Searching For Angels and Peace in the World

By KB Fugitt

In this sequel to KB Fugitt's first novel, 'The Effects of War on a Godless Dog Lover', Carolyn Franklin doesn't believe in angels and she certainly doesn't believe her neighbour is one. When researchers from the TAGS organization show up at her door in rural Alaska claiming her neighbour is exactly that, an angel, things get complicated. After it is revealed one of the researchers has a family history intertwined with Carolyn's, the mystery deepens. There are more questions than answers as one particular angel has her hands full trying to help victims of war on a planet she refers to as the 'Other Place'. On this journey through two world wars and other struggles impacting their world, people are reminded how difficult it is to achieve eternal peace. As dots slowly get connected, the inhabitants of one beautiful, yet violent planet come to realize the secret to living in peace and harmony has been staring them in the face for thousands of years. Will they take action or ignore the signs that can save their planet? Only time will tell.

• Language: English
• Publisher: KB Fugitt
• Release date: Nov 5, 2019
• ISBN: 9781393763741

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

A Few Years Ago

BRIAN DODD, A black man in his early sixties and Donald Spiers, a white male in his mid-fifties, sat in their usual booth inside their favourite Washington D.C. hangout having a cup of coffee. In the middle of the table was a stone Brian had brought with him the two men were discussing. They were waiting for one of their fellow researchers by the name of Joshua Paulson who was late for their meeting. No sooner had Brian commented that Joshua must be running behind when he noticed the front door of the café open and in walked a Caucasian man in his thirties.

Sorry I’m late, guys, Joshua said as he scooted into the booth next to Donald. my apologies.

Brian and Donald downplayed Joshua’s tardiness.

Why don’t you run up to the counter, Brian suggested, and get yourself a coffee before I carry on with the conversation I’m having with Donald?

Sounds good, Joshua said agreeably.

Paulson jumped back up, made his way to the counter, got his coffee and rejoined his fellow researchers.

So, Joshua said noticing the object on the table for the second time and looking at Brian. I see we have a stone. That’s your stone, I’m assuming. The one you mentioned to us last week. Is that what you wanted to talk to Donald and me about?

Brian pushed the stone a few inches closer to Joshua.

Yes, Josh, it’s exactly what I want to talk to you about because this stone has a story attached to it that I’m about to share with you. Remember where we left off in our last conversation, how my great grand-parents, John and Lena Rossly, who were white, had a connection to this Lindiwe person who we suspect of being an angel? And remember I explained how my grandmother, Chloe, who was John and Lena’s daughter, married a black man and all of their descendants are black. You remember all that? Brian wanted to refresh Donald and Joshua’s memory and needed confirmation they remembered the details of their last meeting.

They both nodded and then Donald jumped in.

Yeah, we got all that. Your great-grandparents were homesteaders in Botswana in the late eighteen hundreds. What else do you have to share with us?

Brian tapped the table to draw attention back to the stone.

The story handed down to me by my parents and down to them from my grandmother, is that this stone was given to her, Chloe, by someone named Lindiwe. It’s called the Stone of Hope.

What? Donald said as he leaned back in the booth.

How come you didn’t share this with us before? Joshua asked. We’ve been trying to locate an angel for a long time, why is this coming up now?

Because it wasn’t until our last meeting that we determined my great-grandparents were the common denominator here. It’s possible this Lindiwe, along with John and Lena Rossly and this stone, are all connected. I wasn’t being silent on purpose, I wanted to do some thinking on my own and be sure before I got you guys all excited. Don’t read anything into this. I’m sharing it with you now and it’s now that we all know one thing, right?

Donald and Joshua looked at each other then back at Brian wondering where he was going with his little info session.

I’ll bite, Joshua said. what’s the one thing we all know?

It’s more personal than we thought, Brian said firmly. to me anyway, because now I’m the common denominator. We didn’t know it before, but I think I’ve been the common denominator since the beginning. I’m sure of it.

Joshua and Donald looked down at the stone as if expecting it to speak next and had to think before either one of them spoke. They sat in silence, contemplating Brian’s words.

OK, Brian, Donald spoke up. How do you feel about this? Does this change anything?

No, not for me, but, what about you two? We’ve been a team for a while now, but now that things are starting to come together, I think we stay the course, right?

Joshua looked at other patrons in the diner and was thinking about how to reply to Brian. Donald sat shaking his head, also thinking.

I’m not going anywhere, Donald stated. We’ve come too far and we know we’re getting close to something big, something really big. If it’s the same Lindiwe in both cases, the one who stayed with your great-grandparents and also gave them this stone, I think we may be closer to finding this angel than we think we are. No, Brian, I’m not going anywhere.

When Donald finished, he and Brian looked at Joshua who stared at the stone. After a few seconds and feeling like he was being watched, Joshua nodded and spoke up.

No fear, Dodd. I wouldn’t bail now. Donald is right; we’re close to completing our mission. I’m still all in, just like I’ve always been. Like you said, Brian, let’s stay the course.

Well…, Brian said and now it was his turn to sit back in the booth, folding his arms, staring at the stone the same as Donald and Joshua were doing once again. we’ve been trying to make contact with an angel, right? Don’t ask me how, but this stone is going to help guide us to one. It’s going to happen one day, just as sure as we’re sitting here. It’s going to happen, and this stone is the key that will unlock an angel’s door.

CHAPTER TWO

Present Day – Monday. Meeting an Angel

A MID-SIZE MOTORHOME DROVE SLOWLY ON A DIRT ROAD and stopped in front of a mail-box that read: A. Legna.

This must be it, gentlemen, Brian said to his two colleagues who had made the long, gruelling trek with him across the continental United States, through Canada, and finally up to Alaska.

Along with other members from the TAGS organization who didn’t make the trip, the three had been on a multi-year research project to find a subject of interest who went by the name of Amy Legna. It was the culmination of painstaking research by all involved in The Angel Endeavour: The Quest to Find a Living Angel. Their efforts over the last few years, included hours of worldwide travel, meetings, phone calls, more meetings, debates, more travel, conferences, etc., that concluded with making a discovery which would transform lives. They believed, at last, they had found proof angels existed and it was a discovery that if proven true, would change the world. It was a long and time-consuming journey which may have paid off as the representatives from The Theological Academy of Godly Studies sat in front of a mailbox and stared at it.

Well, what are you waiting for? Joshua asked the driver.

Brian sat behind the steering wheel and held it as tight as he could. He was tense and excited at the same time and holding onto the steering wheel made him feel protected and safe from the unknown that waited for them at the end of the driveway. He looked over at his two fellow researchers.

I can’t believe we found her. At least, I hope we’ve found her. He continued to pause as he thought about all the work and effort it had taken to get the three men to this moment. OK, let’s do it. Let’s go see if she’s home.

Yeah, let’s go see if she exists, Donald said as Brian put the motorhome back into gear.

We know she exists, Donald, Joshua declared with confidence, or we wouldn’t be here.

Brian turned right and headed up the long driveway that was of the same gravel which was on the road and hosted what looked like the same pot holes that had magically moved from the road to the driveway. As the motorhome inched its way forward, the three visitors sought out the house.

I feel good about this, Joshua said, heart pounding. He, being the youngest of the three researchers, stood and leaned over between the two front seats, peering out the windshield and scanning the landscape to his left, then to his right, back and forth. I’m convinced of it. We know she’s an angel. Hopefully we can get her to admit it. I can’t believe this is happening.

Well…, Brian responded, his hands still holding ever so tightly onto the steering wheel. It is happening and I’m praying she doesn’t mind us popping in unannounced and I pray even more that she doesn’t come out of her house with a shotgun blasting away.

That got a chuckle out of the other two.

There’s the house! Joshua yelped as he tried to contain his excitement.

Brian stopped the motorhome and stared at the structure like he had done with the mailbox a minute ago. None of the three knew what kind of home they were expecting to see and were impressed with what they saw.

Amy Legna’s house was a beautiful log home like many they had seen on their trip to Alaska. The trio had been in ‘The Last Frontier’ state for four days and it had become obvious log homes were very much an accommodation of choice. What they saw now was a two-story home with a manicured lawn and two narrow flower gardens directly in front of a deep veranda set in the Alaskan bush. There were no trees close enough to shade the house and on this particular summer morning, the house sat glowing in the sunlight.

Nice pad, Donald commented as Brian steered the motorhome into a parking spot big enough for their vehicle and next to an SUV they assumed belonged to the person they were hoping to meet. If they hadn’t known any better, it was as if the space they pulled into may have been put there on purpose just to accommodate them. There were no signs of life. No barking dogs and no greetings from the one who presumably lived in the house or the angel they were hoping would be around the property somewhere.

Looks pretty quiet around here, Brian said as he observed the scene.

A euphoric Joshua jumped out the side door of the motorhome and decided to go knock on the front door on his own. Brian and Don unfastened their seat belts and followed. Hearts pounded as Joshua decided to stop first before he knocked and have a good look around. The quietness of the moment was broken by a small white dog barking and wagging its tail. It had let out a friendly bark as it came around the corner of the house to the men’s left and was followed by an African American woman in her sixties. Joshua bent down to pet the dog which was clearly not a threat. The woman walked up and smiled at her visitors.

Hello there, Brian, Donald and Joshua. I thought I heard a vehicle pull up. I’m Amy Legna, but you know that already, right? the hostess said as she introduced herself and extended her hand to Brian first and then the other two before any of them could speak a word. It wasn’t the reception they were expecting, but then again, they didn’t know what to expect. The men shook hands with the angel, tongue tied and in shock. They had shaken the hand of an angel and that would send anyone into a state of numbness. As Amy picked up her dog all three men took note that the woman knew their names before they even introduced themselves.

And, this is Missy.

Nice to meet you Missy, Brian said as he acknowledged the dog

Brian was the first one to recover enough to speak.

Ms. Legna, excuse me, if you already knew our names, you must have known we were coming and you must also know we’re from an organization called TAGS, the Theological Academy of Godly Studies. It’s under the umbrella of the Huntington Institute in Washington, D.C. that researches, among other things, spiritual entities. We apologize for the unannounced visit, but we were hoping to ask you a few questions.

It was a mouthful, but Dodd managed to get it all out before taking a breath. Amy was charmed by the three visitors. She knew they were not a threat to her – no man ever would be. She had been expecting them, yes, but was still intrigued by their request and the fact that they represented an organization called TAGS.

Brian let Amy digest his formal introduction then added, "How did you know our names?

Amy kept smiling.

Oh, I don’t know. Lucky guess, maybe? Just kidding. We angels have that ability. However, hmmmm, I can’t really tell you who’s who. Amy examined the men who were trying to keep their composure and remained silent. Just kidding, again. As soon as I shook hands with each of you it came to me, who each one of you are.

The angel looked at Brian.

You’re Brian.

Brian acknowledged that he was indeed who she claimed him to be.

And you’re Donald, Amy said as she looked at Spiers.

He replied with the same response Brian had put forth. The angel turned her attention to Joshua.

And so, by the process of elimination young man, you’re Joshua.

Joshua smiled and shook his head.

Yes mam, Joshua Paulson in the flesh, so nice to meet you.

Well then, now that the introductions are out of the way, I must say that I always enjoy company and welcome once again to an angel’s home. Come on, we can walk and talk and have a seat on the veranda. I’m pretty sure I know why you’re here and I’m a little perplexed it took you so long to find me. Oh well, we’ll get to the bottom of that eventually.

Three men and an angel with a dog walked up onto the front veranda and found their seats on some comfortable wicker furniture.

‘So,… Brian started up again as he sat down on a loveseat. You were expecting us, were you?"

Amy leaned forward, picked up Missy and held the small dog in her lap.

Well, Brian, I’m always expecting someone. Don’t ask me why. I’ve known for a long time an angel would get discovered by you humans and I had a funny feeling it was going to be me. Don’t know why. If it wasn’t you three it would have been someone else. But, now that you’re here, it is me and it is you, now what?

For the three men, the moment seemed surreal. They looked at each other and thought Amy had asked a good question.

Now what?

Ms. Legna…

Yes, Donald.

We would like to ask you a few questions if you don’t mind?

You want to ask me some questions? Of course you do. You can ask all the questions you want. The angel replied as she put Missy down. And you never know – I may have a few questions for you.

Brian, Joshua and Donald looked at each other as they tried to hide their excitement. They all thought the same thing: Boy, she sure is accommodating to three strangers she met just a few minutes ago.

That would be great, Ms. Legna. We won’t take up much of your time, I promise, Brian said politely. Josh, would you like to get the briefcase and our notes out of the motorhome?

No problem, Joshua replied as he stepped away to retrieve the attaché case with all the information they had gathered about Amy.

Thank you for your time, Ms. Legna, Donald said gratefully and also trying to fill in a moment of silence.

You can call me Amy and I’ll call you Donald, she said as she turned her head sideways and looked at Spiers, "and I’ll call you all by your first names. Let’s keep it informal.

Agreed, Donald answered. We’ll keep it informal and that will be fine with us. We’ll try to make this as short as possible.

No rush. As I said, it’s always nice to have company here at the end of the road. Should I put a pot of coffee on? Amy asked.

Brian and Donald looked at each other not sure if they should say ‘yes’ to be polite or ‘no’ because they already had breakfast and more than enough morning coffee. They declined. Amy offered them some treats instead.

Thanks, Ms. Legna, but we ate just a little while ago. I think we’re good to go. Right, Don?

Nothing for me, thanks, Donald replied.

OK, well, that’s fine gentlemen. Let’s have our discussion. Let’s talk about angels. I like talking about angels, Amy confessed and moved over to a wooden rocking chair as Brian and Donald stayed seated and watched her every move. Joshua walked back up onto the porch with a black briefcase and sat down on a wicker loveseat.

What do you have in there, Joshua? Amy inquired.

Joshua looked at Brian, then at Donald, as if asking for permission to speak. Brian nodded affirmatively and gave the go-ahead for the young man to answer Amy’s question.

Uh, well, Joshua began, not feeling sure if he was comfortable being the one to break the ice about what would be a sensitive subject to talk about. The three researchers hadn’t previously discussed which one was going to take the lead when the time came to have a conversation with that ‘person of interest’ if they did in fact ever find her, or him. And now it appeared they were uncomfortable to simply just wing it.

Joshua opened the briefcase and started taking out files and papers. As he did, Brian, who decided too much time had lapsed between remarks, took the initiative.

Ms. Legna, er, Amy, first and foremost, once again, we want to thank you for your time ….

The angel butted in.

That’s quite all right and you’re more than welcome.

Brian continued.

Secondly, we in no way want to offend you with some of the questions we would like to ask ….

Amy jumped in again and didn’t feel the least bit hesitant about which direction the interview could go.

I won’t take offense and I’ll politely decline to answer if need be. We won’t know until you start asking questions now, will we? And besides, I don’t have any secrets to hide. I’m an open book.

Thanks so much, Ms. Legna. If you know why we’re here, then as far as we’re concerned that would be a point for us, Donald said as he decided to open up as well. Now, having said that, we in no way mean to intrude or ask something that might be sensitive or make you feel uncomfortable. Then he jokingly added, Just plead the Fifth if you don’t want to answer a particular question.

That drew a chuckle from Amy.

The Fifth what? Amy asked and turned her attention to the one who held the briefcase, Joshua, I don’t think I asked you, but would you like some coffee or a treat?

Like his colleagues had done, Joshua replied with a ‘no thank you’. He handed some papers to Brian who studied them for a few seconds and then started up again.

Brian began by explaining in great length more about TAGS and the Huntington Institute as Amy and Missy listened politely. The three gentlemen who represented TAGS didn’t show it outwardly, but their hearts were pounding and the intensity of sitting with this woman, this angel they had been trying to track down for so long, was eating them up inside. They were anxious and trying their best to appear professional. All three men felt if they could somehow prove who this person was they were sitting with on a lovely morning somewhere in Alaska, it would be the greatest discovery in the history of mankind. It would change everyone’s way of thinking about who humans were as a species and possibly where they came from. So, the conversation with her would only be a start. There had been revelations before which had shaped the planet’s direction and how humans perceived the world around them, but this particular mission was the most important and exhilarating assignment any of them had ever been involved in.

If they were to believe their eyes, then they knew the answer to the question of whether or not angels existed could be sitting with them at this very moment. The thought of being in on such a colossal event caused the men an overwhelming sense of anxiety. They couldn’t wait to ask their questions and they wanted the process to begin with a slow, deliberate introduction of who they were and what they represented. Brian’s speech was thorough and to the point. It gave a hint as to why they wanted to speak with Amy Legna.

Yes, she was the one the scientists had been looking for and traveled so far to meet. But, what the men didn’t know was that they had been steered to her and there were good reasons for that. They would get their proof all right, but it wouldn’t be through the questions they asked, it would come by way of the directions she gave them in due time. If they couldn’t come to terms with their destiny now, they most certainly would later on.

Having the conversation with the men from TAGS was only a prelude of things to come and Amy would play along to make it real for the men who sat with her. They had done years of research and traveled many miles to meet her, the least she could do was entertain their questions and give them a sense they had accomplished something. So, after the extended information session of Brian explaining every little detail about TAGS, he asked Amy if she was still feeling comfortable with moving forward.

Always cool and calm, she replied, I don’t have all day Brian. I’m quite impressed with your presentation, but it was totally unnecessary. I’m the angel you’ve been searching for. Let me ask you, do you feel comfortable enough to start asking me the questions you want to ask? All three of you seem a little nervous. I am totally harmless, I can guarantee you that much.

It was another point for the men from TAGS. Amy of course, was one step ahead of them and suddenly the three researchers got a shot of confidence. It was a good feeling indeed.

Brian smiled back at Amy. He was the one with the most laid back personality of the three visitors and was eager to get on with the questioning. The questions had been written down long ago, but the men agreed there needed to be some spontaneity as it was quite possible one question could lead to another the three men hadn’t even considered.

OK, Ms. Legna, we certainly hope so …, Brian said, but quickly got interrupted by the hostess once again.

I won’t answer any questions if you don’t call me Amy.

Brian got it.

OK, Amy it is. Sorry, I admit we’re a little uneasy with all of this, but, if you’re an angel that you claim to be and who we think you are, then this is going to be one heck of a conversation.

Didn’t I just tell you I’m the angel you’re looking for? Don’t be nervous or feel uneasy. You don’t have to feel nervous, OK?

OK, then, Donald spoke up and stood up from his chair. He paced back and forth a couple of times, stroked his short goatee and acted like a man who wanted to get started before their hostess changed her mind. Let’s get on with it. He looked down at Brian, who examined the papers in his hand. OK, Mr. Dodd, you know the order of the questions. Let’s not keep Amy waiting.

Brian looked at Donald and inwardly laughed at his sudden bravado.

Uh, Donald, you can call me Brian if you like. It’s ok.

Donald, mildly embarrassed, sat back down in his chair.

Right. OK, you take the lead. He turned and looked at Amy. And, keep in mind, Amy, we haven’t really rehearsed for this. Now, Brian has a set of questions he would like to ask you first. I’ll follow with some of my own and then Joshua has a couple if you have time.

Amy was amused by it all and knew she had nothing but time. She always had had nothing but time. Always living in the moment, time was not something she concerned herself with.

Amy, Brian began, my first question would be, what year were you born?

I was afraid you were going to start with that one, Amy said tentatively.

You can decline to answer any of our questions, Amy, Joshua reminded her.

No, no, that’s OK. The fact of the matter is, I don’t know when I was born or even if I was. I’m pretty sure I simply came to be. I’ve been coming and going from this Other Place for, oh, I guess in human years, a couple thousand or maybe even more. The three men looked at each other and nodded slowly. Amy gave each man a brief glance then continued. You see, I’m from Africa and I came into existence many, many years ago, before any records were kept, so, I don’t really know what year I arrived. It was somewhere around 1895 by your human calendar that I started my last African adventure and shortly before I met the Rosslys.

Brian contemplated Amy’s answer before commenting on it. He picked up on her not using the words ‘born’ or ‘birth’.

You came into existence? Brian asked inquisitively. You don’t know if you were born? What do you mean, ‘came to be’ and ‘arrived’?

My first memories of that particular trip to this Other Place are of being a young child on the African savannah. I didn’t have any parents or siblings that I was aware of and I’m sure if I did, I would know them. I was adopted by the English family who lived ….

In Botswana, Donald interrupted before Amy could finish.

That’s right, Donald. You’ve done your homework, she replied in a congratulatory tone. Then added: Except, by your human calendar, that area didn’t become Botswana until 1966. When I was there it was called Bechuanaland.

It was a little bit of a history lesson for the men from the angel and Donald patted himself on the back for getting Amy to compliment him.

They were homesteaders. He continued, feeling like he might be on a roll.

Amy nodded her head.

Yes, they were. Again, by your human calendar, I lived with them for four years. They were a wonderful family with two young children close to my age at the time.

Amy took a second to reflect back on that time she enjoyed so much. The TAGS men picked up on Amy’s comment, ‘human calendar’ and figured it was another point for them and the points were adding up quickly.

So Amy, Brian jumped back into the conversation, but lost his train of thought and had to laugh at himself. Sorry, I forgot what I was going to ask you. The mind is going way too fast right now and the words won’t come out in time,

So that happens to you too, huh? Amy chided.

Yep, more times than I care to admit. Brian looked at some papers in his hand as his colleagues waited patiently. But, uh, let’s see …, Brian started up again, we have some information about this family, the Rosslys.

And what is that?

Brian continued.

John and Lena were the parents and Robert and Chloe were the children.

Impressive, Amy said as she stroked Brian’s ego. You’re exactly right. Keep going.

Brian hesitated before asking the next question and Donald and Joshua knew what it was going to be before he even asked it.

OK, since you seem to be one step ahead of us, did you know John and Lena Rossly were my great grandparents? Brian inquired.

I do know that, the angel replied.

Hmmm, Brian mused over her response. Then you must also know that Chloe, John and Lena’s daughter, was my grandmother.

Yes, I do know all of that, Amy confirmed.

Her answers gave Brian a sense of relief. Now the truth was out there, he thought to himself.

It’s all coming together now. She is my guardian angel. My goodness! She’s my guardian angel!

I find that amazing, Amy. I mentioned to Donald and Joshua here a long time ago that I thought there was a connection between you and me and a particular stone you gave to my grandmother when she was a child. It’s been handed down to me and I keep it with me wherever I go. You obviously know about the stone. Right

Stones, Brian. I have handed out many stones over time. Amy informed him. And yes, I am aware of your stone.

I thought so. And, am I also right about this, Amy: you said you met the Rossly family around the year 1895, right?

Well, close enough I suppose. Really, I have never kept track of dates and years. Time doesn’t mean much to me.

The TAGS members needed a second to digest Amy’s last statement just like they had to do when she commented on the ‘human calendar’. Donald and Joshua waited for Brian to follow up as they sat mesmerized by the interaction between their fellow researcher and the angel.

Fair enough, Brian responded. Then, for the sake of argument, let’s just say it was around the year 1895, in our human years. OK, with you?

Yes, of course.

All right then. So, it was around 1895 when you met the English family, Brian continued and looked up from studying the papers in his hands. Do you by chance remember your age at the time?

Oh, my goodness, gentlemen, Amy exclaimed. I was a child. If I were to venture a guess, I would say around nine years old, maybe ten, in human years. I’m so impressed with your research, but I never really know how old I am, even now. I’ve been a child more than once, you know. I come and go to this Other Place both as a child and as an adult. I’ve been doing it for thousands of human years.

That brought a stunned silence to the three men. They suddenly began to wonder if they were in over their heads. Brian pondered the answer as did his two colleagues and then had another thought.

Are we witnessing the results of all our hard work or are we dealing with a crazy woman? You can’t be a child more than once. What is she talking about? Coming and going for thousands of years?

Amy took a look at each man in turn. They appeared shocked. She sat calmly, thinking: Were they not expecting the answer I gave? My goodness, they have so much to learn about me – and angels. Amy kept quiet and waited for one of her visitors to speak next. She didn’t feel like she had to expand on her answer about the year she met the Rosslys because the evidence was out there for anyone who looked hard enough. The Rossly family talked about calendars and dates and birthday celebrations and holidays when she lived with them and it helped her learn even more about this Other Place. She admitted to herself long ago that she learned something new every time she came to the Other Place and the Rosslys knew she was a little different, a lot special and they loved her for who she was.

Brian shook off the effects of her answer and felt like he had to carry the load of the conversation. He got up from his wicker chair and stood next to Donald as if he might be some sort of security blanket. He peered down at Amy, who in turn, stared back at him.

So it was 1895?

If that’s what your research says. If the number 1895 works for you, then it works for me. Were you expecting a different answer? Amy quickly and politely responded.

No, Brian replied as he scratched his head in bewilderment.

No, Brian Dodd wasn’t expecting another answer. But neither he nor his two friends could possibly have known what Amy’s response was going to be. They were hoping for the truth, but now that they supposedly had heard it, were reluctant to believe it. It seemed like things were getting complicated and now what? Amy once again sensed the three gentlemen’s uneasiness.

Isn’t that what your notes say, Brian? she asked.

Yes, our notes do say that, he continued Our research tells us your name used to be Lindiwe. But, this is what we don’t understand …. the speaker paused for a moment, We couldn’t find any evidence of a birth certificate or a death certificate anywhere on this planet which says a person named Lindiwe or Amy Legna was born and died. I assume because none exist?

It was Amy’s turn to make a little speech and she wanted to do it in a way which wouldn’t shock or scare her guests away. Surely, being scientists, they wouldn’t be rattled easily by her reply. Maybe, just maybe, they would find some humor in her revelation and if not that, hopefully, some comfort.

You see, gentlemen, Amy looked at the three men with a smile on her face, I’m not dead. Why would there be a death certificate if I’m not deceased? And, why would there be a birth certificate if I was never born? Isn’t it obvious as I sit here with you that I’m very much alive? All I know about my presence is that I exist. Why should I question it? I am an angel. We aren’t born and we never die.

This was yet another answer the three men were afraid to hear as the truth and the truth was now hitting them head-on like a freight train. As confident as they were in their findings, they were now caught off guard hearing the words first hand. They had been researching her history for a long time, but now, interviewing an angel left them astonished and perplexed even as her words were exactly the kind of confirmation the researchers were hoping for.

As he held some papers in one hand and rubbed the top of his head with the other, Brian left Donald’s side and sat back down across from Amy. He looked at his notes again and they told him there had been a so called sighting of an angel by his great-grandparents on the plains of Bechuanaland in the 1890s that had been documented in Lena Rossly’s personal journal. But, that was her interpretation from a long time ago. The angel confessed to living with the Rosslys until they parted ways in 1899. It was believed that the parents decided to move back to England to give their children the opportunity for a more quality education. They left the savannah in that year and went to London. It seemed evident, through the TAGS member’s research that Lindiwe did not return to England with the family.

The story of the Rossly family living with an angel spread first by word of mouth then through newspapers beginning in England and eventually across Europe. In time, word spread world-wide and whenever it reached the scientific community, it was dismissed as a hoax or, coming from unreliable sources and brushed off as utter nonsense. Plus, some critics claimed too much time had evolved since the Rossly’s experience with this supposed entity and that made the accounts in Lena’s personal journal impossible to verify.

Brian took a quick second to review some of his notes again and to digest Amy’s response. Donald paced behind him. Joshua sat and wanted to speak, but couldn’t find the words which would help him express how he was feeling. Brian looked at Amy and couldn’t resist smiling in amazement. She was either an angel or a crazy lady and the thought of her possibly being both brought that smile on.

Yes, Amy. We can see that you’re not dead, Brian said, stating the obvious. You said you lived with this Rossly family and that’s what our research papers say. You were an African girl by the name of Lindiwe who was believed to have had other worldly powers and demonstrated them to this English family in the spring of, we believe, 1895, or, about that time. I guess my next question, Amy, will be more to the point, was that you? You’re Lindiwe, aren’t you? You’ve already said as much.

Yes sir. Lindiwe Amy Grace Legna? the angel laughed. Now that’s a mouthful.

Brian’s smile became bigger as he admired the woman’s frankness and humour. Still, he had to ask himself again: Is she crazy? For a moment he thought she had to be, but then … maybe not. She had confessed already she was the angel the men were looking for and there was no reason to believe otherwise.

It was now Donald’s turn to take the reins of the conversation.

Amy, if you met the Rossly family around 1895 when you were eight, or nine, or ten, or whatever, do you know how old that would make you today?

Amy looked at Donald then upward as if she was trying to do some calculating. She crinkled her nose and pursed her lips as she attempted to do the math and once again showed off her sense of humour. One of her hands, with an index finger and thumb, rubbed her chin.

I guess it would make me around a hundred and thirty or so by your human time, something like that.

Joshua got up from his seat on the steps and walked a few feet away from the house. He was thrilled to be a member of the TAGS organization and to have been invited to join in on a research project to find angels, but now, now he didn’t know what to think. Doubt crept in. Had they truly found a heavenly angel? He turned around and faced the three on the veranda. Amy continued to sit cool and calm, patting Missy. She watched Joshua and sensed the next question would be coming from him. It did.

Are you a human or an angel, Amy?

Amy smiled coyly. She respected Joshua being blunt and was enjoying the company of the three gentlemen who sat with her and she certainly didn’t want to scare them away. They were good people. They had come a long way to visit her and they deserved the truth. But, they were having trouble handling the truth.

Amy looked down at Missy. When she looked back up, she peered out over her front yard. The time had come that she had been expecting and she was quite comfortable with it, at peace with it. She knew who she was and what she was, but how would she relate that to her visitors? She had always been honest with everyone she had ever met simply because she was an angel and that wasn’t about to change. The men were being patient. Amy responded to Joshua’s question by looking the young man in the eye.

Joshua, how many times must I repeat myself? I’ve already told you that I am an angel and not human.

Amy gently stroked Missy’s head. The three visitors couldn’t have been more intent on listening to her. Brian leaned forward with his hands clasped in his lap. Donald decided to sit down on the arm of the wicker loveseat. Joshua folded his arms, unaware his head was mildly shaking back and forth as Amy continued.

You three gentlemen should know this already. You have wanted to discover an angel for quite some time and finally, you have. Now, as for my human appearance, well, that’s altogether something else. I only appear human, Joshua, but I’m not really of this world. I have another home besides here. I call it my Earth. I have human traits and special powers. No humans can do what I do because I’m an angel and that’s that. I come and go in and out of this world and I honestly can’t explain how it happens. It just does. Sometimes I come into your world as an adult and sometimes I’m a child. What can I say? She paused and gazed at the three men who sat silently in shock. She understood their nervousness and continued speaking, hoping to put them at ease. You’ve done your research. You shouldn’t be stunned or mystified by what I’m telling you. You should be proud your hard work has led you to me. It’s even possible I may have had something to do with guiding you here – well, me and a few other angels as you humans call the likes of us. I’m an angel in your eyes. I have no problem with that. Here, Amy let go of Missy and extended one of her arms, touch my arm, all three of you.

The three researchers obliged without hesitation.

Now then, Amy asked the men. what did you feel?

Brian responded quickly.

I felt a human…human skin.

That’s exactly what I felt, Donald said.

Joshua was slow to respond and everyone turned and looked at him.

I, uh, same, same. I felt like I was touching a human, the young man replied not sure what to think or say.

We all shook hands when you first introduced yourselves. What did you feel then? Amy wanted to know. What crossed your mind at that moment? You came all this way to meet … what? Who? Did you think you were shaking hands with a human or an angel?

Amy had asked a good question and the men knew that. The ball was back in their court. To a man, they didn’t know what to say next. It became even harder to digest what was happening. There was something about this woman who on one hand made them feel comfortable, but on the other hand, there remained a hint of apprehension and anxiety, especially now when no one was speaking. She was making it seem too easy. Was she confirming what they believed or was everything about her intended to be misdirection?

Brian shook his head and twiddled his thumbs between his legs. Donald got up from the arm of the loveseat and turned his back to Amy. Joshua, arms still folded, just stared at her.

Let me repeat what I said, Amy, Brian said, knowing that for himself and his colleagues as well, the silence was unbearable. I felt and I see, a human being sitting before me. I believe that because that is what my brain is telling me to believe. To believe something else would be … unbelievable. Amy, in just the past few minutes, your words have made me a believer, but a believer in what? That angels are for real? Why is that? How are we supposed to accept the reality of sitting here with an angel? We’ve spent so much time preparing for this moment and now, it’s hard to process.

Amy got up from her seat and walked to the edge of the stairs which led down from her veranda and looked out over her flower garden that ran close to her home. She cuddled Missy. The three men watched and said nothing. It would have to be her who spoke next. They waited and after a brief moment of taking in the scenery in front of her, she did. She kept her back to them and began talking.

There is a saying you humans have, ‘walk a mile in my shoes.’ I don’t know why I’ve been granted or blessed with being who and what I am. I don’t know why I’ve been allowed to come and go from this world to another, back and forth, traveling through time either as a child or as an adult. And, I don’t know why I have been gifted with certain powers. But, I am what I am and I don’t question it. I am, by your definition, an angel and that, Brian, Donald and Joshua, is exactly what you should believe. To answer your question, Brian, the three of you should accept me for what I am. Is that so difficult?

She turned around and looked at the men whose minds raced uncontrollably as they asked themselves: My God, this is what we had hoped for, but can it really be true?

I am special, I know that. And, I’m not the only one. There are more like me and you can trust me on that. I knew you were coming one day. If not you three, then it would have been someone else. Why you didn’t come fifty, seventy five, or a hundred human years ago? I wish I knew. But, you’re here now and there must be a reason for it and I know the reason. We are meant to work together as a team. It’s going to be hard convincing people that angels walk among you, but I want to help and I will cooperate with you.

From the tone of her voice, it was clear she was telling the men that she was all in…all in with certain conditions.

Brian got up from his seat, walked over to Amy and stood by her side. They looked at each other as Brian patted Missy who was being held close to Amy’s chest.

How old is Missy? Brian asked softly.

He thought momentarily that perhaps he and his colleagues should forget about meeting an angel and leave her alone. He’d heard enough and wondered if the other two felt the same. She was the angel they had been looking for, pure and simple. Would it matter if the three of them just walked away? Would it make any difference if the rest of the world didn’t know what they knew? Brian was never sure how he was going to feel if he ever met an angel and now his feelings were complex, mixed.

Amy laughed.

She’s old, but acts really young. Hey, girl? You’re pretty old, right?

Missy adored the attention. Brian continued to pet her under the chin. Joshua and Donald sat back down on the wicker loveseat and decided to let Brian take the lead again. They would watch and listen. Amy peeked back at the two who were seated.

She looks to be in good shape for being old, Brian admitted. Yes, Missy, you’re in good shape for an old gal and well looked after, I can tell. Brian took a couple steps away from Amy and leaned against the railing that ran down the stairs. He decided to try another tactic to see if he could get some more answers. How old is old, Amy? Has she outlived most of her friends?

Amy