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detail.
    Instantly, it’s easily a half mile across.
    “Gabriel,” a voice says.
    Without turning, I spin the Board and take several minutes to peruse it, stopping at the Florida Keys. No red lights within at least a mile of the bungalow. I’m sure the infernal are looking, but they haven’t found her yet. Frannie’s safe for now.
    “Thanks for your help at the airstrip,” I finally say.
    Celine paces to my side as I reach forward and touch the blue light that represents Frannie.
    “You’re welcome,” she says with a crisp nod, her copper curls bouncing with the gesture. “You wanted to know when Marchosias had been located.”
    My eyes slide from the Board to Celine. She folds her wings behind her slender frame and points a long finger at a flashing red light just north of Boston.
    I rotate the Board and scan the area for white lights. “Who do we have on Frannie’s family?”
    She cringes. “You didn’t leave orders…”
    Because I was hoping that our leaving would draw them away. “Who’s available?”
    Celine sweeps her hand over the Board and a series of white lights flicker, each representing a guardian available to take on a new charge. “Not many. Lucifer’s crews are marauding and there’s more instances of coercion.” Her expression is a mix of sadness and rage as she turns her eyes on me. “He’s cheating, Gabriel, sending them into synagogues, churches, and mosques. He’s actively seeking out innocents and the faithful, influencing them to sin.” She runs a finger over the Board. “We’re bringing new guardians on line every day, accelerating the training program to try and cover the growing need, but we don’t have enough guardians to protect all of humanity.”
    The sense of dread that’s been growing steadily in my gut settles deeper and takes root.
    It’s starting.
    The Almighty has overlooked Lucifer’s contravening of boundaries for too long and now things are starting to spiral out of control.
    Frannie .
    I can’t help thinking this escalation has something to do with her. Her power is growing, and so is Lucifer’s brazenness—and His disregard for the Rules.
    I look back at my options on the Board. “We’ll send Aaron to Haden. Let him get a feel for the situation.”
    Celine’s brows lift in surprise. “Aaron?” she says cautiously. “You’re sure?”
    As much as I understand her apprehension, he’s the obvious choice. His last charge—a nun bound for sainthood—just died of natural causes at the ripe age of 104, despite Lucifer’s early and numerous attempts to corrupt her. “He’s my oldest and most experienced,” I say, wincing at the memory of what happened when I sent someone younger and greener.
    Celine’s head jerks in a sharp nod. “Done.”
    I spin away from the Board as Aaron fades in next to me. He leans his broad frame nonchalantly into a rail that solidifies next to him and quirks a cocky half smile, which brings out his deep dimple on that side. “You rang?” he says with a lift of one platinum brow.
    “I need you for a job.” My eyes shift between him and Celine and I wonder, briefly, if I’m making the right call. “Do you think you can stay out of trouble?”
    “O ye of little faith,” he says, picking at his perfect teeth with a perfect fingernail.
    I sit back into a white executive chair that materializes under me. “This is serious, Aaron. I need you on your best behavior.”
    He stops picking at his teeth and cuts me a look. “If you don’t think I can handle it, why did you call me?”
    I hold his gaze. “Because I need someone with your experience.”
    His mouth twitches into a sardonic smile. “I guess you’ll just have to trust me, then, oh mighty one.” He bows with a flourish.
    I pinch my forehead against the sudden sharp pain there.
    A headache? What next?
    “Don’t make this personal,” I say through gritted teeth.
    His expression twists into something hard. “You’re the one who made this personal when