Natural Born Angel (Immortal City 2)

“Accident?” he said. “Obviously, it was no accident.”

CHAPTER 24

The day of Maddy’s Commissioning arrived, and the media was calling it the “event of the century”, or even the “event of the millennium”. Maddy Montgomery Godright would be the first part-human, part-Angel ever commissioned as Guardian Angel.

Commissioning Day was preceded by non-stop breathless coverage of Maddy’s stratospheric rise. “Maddicts”, as they called themselves – a lot of them former “Jacksaddicts” – had camped out just like they had for Jackson’s Commissioning the year before, dreaming that they too secretly had an Angel parent and would one day have wings and rise to fortune and fame.

Starting at dawn, news helicopters hovered restlessly above the scene. Angel Boulevard had been closed overnight in preparation; workers had turned the pavement and street in front of the Temple of Angels into a backdrop worthy of an Angel Commissioning. Enormous plastic Divine Rings were placed near the entrance, and massive bleachers were erected for the lucky few who would get a first-hand view of the glamorous Angels and their annual event. The scene was teeming with media, as usual, with correspondents from A!, ANN, all the news networks jockeying for best position as the workers u

nfurled the red carpet.

Meanwhile, security was more pronounced than last year. Big, bulky men in suits with earpieces seemed to be all over the scene, supplementing the already strong ACPD contingent. After the still unsolved bombing of the Angel building, the Angels were taking no chances whatsoever. Even Tara Reeves was searched as she walked into the media area, an indignity she put up with without complaining too much since she saw what a great position she had again for her exclusive Angel Television stage, which was erected at the beginning of the red carpet.

Tara smiled dazzlingly into the camera, wearing a fiery red dress.

“The day you’ve been waiting for all year is finally here! The red carpet is perfectly rolled out, the bright lights are turned on, and the Divine Rings are ready as the fans swarm the Temple of Angels. And they’re all waiting for the Commissioning of Maddy Montgomery Godright, America’s new Angel sweetheart! Along with Angel favourites Mitch Steeple, Emily Brightchurch and the other twenty nominees, this is being called the Commissioning of the Century. And feeling the energy around here, I’m not going to disagree! The world’s most beautiful Angels and Protections will be here tonight, and you’re going to see it all live, with me, your host, Tara Reeves. You don’t want to go anywhere as we bring you the Commissioning, right now, from the heart of Angel City!”

Dusk began settling, and enormous searchlights were fired up, humming. They shone into the air, visible from miles and miles away. And now the Angels began arriving, one by one, on the red carpet. They waved and smiled dazzlingly, looking flawless and glamorous in their expensive designer gowns and tuxedos. Fans yelled for autographs and pictures as the famous Angels did on-carpet interviews with the TV hosts.

An ooh rippled through the audience as Vivian Holycross arrived with her date, Julien Santé. Vivian had taken a year off from training and would be eligible for Commissioning next year. She was wearing a dress Julien had had handmade by a friend in Paris who designed for YSL haute couture. Julien himself was wearing a crisp tuxedo behind a pair of YSL sunglasses.

“I’m just so happy to see Emily get Commissioned!” Vivian said, leaving no doubt she was not there for Maddy’s benefit. “And I’m just so happy to be here with my man, Julien. He’s a great Guardian with so many saves already this year.”

No one doubted who she was comparing Julien to, either – there had actually been betting pools in Las Vegas on whether Jackson Godspeed would even show up at this Commissioning.

Unexpectedly, two of the U.S. House representatives for Angel City, Juanita Perez and Paul Wheeler, arrived on the red carpet. Juanita was bedecked in a sparkling silver gown. She was there to show support for the Angels after Senator Linden and some other high-profile politicians had decided to create an alternative-Commissioning where they’d be playing a game of softball and then barbecuing at the senator’s estate on Eastern Long Island instead of watching or attending the Commissioning.

“I want the American people to know that in spite of some bad apples, we in the government support the Angels one hundred per cent, knowing that they are a strong part of our country, provide so much for our nation’s economy, and are out there every day saving lives. And they are now facing racist attacks in the form of horribly violent bombings,” Representative Perez said. “I’m proud to represent Angel City in Congress and help spread the word to Washington about all the good the Angels do! God bless the Angels, and God bless America!”

Representatives Perez and Wheeler smiled widely, waving at the crowds.

The Godspeed family showed up – Mark, Kris and Chloe. Mark would of course be sitting front and centre with the rest of the Archangels, and would be placing the Divine Ring on Maddy’s finger himself. Chloe had outdone herself. Being another year older, she had felt justified in getting an even lower-cut dress that showed off her Immortal Marks – she’d flown to New York City with Kris just to get it – and the cameras flashed as the teenage Angel showed herself off.

“In some ways we feel like Maddy’s part of our family, and we’re just so pleased for her,” Kris said, smiling sweetly. She was, as usual, classy and sophisticated, drawing the admiration of middle-aged women across the world with her mix of know-how and sexy grace.

Then the nominees began arriving, with Mitch Steeple leading the pack. Mitch was wearing the customary tuxedo as he walked the carpet, his shoulders broad and chest boxy. He had been waiting for this day all his life – even though Jacks had beat him to it by a year.

Tara caught up with him and got a sound bite.

“I’m just proud to be joining the Guardian ranks this year. It’s been my dream to get that ring, no matter what. And now that day has come. Can’t wait to start making saves and thrilling the fans. Thanks, Tara.”

The fans cheered loudly and a thousand flashes went off as every new nominee arrived on the carpet.

Emily Brightchurch’s blazing fiery orange hair contrasted wildly with her sleek black dress that showed every curve, and photographers’ jaws dropped as she walked her way down the red carpet. But in the midst of her interview with A!, a roar came from down the carpet. The host almost lost track of what he was doing as he turned his head to see if she, Maddy, had arrived.

She had.

Emily’s face darkened in fury as the host quickly threw coverage from her interview to Maddy’s arrival.

“Just getting word that Maddy has arrived.” He turned to Emily. “Thank you so much, Emily. Now back to Tara to cover America’s sweetheart as she walks the carpet.”

The whole scene turned blinding white with flashbulbs as Maddy stepped on to the carpet, Jackson Godspeed by her side. Just behind her was Uncle Kevin, looking very uncomfortable in his tuxedo and in front of so many cameras. The fans exploded in screams as they saw Maddy, pounding their feet along the metal bleachers.

Maddy stepped cautiously up the carpet – would she ever really find this normal? – and waved at the fans and photographers in front of the Temple of Angels. She was wearing a red de la Renta dress that Kris and Chloe had helped her pick out.

Tara’s gushing was nearly hysterical.

“Maddy, tell me where you got this dress?!”