Free Virtual Prophet by Terry Schott Page B

good, sugar,” Carl drawled.
    “I feel like garbage,” the robed figure said in a husky, ragged voice, “unless I’m killing or causing pain to others.”
    “I know the feeling,” Carl nodded. “Let’s take a good look at you, then.”
    She raised her hands and slowly removed the hood covering her face.
    Carl scrutinized Stephanie’s overall appearance. The beautiful young Hispanic girl was still there, but she no longer appeared healthy and vibrant; her features had become narrower and darker. The energetic, glowing girl had been replaced with a sullen, darker version of her old self.
    “I know old crack whores who would be glad they didn’t look like you right now, Steph,” Carl said.
    “There are days when I look even better than I used to.” She wasn’t pleased that Carl seemed happy to see her looking like this.
    “Yes, I’m sure there are,” Carl chuckled. “When you’re elbow deep in blood and misery I bet you look absolutely stunning.”
    She looked at him with a cruel smile, the crimson in her eyes flashing brightly as they swirled rapidly.
    “The girls say I’m almost out of the initial phase of the change,” she said.
    “They are good at what they do,” Carl nodded. “I’m glad they’ve been able to keep you alive. I can’t recall the last time a brand new Infernal became their leader.”
    “It’s never happened before. It wouldn’t have happened now if not for the help I received from you and Raphael.”
    A thought occurred to Carl and he looked around the open area, again searching for the presence of others.

“To fast track this change you need to kill a powerful Eternal. Is that why you called me here, girl?”
    Stephanie looked at Carl with a fierce grin; it was evident that she struggled to control her new urges and impulses. Carl knew he’d guessed correctly, she was looking at him like he was the sheep and she was a hungry tiger. Carl chuckled to himself and took off his trench coat.
    Before his coat hit the ground she closed the distance between them, screaming in rage with a cruel looking dagger in her right hand, thrusting powerfully towards his eye.
    If anyone had been present to watch, they would have missed the entire charge; the attack was simply too fast for the eye to follow.
    With the slightest sideways movement Carl shifted to avoid her attack. As she streaked past him he grabbed the blade from her hand and hit her on the back of the head with the flat of it. Hard.
    In the space of a breath, Stephanie was lying on the ground stunned, while Carl looked at her with amusement, examining the blade that he now held in his hand.
    Stephanie groaned and moved slightly. Carl streaked downwards and jabbed her with iron fingers in the back of the neck, at her kidneys, a spot on either leg, and between her shoulder blades. Then he flipped her roughly onto her back and stood up.
    His strikes had hit pressure points, she couldn’t move at all.
    “Over the past few years I really started to take a shine to you, girl,” Carl bounced the dagger lightly on his shoulder as he looked down at her. “For that reason, I haven’t killed you. Everyone who knows me — including you — would say that selecting me for your prey isn’t smart.”
    The rage in Stephanie’s eyes melted away, and was replaced with anguish and suffering. Tears began to flow as forceful sobs wracked her body. Carl looked at her blankly.
    After a few moments Stephanie calmed down and regained her composure. Carl retrieved a handkerchief from his jacket and bent down to gently wipe her eyes.
    “I know it was stupid to challenge you,” she said. “I convinced the sisters that I could beat you like I had Daniel, and they reluctantly agreed to let me try. I knew there was no way that I could beat you, though.”
    Carl stood up and nodded with understanding. “You wanted me to kill you,” he said.
    “Yes,” she agreed. “I can’t do this, Carl. I know you and Raph told me this would be difficult, but