Who Is Mr. Darkly?: DarklianEmpire Book Series, #1

By Steven Uecker

Detectives Jake Fisher, Gloria Diaz and Nick West go on a hot pursuit of a charismatic motivational speaker Mr. Darkly? With the help Archangel Raziel, they are able to navigate the throes of Mr. Darkly's growing power and influence. 

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Steven Uecker
• Release date: Dec 6, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393102922

Book preview

Chapter 1

"H ello Mr. Fisher I trust your feeling quite— uncomfortable ? Said the Man in the shadows. I am sure you are feeling quite abandoned right now. You know faith is believing in something you can't see. Tell me, where is God? Do you have faith in what you can't see? Put your faith in something you can see, like me. I can take care of you. I am powerful and I can fulfill your desires. Does he care about you? After all everything that you have love for...is gone now.

Mr. Fisher looked around the cabin and searched for a quick resolution for escape. He noticed a small light outside the window and it plunged straight toward the Man in the shadows. Brighter and more piercing as it traveled, the light seemed to be strong and ever present, building up to an inevitable impact. Mr. Fisher closed his eyes and prayed for the end of his story.

IT WAS THE BEGINNING of the summer season. When the air started to feel warmer than spring. The excitement of longer sunny days gave you a sense of hope in the future and a more positive out-look on life. People seemed to be more happy, at least on the outside or at least until they were sick and tired of the heat. As for Detective Jake Fisher it was a typical morning.

Oh shit, the toast.

He reached across the tile countertop to pop up the handle on the old toaster. No black smoke this time but the smell was undeniable. He held his coffee in one hand and in the other was a slightly burnt piece of dry toast. Jake turned on the flat screen and looked for the latest headlines. After a quick story of the civil unrest that was sweeping across the nation an infomercial began to play.

Hey there guys, hey there ladies.

Jake stared into the light of the illuminated screen.

Do you want to get into the best shape of your life? That's right Grandpa and Grandma. Do you want to feel like you did in your thirties or forties?

Who doesn't? Jake said out-loud.

Jake took a deep breath and a sip of his hot coffee.

Who doesn't? the man continued. I've got a product for you. The Protein Blast 6, made from a special ingredient I discovered in the Syrian caves of Latakia. This FDA approved hypo-herb is the most potent herb on the planet and I have the only known supply. It is scientifically proven to bring back vitality, smooth out years of wrinkles, and make you feel younger. For three easy installments of $19.95 you will get a 30 day supply.

The man on the screen smiled and flexed his biceps.

Be a winner, feel younger. Start today and order now.

Who the hell is this asshole? Jake spoke out again.

I'm Mr. Darkly and I will see you— in the future. 

What kind of stupid name is that?

Jake began to talk to himself as he buttoned his shirt up.

Well, I did run out of my protein whey drink. I should try that Protein Blast 6.

He took a mental note, "Mr. Darkly." Jake grabbed his keys and his firearm and headed out of the door.

As he walked up to the precinct he noticed the sky was an unusual pure blue. The sun was bright and not too hot.  He walked through the doors of the bustling police station and  headed straight to the front desk.

Hey there handsome, looking good today. The woman in uniform said.

Good morning Gloria. How are you? Jake replied.

I brought you some coffee from the Coffee Corral just the way you like it, black? She said with hesitation in her voice.

Perfect thanks a lot I really appreciate it.

Jake told Gloria a white lie knowing he already had two cups this morning and that he was most likely going to throw it straight into the wastebasket.

I have a busy morning. Do you want meet up at the firing range around one o'clock? Jake offered up.

Sounds great,  I will see you there.  

With a slighted grin Gloria walked around the desk passing Jake then down the busy hallway. He watched her as she slowly disappeared amongst the crowd of officers and civilians. Jake smiled and walked away too. Minutes later he was in his office reading e-mails catching up on a few of his cases. He looked up at the ceiling and grabbed his cross necklace. He whispered a quick prayer.

Thank you Lord for your love on the cross. Give me wisdom to protect and serve my community and protect me from all evil.

Raised as a non-denominational Christian his prayer is more ceremonial than spiritual. Although he strongly believed  in God he lived on the gray line between sinner and saint.

One o'clock at Jimmies Shooting Range. Gloria walked up to Jake standing at the target lane.

Nice of you to show up. Jake said with his ear muffs hanging to one side. Immediately, he noticed that Gloria was wearing her favorite red lipstick Russian Red. She brought it up every once in awhile. When they were on day breaks or lunch dates. Jake being a detective he payed attention to the details. Besides, she was a woman who was always looking her best even when in uniform. They both clipped targets on the charts with their guns in hand.

Well. Gloria said. Let the shooting begin.

Later that evening  Jake stopped by Health Freaks before he headed to the gym. He was out of whey protein powder for his power shake and he always felt that it helped his muscles grow and keep there mass. As he browsed through the seemingly never ending workout products. He spotted the Protein Blast 6.

Hey man I have a question. As he gestured the store clerk.

Have you heard anything about this product here the Protein Blast 6?

The sales clerks name badge was crooked, it read Danny in black sharpie.

It’s the newest craze on the market man. Great protein synthesis makes you feel younger and reduces wrinkles. It's made by Darkly Inc. seventy dollars. Danny said.

I will take one can of the chocolate flavor.

Danny rang him up. Seventy-five bucks with taxes.

This shit better work for Seventy-five dollars. Muttered Jake.

Later at the gym he began his second set on the bench press.

Breaking news owner and CEO of Darkly Inc.

Not particularly paying attention to the story. Jake sat up to rest and to grab a swig of his Protein Blast 6. On the monitor to the right the talking head continued.

There is a large congregation of people gathering to wait for Mr. Darkly to speak.

While Jake watched the story break he started to feel strange. A panic attack infused with a feeling of euphoria. He felt he was almost to the point of passing out. Mr. Darkly walked out with a strong sense of charisma and looked upon the crowd as to reveal a secret that only he knew.

Today my fellow Darklian's I would like to thank you for your support. Sales of the Protein Blast 6 have reached the one hundred million mark. And my positivity training seminars are selling out everywhere. I am announcing from this day forward all conferences and positivity seminars will be free to everyone in the world. Anyone who is searching for a home. Searching for a sense of belonging or searching for brotherhood, I am your answer. Mr. Darkly said.

Having what seemed to be unusual behavior Jake wiped his right eye to remove the sweat. As he was doing so he peered up to the tv monitor. The image of Mr. Darkly began to morph and contort and changed into a reptilian like humanoid.

What the fuck was that? He said panicking.

He looked around the gym to see if anyone noticed what he had just seen. He started to sweat even more with the sense of panic that seemed to ramp up. 

I've got to get out of here. He said to himself.

He grabbed his gym bag and power shake and walked urgently out of the door. He reached the exit and frantically inhaled for a breath of fresh air. He needed it to help relieve him of his anxiety. The darkness of the night had covered the city and there was no life in the parking lot except the shining white domes that lit up the parked cars and bare asphalt. He walked straight to his car and popped open the trunk. There with a huge happy smile on the big plastic container was Mr. Darkly on the Protein Blast 6 container.

He pulled into his driveway and was relieved to be in the comfort of his familiar abode. He turned the key and the engine turned off. The silence of the night was eerie and unusually quiet, as if the entire town had disappeared and he was the only one left alive. He casted a broad gaze around the neighborhood like a curious detective would while he walked to the front door. He unlocked it and walked through the foyer grabbing his smartphone out of his pocket and sat down on the couch. He turned his phone on and it automatically buffered to the latest news feed. A headline read.

A failed attempt to assassinate Mr. Darkly.

With his index finger he swiped the article away and checked his email. There was nothing new, only one missed call from Gloria.

I will see her tomorrow. He said under his breath. 

He tossed his phone down on the couch. Exhausted from the strange string of events. Jake decided that a good night sleep would resolve all the issues of the day.

Chapter 2

G ood morning Gloria .

Jake smiled while he walked into the police station with a spring in his step. Gloria grabbed some papers that were sitting on her desk.

Someone seems a little happier today. Me beating your ass on the gun range do it for ya’. She said.

You know it. Jake responded with strong affirmation. Where's my coffee?

I saw you throw away the coffee I brought you yesterday. So your on the coffee shit list for at least two weeks. Your a great detective but a horrible almost boyfriend.

Is that what I am, an almost boyfriend? Jake chided. I  haven't even given you a kiss on the lips yet.

Sometimes the best things in life are worth waiting for.

Gloria picked up a stack of case files.

See you later dip shit.

She gave Jake a kiss on the cheek. Which boosted his ego.

Hey, hey, hey. You can't do that. That is sexual harassment. Jake said flirtatiously.

We are in different departments remember but next week when I get promoted to detective you won't be getting any more of that at work...Bye.

As much as Jake loved to see Gloria's face from the front, he loved to watch her walk away. Her hair was just to the neckline, but the way she walked with that sexy confidence. She was irresistible to Jake in every way. They had only known each for a couple months or so but they have gotten to know each other well. She was a transfer from the Salinas Police Department. It seemed like he had known her his entire life. They were connected the instant they met and who knew where it could lead. A big black finger tapped Jake on his shoulder.

How ya doing there buddy?

It was Chief Washington, with his big white teeth he smiled his best boss smile

I have a special assignment for you. 

What's that Chief? Jake grimaced without meeting him eye to eye.

You ever heard of Mr. Darkly? He’s all over the news.

Yeah, I just bought some of his Protein Blast 6. I almost died from that shit, I think. Jake said.

Well, he's in town tomorrow night for one of his conferences. He'll be at The Center. Eighty thousand people projected to show up. I'm sending some officers and a few detectives and your one of them. I want you to take the lead on the security detail.

Do I get one hundred percent clearance and access? Jake asked.

Whatever you need Fisher. By the way Bee Bee is going to be there, you know, the pop singer. Chief Washington laughed.

What? I know who Bee Bee is. Do you think I live under a rock. You know Chief she is the queen of the illuminati.

Jake headed back to his office while Chief Washington continued to laughed out-loud walking towards his own office. Jake waited for the Chief to get out of hearing distance and with a slight tone of sarcasm.

Your mustache looks great today!

The Chief passed the threshold of his office door and disappeared. With exception of that same black finger that tapped Jake on his shoulder earlier, was now giving him the bird.

Back at his own desk Jake prepared his plans for the day. An email from Chief Washington.

Go meet with Mr. Darkly and his staff at The

Center first thing today. Figure out a security

plan and find out his concerns.

Perfect.  Jake said to himself under his breath. I guess there is no lunch with Gloria today."

He sent her a text on his cellphone.

JAKE: RAIN CHECK ON LUNCH.

He thought of what was in store for him at The Center having to meet Mr. Darkly, the meeting had him thinking that he must have had a lot of money and people seemed to love him. He really couldn't be that bad. What in the hell is in that Protein Blast 6? Why did I see him shape shift into a creature on tv.?

In the car, Jake drove the speed limit not in a rush to get to The Center. He suddenly saw a flash of light shooting towards him. Straight through the windshield, a loud crack like a bull whip and a quick bright flash of light. An older man in his sixties sat next to him in the passengers seat.

Hello Jake.

AAhhhh—What the hell is going on?!

Jake swerved through traffic back and forth. A near miss of one car led to another.

AAhhhh—.

Jake slammed on the brakes and his Camaro stopped to rest among a thick cloud of white smoke and smell of burnt brake pads. Jake grabbed his gun and looked over at a man in disbelief.

Who the fuck are you? Never mind that. Where the fuck? How the fuck did you get in my car?

With his gun drawn Jake demanded answers.

I've been watching you Jake. The man said.

No, this isn't happening, I'm hallucinating.

Jake moved his gun from his right hand to his left and reached out to the man to see if he was real. He swiped his hand down the strangers forehead down to his nose.

You're real, you’re real. Jake said astonished by his findings.

I know this may seem strange but I am an angel. As a matter a fact I am your angel. The man continued to speak. I've been watching you since you were born.

Jake replied in disbelief and retracted his gun. This is not possible, I’m losing it. I need to talk to Gloria.

He fumbled for his cellphone. Suddenly, the mans voice became frighteningly loud and as deep as thunder. His eyes rolled back to an opulent white.

Jake listen to me. You are my child, one of many whom I love. Keep your faith for I am always with you. A series of events shall occur in the days to come and life as we know it will be changed forever. I have chosen you and I have heard your prayers.

Who are you?...God?  Jake said.

Jake continued to question the man whose two eyes have now rolled back to their original color and his voice back to its normal calm tone.

That was God wasn't it? The man asked. What did he tell you?

The man looked at Jake and covered his right eye with his right hand peering at him with his left eye open.

After gazing at the man for a second, Jake looked away. He looked out of the windshield at a small shopping center in the distance.

This is crazy. He said softly.

Jake pretended that the the man wasn't there and he closed his eyes for a split second and a car pulled up and parked behind his. He looked back up and the man was gone. Jake looked curiously through the side mirror and it was Gloria in a black and white, and she was walking toward him on the drivers side.

She reached the window with a sense of concern.

Are you ok? I saw your car on the side of road. Did you break down?

No, a really strange thing just happened. I just had a hallucination. A man appeared to me right here.

He gestured to the passengers seat.

"He said he was my angel. Then, I’m pretty sure God spoke through him saying he had chosen me and that he heard my prayers. As you can see there isn't anybody here. I think I might be losing it."

No your not losing it.

Gloria gently placed her hand on his shoulder.

You probably need a vacation. That case you just closed last month was a tough one and you haven't had much rest.

In agreement, Jake was satisfied with that conclusion. The more he thought about the man who appeared in his car the more he concluded that it wasn't real.

I've got to meet this Darkly guy right now. That's where  I’m  headed.

I'd go with you. Gloria said. But it's my last day on patrol.

As the stream of cars passed she made a suggestion.

Maybe we could meet up this evening and have a real date. She suggested.

You know what, that actually sounds great I thought you would never ask. Jake said satisfied.  

See you tonight around seven? Asshole. Gloria said with a crooked smile.

She loved to end conversations with a shocking one liner and she never ran out of them.

Chapter 3

There was a vast sea of empty parking stalls as Jake drove through The Center parking lot. He parked in the first stall by the entrance and observed the massive size of the edifice as he walked in through the glass doors. Nothing but empty corridors and the echo of his footsteps. Each way he looked he saw nothing but vacant hallways and closed doors. On the wall straight ahead he saw a yellow sign that had the words Mr. Darkly with a black arrow pointed up to the stairs.

I guess Mr. Darkly is this way. Anyone care to join me assassins, killers, or crazies. He said to himself softly.

He reached the top of the stairs and he could hear the quiet cadence of someone having a conversation. He approached the room upstairs with a sense of caution. He stopped and waited behind the wall to hear what they were talking about.

Where is my drink?

Right here sir.

If I have to ask you again you will be sorry.

Jake turned the corner unannounced while Mr. Darkly was holding what looked like a scotch on the rocks. A small unassuming woman cowered down next to him and waited on his every word. With a big white smile Mr. Darkly walked straight over to Jake with an open hand shake.

The infamous Detective Jake Fisher, pleasure to meet you I'm Mr. Darkly.

He spoke with a vernacular of confidence. Mr. Darkly immediately violated Jakes basic personal space.

How's it going Mr.. Darkly? You’ve heard of me huh?Jake replied with average courtesy.

Well, I am a big fan of yours. I followed that case you just recently closed. Your famous, Mr. Fisher. Especially in the world of serial killers. Lets just say I'm obsessed with serial killers.

He smiled as if it was permanently fixed on his face. "

That case you just closed was masterful the way you were able to use your detective skills and catch the bad guy. It was truly amazing. You are the detective who caught David Littles.

Jake casted his eyes around the room.

I will take that as a compliment but it’s not about me. I was detailed by my Chief to head up security for tomorrow nights event. So I would like to get started if you don't mind.

Yes that is true you were detailed but I requested you personally with a small donation to your department.

Mr. Darkly put on a serious look that made him seem quite satisfied.

"I have to admit I wanted to meet you in person.