“For the sake of argument, let’s assume these events are, umm, supernatural. Just hypothetically, I mean,” Wendy chimed in.
“After what I’ve seen, you can take it to the bank. There’s more than a human involved here.” Ken considered the discovery of the Book of Fallen Angels and the chameleon-like liquid in the ravine.
Josiah cleared his throat. “As I was saying…”
“Let the man talk. I want to catch up,” Kat said.
“The story of Lilith is older than the narration of Adam and Eve. You won’t find a mention of her in the bible, but she is alluded to in other ancient texts. In those documents, she was Adam’s first wife.”
“You’ve got to be kidding? Adam got divorced?”
“This is no time for a joke.” Grandma Bricken peered at Wendy over her glasses.
“Thought it was,” Wendy whispered to Kat.
An impatient sigh escaped Josiah. “Lilith was rebellious. She did not like being controlled by Adam, and she ran away. Adam loved Lilith and appealed to God. God sent three holy angels who ordered her to return in the name of the Almighty God. She refused. As you can imagine, her rebellion increased. She changed from a beautiful woman to an ugly and demonic figure.”
“All because she didn’t want to do what she was told?”
“Yes. And because she was arrogant and self-centered.”
“She got turned into a demon because she left Adam?” Kat thought about her impending marriage and what she’d do if faced with a no-win battle with Ken.
“No, Katrina. God looked into her heart and saw only evil. He spoke to Lilith about what He saw. He told her she was to become what she desired—pure evil. Then, He told her she would be cursed throughout eternity because of her wickedness.”
“Seems harsh. She just didn’t like the situation.”
“She chose darkness. Rebellion seems so innocuous. It lies to us. It tells us we have a right to do what we want, and we can still live in peace with our God. Yet, it is the root of all murder, greed, and hatred. When we choose rebellion, we tell God we know better than He does.” Josiah’s eyes sparked with an inner fire.
“Still seems harsh.”
“Consequences of our choices can be harsh. Lilith proclaimed she had been created to cause illness, to kill children because she’d never have them, and to murder men because they were the cause of her condemnation—not herself. She completed her transformation to a demon and became a succubus.”
“I’d heard of a succubus but never Lilith.” Kat pondered this. Funny where myths and legends come from.
“I have no doubt there are people today, and surely in the past, who worship such a being. And I do not question that such an evil spirit could exist.” Josiah stopped talking.
“I’m living the X Files.” Ken dropped his head into his hands and shook it from side to side. “Just call me Fox.”
Kat patted his hand in feigned sympathy. “I’ve still got your back, big guy.”
“Thanks for the support.”
“You’ve got mine, too.” Wendy smiled at him.
“I am feeling more and more uncomfortable.”
The small dog leapt to its feet and growled at the far corner of the kitchen. Ken pushed away from the table. The chair teetered on its back legs. Just before he fell backward, Ken threw himself forward and caught the table. “See why I don’t like dogs?”
“No,” Kat said without taking her eyes off of the yellow and white buffet in the corner. The fur on the back of the sheltie’s neck rose to attention. She lowered her head and jumped forward. The dog bounced in a semicircle around an invisible threat. All eyes turned to Kat.
“Okay, so maybe it has a crazy gene.” She pushed back from the table and headed toward the cabinet.
The dog yelped. Kat’s eyes widened when the dog moved forward while its small legs pushed backwards. “Something has hold of this dog!” she yelled.
“What?”
“I don’t know. Look!” Kat pointed to the collar. The front of it formed a V. It looked like an invisible finger was crooked through the band. Kat willed herself to move and could not. Instead, she stood helpless and watched the collar twist until it had a chokehold on the dog. The small animal levitated and flailed in midair.
Ken’s eyes bounced from Kat to the canine. He snatched a paring knife from the kitchen counter. “Hold still,” he commanded. The dog went limp.
Kat broke free from her paralysis, wrapped one arm around the dog and worked her finger under the collar. Ken wedged the dull edge of the blade against the dog’s fur, and jerked the knife forward. The leather split and the dog fell into Kat’s arms.
The band hung in the air and swayed in a nonexistent wind. The hushed room amplified the eerie tinkling of the brass key striking the collar’s D ring.
Josiah’s voice thundered into the deathlike quiet. “In the name of Jesus, be gone from this place.” He stood, picked up his bible and opened it. The neckband twisted into a figure-eight and stilled.
“I said be gone!” Josiah let go of the bible. It fell to the table. The pages rustled. Josiah dropped his eyes to the book and read, “After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, ‘Why couldn’t we drive it out?’ He replied, ‘This kind can only come out by prayer.’”
The collar glided toward the small animal. It snarled and lunged.
“Jesus, help us.” Josiah cried out. “You are sovereign over all the earth, seen and unseen, the master of creation, the beginning and the end of all things. Stop this evil from occurring, and take this thing’s power away. I ask this in Your mighty name.”
The collar trembled and dropped to the floor. An inky silhouette materialized against the bright white wall, then dissolved.
The dog bolted to Ken and plastered itself against his leg. “What?” he asked.
“Pick her up.”
“No way.”
“You saved her, and she knows it. Let her know it’s okay.” Kat picked up the small sheltie and held it out to Ken.
“Fine.” He hoisted the animal into his arms. “Only for a minute.” The dog nuzzled into the space between his neck and cheek.
“Any lingering doubts about what we are up against here?” Grandma Bricken asked.
Wendy, Ken, Josiah, and Kat shook their heads at the same time.
“Well, then, Kenneth, you need to do your police work, and find out what the connection is between Anchorage and the Cove. If you do, we will find the person or persons responsible. Then, we will know how to stop this evil before it gets any uglier—and we all know it will.”
“Where’s Bart?” Ken asked.
“I think he’s out with Nyna,” Kat answered.
“He needs to know what we’re up against. Otherwise, he could walk headlong into the arms of death.” Grandma Bricken stood up and headed for this hallway.
“Already on it.”
Grandma walked back into the kitchen. “Oh, please pick up, Bartholomew,” she prayed.
“Bart? Listen…” Ken walked into the hallway.
“Mandy was acting more secretive than usual today,” Wendy whispered, almost to herself.
“How?” Kat asked.
“I’m sure she was making a phone call and didn’t want me to know.”
“Why do you think that?”
“She went to the bathroom and stayed in there a long time. I thought she might be sick so I put my ear to the door. I’m sure I heard her talking. I checked around for her cell phone and couldn’t find it.” A sharp laugh escaped Wendy. “Little sisters never learn big sisters know everything.”
“Do you know who she was calling?”
“No. Why would she hide a phone call from me?—unless, she’s in bad trouble.” Wendy searched Kat’s face. “She is, isn’t she? This is my fault.”
“It is not, Winsome. Mandy’s a big girl. If she’s in trouble, it’s her fault.”
“I was supposed to take care of her. I blew it.”
“You were only
a child yourself when you lost your parents. You did the best you could.” Grandma Bricken set the coffeepot in the middle of the table and put her hand on Wendy’s shoulder.
“Then why do I feel like I’m such a failure? Look at her life—the men, the alcohol and drugs, the running away—and look at the trouble she may be in now—involved in murder and maybe with demons?” Tears spilled down Wendy’s cheeks.
“You don’t have to do this alone anymore.” Josiah patted Wendy’s hand. “And we’ll do everything we can to help her.”
“What’d I miss?” Paul stood in the kitchen entry.
“Oh, the usual—death, demon attacks, Ravens Cove under another siege, you know.” Wendy wiped her eye with a finger and smiled up at him.
Paul examined Wendy. “What did I really miss?”
“The trials of sibling rivalry.”
“I don’t think that’s all, but I’ll let it go for now.”
“Thanks. Besides, we have bigger fish to fry, “Wendy said.
“We do?”
“Yes. People are dying, demons are appearing—we just had one try to kill this dog.” Ken raised his arms, the bundle of fur heavy and asleep.
Paul picked up the severed collar. “This key looks familiar. I’m sure I saw it attached to a small box at the antique store.”
“How’d it get here?” Fear hit Kat’s stomach like a fist. “I think I better get in touch with the owner.” She walked to the hallway, then stuck her head back in the door with the phone to her ear.
“Please tell me Annie Scofland isn’t a succubus.”
“Unlikely. I forgot to mention this creature only roams in darkness,” Josiah said.
Ken looked at Josiah. “Kind of important. Thanks for sharing.”
“We did get interrupted.”
Paul took the chair Kat had vacated. “A succubus? You mean like Dracula? What makes anyone think they are real?”
“They, as most or all human myths, are based in some kind of fact,” Grandma said.
“Have you ever heard of Lilith?” Josiah ventured.
“Adam’s supposed first wife?”
“One and the same.”
“The name only.”
“Well there is a longer and more interesting story. Let me tell you.” Josiah leaned close to Paul.
“I got a machine. I left my cell number and asked Annie to call as soon as she got the message.”
“Well, I’m not waiting. It’s going to be dark in a couple of hours, and I’d like to talk to Annie before something starts roaming the streets.”
“What’s your plan?”
“To get Bart and head to the antique store. I’m hoping Ms. Scofland can fill us in on this box.”
“Won’t be easy. Bart’s having dinner with Nyna.”
“Now I understand why he was so abrupt. He’ll have to break free or they may not get to have another dinner together—the way things are shaping up, I mean.”
“I need to feed BC before he goes and finds his own dinner, then I’ll be ready to go.”
“How about you stay home and feed yourself, too?”
“How about in your dreams, Fox?” Kat replied.
“On second thought, I’ll be happy to wait for you.”
Kat’s eyes narrowed. “Why the change of heart?”
“Perfect time to clear the air.”
“For heaven’s sake, would you two just get hitched? Then, you can fight anytime you’d like.” Wendy shook her head. “This is not, as they say, rocket science.”
“Right, Winsome. In a perfect world that would solve everything.” Kat turned to Ken. “Nothing to talk about. I’ll try Bart again. Don’t want to disturb sleeping beauty.” Kat raised her chin at the dog who had just begun to open its eyes. It let out a quiet squeak as it yawned and snuggled closer to Ken’s chest.
Kat snickered and then dialed.
“I beg to differ, we have a several things to discuss.”
Kat help up a hand. “Nice of you to answer.”
“Can’t a guy get a few moments of free time?” Bart barked into the phone.
“No—guess what’s been happening while you are having a nice dinner out?”
“Do I want to know?” Bart sighed and threw an apologetic look to Nyna. The red glow of the sun laced Nyna’s blonde hair in crimson. He ached to reach out and touch it. Not now. Maybe not ever—at least until I know where I want this to end. “So, tell me.”
Kat launched into the story from Josiah and the attack on the dog.
“I’ll be at the station in an hour.”
Chapter 12
Rebirth
Purple and yellow throbbed against the pewter-gray attic walls. With each pulse, a new cluster of lava-red droplets burst through the decaying wood and fell to the floor. The fluorescent violet, amber, and red fused to cast a ghoulish spotlight on a one-footed creature hovering within the confines of a five-pointed star.
“I’m tired of this game now,” Pet said. He searched the room. His eyes stopped on a whiskbroom lying in blackness. “Perfect.” The swirling colors gave way to crusty brown skin. A second leg popped from the dark torso. Pet stretched his neck until his head touched the ceiling. He unfurled a gnarled claw and crooked it toward the broom.
The sweeper shivered to life and danced to the table. Pet brushed his hand from side to side. The bristles mimicked the movement and swept the salt to the floor.
“Not bad. Not bad at all.” A shadow drifted in the window, clapping ethereal hands.
Pet bowed. “You could have helped, you know.”
“And miss seeing you in true form and power? Never. Besides, I was busy, remember?”
“You got it?” Excitement laced the gurgling voice.
“No.” The shadow bent its head. “The man of God had help. The book told him what to do.”
“Unfortunate for you. You must go back.”
“No! I’ll have another chance. The collar is free of the mongrel. I can get it without being seen.”
“I suggest you prove your words, Adumbration. Otherwise, you go into the abyss.”
“Do not say my name. It is forbidden.”
“Not by other demons, you fool. Only by those who serve us.”
Adumbration’s shadow arm reached behind its back. “I have something for you.”
“What could you possibly have that I would want?”
A small, beige object appeared and hovered in midair. “Where did you find it?” He snatched at the miniature skull.
The shadow hand drew it back. “I am a shadow. I can take what I want. The Kumrande are arrogant. Easy targets.” Adumbration dropped the skull into Pet’s hand.
Pet purred a melancholy and unholy tune. “Maybe you are worth keeping around—at least for now.”A ghostly mist snaked through the floor. “I bring tidings from the great one and your master Iconoclast who is awaiting release.” The being threw down a heart, still beating, in front of Pet.
“What good is this to me?”
“It is from a worshipper of the abomination Lilith. The power is invincible.”
Light dawned in Pet’s eye. “Do the others come, too?”
“They come. They seek their goddess. They will meet an end like this one.” Estafette grinned. Rusty foam dripped off his dagger-sharp teeth and sizzled as it hit the floor.
“This is good. They play into our hands. We will feast again.”
“When will you have the key?”
Pet gave Adumbration a scornful look. “Yes, when will we?”
Estafette turned his attention on the shadow-demon. “You had it?”
“No—I almost did. A man of God threw me from the place before I could complete my task.”
“You spawn of a worm. You let the man of God know you were there!”
“The mongrel attacked me! I can defend myself!” Adumbration protested.
“You were not in danger. Your vain attempt to terrorize has put us all at risk. I will return with the masters’ decision regarding your p
unishment. Do not leave this place until I return.” Estafette dissolved through the floor.
“I would leave this place,” Pet remarked. “I would find the key and be here when Estafette returns. It is the only way to save yourself.”
Adumbration considered Pet’s advice. “What’s in it for you?”
“Just some free counsel. Take it or leave it.”
“I cannot find fault in your words.“It shall be done.” He melted into the wall.
“You’d better hope so,” Pet sneered. “In the meantime, I have a date with a Kumrande—it’s time they know who owns them.”
“Enough of the silent treatment. We need to talk.”
“I already told you there is nothing to talk about.” Kat yanked the door handle.
Ken hit the lock button. “I disagree.”
Kat wheeled on Ken. “How are you going to change what you have already done? How? You believed, and probably still believe, I stole something in a police investigation. You don’t know me at all, Kenneth Melbourne. I don’t want to marry someone who thinks I’m capable of thievery or any dishonesty, for that matter.” Kat crossed her arms and threw herself against the seat.
“I think this is about more than my questions to you.”
“Then, pray tell, what would it be about?”
“You think I’m going to leave you—just like your mom and dad.”
“How dare you mention them!”
“I am not trying to make you angrier. I want you to look at it, though. You’ve been running from me since we fell in love.”
Kat turned her attention to the fiery red sunset illuminating the black, jagged outline of Mount Redoubt. “I’m not the one who keeps leaving.”
“No, but you won’t go with me.”
“This is my home.”
“I know it is.” Ken caught hold of Kat’s hand. “If my moving to Ravens Cove is all it takes for us to close this chasm between us, consider it done.”
“No. You need bigger things.”
“I need you.”
“Not good enough. Your need to be with me won’t always be this strong, and I won’t be the one responsible for making you unhappy.”
“To be honest, Kat, this town is my home now, too. I have tried to deny it. I can’t. Your family is the closest thing I’ve ever known to having one of my own,” Ken whispered.
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