Page 33 of My Saintly Demon

“You’re not upsetting anything. I was actually expecting you. Well, not you exactly, but I knew someone like you would be here.”

Dave’s knee presses into mine and he wiggles around. Knowing he’s likely still itchy, I rub my hand on his back and make a note to find him some oatmeal lotion later when I’m out.

Mike walks over and closes the door before sitting with us again.

“X doesn’t need to know about this conversation. He has enough worries. Dave, I know why your dad sent you to me.”

“Okay, and are you to help me decipher this useless handbook so I can go back?”

Mike pauses, assessing Dave carefully.

“I’m not, nor have I ever, been a being from a different realm. I’m still considered a human in the very simplest of terms. I have a gift, for lack of a better word, that I didn’t fully tap into when I was alive. But… it’s important for you both to know my gift is helping others transition.”

Dave stiffens at Mike’s words.

“Transition how?” I ask. Because all of this makes little sense to me. Dave doesn’t want to stay here. He wants to go back to the underworld. At least I’m pretty sure he does.

“To their new life. Whether it be in a new town, a new world, or guiding a soul to where they should be. Dave, your dad thinks I can help you.”

Dave shoots off the couch and paces the length of the room. He’s still wearing my sleep pants that barely reach his ankles and cling to his muscles like a second skin. If the situation we’re in wasn’t so surreal, I’d probably laugh.

“Are you saying he doesn’t want me to try? He doesn’t want me back there?”

“I think he wants you to experience a different way of living and let you judge.”

Dave shakes his head, pressing his lips together.

“No. This doesn’t make sense. Why wouldn’t he just incinerate me on the spot if he wanted me gone? I know I’ve brought disgrace to him with my too tender ways but I was going to try! I thought you would help me try…” His voice trails off with a gulp. “I thought you’d help me try to do what he wants.”

Mike is a hard one to read. His face remains blank and gives nothing away.

“Someone rescued your father once. Did you know that? If it wasn’t for that single moment, he would have died hundreds of years ago. He’d certainly not be where he is now.”

Dave’s brow scrunches in confusion. “His father appointed him. He earned the space through birth order and trials of suffering. He’s revered in the underworld as the hardest demon to bargain with. He’s… he’s every demon’s hero. So I don’t know what you mean.”

“You should sit, Dave. Please.”

He doesn’t want to. Dave is wound tight and the room’s temperature spikes with his anxiety. But he settles next to me and surprises me by taking hold of my hand in a tight squeeze.

“Tell me.”

Mike leans forward again and his calm demeanour leaves me to believe nothing would ever phase this guy. Not if he’s been through all these weird things he says he has.

“Just before you were born. Your dad got himself into a right pickle of a situation. He was cocky and arrogant and if it wasn’t for someone stepping in, he’d not be where he is today. Did you find it odd he told you to spend a week on earth and sent you to a church?”

“A little. I thought it was a big test since I’m not exactly known for staying out of trouble. And maybe a little mean, if I’m being honest.”

Mike chuckles.

“Faustus has history with a church and it almost killed him. Instead of being drowned in holy water, which was exactly about to happen once the people figured out he was a creature from hell, a woman stood up for him. Saved his life.”

Dave’s hand squeezes mine tighter. How interesting this all is to me, but Dave is confused. Growing more angry with each word from Mike. I’ve only seen what Dave does when angry and protecting me. What would he do if he’s angry with someone who dared lie to him?

“A woman in a church saved my dad? A single woman? How?”

Mike seems hesitant to tell the rest of the story, but neither of us will leave until it’s finished.

“Tell us how a single woman accomplished this and what the hell does it have to do with Dave being here?”

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