Mom reaches across the table, wrapping her hand around Xavier’s. “I hope you’re right, Xavier.” Energy flares around them when they touch.

Tim looks just about ready to puke or scream, I can’t tell which. I watch his tortured face and realize one thing: if this ghoul is my father, then he’s definitely the jealous type. His mouth presses into such an angry line, I’m shocked he doesn’t break a tooth. Maybe that’s why he isn’t part of our lives. My heart sinks to my toes. Or maybe Mom lied to me about Tim being my father in the first place. I wag my head from side to side. Not possible. Mom’s a lot of things, but a liar? Not one of them.

Mom gives Xavier’s hand a little shake. “But unfortunately, I have a lot to worry about.” She tilts her head to one side. “First on the list is you, Xavier Cross. I’m doing my job without backing from the angels. We need to be strict with Armageddon right now, and to do that we must stay in lock step–”

Xavier’s eyes gleam bright blue. “No, you don’t need to worry about Armageddon.” He grips her hand more rightly. Tim watches the movement and gasps.

Tim’s not the only one who’s shocked. Why-oh-why isn’t that angelic whatever-he-is not listening to the truth? As Xavier’s eyes glow brighter, Mom’s turn glassy and dead. My body goes on full alert. Xavier’s using angelic influence on her, the dirt bag. I want to jump into the image and kick his ass across the room. Maybe twice.

Mom rubs her forehead with her free hand. “Yes, there’s nothing…” She pauses; then she shakes her head vigorously. Her eyes flare demon-bright. “How dare you try to use angelic influence on me!”

Alright, Mom! Way to shut that move down. I exhale a ragged breath, my alert level returning to something like normal.

Mom rises to her feet. “This is outrageous. I’m placing a formal request for a new angelic Ambassador and for a censure of Armageddon.”

Xavier frowns. “They won’t listen to you like I do, Camilla. You’ll be committing career suicide. Your ideas will sound insane.”

“That may be, but my paperwork will be filed by week’s end.” She storms from the room with Tim behind her. Xavier watches her go, his face turning white with worry. The look on his face is so loving and gentle, I want to give him a hug, even though he is a bit of a nut job.