“Yes, Poisonous. I love you and always have.” Evie’s gentle arms held her in a warm hug.
“I love you too, Evie. My angry eyes have been opened, and I’m no longer afraid of true love, which I now realize is an act of service for the good of another.”
“Go to your friend, Snakebite, and work out your plans. I’ll always be praying for you,” said Evie.
The crispness of the early Autumn air pushed cold through the early morning, brushed up against her coat, and batted her about. In human form, she felt the effects that didn’t bother her as a dark angel. Right now, her thoughts were elsewhere, and the chill of the day just blew past her thoughts.
She got off the Metro train at DuPont Circle, and walked with determination towards Snakebite’s apartment. Arriving at his door, she knocked gently, and moments later, was met by the friend she loved.
“Hi, Snakey. May I come in?”
“Of course,” Snakebite answered.
Settled on the couch, she said, “Honey, I love you; completely, and I’m now not ashamed to say the words out loud. But I must atone for all the evil I’ve done, and turn myself in.”
“You realize that you will probably spend the rest of your human life in jail.”
“Yes, but you and I both know it’s the right thing to do.”
“I understand, but I honestly can’t say I like the idea.”
“I know, but I must do what’s right. If I do end up in jail, will you at least come visit me?”
“You know I will. I’d rather see you when you are behind bars, than not see you at all.”
She said no more, but tenderly kissed Snakebite.
“Goodbye, my love.”
* * *
Like a dark cloud of black smoke, the seven spirits of murder flew down into the alley and found the very human they looked for. He was tall, marked with a pocked face, and pyorrhea-laden gums.
The leader of the squad looked at the man, eyes blazing with suggestion, and said, “Say yes.”
“Yes,” said the unwitting resident of the streets.
They all climbed into him, and headed for the Gallery Pl-Chinatown Station, lying in wait for a certain dark spirit, in a human body, who was now blighted by The Light.
* * *
The entrance to the subway station came into view, and Poisonous descended the stairs. She stopped in the Ladies Room to freshen up, especially since she had cried on the train on her way home. Getting to the women’s bathroom required her to climb up the stairs, and find the room in a hallway just off the main lobby of the station.
She put the final touches to her lipstick, when the figure of a man appeared in the mirror. Startled, she turned quickly to face him. “I’m sorry, sweetie, but you’re in the women’s bathroom.
He stood very tall with many scars on his pockmarked face. Several tattoos adorned his arms, neck and chest. He opened his mouth, revealing missing and rotting teeth. “No. I’m in the right place. You’re Perri, aren’t you?”
Suddenly the seven members of the Spirits of Murder who possessed this man appeared in the man, in vivid detail. “Actually, no…I’m Poisonous. What brings you gentlemen here? I have seen some of your handiwork, and I must say you’re very good at what you do.”
“Silence! We will do the talking here.”
Normally, she wouldn’t take this kind of insolence from anyone, male or female. Spirits of Murder, on the other hand possessed great strength, and even meaner temperaments: even she knew her limits.
He walked slowly toward her, his black eyes never moving from hers.
She trembled involuntarily. “Hey wait. You guys aren’t supposed to tempt me to do evil. One, The Lamb ordered it, and two, I’m quite capable of evil by myself.”
A ragged grin crept up on his face. “We may not tempt you, truly. It is our duty as faithful demons to torment daughters of Eve.
“But I’m not a daughter of Eve: I’m Poisonous, the Lust Nymph. I’m only in this human form to wreak havoc.” She had used it to the fullest. “And why would you torment me? I’m a demon, like you.”
Thwapp! The blow caught her off guard, causing her to fall backwards.
“Do not insult us. You are now flesh, and flesh is to be dealt with severely.”
He trapped her with two enormous arms, and held her down and unable to move. “Don’t think of trying to escape.” The other Spirits of Murder held her spirit being down. No matter what she tried, she could not overcome their great strength. Then, with one hand on her chest, the man they inhabited pulled down his pants and drawers, revealing a grotesquely large member.
For a very brief moment, she stared at it, transfixed by the size. Even as he ripped her skirt and panties off, curiosity held her captive, and she was in awe, as long as she avoided that hideous face. His rough hand squeezing the breath out of her brought her back to terrifying reality.
He tore into her crudely, forcing his way in, sending fiery pain burning through her loins. “No!” she screamed. “Please stop. Please!” She tried beating on him, but she might as well have tried to move a tractor-trailer. Worse, the Spirits of Murder held her arms down even tighter.
He slapped her again, and continued his twisted lovemaking. Each blow brought more pain, until she heard a ringing in her ears, and felt very light-headed. The pain and her vision slowly faded, as the world turned black.
* * *
Something in her told her to check up on Poisonous. Lately, VD could sense when she was in trouble, and now was one of those times. She found her walking towards the Gallery Pl-Chinatown Station Subway station, and followed at a distance. The Spirits of Murder followed Poisonous at a distance. Following far enough behind not to be seen, the spirits inside the hideous man went into the Ladies Restroom. Soon after, angry voices, followed by screams of pain echoed out of the lavatory, but she stayed away at a safe distance. Spirits of Murder showed no mercy to their victims, and inflicted great pain, if not death upon their victims. She knew better than to stand up to them, or they might try the same with her, if they ever caught her in human form. Being raped made her shudder; even as a demon. Worse, they could send her to an early resting place in Hell.
As the spirits and the body they inhabited left, VD slowly opened the door, fearing the worst. At first, she didn’t see anything, but after a brief scan of the room, she saw Poisonous lying still in the corner. She walked over to her, dreading the outcome. Poisonous lay there beneath her, unconscious, her skirt and panties tossed to one side. Two big welts covered her cheeks and her eyes. A pool of blood spread beneath her midsection. VD felt the bile rising in her, ran to the stall, and leaned over the toilet. She wretched violently several times until she could only hold her gut, trembling and waiting for the next round to take over. Mercifully, it stopped. Taking a deep breath, she steeled herself, and walked back to the still figure of her friend, who breathed shallow, ragged breaths.
“Oh Poisonous. Why did this have to happen to you? They didn’t need to rape you like this.” Tears fell down her cheeks as she turned to nothing in particular, raising her fists. “I hate you, you vile sons of dogs. I sincerely hope you writhe in pain in a violent part of Hell for this.”
“We interrupt our normal programming to bring you this breaking news. Paramedics responding to a call just found a young woman at the Metro Center subway station just a few minutes ago. She has apparently been sexually assaulted, and found unconscious, bleeding. Paramedics are taking her to George Washington Medical Center. There was one witness, who prefers to remain anonymous. She says she is a friend of the victim, whose name is Poisonous Loliyekar, approximately twenty-five years of age, of South Asian descent. No further details are available now. We will update you as details are known…”
Evie clicked off the television and gasped. “Poisonous! Oh my gracious God, please protect her—”
Before she could say another word, her cell phone rang. “Her Caller ID displayed GW Hospital.
“Hello?”
“Evi
e. It’s VD.”
“VD! Did you hear what happened to Poisonous?”
“I’m at the hospital with her now. Please hurry and come here. I need your help.”
* * *
Dan sat at his desk, and played back the newscast streaming on his cell phone. “My God,” he said, aghast at how brutally she was raped. “Even for someone as evil as she is, I wouldn’t wish that on anyone.” For a brief moment, he felt remorse for victims of rape, even her, the perp they had been chasing all along.
Dialing her number on the office phone, he waited for Barb Haywood to answer.
“Haywood.”
“Barb. Did you see the news about our perp being raped? It was grisly. That monster must have been almost two feet taller than her, and seemed to possess superhuman strength.”
“Knowing what we do about her, I wouldn’t be surprised if it were done by people—or spirits—like her. I had just gotten a message from Herb Chambers—one of my best Sergeants—that she wanted to have a meeting with you, Dwight Ordman and I. I have a feeling that meeting won’t be able to happen soon.”
“Well, I’d let her recover, but after that, we’d better follow up, and make sure we have that meeting.”
Nineteen
Evie’s heart pounded and her whole body shook, traumatized by the recent news account of Poisonous’ rape. “Is Poisonous all right?”
VD trembled as she held the phone in her hand. She stood next to the bed where Poisonous laid, eyes sadly tearing over with pain and compassion. She answered, “Yes. She was raped. I called 9-1-1 from a pay phone as soon as I could. I’m right here at her side at the hospital. I saw the whole thing…” Silence followed for a few moments. “Evie, it was awful,” she choked out.
“I can only imagine. Are you all right?”
“I’m shaking. Seeing her lying there, beaten…bleeding...” Sobs followed on the other end of the line.
“Be strong for her, VD. She needs you right now. We are the only friends she has in this world, and she’s in trouble. I’ll be there as soon as I can.”
She took down the room number, ran out her door, drove as fast as she could through DC traffic arrived at GW Hospital fifteen minutes later.
“I’m here to visit Perri Loliyekar. I’m her roommate.”
The receptionist looked up at her apologetically. “I’m sorry ma’am. She can only be seen by family members.”
“But ma’am, she has no family. She’s an orphan. I’m her only family. Isn’t there any way you could make an exception in this case?”
The receptionist said nothing for a few moments, then, “All right. I’ll let you go up; but you can only stay for thirty minutes. You understand?”
“I understand. That’s perfectly fine.”
She ran down the hall until she found the elevator. She took it to the seventh floor, and followed the signs to room 703. She peered in the door. VD sat next to Poisonous, who was under covers, and by the looks of it, strong sedation as well.
“Evie!” VD ran up to her and hugged her. “I’m so glad you’re here. I need a friend to help me. I don’t know what to say to her, and I’d pray for her, but I’m no good at that either.”
“It’s okay, honey. I’ll pray for her and you.”
“Thank you. You’re such a wonderful person.”
For a brief moment, she stood there in awe of what a big heart VD had. Trying to understand how the Father did things always proved futile. She just marveled and took her by the hand. She walked to Poisonous’ bed with VD in tow, and prayed for them both. Her heart ached as she looked at her misguided roommate. “She was so intent on being evil, and now it’s caught up to her. I just hope she gets a chance to be indwelled by the Light before something awful happens to her, like being killed by a spirit of murder.”
“Me too,” agreed VD. “We both know all too well what awaits us, and I dread it.”
“I don’t know about that. I have a feeling big changes are in store for both of you.”
“Do you really think so?”
“Let’s just say I have a very strong feeling about it.”
* * *
The pain in her midsection had subsided. She still winced whenever she changed position, but the painkillers numbed most of the pain. Although thoughts of that fateful day still haunted her, she found comfort in knowing that VD had called the EMT crew when she did, or she might have died from bleeding. If the body you inhabit dies, the spirit inside it faces its final judgment. For her that was Hell. She grudgingly admitted that VD was truly a friend.
The numbers on the clock read 8:28 pm. Poisonous tapped her fingers on the nightstand beside her. The familiar scent of the spirit filled the room again; for the fourth time this week.
‘Hi, VD. How are you?” She found herself smiling warmly.
“Poisonous? Do you care about me?”
She sighed. “Yes, VD. Of course I do.”
VD brightened a little. “You and I know each other for a long time, haven’t we?”
She didn’t say anything for a while. She just stared at VD with a blank stare, and finally said, “Yes, we have.”
“After all this, don’t you consider us friends, Poisonous?”
“You know what, VD? We’re demons. You and I have thought very differently lately. You know I’ve changed a lot since I left the second heavens. I abandoned you months ago to do my own thing. Yet, the Spirit of The Light has arrested me, and my outlook is very different now. I’d have been angry with me if I were you. Now I see friendship from a completely different point of view. Lord Yehovah has been working our hearts since last fall when we were tormenting Evie and her sister. You have changed faster than I, but I’m glad we both see life from a different perspective.
“I know I’ve said bizarre things ever since you came to Earth to appear human. I never cared before whether anyone liked me or not before that,” said VD.
“Well...” Poisonous paused, thinking. “You and I have always enjoyed trading stories of the havoc we wreaked in humankind’s soul. I’m not exactly sure I have any further desire to do what demons normally do. You and I have always been partners as demons, but now I no longer am that partner you once knew.” She paused, smiling. “Now I’m your friend.”
VD remained silent, sitting there in the chair, swinging her legs back and forth.
Poisonous turned on her bed, and lay upon her side. “But since I’m new at this, what exactly do friends do, VD? I’m familiar with having lovers: you know of Snakebite, whom I adore. But being friends—hmmm --- that requires opening up your soul to someone without getting anything in return.”
VD still said nothing. She looked away, leaned back in the chair and stared at the ceiling. Eventually, she said, “I’m not exactly sure, but I’ve heard humans have friends, and they seem to like the idea. We should work at it. It might not be that hard. All I know is that they spend a lot of time together, and they don’t seem to mind baring their souls, even when they fight or disagree.”
Poisonous’ face softened some. “I can’t see that it would be so bad. We have spent a lot of time together. I must admit there is no longer any point in doing evil: neither of us wants to any more. I guess I’ve rather grown used to you always being there with me. I sort of… well I suppose I...” She forced herself to say the words. “I miss you too.”
“Oh, Poisonous, you’re such a good friend…” VD gave her a big hug, and started to kiss her too.
She involuntarily backed away. She noticed the hurt look on VD’s face, and felt bad. “I…I’m sorry. I wasn’t trying to hurt your feelings.”
VD blinked back tears, but said nothing.
“VD. I’m still getting used to seeing you as a friend. It’s going to take me some time, but I think I can get used to the idea. We are more like lovers of The Lamb every day, and that’s a good thing.”
VD found her voice. “I agree, and all I know is that I... well, I guess I miss you. I don’t like the idea of you not being around. You’ve always
been my partner.”
She walked over to VD and hugged her back. She and VD had never done this before, but it felt nice, actually. “Thank you, old friend.” There was a brief, awkward silence.
VD managed a small smile. “Well... I guess I have to go find something good to do. I’ll see you around. You take care of yourself, okay?”
Poisonous nodded. “Take care, old friend. I look forward to seeing you again. I actually think that our being friends is rather nice.”
She shuddered as emotions flowed through her heretofore empty, black heart. “I like her, and she and I have a long history together. I’ll just have to face the fact that maybe I could be a nice young woman. I’m not throwing away my friendship with VD, no matter what the other demons or the Lamb’s followers think. After all, followers of the Lamb do have a justifiable disposition to hate dark angels.”
She watched VD walking back into the spirit realm. Just before she was out of sight, VD turned and said, “I know we might be looked on as Followers of the Light, but I don’t mind telling you how I feel. I love you.”
“I love you too, sweetie.”
VD smiled and left.
On her way back to her apartment, VD ran into another demon. Face twisted in disgust, lips snarled, and teeth gnashing, he said, “You make me sick...you’re worse than the humans. ‘Friend... I love you...’ indeed. You’re going to give us demons a bad name if you keep this up,” he said.
Recognition hit her. “Conniver, if you know what’s good for you, you’ll just leave me alone.”
“I’ll do no such thing. I’m going to tell my squadron and yours about this. You’ll be the brunt of all the demonic jokes, and eventually answer to Lucifer.”
“Conniver... it’s obvious to me that you’ve never heard of the saying, ‘Heav'n has no rage like love to hatred turn'd, Nor Hell a fury, like a woman scorn'd.’ In case you hadn’t noticed, I’m a woman, and you’re really plucking my last nerves.” She took off her earrings, laid them down, and laid into him with a fury fiercer than she had ever felt before, fists flying. When she had pummeled him into submission, she stood him up, and spat her words out angrily. “Now get out of here, or I’ll give you more.”
Poisonous: A Visit To Earth (DC Angels Book 2) Page 23
