Devil's Shadow

by Percival Constantine

  “Maybe to most people, but when you’ve got a face like mine, kinda hard to be envious of anyone else’s looks.”

  Iblis laughed, the sound loud enough that it echoed in the small restaurant. “I like you, Luther.”

  “I’m a likable guy.” I ate another shrimp and refilled my glass with snake wine. “But here’s the thing I noticed. You’re powerful, true. But you’re not an archdemon.”

  Iblis took a deep breath. “No, I wasn’t part of Lucifer’s rebellion. I came into being later.”

  “See, now, Asmodeus was part of that,” I said.

  “And a member of the Infernal Court as well. Yes, I know.”

  “So, what makes you think someone like you can just come in and take over his territory?”

  “There’s a power vacuum up here with Asmodeus gone,” said Iblis. “Chicago was one of our biggest sources of soul collection. No one could tempt saints to sin better than Asmodeus. But no one on the Court wants to step in and take over. It’s becoming a real problem. And, meanwhile, you’ve got many different demons who were once united under Asmodeus now splitting off into different factions.”

  “The Court’s silent, so they think they can do whatever they want. And I’ve never met a demon who didn’t have delusions of grandeur.”

  “It’s something of a character flaw in our species, I will admit.”

  “Your species,” I said, pointing at Iblis. “I’m a cambion, not a demon.”

  He scoffed. “Well, you were born a demon. I was born a human—we can’t all be perfect.”

  “This is all very interesting, but how do I fit into all of this? Why not just kill me the second you arrived in that bar?”

  “Because I saw what you did,” said Iblis. “Wielding hellfire…that’s not something the average cambion can do. Most demons can’t even manage it. That’s usually a trait reserved for the fallen angels.”

  “I’m guessing that applies to you as well,” I said.

  Iblis looked annoyed by that comment, but he did nothing about it. “True, I can’t summon hellfire. I do have other gifts, though. Among them, the ability to see opportunity.”

  “And you see opportunity with me?” I snickered. “Iblis, among other things, I’m an exorcist and a demon hunter. I kill your kind.”

  “Except Asmodeus. As I understand, you’ve even worked with him on occasion.”

  “When it suited my purposes, sure.”

  “That’s why I’m talking to you, because I believe we have a common purpose,” said Iblis. “The Chicago demons jockeying for Asmodeus’ crown? They’re nothing. Bottom-feeders. But the powerful ones like myself? We’re coming from outside the city. We don’t know the ins and outs of the underworld here. Not as well as someone like you.”

  “You want me to be your demonic tour guide?” I asked.

  “I want you to be my advisor. And given your newfound power, occasional hitman.”

  Now it was my turn to laugh. “What possible reason would I have to join forces with you, Iblis?”

  His face grew intense and his eyes smoldered. “Think with your head, Cross. Someone needs to fill the vacuum. I followed Asmodeus, I studied under him. Idolized him. If anyone can continue in his tradition, I promise you, it’s me. I believe in order, not the chaos that would come if some of these other demons took control.”

  I had never considered helping out a replacement for Asmodeus to be a good solution to the looming issue of this turf war. But maybe it would do the trick. Iblis was right—Asmodeus had kept things under control. And if Iblis wanted the same thing, then better for him to take over than someone else.

  But demons lie. For all I knew, Iblis could be completely bullshitting me about his plans to follow in Asmodeus’ footsteps. I didn’t know if I could trust him or not. If I kept him in my corner, though, I could learn more about what kind of demon he really was. And get some more information on my enemies.

  I took out the gold case and lighter from my inside pocket and lit a cigarette. When I held out the case to Iblis, he graciously accepted one as well. Leaning against the booth, I looked at him and grinned.

  “Let’s talk terms.”

  6

  Before our partnership went into full effect, Iblis wanted a test. Take out one of the lower level competitors and then we’d move on from there. He wanted to make sure I was willing to take orders from a demon. I wasn’t, but I knew how to play it close to the vest for now.

  The demon in question was named Kimaris. Not too powerful, but he traveled with enough of an entourage to pose a threat. According to Iblis’ intel, Kimaris usually frequented a gentlemen’s club called Pink near the South Loop. It was close to the University of Illinois’ Chicago campus, so they had plenty of college students to make up both their customer base and also their strippers.

  I parked across the street from the entrance and studied the exterior as I smoked. A bouncer stood at the door, built like a Buick with a bald head and goatee. The club’s uniform consisted of black jeans and a tight pink T-shirt. I was sure he just loved that. Gave me a chuckle to imagine the ribbing his friends gave him when they gathered to watch the game on Sundays.

  I stretched out my arm towards the club and closed my eyes, concentrating my power. The familiar tingle came, proving to me that there was demonic activity inside this place. Iblis was right, and I’d have to try and play this carefully. Kimaris was there, but it was pretty likely he came and went via a back entrance. I couldn’t cover both exits simultaneously, and I didn’t know which car was his. So, there was only one way to go about this.

  I opened the glovebox and checked that I had everything I needed. The revolver and dagger were already on my person, but from the glovebox, I drew out a flask of holy water. Also made sure I had plenty of spare ammo in case things went south, which they often did. Had no real desire to take down Kimaris in such a public place, but if that’s the way it had to go down, so be it. And the innocents who might get caught in the crossfire?

  Well, omelettes and eggs and all that.

  I got out of the car, making sure my weapons were concealed beneath my jacket, and crossed the street. The bouncer saw my approach and he sized me up, looking me over from head to toe. He folded his tree-trunk-like arms across his chest.

  “Private party tonight,” he said.

  “I know, I’m supposed to be in there.”

  The bouncer scoffed and gave me a smirk. “Nice try. But everyone arrived in one big group. They said no one else was comin’. I made sure to ask.”

  “Thorough, I like that. Don’t see that enough these days.” I took the cigarette out of my mouth and flicked it into the street.

  “You’re littering.”

  “If you’re a cop, then cite me. Otherwise, mind your business.”

  “Hey, I happen to like this neighborhood. Don’t wanna see some inconsiderate bastard dirtying it up.”

  “Rich, comin’ from a guy who works at a strip bar.”

  “Gentlemen’s club,” he corrected.

  As much fun as it was verbally sparring with “Tiny” here, I had to get inside. I looked him in the eyes. “I don’t think you’re gonna give me any more trouble, are you?”

  Tiny looked like he had a headache. He rubbed his bald scalp, trying to shake whatever it was. But my influence wasn’t that easy to just shrug off. I pushed harder, my eyes no doubt glowing brightly in the night.

  “W-what’s happenin’…?” he asked as his eyes started to glaze over. His arms fell to his sides and he stood still as a statue, just staring blankly.

  “Now, you gonna let me in or what?”

  Without another word, Tiny opened the door for me. I gave him a wink and walked inside. About thirty seconds after I was gone, the effect would fade, and he’d have no memory of our interaction.

  I never really understood the appeal of strip clubs. Pay some girl to grind against you, get you all hot and bothered, but you can’t get that final satisfaction. Kind of like having a picture of water when you�
��re stuck in the middle of a desert.

  It was dark, so no one noticed me yet. All eyes were on the stage, where a few girls danced for their tips. There were a number of guys sitting around the club, maybe a dozen or so. Iblis had given me a photo of Kimaris. He wasn’t quite at Iblis’ level, but he was strong enough to summon enough magic to make himself corporeal. Meant my job was harder. Exorcisms were by and large only effective against demons who were possessing humans, meaning I had to kill Kimaris with the gun or knife.

  But to do that, I had to find him. And it didn’t look like he was in the main area. I saw an open door leading to a hallway with other doors lining both walls. Two demons stood on either side of the entrance. I’d bet my Camaro Kimaris was getting a private show in one of the rooms back there.

  There was only one way into the back area and the demons were watching it. No way I could sneak past them, especially with Tweedledee and Tweedledum standing guard. Fortunately, they were fixated on the girls onstage. Gave me some leeway.

  I reached into my jacket and slowly drew the knife from its sheath. There was one guy closest to me, a few feet ahead. I stepped slowly, careful not to make a sound, concentrating to try and suppress my magic so he couldn’t sense me. Once within range, I covered his mouth and drove the blade into the base of his spine. I felt him gasp beneath my grip, his scream muffled by my gloved hand. I twisted the knife and he stopped struggling. I pulled it out and silently guided his lifeless body to the ground. His eye sockets smoldered and stank of sulfur.

  I moved along the wall, dragging his body behind me and staying low and out of sight. Would need to take out more of them before I could get to the back. Had a feeling at least some of the guys sitting at the tables or the bar were also watching the two guards.

  Very few bouncers were standing around. Wondered if they’d been paid off to make themselves scarce except for Tiny out there, or if they were under Kimaris’ control. But I did see a door marked “employees only” and walked through it, pulling the body with me.

  The door led to an area with a locker room and another room with monitors. I stepped inside and saw all the monitors were black. Once I turned on the system, the monitors each lit up, showing different angles of the main floor. But no monitors showed any of the VIP rooms. Must not have cameras in there. At least I could see all the angles from here and figure out my next move. There were two demons seated at the bar, with a bouncer as the bartender, and I had an idea for something that could cause a distraction. But first, I’d need to change.

  I went into the locker room next, pulling the body in behind me. First locker I found, I took hold of the padlock and broke it off. Demonic strength certainly came in handy at times. Hanging on a hook inside the locker was a pink T-shirt, same as Tiny wore. I started disrobing above the waist, leaving my clothes inside the locker. I took the shirt and pulled it over my naked chest. It was tight, clinging to the outlines of my muscles.

  One issue, though, was it was harder to hide weapons like this. The knife was a bit simpler. I affixed the sheath to my belt and pulled the shirt over the top. Wasn’t perfect, but would have to do.

  The gun was more challenging. I took the revolver from the holster and examined it. Stuck it in the waistband of my pants behind my back. Would have to face forward—from behind anyone would definitely be able to see the outline. And finally, the flask of holy water, followed by as much spare ammo as I could fit in my pants pockets—which, unfortunately, wasn’t a whole lot.

  I found a charging station for walkie-talkies with an earpiece attached via cord. Turned one of them on and spoke into the earpiece, asking the bartender to come back here for a minute.

  “Who’s this?” he asked.

  “Terry,” I said.

  “Who?”

  “New guy, I was just hired. Need some help back here.”

  I heard a sigh and then he said he’d be right there. I waited by the door, and as soon as he stepped through it, I turned my powers on him. His eyes glazed over and I told him to take a nap. He collapsed, snoring away right there on the floor. After pulling him into the security room, I stepped out onto the main floor and went over to the bar.

  One thing I’d learned was that people rarely paid any attention to the faces of folks in the service industry. I could be Denzel Washington and no one would give me a second look as long as I was dressed in this bouncer uniform. So, I wasn’t worried about the demons recognizing me. But just as a precaution, I kept my head down and didn’t make eye contact.

  The demons were smoking and watching the girls, their backs to me. Both had their drinks in hand, which meant I had to wait until the time was right. I pretended to clean glasses, just watching.

  “You hear about Englewood?” asked one of them.

  “Nah, what?”

  “Buddy of mine who works with Iblis said—”

  “‘Buddy?’ Don’t let the boss hear you’re friends with someone in Iblis’ crew. He’ll probably think you’re a traitor.”

  “Nothing like that. We were in the frozen caverns together. And let me tell you, when you spend a few centuries hanging naked from chains made of ice next to a guy, you start to bond.”

  “Whatever. So, what did he say?”

  “Luther Cross showed up at this bar last night. Killed a few guys. Then Iblis showed up.”

  “And?”

  The demon shrugged. “Hell if I know. He said Cross and Iblis just disappeared together.”

  “Think Iblis killed him?”

  “I dunno, but seems a bit weird. If Iblis killed Cross, you’d think he’d be parading his head on a stick up and down the Magnificent Mile as a warning to the other crews.” He put his glass on the bar and gave a quick glance my way. “Gimme a refill, pink shirt.”

  I nodded, keeping my head down so he couldn’t see my eyes. I took the glass and filled it with bourbon, then I poured a bit of the contents of my flask into his drink. “There you go, sir.”

  The demon picked up the glass, but didn’t sip it straight away. Instead, he took a drag on his cigarette and continued talking. “So, I was thinkin’ after the boss is done in there, I’d tell him about this.”

  “Might not be the best idea. What if the boss takes it out on you?”

  “You think he would?”

  “Remember Bob? He told the boss some powerful demon was rumored to be coming into town. Boss ripped his head off and then…”

  “And then what?”

  “Let’s just say the things he did to that head can’t be put into words. Even by demons.”

  “…Okay, maybe I won’t tell him.”

  The demon raised the glass to his lips and I moved to the end of the bar, ready to go into the next phase of my plan. He sipped the drink, and seconds after he did, the glass slipped from his hand. The demon stumbled off the stool, gagging as smoke rose from his throat.

  “Holy shit, you okay?”

  Other demons rose from their seats. The girls onstage screamed and ran for the dressing rooms. While the demons were distracted by one of their own gagging on holy water, I walked swiftly across the floor, towards the VIP area. The two were still standing guard, not even the least bit deterred.

  So much for the distraction.

  7

  I tried to get to some kind of cover before the demons guarding the VIP rooms saw me, but it was too late. They spotted me, and their eyes burned bright yellow as they approached. I made an attempt to run, but my body froze.

  No matter how much I struggled against the invisible force, it was useless. One of the demons held me in a telekinetic grip. Then I felt my feet rise off the floor before I was flung across the club into the far wall.

  I struck it like a toy thrown by an angry child and fell face-first on the ground. For a brief, shining moment, I could move again. But the demon grabbed hold of me with his powers before I could do anything about it. Kimaris didn’t pick lightweights to handle his security, that was for damn sure.

  For my second trip, I was thrown
straight into one of the poles onstage. It clanged hard against my bald head and everything went fuzzy. The demon released his hold on me, maybe even temporarily. But I wobbled as I stood, and my vision was blurry. The room spun, images splitting and reconnecting before splitting again.

  I had to put an end to this while I could control my own body. I reached behind my back and—oh shit.

  The gun. It was gone.

  Must’ve fallen out of my pants when the demon started throwing me around the club. I did a quick glance and I could see it on the floor. Even worse, I could see the other demons who had helped the one I poisoned with holy water now approaching the stage.

  I thought back to last night, when I had used hellfire. If I could summon it up again, it would be possible to take these demons down in short order. But I didn’t even know how to summon the hellfire. Twice, now, I’d done it only by reflex.

  No choice, Luther. These bastards are gonna kill you unless you do something.

  Both times, my adrenaline was up. Now it wasn’t that high, but it was getting there. I focused on Thanatos, thought about how I had felt when I faced him. If I could take on the Lord of Purgatory, I should be able to take out a few demons.

  I could feel something stir inside me. Could feel the power surging through my body. I directed it to my hands and hellfire flames appeared in my palms. I stared at the demons, a smile creeping on my face. And when they saw the hellfire, they all looked terrified. Started to back away.

  “Yeah, that’s right,” I said, taking a step towards the edge of the stage. “Take a good, long look. Because I’m going to leave each and every one of you bastards nothing more than smoldering, eyeless corpses. Then once I’m done, I’m taking your heads and skullf—”

  The hellfire suddenly snuffed itself out, like a candle extinguishing. I stopped in my tracks and looked at my hands, only to see smoke rising from the palms. Gritting my teeth, I tried to summon it again. There were a few sparks in my hands, but no hellfire like before.