"Shit. Okay. Let me see." He paused, shuffling notes. "Do you have a third-eye?"
"As a matter of fact, I do."
"Really? I wasn't expecting that. Okay." He shuffled some more. "Do you have a metal box?"
"What kind of metal box?"
"Any kind. As long as it's metal and has a lid."
"I can get one."
"Okay. Get some dirt from a church, and line the bottom of the box with it. Get the ghost in the box, close the lid, and sprinkle salt on it."
"Are you screwing with me?" I asked.
"Nope. I got this online. It has to be right."
"Dirt and salt?"
"Okay, maybe it isn't one hundred percent accurate, but every part of mortal legend has a real origin, usually stemming from the Divine. The point is, I bet it can be done. Get the box and bring it to an angel. I'm sure they would know what to do with it. Ghosts are more Heavenly than demonic."
"Not this one," I said. "At least not anymore. Thanks, Allie."
"Yeah, no problem. Rosie, this has to be worth a date, no?"
Rose laughed. "Maybe."
Alichino's voice rose in pitch. "Maybe? Sure. I'll take what I can get. Laters."
"Bye Allie," Rose said.
"Well, there you have it," Gervais said. "Find an angel and ask them how to catch Rebecca."
"Before I do, does anyone else have any better idea?" I asked.
It was crickets all around.
"Alyx, would you like to go for a run?"
"With you? Absolutely."
"Rose, keep an eye online for anything that shouts Abaddon. Gervais, Zifah, watch the news for the same."
Gervais was already watching the news. He flashed me a thumbs up.
"Be careful, Landon," Rose said as Alyx and I headed for the door.
"I always am. Except when I'm not."
Forty-Three
Twenty minutes found us back at the airport. It was an exhilarating ride, a quick dash through the city, some of it traversed on rooftops with Alyx making massive leaps across busy streets and scaling up and down vertical faces. I enjoyed it as much as she did, laughing at the freedom, strength, and power that she put on display.
It ended too quickly, and we found ourselves back inside the terminal, bypassing security and moving toward the food court once again. I knew I could probably find an angel somewhere else, but I would have to go looking. I already knew Jane would be here.
I found her laying on a bench near Gate 21. She was projecting herself as a weary traveler, splayed out on the bench with her luggage behind her head. There was no sign of any other angels, and that worried me.
"Jane," I said, coming up behind her. I was masking Alyx's aura, keeping her wrapped and neutralized in my power. There was no point in causing another scene.
She sat up and spun to face me, her hand out to summon a sword. The action told me a lot about her in very little time. For one, she wasn't even close to new at the angel thing if she were experienced enough to keep her blade remote.
"Who are you?" she asked, eyeing both of us.
She didn't remember our meeting.
"My name is Landon Hamilton," I said.
"The diuscrucis."
"Yes. We met about a week ago. You wouldn't remember."
She stared at us without summoning her sword. "I remember something happening. I was mad at Saul for starting a fight."
"With Alyx here," I said. "She's a Great Were."
I could see the uncontrollable fear flash through Jane's eyes.
"It's okay, she's with me," I said.
"We're mates," Alyx said. "I won't hurt you unless Landon asks me to."
She didn't seem to get much comfort from that.
"What do you want from me?" she asked.
"Abaddon," I said.
"I should have guessed. All of the others have been returned to the Sanctuary to prepare should he begin his assault on the world."
"Good idea. He's escaped from his prison."
"I knew he would. Nothing but the Box could ever have held him for long."
Would the Fist of God hold him permanently? There was only one way to find out.
"It's worse than that. He's working with a ghost. Her name is Rebecca. He thinks she's his dead wife."
"A ghost?" She shook her head. "That can't be. Ghosts work to redeem themselves and earn their place in Heaven."
"Yeah, she tried that. From what I've heard, it didn't go too well."
She didn't look happy about that news. "Dark spirits are a rarity, and very difficult to control. You should understand how and why that potential exists."
"Balance. I know. I came to ask you if you know how to catch her?"
She looked up at my forehead. "You have a third-eye. You can see her. That's usually the hardest part."
"So, she can be caught?" I asked.
"Trapped? Yes, of course, though I've never done it myself."
"In how many years?"
"For me? Three hundred seventy two." She smiled. "I don't feel a day over three hundred. I don't think any of us has ever had need to trap a spirit. They are uncommon enough as it is, and most fulfill their obligation and are brought to Heaven. What does she want with Abaddon? Let me guess, to destroy the world?"
"Actually, no. She wants to blackmail God. A place in Heaven in exchange for humankind."
"That's preposterous."
"I know. It's still the truth. Will you help me?"
"I'm not supposed to leave the area. We're on high alert."
"Just tell me how to catch her, and I'll do the rest."
"It doesn't work like that, Landon. Only an angel can catch a ghost."
"Is there any dirt or salt involved?"
"Dirt, yes. Salt, no. I really shouldn't leave."
"Can't you call someone else to take your watch for you? Jane, I have a plan to take Abaddon out of play, but that doesn't happen without getting Rebecca first. If you help me with this, the seraphim won't need to be on high alert anymore."
She looked uncertain. "My Lord may not approve of me helping you."
"I think He'll be a lot happier with what I'm going to do than what Rebecca wants to do."
She considered for a few moments more. "Very well. Meet me at Saint Patrick's Cathedral in twenty minutes."
I felt an immediate lump in my throat. "Saint Patrick's?"
"Is that a problem?"
It was where I had stashed the Grail. It was where Sarah had slaughtered a dozen innocents to retrieve it. I didn't have good memories of the place.
It seemed fate was forcing me to relive a past I wanted to forget.
"No. It's no problem," I said at last. "Alyx, can we make it in time?"
"Of course, my love."
"We'll see you there," I said. "Remember."
She nodded resolutely and then vanished in a stream of light. She was going back to Heaven first. To get a replacement? Or was I going to be walking into a trap of a different kind? I never knew for sure with the Divine.
"Thank you," I said to Alyx. "For everything you're doing for me."
She smiled brightly. "I'm happy to do it." She paused. "And a lot more."
I kissed her once, unable to resist. "Soon," I said, remembering what Bradford had said. It wasn't like that. It would never be like that. "Let's finish this."
Forty-Four
Jane was already at Saint Patrick's when Alyx and I arrived. She was standing out in front of the church, a large, metal box covered in scripture cradled in her arms.
"I had to return to Heaven for this," she said, holding up the box. "There is only the one. Follow me."
She headed up the steps to go into the church. I paused behind her, my mind flashing back to the past. This wasn't the same thing. I looked at Alyx. Nothing was the same.
I started up the steps.
"Landon," Alyx said, remaining behind. "I can't go in there."
"Yes, you can," I said.
"I'm a demon. I can't."
&nbs
p; I paused. I had actually forgotten. The cathedral was protected from demons by powerful scripture. It was the reason I had hidden the Grail there, and the reason the Beast had used Sarah to retrieve it.
"I'm sorry," I said, going back to her. "The scripture doesn't know the difference between a truly evil demon, and a lovely one like you. Remember, you decide who you are and what you do. It isn't predefined for you."
"I'll wait for you here," she said. "At least I know you'll be safe enough in there."
Even if the angels wanted to jump me, I would have to attack them first. They had to know I wouldn't fall for that one.
"If they want to start something, they'll start with you," I said. "Don't let them, no matter what they say."
"I won't."
I kissed her forehead and ran up the steps to catch up to Jane.
"Really, diuscrucis? A demon?"
"Save your judgement for someone who wants it," I said. "She has a good heart."
"Is it her heart you're truly interested in?"
I felt my anger flaring, and I forced it back down. Was that how they were going to try to bait me?
"That's none of your business. I don't answer to you, or to God."
"Everything answers to God. Even Lucifer."
"The Beast didn't."
She rounded on me, her face turning red. "Do not speak of that in here."
I smiled. Who was baiting who?
We walked the length of the cathedral and then exited through a side door, out into a small garden. It was a calm and peaceful place, a rarity in the middle of Manhattan.
"What are we doing here?" I asked.
"I told you, we do need dirt." She placed the box on the ground and fell to her knees next to it. She used her hands to dislodge some of the grass and place it to the side. Then she began scooping soil from the ground and dropping it into the box. "Consecrated soil. It will hold the spirit that gets too close to it, and give us time to close the lid."
"Did you tell the others what I told you?" I asked.
"About Rebecca? Yes."
"And?"
"It isn't an open and shut case, if that's what you're asking."
"You mean He might submit to her demands?"
"Not God, no. He isn't the only one who decides who enters Heaven."
"Michael?"
"Yes. He may decide to allow it if it means saving humankind."
"How can he even consider that?"
"With the hope that Heaven can change her when being a spirit couldn't. It's called faith, diuscrucis."
"I know what faith is," I said. Josette had faith. Sometimes it seemed like she had too much of it. "I still think that's a bad idea."
"It's a good thing it isn't your decision."
"And yet you're still helping me."
"We would prefer not to have her, of course."
"Of course."
Jane finished dumping dirt into the box, covering the bottom of it an inch deep. She put the lid back on and returned to her feet. "We have everything we need except the spirit."
"That's it?"
"When we catch her I will say a prayer that will bind her to the soil more strongly."
"Sounds good," I said.
"Once the trap is sprung and Abaddon is contained, I will take her to the Sanctuary for reconciliation."
"What? Reconciliation, as in penance? As in, you get another chance?"
"Yes."
I opened my mouth, ready to tell her about my plan to destroy Rebecca. I realized it was probably better if she didn't know about that up front.
"Okay," I said, choking slightly on the word.
We retreated back through the church to where Alyx was waiting. I wasn't surprised to find Saul out there with her, leaning against the side of the cathedral and staring at her.
"Really?" I said, turning to Jane.
"A test. Nothing more. Saul, go."
The second angel turned his head at Jane's voice, but didn't leave right away.
"Saul," she said again, more sternly.
He started walking toward Alyx.
"Saul," Jane shouted.
Alyx glanced over at me, and then back at the angel. She didn't change. She just stood there. Saul approached her, getting within a foot of her. It was close enough that she could run him through with her claws before he could blink.
Jane started forward. I put my arm out to stop her. "It's okay," I said.
Saul said something to Alyx. I could see the anger skip over her. She turned her entire body, facing away from him. He said something else, moving with her to stay in her face. She folded her hands over her chest and turned again. I knew she wanted to rip his throat out, but she was controlling it.
When he followed a second time, I was done.
"That's enough," I said, casting out my power and using it to pull him roughly away from her. He fell onto the sidewalk, attracting the attention of some of the pedestrians.
"That counts as an attack," Jane said next to me.
"Is that how you want to play it?" I asked. "The two of you against the two of us?"
"No. I want to help you stop Abaddon."
She descended the stairs, grabbing Saul by the arm and saying something to him. He nodded miserably and went into the cathedral.
"Are you okay?" I asked, reaching Alyx.
"Yes. I'm fine. I'm proud of myself for not giving in to him."
"I'm proud of you, too. I told you that you're lovely."
"I'm impressed," Jane said, catching up to us. "I didn't think it was possible."
"I told you she has a good heart."
Jane looked Alyx in the eye. "Perhaps you truly do."
Forty-Five
We made our way back to my place. Alyx ran while Jane took to the skies, gliding along and easily keeping pace with her. We rejoined the angel on the rooftop, and I brought her down the fire escape and in through the window.
"Rose," I said, entering the apartment. "Anything?"
Zifah and Gervais turned their heads away from the television to check out Jane. I could see the fiend shudder at the sight of an angel.
"You should be careful of the company you keep, diuscrucis," he said.
"Are you talking about yourself?" Zifah asked. He hopped onto the back of the sofa and stared at Jane. "I've never seen a real angel before."
Jane turned to face me. "Landon, your house is full of demons."
"You know what I am," I said.
"I'm not a demon," Rose said, standing up and approaching us. She held her hand out to the angel. "Rose. Nice to meet you."
She took her hand. "Jane." She turned back to me again. "I'll wait outside."
"Hang on a second. Do you have anything?" I asked again.
"The All Blacks are winning 23 to 14," Gervais said.
"Actually, I do," Rose said, glaring at the demon. She led me over to her laptop.
"Landon," Jane said, motioning toward the window.
"Can't you deal with them for two minutes?" I asked. "You won't fall for sharing the same space."
"Yeah, toots," Zifah said. "We don't bite. Unless you want me to, that is."
She sighed but stepped closer to Rose.
"What do you have?" I asked.
She turned the screen so I could see it. "I've been mapping some random police reports that have been coming in. They've been finding corpses in the street that match Abaddon's MO."
"The street? Like he's just wandering around? If he were out there, he'd be leaving hundreds dead, not single bodies."
"Maybe he's able to contain it? Or maybe sucking some of his power away made him a little less deadly? I don't know. He isn't wandering around. The trail leads right to this building."
She tapped a few keys and zoomed out. I groaned.
"You know it?" she asked.
"Yeah. It's the Solen family's penthouse uptown. Rebecca took Abaddon home."
"She's taking this wife thing a little far, don't you think," Gervais said.
"Does Ab
addon even have a penis?" Zifah asked.
"She knows I'll track her down," I said. "She doesn't care. It's a message that she isn't afraid of me." Of course, she didn't know that I had found a means to trap her. I bet that would have changed her plans some. It was a point in our favor. "She should be. We can catch her."
"Ah, now I understand why you brought Ms. Goody-two-shoes," Gervais said.
"It was your plan," I said.
"Landon, what about the sword?" Alyx asked. "Maybe Jane knows how to repair it."
"Sword?" Jane said.
"Abaddon's prison," I said. "They were drawing out his power with a sword. It shattered when he escaped, but I kept the pieces."
I retrieved the bits of metal from where we had left them in the kitchen. "Do you think you can do anything with them?" I asked the angel.
She picked up one of the pieces, her eyes growing wide. "Do you know what this is?"
"I already told you, we-"
"Landon, this is Archangel Uriel's sword. It was thought destroyed during the War in Heaven when Lucifer was cast down."
"It steals Divine power."
"Yes. Uriel used it against the fallen angels, taking their power and adding it to his own. It made him nearly invincible. I can't believe it has been here this entire time."
"It's in pieces now."
"It can be fixed, but not here. Only Uriel himself may be able to repair it."
I plucked the shard from her hand. "We won't be letting him do that," I said. "I don't need Uriel coming down here to start powering up again. The question is, can we use it against Abaddon?"
"In this state? No. It is worthless. If it were whole, it might be able to steal enough of his energy to make him manageable."
"It was jabbed into his gut for over a week," I said. "He still seems pretty strong."
"Demons wouldn't be able to draw the power out, only absorb what was absorbed into the blade. It's the difference between touching the surface of the water and submerging yourself in it."
"Do you think I would be able to draw it out?" I asked.
"You should."
"Wouldn't you have to get close enough to stick him with it first?" Rose asked.
"Yes."
"We can worry about that after we get him contained," I said. I handed the pieces of metal back to Alyx, who returned them to the kitchen. "Rebecca knows I know where she is. She's going to assume I'll come for her."
Execution (The Divine Book 6) Page 18
