by Jack Crosby
Her look told it all. “I should’ve been more upfront, but I wasn’t released willingly. I tricked him into releasing me.”
“The answer to the next question is very important. Just how high up were you in Beelzebub’s court?”
“I was Lord Beelzebub’s first mate.”
I ran my hand through the hair. This was seriously not happening. I needed to go to bed, today had been a total disaster from the beginning to the end. Khloros would be so pissed in the morning.
“I take it you are quite upset with me Master.”
“Oh no, I’m totally cool with everything. I don’t know why you would think I am pissed off that you lied to me and manipulated the rules so blatantly!”
Damn her, sitting there so cool with a half smile on her face. She knew she had won. “It is not my fault you forgot the rules. Maybe if you didn’t live in such self imposed exile…”
“Yeah yeah, this is my entire fault, I get it.” It pissed me off even more that she was right. Usually, my only dealings with my former life were with the angel Yuri and the demons he had me hunt down. Even then, I never talked to any of them. Seriously, who would want to talk to Death when he was coming to end your life?
“Do not be so hard on yourself Master; I am quite good at my job too. It’s true that I came here intentionally seeking protection, but the information I gave you is quite true.”
Right now, that was Roxanne’s only saving grace. “Let’s focus on that for a minute. The Vice President is a Greed demon and if they get the President out of the way, he takes over.”
“There is more to it. Once the Greed demon is in the office of President, Beelzebub will have free run of the White House to find an artifact that is supposed to open the gates of Hell permanently.”
I was right; I should’ve gone to bed. Demons and angels can come and go in small numbers. If the gates of Hell were ripped open, thousands of demons would run rampant. Can you say ‘End Times?’
“What artifact here on Earth could do that? I thought the Almighty destroyed them all.”
“This artifact isn’t active right now. But if one more requirement is met, it will become a tool that he can use to open the rift.”
I had a pretty good running knowledge of all artifacts here in the good old United States as I’ve lived here since before the Revolutionary War. My newest “employee” Roxanne didn’t seem to want to give the information freely, so I decided to see if I could guess what it was.
Now to become an artifact that could open the rift, as she said, certain requirements had to be met. The item had to have been made by a celestial being, used by a mortal in a moment of significance, and most importantly, the item must be used to kill a demon or angel. Once those requirements are met, the item gives the being holding it the power to open up a path to Heaven or Hell.
Thinking hard here, I tried my best to think of any item that would fit. There were only a few things left on Earth that were made by any celestial being, let alone something used by a mortal in a significant event. Besides, what idiot would make something and give it to a mortal?
“Master, are you okay over there? You seem lost in thought.”
I looked up; Roxanne was cleaning my kitchen for me. That was nice of her. “Yeah, I’m just trying to think what dumbass would actually make something here on Earth and give it to a mortal.”
“That shouldn’t take too long to figure out, as you are the dumbass to quote your words Master.”
“What?”
She started laughing at me. “Oh, you don’t remember do you? I’m surprised by that.”
I started thinking. Khloros would know, but to get him involved now would give me an even bigger headache. Sometimes I wished he wasn’t such a condensing asshole. Granted, he’s normally right, but that isn’t the point here. What would I have created? Then it hit me.
“Oh shit.”
Roxanne looked pleased. “I take it you remembered now?”
“He’s after George Washington’s axe?”
She went over to the sink and started washing dishes. “The very same. By the way, do you ever clean in here? This place is disgusting.”
“My cleanliness isn’t the problem here. How does your former master know about the axe? Only myself, Khloros and Washington himself knew I crafted that for him.”
“I do not know Master, but it is obviously no longer a secret.” She was already drying the cups and plates. How did she do them so quickly? “Why did you make Washington’s axe for him?”
“That’s not a story for right now. Regardless, the damage has been done.”
She walked back over from the sink and stood behind me. Rubbing my shoulders, “Unless they succeed in killing the President, worrying about the axe is pointless.”
It had been a long night and this felt fantastic. “So the axe is stored at the White House?”
“Yes Master, in a hidden room underneath the Oval Office. With all the secret service agents and different levels of security, the Greed demon has been unsuccessful in getting in unnoticed. This is why they need to assassinate the President. Plus Greed demons are never happy unless they can get even more.”
Thank the Almighty she was rubbing my shoulders. Plans that originated Downstairs were convoluted and sometimes downright retarded. It was amazing that they got anything to work out right for them. Probably do to demons like Roxanne here. Every one of Hell’s lords had a council that made sure no matter how shitty the plan was, they would make it work.
The more she rubbed my shoulders, the more bliss I felt. I then felt her tongue run over my ear. Her hands kept working the magic, making their way down my back. Before I knew what happened, I was laying on the floor with the beautiful Lust demon on top of me.
“I hope you don’t mind Master, it seems only right that I take care of you for taking care of me.”
In my mind I knew this was probably not the smartest thing to let happen, but little known fact about your main guy here; I have a huge weakness for women. It is half the reason I left the other members of the Horsemen and struck out on my own.
“Roxanne, please, I think we should…”
I knew it was over then. Being a sex demon and knowing exactly how to move, it didn’t take her long to free me from my pants. I don’t think she was wearing any underwear, but as soon as I was free, I felt myself enter her.
“I will not take no for an answer. This is the least I can do for you.” She leaned back and grabbed her heels. It was so ridiculously hot that I couldn’t control myself anymore. She worked it so well, better than anything I had ever felt before. It didn’t take long at all for the first orgasm to take over me.
“I see my Master likes this attention. I wonder if you have another in you?”
I was exhausted, but then while still sitting with me inside her, she took off her sweater. No bra was underneath and her beautiful breasts were right there for me to see. Immediately I was back at attention.
“I feel the throbbing Master. Close your eyes and let me take over your senses.”
I did as she asked. Everything from the feel to the smell was ridiculous. She started going faster on me, as she was closing in on her own orgasm. I was ready again, and trying to hold out. I didn’t know if I could any longer, but she leaned in and grabbed my sides. Her nails dug into me and I felt her release on me. That triggered me and together on my kitchen floor we climaxed together.
After a few moments, she slid off of me and stood up. “These human women have not been good for you Master. That was almost too easy.” She winked at me as I laid there huffing.
“Apparently so, but I didn’t hear you complain either.” I got up and pulled my shorts back up. For the second time tonight, I felt used, but I really didn’t mind.
She wrapped her arm around my waste. “I am never going to complain. Now let’s get you in bed, you have a meeting with an angel tomorrow.”
Chapter 3 – No Assets for You!
“Just when I thought you coul
d not be any more stupid, you outdo yourself.”
“Khloros, would you listen?”
“To what exactly? What could you possibly say that would make this situation any better?”
“I’m sorry?”
We were driving to the meeting place, Lee’s Diner, to meet with Yuri’s contact. As soon as I got to the garage, Khloros smelled the brimstone and after I told him what happened, he had lost it. Again, he could be a total douche, but as usual, he was right.
“Which part are you exactly sorry for? Not killing Beelzebub’s former mate or taking her into your custody and having sex with her?”
I thought about that for a second. “Probably part two, the taking in and having sex part.”
“Do you know why I have stuck with you for all these millennia?”
“I’m guessing it is not my natural charm.” I laughed, but Khloros did not.
“No Derrick, or are we calling you Death again? All your stupid names confuse me.”
“At least Derrick Grimm isn’t as bad as my alias a few years back, Graham Reeper.” Don’t ask, it was at a time when I thought puns were cool.
“The point is I have stayed with you because we are partners and more importantly friends. I get that you are compassionate and not quick to kill, but you are Death. It would not kill you to remember that from time to time.”
“You’re right my old friend. I have grown weary with my role and have grown complacent and blasé with the rules.”
The engine revved in response to my apology. “It is alright. We are both old, too old for our own good. However, this is our curse to bear and bear it we shall.”
“What should I do about the Lust demon at the apartment?”
I think he laughed, though it’s always hard to tell. “That is your mess. For the time being, I guess it does not hurt to have another ally, no matter how distasteful.”
“Besides she also cleans. The place hasn’t looked this good in years.”
Before any more banter could take place, we pulled into the parking lot of the diner. It was time to put on my game face. Even though I was on the same side as the angels and we all reported to the Almighty, they never cared for me or my brothers. To them, the Horsemen were uncontrolled liabilities. I expected no less a reception.
Getting out of the car, I gave Khloros a pat on the hood. I reached inside my jacket and felt the polished piece of wood in my jacket. I am glad it was close just in case this meeting turned hostile. Few weapons could stand up to mine.
When I walked in, I knew the angel would recognize me. In the cool autumn weather, I was able to wear black carpenter pants and a duster jacket. Not quite what people picture when they think of Death, but pretty damn close. And as I predicted she did. Sitting by herself in the corner was a petite redhead with the signature blue eyes on the angels. She waved me over and I complied.
When I reached the booth, I extended my hand. “Good morning Miss, I am Derrick Grimm.”
She looked at my hand for a second before reaching out with hers. “A pleasure Mr. Grimm, I am Veronica, your contact from Yuri.”
I sat down across from her and the waitress came to the table. “Can I get either of you anything?” She looked at Veronica first.
“I will just take a cup of coffee and a croissant.”
She then turned to me. “I will have an egg sandwich and an orange juice.”
She wrote down the orders and went back to the kitchen. With her gone for now, we could get down to business. “Yuri told me that there’s a job to do?”
“That is correct. Our intelligence has picked up a possible assassination attempt on the President. While we are not one hundred percent sure who is behind this, we think the plot originates from Downstairs.”
I nodded like I was listening. It seems my little Lust demon’s words were being backed up. It also appeared the angels were in the dark about a lot more. “I see, so what do you need me to do?”
“Of all celestial beings, you are the one with the most experience and knowledge of the United States. We would like you to go to Washington and root out whoever is behind this and stop it. We do not know what the endgame is, but it is never good.”
Oh how little did they know. “What assets would I be given to complete this task?”
“Assets? You are the Horseman Death! Why would you need assets?”
Thank the Almighty that most humans tune out anything their brain can’t process. Veronica the angel had gotten really loud there for a minute. “Believe it or not, but just because I am Death does not make me invincible. In fact, when most demons or whatever else finds its way to Earth come up against me, I tend to take their best punches. So yes, I asked for assets.”
She didn’t say anything for a moment. “We cannot provide any. Until we know for sure what is going on, our hands are tied.”
I knew what was going on, but if I told her my source, trouble would be afoot. It looked like until I could provide proof that didn’t come from a Lust demon; I would be on my own. “How soon do you want me to leave for D.C.?”
“The sooner the better. Would three days give you enough time to get your affairs in order?”
I thought about it for a minute. I didn’t need three days, but I also wasn’t in any hurry to seem compliant. “Give me two days. And arrange a safe house for me to stay at.”
“Two days it is and we can arrange that.”
The waitress came back at that time and we both finished our orders in silence. Veronica offered to pay the bill and I was cool with that.
“Mr. Grimm, when you get to Washington, one of us will be in contact.” Her expression softened a little bit. “I will do whatever I can to help you.”
“I appreciate that, angels normally aren’t so friendly to me.”
“You must understand, your reputation precedes you.”
I didn’t know what she meant by that, but whatever. I bid her farewell for now and made my way back over to Khloros.
Before I could even shut the door he was bothering me. “So what did the angel have to say?”
“She backed up the story that Roxanne gave me last night. There is an assassination plot on the President and they want me to stop it.”
“Do they know everything?”
The engine roared to life. Even though I like cars, I do miss my buddy in his ghostly pale horse form. He inspired terror where ever we went. “No, they don’t know Beelzebub is behind it and I wasn’t about to tell them. That would only complicate things.”
“For once I agree with you.”
“We also have two days to get ready to go to Washington D.C. The angels can’t provide any backup right now, so it looks like we’re on our own.”
“I am not surprised. Alas, it will matter not. We always get the job done.”
The rest of the drive home was pleasant as I kicked on the radio and listened to some good old rock and roll from the Seventies. That was a decade that got music right. As we pulled into the garage, Khloros switched the music off.
“Hey I was listening to that!”
“Fool, another demon is near and it is not your sex toy.”
I cracked the windows and caught the smell of brimstone. This was different though than Roxanne’s, it was harsher. Pulling into the parking spot, I opened the door and grabbed the piece of wood from my jacket.
“Derrick Grimm, or better known as Death, I greet you.” Walking into view was a large man covered in shaggy old robes. His eyes were blood red, no pupils, which told me he was Wrath demon. This wasn’t good.
“You know who I am demon and yet you advance. Do you have a death wish?” Sue me, I still liked my puns.
He laughed. “You do not know who I am you miserable piece of shit. I am Albion, one of Lord Beelzebub’s generals. I am here to collect the whore or else you will die.”
“She has asylum with me now. I give you one last chance to leave or it will be your entrails that will be spilled.”
He pulled his dark metal blade out of
his scabbard. Obsidian metal, one of the few materials that could hurt a Horseman. “I believe the Earth saying is you are fucked.”
I held out the piece of wood and let me essence flow into it. It shined for a minute before it took shape. I pointed the scythe Leviathan at him. “No demon, it’s you who’s screwed. Your soul is mine.”
Chapter 4 – Just Die Already
The chicken shit didn’t charge me and attack like an honorable foe worthy of a quick death. No, the asshole summoned a bunch of imps and sent them my way. With Leviathan out, I started the slaughter. Imps are small, red, and when you connect directly with an attack, they burst into little balls of flaming blood.
Swinging the great scythe around, it didn’t take long to cover the ground in red. The scythe cut through them like a hot knife through butter, scattering limbs and blood everywhere. It was disgusting work, but it was also somewhat satisfying. Kind of like popping bubble wrap or something.
When I removed the head from the last imp and its body blew up into a little ball of fiery blood, I looked at the Wrath demon. “Tell me that wasn’t the best you had?”
“No, I just wanted to tire you out so I could take all the pleasure in ending your life myself.” He raised his black blade; it looked like the main event was about to start.
That is until the elevator door opened and a very pissed off Lust demon came flying out. “Albion, you dumb stupid son of a bitch! Return to Beelzebub or I will kill you!”
Roxanne, even as pissed as she was, still turned me on. She came out in a pencil skirt, heels, and a button down shirt with the top three undone. In her hand was a wicked looking knife. Where she kept that I didn’t know, nor was I about to ask.
“Well if it is not the slut. Lord Beelzebub has quite the price on your head. Fortunately, I am the first one to find you. Killing you will be most enjoyable whore.”
“Hey, if anyone is going to die, it’s you. You challenged the Horseman Death and I’m not about to let you out of that.”
Roxanne looked from him back to me. “He challenged you?”
