"Beauty and the Beast" 
FEATURING THE ANGELS FROM "TOUCHED BY AN ANGEL" 


The Christmas shopping rush was in full swing. The bustling shoppers of Buffalo, 
New York barely saw the new arrival, which suited him just fine. The collar of 
his worn, leather jacket had been turned up to try and block out the winter's 
chill. A faded, leather backpack was slung over his shoulder. In his tattered 
jacket, equally faded sneakers, and filthy jeans, David Banner appeared to be 
nothing more than another vagrant seeking shelter for the night.
David Banner rounder the corner, and was greeted by an old, grey stone church. 
Its yard presented the usual holiday display of ceramic people and animals. At 
the center of which was a shining infant in a manger, his arms outstretched to 
embrace the passers-by. David stopped to examine the display with a kind of 
melancholy wonder. Another Christmas was coming, another year over, and, for 
him, another year on the road. Maybe he could stay here for a while before being 
forced to move on to the next town. He nodded to the figures in a gesture that 
was supposed to be a bow of respect, then continued on. Two women, invisible to 
everyone, were watching the whole scene.
"It's Christmas, and he doesn't seem very happy, Tess," commented the first, a 
young, white woman with long, auburn hair. Her voice carried the lilt of 
Ireland.
"He feels as if there's nothing to be thankful for," explained Tess, an older 
black woman whose hair was turning white in a patch on the forehead. "His name 
is David and he's your assignment."
"How long will David be in town?" Asked the young woman, Monica.
"Until after Christmas," Tess assured her. "It'll take that long to show him the 
meaning in his life."
Tess and Monica were angels, it was they who interveined when a person had need 
of divine guidance in their lives. Monica looked in sympathy as David continued 
down the sidewalk, and around the corner.
The wind was freezing as it began to blow, small flecks of snow drifted 
downward. David glanced up at the cold, grey sky. He turned and pushed open the 
door of a small, second-hand store that was near-by. The string of sleigh bells 
on the door announced his presence. David shut the door, and, blowing on his 
hands, to warm them, turned to look out at the flurries.
"Welcome to Under the Sun," said a female voice from behind. David turned toward 
the interior of the store. A young woman in her late twenties had entered. Her 
soft, brown hair was pulled back into a ponytail, and she wore a pale, blue 
smock. "Can I help you find anything?" She greeted.
"I just stopped to get out of the cold," David answered.
"You're certainly welcome to do that," she assured him. "Looks like you've been 
doing a good deal of travelling," Trisha commented, glancing at David's filthy 
sneakers and threadbare clothing.
"I was hoping I could stop for a while," Banner admitted. "Do you know a place 
where I can stay for the night?"
"Sure. Least of My People. It's a mission down the street. I was heading over 
there with some clothes I couldn't sell. I can show you the way, if you'd like."
"That's very kind. Thank you, Miss . . . ."
"Trisha Shafton."
"David Bartow."
"Nice knowing you, Dave. Before we head out, maybe you could use a new jacket." 
Trisha selected a warm, winter coat from the rack. With reluctance, David 
accepted the gift. "I can't afford to pay you," he warned.
"Don't worry about it." Something about Trisha's smile seemed to warm Banner. 
"Would you mind carrying that box for me?"
"I'd be glad to," Banner answered, gratefully. He lifted the cardboard box of 
old clothes as Trisha removed her smock. She hung it on a peg and removed her 
own jacket. Banner stepped into the freezing outdoors once more, and waited 
while Trisha pulled her shop door closed, and locked it. She then fell into step 
alongside Banner.
"Do you live around here?" Banner inquired as they walked.
"Yeah. I have an apartment above the store. Where are you from?"
"I don't have a home," Banner answered, sadly. "My family thinks I'm dead."
"Sorry to hear that."
"It's for the best," the former scientist shrugged with a kind of resignation. 
"Maybe, if I can find peace here I can let them know I'm really alive."
Least of My People was an old building near Trisha's shop. It had once been the 
YMCA, but the business went under. Trisha explained to Banner that Tess had 
bought the building and was using it as a homeless shelter. Trisha opened the 
door for Banner and he smiled her his thnaks.
"Hello! Anyone here!?" Trisha called out as the front door slammed shut. An 
older black owman emerged from the office. Her black hair turning white in a 
patch on the forehead.
"Trisha! You're like clockwork, Child!" Tess greeted.
"Hi, Tess," Trisha returned the greeting. "This is David, he needs a place to 
stay while he's in town."
"Where do you want the box?" Banner wanted to know.
"Just set it down anywhere, baby," Tess instructed. The cardboard box hit the 
floor with a soft thump. Banner shook the angel's hand in greeting. "Andrew will 
distribute them later."
"Who's Andrew?"
"He helps out here," Trisha began to explain when a young man with long blond 
hair appeared in the hallway. He was dressed in a grey sweat shirt, and his 
jeans were just as faded as Banner's.
"I thought I heard my name mentioned," he teased, playfully. "You brought more 
work for me, eh, Trisha?"
"I'm sure someone here can use some new clothes."
"That they will," Andrew agreed. "Thank you." Andrew, like Tess and Monica, was 
an angel. The Angel of Death whenever the need arose.
"Do you have a room for me?" Banner inquired of Tess.
"Yes, we have plenty." Tess motioned for Banner to come with her, while Trisha 
and Andrew sorted through the clothes.
"I plan to find work while I"m here," Banner assured Tess as they walked. "I 
don't want to live on charity alone."
"Glad to hear it," Tess answered. "We give hand-ups, along with the hand-outs 
here."
"Hand-ups?"
"When you come to Least of My People, we help you to get back onto your feet," 
Tess explained. Banner smiled, slightly. "I've been on my feet. I just want to 
find a quiet place to settle in for a while."
"You've come to the right place."
"About that job. Trisha gave me this coat, and I want to work for her to pay off 
my debt. Do you know if she needs any extra help at the store?"
The black angel's eyes lit up in joy. "Why yes. As a matter of fact, she and 
Monica could use some extra help over the holidays."
"Monica?"
"You'll meet her tomorrow. I'm sure Trisha hasn't left yet. I'll talk to her, 
and see if she can't hire you for the holidays." Tess reached into a dark froom 
and pulled a cord. The overhead light came on, its bare bulb blinding Banner 
with its brightness. Upon recovering, Banner discovered the room contained two 
cots.
"Two beds?"
"We share rooms here. Do you have a problem with that?"
"Not unless they plan to make trouble," Banner admitted. "I like to be left 
alone, sometimes."
"I'm sure you and your new room mate will get along just fine," Tess assured 
him. "Now, then, Andrew will set you up with some new clothed, supper is at six, 
and I'll talk to Trisha bout you working for her while you're here."
With that, Tess took her leave. Banner entered the room, and flipped his owrn, 
leather pack onto the cot. Banner sat down to rest, facing the door. He wanted 
to get a good look at his potential room mate, and decide whether or not there 
would be trouble. Soon, footsteps sounded on the hallway, and a young, Latino 
man entered the room. His hair was black and his eyes were dark. His round face 
curved into a smile when he saw Banner.
"Buenos dias, muchacho" the newcomer greeted. Banner rose from his cot, the 
young mand didn't look like trouble.
"Hi, I'm David."
"Raphael. You're staying here a while?"
"For as long as I can stay out of trouble.
"Then, we should be good room mates, amigo," Raphael approved. He, like Tess, 
Monica, and Andrew, was an angel. Raphael would be Banner's unofficial friend at 
the mission.
Tess returned to the room later that evening, and informed Banner that Trisha 
indeed needed help in her store. She had agreed to hire Banner for the holiday 
season. He would start first thing in the morning. Banner promised to be there 
on time.
The next mornign, Banner arrived at Under the Sun to find Trisha waiting for 
him. With her was a young woman with long, auburn hair, Monica.
"Well, he came back," Trisha teased.
"It's very kind of you to hire me, Trisha," Banner said, grateful. "What can I 
do first?"
"Monica will show you how to stock the shelves while I deal with the register."
Monica motioned for Banner to follow her. She showed him how to insert the 
hangers into the clothing, then arrange it on the metallic rack.
"Does Trisha get much business here?" Banner asked as they worked.
"Yes, she does," Monica admitted. "Many people in this neighborhood are poor and 
depend on Trisha's shop for just about everything from clothing to toys and 
books for their wee ones," Monica indicated to a far corner of the store, where 
some children were seated on the floor, thoroughly engrossed in reading.
"She doesn't mind them just sitting there and reading?" Banner wondered.
"Not at all. She feels her store belongs to everyone, but it's not always easy." 
As if on cue, a sleek, black car pulled up to the front door. "That's Bruce 
Talbot, her ex-boyfriend," Monica explained, quietly, as the front door flew 
open. Trisha confronted him.
"What are you doing here?"
"Offering you something for your troubles. You could have any amount you want, 
make me an offer."
"How about getting out of my store before I call the cops? I told you, I'm not 
selling the store."
"You'll never have anything in life, Trisha. Think of what I can offer you, 
money, power . . . ."
"Buy my way into heaven?" She retorted. "No thank you. I get rewarded everyday 
when I see my customers' faces."
Monica moved closer to Trisha. "Look, Trish, don't make this any harder on 
yourself. When I build my shopping complex here, you can have a prime location. 
You'll still be able to sell your rags."
Trisha's eyes blazed with anger. "Then you'll tell me how much I can charge for 
my clothes. Prices people in this neighborhood can't afford."
"Then, you'd have only the best people coming to your boutique."
"Best people, Bruce? People like you, or the people who live here?"
"Listen, girl. One way or another, I'm going to tear down this eyesore, and make 
my shopping complex."
"And displace every person here. If by my not selling out to you, these people 
get to keep their homes, I'm not selling." Trisha's eyes were steal as she met 
Bruce's squarely.
Bruce's eyes arched in surprise and anger. He glanced at Monica, then he noticed 
Banner. Looking down his nose at the new hire, Banner could help feeling the 
contempt in Bruce's gaze.
"You've had your warning, Trish. Next time, things will be ugly," Bruce turned 
on his heels, and stalked out to his car. From her shop, Trisha could see him in 
his car, talking aon a phone as the chauffer pulled away from the curb.
"Are you o.k., Trisha?" Banner asked, concerned.
"Yeah, I can handle him. He's just a playboy fat cat," she scoffed. "God only 
knows why I dated him. He wants to tear out this neighborhood and build a 
shopping high rise."
"Least of My People is here," Monica pointed out, equally concerned. "He doesn't 
care," Trisha informed her. I'm not selling and giving him that satisfaction."
That evening, back at the mission, Raphael had found a copy of The National 
Register, and was reading an article concerning Banner and the Hulk when Banner 
entered the room. "What are you reading?"
"An article." The angel sat up, almost laughing at the seemingly outlandish 
story. "They say that there was a scientist killed by his own monster."
"Is that so?"
"The scientist's name was . . . ." Raphael turned the page, and found a picture 
of Banner. He glanced quickly from the paper to his room mate. "What did you say 
your name was?"
"Raphael, can you keep a secret?"
"Sure, what's the secret?"
"My name's David Banner, not David Bartow."
"The guy in the article?" Raphael snatched up the paper, and studied the 
picture. "It said David Banner was killed by Hulk, a giant, green-skinned 
monster."
"I'm not dead, but it's best if people think that I am. I'm afraid for Trisha. 
She hired me, not knowing about the creature. Now, her rich boyfriend is coming 
aound, things are about to get very strange."
"Nothing I haven't seen before," Raphael folded the paper. "Knowing Trisha, 
she's a strong woman. Hardly anything frightens her."
The following morning, Banner had returned to work once more. This time, he was 
helping Trisha decorate the store for Christrmas. A box of donated books waited 
in the back to be shelved. There would be time for that later. 
The door swung open, the bells swayed in an angry jingle, not the usual merry 
melody. Two street toughs entered, armed with clubs. Monica confronted them.
"I'm sorry, you can't bring those in here." The first roughly shoved the angel 
away. "Back off, Lady. Where's your boss?"
Trisha rounded the corner. "Here. What can I do for you?"
"Our boss came to make you a little offer," growled the first. 
"Did Bruce send you?" Trisha demanded, almost guessing who was behing this 
invasion.
"Look, lady," the second stepped closer. "Sell the store, and we'll leave. Stand 
tough, we level the place."
"You wouldn't!" Monica blanched.
"Oh no?" Brutus, the first hood, swung his pipe, knocking the cash register to 
the floor. Banner stepped forward. "Leave her alone!" He ordered.
"Out of my way, punk!" The second, Ceaser, shoved Banner roughly away. They then 
began to smash everything they could lay their hands on. "STOP, PLEASE! THESE 
PEOPLE ARE POOR!" Trisha tried to appeal to their sense of compassion. But, the 
compassion had been bought out by greed. 
Trisha tried to jump on Brutus' back, and snatch the pipe away. He kicked her 
roughly off, then turned on her. Banner seized the praised hand. "I'm warning 
you, leave before I get angry. I can not be held accountable for my actions."
"Neither can I," Brutus scoffed. "Ceaser, get rid of the flea."
Ceaser shoved Banner away, he knocked into the tree, and it toppled over. Monica 
was at Banner's side.
"David! Are you all right?" The angel drew back when she saw Banner's eyes had 
turned white, his skin was beginning to turn green. The muscles grew, bulging 
his shirt at the seams. "Tess! What's going on!?!" 
"Have faith, baby," answered an invisible Tess. "It will be all right."
Trisha was still trying to fight Brutus and Ceaser when a loud roar was heard. 
Hulk tore his shirt, and approached the two punks, snarling and angry. Trisha 
was about to scream, when Monica stopped her. "He's not going to hurt you. He's 
here to help."
The girl and angel watched as the unusual champion fought the two punks. Seizing 
the two men, Hulk threw them through the window with a warning roar. The two 
scrambled up, and fled, knowing they were in over their heads.
Hulk turned to the two women. Monica had helped Trisha to her feet. "It's o.k., 
Trisha. He means us no harm."
"You saved us," Trisha managed to stutter. Thank you." 
Hulk stared at the women. Initally, people would run from him, but these two 
women didn't run. The first came foreward. "My name's Trisha." Her slender hand 
touched the huge green one. "You saved my store. I owe you." Hulk looked around 
at the jumbled wreck. "It doesn't look like it, but you prevented those two from 
doing any more damage. Maybe I can be up and running before Christmas." Hulk 
looked back at Trisha, growling a question.
"He wants to know about Christmas," Monica translated the growling. "I believe 
there's a book in that box which may help."
Trisha opened the box. At the very top was a book about Christmas. "Well, lookee 
here," Trisha commented, and turned to Monica. "Did you peek?"
The angel laughed. "No, I just had a feeling it was there. Explain Christmas to 
him, I'll take care of things at the counter."
Hulk followed Trisha through the back door of the shop and into her apartment, 
where the reading light was better. Like Belle reading to the Beast, Trisha 
opened the book, and began to read to Hulk. From her vantage point, Monica could 
see and hear them.
"Look, Tess, Hulk seems to be listening. Maybe I've made a match."
"Yes, you made a match, Ms. Wings. Hulk may not be much to look at, but he's one 
of God's children."
"Is this my assignment, Tess? To help Hulk?'
"And David," Tess added. "The Father wants both to know his love."
Back in Bruce's office, Brutus and Ceaser explained to him about the giant 
creature they had seen at Under the Sun. As they talked, Bruce began to type 
something into his computer. He found the website of The Register. He turned the 
screen so they could see the prominently displayed page. 
"Is this what you losers saw?"
"Yah, that's it. Yuck! He's even uglier this way!" Brutus commented.
"You two are probably brothers," Bruce scoffed. "There's a guy named Jack McGee, 
he's a reporter who's been trailing the creature. If you guys can get him to 
come here, that will be ten thousand bucks to the both of you."
Brutus and Ceaser traded glances. The thought of so much money penetrated their 
dim intellects. "I'll give this McGee a call, and see about him coming here. You 
boys know how to make this thing appear.
Jack McGee worked for the National Register as a reporter. The Register was a 
tabloid newspaper that had first broke the story of Hulk. Jack had trailed the 
giant mutant from state to state, hoping to capture him. Jack thought Hulk had 
murdered Banner, and wanted to bring the giant to justice.
Bruce's phone call was intercepted by Jack's secretrary, who then relayed it to 
her boss. "Jack McGee," he greeted upon lifting the receiver.
"Mr. McGee, this is Bruce Talbot of LandCo Enterprises."
"Yeah, so?"
"I have a story here that may be of interest to you."
"I'm listening."
"This monster you've been reporting on, two of my boys saw it this morning."
"Monster, eh?" Jack had heard calls like this before. "How can I believe you?"
"They said the thing was over six feet tall, green skin, rather brutish."
"That's him." Jack lifted a pencil. "Where can I contact you?"
Back in Trisha's apartment, Banner came to consciousness on her couch, a blanket 
covering him. "Where am I?" He sat up. Trisha emerged from the front store where 
she was cleaning up the damage. "The green knight awaketh," she quipped.
"Green knight?" Banner made certain he had heard right.
"You had to have been there, David. He was amazing!"
"Really?"
"Bruce sent some of his goons to try and shake me down," Trisha began to 
explain. "I tried to stop them before they wrecked the whole store. Neither 
Monica nor I could stop them, but thank God the green guy showed up." Banner 
looked up, swiftly. "Was anyone hurt?"
"Just my store. The big guy chased Ren and Stimpy away. He was totally amazing!" 
Trisha exhaulted her newfound prince charming. "You weren't hurt?" Banner was 
concerned.
"Not at all. In fact, I explained Christmas to him." Banner glanced down at the 
floor, the book Trisha had been reading to Hulk lay open where she had left it. 
"You should have seen him," Trisha said again.
"I don't really want to." Pale, Banner turned to Trisha. "Trish, I don't know 
how to tell you this. That thing was me."
"What?" Trisha drew closer, and sat on the couch.
"This is why its best for people to think I'm dead. My name's David Banner. 
Years ago, I was involved in an experiment on gamma radiation. I'm not sure what 
went wrong, but, all I know is that I now live with Hulk inside of me. When 
angered, he emerges."
"So, you're my Green Knight," Trisha gently placed a kiss on Banner's forehead. 
"I owe you."
"I'd better get back to the mission before Tess notices I'm gone." Banner rose 
from the couch, blanket over his shoulders. "Hey, you can't go out like that in 
this weather," Trisha stopped him.
The front door of Least of My People opened, and Jack McGee looked around. Tess 
emerged from the office. "Can I help you?"
"Are you the owner of this mission?"
"Name's Tess."
"Jack McGee, of the National Register. I'm here investigating a rumor about a 
monster."
"A monster?"
"A brute. Six feet tall, green skinned.
"No, I haven't seen anything like that in here. It would be kind of hard to 
miss."
"That he would. Did you have any tenants come in recently?"
"Maybe I did, maybe I didn't," Tess answered, curtly. "You won't find that out 
from me."
"Of course, confidentiality. Would you mind if I had a look around?"
"Yes, I would," Tess retorted. 
"Well, if you see anything, give me a call. The creature is wanted for murder."
"Who died?" Andrew appeared at Tess' side.
"A scientist. David Banner was murdered by that thing, and I'm bringing him in. 
There's a ten thousand dollar reward for his capture."
"David Banner's dead?" Andrew made certain he had heard right.
"Killed by his own monster they say. If you see anything, let me know." With 
that, Jack exited the building. "David Banner's not dead," Andrew said to Tess. 
"I was with him that night, but he's not dead."
"No, he's not. In fact, he and Raphael are sharing a room," Tess was saying as 
the front door opened. "David!" She called, only to be met with silence.
Banner knew Jack McGee well, and if he was in town, there was more trouble than 
he thought. He had seen Jack's car in front of the mission, and managed to 
remain hidden until it pulled away from the curb. Banner decided that it was no 
longer safe for his new friends, he must leave town as soon as possible.
Raphael looked up as Banner blew into the room, and seized up his backpack. 
"Hey, muchaho, what are you doing?"
"'m leaving," Banner answered, briefly, hastily packing the clothes Trisha had 
given him.
"What? What's going on?"
"I have to leave, Raphael. It's not safe for me to be here, and just as bad for 
anyone around me."
"Does it have to do with Hulk?" Banner glanced back at his angelic friend. 
"Yeah, it does. Jack McGee was just here. He's been after me, and won't rest 
until he gets his exclusive about Hulk."
"He thinks Hulk killed you? Where are you going to go?"
Banner sighed, letting his clothing fall from his hand. "I don't know. I just 
want to be left alone for a while."
Raphael sat beside his human friend. "And, Trisha. You like her?" Banner 
remained silent, the angel had guessed his feelings for her. "And she likes you, 
I can tell, muchacho." 
"That's why I have to leave, Raphael. I don't want anyone to be hurt because of 
me."
"At least say adios."
"I'll stop by before I leave."
"Who's leaving? Andrew stood framed in the doorway.
"Don't try to stop me, Andrew. I saw Jack McGee's car out front. If he's here, I 
have to leave."
"You're safe here, David," Andrew assured him. 
"I may be safe, but you're not. Hulk will hurt someone here."
"You have a free will, my friend," Andrew said. "I can't stop you from leaving.
"I'll stop and say good bye to Trisha before I leave," Banner promised.


PART 2

"Hulk's Wonderful Life"


David Banner rounded the corner, and entered the shop where he had worked. 
David Banner rounded the corner, and entered the shop where he had worked.  The 
floor was in the process of being swept, so Trisah didn't notice him.  After 
waiting patiently, Banner spoke, "Trish?"
She turned, and smiled in greeting, then noticed the backpack slung over his 
shoulder.  "You're leaving already?"
He nodded, "I'm sorry to leave on such short notice, but this is for your own 
good."
"Is this about Hulk?"  
"Yeah, I don't want anyone to get hurt because of me.  I won't forget you, 
Trish."
"Hulk won't hurt me," Trisha assured Banner.  "He didn't hurt me or Monica.  Why 
don't yu stay until after the holidays," Trisha suggested.  "If you still want 
to leave, you can leave."  
Banner sighed, reluctance and indecision played in the lines of his face.  He 
cared deeply for Trisha, and felt that she felt the same way about him.  Maybe 
he could stay, with any luck, Brutus and Ceaser, the thugs who had trashed 
Trisha's store, Under the Sun, wouldn't come back.  Maybe Hulk scared them 
enough.
"There's a Christmas party at Least of My People tongiht," Trisha continued.  "I 
can't kiss myself under the mistletoe."
Banner blushed, and let the backpack slip to the floor.  "All right, just until 
after Christmas."
"Fair enough."  Trisha shoved the broom at Banner, a playful light dnaced in ehr 
brown eyes.  "Get to sweeping, I've got some presents to wrap."
Jack McGee arrived at the office of Trisha's ex-boyfriend, Bruce.  The reporter 
looked disappointed.  Tess had been something other than cooperative about Hulk 
and Banner.  Jack was going to return to his office.
"There's one more person you might try," Bruce suggested.  "Her name's Trisha 
Shafton.  She's a little sweet on this monster.  He roughed up my boys when they 
were in her shop."
"She won't tell me anything," Jack predicted.
"She might, she might not," Bruce agreed.  "But, when you've found her, Hulk 
won't be far behind."
That evening was the Christmas party at Least of My People, the mission where 
Banner was staying.  Trisha had managed to ascertain some presents for the 
homeless people at the mission.  Banner's room mate, a young Latino man named 
Raphael, caught up with him at the punch bowl, where Banner had been getting a 
drink for himself and Trisha.
"Glad you changed your mind azbout staying, muchacho."
"Trisha talked me into it."
"I think she likes you," Raphael teased, and Banner blushed.  "I only hope 
nothing else goes wrong," Banner added.
"If it does, then it's God's will you're here," Raphael answered.  "Trisha's not 
exactly helpless, but there are times when she needs a little extra help."
"Don't we all," Banner collected the cups, and approached Trisha, who was in 
conversation with Monia, a young, Irish woman, who helped at her second hand 
store.
"Oh, thanks," Trisha accepted the cup Banner offered her.  As she raised the 
drink to her lips, there came the distance scream of a siren.  Then another, one 
by one, sirens raced past the mission.  Tess, the black woman who ran the 
mission, entered the gym where the party was being held.  "Trisha, baby, I think 
you'd better leave now."
"What's going on?"  
"There's trouble at your store," Tess briefly explained.  "You'd better 
go.  David, will you see her out safely?"
"Sure, Tess."  Banner accompanied Trisha to the front hall where she had left 
her coat on the rack.  After helping her with her coat, the former scientist 
opened the door for Trisha.  The two stepped out into the freezing night as a 
fire truck swept past them, sirens blaring, and lights flashing.  The sirens 
quieted, and the lights were swallowed by the other fire trucks parked outside 
of Under the Sun.  Horrified, Trisha dashed forward.
"Oh, God!  What happened?!"
She was met by her neighbors, who stopped her before she could go any 
further.  "There's a fire at ths shop," a woman said.
"We're trying our best to get it out," a firefighter assured Trisha as he ran 
past.  Trisha looked up to see the orange-red glow of flames coming from her 
store and apartment.  Heartbroken, she turned to Banner, and he held her 
close.  Everything she owned was desstroyed.
"It'll be all right," Banner assured her, gently.  "It'll be all right.  You can 
rebuild."
"These people needed me," Trisha murmured, trying to hold back her sobs.  "They 
needed this store.  Why did he do it?  Why!"
Banner held Trisha as he watched the firemen battle the blaze.  Trisha's 
neighbors stepped aside to let a firefighter pass through.
"Are you the owner here?"
"Yeah, I'm Trisha Shafton," Trisha stepped out of Banner's arms.  
"The fire's undercontrol, but it won't be safe for you to go back in there."
"What about her apartment?"  Banner inquired.  The firefighter glanced at 
Banner.  "Boyfriend?" He inquired of Trisha.
"Sort of.  Part boyfriend, part employee."
"The apartment's damaged," the firefighter answered.  "I'd suggest you make 
living arrangments else where until the repair work's done."
"I'll talk to Tess at the mission, maybe I can stay there."
"Do you have any idea how the fire may have started?"
"In fact, I do.  I have an ex-boyfriend who wants me to sell my shop and move 
out so he can tear this neighborhood down and put up a hgih priced shopping 
complex.  I won't give in to him."
"We'll help you rebuild," promised a neighbor.  "Don't worry about a thing, 
Trisha.  It'll take time, but you can rebuild."
"I will," Trisha assured them, the tears in her eyes gave way to her own 
fire.  "I won't give in to Bruce!"
Tess allowed to Trisha to stay at Least of My People until the store and 
apartment wrre repaired.  The fire chief and police still needed to investigate 
for arson clues before the repair work could begin.  So, Trisha and Banner saw a 
lot more of each other.  She on the women's side fo the mission, and he on the 
men's, Tess found them chores to do while at the mission, and they would often 
pass each other in the hall.
Trisha was in Tess's office, while she was making supper, when the front door 
opened.  Jack McGee had once more returned.  Trisha glanced up from the 
computer.
"Can I help you?"
"Jack McGee, of the National Register," the reporter entered the office.  The 
girl should be easier to deal with, he told himself.
"Are you here about the fire?"
"No, in fact, I'm here for a different story."  Trisha swiveled the chair to 
face him.  "It seems there has been a monster sighted here."
"A monster?  I'm don't know what your talking about."
"No?  I was told you were a friend of his."
"I don't know any monsters."  Trisha insisted.  
"There was a sighting at your store," Jack persisted.  "A green-skinned giant, 
over six-feet tall."
"Oh!  You mean Green Knight."
"I've always called him Hulk," Jack removed a pen from his pocket, and opened a 
notebook.  
"You call him Green Knight?"
"Yeah, sure, after he saved me from a pair of brain-dead boobs.  I'd call him my 
knight in shining armor, but I don't think they make armor that big."
"No, I'd agree with that," Jack agreed.  "Your "knight" is wanted for murder."
"Murder?  Who did he kill?"
"His creator, a scientist named David Banner."  Banner had already told Trisha 
his story, but she maintained innocence to play the reporter.  "There has been a 
reported sighting of this creature in every state," Jack continued.  "I was 
wondering if you could help me."
"Yeah, I'll give you a story,"  Trisha grinned to herself as Jack's pen 
readied.  "He's not a murderer, he's a hero."  Jack stopped.  This was not the 
story for which he had hoped.  "He saved me.  Now, you tell me, why would a 
murderer save someone's life?"
Jack pocketed his pen and notebook.  "Thank you for your time, Miss.  Be sure to 
give me a call when you see anything."
Jack retreated as Tess entered.  She had approached in time to see Jack 
leave.  "Was that man here again?"  She exclaime din disbelief, entering the 
office.
"He's been here before?"  Trisha was surprised.
"A few days ago.  He was looking for David and Hulk."
"You know about David being Hulk?"  Tess nodded.  "We keep private everyone who 
comes into Least of My People," she concluded.  "Are you going to the concert 
tonight?"  Tess changed the subject.
"Wouldn't miss it," Trisha answered.  "Maybe I can get David to go with me."
"Good.  Keep your spirits up, Baby," Tess encouraged her.
Jack returned to tell Bruce that his idea had failed.  "She's just as bad as the 
other."  
"There's one more try," Bruce delayed Jack.  "My boys, Brutus and Ceaser have to 
take care of a little business in that neighborhood tonight.  Bring your camera, 
and you might get a few pictures to put on the front page."
"What do you have in mind?"  Jack sensed his lead was up to no good.
"Do you remember what I said about the girl?  When you find . . . ."
"No kidnapping!"  Jack interrupted. 
"Of course not," Bruce assured his visitor.  "You surprise me, Mr. McGee.  I 
wouldn't expect someone from the media to have such high morals."
"I won't hurt an innocent bystander," Jack cautioned.
"You won't."
"All right," Jack agreed.  "I'll go with your goons.  But, no monkey business, 
or else the pictures will be sued as evidence in a court of law."  He 
threatened.
That ngiht, a black car was parked near the burned shell fo Under the Sun.  The 
block where the store had been was blocked for police and fire officials, so 
Brutus had to find an alley that was close to it.
Meanwhile, unaware of the danger that awated, Trisha and David were at the 
church, listening to the choir singing their carols.  In addition to being the 
supervisor of Least of My People, Tess was also a minister at the church. 
"I'm glad you came, David," Trisha said, softly.
"Thank you for inviting me."  He answered, in an equally quiet voice.  "I;m 
surprised you asked me."
"It's Christmas, isn't it?"
"Yeah, but it seems like you don't have very much to celebrate."
"I do," Trisha answered.  "Bruce may have burned my store, but he didn't get 
me.  I can rebuild, and make a stronger store.  Besides, I never knew I'd find a 
little holiday romance in the picture."  Her slender hand touched 
Banner's.  David blushed, and held her hand.
Jack sighed.  "How much longer?"
"Cool your jets, little man," Ceaser growled.  "They'll have to come by here 
before going to the mission.  You'll have a good shot at them from 
here."  Brutus shot Ceaser a sour loo that Jack didn't notice.
Just then, a crowd of people passed the alley.  "Looks like the service is 
over," Brutus observed.  "Get the camera ready, they'll be coming."
Jack readied his camera as he exited the car with Brutus and Ceaser.  Ceaser's 
jacket flap brushed against the car.  Jack thoguht he saw something glinting 
under the coat, but wasn't sure.  Brutus glanced around the corner.  "Here they 
come," he announced in a whisper.
Arm in arm, Trisha and Banner approached the alley.  Trisha lovingly leaned her 
head against his shoulder.  "I hope you shange your mind about leaving," she was 
saying.
"No, this is something I have to do, Trish."
A shadow moved, and Trisha froze, something seemed familiar about it.  Brutus 
and Ceaser!  "What are you two doing here?"
"Your store burned down, little lady."
"You didn't burn everything!"  Trisha retorted.
Jack lowered his camera.  What was that?
"You can't rebuild in this neighborhood," Ceaser threatened.  The brave girl's 
eyes met his with defiance.  "Watch me."
Ceaser reached under his coat, and drew out the gun Jack thought he had 
seen.  The reporter ran forward.  "Dammit!  I won't hurt a woman!"
Brutus shoved him away.  "Back off, we have work to do!"
Jack tried to push past Brutus, while Banner tried to wrestle the gun from 
Ceaser.  In the midst of the scuffle, there was a loud bang, followed by a 
painful scream.  Banner swirled, Trisha had a hand over her shoulder, her 
fingers compressing a bullet wound.
"Trisha!"  He ran to her side.  "I'll go for help!"  Jack ran from the 
alley.  "HELP, POLICE!"
Brutus and Ceaser ran to their car ad Banner's eyes began to turn white, and his 
clothing bulged at the seams.  They were in their car in time to see Hulk 
roaring, and starting toward them.
"Floor it!"  Ceaser ordered, and the two peeled out before the giant could catch 
them.  
Hulk turned to the girl who had befriended him.  Trisha was still clutching her 
shoulder, blood was beginning to coat her fingers.  "Hulk," she murmured.
With amazing tenderness, the giant lifted Trisha.  He carried to into the alley, 
tears in his eyes.  "She'll be alright,"   a male voice assured him.


PART 3

"AU REVOIR MON CHER" 


Andrew stood watching as Banner fought with Brutus
over control of the gun.  The angel grimaced when the
gun fired, hitting Trisha in the shoulder.  
     
"I don't want to do this, Father," he prayed. 
"Please, don't make me take Trisha."  The Angel of
Death didn't always relish his job.

"Don't be afraid, my friend." Raphael appeared at his
shoulder.  "God is good, you may not have to take
Trisha."

Banner's eyes blanched white.  Brutus and Ceaser
didn't stick around long enough to watch him turn into
Hulk.  The green giant roared at the escaping car, and
heaved a garbage can after them as a warning.  He then
turned to Trisha.

"They got me."  She reported, Hulk's eyes widened at
the sight of the blood coating her fingers.  Something
in Hulk's dim intellect told him to get her some place
safe.  With marvelous tenderness, he lifted the girl
who had been so kind to him.  Hulk carried her into
the alleyway.

"She will be all right," said a gentle, male voice. 
Hulk looked up to see Raphael standing there.  The
giant roared, trying to warn the angel away.  Instead,
Raphael drew closer.  "I'm a friend, I'm here to
help."
Hulk clutched Trisha closer.  "The medics will be here
soon," Raphael predicted.  Hulk looked from the girl
in his arms to the angel, growling a question.  "The
medics will help her," Raphael assured the giant.  

Trisha shivered in Hulk's arms.  "She's cold," the
angel told Hulk.  "You can't stay here."

Feeling he should obey, Hulk followed Raphael from the
alley.  Andrew went with them as Hulk walked toward
the church.  The door stood open, and there was a
light from within.  Sensing his girlfriend would be
safe there, Hulk entered the churchyard, and up the
stone steps--all three at one bound.

As Hulk entered the church, Monica met him.  Hulk
looked at her, sadly.  "Set her down, let her rest,"
the angel instructed, drawing closer.  "I had a little
training in Search and Rescue, so I know some
medicine."

Hulk glanced at the Irish girl, and nearly jumped out
of his skin.  Monica was dressed in a long, white
gown, and she shone like the sun.  Raphael, who had
entered with Hulk and Trisha, also had begun to glow. 

Hulk felt a sense of fear creeping into him.

"Don't be afraid, David.  We are angels," Monica
explained.  Surprised, Hulk growled.  "Of course we
know your name, David.  So does God.  God loves you
and Trisha.  You are his children."

A tear welled in the giant's eye, as he held a hand
over Trisha's gunshot wound with gentle firmness. 
"Easy, David.  Not too hard," Raphael instructed. 
"You want to stop the bleeding.  A doctor will have to
get the bullet out."  Hulk looked up, and moved his
mouth. "He wants to talk," Raphael informed Monica.

The Irish angel smiled.  "Then, you will be able to
speak.  Ephrata."

"Will Trisha live?"  Hulk croaked, then looked
startled by the sound of his own voice.

"It's God's gift to you," Monica explained.  "He sent
His love to work through Trisha."

"Hulk want Trisha live, not die," Hulk pleaded.

"You must pray, my friend," Raphael instructed.  "We
will help you."

Hulk nodded, holding Trisha's hand in his own.  "God,
Hulk not met before, but angel say good.  Help friend
live." 

Just then, red lights swept through the interior of
the church.  "God has heard you, David."  Monica
exhaulted. "The medics have come and will see to
Trisha."

Lifting Trisha into his arms, Hulk walked from the
church.  The medics were taking a stretcher from the
back of the ambulance when a figure appeared in the
doorway.  Hulk emerged into the frozen night, and
gently lay Trisha on the stretcher.

"Help her!"  The giant instructed.  The medics were
too surprised to do anything but nod.

Jack McGee had run from the alley when the shot rang
out.  Wanda Mangelli, one of Trisha's neighbors, had
heard his cries for help.  Her door popped open as
Jack was banging on the door of the apartment next to
her.

"Over here!  You can use my phone!"

While Jack was dialing 9-1-1, Wanda spread the word to
the other neighbors.  They had heard the shots, but
didn't realize it was Trisha who had been hurt. 
Maurice Williams, another neighbor, had seen Brutus
and Ceasar fleeing the scene, and called the police.  

Word went out quickly about the shooting.  The
neighbors who had shoppped at Trisha's store were now
turning out to be her crusaders.  The polcie arrived,
and the neighbors pointed them in the direction Brutus
and Ceaser had run.

Brutus and Ceaser had sped away from the scene. 
Ceaser glanced over his shoulder.  The coast was,
seemingly, clear.  "We made it.  The boss'll be
pleased."

"Probably not.  The chick's only out of commission,
not dead, like he wanted," Brutus pointed out.  "We
have to go back."

"Not me.  Not with that thing hanging around," Ceaser
pointed out as Brutus checked the car's speed.  "Maybe
we should get a beer first, then go back," Brutus
suggested.  "You do a good job of drinking your
courage."

"I do not!"  Ceaser protested, as Brutus slammed on
the brakes, mouth open in disbelief.  There was Hulk,
in front of them!  Brutus tried to swerve out of the
way, but Hulk had grabbed onto the back fender.  He
lifted the car off its back wheels.

"It's got us!"  Brutus floored the gas pedal, but the
car wasn't moving.  The car slammed down with a loud
thud that momentarily startled the thugs.  Hulk seized
the driver's door and pulled it off the hinges.  He
reached in and grabbed Brutus from the car.  Ceaser
bolted out of the passenger's side while Hulk was
occupied.

"Please, don't hurt me!"  Brutus sniveled, his bravado
gone.  "I'll do anything."  Hulk sniffed in contempt,
and glared at the bully.

Ceaser didn't get very far on foot.  He was confronted
by a mob of Trisha's neighbors.  Tess leading them. 
"Hello, baby," Tess greeted.  "Out for a jog?"

Ceaser turned, and tripped over his feet as he tried
to sprint away.  A cop car blocked his way.  Maurice
and one of the other male neighbors was on him.

Jack McGee burst into LandCo office of Bruce Talbot,
Trisha's ex-boyfriend.  "Dammit, Talbot!  Is this what
you had in mind!?!"

"I'd call it a symbiotic relationship, Mr. McGee.  You
got your pictures, and I'm getting the property I
wanted."

Jack was livid.  "I've got pictures, but not the kind
you would want to see."

Bruce glared at the reporter.  "You wouldn't be
threatening me, would you?"

"It's not a threat, it's a promise.  You'll do jail
time, if I have anything to say about it!"

"We'll see about that," Bruce hissed.  

The office door opened once more, this time in the
hands of police officers.  Trisha's neighbors had told
them all about Bruce's plan to buy Trisha's store, and
level their neighborhood.

"Are you Bruce Talbot?"  The sergeant began.

"Yes, can I help you?"

"You have the right to remain silent," the sergeant
began another cop caught Bruce's wrists in handcuffs. 
"Anything you say can and will be used against you in
a court of law."

"I want my lawyer!"  Bruce shouted in defiance as he
was being hustled down to the waiting squad cars.

Trisha was taken to the hospital, where the bullet was
surgically removed.  David Banner watched as she
slept.

"She's a brave girl," said Tess, appearing at the
former scientist's side.

"I can't help thinking this is MY fault," David didn't
look up at the black angel.  "If I hadn't grabbed that
gun . . . ."

"You did what you felt was right," Tess assured him.  

"Will Trisha be all right, Tess?"

"Yes, she'll live," Tess answered.  She handed him a
copy of the morning's newspaper.  The glaring headline
declared the arrest of Bruce Talbot, former executive
of LandCo, on attempted murder and conspiracy charges.


"It's over," David muttered.  "She's safe."

"You helped her, David," Tess said.  "Things would
have been worse if the Father hadn't led you here."

"I thank God Trisha's all right," David said.  "But, I
know I can't stay any longer.  Trisha's been kind to
me, Tess.  I know she's loved me and Hulk, but I can't
stay any longer, I must leave."

"Everyone has a free will, Baby.  Let the Spirit guide
you."

David was gone by the time Trisha woke.  She spied the
note he had left on her nightstand.  She picked it up
and read his farewell message.

"Don't worry, Trisha.  You're safe now, and Bruce will
not harm your store or this neighborhood.  I thank God
I was able to be of help to you.  Hulk, too, as I
understand it, was of help to you too.  I know you
love us, which is why I must leave. 
I didn't wait until you woke to say good-bye, I knew
you'd talk me into staying, which would make my
decision that much harder.
Good-bye, Trisha.  Thank you for everything you've
done for me, and Hulk.  I will never forget your
kindness.
Love, David."

"What a pity David couldn't stay," Monica commented.

"He has a free will," Tess reminded her.  "His work
here is done."

"David comes to a town, hoping to find peace, but he
seems to fit into God's plans."  Andrew observed.

"Sometimes the Father acts through his children." 
Tess explained.  "David is His child, and He chooses
David to help the weakest of his children."

"Too bad David doesn't know that, yet," Monica added.

The angels stood by the window with Trisha as she
watched David heading up the road that lead from the
town.