The Holiday From Hell Read Online Free Page A

There's talk that she's looking for the entrance to the old Underworld. The one before…" Raphael stopped abruptly to glare at Luce.
    From warm glow to sparkling stars, Mel's soul had taken on a ragged appearance in Raphael's presence. She patted the seat cushion beside her, inviting Luce to sit down. "Raphael was just telling me that Persi might be in Egypt, but she's shying away from any angel who approaches her." She sighed. "I wish I knew what's troubling her."
    Luce plonked his backside on the couch, making sure to sit as close to Mel as possible. This seemed to irritate Raphael no end, so Luce stretched an arm around Mel's bare shoulders to enrage the angel further. It also gave him better access to try and heal her, or hold her together. "Me, probably. The little half-angel was so obsessed with me she chained herself to my bed and tried to keep me out of Heaven." Hoping Mel didn't notice, Luce directed a tiny stream of healing energy into her body from his palm.
    "I'll have Gabi book your flights for tomorrow," Raphael said eagerly. "It shouldn't take you more than a couple of weeks to check Egypt for her – maybe three or four weeks, if you have to comb the desert – and you can –"
    Go somewhere else to exhaust her even more when she desperately needed a holiday? To Hell with that.
    "No."
    Both Mel and Raphael stared at Luce. Her expression wasn't hostile – it was one of wonder.
    "Mel's just sorted out a huge political mess in Japan after scouring London for your lost nephilim, and she needs rest," he continued. "That's why she's here. And I'm damn well going to make sure she gets it. Searching the bloody desert isn't something she should be doing – it's grunt work. I wouldn't send anything above a junior demon for that, and it'll go faster if you have more searchers. Get your Grigori on it or I'll send some demons instead. I'm taking Mel on holiday so she doesn't have to deal with this sort of stupidity. You're supposed to be the director of an agency full of helpful angels. Find some damn helpful angels and stop bothering your boss!" Luce bared his teeth in a snarl.
    Raphael cleared his throat, looking like more than his throat was irritated. "Mel, put a leash on your pet demon. This is angels' business and none of his concern."
    Luce glanced at Mel. She smiled serenely back, but she didn't say a word. Was she waiting, or simply too tired to speak? Luce took her silence as permission. "The Hell it isn't. You dragged her and me into this because you lost one of your employees. Now we're both managing the HELL Corporation for you, while we attempt to do our normal jobs, too. It's a wonder Mel doesn't demote you to gate guard like that nuisance Michael. It beggars belief that she lets you stay in a position of authority when you're this useless. She's got way more patience than I'll ever have. Find that girl on your own. Mel's done enough. She needs to recharge and sending her on another wild goose chase is the last thing she needs." Luce saw a fleeting look of panic cross Raphael's face before it disappeared. "You're just trying to keep her away from me, aren't you? Fat chance. The only one I take orders from is Mel."
    "She should have left you to rot in Hell," Raphael hissed.
    Mel rose and Luce stood beside her, not willing to let go of the fragile angel. "Raphael, that's unacceptable, as you well know. Answer Luce, please. Have you sent your team of Grigori into Egypt to follow up this lead?"
    "No."
    She bowed her head. "Then do so, please. Helping Luce out of Hell took quite a toll on me, at a time when I had little strength to spare. Luce is right that I need time to recuperate. We will continue to help with the HELL Corporation, but I leave the search for Persi in your capable hands. Bring her to me as soon as you find her and make sure every angel knows that I want her found. Perhaps she'll hear the gossip and come to me of her own volition."
    Raphael oozed relief. "Sure. I'll give you daily updates on