Demon Hunters

by JKMelby74

  “He was referred.”

  “By whom?”

  “I never got his name. A lot of guys up there don’t use names. It’s creepy.”

  “How do you get in touch with him? There’s no number or address.”

  “He just kind of shows up when I need to see him. He says he can feel me through the card.”

  “May I hold onto this? For the time being?”

  “Sure. That’s what I need you to do. Aldo can help you get what you need.”

  “What exactly am I getting?”

  “Evidence, of course! I can’t win this thing with my story alone. We need proof. We need Heaven,” Felix said. “If we can locate Heaven and find who took it, we may be able to win this thing.”

  “Well, I’ll certainly do the best I can.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Corba. I had a feeling you’d understand. By the way, as you saw from my pass, I’m going to need this job finished in three days. Will that be a problem?”

  “I really don’t know. Every case is different, but I’ll do what I can to speed this along.”

  “Good. Thank you. I’ll be in touch.” Felix slid off his chair and hurried out the door. I felt Ivar’s eyes on me.

  “And you thought today was going to be boring.”

  I decided it was as a good a time as any to get some air. Bertram wasn’t due at my office until later. I sent Ivar out to do some research on any disturbances in Heaven. He knew where to push. I decided to take a drive.

  I was driving down a quiet street just off of Santa Monica Boulevard when I suddenly didn’t feel so alone. I looked over and saw a handsome looking man with striking brown hair and a chiseled jaw. He was wearing a well-tailored suit that I found mesmerizing. It seemed as though the threads were shimmering with light naturally. He turned to me and flashed a million dollar smile.

  “Jake Corba? I am Aldo Rex.”

  “Hi. I guess this thing does work.”

  “Of course. I understand that one of my clients made contact with you earlier today.”

  “Felix. Yeah.” Aldo smiled and let out a jovial chuckle.

  “I’m afraid I must apologize for that. I explained from the beginning to my clients that this case is very delicate and any interference by them could do more harm than help. How much did he tell you?”

  “He just said when he went up to his final reward; his pot of gold was already gone. He claimed Heaven was missing. Maybe you could elaborate on that.”

  “With pleasure. It would seem that my clients were all duped. When the newly dead all met their ends and their souls ascended to Heaven, there was no Heaven for them to enter. It had vanished. Those of my clients who had already been residing within were perplexed as to how they were displaced so unceremoniously. The cleanup crew was there to transfer them and process them through to a temporary living situation. Unfortunately, the only place the wayward souls could be kept was in Hell. That’s where our jurisdiction ends.”

  “Seems your clients weren’t too happy with that.”

  “Their complaint isn’t with us. It’s with whomever stole Heaven.”

  “And who are you exactly? What are you? Some kind of angel?”

  “No, but I am of the Angelous. Beings divine in nature. It is a choice for us all whether to become full-fledged angels or not. Those who don’t, go on to fill other roles in the afterworld. I chose the practice of divine law.”

  “And who is your suit against? Felix seemed a bit vague on that point.”

  “The suit impacts the High Host committee. They are responsible for the Heavenly populations and this matter falls within their scope. They manage the security of Heaven and clearly they dropped the ball. Wouldn’t you say?”

  “I wasn’t aware Heaven would need security. It’s Heaven.”

  “Come now, Mr. Corba. You should know, as well as anyone, things are never that cut and dry. There are many enemies of Heaven and the Holy Body. Angels are, after all, some of the fiercest warriors in the entire universe. There’s a reason for that.”

  “Do you have any theories?”

  “Not as yet.”

  “How does someone steal Heaven?”

  “Only a precious few hold the knowledge to perform such an act. A fact I’m hoping will help narrow your search. You see this goes beyond this class action suit. The fact that Heaven is missing is a catastrophe of immeasurable proportions,” Aldo’s tone became rather dark. “You see, Heaven was a chief processing source of life energy, or souls as you mortals refer to it. Life energy is sort of like the oil in the universal machine. If the oil can’t move, then the rest of the machine rusts up and shuts down. Right now, we’re fine, but soon the gears, such as they are, will begin to grind and everything is going to fall down upon itself. Heaven needs to be there to allow souls to pass from one plane to the next, or else...”

  “Yeah. I’m starting to get the picture. You don’t seem too worried about all this.”

  “That’s because I’m not. It’s out there. We just have to find it and get it back.”

  “Felix said you could help me.”

  “I can. I can lead you to the dimensional pocket that leads into Heaven. I believe you’ll find something of use there.”

  “Okay. Where do I go?”

  “You’re already there.” I looked forward and the quiet, tree lined street I had been driving on was gone and I was in the middle of an endless dark void. I pushed on the brakes and the car halted quickly. I switched on the headlights, but there was nothing to see. Just more vast darkness.

  “What is this?”

  “This is where Heaven once stood. This is the absence of creation.” Aldo said as he got out of the car. I opened my door and stepped out. It looked like I was floating above an inky void. I set my foot down and it was as though I was standing on solid Earth. I walked around a bit. The demon in me was eerily silent.

  “This is where Heaven was?” I asked. “How did you get us here?”

  “Many people believe Heaven is some kingdom in the sky. Ridiculous, really. It’s a dimension just like your world and as most people know, all dimensions exist in the same space, just at different frequencies. Heaven is not above you nor is Hell below you. They are both kind of on either side of you. We of the Angelous can control the vibrations between your world and ours, allowing us to travel back and forth at will. This is an art your people have yet to develop. The demon inside you is still because the elements that would have it thrashing against you now are no longer present,” I looked back at Aldo and before I could say a word, he gave me an assuring look. “Yes, Jake. I know. For beings such as myself, the curse you bear on your soul is as obvious as a badge on your chest.”

  “I’m still not seeing how Heaven could be taken.”

  “Most mortals cannot grasp the true physics of Heaven. The physical form of Heaven can be as big as a thousand kingdoms, or as small as a box of candy. It is a boundless, borderless dimension that, with the proper knowledge, could be spirited away as easily as a candy bar.”

  “Hell of a design flaw, huh?”

  “Indeed.” I looked around and tried to figure out what, if anything, I was supposed to be seeing. There were no clues. There was no evidence.

  “I’m not seeing anything here.” I confessed.

  “Are you sure? Is there nothing here that could be useful in tracking down who is responsible?”

  “There’s really nothing here at all. Everything is gone, including any evidence. If there was any here to begin with.” I continued walking around with no direction. I tried to keep the car in sight at all times, as it was the only monument by which I could discern my position. It looked like it would be all too easy to get lost in the eternal void. There was nothing but blackness for as far as I could see. Endless night all around.

  As I walked, I began to see things. It was like trace wisps of light were springing up all around me and formed distinctive shapes. Nothing solid or too telling, but rough sketches in the air. I could see some odd lines that s
eemed to indicate a row of pillars and a few others that seemed to form into a makeshift staircase. I could feel something in my heart. It was like light was beginning to pour out of it and into my blood. Before I realized it, I was sweating like a pig. I turned to Aldo, but then I fell to my knees. He rushed over and helped me up.

  “Jake! Are you all right?”

  “Yeah. I actually am.”

  “What are you feeling?”

  “Warm. I mean, it’s getting hot, but right now, warm. A deep warmth from inside. Like it’s coming out of my blood.”

  “Do you see anything?”

  “Just shapes. Light. Things out of nowhere. I see gold light threading around the air. I see...” I said, but just as something began to focus in my eyes, I felt a sharp pain shoot through my stomach and up into my brain. I felt like my eyes were going to explode out of my skull. I fell to the ground and just like that, I blacked out.

  When I woke up, Aldo was driving the car. We were back on Earth and it appeared we were heading to my office.

  “Where am I?”

  “Oh. You’re up.”

  “Was I out long?”

  “Not too long. A couple weeks.”

  “Weeks!” I barked and shot up in my seat. I looked to the clock in the dash.

  “Relax. You collapsed in the void. Those two weeks passed between seconds here.”

  “Right. Time.”

  “I sometimes forget how hung up you mortals are on time. Did you sense anything else while you were out?”

  “There was something. A kind of familiar buzzing in the back of my head.”

  “And what does that buzzing indicate?”

  “Demonic residue. Someone, or something, dark and evil took Heaven.” I said.

  “That much I think we can safely assume. We need to figure out who.”

  “That’s going to take time. I’ll see what I can dig up.”

  “Please do. I’ll be in touch soon.” Aldo easily slid my car into a space in front of my building.

  “I’m sure you will.” I heard Aldo open his door but as I stepped out, I saw that he had already faded away into thin air. I held his card in my hand and a surge of energy ran through me. I tucked it away in my pocket and went on back up to my office.

  As I walked in, I noticed Ivar had not returned. I took that as a good sign. I went to my desk and just as I was about to sit, there was knock at the door. I walked over and pulled it open to see a man about my height with a gray moustache and one of the worst hairpieces I had ever seen in my life.

  “Jake Corba?”

  “Yes.”

  “I’m William Bertram. We spoke earlier?”

  “Yes, of course. Come in.” I led Bertram to my desk. He sat down quickly and locked his knees together tightly. He kept his back ramrod straight and his eyes focused forward. There was a small folder tucked under his arm. “I brought the papers you required.” He said as he slid the folder to me. I opened it up and everything seemed to be in order. Copies of Gwen’s driver’s license and social security card along with a consent form for the check.

  “It all looks in order. This could take a couple of days, but once I get the information, I’ll be in touch.”

  “That’s fine. I know it may seem a bit over cautious, but you can’t be too careful these days.”

  “I agree. It’s important you know who you’ve got working for you,” I said. “You checked her real estate license, correct?”

  “All of that was in order. I just need to make sure she’s a solid person. After all, my sales force is representing me out there and I can’t afford bad representation.” He said with a slight giggle in his throat. I took that to mean he intended his statement to be funny.

  “Who can?” I said with a forced smile.

  “Now what exactly will you be doing?”

  “Detective stuff.”

  “I know, but what exactly is the process? I’m always fascinated with the nuts and bolts of these kinds of things.”

  “Well, I’ll just plug Ms. Thorne’s information into the usual databases and,” I began but there was a loud knock at the door that broke the mood. I couldn’t see who it was, but whoever it was; they were blocking the entire window of the door. “Here. I just need you to sign this paper before I get started.” I said as I slid Bertram the work contract. Bertram took it and began scanning through the document. While he did that, I dashed for the door. I pulled it open a crack and peeked outside. There was a woman standing before me. She was pretty and oddly tall with long, flowing ribbons of silk wrapped loosely around her body. Her hair was gold and flowing and by far the most unusual traits she possessed were two large wings protruding from her back.

  “Jake Corba?” Her voice was light yet booming at the same time with an otherworldly echo beneath it.

  “Yes. Who are you?”

  “I am known as Hither. I have come to you on an urgent matter.”

  “Look, I’m kind of with a client now. Could you come back later?”

  “This is a matter of the greatest importance. It cannot wait!” I was sure her visit had something to do with the misplacement of Heaven. By the wings, it was clear she was an angel or some other divine being and I knew she wouldn’t be going anywhere soon.

  “Fine. Just tuck those things in and act mortal. Please!”

  “Very well.” She said and just like that, her wings scrunched together and disappeared behind her back. I opened the door to her and she walked in gracefully. Bertram stood quickly and seemed to be quite awestruck by Hither. I ran back to my desk and tried to win back Bertram’s attention.

  “Anyways, Mr. Bertram, I just need a couple of days to get this done and I’ll call you when I get the information.”

  “Fine,” Bertram said in a faint, faraway voice. “Who is that?” He asked pointing towards Hither. I looked over at her. While I was blind to Hither’s otherworldly qualities, Bertram was a sitting duck. Most creatures divine in nature had a hypnotizing effect on mortals. It was totally involuntary, but unless I wanted an ugly scene, I had to get Bertram the Hell out of there.

  “Another client. Can’t discuss any more than that. I have everything I need here, so you can go on and just wait for my call.” I pushed Bertram closer to the door.

  “Of course.” Bertram’s eyes were trained on Hither, but she seemed completely oblivious to the attention she was being paid. Bertram stumbled through the doorway and I pushed him toward the stairs at the end of the hall, hoping the spell would wear off quickly. I shut the door and as I did, I heard the distinct sound of someone falling down a set of stairs. I looked over at Hither. Her wings sprang back out. They were long and the feathers were black and white with some gray speckles along the ends.

  “I apologize for my abrupt visit, but it has come to my attention that you have been asked to investigate the disappearance of Heaven.”

  “That is true. What business is it of yours?”

  “You are mortal. This is well past your jurisdiction.”

  “I’m a P.I. I go where the money tells me. What’s your jurisdiction?” She held her arm out and a card appeared between her fingers. “Another card.” I mumbled to myself as I plucked it from her hand.

  “I’m with the Heavenly Agency in Reality Matters.”

  “H.A.R.M?”

  “Correct. I have been investigating the absence of Heaven for some time now.”

  “Well, I’m acting on behalf of a private party. You go on with your investigation. I won’t be getting in your way.”

  “You are already in my way. The matters of Heaven and the Angelous are no concern for those on Earth.”

  “Couldn’t agree more, but I was hired to gather evidence for a lawsuit. It just so happens that lawsuit involves the missing Heaven. If you really want to stop me, you’ll have to kill me.” Our eyes met and as beautiful as Hither was, her stare sent a chill up my spine. I could feel the demon inside bubbling in my blood. It was ready for a fight, but I wasn’t exactly on board. Demons and monst
ers were one thing, but angels were a whole other ball game.

  “I object to your interference but so long as you do not impede my work, I will not stop you.”

  “Fine. Great. Consider me warned. Could you please leave now?” Hither merely nodded and turned toward the door. She pulled her wings back in as she slipped out and a few moments later I heard the sound of giant beating wings.

  Chapter 40

  Confessions

  When I arrived home, I found Gwen in my kitchen putting the finishing touches on a great smelling meal.

  “You don’t have to do that. I was just going to order a pizza.” I said as I slid my arms around Gwen’s waist.

  “Well, I just wanted to give you a little thank you for all your help.”

  “You don’t have the job yet.”

  “No, but I have faith.” She said with a smile.

  “Smells great.”

  “It’s a pot roast.”

  “I wasn’t talking about the food.”

  “Not now. Why don’t you get a beer?” She suggested. I was quick to comply. As I pulled out the last bottle from the fridge I heard her chopping some vegetables for a salad. “How was your day?”

  “The usual. Made some calls. Talked to some people. Went to Heaven.”

  “Excuse me?”

  “You heard me.” I retreated to the sofa in the living room. Gwen was close behind me, as I expected her to be.

  “You went to Heaven?”

  “Yes. I’ve taken on a job to gather evidence for a class action suit pertaining to the disappearance of Heaven.”

  “You know, if anyone else said those words to me, I’d think they were crazy.”

  “It’s true. Someone, or something, stole Heaven. I saw it with my own eyes. Some lawyer from the other side took me and he explained what was going on and how it was all going to work. Then when I got back I talked with your Mr. Bertram and then an angel dropped by.” I said, sounding as casual as possible. Gwen flopped down on the chair next to the sofa.