PROLOGUE

Andrew raced down the streets of Salt Lake City, determined to find out what was going on. He was so confused and guessed that Gloria was even more confused than he was. He knew what was up with Tess and his friend didn't. Couldn't he just tell her? But Tess and Sam had told him not to. Nothing was making sense.

His mind was still focused on Monica. It was almost dark out and he was sure that she was no where around.

"Andrew!" Gloria screamed. Andrew whirled around, surprised that Gloria found him. "Amy almost blew up the building, Tess has again left, and I found out Kathleen and Vern's whereabouts," the angel said, the words spinning out of her mouth a mile a minute.

"What?" Andrew asked. He shot her a confused glance and she returned him with a roll of her eyes.

"Didn't you hear anything I said?" She slowly repeated her first few sentences. "We may be able to find Monica!"

"That's good, but now I see why they took Monica. If she had come through to Amy in the first place, she would have started a strong link in the Stargon family. It all is starting to make sense. How did you know I was back?" He asked puzzled.

"Before Tess left to wherever she's gone, she told me the whole shebang. You're assignment just left a few days ago to come here and are part of the link. Amy's husband is your assignment. He wants to leave…"

"I know, I know. Amy's husband wants to leave her because he has Parkinson disease. He is ashamed for he can't help her on her journalism anymore. It has gotten worse over the years but somehow he managed to hide it from her."

"And Tess is gone," Gloria repeated.

"I know that too. She has left to finish her part of the assignment," the angel of death said sadly and slowly. "And once she gets back…" he stopped, catching his words. "Once she gets back the second to last piece of the link is here," he continued. He almost blew it.

"Andrew?" Gloria gave him a sideways look. "Is there something you're not telling me?"

"I guess I better find Roy so I can get a start on my part," Andrew said, quickly changing the subject.

Gloria watched as her friend walked off and left her standing alone, still confused and lost. And there was still Monica to worry about.

"Hey, Andrew?" Gloria called, trying to get his attention. When he turned to look at her she continued. "What do you mean Tess' assignment is the second to last of the link?

Monica squealed in fear as Vern walked towards her.

"Vern, I'm leaving to finish what I began," Kathleen told her companion. "Watch her, but don't touch her. Just make sure she doesn't go anywhere. Save the comments," she said snottily as Vern started to open his mouth to protest.

"Fine," he snapped. "Why did he put you in charge in the first place?"

"Because I'm more important and much more experienced that you are," Kathleen stormed. She scooted away from the two.

Monica stared in fear at the demon in front of her. He smirked wildly. His blue eyes glimmered over his black hair that was sloppily put up into a ponytail. Vern turned, hesitated and then looked back at the weak angel.

"So, Monica," he uttered. "Just you and me now."

"Get away from me!" she screamed as he moved towards her, grabbing her arm. She tried to kick at him but failed. He snickered at the fact that he was much stronger than she was.

"Now, Monica, sweetie, don't fret. It's just me, your old Vern. I wouldn't dream of hurting you."

Monica backed up until she hit a brick wall with her head. She slid her back against it, letting her body fall on the ground. Vern bent down towards her and the Irish angel began to cry. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she began to wriggle out of his grasp.

"Hey, don't even think about it!" he ordered in a striking voice. Then he grasped her shoulders tightly. She refused to let him tell her what to do so again she kicked and struggled. He sent an alarming slap to her cheek. Monica sank down, loosing all of her strength.

Andrew strolled to the address Tess had given him. He read it to himself and turned to face the old house in front of him. The addresses matched. This was the roughest part of town. Why were Amy and Roy living in a place like this? Amy made good money at the offices. He glanced down a dark alley and sighed as he gazed into the darkness. The streetlights buzzed off and on above him. Suddenly he heard a hair-raising noise and darted down the dark street.

Monica kicked at Vern furiously. He hit her so hard on the back that she let out with a loud scream. Her whole body felt like it had stopped working. Her mind was bouncing back and forth. Memories from long ago were flashing in her mind. It felt like she was falling apart.

"Monica!" a voice screamed. Monica turned. Her heart pounded a million miles an hour. It was Andrew. He stood in the middle of the alley, fearless and determined. Vern turned around with a mad look on his red face. Andrew charged him, ready to set a blow to his stomach.

"And…Andrew," Monica mumbled. Her voice was giving up on her and her heart slowing down. She was starting to black out.

Andrew fought Vern, the fact that he was an angel and not a wrestler not even striking his mind. The two took turn bringing one down. Slowly, each weakened, but the thought that this fight was for Monica kept Andrew going. Sweat rolled down his face, dripping off of his chin and falling to the ground underneath him. Suddenly a cloaked figure appeared in the alley and raised both of his hands. Instantly Monica and Vern disappeared, leaving Andrew standing amidst the flickering streetlights.