by Michael Todd
Damian took the exit and pulled off on the side of the road. He flipped the overhead light on and tapped his fingers on the steering wheel. “Okay, boss. I’ve taken the exit. What would you like me to do?”
The Secretary typed quickly, the noise clicking in his ear. “Hold on one second. I’m sending it to you.”
Suddenly, the GPS turned on, and a thin red line trailed across the map on the screen. Damian tapped it with his finger and narrowed his eyes. “That’s fucking weird. I won’t lie. This shit borders on apocalyptic.”
She exhaled a sharp breath. “Seriously? You fight demons trying to take over the world and worry that I can turn your GPS on from here? Perhaps you should rethink the priorities here. Besides, your car is ours. Of course, I can control certain things from here. Trust me, it’s not magic. I don’t have a cauldron and a wand. A voodoo doll, maybe, but a wand, no.”
“I thought my back pain was worse than normal.”
“Mmm. And don’t worry. Tonight, the pain will move to another spot. Your legs and kneecaps are still in perfect condition. I’ll make sure to remedy that with some pins and a bottle of wine.”
Damian wasn’t entirely sure she was joking, so he opted for the directions. “So, Voodoo Queen, where am I going?”
The Secretary chuckled. “A village fifty miles away. There is a church in the center of the town. Don’t worry, this place is teeny-tiny, and there is only one church. The three Wise Men are already waiting for you at the side entrance.”
He slouched and groaned loudly. “God, what did I do now?”
She cleared her throat. “You don’t have to call me God. ‘Secretary’ will suffice. And nothing that I know of, but you have fifty miles to go, so anything can happen.”
Damian shook his head firmly. “Nope. Not tonight. I won’t veer from this path. It will be an unexciting fifty-mile drive.”
“Good to know. I believe they have something to discuss with you about another mission they want you to go on. This one is pretty hush-hush, and they said you have to know before I’m briefed. I wish I could tell you more. Actually no, I lie. I like to see you sweat.”
“Very funny. All right, we’re on our way. At this time of night, it shouldn’t take more than an hour and a half or so to get there.”
The Secretary was about to hang up when she remembered something. “Oh, and don’t forget, leave Max in the car. You know how the Wise Men are about that. They don’t want him in the meetings yet.”
Damian sneered. “Lucky bastard.”
She stifled a laugh. “Have fun. And please hide those bags of guns. You know what will happen if they see them.”
The priest looked into the rearview mirror at the two duffel bags tucked in the dark corner. He was about to ask her how she knew when the line clicked. He dropped the phone in the cupholder.
Max raised an eyebrow. “New mission?”
Damian sighed. “Not yet, but soon. The Wise Men want to talk to me about it in person in a small town about fifty miles from here.”
Max straightened and brushed imaginary crumbs from the front of his shirt. “Oh, I didn’t realize we were meeting them.”
He shook his head. “No worries. They aren’t ready for you to join the party. Yet again, you have been blessed by Lady Luck. You get to sit in the car and wait for me to come back with half my dignity intact.”
The young priest chuckled. “Don’t worry, you always walk around like that.”
Damian shot him a dirty look and smirked as they drove on in silence.
Chapter Nine
The SUV moved slowly through the small village. The cobblestone streets were so narrow that Damian wondered if he should even drive on them. The village was so small that it seemed stuck in the past, and the two priests looked at the few people who were still out as they passed them. While some appeared normal, others were dressed as they would have been a hundred years earlier.
To Damian, the place was eerie. Old stone houses, some with thatched roofs, lined the roads.
Max leaned his head against the cold glass and smiled. “I like this village. It’s quaint and quiet. I half expect everything to be lantern-lit. From the looks of the crap piles on the street, it doesn’t seem like they drive anything but horses, either. It’s homey and warm, which is what I miss most about being human.”
Ravi scoffed. Are you kidding me? If I want to immerse myself in the past, I’ll turn on the goddamned History Channel. This place is creepy as fuck. I half-expect these villagers to have red eyes, torches, and pitchforks. I want to go home to our chair by the fireplace.
Damian glanced at the church ahead. Trust me, you’re not alone. I want to go home too. Unfortunately, the triplets want to see me, and I have to oblige.
The demon growled. I don’t understand why you put up with them. Seriously, you have worked for the church for decades.
Think of it this way. People work for companies for thirty or thirty-five years before retiring. Do you think that because they worked there for so long, they disrespect their bosses?
Well…no.
He nodded. These guys are my bosses so I won’t pick a fight with them. They are the soothsayers, the healers, and the men of God I answer to. Let’s get through it and move on from there.
Ravi groaned. Fine, but make this fast and furious, please. I don’t feel like tea and crumpets with those creepy-ass guys.
Not a problem. I feel the same way. Hopefully, we’re in and out. These guys don’t want to hang out with me any more than I want to be there.
Damian braked sharply as a dog ran across the street. The priests exchanged bemused glances as they edged forward slowly and stopped two blocks up in front of the small white church. Max couldn’t imagine it holding more than thirty people, but then the village probably had less than three hundred residents.
The windshield fogged slightly in the cold late-night air. Max turned his head and huffed. “Are you sure I can’t tag along? I mean, what would they do if I came in with you? Would they refuse to give you the new assignment?”
Damian snorted. “Probably. They are some of the most stubborn people I’ve ever met, stuck in the old church ways. They tend to frown on our new and lively ways of doing things. To be honest, they would probably kick you out. Once you stand in front of them, I promise you wouldn’t fight them. They may be old, but they’re intimidating.”
Max folded his arms and pouted. “You leave me out of things wherever we go. First the Wally thing, then those books you read. This is simply another moment where I’m pushed aside.”
The older priest shrugged into his jacket. “Remember, this isn’t on me. I don’t make the rules or decisions for these men. I know what is required, and I obey. Right now, the standing order is that Max doesn’t sit with the Wise Men yet. Anyway, I don’t know why you’re so upset. I’m dead serious when I say that you’re lucky to be excluded. They’re not the most exciting people and are known to be bullies. Besides, do you want to meet them in a dirty pair of jeans and a sweater?”
The trainee scowled at his clothes and brushed at a stray twig. “I suppose you’re right, at least on that. I feel strange out of my uniform. I haven’t worn civilian clothes in ages, and wasn’t even sure they would fit.”
Damian smiled as he removed his cross from his jacket pocket and stuck it carefully behind the seat. He knew that arming himself would make the Wise Men nervous, and that wasn’t what he wanted to do. He retained only his bible; it would be a mistake to not bring it into the meeting. He had done that once a long time before, and it ended in a three-hour lecture of how the church fathers should always have bibles in hand.
Max finally relented but huffed as he plopped back in his seat. Damian smiled broadly and stepped onto the sidewalk, depressed the lock button, and closed the door. He could feel Max’s gaze as he hurried up the eight steps to the entrance. The doors were locked. Damian groaned and headed back down the steps and turned toward the rear of the building.
He stepped over a l
arge puddle and grumbled. Of course, they have to meet in the dungeon. I don’t think I’ve ever seen any of them out and about in the air.
Ravi giggled. Maybe they are the reality of Twilight. Like middle-aged Twilight.
Damian tried to hold the laughter back by pressing his lips together. That would definitely not be a winner at the box office.
The demon sighed as they approached the basement door. I don’t get it. Those three are fucking creepy. I feel like they lurk in dark basements having circle jerks and deciding who is the toughest. When no one is around, they sit around bare-chested like Russian fighters.
His laughter erupted, stopping him in his tracks. He drew a breath, pushed the amusement down, and reminded himself that those men were his bosses. Despite what he thought, he had to at least attempt to act professionally. Damian squared his shoulders and descended the staircase. He entered the narrow door and let it shut behind him before starting down the long hall. At the first doorway, he poked his head around the corner and smiled.
The three Wise Men sat at a large wooden table, dressed in their normal black robes. Damian cleared his throat nervously and stepped inside, clasping his hands in front of him. He quickly took a seat in the empty chair in front of them, not sure if he should speak first.
In the short silence that followed, he looked from one priest to the next. They were not at all fazed by his arrival. Ravi coughed. Okay, this is like a stare showdown. Why does it have to be in some creepy-ass basement? And why do they get robes? I want to wear a robe everywhere.
Damian slowed his breathing and clasped his hands in his lap. Me too, Ravi. Me too. We could have it made from the same material as that shirt-tent thing you had me try on. It could be a cape and a rain jacket. Boom. Multitasking.
The demon laughed. I think you might be onto something there. They could become all the rage for creepy priests, superheroes, and the weird guy who likes to wear one around the house with nothing but his underwear.
Before Damian could respond, Father Judah cleared his throat, catching his attention. “Damian, thank you for making a detour to meet us. We know your schedule is usually busy, but we believe this is of grave importance.”
Father Christoff spoke next, tapping his fingers on the table beneath the long sleeves of his robes. “You did a good job dispatching that ghost to the next life. The people of Castle Combe will be very grateful that they can once again visit the graves of their loved ones without being tormented or injured, though I must point out that again you did little to preserve the historic surroundings.”
Damian lifted a finger and opened his mouth, ready to defend himself. The spirit was responsible for the destruction, not him and Max. He wasn’t sure it was the right time or setting to protest, though, so he lowered his hand and waited. It was best to take their thanks and act dumb.
Ravi sniffed. I wonder what they hide in there?
He glanced at the robes. Probably snacks, a Gutenberg Bible, and extra robes. You know, the normal stuff.
Yeah, right. They probably have at least a dozen choir boys, the souls of redheaded children, and a Cerberus in their pocket.
Damian managed to keep a straight face. And a Cup of Noodles in their left pocket. You know, in case hunger strikes in an inopportune basement or shadowy parking lot.
I wonder if they carry vampire spray and garlic with them? By day, they are the Wise Men. By night, they are the three vampire-slaying babes of Orange County.
His lips twitched as he struggled to hold back the laugh. Knock it off if you want to get out of here soon.
Father Judah slid a folder across the table. Damian took it and opened it to a page that seemed to be about Scotland. “Am I going on some sort of vacation?”
The wise man smirked. “No, but we do have a new mission for you. This one is top secret, and you are the first to know about it outside our circle. Even the Secretary won’t be briefed before you are. I hope you understand the need to keep these things secret. The public has suffered enough anguish in this war. If we can maintain silence and deal with it, there is no reason to incite any more fear.”
Damian nodded. “I agree. On top of that, people often get injured trying to be heroes in a situation they don’t fully understand.”
Father Judah nodded. “I agree. We want to keep the casualties to a minimum, and it’s encouraging that you’re on the same page as us. You’ll be able to tell Max, of course, but that’s it. On that note, let’s talk specifics.”
Damian looked at the file as Father Judah spoke in a low, steady tone. “Your destination is Scotland, but the exact location is not important at this moment. A large group of infected worshipers is wreaking havoc there. The demons grab the innocent, infect them, and either force them into this ragtag army or sacrifice them to the demon leader, Moloch. From what I’ve heard, that is not a new name to you.”
The priest snorted and shook his head. “No, Father. He caused trouble for my old team and continues to do so on a regular basis. Will there be mercenaries present as well?”
Father Christoff nodded but gave a loud grunt of derision. “We don’t like to involve them, but this is a massive scene, so yes. We’re not sure which ones, but they’ll expect you and Max. They know your main objective is to exorcise, but I can’t promise they will respect that.”
“Not to worry. I have more than enough experience with mercs to deal with this.”
Father Judah provided more details as Damian leaned back in his chair and flipped through the file. A glance at the three priests revealed faces devoid of expression. They always looked serious and worried, and it creeped him out. Not only had these men been with the church for a very long time, but they also kept secrets. The things they had seen over the years were preserved inside them, locked away from the world.
Damian rubbed his chin as the entry from the journal came to mind. The cardinal had spent a lot of time with the Wise Men in the past—even in the recent past. Damian knew that they knew more about the missing priest than met the eye, and it took everything in him to focus his attention on Father Judah. He wanted to find the cardinal because he could feel in the pit of his stomach that the man was involved in the chaos around them. Asking this team, though, would only cause problems.
Ravi clicked her tongue, bored. Why do they act all cryptic about this shit? I mean, seriously, it’s an incursion. They happen like every other day now. These guys watch way too many dramas on television. Just send us out there so we can start kicking some fucking ass already.
He glanced at Father Christoff, who was staring daggers at him. He knew he couldn’t see him talking to Ravi, but it was like he harbored some personal vendetta—and for all Damian knew, the other fathers were in on it too. He merely had to figure out exactly what it was.
Chapter Ten
Damian closed the file and focused his attention on Father Judah so he could ignore the stares of the other two. “So, we go to this undisclosed location and exorcise as many demons as possible while cooperating as best we can with the mercs on the scene?”
Father Judah nodded his head. “Yes, precisely. We need you to leave tomorrow. Of course, return to London first, rest today, and pack for the trip. When you leave here, I will brief the Secretary. She will make all the arrangements and contact you with that information as soon as it is available.”
Damian chewed the inside of his cheek as Father Christoff released another snort of derision. “Make sure you keep Max safe. There will be many demons, and a significant number won’t have human bodies to exorcise.”
“At the same time,” Father Judah added, “we believe this would be a very good time for him to be fully involved in exorcisms on site.”
Damian frowned. “We are already at that point. He is involved in every case. I stand with him and make sure that he executes the correct sequence of prayers and understands the risks involved.”
Father Judah glanced at his colleagues. “I don’t think you fully understand. We want him on the ground doi
ng his own work. Think of him as your partner in this upcoming assignment rather than your trainee.”
He was slightly taken back. “With all due respect, Fathers, Max has only been on a handful of assignments. He’s not ready to handle a situation of this magnitude on his own. He has never been involved with anything this large. He has no idea how the mercs work and isn’t physically prepared to fight demons off with no protection. The best thing for his safety is to keep him close and help him through it. By assisting me, he learns valuable lessons each time we work. What you suggest would bring undue stress and possibly cause serious injury, if not death.”
Father Christoff leaned forward. “You won’t let that happen. You will allow him to work on his own while keeping an eye on him at all times. This is what we believe is best at this point.”
Damian balled his fist in his lap. “I am only one man. Watching him from a distance will leave me open to attacks. This is highly irregular, and I don’t believe—”
“It is not up for discussion,” Father Judah interrupted. “Full exorcisms during the incursion. Are you able to do this or do we need to transfer him to someone more capable?”
He gritted his teeth and nodded, knowing there was no point in a continued argument. Father Judah nodded happily and retrieved the file. “Then we look forward to hearing your report when you both return. Good luck, and may God be with you.”
Damian stood and bowed his head. “And with you, Fathers.”
He shuffled awkwardly out the doorway and down the hall, his teeth clenched tightly and his fists balled at his sides. He was more than a little bit pissed at how the meeting had gone. Not only were they sending them into a massive incursion with little information, but they had also told him how to train Max. They were choosing to put the young priest in harm’s way, and it wasn’t acceptable.
When he reached the top of the steps, he paused to take a deep breath and relax his tense muscles. The last thing he needed was to send Max out there to start exorcising with the thought in his head that he wasn’t ready for it. At the same time, Damian wouldn’t let the Wise Men compromise Max’s safety. He had been tasked to train the kid and keep him safe in the process. No matter what the repercussions were in the end, he would continue to do it his way.