"No, I'll be back," Anael told him with a soft smile. "Black coffee. I remember." He unbuckled his belt and leaned over to press a grateful kiss to Jack's cheek, then hopped out of the SUV to walk into the Starbucks.

It took a little time, but ten minutes later, he had made good use of some more miraculous cash, and bought Jack a coffee and himself a tea, along with a piece of chocolate brownie. It had seemed like the thing to do. The drinks and cake were on one of those cardboard drink holders, so he could open the car door with one hand and hoist himself back in.

"Chocolate felt like a safe bet," he stated.