until she feels the wall, stands up, and then uses the wall as a guide to the dressing table where she left her cellphone.

Thought you would sleep forever, said someone with a raspy voice.

Alexandra screams. Quickly covers her mouth with her hand, holds her breath, and listens for a sound that might identify her visitor. But nothing. Who’s there?

Been a long time.

Helel Ben Shazar.

You’re getting better at this.

I thought I was finished with you.

Didn’t your guardian angel tell you? That was only temporary.

She finds the table, runs her hand over the surface, grabs her phone, and dials 911.

Ben laughs. Funny thing. Cell phone signals go dead when I’m in the room.

Alexandra makes her way to the door. Turns the knob.

Wouldn’t be polite to run out on your old friend.

You’re not my friend. What do you want with me? She finds the light switch. Tries unsuccessfully to turn it on.

My people tell me that you are operating on your own these days. Your angel has better things to do, I suppose.

Save me the drama. What do you want?

Just like before. I want you to come work for me. I’ll make you a real star and you’ll make more money than you ever knew existed.

Never.

Heard from Danny lately?

Leave him alone.

Oh, didn’t I tell you. He’ll soon be leaving on a long journey. Call him before he leaves and say goodbye.

The overhead fluorescent lamp comes back on and the temperature returns to normal. Alexandra grabs her belongings and runs for the exit.

June 2 - 8:30 a.m. - Minneapolis Grand Hotel

Light from a nearby window beams like a laser on Alexandra’s face. She moans at the annoying disturbance and pulls a pillow over her head. This was one day she didn’t want to wake up. Sleeping helped her avoid the agony of dealing with Casper’s breakup and Norma’s betrayal. If that wasn’t enough, Danny was in danger. Helel Ben Shazar always made good on his threats.

Alexandra tries to fall back asleep but the voices inside her head are too loud. Angrily, she slams her fist on the mattress and slings a pillow across the room. I hate this, she grumbles. Things were going so good. As her mind gains clarity and she recognizes her surroundings, Alexandra breathes a sigh of relief. This was her hotel room. Not the dressing room at the concert hall. That confrontation with the Devil was just a nightmare. It seemed so real. But so did all the bad dreams she experienced as the result of horrific demonic attacks.

At the window she throws open the draperies, and looks to the street below. Irritable pedestrians racing to who knows where. Traffic at a standstill. A motorist opens his door, steps out, and shakes his fist at the cars in front of him. At least she wasn’t the only one having a bad day.

One step forward, two steps backward, she thought while leaning against the windowsill. Seemed like every time something good happened there was something bad to set her back. Storybook childhood and then her mother died. Made friends working at the Diner and met Casper. Then Joe and Maude Wilson were murdered. Cops pinned it on Casper and put him in jail. She was in the driver’s seat to win the Valley Conservatory piano competition. Then she was asked to resign because of a technicality on her enrollment form. Finds the child to whom she gave birth. Builds an amazing relationship with him. Then a car hit her. Put her in a coma and near death. Now the successful concert tour and Casper’s breaks up with her and he’s dating her best friend. Why must happiness always turn to sorrow?

A glance at the clock by the bed reveals the time. Eight fifteen. By now, her father and Belle were on a flight to Burlington to handle final arrangements for her Saturday concert with the Vermont Symphony. Wherever she performed, rehearsal time was booked at a local music school or piano store. Today, she was scheduled from 10 ‘til 6 at Muncie’s Music Store in downtown Minneapolis. And she couldn’t wait to get there. Nothing gave her more peace of mind than playing the piano. It was the one friend who had never let her down.

Alexandra showered, dressed, and then pulled out her laptop to review her itinerary and email messages. A forward from Yuri caught her eye. Special Request from the Honorable Mayor of Divinity Falls. Alexandra knew little about the mayor but she was all too familiar with his wife. Shortly after Casper was arrested for the Wilson murder, Thelma Clifton was offended that Alexandra, (Molly Sanders) his girlfriend, was still working at the Diner. Refused to allow Alexandra to take her order and demanded to talk to the manager. That incident resulted in a shift change and part-time hours for Alexandra.

Dear Ms. Zakharov,

I have a favor to ask. Our main act for this year’s Gabriel’s Rock Festival Concert has undergone emergency vocal cord surgery and won’t be able to fulfill his obligation. My wife, Thelma, reminded me that you once lived in Divinity Falls and that you would be the perfect headliner for our Festival. The concert celebrating the Miracle at Gabriel’s Rock is set for Saturday, June 17. I hate to presume upon your friendship with my wife but we are in a bind and need to hear back from you right away.

Sincerely,

Tandy Clifton, Mayor

Divinity Falls, PA.

First reaction. No way. Second reaction. The nerve of that old biddy. But there was that whisper at last night’s concert urging her to go back to Divinity Falls. Heard it twice. Alexandra clicks on Reply and writes her response:

Dear Mayor Clifton,

I will be delighted to headline your event. My manager, Yuri Zakharov, will be in touch. Give my regards to Thelma, my good friend.

Sincerely,

Alexandra.

When you’re having a bad day there’s nothing like a little well placed sarcasm to brighten your spirits.

Alexandra stuffs her personal belongings in her purse, stacks her music books in her briefcase, and reaches for her cellphone. Notices a business card on the table beside it. When she reads the card, the hair stands up on the back of her neck. Ben. CEO. NWO Enterprises. Last time she saw that calling card was on a bus from Divinity Falls to New York. Helel Ben Shazar presented it to her. Later, when she discovered his real identity, she burned the card. This meant just one thing. The dream she had chalked up as a nightmare, was not. The angels of darkness were back.

Chapter Two

June 2 - 9:30 a.m. - Grand Cafe

By the time Alexandra made it to the hotel breakfast buffet, the wait staff was preparing to shut it down. Fortunately, she wasn’t into calorie laden food items. Fresh fruit and cereal were all she needed.

I know you, said a girl with a British accent. Alexandra Zakharov, right?

The girl’s appearance startled Alexandra. Didn’t see you there. Good morning.

Alexandra tears open a box of cereal. Dumps the contents into a bowl and reaches for the milk.

Joy Vogue is my name.

Sounds like a show business name, said Alexandra while pouring the milk.

Can I have your autograph? Joy lifts a napkin from the food bar and hands it to Alexandra with a pen.

Joy Vogue looked to be about Alexandra’s age. She wore a white and lavender orchid in her golden hair that cascaded to her waist. Judging from the elegant silk chiffon maxi dress, Joy was of some means. I’m a musician myself. Play most anything with strings on it.

Alexandra was in no mood for dealing with doting fans but Joy’s bubbly personality lifted her spirits. Is that right?

Sing, a little, too.

Nice.

I’m in a singing group called Grace. Ever heard of us?

Can’t say that I have?

Look. We were wondering, since you are in town. Would you mind sitting in with us at our show tonight?

Sit in?

You know. Jam. Play a few tunes with me and the girls.

Classical musicians seldom jam or sit in, especially solo performers. I’m very busy.

Then at least stop in and give us a listen. We’ll be in the hotel lounge tonight.

The cashier was growing agitated by Alexandra’s slow progress. Clears her throat loudly and announces the total of her food order. $19.95 please.

Alexandra rolls her eyes at Joy and quizzes the cashier. A box of cereal, milk, and strawberries cost $19.95?

Plus tax and gratuity, said the cashier.

Then that explains it. Tax and gratuity. Alexandra retrieves a credit card from her purse, taps her foot anxiously while the cashier completes the transaction, and whispers her displeasure to Joy. This is ridiculous. Feel like I’ve been robbed. When there is no response from Joy, Alexandra turns around to check on her but she is gone. Where did she go?

Excuse me? said the cashier.

The girl behind me. I was just talking to her.

Didn’t see anybody. Been waiting on you so I can take down the food bar.

It took no longer than five minutes for Alexandra to consume her meal and fifteen minutes more to get over the price. Sometimes little problems help take our minds off what’s really bothering us. For Alexandra, she experienced a brief respite from hurt feelings over Casper and Norma’s love affair. Finding Ben’s calling card in her hotel room was equally as unsettling.

June 2 - 10:00 a.m. - Muncie’s Music

Except for a short break for lunch at the Sushi Palace next to Muncie’s Music, Alexandra was totally absorbed in her rehearsal. When she practiced, she entered a meditative state. Tuned out all distractions, all problems, and became one with her music. Once, in an interview for a newspaper article, she was asked what she thought about when she played. I go where the music takes me. Still waters. High mountains. Fields of green and flowers of every kind. Sometimes I see myself floating above the clouds and looking down on God’s glorious creation. Occasionally, my mother is with me and I’m a child again in her arms. Other times I come in the presence of what I call the love light. In those times I feel warm, safe, and loved beyond anything imaginable.

June 2 - 6:20 p.m. - Danny’s Old-School Diner

Alexandra concluded her session and before leaving, signed a few autographs for the Muncie’s staff. Whatever peace of mind she gained from a day in the practice room deteriorated quickly in the taxi ride back to the hotel. It was frightening to think that she was returning to a room already invaded by the Prince of Demons. Regrettably, her flight to Burlington didn’t depart until 10:15 the following morning.

On a corner near the hotel, Alexandra saw something that she just had to check out. Instructed the driver to pull over and let her out. It wasn’t exactly Angels Diner in Divinity Falls, but close to it.

When she walked through the door of Danny’s Old-school Diner, she was astounded at the similarity between the two eateries. Checkered black and white linoleum floor. Tabletop jukeboxes. Red velvet draperies. Only thing missing, her friends. The manager seated at the cash register two hundred pounds heavier than her old boss, Reggie. The cook was considerably shorter than the irascible Pops Fielder. The Minneapolis version also wore a cleaner t-shirt and in the five minutes she had been there, he had yet to cuss out a waitress. Closest match to the staff at Angels Diner was among the servers. Two were as portly as Lizzy and one had a beehive hairstyle that rivaled that of her friend, Rose.

The Rose lookalike took her order. Breakfast or dinner menu?

Don’t know. How about both? said Alexandra who then takes a sip from her water glass.

Mimi, as indicated on her nametag, plopped two menus on the table. Her resemblance to Alexandra’s Divinity Falls’ friend ended the moment she opened her mouth. The Minnesota-friendly accent was unmistakable. Specials today are a foot long chili-slaw dog with fries and grilled chicken salad with roasted pecans and cranberries. Both are $5.99 and come with a drink, don’t you know. You need a minute or are you ready to order?

Alexandra settled on the grilled chicken, sat back in her seat, and took in the surroundings. Thought back to simpler times the summer before when she was behind the apron. It was hard work but it was fun. She could still see Rose prancing by Reggie’s workstation trying to get his attention. Rose had Pops bake a heart-shaped meatloaf for Reggie’s birthday. Wanted him to know how she felt about him. Reggie missed the point. Thought she was calling him a cow.

How strange that Angels Diner seemed like home. Alexandra often wondered what her life would have been like if she had not followed her destiny and entered the piano competition. A new start and a simple life was all she wanted. Then she met Angel who challenged her to go for her destiny to which she reluctantly agreed. Soon after, all hell broke loose and, for a reason she still didn’t understand, she was caught in the middle of a war between the angels of good and evil.

She was in no hurry to return to the hotel. Bided the time by watching passing motorists and pedestrians. As her anxiety grew over the potential danger awaiting her, Alexandra called the airlines to book an earlier flight, but there was none. She considered changing hotels. However, she knew that Helel Ben Shazar and his demons would have no trouble finding her wherever she went. More than likely, she was under their evil surveillance even now. Not that she was an expert, but she had learned angels of darkness could take on the appearance of angels of light. Who knows? Maybe that handsome man in a business suit at the counter was keeping watch. Or possibly, the little old woman reading the paper in the booth in front of her.

Sensing the manager was peeved she had taken up residence in his Diner, Alexandra paid her bill and strolled the remaining two blocks to the Grand Hotel. Even that was cause for concern. Six months before, Helel Ben Shazar paid her a visit on a New York City street. Soon after, a car hit her.

June 2 - 7:30 p.m. - Downtown Minneapolis

Where was her guardian angel? What happened to that promise that she would never be left alone to fend for herself in these spiritual battles? Shadows eclipsed sunshine on the city streets and Alexandra was growing more paranoid with each step. The details of her nightmare came to mind. Was there a message in it that she needed to take to heart? Was her precious Danny in danger?

When she turns the corner onto 2nd Avenue South, she senses the presence of evil. The feeling is so powerful she stops and looks behind her. Something, somebody was there. A car stops near her and a passenger gets out. Runs toward her. Closes in so fast she braces herself and holds up her briefcase as a shield.

Sorry, Lady, yells the man as he nearly runs into her. My wife forgot her purse.

False alarm. But that didn’t stop her fear. Angel frequently reminded Alexandra to follow her instincts. With the hotel in sight, Alexandra quickens her pace. She hears the echo of footsteps pounding behind her. Now running at full speed, a hotel security guard calls out to her. Stop! Alexandra obeys his command. Grateful to be in the presence of armed security she forces a smile while panting heavily. I thought somebody was chasing me, she said and then looks back.

Nobody there, Lady.

Oh, they were there all right. Just because you couldn’t see anybody doesn’t mean there was nobody there.

The guard looks at her strangely and then blocks her from the hotel entrance. You’re being chased by invisible people. Haven’t heard that line since St. Patrick’s Day. Fellow told me he was being followed by short green people.

Forget it, said Alexandra, embarrassed by her silly statement. She had been given keen supernatural awareness that others didn’t have, which she usually kept to herself to avoid awkward situations like this. When Alexandra tries to walk around him, he stops her. Where you going?

To my room.

I’ll need to see your key and an ID.

You’re kidding, right?

Key and ID, please.

Alexandra rummages through her purse and proves her claim. Here, she says, still trying to catch her breath.

You can go. But no running. Alexandra expresses her fervent displeasure with a piercing stare causing the guard to step aside. Just doing my job, lady.

Alexandra finds a chair between two weeping fig trees in the hotel atrium and sits down. The hovering presence of a second security officer dispels her notion of spending the night in the lobby. A large man with a red face dressed in an undersized plaid sport coat and wearing a stovepipe hat with a tassel sits down near her. He reeks from an over application of cheap cologne. Alexandra concludes that he can’t be an angel of darkness. A demon would have better fashion sense.

Come here often? said the man.

First time, said Alexandra.

You here for the convention?

No. Business.

If you don’t mind me saying, you’re right pretty.

Alexandra ignores his comment. Plays with her cellphone.

Married? Not that it matters, right?

Oh, my gosh, thought Alexandra. He’s hitting on me. Just remembered. I have a meeting. Picks up her belongings and hurries into the main lobby where she hears music coming from the lounge. Normally, she would have no interest in contemporary pop music, but she found the sound irresistible. Curious instrumental combination for a lounge act. Harp. Violin. Bass. Their musicianship was extraordinary.

Chapter Three

June 2 - 7:50 p.m. - Hilton Grand Lounge

When she enters the bar, a vocalist in the group abandons the harp, picks up an acoustic guitar and starts to sing. The others in the trio follow suit with beautiful harmony. But it’s the lead singer who captures Alexandra’s attention. The girl I met at breakfast.

Just inside the door, Alexandra sits down at a table to watch the performance. The group’s style was not easily identifiable. An eclectic mix of Celtic, Pop Rock, Country, Rhythm and Blues, and Bluegrass.

A cocktail waitress interrupts with a drink request. Just a bottle of water, please, said Alexandra, who had never consumed an alcoholic beverage in her life. Yuri taught her that liquor dulls the senses. Music is the only high you will ever need, he said.

I’ll need to see an ID, said the waitress.

You’re kidding. A 20-year-old can’t drink water without an ID?

The server laughed. Just kidding. How about something to eat?

Just water. Thanks, said Alexandra.

The trio stood on a small platform under a single spotlight. The audience was small. By Alexandra’s count, only seventeen. But it wasn’t the size of the crowd that bothered her. They were totally disengaged except for an inebriated heckler near the stage who begged for another act. Get ‘em out of here, he yelled. I’ve got dogs that sing better.

Alexandra was appalled at such rude behavior. How could anybody perform in this negative atmosphere? When the waitress delivered her drink, Alexandra spoke her mind. Why doesn’t somebody do something to stop this?

Stop what?

For starters, the fool in the front row.

Alexandra’s response drew a frown from the waitress. At least he’s a paying customer.

Ouch, said Alexandra. Realizing that she didn’t have a case, she returned her focus to the Grace trio who appeared undaunted by the indifferent audience. They were all smiles as they enthusiastically played on.

Once a song about Walking On Clouds concluded, Joy stopped to say a few words. Strangely, the previously inattentive patrons gave their undivided attention. Thanks so much for coming tonight. I have a very exciting announcement to make. One of the hottest young musicians in the world today is in the house.

Tell me she’s not going to do this, thought Alexandra as Joy points in her direction.

You may know her as Mystery Girl. Let’s give a warm welcome to the amazing concert pianist, Alexandra Zakharov. Applause was polite. Less enthusiastic than she would have hoped. Alexandra took it in stride, stood up, and waved. But Joy wasn’t finished. How about joining us for a song?

Surely, she didn’t just say that. Why was this uninvolved crowd suddenly so excited?

Oh, no. We have a problem, said Joy. We don’t have a concert grand piano but we’re not going to let that stop us because we have… Joy steps to the rear of the platform and pulls a cover off an electric piano. We have a keyboard. Alexandra Zakharov, come on down.

Alexandra did her best to feign enthusiasm for the impending disaster. What could she possibly play with this group? Adlibbing was not her thing. Was this a plan by the angels of darkness to humiliate her?

When Alexandra steps onto the stage, Joy introduces the members of Grace. "The tall redhead with the violin is Faith Walker. Because of the way her hair looks in the sunlight, we sometimes