Free Apocalypse Rising by Eric Swett Page A

asked, “Do you mind if I show myself out, or would you rather maintain the illusion of security?”
    “Feel free to show yourself out, Dark One.” The Orphean motioned to the door, and said, “You have given me much to consider this day, and I would take as much time as I may.”
    “As you wish,” Haden said before opening the door and leaving.
    The door closed, and Kassaah threw Haden's gift against the wall, shattering it, and spilling the contents on the floor. “Bastard thinks he can threaten me? I will feed his entrails to the h’ssmaj worms, and feast on his screams.”
    The Orphean walked to a hidden panel in the wall, and pulled out a telephone. He dialed a number he had called many times before, taking pleasure in the sound and feel of the old-fashioned rotary dialer.
    “Yes?” The voice on the other end was distorted intentionally as would Kassaah’s when heard on the other end of the line.
    “Summon the council. We have much to discuss.”

CHAPTER ELEVEN

    I step into the light of day, brilliant, when compared to the muted light inside the church. It is the sort of light that lays all bare before it, exposing truths that are better left hidden. I enjoy the warmth, but I am not quite ready to face that sort of judgment.
    Father Gabriel gave me forty dollars, from his own pocket, before I left. He said he could not send me off with nothing but his prayers, even when I insisted it was unnecessary. I reached into my pocket and felt the worn, old bills resting there. He did not have to do it, but I was certainly glad he did.
    I walk down the street, heading in the direction of downtown, my pace casual and unassuming. I want to run, to get as far away from the church, and Lilly, as fast as I can. I would love to stay, safe in the arms of the holy place, but mortal man does not always recognize sacred boundaries, so I needed to leave.
    A cab drives by and I flag him down, thankful for the good fortune and the forty dollars. I direct the cabby downtown to the Hitaratsu headquarters, and settle back into the cracked vinyl seat while he navigates the early morning traffic.
    I slouch down low in the back seat, not wanting to risk being seen by the wrong person, even in passing. The cabby looks back at me and shakes his head, disgust evident in his face. Honestly, I am a little surprised he even stopped to pick me up. I looked like nothing but trouble. I am dirty, unkempt, and my clothes are stained with sweat and blood. Any smart man would have driven right on by, but he stopped.
    "Thank you for picking me up," I say to the reflection in the rearview.
    "Eh, a fare's a fare. Just make sure you pay."
    We pass car after car, making good time as we head closer to Hitaratsu. I really do not know what Albert wants with them, but my presence should gather plenty of attention, and buy Lilly enough time to get home.
    I envy her in a way. Though she left it long ago, she always has a place to return to. Things will be different for her, but home is home, and in her case it is considerably better than living on the street. Choosing to fall is forever, and for someone who lives for eternity, that can be a very long time.
    The cabby drops me off in front of the building Hitaratsu is located in. It is a skyscraper of immense size, with a broad facade of black granite, and tinted glass that reaches toward the heavens. Rumor has it that the building also plunges into the depths of the earth, but everyone, including the government, denies it. Hitaratsu owns the building and occupies the majority of it. On the street it is well known that the company is dirtier than even their black image suggests. They are blamed for everything from human trafficking, to prostitution, and drugs, but they have very deep pockets that hold more than their share of officials.
    I look at the front doors, and consider going in, but the trip here was quick. I want to give my presence some time to percolate. I am hungry, and I have a few dollars left