Guardian Angels by Andrew P. Weston
In a series of
terrifying events, otherworldly beings intervene to save innocent lives. The
world community reacts with relief as they realize that angels may in fact
exist, and they are diligently protecting us.
But
there are those who would seek to stop what they feel is a threat against their
livelihoods. How far will some go to battle the Guardians? Is the fairy tale
over before it even begins?
Guardian
Angels is a powerful and compelling story about the catalyst that has the power
to unite society in the hope for a better future. The spark of hope is
fragile—can it last?
Excerpt:
Making
his way across the muddy fields behind the house of the Drake residence, David
Collins had to smile to himself in satisfaction.
Sure
enough, while the family had beefed up security at the front of their home, he
had been correct in his assumption that they wouldn’t bother much with the
back.
The low
wire mesh fencing separated the home from miles of open farmland bordered by
statutory brambles, thorns, and thistles.
They
obviously didn’t think anyone would try to get through. And they were right—who
in their right mind would traipse through this muck?
David
amused himself with the fact that he probably wasn’t in his right mind. The
people he represented were not just anyone.
That’s
why he couldn’t afford to mess about any longer. They would want results, and
he was here to get them. Heavily shielded, a taser tucked snugly in one pocket
and a dart gun in the other, he was determined to come away with answers.
No
more Mr. Nice Guy, he thought.
Coming at
last to the back fence, he looked around to ensure no one was in a position to
see it bend under his weight.
He
climbed over. A dirty plastic swing and a deflated plastic paddling pool in the
back yard confirmed he was in the right place.
Other
toys were littered around the poorly kept garden—a bike, a ball, some cars
along with a few “Action Man” figures, all scattered and abandoned along the
concrete path. The back door was conveniently ajar.
Perfect!
Removing
both the dart gun and the taser from his pockets, he started along the path,
quickening his pace as he drew nearer.
Burst
in, stun them, read them and then out through the front door with my face
covered until I’m out of camera shot, then I’m away, he thought.
A rear
window was also open, and he could hear the mother shouting to the boy inside
to shut up, as she was trying to listen to the BBC Broadcast. He thought he
heard something about her wanting to hear what the Guardian was saying.
He was
surprised. Oh, they turned up
then?
However,
that wasn’t as surprising as what happened next.
He was
about three yards from the door when he suddenly heard a thrumming sound and
found a glowing, golden blade of light held about two inches from his throat.
He froze,
looking along and over the long blade at the startling woman who held it there,
her magnetic grey eyes boring into his soul, a look of warning flashing in
their depths.
At six
feet tall, and with a physique that looked as if a goddess had somehow been
poured into her black uniform and molded into liquid marble, David knew
instantly who had figured him out. Shit!
He felt
an invisible pressure hold him still.
A voice
in his mind spoke. Hello,
David, my name is Victoria. Do I have your attention?
His eyes
darted about, flicking from the blade to her, then to the house before
returning to the blade again.
The same
voice spoke again. Don’t worry
about the people in the house. They’re blissfully unaware of our presence and
we’re nice and safe within your chameleon shield. I asked you a question,
David. Do I have your attention?
“Err,
yes!” he replied, too shocked to utter a full sentence.
He looked
more closely into the face of his adversary. Her dark flowing hair was tied
back, cascading over one of her shoulders. Strong features highlighted just how
beautiful she was. But those intensely grey eyes terrified him; they burned
with a barely restrained power that caused his teeth to ache.
Taking a
deep breath, David repeated more fully, “You have my full and undivided
attention, yes.”
He
relaxed as the Guardian sheathed her plasma baton, and David found he could
move again.
We
believe you may represent a group of people who have made several uninvited
approaches to our members recently in the vain attempt to offer positions of
employment to them.
While
every member of the Guardians is free to do as they wish, you should be aware
that we are very loyal to the cause we serve, and none of us appreciate your
attempts. While we don’t know your reasons, we feel they must be of a somewhat
darker disposition than we would prefer. Otherwise, you would have openly made
contact with us.
Make
sure you tell those you serve that they would be foolish to confuse our
restraint with weakness. Just because we choose to act with patience does not
mean our patience is limitless, understood?
“Yes, I
understand.”
I hope
you do, because we do not expect to have to bump into you, or your people again
under these circumstances. Understood?
“Yes.”
Oh,
David, not to labor the point, but that includes circumstances like this one,
yes?
“Yes, I
understand clearly. I’ll make sure that’s passed along.”
Tell
those you serve that this boy is protected. He is not only important to us, but
to the whole world. If your people make another ill-advised attempt to gain
access to him, not only will they regret it, but those making the attempt will
never be in a position to harm anyone ever again. Am I making myself crystal
clear?
“Yes,
Ma’am”
Also,
while I am fully capable of mind-reaming you where you stand and leaving your
skull empty of information or coherence, I won’t. Instead I will extend to you
and your people something you have failed to extend to us, simple courtesy.
It is
clear you are all gifted in some way. The world needs people like you, now more
than ever. Seriously think about the path you are on, because if you don’t, you
will all face the consequences. Is that clear?
“Yes,
very clear.”
And with
that, David experienced a moment’s disorientation and found himself standing on
the sidewalk next to his hired car more than a mile away.
Needless
to say, he was on his phone and updating his superior within seconds, very glad
to be away from that compelling woman who was so terrifyingly beautiful.
About the Author:
Andrew P. Weston
was born in the city of Birmingham, UK and grew up in the towns of Bearwood and
Edgbaston, eventually attending Holly Lodge Grammar School for Boys where he
was School Captain and Head Boy.
He was an active
sportsperson and enjoyed rugby, martial arts, swimming, and was a member of
athletics teams throughout the city.
On graduation in
1977, he joined the Royal Marines fulfilling a number of roles both in the UK
and abroad.
In 1985, he
became a police officer with the Devon & Cornwall Constabulary, and served
in a variety of uniformed and plain clothed departments until his retirement in
2008.
Over those
years, he wrote and illustrated a selection of private books for his children
regarding the life of a tiny kitten, called The Adventures of Willy Whiskers
and gained further qualifications in Law and Religious Studies. He was an
active member of Mensa and continued to be an active sportsperson, providing
lessons free of charge to local communities.
An unfortunate
accident received on duty meant Andrew had to retire early from the police
force, but after moving to the sunny Greek island of Kos to speed up his
recuperation, he was at last able to devote time to the “Guardian Concept” he
had developed over his years in the military and police.
When not
writing, Andrew enjoys Greek dancing and language lessons, being told what to
do by his wife, Annette, and hunting shadows in the dark.
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