The Last Child of God

By H Edward Newton

In the time before time, when the forces of evil rebelled against the forces of Heaven. One individual played a vital role in the final outcome. And in doing so, he became a feared avenger. The saga continues as the story unfolds on Earth. In the powerful story of one man caught up in Lucifer's scheme to murder the boy that caused his downfall from Heaven."...Newton's concept has produced a very plausible storyline set against a backdrop of time and the unimaginable vastness of eternity. Readers may even whisper when they finish the last page, 'It could be true.'"Sylvia Nickels, Kingsport, TN writer.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: May 3, 2011
• ISBN: 9781257663361

Book preview

them."

Jacob

Clicking could be heard up the stairs from one of the bedrooms in the modest small town home. Click-click-click. The sound of fingers tapping on the keyboard of a computer mingled with the sound of music from a CD player in the background. The bedroom was actually a study used for a home business. Sitting in a well-worn leather chair was a young man of about thirty. He had brown hair, green eyes, and modest good looks. When he wasn’t working, he could often be seen at the library reading, working out in the local gym, or jogging in the park.

Jacob Meridian was an editor of sorts. Not a real editor, but a web page designer. His main function was to take information sent to him by electronic mail and then put that together in a web page format for a New York based online news media. He enjoyed this job because it allowed him to work from home, pay the bills, and keep his sanity by not answering to someone standing over him in an office.

A message came up on the screen as he was working on a project for the paper. New Mail, it boldly declared, do you want to read it now? He clicked yes. A news item had just arrived from one of the newspaper affiliates in London. It was an article penned by a British reporter, then sent to him via his employer. Accompanying the article was an attachment, probably some kind of visual.

Selecting the e-mail with a click, the news item opened up before him. His eyes skimmed over the words briefly. He browsed another article about strange catastrophic occurrences. He noticed there was an icon attached on the bottom of the note, indicating there was a picture. Reporters typically tried to include a photo whenever possible. Visual aspects always lend well to a medium such as online publications.

Opening the photograph exposed him to graphic horror he had seen before. Twice already in the last few weeks, he had stared at destruction and twisted death. Each time he felt revulsion. He could sense the heartache, grief, and senseless pain they endured. His empathy created emotional twinges down in his stomach like a roller coaster as it tops a rise, then suddenly plunges.

Viewing the scene, he looked at the little girl next to the dead woman, the old woman clutching the limp carcass of the old man, the broken body of the woman struck down by a speeding vehicle and now being carted into the back of an ambulance, the bystander in the overcoat on a nearby corner, and buildings destroyed. All of the destruction seemed to have occurred within one city block, giving the impression of an exploding bomb.

According to the report, none of the witnesses had given any information that could lead investigators to any significant causes of the disaster. They had all spoken of instant chaos, like an explosion, but not like anything they knew how to explain. They all spoke of a bright flash of light and then everything instantly in ruin. Not even a clue as to how it all began. One moment it was calm, the next, debris was falling, fires were breaking out, and anything near the epicenter was destroyed or devastated. They just didn’t know anything that could be of any help to the detectives.

Jacob had read and published similar incidents that had occurred in Osaka, Japan and Sidney, Australia. Each had entailed similar reports by eyewitnesses and the same type of desecration was photographed.

After sitting for a moment contemplating these events, he snapped back to his senses. He had a deadline! Not a deadline etched in stone, but he was required to have any information sent to him by the newspaper formatted and posted to the online web site within two hours of receiving it. This forced him to carry a pager to let him know when anything new came into his e-mail from his employer.

He went to work on the news item. Deftly manipulating the mouse, he copied the text of the article from the e-mail and into his web page software. With a few more clicks, he had the text formatted to fit the design prescribed by the newspaper. He then inserted the photograph into the page. He had to move it around the screen a few times to find the optimal spot for the best presentation. Eventually, he settled for something he felt suited. Then he connected to the remote server he maintained with the news agencies. It took a few minutes to upload the information. Then he went back and set up links to the new information and set up a headline to grab Internet surfers that browsed through the page. He also set the article up in the e-mail edition sent out each morning to current subscribers.

He didn’t manage all of the online content, which would be more work than he could keep up with. He worked in tandem with other site managers around the country. Jacob had never actually met any of the others, but had sent and received a few correspondences from time to time. Overall, he assumed they were a lot like him; computer-buffs trying to pay the bills and enjoying the convenience of contracting work from home.

Well, that’s a day’s work for me, he said smiling to himself, satisfied that he had finished his work and it was only ten-thirty in the morning. Something cold and wet rubbed against his bare feet. He reached down and scratched his best friend, Buddy, behind the ears.

Buddy was a stray mutt that had wandered to his front door after Jessica passed away. He really needed a friend to fill the void and pain of the loneliness that echoed throughout the house. Buddy filled that need. He was a friend in all circumstances. Always happy to be nearby, always greeting him with excitement when he came home, and always the first to jump on the bed when it was time to go to sleep. He was the ideal companion.

Jessica had been with him for three years and he had loved her dearly. They shared the little home and planned their future together. Their future did not include the shock visited upon them six months ago. Jacob had rolled over in the bed and placed his arm around her on that night. He thought she was extremely still. Placing his hand on her chest, he realized she had stopped breathing. He quickly scrambled to the phone and dialed nine-one-one. After the anxiety of the never-ending wait for help, the traumatic ambulance ride to the hospital, and the emergency room doctor pronouncing her dead from an undetected brain aneurysm, he realized she was gone.

Friends and family visited his home, bringing food and providing company for a grieving man. Strangely, they all noticed he didn’t shed any tears at home or at the funeral. He had always been like this, since his father had died. Death was just a phase of life to him, nothing unusual. He could feel empathy for other’s pain, but his emotional responses were dead to his own. He missed her immensely and accepted her passing as he prepared to go on.

Jacob got up out of the chair and walked down the hallway to the bathroom. Buddy followed. Turning the faucet on, he waited for the water to warm up before stopping up the drain and filling the basin partway. He splashed some of the water on his face and rubbed the warm moisture over his pores with both hands quickly. Removing a towel from the rack, he dried off. As he pulled the towel down around his shoulders, he looked at the face in the mirror, wishing he could wash away the painful memories. He paused to contemplate recent events. If it only were that easy, he murmured. Reminiscing warm thoughts of Jessica, he knew would never be again. An unfeeling reflection stared back at him and asked, How much longer do you think you can do this?

Buddy barked as if he knew the answer.

I didn’t ask you, he scoffed as he looked down at his furry companion. Then he turned back to the mirror. I know there’s a better reason for living. Is there more to life than this? His eyes darted to Buddy for a response, but all he did was stare like most dogs do. So you don’t have the answer for that, do you?

Buddy turned his head and lowered his ears.

Jacob laughed at the odd response. Well, let’s go for a walk. Would you like that?

Buddy barked and wagged his tail in response, because he knew what ‘go for a walk’ meant.

Jacob went back down the hall, past the office, and into his bedroom. He took off his favorite pair of sweats and a ratty Nike tee shirt that he liked to wear when he worked. He pulled on a pair of comfortable shorts, a bright blue short-sleeved shirt, socks, and his favorite pair of walking shoes. He went over to the closet and opened it up to look through his baseball cap collection. He finally decided on the Navy blue Tigers cap and put it on. Grabbing a leash for Buddy from the back of the closet, he was set for a leisurely walk down at the park. Buddy didn’t actually need a leash, but Jacob kept one with him just in case someone said something about the leash law in the park. So far no one had ever mentioned it, but he like to be prepared. He didn’t want any trouble where Buddy was concerned.

Let’s go, he said to Buddy and went down the hall to the top of the stairs. He stopped to straighten a picture or two on the wall near the steps. One was a picture of his father and the other a photograph of his mother. He had a separate photograph of her, because she had remarried. This picture was of her and her new husband.

After his father had passed away, she remained unattached for several years. It was just he and his mom, but she was lonely for someone her own age. Jacob could sense that. She brought a few of the potential suitors by the house, only to find out that her son was not ready to accept another man in their lives. Eventually, this passed and she found someone that made her happy. He was glad for her, even though he couldn’t understand these feelings till long past his boyhood.

When his father was alive, Jacob lived the life of a military brat. As a sergeant in the Air Force, his dad was required to relocate often. So Jacob learned to make friends quickly, since it wouldn’t be too long before it was time to move again and make new friends. Maryland, Arkansas, Texas, Nebraska, California, Washington, D.C. were just a few of the states his father had been stationed on base at one time or another, in addition to an assignment in Central America. It was an unsettled life, but bearable nonetheless.

Every summer or two, he would visit his father’s parents in the Carolina’s. These were some of the best times he could ever remember in life. He could almost smell the fried apple pies. In the entire world, there was never anyone who could make those better than Grandma. Others thought they could make those kinds of pies, they just didn’t know how to add the love needed to make them special. Not only could she cook, but she also had a talent for sewing the most beautiful quilts in the county. She won the county fair blue ribbon six times and was a runner up in the state fair. She kept her awards in a glass case behind the pictures of all of her grandchildren.

Grandpa died when Jacob was five years old and he didn’t remember a great deal about him, only that he was a big bear of a man that everyone in the county respected and loved. His Grandpa was a country boy at heart. He raised his family - five boys and five girls - in a little farmhouse. He did his best to provide for them by working on the farm and running a little moonshine from time to time. He was proud of each of his children and loved them dearly. Jacob remembered the sadness when his Grandpa passed away and all of the tears shed at the funeral.

His grandparents owned several hundred acres out in the country. Jacob loved exploring that old farm. Climbing the tree in the front yard, exploring the barn and looking for chicken’s nests, watching a momma sow birth her squealing piglets, running through the pasture to catch the ponies and ride them to the creek. On and on, his childhood memories came back to him in a flood.

Buddy barked, interrupting his train of thought. Okay, I’m coming! he called down the stairs.

Jacob compared each of the frames one final time, and then lifted a corner of one to make it straight with the other. Traipsing slowly, he proceeded down the stairs.

Buddy scratched at the door. The noise of his claws on the wood of the door caught Jacob’s attention. Calm down, boy! He finished scanning the area. Turning the knob to the front door, the latch clicked. Buddy had his nose in the crack of the opening, as he always did when he was anxious to go outside. As soon as the opening was large enough for him to pass through, he darted outside into the front yard. There he found one of his many chew toys. He laid down in the yard and started working on his continuing project of mangling the toy to bits. Stepping out on the front porch and shutting the door behind him, Jacob went about the ritual of locking the front door and checking the knob several times before making his way out to the yard.

Hello, Jacob! Called a voice from next-door.

Hey, Mrs. Jenkins! He called back to his neighbor as she swept off her walk. Mrs. Jenkins was a widow in her late seventies. She volunteered some of her time and cooking talent at the local soup kitchen and spent the rest of her time in her garden. Jacob would run errands for her occasionally and sometimes mow her lawn when the boy that usually cut her grass didn’t show up. She was a good neighbor and a friend. She enjoyed calling him over for some of her own style of country cooking and talking about her late husband while he ate.

That boy didn’t show up this mornin’. Would you mind?

Not at all Mrs. Jenkins. I’ll cut it this afternoon.

Thank you so much. I don’t know what I would do without your help. I’ll fix your favorite for you tonight. Is that all right?

Yes ma’am. I’m looking forward to it. I’ll see you later. Opening his fence gate, he whistled for Buddy. Buddy dropped his drool-covered obsession as he jumped up to dart through the gate.

Jacob loved a good home cooked meal, especially from Mrs. Jenkins. He considered a moment, and then turned to her, Do I need to pick up anything at the store or maybe some gas for the mower?

No, no. I have everything I need and the can’s full. She turned back to her sweeping of the sidewalk, I’ll see you this afternoon.

Bye, he called back to her. Jacob continued his short trek to the park. A few paces ahead, Buddy trotted up the street. Stopping intermittently, the mutt smelled anything new or peculiar, searching for clues.

Michael

Jacob walked down two blocks of brick and frame houses with dark shutters, all looking like the same builder constructed them. The streets were lined with oak trees that looked like a picket fence if you peered down the middle of any given avenue. He turned left at the corner of the second block. After a few paces, the park became visible and he could see the tops of the trees in the center of the park.

He came closer and could make out the concrete walkways winding through the park. A stream was the central feature, running down the middle like a snake. In the middle of the park, a bridge crossed over the stream with lampposts to provide illumination on each end. Street lamps were abundant, which added a degree of safety and were nice for evening strolls. Just past the bridge, stood a dark iron statue of one of the founders of the town, who was also the namesake of the park, Shamus Miller.

The ten-ton honorary to Shamus towered fifteen feet above the path it overlooked. Long coat tails and trousers, a top hat, and a cane extended away from his body as he jauntily leaned on it. Shamus Miller was a fine figure of a man. Revered by many for his foresight to make peace with the Indians in this part of the country to begin his dream of a settlement in the new frontier. The town had been established near the fork of a river, which was also the name of the town, Chikobee.

Jacob marched into the sound of birds chirping and fluttering among the trees, the stream babbling in the distance, children laughing and playing, couples walking or sitting on benches strewn throughout the green retreat, individuals wandering at random, and of course Buddy barking out a greeting to a few of his canine friends nearby.

Buddy roamed freely about the park. He never wandered far so Jacob never felt the need to restrain his friend with a leash. He came immediately when called and rarely stuck his cold, wet nose where it didn’t belong. Most everyone knew Buddy and welcomed him with a scratch behind the ears, a pat on the back, or with an impromptu snack, like a piece of a sandwich. He galloped and pranced around the trees and benches with the rest of the makeshift pack.

Jacob walked the main path towards the bridge. On his way he passed a few folks he recognized and said good morning to each. He passed a few strangers as well. One particular man came strolling his way. He had a regal bearing, as if he was of royal lineage or held an office of great importance, yet he dressed as a commoner fit for adventure.

Tall - maybe six foot two - a short, blonde military hair cut, steel blue eyes set on a chiseled face with a strong jaw line, accentuated by smooth, youthful skin. He had a muscular build that was obvious underneath his clothes. Wearing baggy khaki pants fit over well-worn hiking boots, a green loose-fit shirt, and he carried a brown, worn leather jacket on his arm. He appeared like he was set to go on safari, but instead he celebrated the warm spring morning with a walk in the sun’s shining glory.

Good morning, he greeted as he smiled.

And good morning to you, Jacob said reflexively.

That was the extent of their exchange. Jacob could hear the strangers’ footfalls as he passed by. The clump of the man’s boots was diminishing as he got farther away. The image of the man remained with Jacob.

He continued on his trek toward the bridge. Taking care to enjoy each and every aspect of nature as he walked. He thought of how amazingly large the blue sky overhead appeared. The trees were green with foliage and the splendor of their color was enough to fascinate him. A squirrel skittered in front of his path. It stopped long enough to pick up a walnut, turn it over in its little hand-like paws, then stuff the prize into its mouth and rush up a neighboring tree. Not paying attention to time, soon he was climbing the slight grade of the bridge as it crossed the stream.

Hello again, said the stranger, sitting on the rail of the bridge.

Uhm. Yes, hello, responded a surprised Jacob. Funny how we keep running into each other.

The stranger smiled with a slight chuckle, Yes…funny.

Attempting to set himself back into the mood of his morning walk, Jacob refocused on his surroundings. He felt the warmth of the sun on his face, the cool of a gentle breeze on his skin, and the sound of the squirrels in the trees overhead, skittering back and forth. He soon found himself lost in the moment and caught up in the wonders of nature. Walking steadily, the path turned to parallel the stream. The sound of the bubbling water accompanied him and drowned out many distractions around him, except one.

Buddy barked, growled, then whined. Jacob looked around frantically to locate him, but could not find him. He heard Buddy bark again and then whine some more. Where was he? Jacob started running in the direction of the sound of Buddy’s call of distress.

Get in there! the man in the white animal control uniform commanded as he forced the dog into the back of his van. Buddy was dodging his grasp and looking for an opening to dart through to freedom, but could not find one.

What’s going on here? Jacob demanded.

I’m just enforcin’ the mayor’s new ordinance. All animals without a license and a leash are to be captured and impounded until the owner complies or the animal is held for ten days, he recited the code from memory.

Then what?

What do ya think? the city worker asked incredulously.

Jacob shrugged his shoulders and shook his head.

We, uh, he paused, we euthenize ‘em ‘cause the city can’t afford to maintain ‘em indefinitely. He raised his shoulders sheepishly, Sorry, but that’s the law.

There’s no need to take him. I can pay the fine right now just don’t take him. I don’t want him traumatized from this, Jacob pleaded.

Sorry, I have to take him in. You can pay down at the station.

But…

No buts! I have my job to do, so you can pick him up later, after you pay the fine and get him a license. And another thing…

What seems to be the problem here? commanded a voice from behind Jacob.

Jacob did not turn around immediately, but could see by the expression of the animal control worker that it was someone who demanded undivided attention. The stranger from the bridge walked past him and stopped in front of the uniformed city worker.

What are you doing? his question ebbed with power.

I’m takin’ this dog to the city pound, replied the confused worker.

Why would you do that?

’Cause he ain’t got no license and no leash. That’s what the mayor told me to look for, he said with absolute confidence.

If you look closer, you can see that the animal has a license. He turned and pointed in Jacob’s direction, And he has the leash in his hand, I believe he let him loose to run in the park for a while.

Jacob nodded in agreement, but he knew Buddy didn’t have a license. Buddy didn’t even have his collar on. Jacob kept that with the leash since he forgot to put it on Buddy before they left the house.

The city employee looked in the back of his van at Buddy. He acted surprised when he seemed to find what he was looking for. My apologies mister. I didn’t see the license around his neck. Neither did Jacob. But you might want to keep him under better control so this don’t happen again, the city employee finished. He stepped aside and allowed Buddy to jump down from the back of the van and run over to his master.

Jacob gratefully stooped down to scratch Buddy behind the ears and rub his coat. His friend pushed against his fingers as he scratched and guided him to the best spot. When Jacob stopped rubbing, Buddy licked the back of his hand, all the while wagging his tail. Quickly, he fastened the collar around Buddy’s neck, I’m sorry boy. I know you don’t like this, but it’s for your own good. Just till we get home.

The animal control worker climbed into his van, after he uttered one last apology, and drove off in search of more strays. Jacob heard him mutter, I know that dog didn’t have no license. just before he departed.

Thanks, Jacob said gratefully.

You’re welcome, replied the tall stranger.

This is Buddy, Jacob said as he patted his friend, and I’m-

You’re Jacob, the stranger said with profound knowledge.

Surprised, Jacob demanded, How do you know my name?

I have been studying you for a while. You have been assigned to me.

Assigned! Jacob said incredulously, What is that supposed to mean?

Behind a raised eyebrow he admitted, Actually, it is the other way around. I have been assigned to you.

Jacob was becoming agitated and disturbed by the stranger’s demeanor. I do appreciate your help, but I think this is where we part company.

Were circumstances different, we would, but I have need of you. The mysterious man dictated the moment and Jacob found that he did not have the will to leave. You are a key link to a travesty in the making. You have a purpose that could help me to diffuse this travesty before it can manifest itself. He gestured to a bench nearby and motioned for Jacob to sit. Jacob complied with an unexplainable urge to do what the man asked. Following the stranger’s lead he made himself comfortable on the bench with Buddy sitting close at hand.

I am sorry for compelling you to listen, but you must hear me out before you make your choice. He leaned back a little in his seat. Looking over Jacob’s shoulder he focused his attention, as if to be listening to someone. He nodded his head then brought his eyes back to Jacob.

To begin with my name is Michael, the stranger made this statement as if this should mean something to Jacob.

Nice to meet you, Michael, he said with firm sarcasm, as if they were old friends, Now, do you mind if I leave?

Not yet, Michael looked over Jacob’s shoulder again, and then brought his gaze back to his subject. You obviously do not perceive who I am. I think that I must add some clarity to this conversation.

That would be appreciated, since I can’t leave until you are finished. Jacob was a little worried on the inside, because he still could not muster the desire to make himself stand up and walk away.

You must understand the importance of who I am, because I am an angel. Not just any angel, but I am the Lord’s Archangel, I am the first of His children to reach Maturity and the first to serve Him as He intended. Michael paused for this revelation to sink in.

Yeah, right, Jacob scoffed. He could not move, but his thoughts raced wildly as to what this lunatic was up to. Did he intend to hurt him? What was his intent?

I have been sent by God to discover the cause of the catastrophes that you have been reporting on, because it has important relevance to matters in Heaven.

If God sent you, He should have told you the source of the catastrophes. Case solved and now you’re wasting my time.

He does not work that way. He has greater reasons than He reveals and all participation must be made of one’s own free will, Michael explained patiently.

Jacob silently stared at the Archangel, waiting for him to finish. Michael did not say anything so Jacob demanded, If you are an angel of God, show me something that proves your identity.

The Archangel shook his head at the unwillingness to demonstrate a little faith, Why is it they must always have proof? he muttered under his breath. Thousands of years of helping the humans and still they want signs!

What was that?

Nothing. Michael let his agitation ebb away.

Well? I’m waiting, Jacob gave an impatient look. Don’t you have some kind of I.D. or union card? You didn’t leave home without it, did you? he mocked in disbelief.

What about the help I just gave you with your dog? Michael gestured back to where they had stood a few moments ago.

What about it?

Don’t you think it strange that the man would suddenly just let your dog go?

It is a little weird, but not unrealistic. What are you trying to say?

I am the reason he released the animal.

How?

That man actually empathized with your plight, I merely magnified his desire to see what he wished to see and he did. He saw the license on a collar around Buddy’s neck, which we both know was not there, Michael said smugly, feeling this should be proof enough.

Hypnotism! Jacob spurted. Which would explain why I can’t get up and run like hell away from here! You have affected some kind of mesmerizing influence on me, so my body is unable to answer my mind’s plea to get out of here. He nodded his head emphatically, knowing that this was the logical explanation for his current immobility.

Michael peered over Jacob’s shoulder again. Staring at something completely unseen. Whatever he was looking at, Jacob noticed that Buddy was looking at it as well. Michael nodded his head, and then said as if in agreement, Yes, I guess that is the only way he will believe, if he can see.

Michael turned to Jacob, Look around you. Notice everything and everyone you see, he commanded. Jacob found himself unable to resist, so he looked around the immediate vicinity to take notice of the scene before him.

Searching the surroundings he witnessed a young couple strolling up the path toward where he and Michael sat. They walked arm-in-arm without looking at where they were headed; each lost in the other’s eyes.

He looked in the other direction and saw a young woman throwing rocks into the stream. She would cast a stone and watch the ripple proceed downstream. With each cast she appeared to listen and consider quiet contemplations.

Further down the path a young man sat on another bench. His brown hair was disheveled and his face showed a slight darkness of a stubby, unshaven beard. His eyes were traced with the dark circles of fatigue. He wore a plaid shirt, covered by an old, green army jacket that could be found at any military surplus store. The jacket was stained, like his jeans, and he appeared not to have bathed in a few days. Casually, he read over a book, ‘The Catcher in the Rye’. He would read a few lines, then raise his head and mumble to himself, as if to discuss what he was reading.

Out in the grassy-covered clearing across from the young man, sat a little girl. Her mother sat on a park bench, not far away. The little girl’s head was crowned with blonde, tousled curls and she wore a light blue dress with white frills. Seated next to her were a stuffed bear and a rag doll. She had a small blanket laid out and four sets of cups and saucers set in front of them for afternoon tea. She would speak to each in turn, asking if they wanted more tea and she spoke to an unseen visitor at the empty place setting. The imaginary visitor must have asked for more, because she poured more into the extra cup.

A little closer, sitting under a tree was Obediah, a favorite among the homeless community. He was a black man with a white, close-cropped beard. Wearing a tattered jacket and matching pants, he was a common sight. Never uttering a cross word to anyone, he always wished for God to bless him or her before he walked away. He was usually found roaming the park in search of spare change, but you always knew he was around because Scooter would run up and lick you on the face if you weren’t watching for him.

Scooter was his dog, a little mixed breed terrier whose tail had been chopped off. Obediah saved him from the pound and took care of him. He was his steadfast companion. The vagrant called him Scooter, even though Stubby would have suited him better. Obediah sat under the tree chewing on a hotdog. Every once in a while, he would throw a piece of the hotdog up in the air and Scooter would jump up and catch it in his mouth. They appeared content with life under the tree.

Scanning back in the same direction he started from, his eyes met with Michael’s. The Archangel broke the stare to look around on the ground for something. Jacob interrupted, Michael.

Yes. He turned his attentions back to his earthly assignment.

If you are indeed an angel, why is it that I have never seen any more than you? Jacob asked smugly as if he had put Michael to a question he could not answer.

That is exactly the question I intend to answer. Replied Michael. He leaned over and raked his hand across the earth under the bench. As he dragged his fingers, he curled them to lift up a handful of dirt. He raised the dry dust in front of his face and inspected his prospect. Nodding his head, he closed his eyes and spoke softly, Father, use me as your tool to open the eyes of this doubting Thomas to see your hidden works.

That’s Jacob.

Raising his eyelids to reveal steel blue orbs, he turned his gaze to Jacob, I use the name figuratively. Michael smirked slightly, God appreciates poetic relevance. Then he turned back to his work. Leaning his head over his palm, he pursed his lips and spat into the small pile of dirt. Satisfied that it was enough for the task he intended, he began to mix the dirt into a salivated mud in his palm with his fingers.

Turn your head toward me. He commanded.

Jacob complied.

Now close your eyes.

Why?

Because everything has purpose, The Archangel snapped. And because you will gain a new insight as to the realities of your world if you will trust me. He emphasized the word ‘trust’ as he lowered his open hands back to his lap; he waited for Jacob to consider his words. Jacob stubbornly paused, then closed his eyes. He tilted his head to make it easier for Michael to do what ever it was he was going to do.

Jacob eyed Michael with suspicion.

Do it! he commanded.

Jacob snapped his eyelids shut.

Now don’t open them until I say, he raised the hand with the mud and dipped the fingers of his other hand into the goo. Carefully, he rubbed the mud over Jacobs’s eyelids.

Hey! What are you doing with that stuff? Jacob interjected with surprise.

Michael ignored his protest and continued smearing the earthen paste on Jacob’s eyelids. Now wipe the mud off of your eyes, he said after he finished.

Wipe it off?

Yes, wipe it off. Michael removed a handkerchief from the pocket of his jacket and laid it in Jacob’s hands, Then open your eyes.

Jacob took the proffered towel and wiped the muddy-goo from his eyelids. When he finished, he opened his eyes to a new world.

The immediate population had effectively doubled. For every person present, there was an additional figure accompanying him or her. The young couple that walked arm-in-arm was followed by two angelic figures with white wings. Until the moment he wiped the mud from his eyes, they were unseen. The young couple was completely unaware of them, yet their angelic companions moved as if they were a part of the progression of love through the park.

The young woman casting stones in the waters of the stream, stood between two angelic figures. One with white wings, the other’s appendages were the color of glossy night, like a raven. She kept the same posture, as when Jacob first noticed her, only now it appeared that she was in conversation with her undetected companions. Each was speaking directly to her, the one with white appendages appeared to be pleading, almost on the verge of begging for her to listen to him; the other spoke to her in a relaxed posture and tone. His voice was silky smooth and he knew exactly what her darkest, most seductive thoughts were. He would tempt her with the possibilities of following his advice and all of the dark fruits it would bear for her. All of his suggestions were countered by the heavenly influence of the angel in white and his promises of righteousness and the fruit it would bear. She continued to throw stones into the river and contemplate their words.

The lost soul on the park bench sat next to a dark winged angel. They did not speak, only after he had finished a few lines and thought about the context of the words he had read, would the dark angel interject his opinions on the subject material. Only then would the dark angel be heard. He knew this had a great influence on the young man and would make a slave of sorts out of him through his sinful weakness.

Across the walkway, sitting in the field was the little girl with her two inanimate friends seated next to her for tea. The empty place setting now had an occupant, a figure with white appendages. The little girl perceived the angel very clearly and conversed with him freely. In return, he would provide companionship and insight. It appeared the greatest service he supplied was friendship that the little girl enjoyed.

Obediah was the strangest of all that Jacob witnessed. He did not have any additional figures with him, but his appearance was transfigured. Instead of a bum dressed in rags, he was now a resilient angelic figure dressed in a shimmering robe with white wings protruding from his shoulder blades. He was still sitting on the ground in the same position he had been in for the last couple of hours, just he and his dog.

What am I looking at? queried Jacob.

This is the world that cannot be perceived by man because of his sinful nature, Michael explained. He motioned his arm around in a sweeping motion, All that you are witnessing is what occurs behind the scenes of humankind every day. The angels with white wings are the guardian angels that are sent to each person on the day they are born. A protector, advisor, and friend illuminated in the innocence of children. Yet, they fade as each person reaches adulthood and becomes clouded by the inherent sinful nature of their humanity. Their protectors remain as long as there is a chance to grasp faith.

Who are the figures with the black wings? Jacob asked.

Those are the followers of the prince of this world. They are here to dissuade every human soul from following the righteous path, because they know with every soul that is turned from the straight and narrow path they delay their inevitable doom.

The prince of this world? What’s with the cryptic dialogue? Jacob asked with a little frustration in his voice.

Lucifer, Satan, Beelzebub, the Devil, Scratch, your kind has a few dozen other names for him, but he is the enemy to all, Michael said resolutely. Each of God’s servants remains with their assignment as long as there is a chance for them to follow the path of Love and choose to serve the Lord of their own choice. God demands they choose Him of their own free will. This is the only way to propagate love and service. If they choose to follow God, then the angels remain as advisors to provide guidance, Michael paused, so Jacob could consider his words. After a moment more, he continued, The agents of Lucifer are here to try to persuade those individuals they can influence to take any path but the path to Heaven. The woman by the stream is currently in a dilemma. She has a conflicting decision to make. The angel with the white wings has been with her since she was born. He has witnessed her triumphs and downfalls and comforted her every step of the way. The darker angel only arrived within the last few years. He has attempted to turn her vision away from the narrow path, down the wide path to hell; such are the ways of Lucifer and his kin. If the dark angel succeeds, her guardian angel will eventually depart, since she will not have need of him anymore. There is a chance to be recalled, but it must be initiated by the lost soul out of their own need, of their own choice.

Does she actually hear either of them? Jacob asked.

In a sense, it is more like contemplative thought that she detects, not actual words as in conversation. But, whether she hears them with her ears or not, the concepts conveyed are very real, just as are the rewards or consequences of her actions.

What is the situation with the guy in the army jacket?

He has already surrendered his guardian angel, but he is not entirely dedicated to the dark path, so Lucifer’s proxy remains to coax him further down the road which numbs the soul. He is there to ensure that this one does not get away from his master, the Prince of Vanity. Obviously, there is still a chance that the young man could revert to righteousness, or he would not remain.

Jacob could not be sure, but he thought that the dark angel with the young man had been staring at him. He wanted to ask Michael if that were possible, but decided not to interrupt. He turned back to be sure, but the demon paid him no mind, as if he had never known he existed.

Scanning the park scene, Michael shifted his line of sight to the little girl, She is a true innocent. Michael adopted a smile on his face as he viewed the child with her perfect beauty. Children are harbors of innocence and because of this, they are close to tapping the true powers of their souls. Adults become diluted and concerned with the matters of the world, while children are oblivious to material preoccupations and can truly see the world around them. Innocence is power, which is why she can perceive her guardian angel. She sees him and knows him. He is her friend and companion. Her innocence obscures her human imperfection and amplifies the qualities of her perfect soul. She is the epitome of perfect trust and is completely aware of all that occurs around her. This is the nature of all children.

Jacob moved his own attentions to Obediah. He thought it strange that his appearance had changed, but his posture was the same. As if the new aspects of reality that were apparent to Jacob, were not to Obediah. Without turning his head toward Michael, Jacob asked, What’s different about Obediah?

Obediah is a exception to the rule. Michael paused to consider his words before he spoke. Obediah is an angel with a special purpose. He was here before this was a park. God spoke to him long before the creation of Earth and requested that he accept a special task.

And that task is?

The Lord never specified the exact reason for this request, but he wanted Obediah to station himself in this area and to watch.

Watch for what?

The Lord said, ‘Your duty will be clear, when it is known.’ He has remained at his post for the last two-hundred and thirty-seven years, waiting to fulfill his duty.

You mean all he has done in that time is wait? Jacob asked.

No. He has performed other services for the interim of his duration. He assisted Shamus Miller in finding this location for his settlement, he ran the local mill in the new settlement, he assumed various jobs and positions throughout the years, but he told me that it was easier to keep an eye on events if he kept a low profile as a vagrant. This way he is not encumbered with any responsibilities other than his duty to God.

Jacob’s gaze drifted back to the bum now illuminated with Heavenly purpose. With all of his knowledge and power, he could not understand why an immortal being would want to stay in the same spot on Earth for a couple of hundred years. Never knowing exactly when his opportunity to serve would come. He mused out loud, His faith keeps him here.

Michael nodded with a knowing smile. You are learning Jacob Meridian.

Obediah lifted up his head and looked directly at Jacob. His gaze startled Jacob. He had never met the homeless man, but Obediah behaved as if he knew that Jacob was seeing him in his true form. With a warm and gentle smile, the old man winked at him, patted Scooter and then returned to his relaxed posture under the tree.

Out of the corner of his eye, Jacob noticed another figure sitting next to him on the side opposite to Michael. He was surprised to discover that the figure shimmered slightly and radiated like the other angelic apparitions, yet he seemed strangely familiar.

Hello Jacob. How have you been? the radiant stranger inquired with an air of familiarity.

Uh, Hi. Thoughts raced wildly in his mind as he tried to turn over memories and figure out where he had seen this particular stranger before. Then the thought occurred to him that this was an angel! He had never seen any of them before he met Michael! I’ve been fine, he paused to think of a polite, yet direct response, not to be rude, but how do you know me?

Jacob, I’m hurt. You don’t remember me? His face took on a look of feigned personal pain. After I helped you through all of those thunder filled stormy nights, or when we explored the woods behind your house together? I even looked after Popeye, your Chinese pug, while you were at school. He raised an eyebrow, as if he might spark a memory.

Then the realization hit him, Seebo! How could this be? Seebo was his imaginary friend from childhood. I haven’t thought of you since I was a little boy! he exclaimed.

Yes, I am Seebo. Relief crossed the angel’s face as recognition showed on Jacob’s. When you were a child, you saw me through the eyes of innocence. But, you are no longer a child, so you should call me by my real name, Jonathon.

Jonathon. He pronounced his name with respect. Well, it is good to become reacquainted with an old friend. He reached out to shake Jonathon’s hand, but his passed through the angels extended digits, as if it he was made of smoke.

Oh, I forgot. Even though you can see me, I am still only spirit in form. We are only allowed to cross over into the physical realm under extreme circumstances.

But how is it that I can see and touch Michael and Obediah? Jacob wanted to know.

They have special assignments, Jonathon stated as a fact that should be obvious. In very special instances, we are granted a form that has physical presence in your world. Obediah has his assignment and Michael his. There are only three or four others in all of the world.

Michael piped up, It was Jonathan that helped me to understand what it might take to get you to see how imperative it is that you work with me.

Seebo…uh…Jonathon, until now, I thought you were just a figment of my imagination from long ago. Jacob raised one hand to his forehead and tried to rub in the comprehension of the situation, Maybe I just stopped believing in who you were and you faded with my belief.

No. You lost your innocence, but you never lost me. I have always believed in you, Jonathon interjected. You never abandoned your faith, so I never abandoned you. Even though you could not perceive me, I provided comfort when I could. I brought Buddy to you after Jessica passed away. You don’t know how long I searched, but I found him just as the Lord said. I had asked Him to help me give you comfort in your time of need. He told me I would find the answer near the railway station and that is where I found Buddy - cold, wet, and hungry. He was left behind because his previous master could not take him on the train. Buddy whined as if he knew Jonathon was talking about him. You both needed each other at that time, so this arrangement worked out perfectly, Jonathon explained.

Jacob remembered the night Buddy appeared on his doorstep. Scratching at the door, as if he knew someone would answer. Scraggly, wet, dirty,