by Greg Ballan
"We'll see if we can pick up the trail in DC," Erik replied. "I also haven't forgotten about Father Lazarus. I believe he's been dusted by those who hired him, but I'd like to be one hundred percent sure." Erik looked over at his friend. "That's a debt I'm not leaving unpaid."
Martin nodded and smiled.
Bishop O'Malley leaned forward. "Our associate in DC can probably shed light on that topic as well. Our friend is Congressman Anderson. He's a low level politician that has the knack of escaping notice. But he's the best source of information on the ethereal games played in Washington. Beyond Speaker Collins, he can point you to the other big players on the other side and who may or may not be privy to vital information and intelligence on Molec, his forces and movements."
"You have my word, Archbishop." Denton looked over at his young associate. "We'll start there and get the lay of the land before we visit the speaker or any of his staff."
"Splendid, and we will continue using our resources here to unearth any new developments and we'll keep your lovely bride and child safe and reasonably entertained."
Erik folded his arms. "I would be most grateful for that."
The friction in the room seemed to dissipate. It was clear to the Vatican officials that Erik Knight was not going to be manipulated or controlled. Despite their alliance, the detective was still assuming control. Erik looked over at Martin and nodded.
"Will you leave tomorrow?"
Erik looked over at O'Malley. "Yes. Tomorrow will be fine."
"We'll make the necessary travel arrangements and let our forces know. We don't want more gargoyles trying to shoot you out of the sky."
"Neither would I," said Erik.
◆◆◆
Vatican Suites. 7:30PM
"He's out like a light. I've never seen him so excited to be anywhere before." Shanda sat on the large chair. Erik and Martin were discussing their trip and their afternoon meeting with the Archbishop.
"This is a big adventure to him. Thankfully, he's not focusing on what happened to us earlier." Erik drained the remains of his coffee.
"Ah the joy of youth, that blissful ignorance of innocence," Martin commented from a nearby sofa.
Shanda smiled. "I could use some bliss right about now, Martin."
"I'll call room service. They have just about everything else available." Denton pointed toward a gigantic menu on the coffee table.
"If only." She glanced over at Erik. "Did I interrupt something?"
"No, we were just comparing notes regarding this afternoon's meeting." Erik slid over on the couch and gestured. Shanda came over and sat by him. "I've scanned the area around Vatican City, Counselor. Our holy friends were correct, the skies do have eyes. I spotted at least a dozen separate ethereal beings circling directly over the city and the human security has been vastly improved since our last visit."
"So you think it can withstand an attack?"
Erik nodded. "Yeah, I'm inclined to believe God won't let anything happen to this place. I understand the rules about non-interference, but I also suspect the higher powers on either side bend that particular rule like a pretzel when it suits their need."
Denton chuckled. "You weren't exactly the pillar of cooperation earlier. I get you don't trust them, but after your big speech about us being allies and all…" He let his words hang.
Erik picked up the cue and continued. "We should be beyond that, I know, but our friends seem to want to drive the train and dictate what we do and how we do it. That's not gonna work here. They've been flat footed for decades and constantly on the losing end. Why would either one of us take advice from bureaucrats … even ones that represent divinity? If the Ethereals want to tell me something, I'm confident our tall, blond friend will pop in unannounced and pass along the good tidings."
Denton chuckled. "Let's hope you're right." Denton looked over at Shanda. "What about you? Are you comfortable here? I know it's not really my place to ask but you both are like family to me. I still feel like I got you into this mess by asking you to investigate William's murder. Things seemed to escalate out of control shortly thereafter."
Shanda reached over and placed a comforting hand on Denton's. "Nonsense. This revelation would have happened with or without you being involved, Martin. You actually allowed us to get in front of it in a way. We would have been blindsided by all of this if Erik hadn't agreed to help you."
"She's right, Counselor. This isn't your doing. And right now you're helping me protect my son, so it's Shanda and I who are grateful."
The old man sniffed and hastily wiped away a tear. "We're family."
Shanda held up a glass of soda. "To family."
They touched glasses and drank a toast.
Denton stood. "I think we've covered all the ground that needs to be covered. I'm going to head back to my room and let you two have a quiet evening together. Don't bother getting up. I'll see myself out."
Erik watched as Martin left, closing the heavy wood door behind him. "He's a good man. I can tell he's still hurting. He should be home, grieving for his son not jetting around the globe chasing goblins, demons and corrupt politicians let alone shady Vatican leaders."
Shanda gently caressed his back. "Martin is as stubborn you are, babe. He wouldn't sit this out for anything. Like you, it's not in his nature."
Erik nodded. "If something happens to him, I'll never forgive myself."
"Martin's a big boy and we both know he can take care of himself. Don't start getting all melancholy. You need to be sharp as a razor."
"I know." Erik looked directly at her, "Are you gonna be okay here? I know you're still not comfortable."
Shanda shook her head. "I'll be fine." She looked back toward the room where EJ was sleeping. "He'll be fine too. He's charmed the wimples off Sisters Charice and Cecelia. EJ is far more adaptable to change than his mother."
Erik laughed. "Or his father for that matter."
Shanda's face tightened. "How did they do it, Erik?"
He tilted his head. "You're pivoting again, Angel, and you totally lost me."
She blushed. "Sorry. I'm referring to Mary and Joseph. How did they deal with knowing what their son was and all the shit he'd be facing? I don't want to see my son die like Mary did. I couldn't bear that."
Tears streamed down her face and Erik held her tight.
"That won't happen. You can't think like that. I remember from the teachings that Jesus knew he had to die and that he'd rise up again. That's not in EJ's destiny. He's supposed to herald in a new age of man, not die and be reborn for mankind's sins."
Shanda nodded. "But evil was gunning for Jesus, was it not?"
Erik held her tighter. "Yeah, but Joseph couldn't punch through a mountain or vaporize demons. I can and will in order to protect our son." Erik pointed toward the sky. "There's also enough ethereal air power overhead that no demon would dare make any attempt. You were right. Coming here was the right move. God knew what he was doing when he chose you, there is no better mother on the planet."
Erik gently kissed her cheek, then her lips. Shanda fell deeper into him losing herself in his powerful embrace. Soon all the fears and problems were forgotten. All that mattered was the blending of their hearts.
Chapter 5: Dabbling in the Dark
Washington DC
"That was a particularly grueling flight." Denton moaned settling into the limousine.
Erik smiled. "Quit griping, Counselor. You get to keep the frequent flier miles. When this is all over, we can book a trip to Maui and relax on the beach with one of those funny umbrella drinks. We can watch EJ make sandcastles and go to one of those fancy pig roasts with the guys twirling fire batons."
Denton fidgeted. "I'll hold you to that." The counselor glanced at his phone. "We should be there any minute."
"I don't know why Anderson picked such an out of the way location for a meeting?" Erik looked out the window as their car passed several rundown buildings and tenements.
Martin chuckled. "I'm sur
e he's been told to keep us far away from DC until after our chat. If he's seen talking with us, I'm sure his cover, whatever that may be, would be severely compromised."
Erik frowned as the limousine pulled into a small diner parking lot. Erik studied the small neon sign and felt a pang of remorse. "Madame's."
Denton leaned over staring at the sign. "Sonovabitch. Go figure. What are the odds of that?"
The driver opened the door, clearly nervous. "I was told to come back in twenty minutes."
Denton nodded, slipped the man a twenty dollar bill and headed toward the glass door. He glanced back. Erik was still studying the sign. "I'm sure the food isn't as good and the coffee tastes like shit. C'mon Erik, let's get inside."
The detective sighed and followed.
Congressman Anderson looked out of place, seated at the large booth. Contrary to what Erik expected, the small diner smelled heavenly. The scent of fresh brewed coffee reminded him of the place he'd considered home for so many years.
Anderson was wisp thin, swallowed by the poorly tailored suit and mismatched tie. "Mr. Denton, Mr. Knight, welcome to my little oasis in a desert of urban blight."
Anderson shook their hands and pointed toward the food sitting on the table. "I think I got it right, vegetable beef soup and a grilled chicken breast sandwich. Mr. Denton, I know you're fond of burgers so I had a house special with steak sauce prepared for you."
Erik raised an eyebrow. "Well Congressman, you've obviously done your homework."
"Not me, Mr. Knight, my ethereal associates." Anderson pointed upward. "He sees all."
"The ultimate spy," Erik mumbled, sliding into the booth.
A waitress came over and poured coffee for each man, flirting with the Congressman and exchanging pleasantries with the two newcomers. The similarity to Erik's Madame's was alarming. The detective sipped the coffee and wasn't surprised with the mild flavor that reminded him so much of his old home.
Anderson smiled. "Try the soup. It's delicious."
Erik sampled the soup. It was identical to his friend Jeff's recipe. He bit into the grilled sandwich and experienced the same delicious flavor of unique marinade and spice Jeff used. "This can't be. It's exactly the same as Jeff's. It's not similar. It's exactly the same. Jeff said it was a secret family recipe handed down from his great grandfather."
Anderson nodded. "Bear with me a moment." He tuned and shouted, "Jeanine? My friend here wants the recipe to your chicken."
A pleasant, friendly voice responded from the kitchen. "That's a secret from my great granddaddy. You know that Michael. I'm never gonna tell."
Erik felt his flesh tingle. His eyes narrowed. "Mr. Anderson, I'm no longer amused. I'm annoyed. I don't wanna play your game anymore."
Anderson nodded. "I'm sorry, Erik. I just needed you to understand something, to realize that you've always been surrounded by ethereal influence. Jeff, like his sister, Jeanine, are unwitting agents of Light. Oh they don't realize it. Their role is simply to provide a haven, a comfortable place for souls to sit, relax and unwind. People feel safe and warm here because evil is strongly repelled. Some humans come in and out, enjoy the food and the ambiance, never understanding the significance. But you, you were drawn to an oasis. You set up a business in one and were an integral part of such a place." Anderson pointed toward a rugged looking middle aged man with thinning hair, typing away on a laptop. "Sometimes an oasis will attract a peacekeeper, some special soul that resonates with the unique qualities of such a place. Hal over there is a regular guy. He works a fifty-plus-hour a week job but really wants to write the great American novel. He comes in here more and more to write. He says the atmosphere helps him concentrate. One night a few months back several men tried to rob this place. Hal stopped them. He is skilled as you are in the ways of lethal force. He took a bullet in the process but earned himself a special place here, part of the oasis family, like you were at Madame's in Hopedale. Oh, he can't do the things you do. He's just a simple guy with a simple life who found some needed tranquility. And," Anderson smiled, "Hal and Jeanine have become an item recently, furthering the bond and the light of this establishment."
Erik sipped his coffee. "I never knew Jeff had a sister. In all the talks we've had, he never mentioned any of his family."
"Jeff was a private man, listening to others, rarely speaking of himself—a trait we look for."
"She wasn't at his funeral, or the wake. Does she know he's dead?" Erik looked over at the seemingly happy cook.
"She knows, and she grieved in her own way. She took his passing very hard."
A lump formed in Erik's throat as he remembered his departed friend. "Can I talk to her?"
Anderson nodded. "I'm sure she would love to. After all you knew her brother better than she did. To tell you the truth, Special Agent Knight, you and your friend were connected in a deeper way than you ever imagined."
Erik looked back. "How many? How many of these 'Oasis' diners are there?"
Anderson drained his coffee as Martin continued to devour his burger and fries. "Just a handful across the country. When your Madame's closed, another place was selected, but has no champion, yet, I gather someone special will feel the pull and become bonded just as you were to your place, as Hal is to this place. A soul will find peace and fulfillment there as well."
"This is all interesting," Denton wiped his mouth, "and delicious, but what does it have to do with finding Molec and the Ruby Cross?"
Anderson smiled as a waitress refilled his coffee. He waited until she'd moved on to another table. "Absolutely nothing, but I just needed you to know that you're not as much of an outsider as you believe. You've always been drawn to the Light, Special Agent Knight, even if you didn't realize it. You've been a part of the greater scheme longer than you believe."
Erik nodded, watching the man at the corner booth typing away. He seemed at peace, smiling at the waitresses and the way he looked over at the woman in the kitchen. He could see the genuine love. "Don't fuck his life up."
Anderson tilted his head. "Excuse me?"
"I said don't fuck his life up. He's happy. Let him be happy and have a good life. Don't drag him into the quagmire like you dragged me."
Anderson sipped his coffee, studying the detective. "You have a genuine compassion for your fellow man. How utterly rare. Mr. Hal Foster has his own destiny, as do we all. All paths are fraught with turmoil and trials, Special Agent Knight. His path will be no different. But I assure you he will lead a long fulfilling life." Anderson gestured toward Erik's plate. "Eat up before it gets cold. You eat and I'll talk for a bit." The congressman took a breath. "The game played in the capital is brutal. The ethereal beings are controlling more and more human pawns. We've been so busy plotting and scheming against each other that our country has been weakened greatly the last decade. We've allowed Molec to rise up and threaten this world." He gestured and another stunningly beautiful waitress filled his coffee cup. Anderson relished the hot beverage and continued.
"The two main power brokers for Lucifer are Senator Paul McMahon and House Speaker Andrew Collins. McMahon holds all the power in the senate despite not being the majority leader. He decides what bills are voted on and when. He has something on Majority Leader Ryan, and we don't know what it is, but we're looking. Ryan won't even go to the bathroom without McMahon's blessing. Art Milton on the Senate Arms Subcommittee is also a demonic player. He's been possessed by a demon for the past twenty years." Anderson sipped his coffee. "It's become a symbiotic thing, and Milton is a ladies' man and goes through women like I go through coffee. The demonic influence helped him overcome a certain embarrassing male issue and now he makes the most of it and does whatever bidding he's instructed, and spends all his non-session time at several high class brothels."
Anderson slid a folder over to Erik. The detective stopped eating and browsed through the pages. "All these people are taking orders from Lucifer?"
Anderson shook his head. "No, but they all take direction from those
that do. In effect, this is the network that we know of. I know there's dozens more that could be and I admit we simply don't know who or what Molec controls."
Erik folded the papers. "This is all well and good, but we need to start at the top of the food chain rather than the bottom."
Anderson tilted his head. "That could be dangerous. Lucifer won't appreciate his two major players being intimidated." Anderson smirked. "Or physically accosted. The fine balance established would be severely disturbed."
Erik shook his head. "Well then, Lucifer shouldn't have sent his goon to my dojo to kidnap my son! Congressman, do you want your cross back? Do you want to avoid the war that's brewing?"
Anderson nodded. "Of course, any sane being wants to avoid the end of our world and the end of mankind."
The detective leaned forward. "Then let me do my job the way I need to do it and stop worrying about pissing off the other side. Maybe if the forces of darkness were kept off balance they wouldn't be so damned organized and always two steps ahead of you."
Anderson sighed, tilting his head. "Touché." He took another deep drink of his coffee. "You're right, but just be careful. I'll let our people know what's coming so they can prepare."
Denton leaned forward. "And how secure is your line of communication?"
"Very secure, I assure you Mr. Denton."
Denton patted his stomach. "Okay, I appreciate the good meal, but we need to get to work. The longer we delay, the more likely it is we'll lose our element of surprise."
"I agree, Counselor." Erik extended his hand. "Thanks for the leads and the lay of the land."
Anderson took a deep breath. Erik sensed the man's discomfort. "Special Agent Knight, I'd also like to apologize to you."
"Why?"
"For my father's role in the Observer Incident."
Erik fell back in his seat. "Lt. Col. Anderson is your father."
The congressman nodded. "Yes. My father retired immediately after the final reports were filed. They tried to have him discharged but he had too many damaging secrets and contingency files stashed away. He was afraid for his life shortly afterward. Dad was trying to repent until the cancer became too much for him."
