Desmond:
*Desmond ended up wandering the streets in a daze after leaving
the wreckage of his church. He may have gotten a few strange looks as he still had dried blood on his hands and shirt from
when he had helped the injured. Eventually he stops, looking
around as if realizing he was in an unfamiliar part of town.Then he remembers the card that Lenor gave him, and he takes out his cell to dial the number.*

Lenor:
*The ringing wakes her, it was close to sun rise and she had just drifted off to sleep, a mumbled, low, sleepy voice answers* Hello?

Desmond:
Lenor? It's Desmond. I'm sorry if I woke you. I didn't know who else to call... *He sounds a little different. Perhaps it the lack of cheeriness that strikes her first.*

Lemor:
*She coughs a bit and takes in a few deep breaths, waking herself as fast as she can* Des? You ok preacher man? *She does sound concerned*

Desmond:
I don't know. My church... it was just... There was an explosion. *He couldn't find a place to sit, and so he just lowers himself onto the sidewalk.*

Lenor:
sh...*She stops herself before she curses* Explosion?! Des, are you okay? Where are you? I'll come over *It sounds like she's suddenly running about, probably getting dressed*

Desmond:
Um.. *He looks up for street signs, and names off the street names where he sits at the corner.* I'm okay... I mean, I'm not hurt. I wasn't there when it happened. I got there just after... I'm just a little.. shaken, I guess. *He forces a deep breath.* Some terrible things are happening here... *That last part just breathed into the phone.*

Lenor:
Des, I live just a couple blocks from where you are, wait there I'll be there in a minute, okay? *She sounds out of breath, the sound of a slamming door can be heard*

Desmond:
Okay. You don't have to rush.. *As if worried she will hurt herself.* I will be okay.

Lenor:
Stay where you are *Her voice soft yet commanding, she hangs up the phone. In about 5 minutes he'll hear foots steps, as if someone is running, over the hill and running down towards him is a slightly rumbled Lenor, her hair back in a pony tail, jeans and a simple white tee-shirt, slipped on flat shoes, she did get ready in a hurry* Des!! *She calls out to him as soon as she sees him*

Desmond:
*He was still sitting on the street corner, looking up with a blink at how quickly Lenor managed to get there. He stands up. He looks quite the mess himself, besides the blood stains he is covered in dust and looks like he recently ran a marathon.*

Lenor:
*She reaches the light poll and has to catch herself to make herself stop, breathing rather deeply, she speaks between gasps* Des....you look....a...mess...catch my breath..we can go....back to...my ...place...*Tears light in her eyes as the sight of her friend, she frowns, and though she's still gasping for breath she reaches out and pulls him into a tight hug*

Desmond:
I told you not to rush.. *He lightly scolds her, though it holds no real anger, as he really is glad to see her. He leans into the hug, squeezing back tightly a moment as the reality of everything that has happened hits him and tears well up in his own eyes.*

Lenor:
*Still gasping lightly she pulls away just a tad* come on, just up the road, *Her lips twitch as she tries to hold back her tears* Come on, just make it up a couple of blocks *She takes his blood dried hand and pulls him along* We'll get you washed up..make you some coffee...*Her voice catches in her throat, she turns her face away as they walk, not wanting to show him her tears*
Desmond:
*He sniffs, wiping at his eyes though it only manages to smudge blood on his face. He nods, straightening up and moving to follow her as she takes his hand.*

Lenor:
*She was right, only a few city blocks from he broke down is her apartment building, a place called the Covey, it's an old building, ivy growing almost up to the 6th floor, it leans just a tad, but it look homey and clean, she leads him up the steps to the lobby, it's a blur of yellowed walls and long stair case, she leads him all the way to the top floor and to the door at the end of the hall, the door opens without a key, inside it's obvious she's a bit into her gothic side, walls painted a dark red, the living room contains a couch and matching love seat, both very cushy and covered in black velvet, the windows are shuttered in, not a single ray of light gets through those windows, she moves him to one of these couches and sits him down, she then locks her door and moves to sit next to him, finally the tears flow* Oh Des! *She throws her arms around him and holds him tight*

Desmond:
*He sits down on the couch without a fuss, with just a glance around her place. When she hugs him again, he just leans against her, taking a couple deep breaths to calm himself.*

Lenor:
It's ok...let it out....*She shudders lightly against him and just holds him close* I'm here for you...

Desmond:
*He closes his eyes, burying his face against her shoulder crying for a moment for the loss of the church that he wanted to bring hope back into the city. He had wanted to be strong while he helped the injured, but now he couldn't stop it. He was afraid, but he wouldn't let it get the best of him either. She could hear him murmuring words under his breath. Praying.He seemed to always find so much strength in his faith.*

Lenor:
*She sobs with him, light and quiet, holding him tightly, a hand on the back of his head, her wet cheek rubs against his, in her own mind she prays, her breathing steadies after a while and she softly whispers* Are you ok enough to take a shower? *Not that she minds him being dirty and covered in blood, but he must hate feeling the caked on dust and blood*

Desmond:
*He sniffs, as the tears dissipate and so do his quiet words. He lifts his head slowly, his glasses a little blurry now, but he is more calm.* Yes, I think so. *He pulls away a little, looking down at himself.* I am a mess, aren't I?

Lenor:
*She shakes her head and tries to muster a small smile* I just want you to be comfortable, I uh..*She frowns a bit and looks down* Even still have some of Derrik's old cloths, they'll fit you just fine, c'mon *She stands* Once you're feeling a little better I want you tell me everything

Desmond:
*He slowly gets to his feet, nodding.* Alright. *Wondering for a moment where he would even start, but he would get to that later, once he's gotten cleaned up.* Thank you, Lenor..

Lenor:
*She moves into another hug, this time accompanied by a small kiss, just a brush of lips against lips* It's very least I can do...*She sighs and leads him to the bathroom through her small bedroom, the bed is large, it looks just as cushy and comfy as the couch, she lets him walk into the bathroom and moves to her closet, she takes out a couple towels and washcloths, she hands them to him and nods* cloths will be on the bed...*She smiles softly and lets him close the door*

Desmond:
*Just a little blink at that kiss, though any blushing is hard to notice under his dirty face right now. He lets her show him the bathroom, taking the towels and such. He gives her a small smile before closing the door. Moments later the sound of the shower starts up.*

Lenor:
*unfortunately all he has in options are feminine products, but they don't smell too strongly. It takes her probably the whole time he's in the shower to find a pair of sweats and a large tee-shirt, she isn't sure if he'll even wear them, but lays out a pair of boxers, all the cloths are clean and smell nice, she leaves the room and closes the door, then starts a pot of coffee, lost in her thoughts*

Desmond:
*He doesn't mind what he uses right now as long as he's clean. About 15 minutes later he comes out of her room wearing the clothes she set out for him, his hair still wet but he looks better and he cleaned his glasses so he can actually see.*

Lenor:
*She looks tired, no makeup, but still lovely, she gives him a gentle smile* Hi, coffee? *She takes the fresh pot and pores herself a cup* I can make breakfast if you're hungry? *She seems to be trying to keep herself busy, maybe trying so hard to not think of someone horrible enough to blow up a church*

Desmond:
Thank you.. *He answers to her offer of coffee, smiling a little. He considers the food offer though, with a hand on his stomach.* I am not certain I could eat much right now.. but thank you.

Lenor:
Toast? maybe try a pancake or two? *She pores him a mug and hands it to him, cream and surger on the small nook like table, she moves to grab a loaf of bread, hands shaking she almost drops the bread, it takes effort to keep it in her hands as she trembles* sorry..*She mumbles, her back to him now as she fumbles to get the tie undone*

Desmond:
*He sets the cup down, seeing her fumble with the bread, he walks over to her, a hand gently places on her arm.* Lenor.. it's ok. I can eat something later.

Lenor:
*She gasps lightly and lets a few tears fall, she places a warm hand over his and looks up at him, face racked with concern and pain* I'm so sorry, Desmond

Desmond:
Don't be sorry for me. *He says gently.* I am saddened and horrified, but it won't stop me from continuing what I was sent here to do. It is for those poor souls who were caught in the blast that I have the most sorrow for... I wish I had been more careful... if I had known there was this much danger...

Lenor:
You had no warning..Who would do something like this? *She sniffs and leans back a bit, bringing his arm around her stomach to hold herself to him* How many were hurt? Did anyone...*She grits her teeth, she can't bring herself to finish that question*

Desmond:
*He lets her take his arm, keeping his arm around her when she brings it there.* Four were injured. I stayed until they were taken to a hospital. I mean to check up on them later. *A pause.* I don't know exactly who did it... I left the church while some workers stayed to help fix it up. Anyone could have gotten in in the mean time... But I think I might know who would...

Lenor:
Who? *She almost hisses, looking up at him, she pull his other arm about her warm body and holds them there by her own arms, leaning back into him lightly, by way of a backward hug*

Desmond:
*He frowns, looking down at her, then away as he recalls that night. He tightens his arms a little to hug her, as if sensing she needs it, wanting to comfort her despite what he has to say.* I had left to investigate some new supposed church that I found out about recently, called New Paradise. I had heard about them making threats and one man getting hurt. I went to see this "church" to find out if it was true. *His brow furrows.* Perhaps I was foolish to go alone.. I was attacked, and I barely got away. That place is sinister... and no church of God. They may be a cult or a gang... using religion as a tool of fear. *He doesn't often sound angry, but there is a hint of it in his voice.*

Lenor:
*Her eyes close, face twists a bit in pain, she reaches up and cups the back of his head, lightly pushing his face into her neck, she sniffs and shudders, lips find his temple and press lightly* you are such a good man, you don't deserve any of this. Those people were good, I don't understand *It dawns on her then and she whispers into the his ear with conviction in her voice* I will expose them..

Desmond:
*He lowers his eyes, his head bending down as she draws it there against her neck, though he tilts his head so it is his nose that presses against her skin. He is always fine with comforting contact, but a little bashful with being so intimate. He looks up at her with her hissed words, frowning a little.* I don't want you to get in trouble with them, too, Lenor. They are obviously dangerous, and it seems angered easily. I have talked with the police already, but I don't know how powerful these people are. I don't want more people to get hurt...

Lenor:
You've talked to the police about them? *She frowns and turns quickly within his arms, she wraps her arms about his neck and holds his head down her sweet smelling skin, she nuzzles his chin lightly* Desmond, if they go to that church to investigate, they'll know it was because of you, they'll hide any evidence and then the cops'll leave, and they'll come after you *Fresh tears spring to her eyes,she takes in a shuddering breath*

Desmond:
What else was I to do? *He asks quietly, looking down at her with a worried expression, though maybe more for her than for himself. He reaches up, gently using his thumb to wipe a tear from the corner of her eye.* I can't do nothing and let more people get hurt.A woman that helped me take care of the injured offered to let me use her church. She said they have been able to protect each other from this cult. Maybe they will help. *He does not know any better, and despite what had happened, he is still very trusting.*

Lenor:
*She frowns deeply, looking up into his eyes, she shakes her head* No, rent a small building if you have to, Desmond you can't trust people, the first thing you need to do is get a good lawyer *Her expression hardens a bit* I mean it, they'll come after you any way they can, a lawyer, and don't trust people so willingly, for all we know that woman could be working for them *She grabs him by the shoulders and pulls him in closer that before* You have got to protect yourself first

Desmond:
*He looks back at her, or tries to at such a close distance.* But she seemed very nice... *Poor naive Desmond.* Though I thought it a little odd she said I could go there after 9pm for a tour. But why would she help me if she was one of them?

Lenor:
to lure you in, false security *She is face to face with him now, noses touching, foreheads pressed together* Please Des, just rent out a small building, the YMCA or something. Please...*Face scrunches up again as she fights even more tears* please protect yourself

Desmond:
How am I supposed to do anything if I can't trust anyone? I trust you. *Quiet a moment as she has him literally face to face with her. His brows come together, and he lets out a soft sigh.* I will try... but my first duty will always be to protect others.

Lenor:
*She lets him go and frowns softly* Aren't you listening to the spirit? I am. And I'm feeling really bad about this woman, just bad about all of this. *She places a hand softly against his cheek* Don't you understand, if you put yourself in danger you put the rest of us in danger?

Desmond:
*He chews on the inside of his lip lightly as he listens to her. He meets her gaze at the urgency in her voice. He really does trust her and so maybe that is why he is taking greater stock in what she is saying. There was that bad feeling he had gotten when he looked at that woman... something... evil? But he had passed it off as something else...* Okay... I won't go to that church.

Lenor:
*She nods softly, her thumb caressing his cheek, she sighs lightly* Thank you. now tomorrow we need to get you a lawyer, and talk to insurance, and...*She trails away and bites her lower lip, eyes wince a touch* I guess we can think about the rest of the stuff later, first, the lawyer, because if that other "church" can't hurt you psychically they'll try using the law *She lowers her eyes* HE has manipulated everything we use to protect ourselves *She hopes he knows who she's referring to when she says "HE"*

Desmond:
*He draws in a deep sigh.* I will see about finding one. I do want to make sure my congregation has a place to go soon... but I can deal with that afterwards. There is a lot I will need to do...

Lenor:
Good. *She smiles softly as he doesn't fight, she just, feels, that this is right. her eyes look back into his, she runs her thumb along his cheek bone, she does look tired, but doesn't seem to want to go to bed just yet, or maybe she just doesn't want to leave his side* We should get some sleep.

Desmond:
*He nods gently, pretty exhausted himself.* We should. *Those deeply emotional eyes searching hers for a moment before he looks down, then steps back a little.* Thanks again, Lenor. For everything. I do not have very many close friends in this city right now.

Lenor:
*She takes both his hands and lifts one to her lips, she kisses his knuckles softly and nods* It's the very least I can do for you. You should stay here for a while though, I don't think your place is very safe *There is no hint of another agenda, only concern. Gentle eyes look back into his* Will you...*She blushes and looks down, nipping her lower lip* hold me..while..we sleep..

Desmond:
I wouldn't want to be a bother... *He says about staying there, though he won't protest too much, knowing she is right, and not certain he wants to be alone right now. Then he looks up at her at her request, pausing.* Well... if... it would help you sleep...

Lenor:
I think it would help you sleep. *She raises a hand and brushes it along his jaw slowly* I didn't see the horrors you saw. Come, let's rest *She leans up and kisses his forehead*

Desmond:
*A little shy smile at her kind consideration.* Maybe it would.. *And he lets her guide the way to the bed, no other ideas in mind but to sleep.*

Lenor:
*She nods to her bed* I'll be right back *Voice smooth and soft, she rubs his knuckles with her thumb softly, then leave him to grab up some pjs and move into the bathroom. 5 minutes later she steps out in her powder blue tank top and silk pj bottoms*

Desmond:
*He nods to her, shuffling to the bed. It was a little strange to get into someone else's bed, but he is so tired it hardly bothers him. He pulls back the covers, sitting on the edge with a large yawn. He ends up looking around her room for a moment, before he lays down and scoots over.*

~Becca~ says:
*The room is like the living room, dark red, a few paintings on the walls, all just blurred dark colors, candles, at least 15 in this small bed room, incense sticks sit half burned in the corners. This place was made for relaxing. She slips in next to him and pulls the blanket over them. She smiles lightly, then leans over and turns the light off, they are thrown into utter darkness except for the clock on her side table, it reads 9 am, but not a single ray of light penetrates her windows, she sighs softly and finds his arms, pulling them about her stomach and waist* Please wake me up for anything, even if you just need to talk, okay?

Desmond:
*He lets his arms curl around her. He is maybe a tad bit awkward in this situation. How long had it been since he'd been in a bed with a woman? If ever? But he relaxes, so many other things on his mind, and hoping he could even sleep.* I will. Promise. *He murmurs as he settles in against her.*

Lenor:
*She takes his glasses and sets them on the table, then cuddles back into him and sighs with a gentle moan..so many years since she's had a man hold her, it makes her want to cry, but she can't feel this way, not now, not when he needs her to be focused* Good..night *She whispers and she drifts away, her perfumed hair, her neck, all so soft and easy to bury one's face into*

Desmond:
Good night. *He quietly responds, and his breath was so close to the back of her neck... but he simply lays his head down, closing his eyes, slowly finding his way into sleep.*