The Creation: Chaos Rising (4 page)

Tyree sighed. "Yeah, there are some pretty esoteric faiths out there. Even the Catholic Diocese, though I love it dearly, has done some things that I find questionable."

"There, you see?" she exclaimed, waving a hand in his direction. "You're one of the most devout Catholics I know, and even you have doubts about your chosen faith."

Tyree flashed another smile. "There's nothing wrong with having doubts, Nina. It's in our nature, and that's why the church's role is so important. It provides the rules and standards that allow us to structure our lives in accordance with God's Divine Plan."

Nina glared at him through skeptical eyes. "That's what
you
believe. Personally I think religion is just another way for the government to control the masses."

Tyree's smile deepened. "That's the beauty of living in a free society. Everyone's entitled to their own opinion. Even someone as spiritually jaded as you."

"I guess," she muttered.

Tyree relaxed into his chair. "Well whether you believe in religion or not, you're still a righteous person."

"I'm a cautious person," she corrected him. "The world's a weird place these days, and I'm not trying to get caught up in any craziness."

Tyree acknowledged the difference with a nod. "Fair enough, but your overall character is still laudable; particularly that philanthropic streak running through your body. A lot of native Detroiters who become financially successful tend to turn their backs on our city, but not you. You make it a point to conduct most of your business here, you're involved in a number of vital city organizations, and you're a staunch financial supporter of
Detroit's youth programs." The tone of his voice indicated how important Nina's dedication to the city's children was. "I'm always telling my congregation that if we don't take care of our kids today, we run the risk of loosing our tomorrow."

"You and I have always agreed on that, but I don't do what I do in order to buy my way into some utopian Heaven. Inner-city kids
deserve
the same opportunities as the suburbanites, and it's up to us to make sure they get them."

Once again Tyree slapped his hand against the top of his desk. "And that mentality is what sets you apart from a lot of these other so-called philanthropists! You don't do something because you think you're gonna receive some type of reward or official acknowledgment. You do it because it's the right thing to do. In God's eyes that makes all the difference."

"Well if that's the case, and I am living the way He wants me to." Nina made a mocking gesture with her hands. "Why is He punishing me?"

Tyree's eyes widened with surprise. "Punishing you? Don't look on this as a punishment, Nina. Think of it as a Divine gift!"

Nina balked at his absurd suggestion. "I've become death's preview channel, Ty. What the
hell
kind of gift is that?"

"One that's needed," he responded quietly, his gray eyes troubled.

Nina gave him a questioning look, and Tyree released a weary sigh. "It's like you said; the world is getting crazier by the minute, and people are starting to loose hope. What if you've been given this ability to help alleviate the situation; to let people know that miracles do still happen?"

Nina considered his position for a moment. "Well if God wants to give the world a cosmic sign, why doesn't He just pop on down here himself, or send one of those angels you holy guys are forever going on about?"

Tyree gave her a knowing look, and shifted his voice into a tone of reverence. "Maybe he has…
Nina
Delcielo
."

"Let's not have
that
discussion again, Poppa Griff!" Nina wondered for the millionth time why her mother chose to straddle her with such a pretentious name. "I got enough of that during my two years of Spanish. Besides…" She opened her arms wide. "I hardly fit the profile."

Tyree shrugged. "The Lord does work in mysterious ways. Maybe this is the reason you've always been such a whiz at the stock market."

Nina glared at him through narrowed eyes. "Making profitable investments based on the study of accurate data is a far cry from seeing the future, Poppa Griff."

Tyree aimed a shrewd
look at her. "Maybe, maybe not; if it was that easy
every
informed broker would know what stocks to buy or avoid."

Nina was still unconvinced that her sharp business acumen was the result of some latent heavenly
power. "Well if that's the case; how come this…gift is only just now manifesting its self? And why me? Like I said, I hardly fit the Prophet profile."

"No, you don't but your situation is not without precedence. The apostle Paul was a
persecutor
of Christians before he got straitened out."

It was clear from her expression that Nina remained skeptical but she made no comment.

"In all honesty, Nina, I can't say why God's bestowed this gift upon you." Tyree rolled his chair from behind the desk then positioned it in front of hers, taking her hands in his. "But if I'm right, and you are being called to a higher purpose, it's something you're just going to have to accept."

Nina's expression hardened and she pulled her hands free. "Yeah, you told me the same bullshit when you walked out on me and took this job."

A pained look consumed the Minister's features, and she instantly regretted her harsh words. "I'm sorry, Ty. You didn't deserve that."

"I suppose to some extent I did," he whispered giving her cheek a gentle stroke with his fingers. "Look Nina, what we had was special, but..."

She held up a finger. "I know. God called and you had to answer." Tyree offered her an apologetic grin as he once again took hold of her hands, and Nina managed a weak smile. "You know for a benevolent being, God's got lousy timing."

Tyree gave her nose a playful tweak. "Yeah, He does." His expression turned serious. "All kidding aside Nina; I respect your beliefs, but I still want you to consider the possibility of this whole thing being Divine in nature."

"It's not like I have a choice with all these crazy episodes running through my mind." She pulled her hands free, and pushed herself up in one fluid motion.

Tyree rose to his feet as well. "Where are you going?"

Nina stretched her arms above her head. "I think I've given this subject enough consideration for one day. Plus I've got a meeting in an hour with the state's funding board. I need to get some air and try to digest some of these spiritual notions before I deal with those penny pinching bastards."

Tyree laughed then escorted her back to the main entrance. "You call me if you need anything," he said when they reached the door. "And don't forget about the gala next week."

"I won't, and thanks."

"For what?"

Nina shot a surreptitious look down the hall to make sure they were alone then gave his lips a gentle kiss. "For always being my voice of reason."

Tyree touched his forehead lightly to hers while calming the surge of desire shooting through his body. Her kiss had brought back memories of their previous relationship. "Somebody has to keep you out of trouble." He gently pushed her away so as not to offend. "Do try to take care of your self."

"I will," Nina promised, also aware of the lingering heat between them.

She released a wistful sigh for what could've been and quickly made her way to her Cherokee parked on the street in front of the church. She gave him a final wave then hopped inside, completely oblivious to the silent figure perched atop the church's towering steeple, his presence celestially masked as he observed her every move.

Nina started her Jeep, and Gabriel rose gracefully into the air hovering patiently until she pulled away. The Celemor spared Tyree a brief glance then quickly soared off after his charge.

*

Tyree stared after Nina's jeep for a moment then retraced his steps to his office, once again shutting the door behind him. He quickly settled into his chair then picked up the phone.

The young minister had witnessed a number of strange and unexplainable events during his twelve years of service to the Lord, but all of those other experiences paled in comparison to this.
Almost all of them.
He shivered as an image of Katey flashed before his eyes. He sharply steered his mind from that direction and back to the topic at hand.

Tyree had always felt that Nina was special, but even his expectations fell short of this. Her abilities were nothing short of miraculous. This matter would definitely require further investigation, but whatever his friend was going through was totally beyond the scope of his experience. Fortunately there was a faction already in place within the Catholic Diocese to handle this sort of thing.

He punched in the numbers on the keypad then held the receiver to his ear, trying hard to ignore the lingering taste of her lipstick.

Chapter 7

Cardinal Calvin Tullis stared impassively through the stained-glass window overlooking the Vatican courtyard. His corner-office was small when compared to those of some of his contemporaries also housed in the Civil Administration Building, but the view it afforded him of the Papal Gardens more than compensated. One look at the elegant landscape was enough to soothe away the stresses his job as head of the Vatican's public relations department sometimes entailed.

The current Pope's conservative stance on several controversial issues, most notably his steadfast denouncement of homosexuals and women clergy, had brought much criticism from the liberal front. The situation was also compounded by persistent rumors of scandal and misconduct within the
Vatican. As a result, approval ratings for the Holy See were rapidly declining. Tullis and his staff were hard-pressed to stem the flow of negative publicity and reverse the steady migration from the church.

Many saw the
Vatican's struggle as testimony to the erosion of Christian values around the world. Tullis felt the problem was more complex. To him it seemed as if society's incessant push toward technological thrills had all but erased its spiritual consciousness.

The incessant ringing of the telephone drew his attention away from the window. He made his way to his desk to retrieve the annoying contraption. "Cardinal Tullis," he spoke gruffly into the handset. "Ah, Father Griffin!" The Cardinal's mood brightened instantly.

In a world of decaying morals and religious abandonment, Tyree was a rare gem. A young man completely in tune with modern society yet totally devoted to his faith. More such leaders would be needed in order for the church to reverse its apathetic position.

"It's been far too long since we last spoke. How fares Saint Christopher's parish on the eve of its fiftieth anniversary?"

"Better than expected," Tyree's excited voice boomed from the speaker. "Especially considering the visit I just had from an old friend."

Tullis had to steady himself against his desk after listening to the young minister's incredible tale. "And has this woman ever shown any signs of Divine favor before this?"

"None whatsoever; her faith in our Lord's way is sorely lacking."

"Then hers truly is a unique situation. Have you spoken to anyone else about this?"

"Yours was the first and only number I called. I felt it best to let you and the other Elders determine how we should precede."

A pleased smile appeared on Tullis' face. "A wise decision my son. You can be sure that this matter will be addressed with all haste. In the meantime keep a discreet vigil over Miss Delcielo, and inform me immediately of any changes in the situation."

Tyree assured the Cardinal that he would and disconnected. Tullis kept the receiver to his ear for a moment then depressed the intercom button at the phone's base.

"Yes Your Grace?" the deep voice of Tullis' personal assistant responded.

"Summon the
Presbyterii,
Donald. A matter of great urgency is upon us."

There was a brief pause then Donald's voice echoed from the intercom. "The message has been sent, Your Grace. All three are en-route, and should be here within the hour."

"Excellent. Send them to my office the moment they arrive."

"Of course, Your Grace." The intercom went silent.

Tullis resumed his former position at the window, pondering the significance of this woman's appearance. Could this be the sign that he had prayed for? An indication from God that all hope was not lost?

A discreet knock signaled the arrival of his guest.

"Enter," Tullis called and the door swung open to reveal a short portly man, a look of tense anticipation etched across his aged face, waiting in the hall. "Ah, Cardinal Gionni," Tullis greeted the newcomer. "Thank you for responding so promptly. I trust I didn't pull you away from any pressing matters?"

"Nothing that can't be handled at a later time," Gionni quickly reassured him, firmly gripping the other's outstretched hand. "I saw Cardinal Milan's van coming through the gate as I was making my way to the door. Cardinal Dresden rode with him so they should be here directly."

"We're here now," Dresden's stern voice announced as he strode purposefully into the office, a grim faced Cardinal Milan right behind him. "Good to see you both." Dresden accorded Tullis and Gianni a respectful nod. "Now what's all this about?"

Tullis motioned for the others to have a seat then recounted the information he had received from Tyree.

"I am unfamiliar with this Father Griffin," Cardinal Milan's voice penetrated the shocked silence that followed the Cardinal's report. He was a dark-skinned man of slight build, his soft tenor a perfect compliment to his quiet demeanor. "Is he a reliable source?"

Tullis favored him with a pleased smile. "Indeed he is. Tyree is a former student of mine, and one of the brightest of the new ministerial generation."

"He's also been directly involved with several viable Manifestations over the years," Dresden spoke up, a look of concern carved into his wizened face. "Of more importance is what impact this woman's abilities will have on the spiritual front." The Cardinal's lean frame and sure movements were mute testament to the older man's excellent physical condition. His voice resonated with the authoritative timbre of one used to giving orders.

"If they truly exist," Gianni cautioned, his hands resting atop his protruding belly. He pinned each of his fellow Elders with a hard stare. "The world is full of so-called Prophets proclaiming their ability to do this or that, when in actuality their petty charlatans using the people's faith to turn an ill-gotten profit. That is why this brotherhood was formed; to separate fact from fiction."

"Father Griffin feels strongly that the woman's talents are genuine," Tullis pointed out.

A look of skepticism appeared on Gianni's round face. "I know of
Griffin's talents and would normally agree that his judgment was to be trusted, but this case is anything but normal."

Dresden
nodded in agreement. "Gianni is right. This woman appears to be the recipient of Heavenly favor, yet she lives a life without religious structure. Such a combination could be dangerous."

"Then perhaps the verification of Miss Delcielo's claim should be our first priority,"
Milan suggested, turning resolute eyes to Tullis. "Have we any operatives in that area of the United States?"

"No, but Quinlan and Sanders are due back from
France next week. As soon as they've closed out their current assignment I'll apprise them of this new situation, and have them on a plane to Detroit as quickly as possible."

"Good,"
Dresden approved the Cardinal's choice. "Both are experienced Seekers and should quickly be able to ascertain just what it is we're dealing with. Only then will we know how best to proceed."

The remaining
Presbyterii
agreed and the meeting was adjourned.