Chapter 1: A New Day Dawns
Emma basked in the afterglow of the Sovereign’s work at yesterday’s Sunday services. She greeted the morning with an unusual perkiness, full of expectation for her work at the Temple. Her progress in leading the people into a deeper relationship with the Almighty thrilled her. It was going to be a great day—at least that’s what she prayed.
With an hour before school, she strolled to the Temple cafeteria for breakfast. Eight o’clock was the scheduled time for her nemesis, Barney Clark, to return to work and be reinstated. If he was a no-show, she could fire him and be done with it.
Though she hoped Barney wouldn’t be on time, Emma feared he would. Yet she wouldn’t squander the next hour in worry. She intended to enjoy breakfast with the priests and then hang out with Joshua and Chloe before school. Though she relished learning, school got in the way of her work for the Sovereign at the Temple—even though she could now complete all her lessons before lunch.
A yipping dog jolted her back to the present. Getting louder, Emma turned around as a puppy—one of those expensive designer breeds—bounded toward her. A smiling Barney trailed behind the unleashed animal. Barney never smiled. Something was up.
When Fred—her executive admin—had recommended they allow Barney to return as Emma’s aide, she strongly objected. But realizing that keeping him close was the best way to keep him in check, Emma agreed. Fred intended that Emma would never have to be with Barney alone. She’d always have someone on her team present to ensure her safety. He had, after all, tried to kill her—in both the physical world and the spiritual realm.
But not expecting him until 8:00—if at all—Emma stood alone to face this evil man. Sovereign, she prayed silently, give me strength and guide my words. Amen.
Emma tapped her theatre training to mask what she felt inside, intent on playing the role of a perturbed employer and not revealing herself as a trembling teenager.
“You’re early.” Emma narrowed her gaze to glare at Barney. “Your workday doesn’t begin until 8:00.”
“I wanted to make a good first impression as I embrace my new role here at the Temple. Please excuse my enthusiasm for wanting to make the most of it and prove to you how valuable I can be.” Barney’s dog bounced up to Emma and sniffed her feet.
Emma looked down. The dog’s perky tail wagged with abandon. She needed to maintain her stern persona. “What is this?”
“It’s a dog.”
“Obviously, but why did you take it to work?”
“He’s my emotional support dog. My therapist recommended a companion to help me properly deal with all I’ve been through . . . with all that you put me through, if I may respectfully add.”
“I merely finished what you started.” Emma cocked her head to the left and planted her right fist on her hip. She hoped it displayed her displeasure just as effectively as when her mom did it.
“Be that as it may,” Barney said, “I sense you’re not a dog person.”
“I like dogs.” Emma bent down to scratch the puppy’s head. He rolled over so she could rub his belly. “I just don’t like them at work.”
“It is male, by the way. His name is Montgomery. He is Cavachon: part Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and part Bichon Frise.”
“Sounds expensive.”
“Nothing is too pricey to ensure my mental health.”
Emma gazed at Barney’s essence in the spiritual realm. He shone with his usual glossy black, which her mentor, Gabe, had said revealed the evil one’s spirit residing within. Despite Barney’s claims to embrace his new job, Emma confirmed that nothing had changed. He was still the same vile man and couldn’t be trusted.
Yet she would now spend every day with him at her side.
