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PROLOGUE

CONVENT OF OUR MOTHER

MARY, LOS ANGELES

Nearly sixteen years ago

The newborn wailed as theblanket and quickly handed her to Sister Ruth Even stooped with age, the oldest nun at the convent exuded a regal air as she shushed the tiny bundle, atteht of her mother’s last breaths

In the corner of the sterile roooatee stood watching Darkness fell over his face as the young midwife tried to resuscitate the woman on the bed

Sweat ran down the midwife’s temples as she continued chest compressions She shook her head and spoke in a panicked murmur "Where’s the doctor? He should be here by now!"

The midwife didn’t see the soft shier in the air above her body, but the man in the corner did

His eyes widened as another vapor, even stronger than the first, arose fro of blinding purity Sister Ruth gasped in wonder, then shifted the baby from her shoulder and cradled her upward to let her face show

The larger spirit swooped down and covered the infant girl in a kiss as soft as a breeze It le sob, reaching for her A tear escaped before he reined in his emotion

The spirit re the weaker spirit into her ar away as if on a wisp of wind

"I’m sorry I--I don’t knohat happened" The midwife’s voice and hands shook as she pulled the sheet up over the woman’s small body She crossed herself and closed her eyes

"You did all you could," Sister Ruth said with gentleness "It was her time"

The silent, fearsome man looked away from the bed and fixed his hard eyes on the baby

Sister Ruth hesitated before angling the child outward for him to see The newborn let out a whimper and her dark eyes opened wide For the briefest aze was severed as the door banged open and thethe sainst the wall and held the baby close

"Dear God above," she whispered

The man in the corner appeared unfazed as cops surrounded him

"Jonathan LaGray?" asked the officer in front "Also known as John Gray?"