Love the Sinner

By E. R. Marrow

When Adam bursts in on his wife, Moire, being murdered by a monster, he tries to save her but is slaughtered as well. On his way to the other side, Adam is given a choice: Move on alone, or go back to earth and seek vengeance. Without Moire, there is no choice for Adam. He forfeits his soul and goes back to hunt.

Yet, deals with the Devil are never what they seem. Even though Adam is gifted with new powers and abilities, he is also afflicted with a carnal hunger that runs wild if not fed.

To find the murderer, Adam must search the streets of a Scranton very different than the one he knows. It will take all of his new abilities and more to survive Demon gangsters, hellhounds and The Catholic Church itself. Even then, will Adam be able to slay a creature that already killed him once?

• Language: English
• Publisher: E. R. Marrow
• Release date: Mar 17, 2011
• ISBN: 9781458029119

E. R. Marrow

E. R. Marrow spends his days as a professional computer geek. He lives just outside Scranton, PA. with his wife, some kids, some cats and an opossum in the garbage cans on the porch. Love the Sinner is his first novel.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Blood flowed freely from the woman’s nose and mouth. One eye was swollen shut. Her blouse was ripped to show the sheer black bra beneath. The only thing holding her up was the man's grip on her long black hair. She whimpered, too scared to even cry.

You do not say no to me, ever. The guy said. Each word was punctuated by a punch to the face. Fucking slut.

Jimmy rushed over, and I followed. I’m not really one for getting involved, but beating on women really pissed me off.

Easy, friend. Jimmy said. Why don't we take a step back and talk about this? He approached with his hands up, fearless.

Screw you father. The guy said. This is none of your fucking business.

Jimmy was getting closer to the guy. I had to step in before he got killed. Against my better judgment, I pushed past my brother. I spoke this guy’s language.

Keep walking, asshole. He said.

I punched him in the kidneys as hard as I could. His breath exploded from his mouth. The girl collapsed in a weeping heap in the gutter. The guy caught his breath, and stood up. I saw why no one else stepped in. He was six foot six, and at least three hundred pounds. Fuck.

There. Said Jimmy. Now we can talk about this a little. Young lady, why don't you come over here?

You stay right there. We are not done. The guy said.

Sure you are. I said.

He punched me in the face. He was faster than he looked. Or I was slower. Probably both. My head snapped back, and I tasted blood in my mouth. I didn't go down. Good thing, or he would have mangled me.

I shook my head to clear it as he charged. I managed to get out of the way, elbowing him in the ear as he went past. The shock of the glancing blow numbed my left arm. I put my right hand in my pocket, and grabbed my roll of quarters.

He came at me again. Slow this time. A dribble of blood from his left ear ran onto his tan sport coat. Who wore a sportcoat on an eighty degree August night? I hoped he wasn't carrying. Things would end badly.

I'm gonna tear you up, old man. He said.

I put my hands at my sides. He was bigger, stronger and younger than me. The only thing I had left was to cheat. Good thing it was my strong suit.

I held out my tingling left hand.

C'mon. No hard feelings. I said. Sweat dripped down my back. It was only partly from the summer heat.

The man-mountain looked confused for a second, then saw his opportunity to pummel a defenseless man. His face lit up like only a bully's can. He came at me.

I dropped to my knees, and punched him square in the balls with my quarter-filled right hand. He dropped, groaning and clutching his groin.

It took me a second to get up. Thirty nine years and a titanium knee will do that. I limped over, and kicked him in the face twice to keep him down. Then I went to work.

I rolled him onto his back and straddled his chest, pinning his arms to the sidewalk with my knees. He was still dazed when I grabbed his hair, and started wailing on him. After about five shots, the paper wrapper on the quarters ripped. Change flew everywhere, caught in the street lamps like fireflies.

Always protect you balls, tough guy. I broke his nose. And keep your hands to yourself. I mashed a cheekbone. Otherwise, you might get hurt someday. I pounded him until he looked like the girl, but worse. Good.

Enough, Adam, enough. Jimmy said. He yanked me off the guy, and started to pull me away. I managed to kick the fucker in the head again for good luck. We need to go before the police get here.

Jimmy let me go in order to lead the girl down the street toward his car. She stopped every few feet to spit blood onto the sidewalk. Her left hand held the tatters of a bloodstained silk blouse over her chest. Jimmy should have given her his coat. My brother had no style.

I put the last few quarters back in my pocket, and tried to work my swollen, bloody knuckles. My fingers would look like sausages tomorrow, but it was worth it.

It’s funny how a good ass kicking will part a crowd. Everyone was into it when we were mixing it up. Now that it was over, they looked at me like I was some kind of wild animal. Good, I hate crowds, and cowards too for that matter. Someone should have stopped it earlier. Damn sheep.

We walked to Jimmy's car at the end of the block. The meathead was still in the same spot, but he was starting to move. I was impressed.

Thank you. The girl said.

You are welcome. What’s your name?

Anna.

Hello Anna, my name is Father Jim, and this is my brother Adam. Listen, we are going to take you home. He handed her his handkerchief to wipe her face. She cleaned off some blood, and arranged her long black hair over her swollen eye. It was a practiced movement.

No. She said. He'll be there. We, uh, live together. I mean, not after tonight, but it’s his house.

Ok, sure. Jimmy said. He was talking in his 'friendly priest voice'. Don't spook the girl.

We got into Jimmy's Taurus. I hopped in the back and Anna took shotgun. I hated riding in the back, but I figured Jimmy would insist. Anyway, her skirt was so short that climbing into the back seat would probably have been illegal. Not that I would have minded watching. Her legs were a little skinny, but her ass was something you write songs about.

Linden Street in Scranton was a one way going back toward the bar. I rolled down the window to check out the bull as we passed. He was getting to his feet. Pretty tough guy, if you'd ever been kicked in the head, you would know. I sure did. He looked up as we passed, and I flipped him off.

Jimmy turned left toward the Steamtown Mall, then right at the next block taking us out of downtown. I had no idea where we were going, but Jimmy wasn't stupid. If Meat was trying to follow us, give him a wrong direction to follow.

Three turns and fifteen minutes later, we stopped in front of a small brick building with no sign out front. We were less than a half mile from where we started.

Stay here a minute. Jimmy said.

She nodded and looked at me.

Thank you.

Why was he hitting you?

He wanted to bring home a few friends. I said no. She said.

You don't like people coming over for a beer? They mess the place up?

Not for beer. For me. It wasn't the first time. She was crying.

Yikes. A real ray of sunshine.

She laughed, it was pretty. Funny, that's his name, Ray.

Ray's a dick.

He is, but he used to be so sweet. Now he says he has stress from work. That's where those others were from. They were on their way out. He wanted to impress them. I said never again. He grabbed my hair, and started hitting.

I had an urge to go back, and kick him some more. Too bad my knee was already stiff, and would be worse tomorrow.

Jimmy came out with a woman in a long plaid housecoat. Her hair was messy from bed, but her eyes were alert.

Anna, this is Michele.

The woman came over to the passenger side. Anna rolled down the window. Hi, Anna, I'm Michele. I’m a nurse, and I work here. This is a safe place. I want you to come in, and get those cuts looked at. You can sleep here, and we'll get you some help.

She had the friendly voice as well. They must teach it somewhere. Michele was also moving slowly, so as not to spook her. It was like Wild Kingdom. Anna got out of the car, and Michele took her hand.

Michele nodded to Jimmy, and touched his shoulder on her way past.

I'll call tomorrow. Jimmy said.

I went back into the front seat as Jimmy got back in the car.

What’s up with this place? I asked Jimmy.

It’s a shelter. I send food and clothes sometimes. Unfortunately, sometimes I send referrals too. Shelly takes good care of them.

Shelly?

Don't you remember? Of course not, you weren’t around. Well, when Gram broke her hip, Shelly was her nurse. We became friends. She quit that job, and started this place to help women.

You sleep with her? I asked.

Adam, that is disrespectful. I made vows. I am a priest.

You are a true humanitarian. I said.

You are a dick. My brother said.

Says you. If I wasn't there, she would be in the hospital, and so would you. I didn't even want to go to that fucking place. We're a little old for the club scene. Jimmy hated that he was the smallest of the three Archer boys. He had the heart of a lion, and the body of a tax attorney.

They were supposed to be a good blues band. I thought maybe it would bring back some good memories. She looked a little like Alyssa Milano, don’t you think? Jimmy said.

Shelly? Not really. More like Bea Arthur.

No, Anna. He said.

How can you even tell what she looked like? Her face was all fucked up.

Well, I think she looked like Alyssa Milano. My brother, the priest said.

* * *

You're out of your mind.

No way. Holly Marie Combs is way hotter than Alyssa Milano. I said.

Wrong. Said Jimmy.

What the hell do you know? You're a priest. Don't you have to hand in your bag when you get ordained?

You're a jerk, Adam. Ever since we were kids. And you wonder why we haven't talked in five years. If Moiré hadn’t called, we still wouldn’t have.

You’re right, Jimmy, I'm sorry. Old habits die hard.

And old assholes live forever. He said.

That's better Father Jim. Remember, you are only two years behind this old asshole.

We pulled into my driveway. The headlights of Jimmy's Taurus lit up the back of my house, which was otherwise dark.

Good to see you Adam. Jimmy said.

You too Jimmy. Been too long. I said.

Phone works both ways. We should do it again soon.

You want to come in for a beer?

No thanks, I think we have both had enough for one night. Baby steps.

I got out of the car. The air felt heavy after the air conditioning in the Taurus. I started up the walk towards the house, and noticed Moiré’s car was still in the carport. It was only eleven. With all the lights off, I figured she must be in bed.

The back door was open, so I walked right into the kitchen. Odd. She must have left it open for me.

All the lights were off inside as well. The only illumination was coming from the headlights on Jimmy's car. Moving further into the house, I didn't turn on any lights. Something felt off. There was a tension in the air, beyond the humidity. I didn’t like it.

Through the dining room and into the living room, I crept. Silence blanketed everything. The downstairs was empty. Moiré must be upstairs. I almost called out, but something held me back. I didn't know what it was, but I needed to find my wife.

I started up the stairs, moving slowly so I didn't make the old stairs squeak. Even so, they sounded almost as loud as my knees. Then, I heard the softest of moans from above.

Blood rushed in my ears. Not Moiré. I moved faster, until I was on the top step. Still no lights. I padded down the hall, thinking about what I would do. In my own house? I saw movement in our room on the floor near the window. Things must have been pretty intense to skip the bed entirely.

What the hell is going on here? I flipped on the lights.

In that moment, I wished she had been cheating on me.

What I saw stopped me in my tracks. I couldn't move.

Blood spattered the walls and ceiling, like a torture-porn movie. I didn't think there was that much blood in a person. The room smelled like a butcher shop. Something was ripping into my wife's chest.

She wasn't dead.

Moiré looked at me and tried to wave me to run, but the thing's head snapped up. It was mustard colored, where it wasn't covered in her blood. Its eyes were a solid black, and it had stubby horns. The thing looked at me, then turned back to her. It dismissed me as a threat.

I stood rooted to the spot. The thing continued to tear Moiré’s stomach out. My mind screamed to run and save myself.

I ran, but not away.

Somehow, I got myself moving toward them. My shoulder hit the thing in the left side just below the shoulder, like I was taught all those years ago in football camp.

It flew off of her, and into the wall. One of its horns stuck in the plaster, and I had the opportunity to kick it in the back once or twice. The surprise must have worn off, because the thing was on its feet before I could blink. I hadn't noticed before, but it was big, at least seven feet high.

It kicked me in the leg, and I heard a crack followed by red hot pain. My vision swam as my titanium knee bent the wrong way and took me with it.

I was on the floor in agony. It then kicked me in the left side hard enough to flip me over. I heard my ribs crunch like potato chips. I couldn't breathe. My head lay in Moiré’s lap. The thing stood over me, and spoke.

Insect. It grated. How would you like to share your dear wife's fate? Are you as heartless as she? I suppose there is only one way to find out.

It reared back, and swung its right hand. For an instant, I was sure it had missed. Then the pain came. Burning lines of agony reached from my throat to my navel. I watched my blood spray, covering Moiré in a fresh layer of gore.

The thing then returned its attention to my wife. She was gray and fading. I saw her perfect green eyes glossing over.

The happy couple. How touching. Perhaps you will meet again on the other side. I think not. It said.

Dear Jesus! Jimmy screamed from the doorway.

The creature recoiled as if struck. Then, it let out a roar that left my ears ringing. The thing charged at Jimmy faster than I thought possible. It crossed the room in a heartbeat, and stopped.

Lord protect us. Jimmy screamed. Please drive forth this Demon and spare us, your children on earth.

The demon screamed in pain. Smoke rose from its sick, yellow skin. Jimmy's voice was clear and powerful. He pulled a Rosary from his pocket. I swear it shined like the Sun.

One last time, the creature attacked. It kicked at Jimmy and knocked him down, but was itself thrown back in a flash of light. The monster screamed again hurling itself, flaming, through my bedroom window. It took the frame, and a good piece of the wall with it.

Jimmy got to his feet, and came to me.

Hold on Adam, I'll get help, just hang on. He rushed from the room to the phone in the hall.

Everything was growing darker and colorless. I felt Moiré’s hand touch mine. I fought to stay awake.

Oh Adam She breathed, I'm so sorry.

I love you. I said, or tried to say. My lungs weren't working too well.

Save me. she said, and a single tear rolled down her cheek, leaving a pink trail in the blood.

Anything, Sparky, anything.

Her eyes went blank, and her hand fell from mine. I tried to cry, but the blackness took me first.

Chapter 2

When the darkness lifted, I was sitting in a nice leather chair. I was in some sort of cabin, complete with rough-hewn log walls. Across from me sat a man. He looked to be about my age, but in better shape. His thick black hair was gray at the temples, and his eyes were blue. Two bottles of beer were in his large, scarred hands. I liked him already.

Hello, Adam. He said.

Do I know you?

Not yet, but you will.

Am I dead?

It’s complicated.

Who are you?

You can call me Sheppard.

Sheppard handed me the beer. It tasted like a nice homebrew, not that commercial crap. I drained the bottle.

Thirsty? Sheppard asked, and handed me another bottle.

Thanks, but Moiré made me promise to stop.

But you are dead.

I thought it was complicated?

True enough. I must say you are taking it very well. He had an accent I couldn't place. British maybe? South African?

I figure I am having a hallucination on my way to the afterlife.

Up or down?

What?

Are you going up, or are you going down?

I am hoping for up.

Sheppard laughed, Quite the optimist. I like that. Do you remember what happened to you?

I died, and now I’m here.

How did you die?

I thought for a moment. I couldn't remember what happened. I was dead or dying at least, but couldn’t place exactly why or how.

Sheppard leaned closer, reaching his hands across the table.

Here is your first choice, Adam. I can let you go to your final reward, or you can take my hands and remember why you are here.

Why should I care? Dead is dead.

You might not, or it may be the most important thing you ever learn.

I’m not really the curious type.

Don’t be a dick Adam.

You are awfully touchy for a hallucination.

I got up and walked around a bit. The cabin couldn't be more than twenty by twenty. There was a fridge and sink, the table and a cot. Books were stacked eye high on nearly every flat surface and the floor. There were no windows, and no door. The light, however, was excellent. I couldn’t figure out where it came from.

I’m getting tired. I said.

Your body is about finished, I'm afraid. Decision time. I hear Hell is nice this time of year.

Hell? Who said anything about Hell? It could be Heaven.

Of course, Adam, of course, I misspoke.

Fine, Sheppard, show me. I grabbed his hands.

It all came back. Every second of my death, and Moiré’s, was burned into my brain. I saw every detail of the mustard colored bastard that killed her.

Moiré! Tears streamed down my face, but I didn’t care. Sheppard, you prick. You knew, and let me see it again. My angel.

I must have fallen to the floor, because Sheppard lifted me and put me back in the chair. It didn’t appear to be an effort for him.

Well, if she is dead, then I want to be dead too. Then we can be together forever.

I wish it were that easy, Adam. He sat on the edge of the table near me. You may not be going to the same place. How would you know?

She’s perfect. She’s going up.

But are you Adam? Are you perfect?

I do ok.

If you are sure, wonderful. I’m sure she’ll be waiting at the pearly gates. Hopefully, she’ll be wearing something with a plunging neckline. If you are wrong, though, that is the last thing you will think about forever.

What is?

You failed her. What was the last thing she said to you?

She said 'save me'. I stared at the wall. I didn't want to look at him.

Did you?

No. You know damn well I didn’t.

Sheppard hopped down off the table and started pacing the room.

I can help you Adam. I can send you back. You can have the power you need. You can destroy that thing.

How will that help anything? She's gone, and I didn’t save her. Will killing that thing save her? I was standing now as well. The room felt small with both of us standing.

No Adam, you can’t save her now. It’s too late for that. But you can go and have your revenge, and make sure no one else suffers like that.

Who cares about other people? Moiré is dead, and I am dying.

Then feel free to take your chances.

I was getting very tired. My legs felt like lead. I sat on the cot.

It’s coming, Adam. This is your second choice. Will you cast your fate to the wind, and hope for a reunion in heaven? Or will you take matters into your own hands and stop him?

What’s in it for you? I had to lie down. The room was a little fuzzy. Sheppard sounded very far away.

Your soul.

I laughed a bit, I think. Things were getting really weird. I suppose I knew it was coming. It was the only way this made sense, besides a dying dream.

Of course, why would I expect anything else? Then what? I buff your ass for all eternity? Like Robert Johnson? Will I play the guitar? Pass. I said.

Not quite, deals with extra-planar entities don’t happen as often as you’d think. There are a very specific set of circumstances that allow contact. I’m afraid crossroads and musical instruments rarely enter the equation.

Suddenly, I was back all the way. I sat up. Sheppard looked over at me, then helped me off the cot.

I am thinking CPR, He said. Someone must really like you.

My brother.

Which one? James? William probably would just kick you. He's really not fond of you at all. Anyway, now that we have a moment to breathe, metaphorically speaking, back to business.

He went to one of the piles of books, and pulled out a folded piece of paper. This is the contract, fairly standard, I assure you. I give you the ability to destroy the foul villain. In return, when you shuffle off the mortal coil, I get full and unwavering control of your Permanent Spiritual Energy Aka PSE Aka Soul for all eternity, or until such time as I release you, or the end of days. Whichever comes first.

You’re nuts, pal. Even if this weren’t all a dream, why would I give my soul to you in return for anything? It appears to be pretty important. I mean, you have a contract and all. I want to see her again. I said.

That is the past. You aren’t going to see her again.

You don’t know that.

Fine, Adam. You have obviously made up your mind. Go die.

Sheppard sat down and opened a book. He sipped his beer and read, while I stood there. The picture of the creature stuck in my head. I swore I heard a baby cry.

Is that a baby? I asked.

I don't hear anything. He said. I couldn't hear it anymore either. Probably just the sirens.

What is it?

Pardon? he looked up from the book.

That thing. What is it?

A demon. A creature from the Pit given flesh, and in your bedroom.

Why did it pick my house?

Don’t know. Sheppard said.

I paced. I wasn’t tired. Maybe the paramedics were there. Maybe in a minute, I'd pull out of this dream.

No, this was no dream. It was too real. My soul was it. The be all, and end all. I didn’t want to be skewered for eternity, eating my own balls.

Moiré was my everything, though. She saved me at a time when I didn’t want to be saved, didn't think I could be saved. I wasn't able to return the favor when she needed it. The least I could do was kill the demon that did it.

Why me? I asked.

I saw your hate, burning. I saw a man who may give up his soul for revenge. A man who in lived life in the gray areas. When those kinds of people die, it’s like a dog whistle to us. I am surprised I got to you first.

Great. I was a supernatural homing beacon for Demons.

I’ll need some more things in there.

It’s a pretty standard contract. What would you need to change?

"If I kill this thing, I don’t want to die immediately. I want a chance