‘I have to say in my own defence, he looked pretty defeated the last time I saw him.’
‘No. His fate has already been ordained by God. Satan doesn’t have free will. Just as God knew Lucifer would fall from the heavens, he also knows Lucifer will ultimately be defeated.’
‘That’s a discussion that would take far too long to explore at this point, and I do have things to do.’
Father Gabriel grinned. ‘You have a woman waiting for you?’
‘I do,’ Lourds admitted.
‘Which one?’
‘Both, actually.’
‘Not at the same time,’ Lourds said.
‘Thank God you’ve got some morality left.’
‘Though the possibility is certainly of merit and worth investigating.’
Father Gabriel covered his ears. ‘Don’t. I’m an old man and you’ve been like son to me. A wayward son, perhaps, but a son nevertheless. I really can’t bear any further disillusionment.’
Lourds reached into his backpack and took out the Joy Scroll in its wooden cylinder. ‘I’ve talked it over with Joachim. We’re both of the opinion that you would be the best person to offer safekeeping for this.’
‘Should Lucifer rise again.’
‘Exactly.’
Father Gabriel took the cylinder. ‘I shall do my very best.’
‘As I knew you would.’ Lourds plucked his hat from the table. ‘Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got a picnic lunch to get to. Perhaps a scenic boat ride and a walk in the park for later.’
‘I would think you would want to rest.’
Lourds stood and clapped his hat on his head. Then he smiled. ‘The business you’re in, I’d think you’d know there’s no rest for the wicked.’
‘You’re not wicked.’ Father Gabriel stood and hugged Lourds fiercely. ‘You’re just restless. Now go. I’m sure there are a lot more adventures waiting for you.’
‘There’s still the library of Alexandria waiting somewhere.’
Lourds smiled. ‘I know. Maybe one day.’ He gathered his backpack, slung it over his shoulder, and took his leave.
The Lucifer Code (2010) Page 35
