Fall from Grace (Book 2: An Angelblood Novel) by Linda L. Creel Page B

study.
She would honor her agreement with him, but she would
also resume the search for her daughter.
    She wondered what Richard’s daughter did to
deserve such a fate.
Angel-fire could only come from a
powerful angel. Virgil taught her that. Though she vowed to
hate him forever, she later realized it was her father who was
to blame for their misfortune.
She wondered what life
would have been like if she hadlistened to Virgil’s warning
about Marcus.
She hoped for the chance to tell him he was
forgiven.
She remained faithful to him all these years, not
because she was hideous, but because she still loved him.
    When Paul and the others arrived in Utopia it was
almost three o’clock in the afternoon.
He suggested they
stop at the sanctuary before meeting with Meredith.
    Will and Joshua hadn’t been home since before
Thanksgiving.
Neither of the boys were happy to be back,
but they wanted to make sure Henry was safe. Joshua knew
all too well how vindictive his brother Richard could be,
especially if Natalie was the center of the recent controversy.
    Arthur advised him they would convene the meeting
of the Committeeat four o’clock, allowing the boy’s time to
visit with Henry.
Jayden accompanied Will and Joshua.
    When they left the sanctuary, Paul and the others
walked next door to Richard’s home.
The estate was one of
the finest in Utopia. Richard’s deceased wife had spared no
expense in the décor.
    As
they
approached
the
large
oak
door,
Paul
knocked three times to announce their presence. Meredith
was not pleased to see three Guild members standing in her
doorway.
She stared icily at the group before addressing
Paul.“Are you expecting trouble?”
    He
wouldn’t entertain her attitude today. “The
hearing for the death of the Enchantor is scheduled today at
five o’clock.”
“My son is not here and I don’t know when he’ll be
returning,” Meredith said coldly.
     
“That’s unfortunate. The hearing will take place
regardless of Richard’s presence,” Adam replied.
“You can’t have a hearing if Richard isn’t present,”
Meredith argued.
    Paul
was
blunt
and
indifferent
towards
the
Governor’s wife. “I’m afraid you’re mistaken. If Richard
fails
to
appear,
he
will
abide
by
the
ruling
of
the
Commission.
I have it on good authority some of the
members may ask for the death penalty.”
    “You would like that wouldn’t you. I haven’t
forgotten you murdered my father. Now you’re trying to kill
my son and my granddaughter,” Meredith bellowed.
    “Your father
killed an angel.
His punishment was
just.
Your son will be given an opportunity to defend his
actions. However, if he fails to appear, he will live with the
decision of the Commission,” Joseph reiterated. “As far as
your granddaughter is concerned, we don’t have enough
evidence to convict Natalie yet, but rest assured we will be
vigilant in our efforts to learn the truth. I trust you know that
killing an angelblood carries the same penalty of death?”
    Paul smiled. “As Joseph said, Natalie will be given
a
reprieve
for
now.
However,
after
these
matters
are
resolved, we’ll need to speak with her again. Now if you’ll
excuse us, wedon’t want to be late for the meeting.
One of
the first topics of discussion will beJayden’s annulment.”
Meredith glared at them as they walked away.
    When Joshua and the boys arrived at Henry’s, they
were surprised to find him in such a relaxed mood.
Henry
although pleased to see Joshua, was confused about the
timing of his visit.
    “We wanted to ensure you were safe,” Joshua
said.
Henry laughed.“I’ve never been better.”
    “So it’s true you asked Meredith to move out,”
Joshua said.
He could barely contain his delight.
If the
Committee agreed to give his father an annulment, Meredith
would no longer be the first lady of Utopia.
    “
Your mother left earlier today.
I had the servants
take her belongings to Richard’s country home. I intend to
have our marriage