Brethren Beginnings ~ Gabriel Seeker Read Online Free

never for
very long. No doubt, mafia ties got him out on numerous
technicalities.
    With Phoebe and Caleb finally tucked
away in the suite next door, Gabriel was determined to take care of
the dirtbag once and for all. He took his sheathed sword from the
bedroom closet and slung it across his back. A long black leather
jacket served to hide the five-foot long monster, leaving no one
the wiser. He strode towards the door, already planning how he’d
make Marco's life null and void.
    A soft, feminine knock broke
through his musings. Was it just his imagination? He froze and
listened. Yes, there it is again. He walked back to the connecting door between his
suite and Caleb’s. He unlocked it and turned the knob.
    Phoebe stood before him, a slight young
woman of no more than twenty-two years of age. Her long,
chocolate-brown hair was pulled back in a pony-tail, showing
off her bruised face, her right eye and bottom lip fat and swollen.
Her left arm was in a sling, while her right arm hugged her ribs
protectively. Gabriel cursed inwardly, but showed her a
pleasant smile.
    She had since changed from her hospital
gown to a t-shirt and long flowing skirt, courtesy of the on-site
boutique. The outfit helped a little toward masking her
mal-nourished, mal-treated body.  Given the proper care,
she could be a very pretty woman. Remembering the depth of Caleb's
emotions at the hospital, Gabriel figured there had to be something
between them. And he was grateful.
    “ I’m sorry to bother you,
Gabriel,” Phoebe said timidly. “But I was wondering if you found
out who the guy is that did this to me. I was hoping the details I
gave you for the sketch helped to identify him.”
    “ Phoebe, you did wonderfully
with your details. So much so, I was indeed able to get all sorts
of information about him.” Gabriel reached out and tucked a stray
hair behind her ear. He let his hand linger by her cheek. “You
don’t need to worry anymore, my dear. I was just on my way out to …
deal with him.”
    “ Oh, thank God!” she
replied, her solemn eyes brightening.
    “ Your only concern right now
should be resting and healing. I’ve called upon a friend to come
over tomorrow.” He looked at his watch. ”Well, actually given
the hour, he’s technically coming over today. He’s a healer and can
help you improve above and beyond what the doctors can do. For now,
tonight, go to sleep and dream happy dreams. Your worries are
over.”
    “ Thank you,” she said, her
eyes welled with tears. “I don’t know what I would’ve done without
Caleb and then you coming to my rescue.” She looked down at her
socked feet and whispered, “This time was the worst. Honestly, I
think I would’ve died.”
    The dams broke and tears streamed down
her face. Gabriel reached into his pocket and pulled out a
linen hanky. A bit old-fashioned, he knew, but it was always there
when he needed it. He handed it to her and she dabbed gingerly at
her face.
    “ I’m sorry. This has been
happening ever since I woke up in the hospital.” She blew her
nose.
    “ That's okay, I completely
understand.”
    “ Caleb told me you offered
him a job as personal assistant if he did real good with some jobs
for you. I hope he's doing okay.” She paused, shuffling her
feet. ”Do you think you might have an opening for a secretary
or something like that? I took typing in high school and was the
top in my class. I'm done with Manny, too. I've gotta get
my life together, and working for you would help me do
that.”
    “ I'm glad to hear that. I
believe I can find a suitable job for you at my
company.” The worry lines and wrinkles that had taken up
residence on Phoebe's face diminished as she smiled. Was that
hope and relief he saw? Good.  He wove a strong, silent
incantation around her to provide comfort and peace in her soul.
“Let's talk about it tomorrow. Raphael will be here later today, so
that gives you a good seven hours or so to sleep and let your