“I understand, Maddy.”
“You do?” Maddy had expected a different response. But she had forgotten that she wasn’t the only one who had changed.
“Yes,” Jacks said. A sadness weighed in his heart.
“I love you, Jacks,” Maddy said, the same sadness filling her body and soul. “And I’m sorry. But I can’t go.”
CHAPTER FORTY
The occasion would be marked in the annals of Angel history as the last televised appearance of an Immortal. Rather than rolling out the normal fanfare—the bleachers of screaming fans, limousines, red-carpet interviews, security personnel, sports cars screeching to a stop in front of ballrooms, black sunglasses, black earpieces, frantic publicists, spotlights knifing into the sky, gifting suites, big forced smiles, fawning Botoxed reporters, surging masses of paparazzi, and, above all, the perfect Angels themselves, donning designer dresses and suits, waving to the crowds, endorsing products, plugging their reality TV shows, hiding their drug use—there was simply the calm backdrop of the beautiful green park in the Angel City Hills. Jackson’s mother, Kris, and his sister, Chloe, stood beside him, along with dozens of other Angels and Archangels. Archangel Susan Archson was there, standing next to David Sylvester, formerly known as Detective David Sylvester of the ACPD until
his formal resignation the day before.
Jackson Godspeed stepped forward. Before he began speaking, he glanced quickly over at Maddy, who stood off to the side, separate from the main group of Angels. Jacks had asked her if she could be there for the occasion.
“I am speaking for Angelkind throughout the world today, with one voice,” Jackson boomed through the microphone. “Gabriel and the Council brought the Angels out of hiding after America’s Civil War because he didn’t have faith in humanity to stop its bloodshed. He’d watched and judged humankind, and ruled that they were condemned to a relentless cycle of war. But he didn’t have the right to judge. Or condemn. And from this fatal trespass, the NAS was born. My father fought against this. And I ended up fighting it, too, even though it was almost too late when I finally woke up.
“I’m not an Angel who thinks that we should never have come out of hiding. If you talk to most scholars of the Book of Angels, it was written that we would ultimately come to Earth as Guardians, so that humans could see that we truly exist. But it was never written that we would take part in humanity in the way that we have. Guardianship became twisted beyond its original purpose. And then we reached the crisis.
“But against all the corruption and betrayal, there were many Angels who ultimately stood up as the dark days of the demons came. These Angels are heroes.
“Archangel Mark Godspeed, someone I’m proud to call Dad, was one of those Angels. He sacrificed his life for the true Angel ideal, which, deep down, all of us wanted to follow all along. We knew we should be following it, but we didn’t know how. Not until it was almost too late. But it wasn’t too late.
“I was able to become a true Guardian. All of us who took part in the Battle of Angel City were. It is the greatest gift that humanity has given us. When Gabriel fell, we were able to really see what we had become after the Awakening, after decades of Protection for Pay. It was like a veil had been ripped from our eyes. And suddenly, our true, original Angelic natures were returned to us. Our nature is one of service and love for humanity. It’s not tied to money, greed, or celebrity. Our true nature is selfless. Full of unconditional love.
“I believe that the reason we came and made ourselves visible almost a hundred and fifty years ago was to learn this lesson from you. We were supposed to protect humanity, but humanity ultimately protected us from ourselves.
“And now we have to leave. But please know that we will not be leaving you. We will no longer be visible, but that does not mean we will be absent. Miracles will occur, the old-fashioned way. The Angels will be present in the lives of humans, but as invisible helpers only. And not because we are being paid. But because we must help. Everyone.” His eyes sparkled. “The way it was meant to be.”
He looked directly at the camera as his speech came to a close.
“Thank you. I speak for all Angels here today when I say it has been an honor and privilege living among you in the Immortal City. Thank you. And goodbye.”
The few photographers allowed at the event quietly took pictures as Jackson took a few steps back into the group of Angels, who were already starting to disperse.
Although President Linden hadn’t attended the event, he had publicly stated his disappointment that the Angels would be leaving so soon after coming under the leadership of “someone we can believe in—Jackson Godspeed,” but knew that this was best for everyone, both Angels and humans.
A balance could now be restored, one that had existed for millennia but had been overturned during the Great Awakening.
A public outpouring of gratitude for the Angels had spread throughout the world. But there wouldn’t be a series of hours-long specials covering every aspect of the Angels’ lives as they got ready to go Home. They were leaving, quietly and humbly. The world mourned.
Several Angels approached Jackson after his speech. Now that he was taking them Home, he had become quite in demand among all the other Immortals. He was still getting used to it, but he was handling it well. He looked over at Maddy and gave her a what can you do? smile, which told her he’d catch up with her when he was able.
Archangel Archson and David Sylvester emerged from the crowd and approached Maddy.
Susan gave her a big, long hug.
“It’s so good to see you,” her teacher said. “And I’m glad you could make it for this. To see the Angels before . . . well, you know.”
“Of course. I wanted to be here for Jacks. And for all the Angels.” Maddy looked around and noticed there were a couple of conspicuous faces missing. “But what about the others?” Maddy asked. “Like you-know-who, my old Australian friend?”
Susan explained that not all the Angels were ready and willing to go Home. During the battle, Archangel Churchson and several Guardians, including the redheaded Emily Brightchurch, had absconded from the sanctuary and were still missing.
“They probably don’t realize it yet, but they will be called Home,” Susan said. “Whether they want to be or not. Judgment will be fair but swift.”
Maddy’s mind swirled with what that would even mean.
“Detective Sylvester, you’re going with them?” Maddy asked. She hadn’t seen him since the final morning of the battle, when he had helped Jackson topple Gabriel.