Alexandra's Song

By Richard Weirich

Molly Sanders has been given the unique ability to see beyond the physical world into a place where a war rages between the forces of good and evil.

Molly Sanders has given up her dream for a new life away from her tyrannical father, Yuri Zakharov. Fueled by anger and a desire to hurt him as he has hurt her, Molly runs away from home and takes refuge in the small town of Divinity Falls, PA, where she lands a job at Angels Diner, reluctantly falls in love with Casper Knight and encounters a mysterious woman, Angel Lopez, who claims to be her guardian angel.

Angel challenges Molly to fulfill her destiny by following the Master's plan for her life. Molly's decision brings the wrath of the angels of darkness, an unwanted encounter with the man she despises, and an outcome she could have never imagined.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Richard Weirich
• Release date: Jan 23, 2017
• ISBN: 9781370047420

Richard Weirich

Christian author Richard Weirich writes entertaining and inspirational fiction novels, daily devotionals, and nonfiction books that motivate, challenge, and help believers grow in the faith. Richard’s unique perspective on life is rooted in his many experiences as musician, radio personality, minister, and voiceover talent. Richard grew up in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia and after high school played trombone in the U.S. Navy Band. While in the Navy, he became interested in radio, enrolled in the Tidewater School of Broadcasting and quickly landed his first radio job in Norfolk, Virginia. For 30+ years Richard was the Burt half of the popular morning radio duo of Burt and Kurt, entertaining listeners in Jackson, Mississippi; Tampa, Florida; Houston, Texas; and Birmingham, Alabama. In Birmingham, Richard prepared for the ministry at Southeastern Bible College and Samford University, which led to a fifteen-year ministerial career serving as pastor of several Alabama churches.

Book preview

Alexandra’s SONG

ANGELS DINER

Book I

RICHARD WEIRICH

Copyright © 2016 Richard Weirich

All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America.

No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.

For information contact http://richardweirich.com

All rights reserved.

ISBN: 1533576459

First Edition: June 2016

ISBN-13: 978-1533576453

DEDICATION

This book is dedicated to my grandmother who introduced me to the subject of angels.

Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters. Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it. Hebrews 13:1-2

TABLE OF CONTENTS

DEDICATION

CHAPTER 1 - Mystery Traveler

CHAPTER 2 - Your Guardian Angel

CHAPTER 3 - Born To Play

CHAPTER 4 - Under Attack

CHAPTER 5 - Time To Play

CHAPTER 6 - Into The Storm

CHAPTER 7 - The Final Battle

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

CHAPTER 1 - Mystery Traveler

Bus 347

FROM HER PURSE, she retrieves her smartphone, excitedly searches for the Take-a-Chance Travel app, and launches it. She enters the criteria for her selection.

Setting: secluded, quaint, small, serene, mountains, USA.

Travel Method: bus, one-way.

Preferred Travel date: immediate.

Payment Method: cash at ticket window.

Molly agrees to the terms of use, closes her eyes, breathes deeply, and weighs her decision. Why not throw caution to the wind? Happenstance could not be any worse than her failed plans for starting a new life. She opens her eyes, stares at the Take-a-Chance activation button, nervously points her index finger at the pulsating target and presses. An animated hourglass image spins. Please wait while we select your perfect Take-a-Chance Travel destination. 10 seconds pass. The screen flashes and changes colors. Congratulations. Pack your bags for… Another delay as the hourglass spins again. Divinity Falls, Pennsylvania. Click here for travel times.

With all her worldly possessions stuffed in a blue suitcase, Molly stands in the doorway and views the efficiency that had been her residence for nine months. All that remains is the eviction notice on the coffee table. Molly hurries down a short flight of stairs and into the street where she waves her hand to summon a cab. A man with sunglasses, a bad wig, and a pink shirt watches from across the way. The Same character showed up the day before at the sub shop where she worked. Molly dashes into the cab and watches as the man jumps to his feet and runs to a parked car. Trailways Bus Terminal, please. Hurry if you can.

What a way to spend my 20th birthday, thought Molly. She watches through the rear window for signs of her stalker.

You scared about something, lady? asked the cabbie.

I’m good, replied Molly, still keeping watch.

Must be something mighty interesting back there.

Molly improvised an excuse. Thought I saw somebody I knew.

The driver reaches for his dashboard radio. What kind of music do you like?

No music, please.

No music? A little smooth jazz will help cure what’s ailing you.

It’ll take more than that, mumbled Molly.

Sorry. Didn’t catch that.

Uh. I said ‘I forgot my hat.’

Oh, OK. Hey, I play drums in a jazz trio at Luigi’s on the weekends. You should check us out.

Good for what ails me, right?

The driver laughs and pulls to the curb. $27.50. Need help with the suitcase?

Molly glances up and down the sidewalk before entering the terminal. Relieved that her stalker is nowhere in sight, she heads inside toward the ticket windows.

Last call for Philadelphia, booms a loud voice over the intercom. Bus 19 is now loading. Gate 3.

A crusty looking bearded character wearing a dirty Pittsburg Pirates ball cap and a t-shirt inscribed with Beer, Baseball, and Broads stares at her from a bench while she waits in the ticket line. A beep from her phone signals an incoming message. Your pay-as-you-go everything plan expires at midnight. Save 10% by renewing now. Really? Molly turns off her cell, shoves it back in her purse, and surveys the terminal. Still no sign of the man who had been following her but that Pirates’ fan creep was still gawking and grinning. Oh, Lord, he just winked.

Can I help you? said the clerk catching Molly by surprise.

One way ticket to Divinity Falls, Pennsylvania.

The clerk keys her request into a computer. You can save 10% if you book your return trip now.

One way, please.

We offer an Anywhere in the USA plan. For $200 you can go anyplace in the states that…

Just one way.

I’m sorry. They make us say that infernal sales pitch. Nobody likes it. But, gotta do it their way if I want a paycheck, if you know what I mean?

Molly nods approvingly. I completely understand. Kind of like, ‘You want fries with that?’

Exactly. Looks like your total comes to $99.99.

Seriously?

Tourist season.

Molly hands him five $20 bills. How long will it take to get there? And where is Divinity Falls?

The clerk peers over wide-rim glasses that rest on the end of his nose. Bus #347 departs at 3:20 from Gate #7. Arrives in Divinity Falls at 6:15 under normal weather conditions. Forecast calls for thunderstorms most of the day, which might slow things down a bit. You can count on a minimum of 3 hours on the road.

And where is it?

Oh, sorry. Northeast of Pittsburg near the Allegheny National Forest. It’s in the mountains. Enjoy your trip.

Outside the boarding gate, a senior woman pushing a courtesy refreshment cart stops Molly. How about a free drink? Our way of saying thanks for traveling Trailways. Hot coffee. Cold Tea. Orange juice. What’s you pleasure?

Juice sounds good. Thank you, said Molly. Other travelers gather for their free drinks, but the old woman apologizes for her depleted supply and departs.

At 3:15, Molly boards Trailways Bus #347 and takes a seat behind the driver. Maybe he knows something about her new home. The sign above the windshield reveals his name. Hi, Ed. I’m Molly. Molly Sanders.

The driver looks in his rearview mirror to get a look at the friendly passenger. Rainin’ cats and dogs. Might have to run through a few poodles.

Say what? said Molly.

The driver laughs. More passengers climb the steps, and he welcomes each one as they pass by on the way to their seats. Then Ed turns his attention back to Molly. How come young folks don’t get old folk’s jokes?

Didn’t know that was a joke.

My point, exactly. Where you headed?

Divinity Falls, says Molly while fumbling in her purse for a mirror.

The driver closes the door behind the final rider and continues. Vacation?

Molly examines her face carefully to confirm the rain has not eroded her makeup. "Do you know anything about Divinity Falls?

Not much. Just know it’s the last stop for just about everything before going into the Allegheny National Park. Pretty popular during skiing season. Ed grabs a microphone from the dashboard. My name is Ed Martin. I’ll be your driver for this here shindig. Please stay in your seat and one person at a time in the facility. Please observe the rules printed on the sign above my head especially the one about not consuming alcoholic beverages. Got some pretty rough weather so I’ll need to keep my eyes glued to the road. So…please be good boys and girls.

You sound like a DJ. Nice voice, said Molly.

Did that once upon a time. Fast Eddie Martini on the Big 610, playin’ the hits and nothin’ but the hits…all night long.

Wow. How did you end up driving a bus?

"Money, Honey. Radio don’t pay diddlysquat. Any-who, you were askin’ about Divinity Falls. Besides bein’ a resort town legend has it that it’s a good place to meet angels.

No way.

Never saw one myself. But some folks swear it’s so. Story goes that back in the 1700s local settlers were attacked by Indians and then fled to the falls where they hid behind a giant rock. Then an angel appeared who promised they would not be harmed. They later named the rock, Gabriels Rock, after the angel who saved them. Old timers still believe touching the stone on June 19th brings good luck. Sure has brought good fortune to Divinity Falls judging from the size of the crowd I drop off up there for their festival every June. Festival wraps up today, but you might catch the tail end of it.

I could use some good luck, said Molly as she slumped back into her seat. Thought about taking a nap but she was too excited to sleep. Tried working a crossword puzzle. Couldn’t stay focused. She read the odometer on the panel in front of the driver and then counted telephone poles. It’s true, said Molly, pleased with her discovery.

What’s true?

Telephone poles are 125 feet apart. That means there should be 42.24 poles per mile. Sure enough, just counted 42 over the last mile.

Didn’t know that, said the driver.

Molly wasn’t finished. How many miles from Pittsburg to Divinity Falls?

About 130.

That means we should pass approximately 5,491 telephone poles.

Ed laughed at his young passenger’s creative method for fighting boredom. That and a buck eighty-five will get you a cup of coffee at Starbucks.

How big is Divinity Falls?"

I expect it’s no more than a 10 pole town.

No, said Molly amused at Ed’s response. You know that’s not what I meant."

You sure don’t know much about this place you’re going, do you? If you blink, you’ll miss it. Don’t expect there are more than 400 people who live there. Wouldn’t be surprised if the sheriff’s name is Andy and he has a deputy named Barney. You do know who that is, don’t you? Or are you too young to remember the greatest TV show that ever was?

Doesn’t ring a bell, said Molly as she reflected on a childhood in which TV was off limits. Family didn’t even own a television. Her father said it was a significant distraction that stifled their creativity and poisoned their minds. The mobile phone in her hand would have never been tolerated while living under his roof. Even now she used the pay-as-you-go device solely for emergencies. No contacts. No friend list. It’s not that she was incapable of making friends. Molly was likeable, outgoing, and physically attractive to the extent nobody would have ever suspected she was on the run.

Molly’s naivety regarding her intended destination peaked the driver’s curiosity. Must have a fella in Divinity Falls.

No, sir.

Family?

Nope.

And not a vacation. I’ve run out of reasons for you to be goin’ to that little hole-in-the-wall town. But, then again, I don’t reckon it’s any of my business.

It’s alright, said Molly, touched by his concern. Nice to know somebody cares.

Got a daughter about your age. She says I’m overly protective.

Imagine that, she said while chuckling at Ed’s persistent interrogation.

Will you be staying at the Divinity Inn? Molly failed to respond to his question. I’ve heard the folks that run the place are real nice. In the rearview mirror, he could see that her eyes were closed, and it was a good time for her to be sleeping. The road ahead now required his undivided attention. The storm had intensified, and visibility was hindered by driving rain and dense fog. Ed needed to find a place to get off the highway where he could wait for conditions to improve. However, it was impossible to see the shoulder of the road. If he stopped without pulling over, he risked causing a vehicle pile-up like the one he encountered on this same route in a blizzard in 2011. He also knew there were deep ravines that bordered the road in this mountainous region. One wrong move could be fatal. The safest alternative was to continue onward. And then he heard what sounded like thunder, and he felt something pushing against the side of the bus causing him to lose control of the wheel.

Fastest Job Interview Ever

Destiny Falls, announced the driver. An elderly couple made their way to the front of the bus and stepped into the street. But Molly just kept on sleeping. The bus driver repeated the directive. Destiny Falls. Hey, Missy. This is your stop. This time, she opened her eyes. This is where you get off.

Embarrassed and disoriented Molly joined the elderly couple who was patiently waiting on the sidewalk for the bus driver to retrieve their luggage from the cargo bay. It stopped raining, said Molly followed by a yawn. I must have been asleep for a long time. There’s not a cloud in the sky.

How many bags? asked the bus driver.

Just one. That blue bag is mine. Hey, what happened to Ed?

Shift change, said the lady driver. We switched out a few miles back. You must have been mighty tired. You slept through one of the worst storms I’ve seen in these parts. This all you got? Just one bag?

That’s it.

There’s a travel lodge on the next street over, and you can find some decent food at that Diner behind you.

Thanks. Hey, what happened to the couple that got off the bus with me? Molly looked up and down Main Street and then behind her. They were standing right….

Must have been in a hurry. Well, I’ve got to get back on the road and get these folks to their final destination. You take care of yourself. The driver scampered up the steps, shut the door, took her position behind the wheel, and then waved goodbye.

Molly smiled and then watched as the bus pulled away. Again, she scanned the main drag, still puzzled by the vanishing act of her fellow passengers. Darndest thing, she thought as the reality of the radical change in location became apparent. This was either the dumbest or the most brilliant decision she had ever made.

The beauty of her new home was a feast for her desensitized city senses. The streets were cleaner, the air was sweeter, and the few people she could see seemed less intimidating, even friendly. And none of them appeared to be in a hurry. Did that lady really just say, Excuse me, and Have a nice day? Walked around me without trying to run me over. And then there was the scenery. Wow. Not a skyscraper, factory, or dilapidated apartment building anywhere. Just looking at the cheery shops across the street made her smile. The Kristy Kleen Laundromat. Bright yellow building. Red shutters. Considerably more attractive than the coin-operated laundry facility near her flat in Pittsburg. Petunia’s Fresh Petals. Green store front with two lovely potted vitae on both sides of a white antique door. Molly felt as if she had stepped into the pages of a travel magazine. And, by all means, Divinity Falls just had to have a candy shop. The name was a given. Divinity Candy. The bus driver got it right when he told her Divinity Falls was small. To that, she added quaint, well-kept, and gloriously peaceful. But the most impressive site of all could be seen to the north where Main Street faded into a breathtaking mountain landscape.

Enough about site seeing, at least, for now. It was 6:30 and she hadn’t eaten anything all day. As luck would have it, the bus stop was conveniently situated in front of Angels Diner. The message scrawled on the storefront window made her choice of a restaurant easy, We’re Number One Because We’re the Only One. Right above that message was a small flashing red neon sign with angel wings and the eatery’s name and slogan, Angel’s Diner. A little taste of heaven.

A bell on the door jingled when she opened it and everyone, employees, and patrons alike, stared at her. And they were still gawking when she sat down in a booth and picked up a menu. Her first inclination was to stick out her tongue and then she worried if maybe her blouse was unbuttoned or her skirt had come undone. Maybe folks in Divinity Falls weren’t so pleasant after all. She decided if these were potentially her new friends and neighbors then she needed to get off on the right foot. So, she smiled and waved which is precisely how they responded. And that was the end of it.

Hi, my name is Rose, and I’ll be your server today. I just love sayin’ that. Reggie didn’t want to go to the Restaurant Association meetin’ last weekend so he sent me. They said every good waitress should say that first before takin’ the customer’s order. Special of the day is chipped beef gravy on toast. The buttermilk fried chicken is real good. Molly couldn’t help but notice Rose was wearing high heels, and when she looked up to give her order, she was greeted by a pile of blonde hair, tilted ever so slightly, like the Leaning Tower of Pisa. With the added dimensions on bottom and top, the waitress must have been six feet tall, obviously compensating for a frame of less than five feet.

I’ll have the Grilled Chicken and Angel Hair Pasta without the chicken, said Molly, still focused on the high heel shoes. Murder on your feet. Molly had enough server experience to know the importance of comfortable shoes.

Rose pulled a pencil from behind her ear and made a note on her order pad. You a vegetarian?

Something like that.

Couldn’t live without my meat. Especially fond of bacon. Surely you eat a little bacon once in a while. Let me bring you a taste of our chipped beef. It’ll change your life forever. Fatten you up a little bit. Men around these parts like their women with a plump butt. Rose patted her backside proudly. Not bad for 58, huh? Not that I’m a floozie or nothin’ like that. But at my age, it’s nice to still get some looks now and then. Now, how ‘bout that chipped beef?

No, ma’am. I’ll just have the pasta, said Molly, amused at Rose’s sales pitch and fondness of her physical appearance.

Corn bread or rolls?

Rolls.

Need a job?

Excuse me.

We’re hiring.

As a matter of fact, I do need a job. What made you think I needed one?

Just askin’. Reggie told me to ask everybody ‘til we find somebody. We’re desperate. Had any waitressin’ experience?

A little. Who’s Reggie?

The manager. That’s him over there sittin’ behind the counter. Spends most of the day sellin’ junk on eBay. It’s amazin’ what folks will buy. Last week Reggie sold some old salt and pepper shakers for 20 bucks.

Why so much?

Vintage. Reggie says ‘vintage’ makes it worth more. I reckon that would make me pretty valuable. Divinity Falls Fightin’ Angels, Class of ’76. Hold on a minute. Rose cupped her hands around her mouth and yelled across the room. Angel Pasta…hold the cluck. Molly cringed and rolled her eyes. She was shocked to learn there were hillbillies in Pennsylvania. And Rose showed no signs of ending the conversation. She rested her hand on the back of Molly’s seat and struck a reflective pose. Right out of high school. That’s when I married my sweetie. Lord A’mighty, that Lester Niles was good lookin’. Still looked good after he lost most of his hair. That little patch over his ears was cute as a button. We had a good 16 years together. God rest his soul. That old evil cancer got him. That’s when I had to get out and find me a job. And here I am slavin’ away at Angel’s Diner for minimum wage and tips. Sad part is, folks around here think a tip is tellin’ you to have a nice day. Well, look at me. I’ve been ramblin’ on about myself and haven’t given you a chance to tell your story.

Are there many applicants for the job?

The job?

Right. You told me you were hiring.

Oh, right. Job pool around here ain’t much to speak of. People are either retired, passin’ through, or passin’ away. About all there is to applyin’ for a job here is sayin’ ‘I do.’ The only difference between this and gettin’ hitched is you get an apron instead of a weddin’ dress. And this would be the perfect time to start because, thank the good Lord, the Gabriel’s Rock festival is over.

Molly was relieved to hear there was little more to getting the waitressing gig than saying she would take it. She had no resume and never gave real references. In her purse, she carried a short list of wrong numbers just in case a reference was required. Thus far, she had never had to use it, and she hoped today would not be the exception.

Hey, Rose. Turn that TV up, yelled a customer from the bar.

Keep your pants on, replied Rose yelling again across the room. What’s going on?

Bad news is what’s happening, called the man in response. Hurry up. We need to hear this.

Rose pulled a remote control from her apron and honored the request. Several customers moved from tables to the counter to get a better look. A crawl at the bottom of the screen revealed the concern. Breaking News…Bus crash on Highway 66, 7 miles south of Divinity Falls. No word on survivors or fatalities. A TV reporter displayed a map and pointed to the location of the accident. We’re still waiting for confirmation on the number of passengers aboard Trailways Bus #347 that departed Pittsburg at 3:25 this afternoon bound for the Allegheny National Forest. State Police report the bus encountered a mudslide resulting from a heavy rainstorm and then careened 250 feet down an embankment. Emergency personnel are on the scene but are having difficulty getting to the wreckage. Just last week representatives of the Pennsylvania Land Conservancy Coalition warned strip mining in the area would ultimately lead to just this kind of disaster. And this just in. We’re now told Highway 66 from Marienville to the Allegheny National Park has been closed indefinitely.

The shocking news story had everyone’s attention, including Molly. That was my bus. I just got dropped off, she said midst the crowd congregated near the television.

Couldn’t have been your bus, lady, said a man who was seated on a barstool. Didn’t make it this far.

Molly retreated to her table to find the ticket in her purse. Trailways #347. 3:25 p.m. departure, Pittsburg. 6:20 p.m. arrival, Divinity Falls. She rushed back to the counter with her ticket. Look at this, she said and handed the boarding receipt to Rose. That’s the same bus, right?

Rose looked stunned. When did you get in town?

About 6:20…6:25. Maybe two buses get here around that time.

"Honey, I’ve been working here for 24 years, and the bus schedule to this little burg has never changed. 9:00 in the morning. 12:15 in the afternoon. 6:20 in the evening. Except for engine trouble, ice, or snow…they’re never late.

Order up, Rose, shouted Pops Fielder. Still got a business to run here. Reggie doesn’t pay you the big bucks to watch TV.

Put a lid on it, Pops. There’s been a bad accident down near Runner’s Ridge.

Ain’t nothing you can do about it. Bad stuff happens every day. Pick up this meal before it gets cold. Pops Fielder was the closest thing Divinity Falls had to a hometown hero. Three decades ago he was a starting pitcher for the Pittsburg Pirates. He even pitched a shutout in the World Series against the Yankees. But his career was short-lived. Broke his pitching arm in a boating accident, ending his career after just two seasons in the Bigs. The autographed player photo by the cash register in no way resembled the cranky short order cook in the kitchen.

Gradually the customers returned to their seats and Rose delivered Molly’s pasta. But news of the bus tragedy had taken away her appetite. Was it possible two buses were running on the same schedule? That must be what happened. Ed told her lots of visitors came to Divinity Falls in June for the Gabriel’s Rock Festival. Thankfully, she was on the bus that made it. But now Molly had something else to think about. The manager was headed her way.

Are you the gal interested in working here?

Yes, sir. I’m Molly Sanders.

Reggie Johnson’s my name. The tall and slender man with white hair and a battleship baring the name USS Pennsylvania tattooed on his left arm sat down.

Pleased to meet you, Mr. Johnson.

I’ll just get right to it. When can you start?

Well, I guess in a day or so. I’ve got to find a place to live. So far…so good. No questions about her past.

We pay minimum wage, and you keep all your tips. One free meal per shift. 40 hours. 6 days a week. Off on Sunday. Get paid on Saturday. You OK with that?

Yes, sir.

Everything I can see about you looks good. Tell me what's bad about you?

Molly laughed. Honestly, I can’t think of anything. It’s all good. If I have a fault, it’s that I’m too nice to people, and sometimes they take advantage of me. I cry pretty easy when I’m yelled at."

I’ll tell Pops to back off. What else?

Well, I’m pretty sure I’m addicted to chocolate.

Reggie chuckled at Molly’s response. Excuse me. One minute, he said and then auto-dialed a number on his phone. Hey, Lizzy. Reggie. Is Lester still out of town? When will he be back? Got a favor to ask. Got a gal here who’s coming to work for us. Can she stay with you a few days ‘til she can find a place? Reggie hung up the phone and smiled. I’ll get you an apron. We close tonight at 10:00. Lizzy will pick you up and take you to her place. Reggie stood up, but Molly remained seated with a puzzled look on her face. Rose will take it from here. She’ll teach you everything you need to know.

Molly couldn’t believe it. Things were happening so fast…maybe too fast. Nothin’ to this job, said Rose. If you mess up, I’ve got your back. Thursday nights are pretty slow, so we’ll have plenty of time for bringin’ you up to speed.

Learning had never been a problem for Molly. Aided by a photographic memory and an affinity for hard work, she mastered Rose’s every lesson by closing time. She even memorized the menu, the names of customers, and their preferences. Rose was shocked and wondered why someone so intelligent was wasting her time working at a Diner in Divinity Falls.

Just before 10:00 o’clock a young woman entered the restaurant and sat on a stool at the bar. Molly concluded, based on Roses’ lengthy description, that this must be Lizzy. Considerably overweight, short blond hair, a cherub face, and abnormally happy.

Looks like you and me are gonna be roomies tonight, said Lizzy pointing to the last slice of apple pie in a pan. Has my name on it. Molly transferred the pastry to a plate and offered a scoop of vanilla to go with it. Lizzy requested two. Sugar helps me sleep, she said as the dessert was placed before her. Hope you don’t mind sleepin’ on a sofa. With the prospect of free lodging, Molly wasn’t about to be picky. Lizzy also advised a sweater or a light jacket. Gets chilly in the woods at night. Even in summer.

Mountain Scenery

Driving down a dirt road through a dense forest late at night with the windows rolled down was unnerving enough. But Lizzy seldom ever looked at the road in front of her. When she talked, and that was often, she trained her eyes on Molly. Undaunted by potholes, sharp curves, and critters in