Page 43 of Midnight in the Garden of Okay and Meh
“Me?” Sally was pleased with the level of disbelief she managed to squeeze into one word. “I’m only there to get them to Desislav.”
“I have always admired your ability to stick your fingers into things and not be seen doing so.”
“Darlin’!” Sally said, pleased with the flattery. “Someone has been studying Court records for the last few hundred years.”
“It’s like having a master class in constructive deception,” Sasha agreed. “I’d wish you good luck with your endeavor, but we both know how little luck has to do with anything you set your mind to. So instead, I’ll simply say, later, tater.”
Sally paused for a moment to send a text to Terrin.
ME
Sasha says you are doing covert work amongst the mages. We both know you harbor nothing but distrust for them. I distinctly remember you ranting in the early eighteenth century about how they need to be monitored lest they run amok. I am shocked at you agreeing to sort them out now.
TERRIN
She also says you are going to spring Desislav the Destroyer from the Lake of Upside-Down Sinners. Of the two of us, which one is doing something shocking?
ME
Love you, too. Smooches!
She tucked her phone away before lifting her hand in response when the demon Jim popped out of the bathroom to stare at her in what she imagined was a chastising manner.
“Heya,” the demon said to her. “Wow. You really got into that Barbie movie, didn’t you? I don’t think I’ve seen anyone dressed head to toe in that shade of pink.”
She paused to do a little spin. “Thank you. It’s my new favorite power suit.”
“I don’t think people call them—never mind,” Jim said, then followed when Sally picked her way around to a small clearing behind the men’s toilet. The group of people who stood there turned confused expressions on her. “Hello, everyone. Are we all here? Those of us going into almost certain death, destruction, and possible perpetual torment?”
May looked horrified, while Gabriel’s lips twitched. She smiled to herself at that. He was far more astute than was first obvious. The Guardian Aisling also didn’t look fooled by her lighthearted banter.
“Yup, we’re all here. This is Mabel. I don’t think you’ve met her.” Aisling introduced a young redhead.
“A reaper? How pleasant. I had lunch a few months ago with the head of your order,” Sally told the woman, who stood looking very uncomfortable. She wondered why, but decided that mystery would have to wait.
“And this is Parisi,” Aisling said, gesturing toward the tall, dark-haired woman who was clad in metal breastplate beautifully etched with fantastical figures. She also wore a chain skirt that hung down to her knees, black leggings, and a bum bag bearing a psychedelic peace sign. A massive sword was strapped to her back, along with a bow, and what looked very much like a small beheading axe. “Er ... I’m not sure if you know her or not.”
Parisi, who had been staring intently into the shrubberies, turned to face Sally.
She felt the impact of that look, and the irrelevant part of her mind—which admittedly claimed most of the available space—noted that Parisi held a form of power that was both unfamiliar and almost overwhelming. Immediately, she made a low formal bow, the sort that she hadn’t made since she had first met Terrin. “My Sovereign, it is a pleasure to meet you.”
Parisi studied her for a moment, then smiled. “You are with the Court. Welcome, fellow defender. You should be of great help when dealing with the prisoner.”
“That’s why I get paid the big money,” Sally answered, then beamed at the rest of the company.
“Are we going soon? I don’t want to sound like a parrot with only one phrase, but I really do have responsibilities I must attend to this afternoon.” While Mabel the reaper spoke, Sally had a momentary sense of dark power. She gave her a good stare before catching Jim doing the same.
It really was a very astute demon at times. Not often, she told herself as she gave it a swift pat on the head, but there were times when it clearly saw things that the others didn’t.
“Is there anything we can do out here?” The Beloved named Allie made an aborted gesture. “Both Christian and I are frustrated that we can’t be of help in the Akasha. Maybe we could find a way to get him in there? He’s absolutely deadly with a sword.”
“Is he?” Parisi turned to examine the Dark One.
He also bowed to her, no doubt sensing the power wrapped around Parisi. “A two-handed sword has long been my weapon of choice.”
“I like you,” Parisi told him. “You have sound weapon preferences. Are we ready to enter the Hour?”
“We will be as soon as—ah, there she is.”
