The Kill Society (Sandman Slim)(57)

Something occurs to me.

“Let me guess: the light the gun wants to kill . . . it’s Lucifer, isn’t it?”

“It was at one time. The weapon was built for a final assault on Lucifer and his army. But it was never used because God sent the great betrayer over the walls himself with a sword fashioned from a thunderbolt.”

“And you need the sword to work the gun.”

“Very good, my boy. You have a good head for these things.”

“I killed a lot of generals over the years.”

“I only wish that our crusade were that simple. We had completed the first task. We found the obelisk. It would have led us to the Lux Occisor, but now it lies in ruins,” the Magistrate says. He drops back in the chair exhausted. “I must admit, at the moment I am at a loss as to what to do next. Do we wander from town to town forever, hoping for more scraps of information, while above us, armies of darkness seek to destroy God and all his works?”

“I’ve copied one side of the obelisk. I might still be able to figure it out,” says Traven.

“There’s no need,” says Vehuel. “I believe we can help you on your search.”

“You know what the obelisk says?”

“No. But we believe that we know the whereabouts of the sword.”

“That’s wonderful. Can you take us there?”

Vehuel takes a step closer to the Magistrate.

“Perhaps. But I need you to swear an oath that the weapon you carry will only be used against the enemies of the Lord and will be returned to him once we have put down the rebellion.”

“And open Heaven to all these losers,” I say. “Don’t forget that part.”

“Of course,” says Vehuel.

“What does opening Heaven mean?” says Wanuri.

I say, “It means you get to choose. You can stay Downtown, live in a shit hole like Pandemonium or the Dust Bowl out here, or you can ride your Harley straight through the pearly gates.”

“We could leave Hell and go to Heaven?”

“Or stay. The whole point is you get to choose.”

“And this was your idea?”

“Sort of.”

“Of course it was his idea. He’s really not as dumb as he looks,” says Alice.

“I agree to all of your terms, Vehuel,” says the Magistrate. “We, too, want the war ended as quickly as possible.”

“Very well. We have a bargain,” she says.

“How far away is the sword?”

“It isn’t far, but it’s not wise for you to travel in the open anymore. We will take you there through the secret channel. An underground river that is known to very few in Perdition.”

“Excellent. When can we begin?”

“Soon. The river isn’t far, but it’s over a set of high hills and many of your vehicles are damaged. We will help repair them.”

“Since when are angels grease monkeys?” says Frederickson.

“Since forever,” I say. “Angels built the fucking universe. I think they can strip a diesel engine.”

Daja says, “Magistrate, things aren’t good in the havoc. Morale is low. People are beginning to doubt the crusade. I don’t think the attack today is going to help the situation.”

“I will speak to them. Now that we have angels sent directly from the Almighty on our side, they will see the value of our work.”

“I hope so.”

“Trust me.”

Johnny clears his throat.

“Excuse me. Now that there’s a plan and everything is right with the world, can I have a word with this drongo?”

I look around, and realize he’s pointing at me. I’m the drongo?

What the fuck is a drongo?

“You may address him, but not me,” says Vehuel.

“Much obliged, ma’am.”

He looks at me.

“If I understand things right, you’re some big-time killer. Murdered Hellions and generals and such?”

“That’s right.”

“And there’s talk you met Lucifer along the way.”

I look at Wanuri. She’s the only one I told about meeting him.

“What’s your point?”

“My point is you cut up that angel easy enough today. Why didn’t you kill Lucifer?”

“He’s not exactly a regular angel.”

“Did you even try?”

Before I can come up with a way to answer, Vehuel says, “I believe you knew Lucifer well at one point. Even called on him as an ally.”

“You’re not helping,” I tell her. “And that was later. When I was in L.A.”

“Having tea and cakes with old Scratch, were you?” says Johnny. “That must have been cozy.”

“It’s called a strategic alliance. And I was trying to save the world.”

“What about saving us down here?” he shouts.

“If it makes you feel any better, I stabbed him once when he pissed me off.”

“But you let him live? Bollocks to you, mate. From now on, just keep your distance.”

“I wouldn’t order the Abomination around,” says Alice. “Not if you want to make it to Heaven.”

“Fuck Heaven and fuck him.”