"I... I uh...That wasn't meant for you," Angelique stammered in surprise. She could hardly believe after four years, John was standing there staring at her.

"That much is obvious," John said, walking further into the room and shutting the door behind him without waiting for an invitation to enter.

He thought he could handle this. He's been preparing for this meeting for weeks, but now that he stood face to face with her he realized how foolish all his attempts had been. Nothing could prepare him to see her again.

Outwardly, she hardly changed. Same blue eyes, same ash-blond hair, although it appeared to be significantly shorter from the last time he'd seen her. The length barely brushed her shoulders. Exactly how long was hard to distinguish because she currently had it pulled back in a haphazard ponytail. Her body remained the same, perhaps a little thinner than before, but it was the vagueness in her eyes that struck him most. Their brilliance was diminished somehow. She looked older and tired.

Regaining her composure, Angelique blurted out the first thing that came to her mind. "What are you doing here?"

John grinned, straight to the point as always. "I'm fine. Thanks for asking."

John moved to stand across from her at her desk. The small wooden structure hardly seemed adequate distance between them for Angelique so, she stood and crossed the room.

"Coffee?" she asked, thinking it a good excuse as any to back away without looking too cowardly. Besides, she needed something to keep her busy until she felt sure she could face him without making a complete idiot of herself.

"No," John replied turning to look at her adding as a last-minute thought, "thank you."

He sat on the edge of her desk, waiting for her to be still. Having no other choice, Angelique turned to face him and so she did. She positioned herself at the furthest point in the room from John and close enough to the door if a retreat were necessary.

John's stomach tied in knots, as Angelique focused those intense blue eyes on him. She looked scared as a kitten and as ferocious as a tiger all at the same time. Although she looked like she'd prefer to flee, she didn't. She stood her ground.

"I've come on business," John explained.

It struck him again at how exhausted she looked. Was she playing when she mentioned a lover or was she serious? The idea of someone in her life, touching her, kissing her, caressing her made John feel things he thought long ago died. Why should he care? She didn't take a vow of chastity and he certainly had his share of women come and go since, but it still bothered the hell out of him.

"Business?" Angelique looked at him confused.

What business could he possibly have with her? As she locked eyes with him, John's eyes became guarded, no longer the windows to his thoughts and emotions. Instead, they held only a cool indifference.

Pushing off her desk, he closed the distance between them with a few brief steps and then stopped within about a foot of her. Angelique's eyes widen in either fear or surprise, John couldn't tell. He reached into the inside breast pocket of his suit and produced a folded document.

"I came to give you this."

Angelique hesitated taking it from him. He stood so close she could smell his cologne; it had a clean woodsy scent. It smelled expensive. Everything about him looked expensive, from his Armani suit to his Gucci loafers. Angelique only wished he didn't look so damn good.

John's suit was tailor-cut to accentuate his broad shoulders and lean hips. At thirty, he still had that 'All-American Boy Next Door' look. He couldn't even gratify her with a wrinkle or receding hairline. Even a gut would have been appreciated. Instead, he only looked more attractive to her than he had four years ago. Realizing she'd been staring, Angelique looked away.

She couldn't help but feel self-conscious about her own looks, knowing she must look a fright. Angelique knew she didn't take care of herself properly, but she had other responsibilities and no one to impress, so most often she'd wander the shelter in jeans and a t-shirt. Her hair she often wore pulled back. Subconsciously, she tucked a loose piece a hair behind her ear.

John waited patiently for her to take the document. She looked unsure of herself, and it was almost his undoing. What happened to the woman that wanted to conquer the world? It hit him how little he knew of Angel's life. Since his argument with his brother over leaving college to train to serve as a Reverend, he's barely spoken to Michael, and Michael had been his only link to Angelique. What has her life been like since he let her go?

Angelique reached for the document. Cursing herself for being unable to keep her hand from trembling slightly. Unfolding the papers she read the first line, "Affidavit of pending case Progressive Properties (property owner) vs. O'Bryan, Angelique Agnes (owner/operator of St. Gabriel's shelter for children)." Angelique shook her head in confusion.

"No. No, this is wrong. There's been a mistake. My mortgage is with..."

"American Independent has merged with Progressive Properties," John told her.

It took a few seconds for Angelique to process the information. Her searching eyes raked over his features for some sign of life, but he's lips were closed tightly in a firm line and his eyes expressionless.

Her eyes widened as the gravity of the situation sunk in. "Then that means..."

"Progressive Properties now holds the mortgage on this place," John finished for her.

Angelique's strength gave way, and she leaned against the file cabinet behind her for support. Looking down at the paper, she felt more confused than ever. "I still have two months before my payment is due. What are they suing me for?"

"You owe four months back payment on this place?" John said waving his hand to encompass the building, but the gesture looked more like him trying to swat away a pesky fly.

God, did he hate her that much that he just couldn't wait to deliver the good news? That he thought to bring it personally? Hasn't he caused her to suffer enough without witnessing a moment of panic, that should any of this hold true, could mean the end of her life's work and most likely her first mental breakdown?

Sudden rage breathed life back into her body. "We'll see about this," she said storming past John pushing him out of her way. She threw the document on the desk and pulled over her Rolodex in search of a number.

"I make my payments semi-annually. American Independent knows my government funding isn't received until June and it's only April." She ripped a business card out of her Rolodex and began punching in the number.

"Progressive Properties, as new owners of all titles and deeds do not legally have to honor any previous agreements made between American Independent and their clients," he informed her. He watched her flushed cheeks drain of color and her knuckles turn white as her grip tightened on the phone.

Angelique willed herself to stand. Her whole world unfolded with that document. She listened to the insistent ring. "Pick up. Pick Up!" she demanded in her mind.

"Hello, Progressive Properties. Jennifer speaking. How may I help you?"

Angelique cringed at the sound of the new name. "Jen, It's Angelique at St. Gabriel's."

A moment of silence passed before her loan officer responded. "Angelique! Have they gotten to you yet?" Jen asked.

By "them" Angelique could only assume she meant John's law firm. "Present and accounted for," she told her.

"Damn it. I'm sorry I wanted to call you first. Bastards probably couldn't wait to swoop in for the kill."

Angelique glanced at John. That's exactly how she felt, that she is John's prey, and when their eyes met, she quickly looked away. "Tell me some good news, Jen?"

"Oh, Angelique, I wish I could."

After that statement, Angelique knew she had to sit down.

"I want you to know I went to bat for you. I explained our payment arrangements, showed them your perfect payment history but they flat out refused to listen," Jen said her voice raising slightly with her frustration. "I'm so sorry. I tried but instead of listening to me they labeled me difficult and hostile and fired me. You caught me just as I was packing up my desk."

"Oh, Jen," Angelique said, leaning over her desk. She closed her eyes to shield her emotions. "I'm so sorry."

"Hey, don't sweat it. My hubby's rich, remember? This was just a hobby now that kids are grown," Jennifer told her. "I'm really sorry, Angelique."

Despite the desperation of her situation, Angelique had to smile. She always thought it odd how she could find comfort in strangers. "Thanks anyway," she told her. "Oh, Jen?" she said before Jennifer had the chance to hang up.

"Yeah?"

"Keep in touch, okay?" Angelique asked. She could almost hear Jen smiling on the other end of the phone.

"You got it. Take care."

As she placed the phone down, her heart sank. Jen going to bat for her was supposed to be her saving grace, now what was she to do? She had to think of something. There had to be a way.

"I've come with an offer," John said after a sufficient moment of silence had passed. Angelique jumped. So absorbed in thought she'd forgotten about John.

"What?" Her head was pounding, and she found it increasingly harder to concentrate.

"Progressive Properties has sent me with an offer. They wish to purchase this property from you," John said, although preferring he hadn't. He really hated his job some days. "You still owe quite a lot so there won't be a ton of profit but it should be enough to start over somewhere else," he told her and if she goes along with it, it will be much more if he has anything to say about it.

"Wow!" Angelique said in a tone dripping with sarcasm. "What an offer. So, tell me, John, what exactly is your position with the firm now? Are you an errand boy or a pimp?"

She stood up so abruptly her wheeled desk chair flew backward and crashed into the wall behind her. Her reaction took John completely off guard. Seeing the look of surprise on his face empowered Angelique. She enjoyed having him off balance.

"We are not talking about concrete and bricks here," she said, pounding her fist on the desk. "They are children, damn it! Innocent children, who already have it hard enough trying to survive on the streets!"

She picked up her penholder and in her rage threw it against the wall and John flinched.

"No, love. No, hope. And now what? No, home? Is that what you'd have me tell them?"

John remained silent. Knowing anything he had to say would be the wrong thing. He had never seen this side of her before.

"Well, let me tell you something John McDougal," she said storming up to him. "You go back to your beloved law firm and you can tell them Angelique Agnes O'Bryan said they can take their deal and shove it up their ass because my children's lives are not for sale! You got that messenger boy?" Angelique jabbed her pointy finger into his chest.

John stood his ground, taking the full brunt of her attack. He needed her to see reason. However, in her agitated state, he really didn't believe it possible. He had a better chance of landing himself a ride on the space shuttle.

His silence grated on her last nerve. "I will make my payment as soon as my funding arrives and I don't care how good a lawyer you think you are, no judge is going to turn his back on a few hundred children in lieu of a few months extension on my loan. I have a perfect payment record and this establishment offers way more service to our community than Progressive Properties plan to throw up some highrise or mini mall."

John clenched his jaw and ground his teeth. Angelique did not know what she was dealing with. She didn't stand a chance against his firm. Especially with the financial backing they get from clients like Progressive Properties. It took weeks of negotiations to broker this deal for her so he wouldn't be forced to leave her without anything. He still thought their offer paltry at best, but if she showed a little willingness to cooperate, he may be able to get her more.

"Fat chance of that happening," John thought as he looked at Angelique. Her breasts rose and fell at a rapid rate as she panted with anger, her fists clamped firmly at her sides and her cheeks were flushed to a beet red. But he had to try.

"You must understand, Angel, that you don't stand a chance," he said firmly, finally given a moment to speak.

"Go to hell," she said, returning to her desk, "and take Caldwell, Berkley, and Klein with you when you go."

She left him no choice. He locked eyes with her as he said, "There will be no funding."

Angelique's eyes flashed. "What do you mean no funding?" Her heart hammered against her ribcage.

"You heard me," John told her. "Due to gross setbacks, the government has drastically cut funding for all organizations serving similar purposes as yours."

She stared at him in disbelief and then disgust. "My, my, you travel in some high circles, don't you? How did your firm manage that? Corrupt politicians in your pocket?"

John's lips clamped in a firm line. Try as he might, his temper threatened to get the better of him. He came here to help her. Possibly to play damage control and all she could do is stand there and insult him, fighting him every step of the way. This was classic Angel. Her ignorance of how the world revolved, worked in direct opposition to her best interests.

"All you need to know is that your funding has disappeared and your mortgage has come due. If you can't pay up, then I'd suggest you cooperate like a good little girl and take the deal. It's all you have left."

John ducked as a notepad flew passed his head.

"I will not turn this shelter over to you. I will find another way to beat you at your own game, so help me God. Now get out!" she yelled, pointing emphatically to the door.

"Fine!" John said. "Have it your way. See you in court."

John stormed from her office and slammed the door shut behind him. Angelique collapsed into her chair. How did everything go so wrong? What was she to do? Without that funding, she can't pay and without payment... Angelique covered her mouth with her trembling fingers.

"Oh God, I could really lose this place," she admitted in a hushed whisper. She placed a call to her accountant and her lawyer. Her accountant confirmed her worse fears. Not only did she not have enough to make the payment, but she also lacked the funds to purchase the registrations required to hold a fundraiser event. She was maxed out.

Her call to her lawyer did not go much better. Her hearing for foreclosure on her loan was in three weeks and her lawyer was on vacation for four in Barbados. His office promised to send a substitute, but she needed a pro.

Near her wit's end, she reached out to the only person who could always save her from despair. The phone rang once, twice, three times and then the answering machine picked up. Angelique left a message.

"Hi. It's me. If it's all right, I'd like to come by tomorrow to see you. I have something I need to discuss. If I don't hear from you, I'll take that as a yes and come up. Love you. Bye." She hoped her father's schedule would allow her to visit. She knew he'd always make time for her, but after today she could no longer take things for granted.

"Home sweet home," Angelique said, pulling up outside of her apartment building in the Village. The building had seen better days, the painted brick faded and peeling. She had to turn the key and slightly shoulder the door to pop it open. Once inside, she hit the button for the elevator which growled and moaned and then suddenly ceased.

Angelique couldn't help but laugh. After the day she was having, this was a perfect ending. Her apartment was conveniently on the fifth floor.

"Oh, Angel, it's you," a woman with the silvery hair said smiling. She opened her door further still. "Saint and I were wondering when you were coming home."

Angelique smiled affectionately at the old woman. Mrs. Dolton and her husband owned the apartment building. Since Mr. Dolton's passing last year. Angelique offered to have her dog Saint stay with her landlady during the day, knowing it would make the elderly woman feel more secure.

"I think, this thing has finally given up," Angelique said pointing to the elevator.

"Oh," the older woman said, crinkling her brow. "I wondered what that dreadful noise was. I'll call for the repairman to come out tomorrow." Taking another look at Angelique, her expression grew worrisome. "What is it? What's wrong?"

Angelique's smile was reluctant. "Nothing really." She tried to shrug off the woman's concern. Saint was persistently trying to push past Mrs. Dolton to reach his owner.

"Okay, Okay," the older woman said laughing, stepping aside for the German Shepherd to pass. The dog barked cheerfully and Angelique greeted her old friend.

"I feel so cheap," the woman said with a chuckle. "I'm just a substitute for the real thing, I guess."

Angelique laughed. "Thanks so much for taking care of him."

Angelique collected her mail and climbed the five flights of stairs to reach her apartment. Opening the door, Saint ran ahead of her. She threw her keys on the side table and all the mail except for one letter she held in her hand. Well, it would seem John wasn't bluffing when he said they revoked her funding.

"Your previous owner has come back into my life with a vengeance it would seem," she said scratching the dog behind the ear. Looking past him to the end table, she noticed her answering machine was blinking.

Beep.

"Hello, Angel, it's Dad. Since when do you call to make appointments to see me? You know I'm always here for you, sweetheart. Look whatever is bothering you. Don't worry. We'll figure something out together. Love you."

Well, at least there was one thing in this crazy world she could count on.