As she and Snakebite walked towards the main auditorium, a rather sharply dressed, yet menacing dark spirit, walked up to them. “Please. Allow me to introduce myself. I’m Dark Death, and as my name implies, I’m a Spirit of Murder and Hatred. I take great pleasure in causing the demise of human flesh, and on occasion, other dark spirits who have strayed away from the darkness.”
Poisonous hoped the Light she had been exposed to did not emit a strong odor. She could smell it very faintly in herself, but did not get too close to Dark Death, and planned not to do the same with other dark spirits this evening.
“Nice to meet you, Dark Death. I’m Poisonous, of the Lust Nymphs. I not only encourage humans to engage in meaningless relationships, but I also lead them astray from the Light.”
Dark Death turned towards Snakebite, and shook his hands. “And you are…?”
“Snakebite, sir. I am sent to be sure that Poisonous is affected as little as possible by The Light where she lives. She, of course, would not have chosen this, but it seems that Lord Yehovah had ordered it.”
Dark Death turned to her. “So why would you want to live on Earth to begin with?” His eyes fastened onto hers, expressionless.
“Well, I decided that being an undercover agent on Earth among humans would be a more effective strategy to ruin there lives. I could cause damage right under their noses, so they wouldn’t even suspect what was going on. You know how followers of The Light rebuke dark spirits when they suspect foul play. However, if I appear human to them, they will be less suspecting, unless, of course, they have powers like ours.”
“But do they catch on to you?” Dark Death asked. “They have all sorts of sophisticated security cameras, and technology to keep up with just about anybody and anything.”
“Yes, they do. But I make sure I disable those cameras whenever I suspect they are nearby.”
“I understand, but humans these days are very smart. They have more cameras in more places than most beings know of. You must be very careful when you are in human form.”
His stare still stayed fixed on hers, steely coldness piercing into her like a two very sharp icicles. She suspected he knew more about her than he let on, and that Lucifer wanted to eliminate her, but she pushed those thoughts aside, and decided it was time to move on.
“Well, Dark Death; it was a pleasure meeting you, but I think I’ll go in and mingle with the others.”
She turned and walked into the hall without looking back. Snakebite followed her, and once they were out of sight of Dark Death, he said to her, “I don’t think his intentions toward you are without malice. I think he has an agenda, and it’s not favorable.”
“Could we please talk of other things? He makes my skin crawl, and I’d rather not think of him right now.”
“Of course,” Snakebite answered.
Politically Correct reiterated the duties of demons, and the strategies that would to be implemented in the D.C. area to damage as many human souls as possible. She tried not to yawn, as the speeches of leaders of Dark Angels all tended to sound the same, no matter who spoke. When his protocol speech ended, He said, “My special guest tonight is Dark Death, who is on a mission here by direct orders from Lord Lucifer.” He motioned towards the high ranking demon. “Dark Death…”
Dark Death looked directly at her as he began his speech.
“Politically Correct. Fellow Dark Angels of the D.C. district. I am honored to speak to you tonight. My main point is that you must beware of mingling with Sons of Adam and Daughters of Eve. Many are followers of the Light, and their convictions may wear off on you, rendering a most disastrous result. Take all precautions, and unless you are ordered to do so by Lord Lucifer, I would strongly recommend you stay a spirit, unseen by human eyes and devices.”
Her heartbeat grew faster, and perspiration cascaded down her face from her forehead, along with most of her body moistening with nervous sweat. Once the speech ended, she looked at Snakebite, and said, “Can we get out of here? He makes me nervous.”
‘No problem,” he said, taking her hand. “Shall we?”
When they reached his apartment, like an alarm previously set, the words floated into her mind. Eyes glowing, she said, “Snakebite, you must revert to the way you were, and when you do, you must say the same words to me.”
He did, and she rushed into his arms.
“Please hold me, Snakey. That Dark Death really scares me.”
“There, there,” he said with soft, soothing words. “You and I just need to concentrate on our mission, and I think all will go well for us.”
“I hope so,” she said, still holding on tight to Snakebite.
Wednesday, September 24th
The morning sun reached through the slits of the closed blinds, lines of sunlight reaching in uninvited and filling the otherwise dark atmosphere. Taking inventory of her belongings, she realized she had run out of clothes to change back into.
“Snakey. I hate to say this, but I have to go back to the condo, and get some clothes. I don’t mind going without, but if I’m to be seen in public, humans have strange taboos on being naked in public.” A subtle grin and twinkling eyes teased her friend and lover.
“Are you sure?”
“Yes. I could buy some more clothes, but it would take a few days, and I’d rather be doing other things, like causing trouble…and other things.”
Now a broad smile covered her face.
“Snakey? Would you come with me? I’d really enjoy your company.”
“Do you really think that wise? It’s bad enough you are exposed to the Light there, but both of us? Who’s going to rescue whom?”
“Oh, don’t be such a fraidy cat. We don’t have to stay long, and Evie is a nice person—in spite of the fact that she prays for me…constantly.”
He hesitated a while, and finally relented. “All right. I’ll come with you, but on one condition.”
“What’s that, lover?”
“That we leave as soon as possible.”
“Done, boo.”
As they walked towards the apartment, the presence of the Light permeated the air, floating throughout the sixth floor like a slowly spreading fog.
“Grit your teeth,” said Poisonous. “It’s very strong in there.”
“I’m feeling it, believe me.”
Her key went into the lock, and she entered the apartment. Taking in the goings on, she noticed that Abdullah, Mahmud, their spouses, and a few other people were there.
“Hi, Perry. We were just praying for you. What timing! Would you like to join us? And who’s your friend?”
“Oh,” she said, breathing heavy ragged breaths. “This is my friend Sam. Sam, this is Evie.”
“Good to meet you,” said Snakebite, reaching out his hand to shake Evie’s.
“Well, we’d love to stay, but I need to get some clothes, and do some errands. But it was nice meeting you all.” She went to her bedroom, which, luckily stood near the front door. Snakebite followed her into the bedroom.
“Must admit,” he said, “this is cozy. If it weren’t for The Light, I might like a condo here myself.”
“Yes, but The Light is in this building; especially in this apartment. I’m done getting my clothes, so let’s go.”
The headed towards the front door, and to their surprise, and angel stood in their way.
“Greetings. I am Gabriel. Lord Yehovah would have you stay here and be prayed for. Do not think of trying to fly away, as there are many other angels standing guard. Now, head back to the living room.”
She would have argued, but the sword he carried glistened with gold and silver, and the blade could cut her in several pieces with little effort. Shaking, she said, “Very well, Gabriel,” and walked back into the living room, holding tight onto Snakebite’s hand.
“You’re back,” exclaimed Evie. “I’m not sure why…” Recognition grew on Evie’s face as she saw the servant of God following them. “Gabriel! Good to see you again. What brings you here
?”
“I was sent by our Lord to make sure these two are arrested by the Spirit of The Light.” Looking at her and Snakebite, he said, “I trust you will cooperate fully, will you not?”
The holy resolve on his face, and a glistening, finely honed sword deterred her from saying or doing anything. “Yes. We’ll cooperate, Gabriel.”
“I told you this might not be a good idea. Now we’ll both be heavily exposed to The Light.”
“I didn’t know we’d be ambushed,” she said, her voice sad and apologetic. Looking to Evie, she said, “Well, I guess you must pray for Sam and I, so let’s get this thing done and over with.”
Evie smiled at her and Snakebite. “By the way, I know that your friend is a dark angel like you are, so this is even more exciting.” Turning to the fellow attenders of the meeting, she said, “Okay, brothers and sisters of the faith, let’s pray.”
The prayers seemed to open up the Holy Heavens, and slowly but surely, The Light filled the room, and weighed heavily on her and Snakebite. The congregants all shouted for joy at the faithfulness of their Lord, while she shook uncontrollably. Holding her hands to her chest, she said, “I feel the heaviness of The Light upon me…” and fell to the floor, slain in the spirit by the Holiest Spirit. Snakebite followed her a few moments later. Shame for all her evil deeds weighed heavily upon her until she broke down and cried.
“Please, Lord Yehovah and Lamb of God. Have mercy on me because I’m evil. Shed your love upon me, and save me from myself and my evil ways.”
A moment later, Light, soft and gentle, but powerful, floated down from the Heavens and surrounded her and Snakebite. Her tears increased as she cried out, “Lord Yehovah, you are good, and your mercies endure forever.”
When the prayers ended, and the soft glow of the Holy Light lifted gently from her. She got up, ran over to Evie and hugged her with all her might.
“Evie. A lot of evil that dwelled in my heart has left me. Is it possible that one like me can pray to Lord Yehovah?”
“Please do,” Evie answered. “You don’t have to sound eloquent; He will listen to the prayer of a contrite and humble heart.”
Still sobbing, she choked out, “Lord Yehovah. Please cleanse my heart of its evil ways, and show me how to please you, because I’m lost.” She could say no more, because a bittersweet sadness filled her, and she lost the battle with the tears, and sobbed, unable to do anything else.
Evie looked at Snakebite, and said, “Sam: is there anything you want to say to Lord Yehovah?”
Snakebite looked sheepishly at Poisonous, and uttered his own humble prayer to the Lord of Heaven and Earth. “Please forgive me, Lord Yehovah. I have done evil ever since Lucifer rebelled, and I followed him. I need to change my ways, and I need your help.”
The group surrounded Poisonous and Snakebite, and laid hands on them.
“Lord, lead them to your truth,” Evie prayed.
The other all uttered their collective ‘Amen.’
Poisonous looked at Snakebite and said, “True friend of mine: I need to stay here, and do some serious soul searching. You understand, don’t you?”
“Yes, I do. I need to do the same.” Snakebite looked at all gathered and said, “Please pray for my protection. I know the Enemy of all human souls does not like these developments.”
“We will,” said Evie. “We have been all along. The Holy Spirit told us you and Perri would be coming here, and that you were to be broken.” Looking up towards Heaven and lifting her hands, she said, “Blessed be your name, my Lord. You are faithful to see righteousness accomplished.”
“Thank you Evie,” Snakebite managed.
He turned towards her and hugged her. “May Lord Yehovah protect you.”
She hugged him back with all her might, and shook with tears. “Thank you, my love. May Lord Yehovah watch over us both.”
Eighteen
Thursday, September 25th
Dan Hightower reviewed that surveillance tapes again, and sure enough, there she was again, seen exiting from the Metro View Condo complex. All the videos he examined confirmed that she must live there. The time for action was now. Armed with the certainty of his information, he called up Barb Haywood.
“Haywood.”
“Barb. I’m sure we have found our person of interest in all the disappearances, and murders. We have ascertained her residence to be in the Metro View Condominiums, and we need to send out some sort of SWAT team to see if we can’t reign her in.”
“That’s good news, Dan. However, we must be careful, because this perp seems to have the ability to control people’s minds. No sooner than they spot her, they forget they ever saw her.”
“Yes, I know,” he said. “She seems to have some unusual abilities. I swear in one of the videos concerning Frank Migliaccio, he and his henchmen completely disappeared after she stuck her fingernails into their collective necks. This woman is very dangerous.”
“I’ll tell you what,” Barb said, “I’ll have my Sergeant assemble a SWAT team, and they’ll surround her, but not get near her, and see if they can’t convince her to come down for questioning.”
“Good luck,” he said.
Barbara called Sergeant Herb Chambers to her office.
“What’s up, ma’am?”
“Herb, I need to you assemble a special SWAT team to go after this Asian woman with the ability to do strange things. She has been seen controlling the thoughts of her victims, or making them disappear, clean from sight. You need to surround her, and convince her to come down here to headquarters, and maybe we can get some information out of her. But, I reiterate, she is very dangerous, so use extreme caution.”
“I follow, ma’am.”
Since it was early in the morning, many commuters walked the streets, heading toward their places of work. Dawn had just broken, and reddish gray hues of the early morning hours painted the sky. Sergeant Chambers and his team assembled across the street, in order not to draw unwanted attention to the operation.
“Remember, ladies and gentlemen: this is not your typical perp. She has the ability to do almost magical things, including making you disappear. Now, I want some of you to stay here.” He pointed to five of the junior patrol officers. “I want one of you at each of the entrances to this building. Her pointed to four more officers. “You three come with me. We’re going to go up to the sixth floor, room 618, where her residence is, and try to talk to her, and see if she’ll cooperate.”
All the officers who were to stay on the ground outside the building situated themselves in their respective positions. Sergeant Chambers, and his three aides walked into the building, took the elevator to the sixth floor, and knocked on the door of room 618.
The door opened a couple of moments later, and a yawning Evie answered it.
“Pardon the intrusion, ma’am, but we have reason to believe you have a roommate who is of South Asian descent, and she is a person of interest in our investigation.”
Poisonous answered, “Don’t worry Evie. I’ll handle this.”
“Okay,” said Evie with a worried look. “I’ll be praying for you.” Evie walked away, and went back to her bedroom.
“I’m fully aware the District of Columbia police department is looking for me in association with many crimes in the last few months. I understand, and I am behind them. Tell Chief Haywood that I would like to talk with her, Agent Hightower and Attorney Dwight Ordman. I’ll turn myself in then. Right now, I must sort out some issues in my life. I hope you understand, Sergeant Chambers.”
“I’m sorry ma’am, but we need you to come to Headquarters right away. If you cooperate, the consequences will get no worse.”
“I understand, Sergeant, but as I said, I will talk with your boss, the agent, and the lawyer later. Please don’t make me resort to having all of your officers and yourself being washed of any memory of me. I would really hate to see you and your loved ones relationships go down the tubes, but mark my words: I can make that happen. So, please; call
your boss, and tell her I’d like to arrange a meeting with the three persons who are heading my investigation. Is that reasonable?”
Her look, even though she had been greatly humbled the day before, meant business, which did not escape his notice.
“I’ll call her and relay your message, but you had better show up, or the whole Police Force will be after you, magic or no magic. Am I understood?”
“I understand. I’m a person of my word, Sergeant. Now please excuse me. I’ve personal business to attend to.”
“Very well, ma’am. We’ll be on our way.”
Poisonous had to see Snakebite. The conviction in her heart so weighed her down, that it was all she could do not to break down and cry again. The Light had been made clear to her, and she finally understood and dared to feel hope. In her deepest tender heart, she was finally willing to listen to the Truth, and the Creator of that Truth had replaced the blackness of all the hatred and anger she had felt for many centuries.
“Evie. I need to spend some time with Snakebite. He and I need to come to terms with what we are going to do next. I know I must pay for my crimes, and I’m willing to do that. But I want to say goodbye to my friend.”
“I understand, honey,” said Evie, whose gentle look, which heretofore had made her upset, now comforted her.
“Evie,” she said, as her eyes glassed over, “do you love me?”
Poisonous: A Visit To Earth (DC Angels Book 2) Page 22