Touched by Angels Page 0,6
not to be left behind.
Gabriel hadn't planned on making an expedition out of this. He'd thought it would be a simple matter to point out Hannah to Goodness, then introduce her to Carl. They'd be back before either of Goodness's friends had time to miss her. He was about to reassure Mercy and Shirley of this when he noticed that the three had looped their arms together. They stood before him with a determination that would have shook Moses before that unfortunate incident on Mt. Sinai.
"All right, all right," he grumbled under his breath. These particular prayer ambassadors had a way about them that foiled him at every turn. Only this year, he was simplifying matters. Their assignments were all straightforward requests that would bring them back to heaven in record time. Nothing complicated. Nothing involved. Assignments each one should be able to arrange in record time. This Christmas, Gabriel promised himself, wouldn't be like the past two.
Stepping away from the others, the archangel raised his massive arms and with one sure movement parted the massive clouds of heaven. A thin layer of mist remained, and gradually he was able to make out the earth below. Soon the four of them narrowed in on the big city. Skyscrapers punctured the sky. The top floors of the twin towers of the World Trade Center came clearly into focus. Then he viewed the landmark Brooklyn Bridge, followed by Times Square.
"This is New York City?" Goodness breathed in awe.
"My heavens, what's that?" Mercy asked, pointing to the street below.
Gabriel grinned. His timing couldn't have been better. They'd arrived in time to witness Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade. A giant balloon replica of a popular comic-strip dog floated far above the street, steered by several silly-looking adults dressed in elf costumes.
"It looks like some kind of parade," Shirley answered before he had a chance to explain.
A marching band, the trombone players with their instruments aiming skyward, blared a lively rendition of an easily recognizable Christmas ditty. A fierce pounding of drums added to the excitement of the music.
"This is wonderful," Goodness said, and spread-eagled herself across the top of a blossom-laden float. Six men dressed as toy soldiers stood guard over an open treasure chest filled with a variety of brightly wrapped gifts in gold and silver paper.
"You wanted to meet Hannah," Gabriel reminded her, hiding a smile. Goodness's eyes were as round as a two-year-old child's.
"In a minute," Goodness told him. It was apparent she was more interested in watching the parade than in meeting her young charge.
With a stiff-kneed walk, one of the toy soldiers marched to the end of the float. A fairy princess appeared, with dainty wings strapped to her back, and scooped up handfuls of candy. Smiling, she tossed them into the cheering crowd.
"You call those wings?" Mercy asked on a disdainful note.
"We're here to meet Hannah Morganstern," Gabriel felt obligated to remind the three.
"I'm ready," Goodness announced, reluctantly tearing herself away from the dazzling scene.
"If we must," Mercy added with a decided lack of enthusiasm.
"Do you think Brynn Cassidy's here?" Shirley's gaze scanned the thick crowds that crammed the cement sidewalks. "What about the kids from the school? They'd come, wouldn't they?"
"We're supposed to meet Hannah, remember?" Gabriel reminded Shirley. He should have known it would be a mistake to bring the others. "There's Hannah now," he said in an effort to divert their attention. He motioned toward a group of parade watchers standing along Central Park West.
"Hannah's the petite woman with the blue angel scarf tied around her neck." Gabriel had a soft spot in his heart when it came to the gentle Jewish woman. She reminded him of Rebecca, the young woman God had chosen for Abraham's only son.
"She's lovely."
Gabriel agreed. "Hannah's the only child, born later in life to a devoted couple. Ruth Morganstern prayed faithfully for many years for a daughter."
"Leah Lundberg did the same," Mercy reminded Gabriel. "I don't understand why God makes some couples wait."
"It's not for us to question."
"I know," Mercy agreed, "His timing is always perfect."
"Getting back to Hannah," Gabriel tried again. "The Morgansterns have raised their daughter well. They couldn't be more proud of her, and rightly so. Hannah is well loved by many."
"Do you mind if Shirley and I entertain ourselves for a few moments?" Mercy asked, and her eyes twinkled with mischief. Gabriel noticed the angel was staring at the reader board above Times Square.
"You can go on without us," Shirley insisted.
"No way. Listen, you two. Shirley .