Shrinking in the distance is the dark shadow of the new aerie and its outer buildings. Before I can comprehend what I’m seeing, the windows of one of the outer buildings explode in a burst of fire and shattered glass. The angels who had been chasing us stop, watching the fire. Then they circle back to the aerie to defend their home base from whatever is attacking. The truck swerves left, then right, like the driver is drunk. Beside me, I hear a cackling full of genuine joy. My mother is behind the wheel. She has a triumphant grin on her face as she glances over at me.
