The 9th Demon: Time of the Cross

By Bruce Hennigan

Jonathan Steel’s partner, Theo King, has been kidnapped. In his pursuit of the kidnappers, Steel discovers a conspiracy by a wealthy media mogul to go back in time to the last days of the life of Jesus of Nazareth. All leads converge on ancient Jerusalem on the eve of the crucifixion. Steel teams up with a policeman on a similar mission, J

• Language: English
• Publisher: 613media,LLC
• Release date: Oct 18, 2018
• ISBN: 9780996845656

Bruce Hennigan

Dr. Bruce Hennigan is a physician in the field of radiology, a published novelist, and a certified apologist. His interest in depression is personal based on his own struggled with the disease. He is the author of over six novels in the "Chronicles of Jonathan Steel" series about spiritual warfare. He has also written a novel set at the beginning of World War II, "The Homecoming Tree".

Book preview

Prologue

It was time to die. The man standing at the window did not want to die. But, neither did he want his two girls to die. The window looked out over a vast cavern filled with sunlight streaming in through the far opening. A transport airplane appeared in the distance, touched down on a dirt runway and taxied into the huge cavern. Workers converged on the plane like ants to honey.

Are you ready to die? Someone said behind him. He had not heard the man enter the room.

Those your airplanes? The man asked.

Yes.

You think you own the world.

I own you.

The man turned slowly. He recognized the tall, muscular figure of David Boone. You’ve grown soft, old man since you were in that alien movie.

Boone’s chiseled features carried a hint of the steroids he had used as a young professional wrestler. His hair was shot through with gray, and his face was tanned. Boone glanced down at his arm and flexed his bicep. The muscle tensed and stretched the fabric of a suit that cost more than the man’s entire lifetime of salaries. I’ve still got my mojo.

The man looked down at his dark green one-piece jumpsuit. It carried the dirt and dust of the last few days of imprisonment. He ran a hand over his bald head and nodded. How long has it been since you were in the ring?

I’m only 64, and I could take you in a fight any day. Boone relaxed his bicep.

You were a professional wrestler, bro. Never been in a real fight. You wouldn’t last a week on the streets.

But, I have won in the corporate boardrooms and the halls of Hollywood. Boone Media Network is worth billions. That takes a special kind of courage, and I’m more successful than you. And, I never broke the law.

I wasn’t always a criminal.

Yeah, you were a policeman once. But, admit it. That was so you could get your revenge. Now, you’re hunted by the riffraff you put away. Boone walked past him to the window and pointed to the cavern. I own all of that and more. He glanced at the man and tapped the man’s chest. And, now I own you. You see, I paid your debt. You belong to me. Don’t forget that!

The man looked down at Boone’s finger and fought the urge to break every bone in the man’s hand. Instead, he stepped back and took a calming breath. He placed a hand on the pocket of the jumpsuit. Inside was the photograph. Remember why you are here! It’s for them. I’ve made my choices. I will do what I promised.

Of course, you will, Boone said as he pulled an envelope from his jacket’s inside pocket. Now, I asked the Major to get you to sign these papers before you got here. Without your signature, we can’t proceed. These papers are the waiver that relieves my corporation of any responsibility in your death. And, the other form confirms I send the funds to your beneficiaries.

Yes. Half to my wife and the other half in a trust fund for my daughters.

Then, sign them! Now!

You sent one of your toadies. I wanted to look you in the face, the man who bought my soul. He reached for the papers and his gaze shifted as he read them. He reached out an empty hand. Boone took his gold pen from his shirt pocket and handed it to him. The man scrawled his signature on the papers and handed them back.

I didn’t know she was pregnant when I left her. The man whispered.

Yeah, whatever. Boone examined each page, and his face grew warm with anger. Now, why couldn’t you have done this the first time you received these papers? I am a very busy man. Do you understand?

Yes. The man reached out with a dark hand and tapped Boone in the chest. But, you need me.

Boone stepped back, shook his head in disbelief and tucked the papers into his pocket. I’ll have the technicians here shortly to start your preparation.

What kind of preparation? The man asked.

To get you ready to die, Theophilus.

Only friends call me Theo, but you can call me Mr. King. The man said, and he turned back to the window.

One

A week or so earlier

Strong, Battleton, and Bailey Law Firm

Shreveport, Louisiana

---

"Today will be the hardest day of your life. Jonathan Steel said. He stood before the restroom mirror and studied his face. His hair was cut short, and he wore a shadow of a ginger beard. If not for the look of panic in his turquoise eyes, he would say he looked rested. It had been almost a month since he had nearly died in space; nearly a month since he had lost his mentor, Cephas Lawrence; nearly a month since Joshua Knight had been briefly reunited with the father he thought was dead only to lose him again. In that month, innocuous and innocent duties surrounded Steel. Moving back to the lake house to protect Cephas’ artifacts. Enlisting Dr. Elizabeth Washington to catalog and sort those artifacts. Getting Josh into high school for his senior year at Byrd High School. And, in all those weeks not a hint of demonic activity. Just the one call from Max" about the death of Raven.

Steel pulled the golden chain out of his simple white button-up shirt. A tiny cross dangled from the necklace along with a rather odd shaped medallion. The cross had come from April Pierce whose dying pleas had catapulted him into the world of spiritual warfare. The medallion had been given to him as Raven died after saving them all from the Twelfth demon in the caverns near Transylvania. He had promised to make things right for her. And, he always kept his promise. But, could he keep the one he was about to make? He dropped them back into his shirt and looked again into his bright, turquoise eyes; the eyes of a stranger, the eyes of a man plagued with amnesia.

You’ve battled a giant scorpion, an army of vampires, a horde of white-eyed ghouls, and a space station filled with aliens. But, can you do the one thing that scares you the most?

Dude, are you talking to yourself?

Steel glanced over his shoulder as Joshua Knight came into the law office restroom. Yes. Steel stiffened.

It’s cool, Jonathan, Josh said. He wore a pale blue shirt and a purple tie. His hair was longer than a month ago. He wanted to grow it out, he said. I know today isn’t going to be easy. Not for you. Or, for me.

Steel relaxed. I’m just a little nervous.

You? Nervous? Josh moved to the sink beside Jonathan and splashed cold water over his face. Dude, now, I’m scared.

Steel hesitated then reached out and patted Josh’s shoulder. We’ll be fine.

Yeah, because Mama Liz will see to it.

Steel nodded and studied himself once more in the mirror. How do I look?

Josh glanced at him in the mirror’s reflection. Dude, you look like you’re about to face a firing squad. Chill.

Jonathan Steel studied the law office of Ramsey Strong as he settled into a chair at a large conference table. It was far different from the law office of Grace Pennington in Dallas, Texas. This office was sterile; all white walls and a chrome and glass conference table. Curtainless windows looked out over the Red River and Shreveport’s casinos. He missed Grace’s fireplace and the warm woodwork of her library.

Dude, this is some awesome view. Josh turned back from the window. He sat beside Steel and squirmed and tugged at his tie. I don’t know why I had to wear a tie when you didn’t.

Dr. Liz Washington sat on the other side of Josh from Steel. She was small and wore a maroon blouse over white pants. Her salt and pepper hair framed her warm, dark features. Because a representative of Judge Bolton from Dallas will be in on this meeting. You need to make a good impression. She brushed at his hair. We should have gotten your hair cut.

Josh squirmed. It’s just now growing back. Josh tried to sit still. He glanced once at Steel. What’s going to happen to me, Jonathan?

Steel drew a deep breath. This was going to be hard. Strong was about to present them with the final results of Cephas Lawrence’s will, and Bolton’s representative would decide if Joshua Knight would stay with Steel or return to Texas to a foster home. Before Steel could answer, the door to the office opened, and a tall, white-haired man walked in. His gray eyes stood out against his dark skin. He settled across the table from them and placed a pile of folders before him. The faint odor of cologne filled the air.

Good afternoon, folks. I’m Ramsey Strong, and we will get started as soon as the other two people are here. Ah, here’s Bolton’s legal aid.

A woman came through the door dressed in a black three-piece business suit. Her hair was dark and pulled up in a knot behind her head. She smiled at Josh. Joshua Knight, I presume. Frances Alba. She offered a hand and Josh shook it.

Alba? Steel shuddered. That was the last name of the woman who had been in league with the Eleventh demon. They couldn’t possibly be related. Could they?

Alba settled into a chair at the end of the table to Liz’s left and took a laptop from her satchel and placed it on the table. Mr. Steel. Dr. Washington. She nodded to them without offering a handshake. Very cool and all business. This did not bode well!

Who’s left? Steel asked Strong.

An old friend of yours. The door opened, and a man in a full-length black overcoat stepped into the office. He wore a rumpled red tie and his ever-present sunglasses.

And I thought downtown traffic in Dallas was bad.

Steel stood up slowly, gripping his fists. Ross?

Steel. FBI Special Agent Franklin Ross said. Don’t get any ideas. I’m here at the request of Mr. Strong.

Josh put a hand on Steel’s arm. Dude, calm down. He owes us. You did save his life.

Ross jerked his sunglasses from his face and nodded. Something I will have to live with for the rest of my life.

Strong motioned to a chair at the other end of the table. Ross, please sit, and we will get started.

Ross carried a large, brown envelope in his hand and he sat in the remaining chair. I don’t suppose you will let me smoke in here?

No sir, I will not, Strong said.

Ross sighed and tossed the envelope on the desk. Then let’s get this over with.

I thought you had quit. Steel said as he sat back down.

Well, you and your demons keep pushing me off the wagon.

Strong paused, raised an eyebrow and opened his mouth to speak. He thought better of it and, instead, slid a swath of papers toward Ross. I received your final assessment of the Cobalt affair. I have examined your conclusions, and as you can see, the coroner agrees with your assessment. He sees no reason to call an inquest and has agreed to sign the death certificates.

Ross took the papers and nodded. Yeah, he’s right.

Steel glanced at Josh, and the boy paled. Death certificates? Josh whispered.

Strong cleared his throat. We are missing the body of your, uh, great uncle, Josh. We have the sworn testimony and statements of Mr. Steel, Mr. King, and, uh, Vivian Ketrick.

What about my father?

Strong took another group of papers from the pile. That would be the next determination. Special Agent Ross has investigated the entire Cobalt disaster, and he has determined that both your great uncle and your father were victims of Cobalt’s exploding space station. Along with at least 234 other unaccounted for victims. But, since your father was already presumed dead years ago, there is no need to address that issue from a legal standpoint.

Steel watched Josh sink into the chair. Let’s just get on with it. Steel said.

Ross studied both papers and glanced at Josh. I, what? Just sign them?

Please. As lead investigator on the case.

Ross nodded and signed the papers, leafing through them one by one. Each time, he cast a glance at Josh.

Steel felt his face burning with building rage. Cobalt! The man in league with the Tenth demon had been the cause of Cephas’ death and Arthur Knight’s death. He had almost killed Steel in the process. It had been over a month since the incident, and the growing realization that he would soon be Josh’s guardian weighed heavily on his mind.

Dude, cool it, Josh whispered. You’re turning red again. And, we know what follows.

I’m sorry, Josh. Steel said as he tried to calm his racing heart.

Don’t blow this, Josh said hoarsely. I’m all alone, now.

Nonsense, Liz said. You have Jonathan and me. We will take care of you. She smiled at Ms. Alba. If Judge Bolton agrees.

That depends on several factors, Dr. Washington, not the least of which is the contents of Dr. Lawrence’s will, Alba said.

Ross slid the papers back to Strong. Steel, Ross said, looking full into his face. I’m sorry about both of them. You did save my life, and I am grateful. If I could do anything to bring them back, I would. His jaw tightened. Man, that was hard to admit.

Steel swallowed at the strangely friendly remarks from Ross. The two of them were not on the best of terms ever. Thank you.

Well, now that we have that finalized, Strong passed the signed papers to Alba. We can go ahead and take a look at Dr. Lawrence’s last will. Strong opened another folder and laid papers in front of him. I won’t read for you the entire text. Josh, you and Mr. Steel will be given a copy. Instead, I’ll summarize the findings. Dr. Washington, the reason I asked you here is that Dr. Lawrence has requested that you be the curator for his entire book and antique collection.

Liz gasped and put a hand to her mouth. What?

On the condition that you catalog and organize the collection to, and I quote, ‘provide a database of useful information for Jonathan Steel’s work to dismantle the Council of Darkness.’ Strong looked up at her. I assume you know what that means?

Liz put a hand on Steel’s arm, and he flinched. Jonathan.

It’s okay. He patted her hand.

Josh leaned forward. Hey, Momma Liz, aren’t you finished with the church dig?

Essentially. What’s left is work my students can do.

Then come live with us. Josh punched Steel’s arm. Go ahead. Ask her.

Steel cleared his throat. You said you wouldn’t be going back to the university until January and I thought maybe you could come and live at the lake house where Cephas has all of his stuff. You’re already coming out several days a week to sort through his artifacts.

Liz nodded and smiled. I don’t think I could catalog his collection any other way. I accept. What will Theo think?

He won’t mind, Josh said.

Where is he? Liz asked.

Out of town. Some family business.

Yeah, and we haven’t heard from him in days! Josh said. I keep telling Jonathan we gotta check on him. Dude, he might be in trouble.

One thing at a time, Josh. He nodded toward Alba. She frowned and tapped a note into her laptop. Had to keep his temper under control.

Now, as to Dr. Lawrence’s finances. He had a considerable amount of money from his sale of a building in New York City. Strong slid a paper in front of Josh and Jonathan. As you can see in line item number one, a large sum will be placed in a trust for Joshua Knight to be administered by Joshua’s trustee until he turns twenty one.

Josh leaned forward, and his mouth fell open. Dude! That’s a lot of money!

On paper. Strong nodded to Dr. Washington. And, Dr. Lawrence has requested that Dr. Washington be the trustee.

Strong pointed to the second item. The remaining funds will be left to Jonathan Steel with the same stipulation as to his collection.

Steel studied the dollar amount and paled. Defeat the Council.

Yes. Whatever that means. Frankly, I don’t want to know.

Ross sighed. Good choice. I wished I didn’t know.

Strong took the paperback. Dr. Washington, do you agree to oversee the trust for Joshua Knight?

Of course. I’ll make sure he goes to the best university.

Josh sat back and shook his head. But, what if I don’t want to go to college?

Oh, you’re going to college. Steel raised his voice. He glanced suddenly at Ms. Alba. That is if I have anything to say about it.

As to that point, Ms. Alba, Strong placed a copy of the will in front of her. Dr. Lawrence has asked that the guardianship of Joshua Knight be given to Jonathan Steel.

Alba took the paper and flipped through the pages. Steel stiffened, and Josh tensed beside him. She looked up at Josh. And, Mr. Knight, what is your desire?

To stay with Jonathan. He’s gotten a lot better. We get along now. He doesn’t knock me around or scream at me nearly as much as he did. Josh said. Dude, I mean, he never really did that to begin with, it’s just he acted like was going to do that stuff, but, his voice trailed off at the glare from Steel, he’s really gotten his anger under control and all that stuff and I probably should shut up, shouldn’t I?

Alba frowned and tucked the copy of the will into her satchel. Well, that was illuminating. If Mr. Strong does not object, I have a few questions for Mr. Ross.

Shoot, Ross said, glancing at his watch. But, hurry.

Why did Anthony Cobalt kidnap Joshua Knight?

Cobalt was after Dr. Lawrence. He was looking for a particular artifact in Dr. Lawrence’s collection. He used the kid as leverage. A hostage.

Alba nodded. And, if Joshua Knight had been in foster care in Dallas, Texas, in your opinion would he have been in danger from Mr. Cobalt?

Ross glanced once at Steel, and for a moment their eyes met. Steel wanted to talk, to blurt out what he thought Ross should say but he bit his lip. Ross nodded. Yes. No matter where Mr. Knight was at the time, Cobalt would have found him. It was his relationship with Dr. Lawrence that provided the leverage. He cleared his throat and tugged at his tie. And, I can’t believe I’m even saying this. But, the fact of the matter is, Josh, is safer now than he was before.

Even if he stays in a house filled with dangerous artifacts? Even if he stays with Jonathan Steel, who has been charged by Dr. Lawrence with taking down some kind of ‘Council of Darkness’? Alba asked.

Politics can be tricky.

Alba shook her head. Politics?

Yeah, this Council is a bunch of power mongers who are moving behind the scenes to influence government. Frankly, they’re no worse off than any other corrupt political action committee. Ross shrugged.

Steel blinked in shock and avoided eye contact with Ross. Alba frowned some more and finally closed her laptop.

Well, Josh has less than a year until he reaches eighteen and he becomes an official adult. With Dr. Washington overseeing the trust, I can’t see recommending to Judge Bolton that we uproot Joshua from his current situation. He’s lost enough. My advice will be for Joshua to stay with Jonathan Steel for the remainder of his seventeenth year. And, Mr. Steel, you will have to undergo the state of Texas’ Child Protection Services educational process.

Josh jumped up and pumped his fists. Yes! Sweet! Everyone froze, and he looked down at Steel. What?

You’re not calling me Dad! Steel said.

You’re not my Dad, Dude. Josh sat back down. You’re my Jonathan. Peace? He held out his fist for a fist bump. Steel rolled his eyes and returned the gesture.

Just remember, I’m in charge. Steel said.

No, my dears, Liz said. If I’m living with you, I’m in charge.

Josh smiled. Good. Because with Theo gone I haven’t had a decent breakfast in days. Jonathan burns the pancakes.

I never said I could cook.

You didn’t have to. The smoke alarm said it loud enough, dude.

Steel looked at Alba. What kind of educational process?

Classes, Alba said. Some are online. Others you’ll have to show up at a designated site. And, there will be continuing education meetings you’ll have to attend.

Dude, looks like I’m not the only one going to college, Josh said.

As he glared at Josh, Steel’s cell phone rang. He glanced at the caller ID. Let me take this, Mr. Strong. He stepped over to the corner windows and watched a B52 bomber do touch and go at Barksdale Air Force Base. Hello?

Mr. Steel? a woman said.

Yes.

This is Lydia King, Theo’s, uh ex-wife.

Steel tensed. Lydia? What’s wrong?

I’m looking for Theo. I think he may be in danger. Is he with you?

Steel looked back at Ross. I haven’t heard from him in two weeks.

Oh, my! Mr. Steel, I think he is in big trouble, and I need your help. I think he may have been kidnapped.

Steel motioned to Ross who reluctantly got out of his seat. Where are you?

I’m at your lake house, I think. I came here from California to see if Theo had made it home. I left the girls with my sister. Lydia began to cry. I don’t know what to do.

Stay there. We’ll be there in a minute. He pressed the end button.

Ross blinked. Oh, no! Not another one of your demons!

Theo may have been kidnapped. Steel said.

Well, call the police.

In California. Across state lines. This is your jurisdiction.

Ross shook his head. Oh, no. I just spent the past month on the Cobalt mess.

You owe me.

Ross stopped, sputtered and finally crossed his arms. I already redefined a council of demons as a super PAC for you. Isn’t that enough?

No, because what you said is too close to the truth.

Fine! Where are we going?

To the lake house. Steel returned to the table. How much longer?

Strong shrugged. Sign a few papers, and we can be done. I’ll be in touch with Dr. Washington later over the details of the trust.

Dude, what’s wrong? Josh asked.

Theo is in trouble.

Are you talking about Mr. King? Alba asked.

Yes. That call was from his ex-wife. Theo is missing.

Missing? Alba stood up. Mr. Steel, you are supposed to keep Judge Bolton appraised of Mr. King’s whereabouts at all times. He was placed in your custody pending a review of his behavior next June.

I know. He went to visit his ex-wife in California because of some family trouble.

He left this state?

Yes.

Alba marched around the desk. He is not to cross state lines! Judge Bolton will not be happy about this and he will, very likely, swear out a warrant for Mr. King’s arrest.

What? Theo said Bolton permitted him to go.

Alba shook her head. If he did, I would have known about it. Mr. Steel, Mr. King lied to you. No one permitted him to leave the state.

Steel refrained from telling Alba that Theo had been not only in another state, but had been on Cobalt’s space station. Theo had been out of this world.

Theo would never lie to us. Josh stood up.

Alba raised an eyebrow. You realize this jeopardizes the issue of Mr. Knight’s guardianship?

Steel put a restraining hand on Josh’s chest. Wait a minute? I can’t be held accountable if Theo didn’t tell me the truth.

Did you ask him to give you a copy of a release? A letter granting permission from Judge Bolton? Alba pressed her face into Steel’s.

Steel leaned into her. No. Because I trusted him. I would trust Theo with my life.

Ross pushed his way between them. May I interrupt? I need a smoke really bad, and this is dragging on and on. He faced Alba. If you would agree, I will lead an investigation into Mr. King’s whereabouts and determine the facts surrounding his supposed disappearance as an official favor from the FBI. In exchange, you will grant Mr. Knight’s request for guardianship, and they can move on to find the boy a normal life. He doesn’t need to be uprooted again.

Alba stepped back. Very well. With the FBI involved, Judge Bolton will feel more reassured that the right thing will be done. But, I expect a report within a week, Special Agent Ross. She plucked a business card from her satchel and pressed it into his hand. Now, go suck on your cancer stick and get on with it.

Ross turned to Steel and slid his sunglasses over his eyes. Now, we’re even.

Two

The Dark Council

Vivian Darbonne Ketrick Wulf was furious. How dare they? Twice, she had to appear before the Dark Council in a run-down, abandoned theme park in Florida. Twice, she had been soaked by a storm, frightened by the park’s macabre appearance, and humiliated by the Council. And, the entire time they had this meeting place? The view outside the window was breathtaking overlooking a vast green ocean in one direction and desert in the other. She studied her reflection in the glass. She had foregone a seductive appearance and had chosen to wear a jacket and matching slacks of deep maroon with a white shirt and dark blue tie. Her hair hung down to her shoulders, and she brushed it away from her face. She wanted to look all business; no nonsense. But, she had kept her high heels.

This is the highest building in Dubai.

Vivian turned away from the vista to the small office. The Captain blew his fragrant pipe smoke into the cool air. He was shorter than her and wore his ever-present Panama hat. Only this time, a flowered band ran around the hat. His bright, teal eyes gleamed in the glow from his Meerschaum pipe as he stoked the fires. He wore a white, linen jacket over a white silk shirt buttoned up to the neck and matching linen slacks.

The last time she had seen the Captain had been outside the abandoned theme park when she had been escorted out of the Dark Council by Lucifer. The Master had given her a new assignment to take down the Council from within. But, it had to appear to be her plan, not his.

Tears filled her eyes and she nodded. I will continue my own plan, Master.

She watched his hand flutter in the darkness and the torches flared to life again with glowing flames. Yes, you will continue, Vivian. You have accumulated much power and wealth and these are the tools of my kingdom. Use them well. I will send one member of the Council to direct your path. Cooperate. He leaned forward and heat emanated from his eyes. Or, your fate will be far worse than Lucas’.

Vivian stepped back and her Master straightened. His laughter echoed down the tunnel as he faded from sight, swirling in a cloud of red light and mist. She walked to the end of the tunnel. Bile waited beside the limousine. The night began to clear as the storm receded. She studied Bile’s face, the pulsing tattoo around his right eye.

I take you heard all of that?

Bile was speechless for a moment. It would seem you have the upper hand for the moment.

I agree. She slapped him hard across the face. The tattoo pulsed and fury filled the man’s eyes. He swallowed and rubbed the red spot on his cheek. Now, Bile and number Thirteen, from now on, you do as I say.

You are mistaken, sweetie. Someone said behind her. She whirled in surprise. A figure paused and a match flared. He held the match up to the bowl of a Meerschaum pipe and for a second the flaring flame illuminated his Panama Hat and his teal colored eyes. The Master instructed me to continue with a plan I started twenty years ago. Together, we will bring down the Council.

And, just who are you?

The Council knows me as the First demon. But, you can call me the Captain.

Where is Thirteen? She said to the Captain.

Attending to his agenda. You need not worry about him unless I say so.

This is where the Council meets? Not in some grimy abandoned theme park?

Most of the time. They met in the theme park for dramatic effect. The Captain nodded. We will go through those inner doors into the council room. In contrast to all of this sunlight, it will be quite dark. The Captain smiled. After you.

Vivian approached the doors in the inner wall of the small office, and suddenly the windows behind her darkened and plunged the room into darkness. The doors swung inward. The black beyond was profound, and she couldn’t see her hands before her. The red gleam of the Captain’s pipe flared, and she saw a short stairway leading down.

Your eyes will adjust in time. The Captain whispered in her ear. Unless you let one of your demons help you out.

Yes! Summer hissed somewhere in the recesses of her mind. I can give you back your sight, the sight of a predator hunting through the summer grasses. The room beyond sprang into sight in shades of green and maroon. Vivian made her way down the short stairway into a huge, oval room. A round table sat in the center surrounded by chairs whose occupants were hidden by canopies. On the back of each chair, a number glowed. She had expected the air to be tainted with sulfur and brimstone. Instead, the pleasant fragrance of incense filled her nostrils. Smoke hung in the air in alternating layers.

My sweet, it is time to begin recording. Someone said behind her.

Vivian glanced over her shoulder. A fat, balding man with a pair of glowing goggles hunched over the egg-shaped Grimvox, the repository of the proceedings of Council meetings. Almost two feet tall, the Grimvox opened into two halves. A bald, young woman sat before the Grimvox. Its obscene glow painted her blank face in oscillating colors. Vivian had seen these two in the other meetings. The Keeper of the Grimvox and his accolade. The accolades did not last very long before the information channelling through their brain burned out their neurons.

Vivian. A woman’s voice echoed across the chamber. You will be escorted to your chair.

A hunched man appeared at her elbow. Fear filled his deformed body and twisted face. Scars ran across his face and his exposed neck. He had not been born this way. Someone had turned him into this creature. He motioned to her and Vivian followed his lurching figure around the table. As she passed each chair, its number would fade until she reached the far side of the table. The chair was turned to face away from the table. The creature motioned for her to sit.

Vivian smiled. At last, she would take her place on the Dark Council. Within, her demons writhed in ecstasy. They luxuriated in the evil that permeated the smoky air. She slowly lowered herself into the velvety embrace of the chair and the canopy closed around her, and the chair rotated to face the table. Through the translucent veil, she could see the other chairs around the table with a glowing number atop each canopy.

Thank you for welcoming me to the Council, Vivian said.

Screeches and hisses sounded from around her along with derisive laughter. The woman’s voice came again. As the current chairperson of the Council, I would like to remind you that the only reason you are here is at the Master’s command. As such, we have given you provisional membership.

Vivian sat forward. Provisional?

That is standard procedure. A man said to her left. Each one of us went through the same process, Vivian. You will have three months of observation before you can present your grand plan to the Council and assume full membership.

It is true! It is true! She heard the keeper of the Grimvox say from the far corner. He appeared in the center of the table like in a ghostly hologram. It is thus spoken into the Grimvox for two thousand years.

When you have passed through your provisional period. The man to her left spoke again. You will assume the position of number Twelve. Across the table, the canopy opened on an empty chair beneath the number twelve.

But, I took out Thirteen, Twelve, Eleven, and Ten! Vivian said. Need I remind you of the last time I met with this Council? How I left the chamber in the company of the Master?

And, the Master reminded you of your provisional status, if I am not mistaken. The Chairperson said. What else did the Master tell you, Vivian?

Vivian drew a deep breath. She would not tell them of the Master’s plan to take down this aging, impotent Council. For now, she would play their game. That is for me to know, Vivian said. If I must assume the position of number Twelve, then so be it.

Can we move on, then? A woman on the far side said in a melodious Indian accent. We have more pressing matters than this pretender. The loss of three of our members has weakened the Council. And, one did not even bother to show up tonight.

Yes, where is number Nine? Another man said to her right.

Nine has been curiously coy the last few weeks. I fear Nine has veered from the Master’s plans. The Indian woman said. I believe it is the influence of this woman the Master has chosen to fill a seat. She is a loose cannon, pursuing her agenda and that cavalier attitude has infiltrated us all.

Wait! Vivian said loudly. You think this is somehow my fault?

Enough! The Chairperson thundered. The Keeper wishes to speak.

The Keeper of the Grimvox appeared in the center of the table. My masters, I have received a request from a creature who claims to know the whereabouts of Nine. But, his presence here is an abomination. For, he was stricken by the Master and sent into exile.

Lucas? The Indian woman said. He is an ally to Vivian. The Master will punish us as he did Lucas if we allow him to return to our meeting.

The Master will indulge his presence for a few moments. The Chairperson said. I will allow it.

The keeper of the Grimvox disappeared in a puff of smoke and in his place a figure faded into view. Unlike the last time she had seen him, Lucas was thin and wasted, his body no longer covered by the living tattoos of countless demons. Instead, cuts crisscrossed his white skin. He wore only a blood-stained loincloth. And, from the cuts, blood oozed and dripped. His face twisted in agony and he fought for control of his breathing. He found a moment of calm and cast his red-eyed gaze on Vivian.

This is your fault! He hissed and then his face twisted in pain. He moaned and then straightened again. I had my church of the Enochians, over two hundred followers who would have done the Master’s bidding. But, you ruined it all! He pointed a bloody finger at Vivian. Now, my followers are scattered to the wind, aimless, purposeless and lost. And, he banished me from the Council’s presence, and I no longer feel the touch of my Master’s love. Only his hate! But, being banished, I have wandered here and there. He suddenly screamed in pain, and one of the cuts on his chest opened allowing blood to trickle down his chest. He touched the wound and gasped for breath. I cannot remain in your presence for long, but know that Nine has chosen to follow its path and it is not one sanctioned by the Master. Nine has hidden from the Master’s face, a task not easily accomplished. Lucas paused and moaned in agony as another cut opened above his right eye. Blood flowed down his cheek. He has sought to influence the world’s richest man. A man whose power and financial position only exists thanks to this one’s meddling. He pointed a bloodstained finger at Vivian.

Enough of your accusations! The Chairperson spoke loudly. Vivian is now a provisional member of this Council, and you will not speak to her this way. Who is this man of whom you speak?

David Boone. Lucas laughed. And, if you reinstate me as a consort to the Council; if you speak on my behalf to the Master, I will tell you of Nine’s plan.

We have other alternatives. The Chairperson said. Now, leave us before I summon the Master.

Lucas’ face twisted in anger and hatred. Very well, but one day I will ascend to the Master’s right hand again, and on that day, you will all pay. Especially her. He screeched in pain and disappeared.

Vivian released her breath. The Chairperson cleared her throat. Vivian, are you acquainted with this man, Boone?

Vivian thought furiously. What should she say? Where was this going? Well, I have had dealings with his company. He is into media and entertainment. His Boone Media Network owns several media companies and theme parks. The board has asked me to be a member. But, I am so busy with my other businesses, I haven’t considered it.

Then, we have an assignment for you. The Chairperson said. Before you protest, this is how we conduct business, Vivian. Our Council influences world governments and powers and principalities throughout this earthly kingdom. Each of us is in a position of influence, and we use this influence for the good of the Council and the ultimate fulfillment of the Master’s plans. Before you descend into one of your petty tirades, consider that what we are asking you to do is normal for the members of this Council. You influence this man. Your recent acquisitions have given you the unprecedented position in the world of being an up and coming financial power. Take advantage of that and see what you can learn of Boone and the subversive plans of number Nine.

Vivian took a deep breath to push her anger down. Her demons writhed inside urging her to fight. But, she was Vivian Darbonne, the Master’s right hand. She could turn this to her advantage. After all, in her last meeting with Lucifer he