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After breakfast and a few calls, Dino and Lindsay were on their way to the hospital to see Hank. Peter/Adrian was there by his bedside. Rosie was coming later. Mark/Arthur took her and Lamont home to Hank’s house after he was out of surgery and out of danger. She too had nothing but the clothes on her back, losing everything in the fire. The angel had ‘resources’ he could use in situations where he needed actual money. Rosie didn’t ask where the money came from after Mark/Arthur told her the Father takes care of those He loves. Now more than ever, Rosie enjoyed being a friend to angels.
In the hallway outside Hank’s hospital room. Dino conferenced with the doctors about his injuries. It would be a long recovery, but they expected Hank to make it.
“Don’t worry about me,” Hank told Lindsay and Dino. “My Rosie has promised to marry me once I get well. That’s the best medicine a guy could have. Rosie and Lamont can move into my house for good. I may have lost my church building, but I haven’t lost my faith or my congregation. In fact, if it weren’t for the fire, I wouldn’t have found the courage to tell Rosie I love her. Now we’re getting married. God works in mysterious ways.”
Seeing Hank happy despite his injuries delighted everyone. Dino glanced around the hospital room at the flowers and cards from people who saw his story on the news. Clergy from all over Las Vegas were there to support one of their own. They were already helping those in his congregation as well as the veterans from the shelter.
“Wow, you’re truly loved, Hank,” Dino said.
“That’s not all. I heard from several churches who want to help rebuild the building and take care of those who lost their homes. It seems Mr. DeMarco’s wife is spearheading the fundraising,” Hank said. “Miss Julia called too. She’s working on a fund to rebuild the clinic for you, Dino.”
“No kidding? That’s super!”
“Hank’s exemplary works resulted in an outpouring abundance of love,” Peter/Adrian said, sniffing a bouquet of roses. “His good works are a sweet aroma drifting all the way to Heaven.”
Dino agreed. “Well said, Peter. Hank’s always been there for others, now it’s his turn. Speaking of that, guess what Tony and Cassie DeMarco did, besides sending that humongous flower arrangement in the corner.”
“I imagine it was more than flowers,” Peter/Adrian said.
“Indeed, it is. Tony told me to go buy what I needed at the Forum Shops. He also gave me time off from singing at the club so I can coordinate what needs to be done in the aftermath. Looks like the job’s yours Peter if you want it, at least for two weeks.”
“That’s great. They’re such a wonderful couple.” Peter/Adrian agreed. “I’d love filling in for you, Dino. Singing and helping others are my favorite things. When you want to come back, just let me know. It’s your show.”
“So, what else did Tony do?” Mark/Arthur asked, coming into the hospital room just in time to hear the story. All eyes turned toward him.
“Hi Mark. Glad to see you.”
Dino and Mark/Arthur exchanged a manly hug. Lindsay reached out her hand to his and Mark/Arthur gave it an affectionate squeeze.
“Good to see you both as well. I was very concerned after all that has happened.”
Dino and Lindsay exchanged lovers’ smiles. “We’re doing great, just great,” Dino answered him. It was clear to everyone how gladdened the couple was to finally be together even under such extraordinary circumstances.
“So, you were saying what Tony did?” Mark/Arthur asked Dino.
“Oh yeah, so Tony told me he’s taking care of the bill for the temporary shelter, food and clothing for the apartment tenants. He’s also planning on building a new place just for them, replacing their burned-out homes. Until then they will stay in a Best Western hotel free of charge until it’s done. Julia Graham has tapped her donors to take care of the bill.”
“They wasted no time,” Lindsay said. “I’m going to help Miss Julia. She’s going to need it, organizing all the fundraising. She’s not a detailed person. That’s why she hired me.”
Dino rose and took Lindsay’s hand. “We’ve gotta go, Hank. I’ve got a meeting with Tony. He told me it was important and not to be late. If you’re looking for me, I’m staying with Lindsay. I lost my cell phone in the fire. So, call her until I can get another one.” Dino smiled at his girl with loving eyes. “There’s a bright side to all of this. Lindsay and I are together, plus Rosie and Hank discovered they’re in love too.
Lindsay reached up on her toes and kissed Dino’s lips.
“Love conquers all.”
Adrian sent his thoughts to Arthur. “Mission accomplished.”
Arthur answered back angel style.
“I hate to break up this joyous reunion, but Ciro is on the warpath. We still have more to do. He’s looking for a fight. Max is meeting us at our spot on the roof of Tony’s place. Let’s give the humans our excuse to leave.”
Peter/Adrian nodded his head and spoke to the group. “Well, I hate to break up the party, but I’ve got things to do too if I’m filling in for you tonight.”
“Sure thing, Peter. Break a leg,” Dino wished him luck the entertainer’s way.
Peter/Adrian gave Dino a puzzled look. “Why do you wish that I would break my leg? I thought we were friends?”
The angel’s innocence was humorous, making everyone laugh. It was another one of those sayings humans have which often confused Adrian.
“Dino, you’re better at explaining this one,” Mark/Arthur said. “I have to leave too. Much to do setting up things at the temporary shelter.
Dino patted Peter/Adrian’s back. “Oh Peter, I don’t mean you harm. It means good luck to showbiz people. If you say good luck you’ll have bad luck so you say ‘break a leg,” but what you really mean is good luck.”
Puzzled, Peter/Adrian stared at Dino with his mouth slightly opened. “Huh?”
“Well, I’m still going to wish you luck Peter, no matter what Dino’s superstition says.” Lindsay planted a kiss on Peter/Adrian’s cheek making him grin like a kid in a candy shop. He liked that kind of luck.
Dino laughed. “Whatever. You’ll do fine, Peter. I have all the confidence in the world in you. If you need help with the arrangements, I can go over them with you. There all in my head. Unfortunately, I lost all my sheet music in the fire. I hope you know the words and can play the piano without it.”
“Don’t worry, I never forget a thing.”
“Like a photographic memory?’ Dino asked.
“Uh well something like that,” Peter/Adrian said, knowing his immortal memory was far superior to humans. “I’ve been singing and making music all my life. I can play the piano without the sheet music.” Angel Adrian’s experience in the heavenly choir would come in handy. “I just hope the audience likes me half as much as they like you, Dino.”
“I’m sure they will. Just flash that sexy smile at the ladies and make them happy,” Dino teased.
“I can do that!” Peter/Adrian said. When he glanced at Mark/Arthur, his mentor was frowning, reminding him angels don’t flirt.
Peter/Adrian and Mark/Arthur said their goodbyes and left. Once out of sight the two became immortals again. Adrian was still pondering the ‘break a leg’ expression as they lifted their wings and flew away.
Dino said goodbye to Hank with a hug. “I’ll be back to see you after my meeting with Tony.”
“I’ll be right here. No running marathons for me today.” Hank tried to smile, but it hurt too much. “I’m curious what Tony wants to talk to you about that’s so important.”
“Me too. I’ll let you know.”
Lindsay kissed Hank’s cheek. “Get some rest and not to worry about anything. We’ve got this.”
“I’m not worried. Last night was hell on Earth and I survive that, so today is a marvelous day to be alive. Now go and let me get some sleep.”
In his angelic form, Arthur watched as Lindsay and Dino left the room. He had been summoned back to Hank’s bedside to minister to him. They didn’t see the angel standing by the doorway waiting for them to leave. Arthur told Adrian to go on ahead. Max would be waiting.
The nurse came in to check Hank’s vitals and give him some pain medicine. Hank winced. Although he tried to hide it, he was in deep pain. He took the pills and a swallow of water. “I sure wish I could take something stronger than Tylenol.”
“Being a recovering addict, Mr. Dupont you know we can’t give you any narcotics. The doctor said he can’t risk it, and have you relapse,” the nurse said adjusting the IV drip. She looked at Hank with sympathy in her eyes and patted his hand. “I will ask again if there is something he can do. Try to sleep. The body is a marvelous machine. Sometimes it can heal itself better than we can.”
Arthur changed into his human personification and walked in the room after the nurse had left. It surprised Hank to see Mark/Arthur return.
“Mark, I thought you left with Peter. Is something wrong?”
Arthur stood by the bed. “I wanted to see if there was anything I can do for you.”
Hank winced again as he tried to reposition his body into a comfortable place. It was next to impossible. Arthur helped him.
“I appreciate that but there’s not much you can do that the doctors can’t.”
“Doctors are limited in times like these. Not every remedy comes from them. You’re in a lot of pain. I know you are trying to be brave, Hank but it’s alright to be scared.”
Hank nodded his head. “I am scared, Mark. I need stronger drugs and I can’t have them. The doctors won’t give me anything. I got hooked on some narcotics when I was in the military after some serious injuries. Dino was talking to them about my situation. He’s afraid I’ll relapse. I am too, but I hurt so bad.” Hank wiped away a tear from his eye. He tried not to show it, but Arthur knew how afraid he really was. The ministering angel had been sent back to answer Rosie’s prayer for healing.
“I know some techniques for pain relief without drugs. Want me to try, Hank?” Mark/Arthur asked.
“Sure anything. Thanks. The police called and are coming by to interview me later today. I’d like to get some rest so I can talk coherently.”
“I’ll see if I can help.” Mark/Arthur shut the door and made sure no one would come in unexpectantly. “Now for this to work, you must believe nothing is impossible for the Father.”
“I know that for sure. Is that all you want me to do?”
“Yes and think of the most beautiful thing in this world. Something so wonderful it is almost a dream.”
“That’s easy. I’ll think of kissing Rosie. She’s my dream come true. We are going to spend our lives together here and in Heaven.”
Mark/Arthur smiled. “I have no doubt you will. Now, close your eyes for me.”
Hank settled into his pillow and closed his eyes. Once he was confident Hank wouldn’t peek, Arthur changed. In his white robe, the angel looked up and heard permission given. He bowed his head and gave thanks. Then his body and face glowed, softly at first. The glow radiated throughout his body; eyes were like two suns. Wings unfurled. Arthur could help ease Hank’s pain, but he could not let the human see him as an immortal being. The veil between the earthly and the eternal must stay in place.
“Now don’t open your eyes or it won’t work. Promise me.”
“Okay, whatever you want me to do.” Hank kept his eyes shut. “I promise.”
Arthur’s hands took both sides of Hank’s head. To him it felt very warm and soothing. As the glowing continued, Hank’s body relaxed. He felt the pain being drawn out and a feeling of comfort was replacing it. Arthur couldn’t heal the injuries, although that was possible. It would look strange and generate lots of questions. Instead, he gave those injuries a boost to get better, like a shot of penicillin for an infection. They would heal faster now and with much less pain.
Feeling so much better, Hank fell into a deep, healing sleep. With two radiant fingers, the angel touched Hank’s forehead and whispered, “Peace.”