The Inimical

By JLR- Writer

Even those that grip the cross aren't safe.They say we battle not against flesh and blood, but what happens when flesh and blood get involved and the human willpower is compromised by demonic forces? Meet Eli Smith, a former occult member turned pastor and demon hunter who barely escaped with his own life, but tragically, his wife and daughter were brutally murdered fifteen years ago.Since then, Eli's been on a mission helping families, businesses, and churches infested by the evil supernatural realm. But his former occult group resurfaced, taking strongholds in Sea Forest and Day-Port City, pledging to cause genocide on the Christian body.They are led by the iron hand of Benny Augustin, the dark priest who spills false doctrine to control the ones he scattered and unmercifully slaughtering the believers for the glory of Satan. May God watch over us all during these testing times.Welcome to The Inimical. The name itself explains it all.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Feb 22, 2022
• ISBN: 9781638442035

Book preview

1

Fifteen years later, somewhere in a town named Mountain Country, now forty-five years old with a bald, shaved head and five o’clock shadow, Eli Smith visited his cousin Marcus Linwood.

The two never really spent time together but managed to keep in touch through emails and phone calls. Eli sat in Marcus’s rebuilt patio out in the backyard, catching up and sharing laughs while having a cigar and a cold beer.

I really love this patio getup. You got the stone-built outdoor BBQ pit, sink, and fireplace. Basically, you can live outside.

They both laughed.

The Lord’s been blessing me, bro. Marcus chuckled.

I can dig that, young man. I wanna make a toast. I’m so proud of you, Marcus. You’ve overcome so much and still managed to keep the marriage, and plus, you’re a great father. Cheers to you, Marcus, Eli said while they both clicked beer bottles.

The Lord’s been good to me… My daughter, Avva, is about to be eight years old, and my wife gets hotter year by year. Marcus smiled, now drinking his beer.

But can snow bunny cook, though? Remember that time you emailed me when y’all started dating? Eli burst into laughter.

Bruh! Why are you bringing that up? Marcus smiled, shaking his head.

Stacy walked out with her marinated chicken and steaks to barbeque, smiling; she wanted to know what was so funny.

Baby girl, tell Eli’s old butt you got cooking skills. He winked.

Oh, you still hating on me, Pastor E? We all know how my cooking game is, just like my albums.

What, still on the shelf? Eli smirked.

Marcus spit out some of his beer, choking and coughing, and Stacy looked at Eli, holding her butcher knife.

You got jokes. Go ahead, get sliced in Jesus’s name. Ha-ha, but no, my cooking is just like my album sales, satisfying and sold out! Don’t let me start up my plate sales again. Stacy laughed, throwing a towel at Eli.

Get ’em, baby. Show Eli you mean business, bad momma. Marcus winked.

Amen, sister. I was giving you a hard time. You know I love you. Eli stood to his feet, stretching.

Yeah, yeah, whatever. She smiled, going back, preparing her meats for the grill.

It was a beautiful, chilly afternoon with blue skies and sunny. Standing out in the front of the house, Marcus and Eli talked while watching Avva-Jean ride her bike with her friends up and down the street.

So do you still do private exorcism…or did you become solemn? You know, waiting on church permission? Marcus asked with seriousness.

I’m still a one-man army, buddy boy. Yes, sir, just me and the Lord, Eli replied.

Bet you got some crazy stories. You should publish it. I’m very sure Simon & Schuster will pick you up, Marcus said, elbowing Eli.

Naw, I’m interested in another publishing company. Eli smiled. But hey? Can we go to your study room? I wanna show you something.

Marcus led Eli down the hall, going inside the study room and closing the door behind him.

Eli pulled out a folded-up newspaper article from his pocket that read: Small Church outside of Mountain Country, Dealing with Demonic Attacks.

I never heard of this, Marcus said, reading the article, pushing it back toward Eli.

Found this article at the store on my way to your crib. Care to come along? Get a chance to see me in action, plus I can use the company. Eli smiled.

Marcus leaned back in his leather chair, rubbing his goatee, thinking deeply. It’s not like they see each other all the time, which could be an excellent bonding opportunity.

Give me a chance to run this by my wife. Hey, don’t look at me like that. Marcus laughed. You know we have been through a lot, especially me… I can’t afford to have her freak out about my sudden escapade on a demon hunt, Marcus said.

Wise man. Happy wife, happy life. Eli nodded.

Then something changed. Eli looked away. His focus was aimed elsewhere. Suddenly Marcus remembered—this week was the upcoming anniversary of the nightmare of losing his wife and daughter on Halloween night.

Hey, Eli, are you all right? I just realized this week is the… Marcus became silent.

You’re really a blessed man. Cherish everything…and I mean everything. Enjoy being different. Be thankful, even in arguments, because you have time to make things right.

Yes, sir, you got my word.

Sorry, Marc, I wasn’t trying to dampen the mood. Go ahead and let your wifey know. I’ll go buy dessert for dinner tonight. Eli got up and bear-hugged Marcus and swiftly walked out.

That afternoon, Marcus helped Stacy get the back patio ready for dinner later. Stacy turned and smiled at Marcus.

Babe? I noticed you guys went into the study room, Stacy said, looking on.

Yeah…for tomorrow. Eli said he wants to help some church outside of our town and asked if I wanted to come along with him, Marcus said as they walked inside the house.

Oh, really? Stacy said, twirling her blond hair.

Yeah…good bonding time, you know.

What’s wrong with that church? I mean, Eli’s not a counselor. He’s a demon hunt— Stacy stopped midspeech. Hell no. Oh, hell no, Marcus! Her voice heightened.

All right, Stacy, you have a strong reason to feel the way you do. I was about to say hell no myself.

But? Stacy said, waiting for his response.

He’s the best. I mean top three in the States, and he never asked for assistance or just company, period. Has to be more to it. So I got to thinking, then it hit me like a ton of bricks.

And what’s that, Marc? Stacy looked on.

This is the week of the anniversary. His wife and precious daughter were murdered fifteen years ago. Marcus moved in closer.

Oh, dear Lord…that slipped my mind.

Plus, Eli said he’ll pay me. Marcus bit his lip, knowing he lied about getting paid.

Oh, is that right, hun? I guess he needs someone to talk to. Hey, I’m sorry for sayin—

Marcus pressed his finger on her lips. No, no, it’s fine, baby girl.

Their child, Avva, walked in. Her sun-kissed light-brown skin, blond hair, blue eyes, and freckles warmed the room, making Marcus and Stacy reflect on how blessed they are and the unthinkable loss Eli had to endure.

I’m starving. I can’t wait to eat. Avva smiled, flopping on the couch, grabbing the remote.

Stacy playfully pinched Marcus’s arm while he wrapped her in a bear hug, then she quietly spoke, Promise me you’ll stay safe. You know how much I love you.

Both gently kissed each other.

Ew. Avva giggled, squirming in place.

You have my word. I know I didn’t have the best outcome in past events, but Eli is a true professional.

Okay, Marcus, you’re right. Baby, help me with the steaks? And later tonight, I’ll help you with yours. She winked, walking away.

Oh, don’t play with me, girl. He chuckled, rubbing his hands and licking his lips.

Oh, Lord. Okay, Spice Adams. Down, boy. Stacy laughed.

Uh-ha-ha, Marcus said, mimicking the comedian Spice Adam’s laugh and gesture.

Evening came; and Eli, along with Marcus and his family, sat out back near the outdoor fireplace for dinner. Afterward, Eli was using Marcus’s study room for some research. From time to time, he would check his phone, texting his friends.

Knocking, Marcus peeped his head in; Eli waved him over, building a smirk on his face.

So…Stacy agreed? I’m impressed, Marc.

Yeah, she got rattled for a second, but I cooled the flames. Marcus chuckled.

Let me guess, you told her I was paying you.

Ugh, yeah. I feel bad. How did you—oh, never mind.

I was the one that taught you that. It never failed. Don’t worry, I’ll send you some green. Eli shook his head, laughing.

Help yourself to the grub when you get hungry. I left the coffee machine out. Go ahead. Make yourself at home.

Thanks, cuzzo. Oh, be sure not to make too much noise, and don’t forget to repent. Eli winked and started laughing.

You know what, Eli, you make me sick. Ha-ha, see you in the morning, Samuel L. Jackson, shaft-looking ole boy. Marcus snickered.

Wow. Shut up, beige panther. Oops, I mean, black panther.

They both bust out laughing.

Marcus closed the door back, heading to his room. Eli looked around the study room, taking in the peace, before diving into his demonology studies.

Close to two hours later, Eli was lying in the guest room bed, thinking about his wife and child.

It’s been fifteen years, but it still feels like it’s only been five months. Oh, how I miss you guys both. I love you, Serenity, and I love you, Chelsea, Eli whispered to himself before falling asleep.

2

It was 6:00 a.m., and Eli joined Marcus’s family for breakfast at the table. Avva was on her last day of school before the two-day Halloween holiday.

Eli was wearing a white beater and black slacks with his bright-orange-and-blue dress socks. Stacy made scrambled eggs, bacon, freshly squeezed orange juice, and buttermilk biscuits.

Well, well, good morning, guys. Mm-hmm, smells good, Stacy. Who came up here and brought breakfast?

Hilarious, Eli. You’re a piece of work. Stacy rolled her eyes, laughing.

I love your crazy socks! Avva pointed and smiled.

Yes, my lady, thank you. Did you know? They say every smart businessman is known by the loudness of his dress socks. Eli winked while Avva giggled.

Everyone at the table joined hands, and Avva volunteered to bless the food.

Dear Lord, thank you for this food that we are about to receive. Take away all sickness and unnecessary preservatives known to cause harm, in Jesus’s name. Amen!

Amen, they all repeated after Avva.

I’m impressed, Avva. Look at you with some deep prayer life. Give me some skin, sista, Eli said, giving Avva a high five.

Can you believe it? Halloween is officially a holiday. Kids get two days off on one of the most satanic days of the year, Marcus said.

Fear not, my brother. To many, it’s Halloween, but to me, it’s Luke 10:19 Day. Eli smiled, biting into his biscuit.

I’ve never thought of it that way. That’s amazing, Eli! Stacy said with Marcus agreeing.

I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy. Nothing will harm you, Marcus said.

Snakes and scorpions? Avva-Jean looked on, confused.

Picture this. The snake is the devil, and the scorpions are the demons, Eli explained.

Oh, I see. Wow, that’s cool.

Always remember that, but don’t worry, when you’re older, God’s word will be the blood running through your veins, Eli said to Avva.

After breakfast, Marcus and Eli were getting ready to head out, and Stacy took Avva to school. Marcus was wearing his crisp, starched light-blue jeans with his green long-sleeve Polo button dress shirt, brown Polo belt, and matching brown Polo boots.

Hey, pimp daddy, take this. Eli handed Marcus a particular pill with blue liquid inside and a small unleavened cracker.

What is this? Marcus asked.

It’s a unique holy water pill, and that’s a blessed unleavened cracker from one of the high rabbis I know. Take this, and the demons won’t be able to oppress you and so on, said Eli.

Well, I sure needed this years ago. Marcus chuckled, taking the pill and eating the cracker.

Eli suddenly placed his hands on Marcus’s head and started to pray in Hebrew. A warmth started moving down Marcus’s body, then Eli’s hand moved down to his chest as he finished up the prayer.

Marcus always knew Eli took his job seriously. But he was stepping into his world for the first time, and it gave Marcus goose bumps.

All set, cuzzo. Let’s roll, Eli said, slapping Marcus’s shoulder.

Outside, Eli was buttoning up his white dress shirt and tucking it in. He unlocked his truck with his keyless entry for Marcus. Eli drives an all-blacked-out Dodge Viper truck, SRT quad cab with low suspension.

The strong Dodge rolled off the driveway; the four pipes sparked as Eli fed the engine more gas. The two were on their way. Finally, out of the neighborhood, the power of the truck came to life, pushing Marcus back in his seat.

Next stop, Clearwater Creek Church, Eli said, setting his GPS.

About an hour and fifteen minutes later, Eli turned down an old gravel road, hitting a deep pothole that awoken Marcus abruptly.

Got dang it! That didn’t sound good. Thank God I’m not driving an F-150. That pothole would’ve been the death of my truck. Oh, I’m sorry. Did I wake you? Eli laughed, nudging Marcus.

Almost broke my neck from that pothole from hell, Marcus said, rubbing his neck.

The church emerged out in the distance as they drove down a steep dirt road. Eli and Marcus noticed a rushing creek that ran behind the church’s property, making sense to name it Clearwater Creek.

Eli pulled up into the small driveway. The church’s front door opened, and out came an elderly woman in a black dress with a matching hat and long black veil.

She stood by the door for a moment before going back inside. Marcus looked at Eli, wondering what’s wrong with the lady.

Maybe she’s the pastor’s assistant and went to get him, Eli said.

Or his wife…but she didn’t wave or anything. I mean, we came to help?

Well, to be fair, they had no idea when I was coming. Eli smiled forcibly on purpose.

Seriously! Eli, dang dude! See, that’s Black folk for you, always showing up unannounced. Marcus shook his head, laughing.

Hey, shut up, light-skin. You’re Black too, Eli said, getting out of the truck.

There was only one car in the parking lot, a red Honda Civic, and a broken-down school bus on the side of the church near the basketball goal.

The church was faded white with the traditional high triangular pediment with a few shingles missing off the roof slope.

Out came a young man with reddish-orange hair dressed in a charcoal-gray suit, red tie, and a smile, extending his hand in a warm welcome.

Good morning, gentlemen. How may I help you on this chilly morning? I’m Pastor Nathaniel by the way, he said, shaking their hands.

Nice watch, Marcus whistled.

Oh, yes, thank you, sir. Nathaniel chuckled.

Well, my name is Eli, and this is my partner, Marcus. We are here about the demonic activity you’ve been experiencing.

Why yes! That’s right. I’m sorry. I had no idea you were coming today. Please come in, and we can talk in my office.

Marcus shook his head purposely, giving off a facial expression, hinting about coming to the church unannounced. All Eli could do was nod and smile.

Inside, the smell of potpourri and fresh coffee welcomed Eli and Marcus. The foyer’s entryway was on the right side, zigzagging out of view, and Pastor Nathaniel’s office was on the building’s left side.

Please have a seat. Get comfy, Nathaniel said, holding the office door.

I just need to use the bathroom right quick, Marcus said, standing by the door.

Oh, sure, no problem. It’s on the left. Just keep going down, my good man.

Nathaniel cut on his computer before taking a seat while Eli looked around at the pastor’s degrees and achievements, leaning back in the brown leather seat.

I have to say it’s impressive to see all you accomplished in such a short time. I mean, no offense, but you look to be in your twenties.

Oh, not offended at all. I take that as a compliment. My staff isn’t too crazy about my youthfulness, but I’m thirty-four years old.

They both shared a laugh.

So the lady that came outside, she’s your mother…or grandma? Eli asked.

Nathaniel’s smile died away instantly; a look of shock came over his face.

Excuse me, did you say an older woman? Because usually my wife comes with me, and of course, she’s not old. Can you tell me what this lady was wearing? he asked.

Black dress with a black hat and a long black veil, Eli said slowly.

"Wow…I heard some of the church congregation mentioned an older woman walking