Destiny's Divine Chance Read online

  Las Vegas Angels

  DESTINY’S DIVINE CHANCE

  Kathryn Cable

  Copyright © 2021 Kathryn Cable

  ISBN:

  All Rights Reserved.

  No part of this publication may be copied, reproduced in any format by any means, electronic or otherwise without prior written consent from the copyright owner and publisher of this book. Thank you for respecting the work of this author. This is a work of fiction. Trademarks and myriad names of products, journals, and businesses used in this work are not authorized by, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners. Businesses, locations, and organizations while real are used in a way that is purely fictional. No association with the corporations or names is implied or intended. All characters, names, places and events are the product of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously.

  Table of Contents

  Title Page

  Copyright Page

  Dedication

  Prologue

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  Chapter 31

  Chapter 32

  Chapter 33

  Chapter 34

  Chapter 35

  Chapter 36

  Chapter 37

  Chapter 38

  Chapter 39

  Chapter 40

  Chapter 41

  Chapter 42

  Chapter 43

  Chapter 44

  Chapter 45

  Chapter 46

  Chapter 47

  Chapter 48

  Chapter 49

  Chapter 50

  Chapter 51

  Chapter 52

  Chapter 53

  Chapter 54

  Chapter 55

  Chapter 56

  Chapter 57

  Chapter 58

  Chapter 59

  Chapter 60

  Chapter 61

  Chapter 62

  Chapter 63

  Chapter 64

  Chapter 65

  Chapter 66

  Chapter 67

  Chapter 68

  Chapter 69

  Chapter 70

  Chapter 71

  Chapter 72

  Chapter 73

  Chapter 74

  Chapter 75

  Chapter 76

  Chapter 77

  Chapter 78

  Chapter 79

  Chapter 80

  Chapter 81

  Chapter 82

  Chapter 83

  Chapter 84

  Epilogue

  The Story Behind the Story

  Novels by Kathryn Cable

  Acknowledgements

  About the Author

  Sign up for Kathryn Cable's Mailing List

  Dedication

  This book series is dedicated to my grandchildren, my angels on Earth. Madison, Kayla, Domonic, Max and the littlest angel in our family, Penelope, my great granddaughter.

  May God’s heavenly angels watch over you always. Protecting you and surrounding you in pure love.

  “His angel guards those who honor the Lord and rescues them from danger.”

  —Psalms 34:7

  Prologue

  The twilight setting could have been a travel poster for a tropical paradise, complete with a blazing setting sun, white-sandy beach, and roaring waves. Standing on the shore watching with appreciation and wonder was a tall, lean man. Dressed as a tourist in a Hawaiian shirt and khaki shorts, his long slender legs ran down from his waist to sandaled feet. Not an unusual sight, except the man on the shore wasn’t a human being. He just looked like one.

  Silhouettes of tall palm trees etched into the brilliant purple and blue dusky sky as the ocean rose to meet the horizon. The man’s thin lips smiled, enjoying the sea breezes caressing his face. It was a smooth face, almost feminine with defined cheekbones void of a single wrinkle concealing his true ancient age and vast knowledge. Eyes the color of sapphires slightly glowed. His silky, snow-white hair was pulled back in a ponytail with a few loose strands tossed by the gentle wind. This lone person was a picture-perfect example of one of the creatures native to this Earth. Maybe a little too perfect.

  With a frustrated sigh, the man looked up and searched the pink cotton-candy clouds. It was obvious he was waiting for someone and that someone was late.

  “Where is he?” Arthur, a celestial being known to mankind as an angel, said to himself. His narrow chin dropped down to his chest, as he shook his head with annoyance. As if this immortal being heard the answer, his eyes once more looked up, this time less demanding and humbler.

  “Yes, Father, I’m trying to be patient but... it’s Adrian. You know he has no sense of human time. He’s probably doing cartwheels in the clouds or some nonsense like that.” Arthur sighed again. “Yes, Father, I will be more... tolerant. I ask only that Adrian try to be more... responsible.”

  Suddenly Arthur heard the shout in the language of Heaven come from a fat cloud hovering over his head.

  “Eeeehaw!”

  “Adrian!”

  Wings pulled back in a soaring position, a glowing white angel came busting out of the cloud doing a deep dive toward his brother waiting on the shore. Only Arthur witnessed the sight of the appearing. His mouth dropped open with surprise.

  Mighty white plumage spanned out from Adrian’s shoulders as he made a low pass over Arthur’s head. Arthur stood stiff, never flinching. Adrian swung back around, lightly touching down in the sand. He fluffed his wings and folded them behind him with a big smile on a flawless face. Arthur stiffened his stance even more and crossed his arms over his chest, making it clear he was not pleased with Adrian’s free-spirited antics.

  The newly arrived heavenly being laughed as he strolled over to the other. It sounded more like music. Adrian was a little shorter than Arthur, but more robust. He had soft amber eyes and unruly strawberry blonde hair drooping down in his face, laying on his broad shoulders. As he walked, Adrian’s glowing appearance and white robe faded instantly as he took on human form. He wore linen pants and a sea-green knit shirt over a muscular body.

  Although the Creator made both angels at the same point in eternity before time began, it was his quirky smile and childlike face that made Adrian appear younger and more innocent than experienced and somber Arthur. Each angel had their own talents, abilities and individual personalities like humans do.

  Arthur was already at their destination. He went as soon as he was called. Adrian on the other hand was finishing up with a smaller task when he too was sent. He knew Arthur would wait for him and be tapping his foot, annoyed. He was right.

  “Seriously Adrian? You’re buzzing me like a dive bomber? Where have you been? I’ve been waiting.”

  “Hey there, Arthur. What’s up? Lookin’ good my brother. Been working out?” Adrian asked, tossing back his hair in a carefree gesture, grinning with full, rosy lips, and ignoring Arthur’s serious retort.

  “Humph! You’re late... as usual.” Arthur said, ignoring Adrian’s attempt to flatter him. His t
ight lips pursed together, holding back any stronger reprimand.

  “No, I’m not. You’re early... as usual, and grumpy I see... as usual. C’mere you old softy. Give us a hug. I’ve missed you.”

  Undeterred by Arthur’s grumblings, Adrian embraced him. He had a deep respect for his brother and mentor. Arthur’s stone face broke into an enormous smile and he returned the gesture, patting Adrian on the back. It was hard not to like Adrian and his positive, cheerful personality. He faced each assignment as a ministering angel with wonder and innocence. Arthur leaned toward the solemn side, a rule-keeper by nature and profoundly wise. He had been a ministering angel far longer, dealing with the worse and best of mankind.

  The Creator had put them together, and it was a suitable match, one helping the other with what they lacked. One thing the two angels had in common was a deep abiding love for humans, and compassion for their trials on this Earth. They had been working with each other ever since Adrian was Arthur’s apprentice per the Father’s instructions. Once more they had an assignment together. Arthur’s stellar reputation among the immortal beings both evil and good was legendary. Adrian felt blessed the Father chose him for Arthur to train and work alongside.

  Now appearing as human males, the angels walked along the beach together, talking and reminiscing. It gave them both joy to be together again. As they strolled, Arthur explained the two people assigned to them were in the beach bar just a few yards away. Adrian surveyed his surroundings, a bit confused.

  “Why are we here in Florida, brother? I thought we were Las Vegas Angels?”

  Arthur cringed. “I know you named us that and we do most of our assignments there, but that label reaps only teasing by our family back home.”

  Adrian gave Arthur’s shoulder a playful shove.

  “Oh c’mon, Arthur. Just admit you like our cool name. Embrace it as I have. Besides teasing doesn’t bother me. I consider it a compliment.”

  “Pride in one’s self is forbidden for both humans and angels,” Arthur astutely admonished his brother.

  “Duh! I know that, and I know it caused a third of our kind to be banished from our home. But that’s not how I see it. I think it makes us... unique.” Adrian said, trying to convince Arthur he wasn’t doing anything against their Father’s will.

  “Hm-m-m, I guess so.”

  Arthur gave in. It wouldn’t hurt to indulge Adrian’s fantasy. It was harmless. Truth be known, Arthur liked the title Adrian gave them, but he had to be the serious one. He hid his smile and changed the subject. Arthur’s hand slapped down on Adrian’s shoulder with a brotherly touch.

  “So... Mr. Las Vegas Angel, this new task of ours starts here. It’s a pleasant change, don’t you think? I enjoy being near the ocean again. I love to listen to the waves and feel the salty air. Heaven is perfect, but I think an ocean with a sandy beach is a close second.”

  Adrian stopped and took a deep breath into his human lungs. “Ah, yes. It’s nice. There’s nothing like the ocean to make you feel humble. A mighty power is within its depths.”

  “Indeed.” Arthur smiled softly. “We’re here in Florida because that is where our new assignments are at the moment. I fear trouble ahead for these humans. We’ll be dealing once more with those fallen angels under the domination of the Evil One. They delight in all the earthly sins and manipulate poor humans to do the same. We must be strong, alert and ready for our task.”

  “I’ll do my best to be strong like you. I promise. But I must admit those evil guys make my feathers shake.”

  “Don’t be afraid, Adrian. The Father is with us.”

  Adrian shuttered. He had been in a few dangerous situations with those angels who rebelled against the Father. They made him feel uneasy, unsure and unprepared.

  Although Arthur had taught Adrian how to battle against the fallen, Adrian preferred not to engage if possible. His brother was more adapted for it. If they needed more help, Michael the Archangel and commander of the heavenly armies would send a warrior angel. That reassurance was all Adrian needed.

  Chapter 1

  The two men/angels found themselves at the outdoor patio of the beach bar. Sitting alone among other patrons was a youthful woman. Her long brown hair followed the breeze. Arthur pointed her out to Adrian.

  “There’s the first human in our assignment. I want you to strike up a friendly conversation with her and see what state of mind she’s in. The reason she’s here is because she’s running away from her problems.”

  “Did it work?” Adrian asked.

  “Did what work?”

  “Have her problems run away?” Adrian’s round eyes blinked, wondering.

  Arthur sighed. “It’s a figure of speech, my brother. What I meant is she is avoiding what is really troubling her.”

  “O-h-h-h, I see. And you want me to get her to talk? What’s her name?”

  “Her name is Lindsay and yes I do want you to get her to talk and perhaps tell you her concerns. Use some of that baby face charm on her. But I must warn you, she’s no pushover. She is highly suspicious of men and isn’t likely to be too friendly.”

  Adrian furrowed his brow at Arthur, confused. Pushover? Push over who? He wanted to ask but swallowed his questions for later. Frustrating Arthur so early in the assignment wasn’t wise. He made an observation instead.

  “Pretty name for a pretty girl.”

  “Ah yes, but a sad girl. Let me explain further.”

  Before he let Adrian join Lindsay, Arthur wrapped his arm around the curious angel, knowing he needed more information. He explained to Adrian why this woman would be a challenge. As if their minds were one, Arthur revealed what was necessary for now.

  Taking some much-needed time off, Lindsey York chose laidback Fort Lauderdale, Florida to get away from her problematic and hectic life in Las Vegas. She needed the space to evaluate the complicated situation she found herself in and decide where to go from there.

  Recently Lindsay severed her romantic relationship with Preston Beckett, an arrogant and spoiled man she neither wanted nor loved. She was a beautiful street-smart woman, not one prone to making rash deals or giving in to intimidation. Yet she entered into an ‘arrangement’ with Preston’s father she could see no way out of. Preston didn’t know. He thought Lindsay had fallen for his suave personality and handsome looks. Hardly the case for this confident woman with a mind of her own. Preston was madly in love with Lindsay but obsessively jealous and very possessive. Their break-up came as a surprise to him.

  Lindsay should have known better than to get involved with a powerful and wealthy real estate tycoon like Jonas Beckett, whose deals were anything but honest in Sin City, and that was saying a lot. He was a man who got what he wanted, and no one got in his way. Jonas had one weakness, his only son Preston. When Lindsay rejected his advances; it crushed Preston. He raced to his father for help, whining like a little boy. He had to have this woman, and his father gave in. A master at extortion and underhanded deals, Jonas got Lindsay to agree to his proposal. She accepted her fate with remorse. Lindsay promised to marry Preston; an obligation she must honor or suffered the dire consequences.

  Preston couldn’t change his playboy attitude overnight. Repeatedly Lindsay caught Preston in many lies, but she couldn’t leave him because of what Jonas held over her head. When she found out Preston slept with another woman, it was all she could endure. There was no way she could live the rest of her life like this, wondering what Preston would do next. She had to get away from him and think. There must be some way out of this deal.

  It was strange how Preston fought her leaving him, promising to change. He loved and adored her in his own way. Yet his father had taught him to take what he wanted when he wanted it. Nothing was off limits. So, when an opportunity to indulge his desires was handed to him, Preston thought nothing was wrong. His warped sense of morality was his father’s upbringing. Jonas never regretted looking out for himself first.

  Lindsay actually felt sorry for Preston, always under t
he thumb of his domineering father; afraid of being his own person. Optimistic by nature, Lindsay believed there was good in everyone, even a narcissistic boyfriend. Everyone deserved a second chance, especially in Las Vegas, a city built on chances. But this latest childish escapade of Preston’s was hard to overlook. Trying to sort it all out, Lindsay was at a crossroads and neither way looked promising.

  After getting the background, Adrian felt deep pity for Lindsay. He promised Arthur he would do his best to help her. The man/angel approached the young woman with confidence. Relaxing on the patio enjoying the sunset and solitude, Lindsey sipped her Pina Colada. Her troubles seemed far away. The short-lived peace was disturbed when Adrian’s smooth voice spoke to her.

  “Nice sunset isn’t it?”

  Startled, Lindsey’s hazel eyes looked up to see a handsome stranger smiling down at her. He seemed to appear out of nowhere, catching her off guard. Lindsay gave the stranger a quick once-over. He didn’t appear to be dangerous or creepy. In fact, the man was quite pleasing with kind eyes. But Lindsay was not in a friendly mood. It was curious why this man chose her to strike up a conversation. It was obvious she wanted to be alone. Still, she was raised to be polite and gave him a faint but not an inviting smile.

  “Yes, it’s very nice.” Lindsay said, then turned back to nurse her icy drink. Maybe he’ll go away if I ignore him.

  Adrian glanced over at Arthur, conveying his frustration with a look. She doesn’t want me here. Arthur told him to try harder.

  As Adrian tried to think of something to say, Arthur made his way to the Tiki Bar and leaned up against the railing. He watched with interest as his brother angel met his assignment for the first time. It was important Adrian learn how to flush out what was troubling a human, especially one with walls around their heart. Talking with a stranger seems to be easier for them to do if that stranger can show compassion. Adrian was blessed with that talent. The bartender asked the man/angel if he wanted a beverage, and Arthur requested ice water. He sipped the cold drink and observed from afar, as was the natural thing for angels to do.

  Heavenly beings often observe humans without their knowledge. The unseen world of immortals, both good and bad are everywhere in the mortal world. Angels, like Arthur and Adrian are curious about humans, their emotions, actions and beliefs. Known as ministering angels, the Creator tasked Arthur and Adrian with the purpose of taking care of humans as directed.