Rise of the Demon Lords, page 10
To her left sat Dean Blane and to her right Ms. Umbra. Both of the older women looked perfectly calm. Maria liked to imagine they were as nervous as her, but she doubted it. Nothing like years of experience to keep you calm in a crisis.
She relaxed her clenched fists. At the very least she needed to look at ease for Conryu’s sake. He was in charge of all of Hell as well as getting lessons about the other eight demon lords. Knowing how he felt about lectures, Maria figured he was tearing his hair out. She smiled and finally relaxed her tense shoulders. The image of Conryu yanking out his hair calmed her. Maria wanted to chuckle but held it in.
A little chill ran through her and a moment later the ring of black fire appeared along with Conryu’s face. “Am I late? I keep losing track of time here.”
“No, you’re right on time,” Dean Blane said. “How fare things in Hell?”
“Surprisingly boring. No one’s given me a moment of trouble since I dealt with Lucifer. Now I spend twenty hours a day hearing details about the most powerful beings in existence. Which is much more tedious than it sounds. I hope you have some targets for me when I get back as I really need to blow something up.”
They all looked at Maria who cleared her throat. “Unfortunately, since locating the temple in the Amazon, I haven’t found anything solid. A couple of old legends sound promising, but they’re not really old enough.”
“Let’s hear them anyway,” Conryu said.
“I’ve got the minotaur which sounds like it could be a version of the Horned One. And then there’s the Kraken, which makes me think of Dagon. For the minotaur I’d suggest looking at Crete. As for the Kraken, I have no idea. It’s a common myth in multiple countries.”
Conryu nodded, seeming unbothered by her relative lack of information. “That’s something anyway. Narumi has next to nothing about the other lords in the library here. She says one of the things they all get good at quickly is protecting themselves from opposing forces. I assume that means powerful wards and killing anyone that stumbles across their temples. I’m very impressed that you uncovered Abaddon’s temple. That was well done.”
Maria smiled. He always knew how to make her feel better. “Thanks. I almost hate to make my next suggestion.”
“This is no time to be shy,” Dean Blane said. “Let’s hear it.”
“I want to consult with Professor McDoogle. When it comes to esoteric knowledge, he’s the best source I can think of.” Seeing Conryu’s expression she hastened to add, “I won’t tell him anything important. If it doesn’t work out, I have no more ideas.”
Conryu looked like he’d swallowed something bitter. “Fine. It’s not like I have to talk to him. And no mention of me running Hell. I can just see the title of his next book. Merlin’s Heir Goes to Hell or something equally stupid.”
“Not a word, I promise,” she said.
“Okay. Hopefully the next time we speak it will be in person. I can’t believe the Reaper’s meeting could last much longer.”
“Don’t be too sure,” Ms. Umbra said. “Remember, beings like him live on a time scale we can’t begin to comprehend. A short visit to them might be months or years to us.”
Conryu grimaced. “On that cheery note, I’ll bid you ladies good evening.”
When he’d gone Maria sighed. While she didn’t dislike Angus as much as Conryu, she did find the old man tedious. Hopefully he’d have some information that would make the visit worthwhile.
Maria ended up needing a couple hours to track down Angus’s new place. He wasn’t listed anywhere as the renter of an apartment, but with the help of Mrs. Koda’s government friends, she traced him to a run-down apartment building in a rough part of south Sentinel City.
Traveling via a Heaven portal, she emerged on the sidewalk facing a seven-story tenement covered with graffiti. She’d seen worse places, but that was in a documentary covering a war zone.
Why in heaven’s name would Angus live in a place like this? Had he really fallen on such hard times after the business with Atlantis? At the very least he should still have royalties to keep him comfortable.
A gun shot sounded in the distance prompting Maria to cross the street and get on with her business. Before she could enter the building a faint chill heralded Kai’s appearance.
The ninja bowed. “Do you wish me to walk with you? There may be some danger.”
“Barring a serious magical attack, I’ll be fine. I know I’m not as strong as Conryu, but I’m not that weak.”
“I meant no disrespect,” Kai said.
Maria sighed. “I know and I appreciate the concern. But I really will be fine.”
Kai bowed again and vanished. Though she was no longer physically present, Maria couldn’t help feeling better knowing she was only a thought away should there be serious trouble.
Maria pulled the door open and stepped into a foyer filled with empty beer bottles and used syringes. More grateful than ever for the invisible light magic barrier surrounding her, Maria headed for the stairs. Angus lived on the top floor, but she wouldn’t trust the elevator in a place like this. Besides, a little exercise would do her good and give her time to finalize her pitch.
Angus’s ego was his weak spot. A few compliments on his great intelligence should do the trick.
She stepped over an unconscious man in the middle of the fourth floor landing and made an effort not to step in whatever stained the boards around him.
Maria made it to the seventh floor without encountering anyone conscious. She also hadn’t heard any screams, bloodcurdling or otherwise. What would this place be like at night? She shuddered to think.
A trio of cockroaches skittered out of sight when she stepped onto the seventh-floor landing. Angus lived in apartment 7-3. She went right and soon found it.
She knocked twice before a voice shouted, “Go away!”
“Professor McDoogle? It’s Maria Kane, Conryu’s girlfriend. I need your help. Can you spare a moment? Please?”
There was a long pause and for a second she feared he might just ignore her. She was weighing the best spell to force the door when it opened four inches and a bloodshot eye peered out.
“I remember you. Your ingrate boyfriend never did appreciate all I did to make him famous. What do you want?”
“A consultation. Can I come in? I don’t want to bother anyone.”
“You won’t bother anyone. They’re all passed out most days until noon. High on whatever flavor of drug they medicated with the night before.” Angus finally opened the door. “Well, come in if you’re coming.”
Maria slipped inside and the door slammed shut behind her, the locks clunking into place. “Thank you, Professor.”
She looked around at his new home and struggled to keep her distaste from showing. There wasn’t much in the way of furniture, just a sofa and dining room table. The kitchen looked like no one had cleaned in weeks and a sour smell filled the air.
In the end, the only thing that interested her was the pile of several hundred books stacked against the wall. There had to be something of use there.
“Bah. Just Angus is fine. No school will have me after Atlantis and no publisher will touch my book on the subject. I’m sure the government has told them all to keep it quiet. Those pricks are always covering something up. What did you say you wanted?”
“I’m researching ancient cults, anything over five thousand years old. Given your knowledge of esoteric subjects, I thought calling on you would be a smart move.”
“Ancient cults, huh. Something for the academy?”
Maria nodded. That wasn’t the whole truth, but close enough. “I started working on it before graduation and they let me stay behind to finish up. Unfortunately, the library has a surprisingly sparse collection on the subject.”
“I’m not surprised.” Angus went over to his tower of books and started reading the spines. “Modern magic is largely focused on new advances rather than on history. A bit of a blind spot in my opinion, but then again no one ever asked. It’s nice to see a young scholar interested in history. Most of my own research is focused on the past. Here we are.”
He pulled a book out of the second tower, being careful to keep the rest from ending up on the floor. It was a slim volume, less than an inch thick, with a battered cover that had worn so much the board showed through the cloth. There were no markings on the cover or spine to indicate the contents.
“What is it?” Maria asked as she accepted the tome.
“A journal written by a millionaire obsessed with history. He funded numerous expeditions around the world about two centuries ago. This is a record of everything they found. The entries aren’t as detailed as I’d have liked, but it should give you a starting point.”
“This is fantastic,” Maria said. “Thank you. Can I keep it for a day and make copies? I’ll return the original tomorrow.”
“On one condition.”
Maria didn’t like the way he said that. “What is it?”
“My Atlantis book doesn’t have an ending. No one will ever publish it, but for my own peace of mind, I’d like to know what happened to the city.”
No one had told her to keep what happened a secret. It wasn’t like anyone could reach Atlantis now. “Alright. It’s gone. Conryu shifted it into a pocket dimension where no one can get to it and the many dangerous secrets hidden there.”
Angus smiled and shook his head. “Of course he did. I imagine the various world governments were thrilled to lose all those potential advances. Is there anything that boy can’t do?”
“I certainly hope not since he’s often the only thing between us and the latest horror trying to destroy or take over the world.”
“Good point and good luck with your research.”
“Thanks. I’ll be back tomorrow with your book.”
He waved her off which surprised Maria. “Take your time. My days of chasing down mysteries are over. After Atlantis, I officially retired.”
“Enjoy your retirement then.” Maria opened a Heaven portal and returned to the academy. She had a lot of reading to do.
18
A yellow taxi dropped Jonny off in front of the base at ten minutes to noon. He’d spent most of the past four hours at the local police precinct going over and over everything that had happened at the cafe that morning. At least they hadn’t given him any shit about borrowing the dead cop’s pistol. In fact, the lieutenant had been grateful that he’d stepped in to back up their officer. As far as they were concerned, the only thing worse than a dead cop was two dead cops.
When he’d tried to sneak a question or two in, all he’d gotten was evasions and outright refusals to comment. Ongoing investigation he said, couldn’t comment. So Jonny had returned the favor when questioned about any encounters he might have had on the beach. The good lieutenant hadn’t liked that nearly as well.
That was too bad. If he wanted more intel, he could get it from Major Evans. He’d finally been released and given a free taxi back to base. His stomach complained about the stale doughnut and bitter coffee that had replaced his omelet for breakfast. Even lunch at the mess hall would be welcome.
Jonny trudged up to the gate and offered the sergeant on duty a halfhearted salute.
“Salazar,” the middle-aged sergeant said. “Thought you were on a three-day pass.”
“I am, but something came up and I need to report to Major Evans. Please tell me he’s on base.”
“All I can say is he hasn’t left by this entrance.” The sergeant pressed a button in the gatehouse and the wooden barricade rose out of Jonny’s way.
“Thanks, Sarge.” Jonny jogged through and turned toward the command center. If the major wasn’t there, they’d know where to find him.
Ten strides from the command center, the door opened and Major Evans himself emerged. He spotted Jonny approaching and frowned. “Private, you’re the last person I expected to see today.”
“Same here, sir. But I had the misfortune to encounter a relative of the monster I met yesterday.”
The major’s frown deepened. “My office, now.”
Once again Jonny found himself standing at parade rest, hands clasped behind his back, in front of the tidy desk while the major stared up at him.
Instead of asking immediately about the monster he said, “What is it with you, Salazar? Everywhere you go, trouble follows. Did that wizard friend of yours hex you or something?”
“Not so far as I know, sir. Conryu’s not the sort to do something like that and I haven’t even seen him since the incident last year.”
Major Evans ran a hand across his face. He looked about ten years older than he had earlier. “Well, tell me everything.”
Jonny did so. When he finished, he added, “I figured you wouldn’t want me talking out of turn about our encounters with those things.”
“You were right. Still, I can’t believe no one sent us a notice that they’d spread through the city. Clearly they’re not getting washed up on the beach like regular zombies.” The major’s jaw bunched and relaxed as he chewed over this new information.
“What should—”
The phone rang, cutting him off in mid question.
The major picked it up on the second ring. “Evans.”
Jonny backed up a step, but Major Evans raised a hand then pointed at an empty chair. A sick feeling twisted his stomach, but he didn’t dare leave. The chair’s squeak when he sat seemed especially loud in the quiet office.
“Yes,” the major said. “Word of the encounter just reached me. You’re quite right, he’s an excellent soldier. A joint investigation sounds fine to me. He’ll be ready.”
Major Evans hung up. “I’m revoking your pass. In one hour someone from the Miami Metro will be here to pick you up to begin a joint investigation. Anything you learn, you tell me. They’ve kept enough secrets. I don’t care if the city isn’t our jurisdiction. We’ve got far more resources to figure out what’s really happening.”
“Sir, the whole joint task force is me and one of their people?”
“Yes. We can’t spare anyone else and from the sounds of it, they can’t either. Whatever’s really going on, the cops are barely keeping it under control.”
“Permission to get something to eat and take a shower before my new partner arrives?”
“Granted. Meet them at the main gate. Civilians aren’t allowed on base.”
“Yes, sir.” Jonny saluted and hurried out.
So much for his time off.
Jonny stood by the gate, fed, showered, and most importantly armed. He had his standard pistol, two clips in their holders, and six more stuffed into the zippered pockets of his fatigues. He felt human again and even though his vacation had only lasted half a day and included a gun fight with a nearly unkillable monster, he was kind of relieved to have a mission.
He didn’t know exactly how much time had passed, but a blue and white police car finally stopped in front of the main gate. A familiar face framed by short blond hair stared out of the driver-side window at him.
Jonny marched over and she rolled down the window. “Officer Sif. Looks like we’re partners for the time being.”
“Looks like.” She sounded neither angry nor bitter about the situation, so that was a good start. “When they told me I was teaming up with someone from the base, I didn’t think it would be you. At least I know you can shoot. Jump in.”
He went around and settled into the passenger-side seat. “We can all shoot. That’s the minimum qualification to be a soldier.”
“You got me there.” She put the car in gear and did a U-turn back toward the city. “I suppose our adventure this morning convinced the powers that be that keeping each other in the dark wasn’t in anyone’s best interest.”
“No, in fact I have orders to tell you no more than I have to and to report anything you tell me back to my commanding officer. I fear the idea of actually working together is lost on Major Evans.”
She laughed. “My captain told me the exact same thing. Why are you ignoring your orders?”
In for a penny in for a pound. “Because whatever’s going on is big. I don’t know yet what it is exactly, but it’s not some little thing. My job is to protect people, the same as yours. I couldn’t live with myself if someone else died because some bureaucrat didn’t want to play nice with a rival for funding. I’ll be straight with you if you return the favor.”
“Deal. I hate the politics too. You want to go first or should I?”
“I will. I ran into one of those things yesterday on the beach. Thought it was just another zombie until I couldn’t kill it. Nothing would stop it except the flame thrower. Major Evans said the military’s wizards are trying to figure out what they are but so far no luck.”
“Would he tell you if they had figured out what they are?”
“Good point, but I think at the very least they’d tell us how to better kill them. Your turn.”
She rounded a corner a bit too fast and Jonny hastened to fasten his seatbelt. “They started showing up about two weeks ago. Just one or two at first. Three patrolmen ended up dead before we learned just how dangerous they are. Now as soon as one is spotted, a wizard is called in, usually a light magic specialist. Unfortunately, we only have two and they’re on the verge of collapse. My superiors were delighted when I told them fire works nearly as well. On the downside, you have to be much more careful where you use fire magic.”
“You don’t know where they’re coming from either?” Jonny asked.
Officer Sif shook her head. “I wish I could say otherwise, but we have no idea. The first ones we encountered were in the slums downtown, but since then they’ve cropped up everywhere. The one this morning is the first anyone has seen transform. Usually when we get called in, they’re already in full monster mode.”
Major Evans wasn’t going to be getting a very satisfying report this evening. They pulled off the road in front of a modest duplex. Officer Sif checked the map on her console then looked at the house then back.
