by CC Dragon
Greg started to lunge to help her but stopped himself.
Lucifer looked around as though he expected more things to happen.
I watched as some of the angels turned and had gleaming swords, slashing at dark blobs.
“You’ve already lost, Luci. My boss is stronger than yours,” I taunted.
I sprayed Mary Lou with holy water and she hissed at me.
“Get out. Release my friend. Her soul is hers.” I hit her again with holy water.
Lucifer stood up but I used my power to shove him back into the chair.
I squirted him with holy water and he tried not to react but his skin sizzled.
“You don’t get to hijack humans. Release them and run away. Tell your demonic friends they’ll get the same if they come near me,” I warned.
Lucifer grinned. “Your brother sold his soul.”
“He got it back. My boss is forgiving and loves humans. Your boss hates them. It’s good to be on the winning side. Like the Cubs finally winning the World Series. Whoever lifted that curse is going to Heaven,” I teased.
Mary Lou started gasping and clutching her throat.
I stared Lucifer in the eye. “Stop.”
“What’s your name?” Greg demanded.
“So predictable,” Lucifer mocked Greg.
Mary Lou wasn’t choking on anything we could remove, that much we knew.
“Keep working him,” I told Greg.
The angelic brawl around us increased but I didn’t look back. I was in the eye of the fight, but faith made all the difference. Those many Bible stories from Catholic school replayed in my brain. Looking back was a mistake. The angels would take out anything trying to derail us.
The prayers continued. I doused our demon friends with holy water again and while Mary Lou kept coughing, she didn’t pass out.
Suddenly, she went from choking to shrieking in pain.
“Release her,” I commanded.
“There could be two demons,” Greg offered, trying to hide the anguish on his face as the woman he loved contorted in agony just a few steps away. I wasn’t so sure he was going to be able to stay detached much longer.
I shook my head. “Luci is doing this. Or whatever is in him now. The demon moves, which is why it took so long to pin down the problem.”
“I’ll take you instead,” Lucifer suggested.
“You’ll burn in hell. I’m not going anywhere,” I said firmly.
“You’re a selfish bitch! You wouldn’t trade for your brother and now you won’t offer up your life for your friend. You’re the evil one,” Lucifer accused.
I smiled. “You think I’m dumb? I was desperate to save my brother, but I can’t do that if I give up what makes me who I am. I can’t trade my soul and think I have any leverage or power.”
“But you’ll let people like me and Lester walk the streets,” he shot back.
“It’s not my job to take out everyone who dabbles in dark magic or believes what I believe. Maybe I’m supposed to use you to get other bad guys? Maybe my boss wants me to torture you?” I pondered aloud.
“Try.” Lucifer’s voice dropped to a menacing growl.
I grabbed my Gran’s rosary off the mantle. When I pressed the crucifix to Lucifer’s forehead, he screamed.
I gagged at the stench of burning flesh but didn’t let go.
I heard the front door and voices. Trying to block them out, I added a spray of holy water.
“Your boyfriend is here,” Lucifer hissed as he tried not to squirm.
“Jealous?” I ignored Paul and let it bother the demon that wanted to steal me.
Was it the same demon who’d tried to take my brother? Maybe.
“Hardly.” Lucifer looked up.
I followed his gaze. Paul was levitating on the ceiling and paralyzed with fear.
“You can try what you want. It won’t work. I will get rid of you,” I warned.
“You’re a weak human who can do nothing,” Lucifer mocked.
“You’re right. I should leave you to the angels.” I stepped back, joining the chanted prayers as the angels closed in.
I blocked out Paul. If I fell for the emotional trick, I’d give the demon an opening to mess with me more. I had to have blind faith.
“Confess that you murdered Lance!” Greg said.
The glow and sparks made me close my eyes and dark blobs shot out of Lucifer’s mouth. The tension pounded in my head and I felt a sudden release.
“Crap!” Gunnar grabbed a fire extinguisher.
I watched him as he put out the flames engulfing Gran’s old couch. Greg ran to help.
The angels seemed to relax. Paul fell suddenly from the ceiling, but luckily Amy softened his landing.
Two hours later, Mary Lou was in bed. Lucifer sat at my kitchen table looking like a shell of his demonically-infused self.
“How long have you been battling that?” Greg asked.
“He asked for it,” I interjected.
Lucifer nodded. “I made a deal. I wanted more. I didn’t know how much I had to give up. It felt so easy. So comfortable.”
“Powerful,” I added.
“It was. It started with the energy thing. I always could sense when people had that strong energy. I wanted to be able to have it. Feed off it. I got that. Then the temptations were hard to resist. I used people. I wanted to get help but I was taken over more and more. The demon was attracted to Mary Lou and jumped to her at times. That was scary and a relief. I’m sorry,” Lucifer said.
“You need to confess to the murder,” I said.
“It was under demonic influence,” Greg said.
“The police are going to charge you or Mary Lou. Neither of you did it,” I argued.
“I did a lot of bad things,” Lucifer confessed.
“He’ll be possessed again but worse in prison. In there, no one will care if he’s possessed and plenty of men in there will use black magic or Satan worshipping to increase their power and perks. If he’s vulnerable, they’ll feel it and use it,” Greg said.
I nodded. “He can confess that he was possessed. Let the court determine if he’s guilty or insane.”
“You want me to go to prison?” Lucifer asked.
“I don’t care what happens to you. The demon is gone. Stop chasing dark power and I’ll never bother with you again. But if my friend goes to jail, I’ll move the angels into your club and it will close within the week.” I went to the kitchen and checked on Paul.
He sat at the table sipping tea. “Sorry, I forgot the exorcism was today.”
“You can’t interrupt.” I shook my head.
“There was a big break with the church,” he said.
“The church?” I rubbed my eyes. “Oh right, the case the demons were distracting me from. What did you find?”
“Matt’s coming over later, I’ll explain it to him,” he said flatly.
I frowned. “You’re mad at me?”
“I’m mad you didn’t let me sit in on this. To watch out for you,” he said.
I sighed. “Gunnar was here. You would’ve tried to medicate Lucifer. This was a demon, not schizophrenia.”
“I’ve had patients who are convinced they are possessed. Some are just paranoid. Some are addicted to other things,” he said.
“Exactly. You’d try to rule things out and diagnose him. I have to draw a line between rehab stuff where we cover all bases and this sort of thing where we know it’s demonic and immediately dangerous,” I said.
“We don’t know it. You have to let me observe the subjects of exorcism to at least understand what you’re doing. How do we know this was an actual possession?” he asked.
“Not we, you and me. We, Greg and me. He did this professionally. I have angelic and other connections. This part of my work, you just have to trust me. But I promise, next exorcism you can observe safely,” I said.
“Not from the ceiling,” he argued.
I laughed. “Make up your mind. Exorcisms are dangerous.
Gunnar was a police officer so he’s trained as a first responder and can restrain if necessary. We can set up cameras and you watch from another room.”
Paul nodded. “How am I not broken?”
“You didn’t see the angel?” I asked.
He shook his head.
“But you felt her slow your fall,” I probed.
“Something made me slow down. I do feel like I was drugged or something but I don’t hurt,” Paul admitted.
“Good. We can sort the rest out later. I’m exhausted,” I said.
Paul stared at me. “You seem charged up.”
I nodded. “Oddly I’m both, but once I lie down I’ll sleep for a day.”
Chapter Sixteen
Matt arrived and I sat back and listened.
Paul refilled his coffee. “I was researching some of the men in charge of the church. Greg had a list of the leaders. I saw a pattern.”
“I ran those names, no one had a serious record,” Matt replied.
Paul nodded. “I didn’t say it was criminal, technically. All the men have visited doctors and complained of back pain and trouble sleeping. Some are on disability and get serious pain meds.”
“Candace said the men hunt gators. That’s very physical,” I said.
“Sure. But all of them? Statistically, that’s odd. And all of them have trouble sleeping? All? These are over a dozen men. They all got meds. High doses of painkillers and prescription sleeping aids.” Paul shook his head. “I checked who prescribed these. All of them are from a doctor in the congregation.”
“Suspicious,” Matt agreed.
“You think they’re drugging girls into compliance?” I asked.
“Most of these scripts have been written in the last two weeks since you contacted Candace. Then you met with her and the men followed. Since then, it’s been odd. Drugged them? Maybe married them off. I don’t know.”
“That would explain why Candace looked like that in the photo I got. Quick and easy method of control,” I mused.
“It’s a reason to investigate the doctor, not the men,” Matt said.
“I’m not done. I looked up the medical records on these men.” Paul smiled.
“Is that legal?” I teased.
Paul sighed. “Doctors consult with each other all the time. Patient privacy is extended.”
“What did you find?” Matt asked.
“One of these guys only has a personal history going back a year. I followed the trail, they claimed to have another doctor before. That doctor had no record of that man as a patient.” Paul pointed to the name on the list.
“Witness protection?” I asked.
“At least changed his name,” Matt agreed.
“It’s illegally obtained info. Matt can’t use it to prosecute,” I pointed out.
Matt studied the list. “I can say someone anonymously reported the doctor for writing a lot of scripts to parishioners. Check out those church members. This guy might have assumed another guy’s identity and made up stuff like doctors. Identity theft is a crime. Lying to the police is a crime. Enough to bring him in and get some answers.”
“As long as we get the girls and any other victims free from these men, I don’t really care about the rest,” Paul said.
“Not now, but you will when they’re free walking the streets and come looking for you,” I said.
“He sounds like you did when you first started here,” Matt teased.
“Is that a compliment?” Paul teased.
I smacked his arm. “Fancy work, Doc.”
“Thanks. Now I think I need a nap and food,” Paul said.
“Me too,” I teased back.
“I’ll get to work.” Matt folded up the list and put it in his pocket. “You sorted out the murderer?”
“Lucifer was possessed but he did it, or compelled Mary Lou to do it. He’d better confess,” I said.
“I’ll let you know if he turns himself in,” Matt replied.
“I’m trying to get you more info. Addresses and names of the dangerous people from that church. Something has been blocking me but maybe it’ll be gone now.” I smiled.
After a nap and some leftover pasta, Paul and I were enjoying ice cream.
“You need to quit with the secrets,” he said.
I’d come clean about the church’s threats. “It started out as weird little things left on the porch. I never expected it to escalate so quickly,” I admitted.
“It’s not over. They’re still out there. You need to keep Gunnar close. Or Matt. Or me.” Paul squeezed my arm.
I smiled. “Not to bruise your ego, but you’re not a bodyguard. You can save lives and all that, but I like that you’re not one to who uses his fists first. I’ll keep my gun on me and not go places alone. Happy?”
Paul kissed me only to be interrupted when Ivy and Brody came into the kitchen.
“Sorry. Really sorry but what happened to the couch?” Ivy asked.
“Demon. Think a faux leather one would be less flammable?” I asked.
Ivy shook her head. “It’ll melt and be toxic.”
“We need to redecorate now.” I stared at the mess through the doorway to the living room.
“The exorcism was successful?” Ivy asked.
“Definitely. Paul got a firsthand taste of demonic power, too.” I added more hot fudge to my ice cream.
“Oh well, welcome to my world.” Ivy nodded Brody. “Let’s drag this ugly burned-up sofa out to the curb for trash day. I don’t want the eyesore here. We need to go furniture shopping.”
Brody and Ivy got to work. Once the couch was out, they started bringing boxes in and hauling them upstairs.
“Moving in for good?” I teased.
“Damn right,” Brody said.
“Demons don’t scare you?” Paul asked.
Brody shrugged. “De promised that the angels outnumbered them. Honey, I believe in Jesus. Deep faith is powerful.”
Paul looked at me and smiled. “It is.”
“Need help?” I offered.
“Sounds like you’ve been through enough. We got this,” Brody said.
“More ice cream?” Paul asked.
I shook my head. “I should check on Mary Lou.”
“Greg took her upstairs. She’s fine but needs rest,” Paul said.
He’d examined her to be sure she didn’t need any medical treatment after what the demon had done to her. Mild dehydration wasn’t worth taking her to the hospital for but she had to drink a lot of fluids.
“I feel like I need to talk to her and make sure she’s drinking enough water,” I admitted.
I headed up the stairs and found her door open.
“How are things?” I asked.
Greg waved me in.
Mary Lou smiled weakly.
“Her throat is still raw but she’s drinking the ice water,” Greg said.
I nodded.
She scribbled something on a notepad and flipped it so I could read it.
I’m sorry, it read.
“No, you didn’t know,” I replied.
She scribbled I should’ve listened to you and Greg.
I nodded. “That would’ve helped but demons don’t let you think clearly. They make you paranoid and sure you can’t trust anyone. You’re safe now.”
Need a new job, she wrote.
I shrugged. “Maybe. You were still married to Lance when he died. You’re even richer now.”
She frowned.
“It’s not your fault,” Greg said.
“You’ll get through this. Take your time. Rest now,” I said.
I gave her a hug and left.
I walked down the hall and saw Ivy through her open bedroom door making some room in her drawers.
“You look down for having kicked a demon where it counts,” Ivy said.
“I doubted Mary Lou. It took me way too long to figure out it was a demon. I blamed her divorce and spoiled attitude. I let it all slip by me.” I rubbed the back of my neck.
&
nbsp; “Don’t blame yourself. Just like your brother, the situation is too close to see clearly.” Ivy waved it off.
“That’s just it. They’re coming close to me to fool me. To trick me. To mess with me. I’m being baited,” I said.
Ivy nodded. “You’ll get stronger and outsmart them. Growing pains hurt.”
“Gran went through this?” I asked.
“I don’t remember anything getting set on fire in the house when she was around. Ask her,” Ivy replied.
I shook my head. “I think you’re right— growing pains. I have to do it on my own.”
“You learn by going through it. Learn from this and prep for the next one.” Ivy sighed at her closet. “And find me more space. Two queens have a lot of clothes.”
I smiled. “The angels don’t have a lot of wardrobe. Use their closet and heck, use the room as a walk-in,” I offered.
“Awesome.” Ivy headed down the hall to scope out the space.
Chapter Seventeen
I hadn’t intended to visit Gran but my subconscious took over when I was asleep. Weird dreams were one thing but I found myself in Gran’s cottage looking at old family photos on the wall.
“You need your sleep,” she said.
“I didn’t plan it. My brain won’t really rest. I need answers.” I turned and looked at her.
She had a book in her lap.
“You got them. You and Greg cast out the demon. What more do you want? Success should be enjoyed.” She turned a page and serenely read.
“Mary Lou is your friend too. You couldn’t give me a hint? A tiny warning?” I asked.
“You have to rely on yourself. I’m sorry I couldn't be there for you when I was alive. That’s what you’re missing. The coaching and encouragement I should’ve given you. Death changes things,” she said.
I nodded. “I know. I’m sorry, but if I’m supposed to be helping people. If I’m doing the job I’m here for—I should get some help if I need it.”
“You have it. You can see Amy now.”
I sighed with annoyance. “She’s not human. She’s not—it’s not the same.”
