"Yes," Gabriel prodded.

"In addition to my friends, there's you."

"Me?"

"And a host of heavenly assistance that's always on call."

Gabriel sighed. "You just might need it."

Shirley opened her mouth to further her argument, then realized what the archangel had said. "You mean to say you're willing to give me the assignment?" The winds of indignity that had ruffled her sails fell slack. "Really?"

From the tight set of his mouth, the archangel looked as if he already regretted this. "One condition. You must agree to call for help when you need it."

"I promise," Shirley said solemnly, and smiled at her two friends.

"Just remember we can accomplish all things with the power of God."

"All things," Shirley, Goodness, and Mercy repeated.

"We'll start right now," Gabriel suggested. "I'll let you take care of the problem of those two malcontents."

"Sure thing," Shirley said, eager to get started on the assignment now that it was officially hers. She eyed the two men watching Brynn, and almost felt sorry for them. It seemed to her they were prime candidates for a bit of intervention. Perhaps they should meet up with an old friend, one they weren't eager to see. Like their parole officer. Angel Shirley in disguise.

"I sincerely hope you know a good mechanic." Gabriel cast his gaze over to the disabled vehicle; then without a sound, without a clue, he disappeared.

"We do know a good mechanic, don't we?" Shirley asked, looking to her friends.

Goodness and Mercy stared back blankly.

"No," said Mercy to Shirley. "We thought you did."

It was barely after four and already the sky was growing dark. Within a half hour night would settle over the city like a black velvet quilt.

Brynn Cassidy had long since given up the idea of seeing her dentist. Missing the appointment to have her teeth cleaned was a minor inconvenience compared to the hassles of dealing with car troubles.

She couldn't leave her Ford Escort here overnight, that much she knew. In this high-crime area, she'd be fortunate to find the shell of her vehicle left by morning. Nor did she know of a good garage, especially one close by. She cast a look across the street, surprised and grateful that the two men lingering there moments earlier had disappeared.

"Are you having trouble, Miss Cassidy?" Emilio walked up to her, a basketball tucked under one arm.

Brynn was so grateful that someone had asked that it was all she could do to keep from blurting out her troubles. "It won't start, and I haven't got a clue what could be wrong."

Emilio walked around her vehicle as though inspecting it. "I know a little bit about engines."

"Do you think you might look at it?"

"Sure thing." Emilio slid halfway inside the driver's seat. One foot remained on the asphalt parking lot while he turned the ignition key. He pumped the gas pedal a couple of times while her car made a sick grinding sound.

"Do you know what's wrong?" Brynn asked expectantly.

"You sure it isn't your battery?" Emilio asked.

"Good grief, I wouldn't know."

The teenager seemed to find her answer amusing. "You know all them fancy words, Teach, but you aren't so smart when it comes to cars, are you?"

Brynn was more than willing to admit it. "Is it serious?" she asked.

Emilio shrugged. "I haven't got a clue."

"I thought you said you knew something about cars."

"I do, but I ain't no Mr. Goodwrench."

"Thanks anyway, Emilio. I appreciate your help." He'd done a lot more than her fellow teachers. Most had walked right past her.

Brynn closed the hood and locked up the car. She didn't want to leave it, but she didn't have any choice. Its hood shut with a bang that echoed through the darkening afternoon. She swung the strap of her purse over her shoulder, and with her back stiff, not knowing where to turn, she started out of the parking lot.

"Where you going?" Emilio asked, bouncing the basketball and weaving it in and out of his legs as he walked alongside her.

"I'd better get a tow truck."

"My brother can do that."

Brynn paused. "Your brother?"

"Roberto. He's owns a mechanic shop. If you want, I'll take you there. He'll know what to do."

Frankly, Brynn wished Emilio had said something about his brother sooner. "That would be great."

"Yeah, well, remember how much I helped you the next time you're tempted to have me suspended."

The three-block walk took only a matter of minutes. Brynn spied Roberto's shop when they turned the corner. It looked as if the garage had once been a neighborhood gas station. The corners of the cement building were chipped and the entire structure was badly in need of a fresh coat of paint.

Emilio opened the glass front door and walked inside. "Roberto!" he shouted.

His brother's reply was muffled.

"He's in the garage," Emilio said, gesturing to the narrow doorway that led to a large open area that served as the repair shop. Brynn followed her student inside.

"I drummed up some business for you," Emilio announced proudly, and motioned toward Brynn.

Roberto Alcantara slowly unfolded from a quarter panel of the blue Metro and reached for the pink rag tucked inside his coveralls pocket.

"Hello, Mr. Alcantara."

"Call him Roberto," Emilio insisted. "This is Miss Cassidy," he continued, looking well pleased with himself. "She's the teacher I was telling you about."