INSPIRATION

Dean pouted:

"Why, Cas? Of all the places you could visit, why the UK, dammit?"

"There's a hospital where several of the staff are in imminent danger or are troubled. I feel I should help them."

"What about us?" whined Sam.

"You have no immediate problems."

"Not right this minute we don't, but give it a day, an hour, and we'll be needing you."

"These people need me. Try not to be so selfish. I'll return in a few days. Goodbye." replied Castiel.

And, with a swish of wings, the angel was gone.

CONNIE

Connie Beauchamp had a headache bordering on a migraine. Earlier her staff, even the gentle Lofty, had staged a work-to-rule and defied her orders. Charlie had advised her not to push things, especially after what had happened to poor Lily Chao. Thank goodness the incident had been resolved and Lily had agreed to stay. But why couldn't they see she, Connie, was only trying to do her job and bring others up to her own standard? Look at Zoe. Talented, clever… and having an affair with a porter, for goodness sake! And the rest of the staff practically cheering them on!

"Don't you believe it's better to love somebody of low rank than never love at all?"

Connie stared at the speaker. A tall man of medium build with full lips and piercing blue eyes, wearing a trench coat over a suit, leaned against her wall.

"Who are you and why did you walk in here without even making an appointment?"

"I'm not used to making appointments."

"Are you not indeed, Mr…?"

"Castiel."

"What's your first name, Mr Castiel?"

"Castiel."

Another sigh from the angry clinical lead.

"Then your surname?"

"I have none."

"Fair enough." Maybe the man had been referred for psychiatric treatment and had blundered into her office instead of going through the right channels.

"I want to help you, Mrs Beauchamp. All I want you to do is to let me give you some advice about your life. First, have more respect for your staff, although I do think you're beginning to see that now. Take a holiday; go to see your daughter in America…."

Connie had been about to call security but could neither move nor speak.

"I can't take the time…look, Castiel, if that really is your name, how do you know about my daughter?"

"Grace?"

Connie blanched. Supposing this man was more dangerous than he looked. What if – dear God, what if he was in league with somebody who had Grace and was holding her to ransom?

"I'm not a blackmailer, kidnapper, or anybody who would harm a child unless they were possessed by the devil."

"Then who are you?"

"I'm an angel of the Lord."

"Get – out – of – this – office – now. And see somebody about a psy-"

Her voice choked off on a strangled scream.

A gigantic span of white, feathery wings had burst from Castiel's back, seemingly not causing him the slightest pain.

"Just take that holiday and I'll let you be… for now."

"Okay!"

Connie's phone worked this time.

"I need you in my office now, Charlie. I'm going to be taking a long break…"