“Oh,” Becky looked slightly relieved. “What was it then?”
“It was a demon.”
“A demon?” Becky’s eyes widened. “A real demon? Like an angels and demons demon?”
“Yes, Mom. That kind. And it’s not the first I’ve seen in Patton’s Point. Anyway, it took off right after I saw it, but it kind of scared me, because usually demons don’t notice me. So I called McCoy this morning, and he agreed to come up and check it out.”
“Wait. Hold on. Just how many demons have you seen around here? Are we talking one a week? One every couple of days?”
“No, they’re not anywhere near that common around here.”
“Okay. The things on White Pine Island, they were demons. Right?”
“Not exactly,” McCoy said, taking his turn. “They’re called sea demons sometimes, but they’re actually more akin to the Fey. Fairies. The ones we’re talking about here are your classic demons. You know, exorcisms and possession and all of that.”
“That makes me feel a lot better,” Becky said dryly.
“You wanted the truth,” McCoy said. “There are different ranks of demons. Think about the Army. You have privates, corporals, sergeants—all the way up to generals. Demons have a similar hierarchy. Most of the demons that humans encounter are just foot soldiers. They’re often mistaken for ghosts, because they’re not very powerful. If they’re lucky, they might get into your head and cause you to do something you wouldn’t normally do.”
“Like what?” Becky asked.
“Like lie to someone, maybe cheat on a test or steal some worthless item just for kicks. They’re irksome, but not anything to really worry about. It’s when you get to the mid-level demons that you start running into trouble.”
“Trouble?”
“Yeah. These demons are more powerful, and some are capable of possessing humans. They wear their victim down emotionally until the person’s defenses are weak enough that they can jump in and take over. And once they’re in someone, they’re a bitch to get out.”
“So these demons are like the one in that old movie?”
“The Exorcist? No, that is another rung up the ladder. The demon in that movie was a major demon. They can possess a person in a relatively short span of time. They’re also very powerful. Remember how the demon levitated the girl in the film? Stuff like that. They can also mask their presence from sensitive people like me and Pru. This type of demon was the reason I was limping around when we first met. I got into a fight with one, and it almost ended really badly.”
“Finn, you’re scaring me,” Becky said.
“I know I am, and that’s what Pru and I were trying to avoid. But you deserve to know the truth. Because if we’re right, the demon we’re dealing with here is one of the worst kinds.”
“A major demon?” Becky asked quietly, as if even saying it would somehow cause the fiend to materialize before their eyes.
“Yes,” McCoy said. “Now, I have to emphasize, we’re not one-hundred percent sure that what we’re dealing with is a demon. I saw something near the trestle tonight, and it appeared to be, for all in the world, the Goat Man.”
“The Goat Man?” Becky asked, incredulous. “That old story is real?”
“We don’t think it is, Mom,” Pru said. “McCoy and I believe that the demon is just trying to throw us off the trail. It’s using the Goat Man legend to get people all worked up and scared.”
“But Finn just said he saw the thing.”
“Demons can take any form they want, Mom. Neither McCoy or I think that the Goat Man is real, and neither of us sensed anything. That means that it’s probably a demon.”
“Demons are masters of deception,” McCoy added. “The entity probably picked up on the Goat Man from the documentary crew and decided to have a little fun with it. It’s only using the Goat Man image to spread fear, because they thrive on human fear and suffering.”
“So if there’s one demon, does that mean that there may be more around that you don’t know about?” Becky asked worriedly.
“It’s not likely,” McCoy said. “Demons don’t work well in pairs or teams. Not only do they hate humans, but they can’t stand each other, either. They’re basically little furballs of hate and loathing.”
“Okay,” Becky said. “I’ve heard all that I need to hear about demons for the time being. Finn, do you have any idea why that—thing—was in my backyard?”
“I think I might,” McCoy said.
“Well? Are you going to tell me?”
“Are you sure you want to hear it?”
“No,” Becky admitted. “But you’d better tell me, anyway.”
“It’s possible that this demon, for whatever reason, has singled Pru out. I have no idea what made it focus on her, but that seems to be the case. That’s why it allowed her to sense its presence.”
“Oh my God,” Becky gasped. “Please tell me you know how to handle this, Finn.”
“Becky, I want you to relax. I’m not about to let anything happen to Pru. I’ll figure this out. In the meantime, everyone needs to go about their daily routine. If the demon becomes suspicious, it may make a move for Pru sooner than planned.”
“So you expect me to get up and go to work like none of this is happening?”
“That’s exactly what I want you to do. Pru’s completely safe here in the house. I’ve taught her how to ward against supernatural intruders, and she’s done a fine job. I’ll check everything again before we go to bed, but I’m sure it’s all in order.”
“Oh Lord,” Becky said suddenly. “Wolf Donovan. Do you think he could be the demon in disguise? I mean, you both said you couldn’t sense the thing. And here I’ve invited him to dinner!”
McCoy smiled. “I don’t think Mr. Donovan is our demon. He was with Pru on the trail at the same time I saw the Goat Man, or whatever it is. Even demons have to obey most physical laws, and not being in two places at once is one of them.”
McCoy glanced at Pru, and the girl gave a slight shake of her head. There was no reason to bring up Pru’s concerns about Wolf Donovan. Whoever he might be, he obviously wasn’t the demon. Perhaps McCoy would find some answers when he contacted John Talbot in the morning.
“So what should we do?” Becky asked.
“Go to bed,” McCoy replied. “Go to work as usual tomorrow and we’ll have dinner with Mr. Donovan tomorrow evening. By then, I should have a better handle on the situation.”
“Okay, but I want you two to keep me in the loop. I want to know if anything happens, and no running off to God-knows-where unless I know about it. Are you good with that?”
“Sure,” McCoy said.
“I’ll let you know the moment we know anything,” Pru promised. “And, Mom? I’m sorry for not telling you. I just didn’t want you to worry. I know that McCoy can handle this.”
“I’m your mother,” Becky said gently. “It’s my job to worry about you. I took on that responsibility when you were born, and I’ve never regretted it. You can tell me anything, honey.”
Pru looked as if she might cry. McCoy, feeling like a third wheel, stared at the ceiling.
“Okay,” Becky said. “I’m going to bed. Finn, make sure you check…whatever it is you were going to check on. And no sneaking out during the night. Promise?”
“I promise,” Pru said.
“Scout’s honor,” McCoy added.
Becky rose, kissed Pru on the head, and went upstairs, leaving the two co-conspirators to wallow in their own guilt.
“Now I feel like crap for not telling her,” Pru said.
“Parents have a way of making you feel that way,” McCoy agreed.
“I’m glad you didn’t say anything else about Wolf,” Pru said. “I’d really feel bad if it turns out he has nothing to do with this.”
“He’s got something to do with it,” McCoy muttered. “I’m just not sure what. I’ll call John first thing in the morning and get the ball rolling on that.”
“Okay.”
“Wanna help me check the red brick dust?” McCoy asked.
“Sure.”
“Okay. I’ll take downstairs, you take up. Last one done is the loser. Ready?”
“Ready,” Pru said. “You’re going down, McCoy.”
“We’ll see,” McCoy grinned. “Go!”
Chapter Thirteen
“Finn McCoy!” John Talbot’s voice boomed from McCoy’s phone. “Good to hear your voice. I was getting worried about you. I haven’t heard from you in—let me see—almost two days now.”
“What? Are you saying that I pester you?”
“No! Absolutely not. Though a hobby of some kind might do you a world of good.”
“I have a hobby. It’s called bug-the-shit-out-of-the-sheriff.”
“You could bug Amanda.”
“No, I can’t. I’m three hours away, and she gets mad when I call her at work.”
“So you call me. Where are you, anyway?”
“Kentucky,” McCoy said. “A little town called Patton’s Point.”
“Isn’t that where that girl lives? What’s her name—Dru?”
“Pru. And yes, I’m up here visiting her and her mother. I think we may have a little situation up here involving a major demon. Other than that, it’s been a pretty boring trip.”
“A demon?” John was suddenly serious. “You okay? I can take a few days if you need some help.”
McCoy chuckled. John Talbot was a good friend, as well as an asset to have on your side in a fight. Being part Fey, John was no stranger to the paranormal world, and his ability to wield the mysterious fairy fire had proven to be useful on several occasions.
“No, I’m good. The help I need won’t cost you any time off.”
“Okay. What can I do for you?”
“I need you to see what you can dig up on a fellow named Anthony Donovan. Young guy, late twenties, tall with dark hair.”
“I don’t suppose you have a middle name or initial? Or maybe an address?”
“Sorry, that’s all I’ve got. I might be able to provide some more information later tonight or tomorrow, if you need it.”
“I’ll let you know,” John said. “I’ll run the name through our system and see what pops out. Do you want to call back or should I call you?”
“Call me if you get any hits,” McCoy said. “Otherwise, I’ll try to check back with you later this evening.”
“What’s up with this Donavon guy? He done something?”
“No, not really. I’m just curious. It’s another hobby I have. I like to check the background of total strangers.”
“You should be a cop, then.”
“I thought about it, but the doughnuts were a deal-breaker. I prefer cinnamon buns.”
“The rules have become laxer,” John said. “We’re allowed to eat cinnamon buns now. Even honey buns.”
“Wow. I may have to look back into it.”
“Yeah, then you could run your own errands. Plus, you’d be in the same building with me, so you wouldn’t have to call me every two hours.”
“You’re a barrel of laughs, Sheriff.”
“So I’ve been told. Seriously, if you need me, I’m only a phone call away. I could be there in two hours.”
“It took me three,” McCoy said.
“But I have these magic lights on my car that allow me to go faster than you,” John said. “Plus, you drive like an old man.”
“Find me something on Donovan, or I’ll show you an old man.”
“I’m right on it.”
“Thanks, John.”
“No problem. I’ll call as soon as I find anything.”
McCoy flipped his phone shut and looked outside. It was shaping up to be a beautiful but hot day, with plenty of sunshine and not a cloud on the horizon. Becky had already left for work, and Pru was upstairs in the shower.
Turning back to the living room, he walked over to an overstuffed recliner and plopped into it. He felt as if he should be on the move already, but he had to wait for Pru to finish. There was really only one course of action open to him right now, and Pru wasn’t going to like it. But McCoy had resolved to stand firm this time. Pru would only be safe if she stayed inside the house.
He had to go back to the trestle. If the area around the old bridge was where the demon was hiding, then he would have the best chance of invoking and trapping it there. Once he had the demon secure, he would be able to begin the long and tedious process of banishing it. If the demon was as powerful as he feared, it might take several hours. Maybe longer. With that in mind, it would be best to get as early a start as possible.
Besides Pru’s safety, there were other reasons why she couldn’t tag along. McCoy wouldn’t be able to give the rituals proper concentration if she were there, and her presence would only serve to enrage the demon further, thus bolstering its strength. And, on the remote chance that the Goat Man was not actually a demon, he didn’t want Pru around, because he really had no idea how to deal with it.
Upstairs, the shower shut off. McCoy heard the sounds of Pru getting out of the shower and getting dressed. Preparing himself mentally for a battle, he waited for her to come downstairs.
The Pru that came down the stairs minutes later was a visibly more subdued version of her usual self. Her trademark pertness and sass were nowhere to be found. For a brief instant, McCoy wondered if perhaps the demon hadn’t found its way into the house and substituted a changeling in the girl’s stead.
“What’s crawled up your rear?” McCoy asked as he entered the living room. “You look like your best friend died and your dog ran away.”
“I don’t know,” Pru replied. “I guess all of this excitement has worn me out.” She paused for a second before adding, “And I’ve been doing some thinking.”
“About what?”
“Well, the only thing I can think to do—besides sit here and wait—is to go back up to the trestle and try to draw the demon out.”
McCoy was impressed. “That’s kind of what I was thinking, too.”
“And if I go with you, it’s just going to make it harder to handle the damned thing if we can catch it. It’s not that I’m scared or anything, but I don’t want to put both of us at risk. I don’t want to have to ask you to go up there alone, but I don’t see any better way.”
McCoy couldn’t believe what he was hearing. It had to be some kind of trick. But when he looked at the girl, she could barely bring herself to meet his eyes.
“Pru, you’re right. It’s the best way to go about this. If you go with me, it’ll only bring up complications. You don’t have to feel ashamed. I know you’re no coward. I can handle this.”
“I just hate the thought of you going alone,” Pru said. “What if something happens to you? It’d be all my fault. I got you into this mess.”
“I’ll be fine. I have everything I could conceivably need in my knapsack. And the demon may not even be there. It may be a wasted trip.”
“I want you to call me when you get out there, before you go onto the mountain, because you’ll lose service. And then you have to call me as soon as you leave to come back here. And if I haven’t heard from you before dinner time, I’m coming out there, demon or no demon.”
“Sounds fair enough,” McCoy said. “But you have to promise me to stay inside the house. Don’t let anyone in other than me or your mother, and that includes Wolf Donovan. Until I know what part he’s playing in this, I can’t trust him.”
“Okay. I promise.”
“Good. Then I’m going to get ready to head out to the trestle. I want to get out there early because the police may have the road blocked off this time. I doubt Caleb got a free pass from the sheriff this time, especially after Wolf told him that Caleb was about to assault you.”
“I hope that douche spent the night in jail,” Pru snorted. “It would serve him right.”
“We can only hope. I’ll let you know when I get out there, but it may be a while before I can contact you again.”
“You do that.”
“Okay, then.” Pru grabbed McCoy in a hug, but she held off on the pressure so that it was more comforting than painful.
“I’ll call in just a bit,” McCoy promised, and walked out the front door.
“You’d better,” Pru said under her breath as she watched him leave.
Chapter Fourteen
Wolf Donovan bolted upright in the bed, gasping for air. His body was covered in a thin layer of cold sweat, and he was shivering. Jumping out of the bed, he made a dash for the shower and turned on the hot water. When it had heated sufficiently, he got in and shut the door behind him. He leaned against the shower wall, letting the hot water run across his body.
This was as bad as he’d ever seen it. Whatever was going to happen, it would happen tonight before midnight. He was certain of it.
He slumped into the floor of the shower, his trembling legs suddenly declaring mutiny and giving out. The water, as hot as it was, was only slowly beginning to warm his cold and clammy skin.
He had awakened with some additional knowledge that he had not possessed when he’d turned in the night before. He now knew what he was looking for, and that knowledge threatened to chill him beyond the ability of any amount of hot water to overcome.
An archdaemon.
Wolf had never before been pitted against so powerful a foe. Archdaemons were the generals of demon hierarchy—powerful, intelligent, and extremely cruel. Incidents involving the presence of an archdaemon on Earth were so rare that the time between them could be counted in decades, even centuries.
Wolf had even brought a name with him from his troubled sleep: Asmodeous.
Wolf thought that he might have heard that name in passing at one time or another, but he really wasn’t up to speed on the names of demons. The very fact that Asmodeous was an archdaemon, however, did not bode well for either Wolf or Pru. He had insufficient time to prepare for such a battle. He didn’t even know if the meager assortment of weapons he possessed would do much more than piss off an archdaemon.
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