Riley Parra Season Three

Riley Parra Season Three

Geonn Cannon

Smashwords Edition

Supposed Crimes LLC

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

Copyright 2012 Geonn Cannon

All Rights Reserved

ISBN: 978-0-9828989-9-4

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

#

Table of Contents

Mere Mortals

The Following is a Reenactment

A Very Sorry Saint

Occam's Razor

Frairs and Eremites

Kings of No Man's Land

Anthemusa

That Old Familiar Sting

Permanent Scars

This Mortal Coil

This Hell Bound Town

Peculiar Graces

Reign in Hell

False Idyll

#

Mere Mortals

Would you like a cup of tea? He turned and motioned toward the house. A servant approached and placed a tea service on the table. The man across the table smiled in anticipation as the drink was poured. I love tea.

Riley closed her eyes and tried to focus. Her host thanked the waiter and moved to the edge of his seat to prepare a glass. He glanced up at her when she remained where she was.

I would feel self-conscious if I was the only person at the table drinking the tea. So I would refrain if you refused. However, if you would simply take a cup, I could enjoy a beverage.

Fine.

Good! Thank you. I appreciate it. She heard the sound of tea pouring into the porcelain cups like it was the only sound that existed. He took a sip, sighed happily and cradled the cup with both hands. We don't have long. What would you like to discuss?

Why me?

A bellowing laugh. "Oh, you get straight to the heart of the matter, don't you? Well, Detective Parra. Why not you? He took a sip of tea, and then placed His cup back onto the table. Now our time runs short. What do you really wish to ask Me?"

Questions began to form in Riley's mind.

#

Early this morning, one of our detectives, working with outside contractors, successfully identified the serial killer known as the Angel Maker. Upon raiding his residence, our people attempted to arrest the suspect, who responded violently. Our detective responded with appropriate force, and the Angel Maker was killed in the resulting confrontation. Unfortunately, he was also able to--

Lieutenant Zoe Briggs closed her eyes and put the paper back on her desk. It was terrible. A sound byte for the local news, something to stand in front of the crowd and recite before throwing out a 'no questions' and running for the exit. She wanted to honor Riley's sacrifice but, at the same time, she didn't want to make it real. She'd only just discovered how much Riley had done for the city, and now it was over. Riley Parra was lying in the morgue waiting to be autopsied, photographed... buried.

There was a knock on the door and her temporary assistant leaned in. Boss. The natives are getting restless. I think someone leaked that the Angel Maker was killed.

Gail Finney, no doubt. Priest and Gillian had both warned her that the reporter was bad news, but she didn't need their warning. Finney was a muck-raking journalist who didn't belong in a supermarket tabloid, let alone all over the radio and prominently printed in the newspaper. She would cross the street to spit on a cop, and seemed hell-bent on making the police department villains. It was hard enough doing their job without--

Ma'am?

Yeah. I'm coming. She picked up the press release - even if it was cold and impersonal, it was better than she trusted herself to do off the cuff - and stepped around her desk. The press would be gathered in the lobby, so she'd give her statement from the stairs. It would be easier to make a hasty retreat that way.

She was almost to the stairs when the elevator doors opened and Gillian Hunt burst into the bullpen. She looked like she was on the run from the devil and, knowing this city, she might very well have been. Briggs slowed and moved to intercept her, eager for the distraction from her grim duty. Dr. Hunt?

Gillian spun, skidding to a stop next to an empty desk. Her eyes were red from crying, but her scrubs were still pristine. She's coming to beg off the autopsy after all. Can't say as I blame her. She held up her hand to tell her it would be reassigned, but Gillian spoke first. I need to speak with you in private. Right now.

Briggs looked at her assistant. Tell the press I'm dealing with some loose ends. I'll be down when I can. She crossed to Gillian and followed her back to the elevators. She put her hand on Gillian's shoulder and lowered her voice. If you need someone else to do Riley's post-mortem, I understand.

Gillian laughed, a quick and desperate bark of a sound. No. You don't have to do that.

The elevator doors closed behind them and Gillian pressed the button for the morgue and began to pace.

You need to take some time. What happened last night was hard on all of us...

Riley's alive.

Briggs furrowed her brow and then closed her eyes. I'm still dealing with the revelations you guys dumped on me a few weeks ago. Angels, demons, the whole... situation. I know that there are some amazing things I have no idea about, but I saw her. I held her hand while she... Briggs looked away as her voice trailed off. She couldn't have survived that, Gillian.

The elevator doors parted upon their arrival at the morgue. Riley Parra stepped into the car, saw Briggs, and then turned to face Gillian. Gillian put her hands on Riley's shoulders and sagged against her, eyes closed like someone who had just discovered a good dream turned out to be real. Riley kissed Gillian's eyebrow. Did you tell her?

Briggs stumbled back until she could lean against the door of the elevator. A bell rang, and the door bumped against her shoulder, but she ignored it. That's impossible. Her voice was barely a gasp, forced out by sheer force of will. Riley turned to face her, dressed in her jeans and a green scrub top. Her face was scrubbed of even the minimal makeup she usually wore, and her hair was down and wet, but it was undeniably her. She spoke the only word that occurred to her.

How?

A miracle, Gillian whispered.

Riley shook her head. That's as good a word as any. But we're not out of the woods yet. She motioned for them to follow her, and Briggs found the strength to walk out of the elevator. Gillian walked alongside her and put a hand on her elbow, supporting Briggs while using her to keep herself upright. Gillian tightened her grip and leaned closer to Briggs to whisper, Thank you.

For what?

Gillian blinked back a fresh round of tears. For seeing her. For letting me know it's real.

Briggs squeezed Gillian's hand as Riley pushed through the morgue doors. Briggs thought that the surprise of resurrection would have prepared her for anything, but the sight of Caitlin Priest lying unconscious on an exam table was another unexpected shock. Her face was pale and drawn, her hair fanned out on either side of her head like a golden pillow.

What happened?

When angels take human form, their true form surrounds that body like a... an aura. Riley looked down at Priest. It's called their divinity. It's what makes them more than human. Priest tapped into that to save me. The well ran dry.

Priest's eyes were closed, and her breathing was so shallow that Briggs had to stare to make sure she was still alive.

What does that mean? Briggs asked quietly.

Gillian put her hand on Priest's head, stroking her hair. It means she's dying.

#

Gail Finney checked the battery on her voice recorder for the tenth time since arriving at the police station. She felt elated, almost giddy, at the thought of hearing the news. Riley Parra, dead at the hands of the Angel Maker. She knew that hadn't been the planned endgame, but damned if it wasn't perfect. The city was terrified, the cops were shell-shocked, and the champion of good had fallen. When Marchosias controlled the city completely, Gail would get her reward for being such a good and faithful servant.

Well. Maybe not good or faithful.

She smiled as Lieutenant Briggs came down the stairs. The scrum of reporters moved forward, representatives from most of the major news outlets in the state. Gail was near the front of the crowd since she'd arrived immediately after the impromptu press conference on the lawn of Terrence Bishop's house. She extended her arm so that the recorder was as close to Briggs as possible. She didn't want to miss a word.

Good morning, everyone. I'm sorry to have kept you waiting, but it's been a pretty hectic evening and morning for us here as I'm sure you can guess. I'd like to begin by reading a prepared statement. Last night, working on information acquired from an anonymous source, two of our detectives working with outside consultants were able to identify the serial killer known as the Angel Maker. They confronted the man, who responded violently, and our detectives were required to respond with deadly force. The suspect in the case was killed in the resulting action. Unfortunately, one of our own was gravely injured at the same time...

Gail tried to hide her smile. Her heart was pounding. Briggs still looked shell-shocked all these hours later, her hands trembling slightly on the side of the podium.

Detective Caitlin Priest is currently in critical condition after--

The rest of the words were drowned out, and Gail felt like the room was closing in on her. Priest, the angel? No, impossible. According to Gremory, Priest wasn't even present at the crime scene. She withdrew the recorder and turned on her heel, pushing through the crowd as she tried to make sense of this unexpected news. She was almost to the door when she heard Briggs say her name.

Leaving already, Miss Finney? I guess you got enough facts for your column. I look forward to see what you make up to fill in the blanks.

The crowd snickered, and she felt her face burning red. They had been so close to triumph. To have it snatched out of their hands so effortlessly, to go from the champion to a laughingstock... She turned and stormed out of the building. Behind her, she heard Briggs begin to speak again.

Okay, where were we? Detective Priest...

#

Riley, can you come here?

Riley was standing next to the bed where Priest was unconscious, dying, whatever. Gillian had called to her from the door of her office, and Riley brushed Priest's shoulder before she obliged. She put her hand on Gillian's arm, and Gillian drew her into the office. What's wrong?

Gillian cupped Riley's face. Nothing. She kissed Riley softly, just brushing her lips across Riley's. Riley smiled and put her hands on Gillian's hips, returning the kiss. They didn't need passion, and the kiss wasn't an invitation to more. It was just something that had to be done, to reaffirm their connection and Riley's humanity. Riley pecked Gillian's upper and lower lips, the corners of her mouth, and then rested her forehead against Gillian's.

Gillian took a deep breath of Riley's scent. You scared me.

Sorry about that.

Gillian brushed her cheek against Riley's, leaning into her embrace. She rested her head on Riley's shoulder and kissed her neck. Riley closed her eyes and stroked Gillian's back, supporting her weight easily as Gillian began to sob. Shh. Hey, it's all right. I'm here. I'm okay.

You've died twice. You got thrown off that building when you were on patrol all those years ago, and now this and... next time you won't be so lucky. Next time might be for good.

Right. And that makes me just like everyone else on the planet.

Gillian leaned back and looked into Riley's eyes. I couldn't bear it. I couldn't go on. If you really died, I would have to go... right after you.

Riley brushed Gillian's cheek with her thumb. Then I'll have to do my best to stay alive from now on.

Gillian smiled. You mean you haven't been trying?

Riley chuckled and kissed Gillian again. This time they held the contact longer, breaking apart just long enough to breathe before they came together again.

Briggs cleared her throat to announce her arrival. Are you two done reaffirming life in there, or should I take a walk?

Riley broke the kiss and brushed her cheek against Gillian's before she pulled away from her. Briggs was standing next to Priest, looking down at her. She didn't look up as she spoke.

I dealt with the press conference. I'll adjust my reports later to mention Priest was with us at the Angel Maker house, that she was the one who was injured by him. She shook her head. Falsifying police reports to cover up a resurrection. There's a new one. She finally looked up at Riley. Now we need to figure out what the hell we're going to do next. Is she...?

Caitlin is still alive. Gillian moved next to Priest and checked her pulse, just to be sure. Her heartbeat is weak, but steady. She was only conscious for a few seconds after... what she did... She glanced at Riley and then back at Priest. She complained of a deep pain and then just passed out.

Will she pull through?

Gillian shrugged. I don't know. This body was only created to be a host for the angel Zerachiel. Zerachiel is... gone. So I don't know if it's like a car without a driver or a skin after being shed by a snake. She might just fade away.

Riley was staring at Priest. Is there anything you can do for her?

If she's dying, there's no cure for what's killing her. If she's not, she just needs time to deal with the shock of losing part of herself. I think all I can do is be here for her and make sure that she's comfortable when and if she wakes up.

Briggs nodded. Okay. And what about you, Detective Parra?

Riley was thrown by the question. What about me? I'm fine.

"You were dead two hours ago. Gillian winced and Riley apologized by rubbing her shoulder. I don't care if it was an angel's divinity that brought you back. The human body and the human mind doesn't just rebound from something like that. I want you to go home and rest."

I won't leave Gillian.

Gillian put her hand on Riley's arm. I appreciate that, but I think you should go. If just to get a clean outfit and lay down in our bed for a while. You went through a horrible trauma, and you had a huge night before everything else happened. You need to rest. I can stretch out on the couch here. I'll call you if anything happens with Cait. She kissed Riley quickly. I'll be fine. I'll feel better knowing you're at home and safe.

All right. Riley squeezed Gillian's hip and then looked at Briggs. Fine. I'll go home.

Thank you. Dr. Hunt, you had the same rough night. I know I don't really have authority over you, so consider this a strong suggestion. Take the rest of the week off. I'll call in your backup to take over for you. Priest will still be your responsibility, of course, but for everything else, I want you sitting out.

Yes, ma'am.

Briggs exhaled. Thank you for making it easy on me, ladies. I want updates on Priest's condition as warranted. I'll be upstairs if either of you need anything. She looked at Priest and shook her head. Crazy day.

Really crazy. Gillian put her hand on top of Riley's. Riley looked at it and realized that Gillian had been touching her almost constantly since her resurrection. She knew that it was just a personal reassurance that Riley wasn't a hallucination. She turned her hand upside down and linked their fingers together. She squeezed. Gillian could hold onto her as much as she needed; Riley wanted the contact as badly as she did.

#

Stop, stop, Kenzie gasped. She put her hand on Chelsea's forehead and pushed her away, bringing her legs together as she twisted her lower body to the right. Chelsea rolled over Kenzie's hip and slid up her body, embracing her from behind. They were both dripping sweat, and Chelsea was still struggling to catch her breath. She kissed Kenzie's neck and shoulders, and Kenzie closed her eyes as a fresh round of tears threatened.

Chelsea spooned against Kenzie from behind, and Kenzie gripped Chelsea's arm. She didn't know where their marathon lovemaking session had come from; as soon as they stepped into the office, they were on each other. They barely made it upstairs to the apartment they shared before Chelsea was undressed, and they hadn't come up for air since. Her heart was pounding, her skin was slick with sweat... she was alive. They had survived. As much as she hated herself for spending Riley's wake like this, another part of her knew Riley wouldn't want it any other way. She wouldn't want her friends weeping; she'd demand they appreciate the fact they were still alive. It didn't make her feel any better.

How are you holding up? Chelsea kissed Kenzie's ear.

She can't be dead. I was the idiot, I was the risk-taker, and I was the one who went overseas. I had a bomb blow up in my face. If anyone should have died--

Shut your mouth. Chelsea turned Kenzie's head and kissed her lips. Kenzie twisted until she was on her back, pulling Chelsea onto her as her tongue slid into Kenzie's mouth. She slid her hands down Chelsea's back, cupping her ass and pulling her closer.

Someone started knocking on the office door downstairs.

Leave it, Kenzie gasped between kisses.

It could be a client.

I don't care. Not today. She kissed Chelsea harder, rolling her hips up to meet Chelsea's. Make love to me again.

Chelsea decided to ignore the knocking and, eventually, it did stop. She moved her hand between Kenzie's legs, touching her just as they heard the alarm begin to sound as the uninvited guest let themself in.

Son of a bitch, Chelsea grumbled. She pushed herself up, and Kenzie scrambled to the edge of the bed.

Kenzie grabbed her robe and tugged it on, tying the belt as she moved toward the door. I'll take care of it. Stay here. She picked up her gun as she left the bedroom, checking the magazine before she headed down to the office. The stairs led into a small vestibule behind their workspace, and she paused there to scan the interior of the office. The light filtering through their greenhouse cast jungle-like shadows of flowers, leaves and vines on the walls. She stepped out when she saw movement, focusing her gun on the shape moving behind one of their desks.

Freeze, asshole.

The desk light turned on and Riley held her hands up. Take it easy, Kenzie.

Kenzie's eyes widened. Jesus...

Just--

Kenzie fired.

#

Riley...

Gillian was up and off the couch by the time Priest finished speaking. Riley had helped her transfer Priest to a cot in her office before leaving, and Gillian had curled up on the couch to try getting some rest. She knelt next to Priest and took her hand. Hey, there you are. I was starting to get worried.

Priest's lips were dry and cracked, and her eyelids looked too heavy to keep up. Thought... you hated... me.

Bringing my girlfriend back from the dead covers a multitude of sins. Gillian brought Priest's hand to her mouth and kissed the knuckles. How are you?

Shooting pain... inside. She blinked and stared up at the ceiling as she touched her abdomen. Her eyes were watery. Never meant to survive this long.

Gillian said, Yeah, well. You and Riley both have a bad habit of coming back from the brink. Don't end the streak now.

Priest closed her eyes. Is Riley here?

No, she... she went home. I thought she needed to get some rest. Priest nodded. I can get her for you.

Mm-mm. She shook her head slowly. She hates me. Just... needed to do this. For her. For you. To apologize for what I did. For the hurt. The Angel Maker was my fault. I deserved to pay the price, not Riley. She grunted and folded slightly as if trying to protect her midsection from a blow. Oh, Father. It hurts.

I can give you something for the pain. Gillian moved to her desk and opened a drawer.

No. Let me go.

Gillian closed her eyes. You saved Riley. I can't just stand by and watch you die in agony.

So... make it... happen quicker.

Gillian turned. Priest was staring up at her with pleading eyes, her bottom lip quivering. I'm mortal now. Human, just like you. Easy to kill. Easier... so weak. She swallowed, and it seemed to take a Herculean effort. Mercy killing.

I won't do that.

I spared Riley, Priest whispered. Spare me the pain. It hurts, Gillian.

Gillian turned away from Priest and looked down at her desk. She opened the drawer again and thought about what would be required to put Priest to sleep. Maybe if she just knocked her out, she would be able to pass quietly. If the pain was stronger than the drugs, however... but she could worry about that later. She sniffled and ran her hand under her nose.

I'll see what I can do.

#

"You shot me."

"I shot at you. In your general direction." Kenzie looked chagrined.

Splitting hairs. Which, incidentally, is what you just did to me. Riley reached up and touched her head for the fifth time, making sure the bullet really had missed her. She was sitting in the client's chair in front of Kenzie's desk, and Kenzie was on the other side staring at her. Chelsea had come downstairs in a baggy T-shirt and a pair of shorts, drawn by the gunshot. She was wearing her black glasses, but Riley knew Chelsea was using what limited vision she had to stare at her.

Kenzie shrugged and held her hands out. I said I was sorry. Look, angels and demons are real. Why not zombies? Why not vampires? I saw your dead body, and then you break into our office and skulk around in the darkness. What was I supposed to think?

Chelsea put a hand on Kenzie's shoulder. Riley, why don't you explain what happened?

Riley leaned forward. Look, I know the two of you have some... thing going on with my partner. Priest. I don't know the details, I don't want to know. But she's the reason I'm sitting here. She sacrificed herself to save me.

She saw Chelsea's fingers tighten on Kenzie's shoulder. What... what do you mean sacrificed?

Riley wet her lips and looked down at her hands. She surrendered her divinity. Zerachiel died, and Caitlin isn't far behind. She gave up her life to bring mine back.

Chelsea put a hand over her mouth and turned away. My God. Literally, I guess. Can we go to see her?

She's at the morgue right now. Gillian's keeping an eye on her. I'm sure Jill would let you in if you showed up.

Chelsea bent down and kissed the top of Kenzie's head. I'll go get some clothes.

Kenzie stood as Chelsea left. She walked around the desk and impulsively embraced Riley. Not well.

Riley frowned, confused by the sudden affection. Kenzie had never been big on hugging. She patted Kenzie's back. What's not well?

That's how I was handling this. Losing you. Not well.

Riley awkwardly returned the embrace from her former partner, in both senses of the word. Sorry I worried you, Mackenzie.

Kenzie stepped back and quickly swept a hand over her cheek to catch any stray moisture. Yeah. Just don't do it again, huh? At least you took the bad guy down with you.

Riley smiled.

So what's next?

I go home and get some rest. Doctor's orders, not to mention the lieutenant. Try and figure out what the real next step is.

Chelsea came downstairs in a blouse and a pair of trousers. Kenzie's clothes were folded over her arm.

I'll leave you two alone for now. I just wanted to share the good news and the bad news.

We'll call you if anything happens with Priest, Kenzie said.

It's good to have you back. Chelsea reached out and touched Riley's cheek. You mean a lot to Mackenzie, so you mean a lot to me, too.

Riley nodded. Yeah. You know that saying about watching your own funeral? I think I know how that would feel now. I'm going to get out of here. I'll see you guys later.

Thank you for telling us about Caitlin. Kenzie took her clothes from Chelsea. And about you.

Riley nudged Kenzie's arm playfully. Thank you for the warning shot.

#

Everyone had been dealt with. Gillian, Kenzie and Chelsea were with Priest, Gail Finney had fled the press conference like her hair was on fire, and her duties were done. Riley entered the apartment she shared with Gillian in utter exhaustion. She unzipped her jacket and tossed it over the back of the couch instead of hanging it up. Is it really that much more effort to just hang it on this hook? Riley stared at the way it draped. She had come so close to never again hearing Gillian gripe at her for that. She picked up the coat and hung it on the closet door.

She paused with her hand against the wall, eyes closed, listening to the sounds of the building. Traffic outside, people talking on the stairs, sirens somewhere distant. She didn't remember being dead, but the air seemed sweeter somehow. The sounds that would originally have been irritating were welcome now.

Riley went into the bedroom and took off her borrowed scrub top. The side of her jeans had a streak of dried blood running down the left leg, and she stared at it for a long moment before she took them off. At first she thought it odd that there was no dried blood on her skin, but then she realized that Gillian had probably washed her off in the morgue.

She couldn't control that shudder that ripped through her at that mental image. Her mind was a scrambled mess of Oh, God, I died, I was dead, I died. She pressed her fists to her face. She remembered the feel of the blade slicing into her, the feel of her heart trying to beat around the intruder. She had been dead.

But she was still alive.

She lifted her head, still trembling, and pulled herself up using the edge of the bed. She moved to the bathroom and stood in front of the mirror. The spot between her left arm and breast was unblemished, free of even a white-line scar. Priest's resurrection zap had really done a great job. She wondered how much of her had been healed and began searching for old scars. A few on her back seemed much lighter, and others were gone entirely. Her tattoo actually seemed fresher. She turned on the shower and took off her underwear as she waited for the water to warm up.

I wonder if I'm a virgin again. Gillian will have to check that out later.

She pulled the curtain and stood under the spray, angling her face up to wash off the cold water from the morgue sprayer. She shuddered again at the thought, but she kept it under control this time. She folded her hands to gather water and then swept it over the top of her head. She smoothed down her hair, worked her fingers into her ears, and made sure that she covered every inch as Gillian was sure to have done. The morgue water had evaporated on her body, and she wanted it as gone as it could get.

The hot water eventually ran out, and Riley reluctantly shut off the water and pushed back the curtain.

The brunette was standing in front of the sink. She had the face of a Greek statue, with a pointed chin and a strong jaw. Her eyes were a vivid green, her Cupid's bow lips curled into a relaxed smile. Her hair was pulled back in a loose ponytail. She wore a thin white shift that joined at her hip to leave her haunches exposed.

Riley looked away to wipe the excess water from her face. She gestured at the sink. Hand me that towel, would you?

The woman turned, picked up the towel, and held it out. Riley took it and wiped off her face and torso, spreading the towel on the tile before she stepped out of the tub. I guess you're an angel, right? She took another towel off the rack and wrapped it around her body.

Yes.

Here to finish the job? Make sure things get set right?

No.

Riley walked into the bedroom and the angel followed. By the way, I think I talked to your Boss. He's a crazy son of a bitch. The angel didn't respond. So what's your name?

Sariel.

Okay, Sara. Why are you here? If you guys are cool with me coming back, then is this just a service call? Are you here to make sure everything is in the right place?

Sariel shook her head. I'm here to tie up the loose ends Zerachiel left behind. Once that is complete, I will be taking over as your new guardian angel.

Wonderful. Welcome to the team. She pulled back the blanket on the bed, dropped the towel, and stretched out. She hadn't expected it to be a big deal, but Gillian was right; she definitely needed to spend some time in her own bed. Listen, don't take this the wrong way, but Priest and I went through a lot of ups and downs, but she was my friend. She's really the only angel I could ever stand, despite her faults. So don't expect you and me to get buddy-buddy right away. Once bitten, twice shy and all that. I'm happy to have you, you know, around. But we're not going to be friends. Got that, Sara?

When there was no answer, Riley opened her eyes and scanned the bedroom. The apartment was empty.

Good. She folded her pillow and put her head down. Glad we got that out of the way.

#

The windows of Gail's apartment were covered by thick blackout curtains. She sat in the darkness with a bottle of beer sweating on her thigh, staring into the shadows. She felt the presence arrive, as usual, but this time didn't wait until the other woman broke the silence. She rose immediately and spun to face the demon. What the hell went wrong?

Gremory froze, a dark silhouette against the blackness of the room. It felt as if she was drawing the darkness to her, sucking it into her presence and leaving the rest of the apartment cold. She finally spoke in a low, measured voice. You will do well to watch your tone.

Gail stepped closer, uncowed by the demon's tone. No. You swore to me. You said Riley Parra had died last night, but she's alive and well.

There was an unexpected occurance. Zerachiel stepped in and altered events.

If you knew she could do that--

It has only been done once before, and it resulted in grave consequences. The angel is now gone, and the human shell will soon die. How long do you believe Riley Parra will survive without her angel watching over her? She knows who we are now, so there's no need to remain hidden from her. We no longer need to operate in the shadows. Parra is at her most vulnerable now, and we are at the peak of our abilities. One hand, as cold and smooth as a stone in a river, brushed Gail's cheek. We will destroy her. She can only cheat death so many times before she pays the death she owes.

Gail closed her eyes. A part of her, a remnant from before she'd met Gremory, almost felt sorry for Riley. They were very alike, with their supernatural handlers. Gremory had been by Gail's side for just over fifteen months, but Gail didn't know what she would do without the demon's guiding hand. To think of the pain Riley must be going through with the loss of her angel... The compassion faded and a smile spread across her face as she thought of Riley in pain.

Things will go according to plan. Riley Parra and her winged seraphim will not win this battle. You must be patient.

Yes, my love.

Gremory stepped closer. You doubted me. You know you must be punished for that.

Gail swallowed hard. Y-yes, my love.

Turn your back to me. Gail did as instructed and her slacks were pushed down. A few seconds later, when her punishment began, Gail began screaming with a mixture of pain and pleasure. Tears rolled down her cheeks as she gave silent thanks to the special soundproofing Gremory had put on her walls. Without it, the neighbors would have put the police on their speed dials.

#

A section of the morgue was set aside for Priest, separated from the rest of the room by a pair of privacy curtains. Word quickly spread among the department that one of their own was clinging to life, and cops came by throughout the afternoon to offer moral support. Gillian, Kenzie and Chelsea held vigil beside Priest's bed. Gillian had just given Priest another sedative, but the injections were becoming less effective against the pain.

The church. Kenzie straightened in her seat suddenly as the thought occurred to her. She always said that churches healed her, they rejuvenated her spirit. Maybe...

Chelsea shook her head. It fed Zerachiel's spirit, babe. She's gone. Going to church would just make us feel better; it wouldn't do anything for Caitlin.

That's doesn't mean we shouldn't try. Kenzie looked at Priest. It's not fair. I feel like I'm choosing Riley over her. That if she dies, at least Riley is all right. It makes me feel like shit.

You're not choosing anything. Gillian reached across the bed and squeezed Kenzie's forearm. Priest made the decision herself. She decided to sacrifice herself so that Riley could live.

Chelsea touched Priest's cheek tenderly. I won't say that it was the wrong choice to make. But I hate that it has to be one or the other.

Gillian said, Yesterday I would have disagreed with you. This past year, she's been working with a serial killer. People died because of her. But now, I don't... I don't know. I feel like I'm forgiving her too easily. But she brought Riley back to me. That outweighs everything in my head. I think Caitlin deserves our forgiveness. And she deserves our respect. She brushed a hair away from Priest's face. Priest's eyelids fluttered, and she turned her head toward the touch. Gillian was shocked and checked to make sure she had really administered the new dose of sedatives. Hey. You shouldn't be awake.

Priest groaned. Hurts.

I know, sweetie. Is there anything I can get you? Some water or food...

Priest's stomach growled so loudly that Kenzie frowned at it.

Gillian furrowed her brow. Caitlin, when was the last time you ate?

Dunno. Don't need to eat.

Gillian closed her eyes in exasperation. "You do now, you stupid angel." She stood and hurried back to her office.

Kenzie stood and followed her. You didn't check her out?

Gillian shrugged. She's an angel who lost her divinity and told me she was fading away. I didn't even think there could be a common medical explanation. She pulled her lunchbox from the bottom drawer and ripped it open. There was an apple, some granola bars, and a cookie wrapped in plastic. She handed it all to Kenzie. Here, give her these. Break them apart into small pieces and feed her slowly. I'm going to see if I can find something more substantial in the break room.

The medical examiner called in to take over Gillian's workload for the day looked up from an examination at her sudden appearance, but she didn't even acknowledge him as she burst through the doors to the hallway. She took the stairs this time, too impatient to wait for the elevator. A few detectives were in the break room but she ignored them as she ran to the mini fridge and dropped to her knees. There were salads, all plainly marked with other people's names, and fruit in plastic bags. She found a container of soup with Lieutenant Briggs' name on it and grabbed it.

Briggs spotted her on the way back to the elevator. She held up the soup without slowing. I'm taking this. Priest needs it.

Briggs frowned and followed Gillian to the stairs.

Kenzie was sitting on the edge of Priest's cot, her right shoulder propping Priest up. She had a piece of a granola bar pinched between two fingers, feeding it between Priest's lips as Gillian returned. How is she doing?

A little better. Kenzie moved back to let Gillian take her position. She's eating, but I don't want to rush it.

No, rushing would be bad. Gillian opened the soup container. Caitlin, do you think you could keep down some soup?

Briggs had just arrived and quickly assessed the situation. It's miso soup, if that matters.

Gillian nodded. I'll just give her the broth. She folded the plastic lid to use as a spoon, scooping up some of the yellow-green broth and pouring it into Priest's mouth.

Thank you, Gillian. Priest licked her lips after she'd had half the soup. But all you're doing is managing my pain. Some of it was hunger, I guess, but... I'm still going to go away. It's just a matter of time.

Well, I don't get to save my patients very often. And you've saved Riley so often that I... Her throat closed and she choked back tears. She felt someone's hand on her back as she took another lid-full of soup. Eat your soup. Doctor's orders. C'mon.

Priest took another sip.

#

The foreclosed church where Riley and Priest had set up the Cell looked utterly abandoned as Riley pulled into the back lot. She had dozed for almost half an hour before she threw back the blankets. She couldn't just lay there while there was still so much left unfinished. She crossed the weed-choked lot to the front door.

She checked the locks to make sure no squatters had taken refuge before she went around to the back. The storm shelter door was triple locked and Riley used her keys to get inside. Stone stairs ran down and to the right, leading into the church's basement. The walls were thick concrete, covered with sigils and signs that Priest had helped put in place before the Angel Maker's final moments.

Markus the Demon was still sitting in the middle of his trap, arms folded on bent knees, head pressed into the crook of his arm. He'd been imprisoned there since his attempt on the life of Leah Mason. She'd meant to free him, but things got a little out of hand before she could make the time. He didn't look up as Riley approached, but he snickered loud enough that she could hear.

Hey, look who it is. The yoyo. He smiled. That's the nickname for you that's been going around today. We heard some things about you. He looked up; his human face was contorted almost beyond recognition, his demonic side showing through. I felt you die. Every demon and angel in this burg felt you die. For our side, was like an orgasm, only more fun. We were sure you were going to come and play in our playground. But then, shock of wonders... you went up to talk to the Big Boss. That impressed a lot of us. Well, all of us, really. Sat down and had a nice little chat with the Man Himself. He whistled. And then... you come back to this place, and an angel dies. Do you know what it feels like to a demon when an angel dies?

Riley stared at him.

"You better be glad you didn't see my boss. He would have been very glad to see you. He stood up. He could have ripped you limb from limb. A decade for your right arm. A century for your left. He would spend five hundred years removing your eyes. One at a time. And he would have done it in the time you were gone. Time is funny down there. You know how 'time flies when you're having fun'? Well, imagine how slowly time goes when you are literally in hell."

I want to test something. She opened her bag and removed a book. I'm not going to be able to do this the easy way now that Priest is gone, but I planned for that. I knew I couldn't count on her help when I went after the Angel Maker, so I learned a few things. Let me know if I get anything wrong. She flipped to a page she had marked and began to read in Latin. "Sacrit maritas nos lacrimit est triparceratis."

Markus flung himself forward and pressed his body against the confines of the trap. Smoke rose from inside of his clothes. Bitch, stop, bitch. His words sounded like stones scraping together and accidentally forming the semblance of real words.

"Promate illuc tyreratis est furimus cum servent cum tusculate tunicate est maritatrices."

Markus grabbed his head and backed away from her. He was looking less human with each word she spoke, steam so thick that it nearly obscured him entirely.

"Recommentare stalare sum sagevi sic scitate sussurantis."

The smoke suddenly ceased as if a faucet had been plugged, and Markus collapsed to his knees. He was panting, his shoulders rising and falling with each breath. He looked like an outclassed boxer who'd just gone ten rounds with the champion, his eyes hooded and dark, his lips parted with the force of his exhalations. He lifted his head and glared at her.

When I am released from this trap, I will flail you. I will let you live as I remove the skin from your body. I will remove your muscles from your skeleton. I will take you apart a piece at a time. And only when you are completely eradicated will I begin to kill the pieces of you.

I don't need an angel to make a devil's trap. Riley closed her book. And apparently I don't need an angel to exorcise you pricks. Thanks for the dry run, Markus.

Where do you think Zerachiel went?

Riley stopped with one foot on the bottom step.

She went against her orders. Do you think her Boss looked very kindly upon her actions? There are rules in this little game of ours, Detective Parra. Zerachiel didn't play fair. Zerachiel broke the rules and brought you back. Zerachiel is ours now, Riley. My brothers are feeding on her as we speak. Remember how I said moments in Hell can seem like years? Zerachiel has been demon fodder for, oh, centuries now. She... is... delicious.

Riley turned to face him. "Peragavi ipsos deminus exsangua."

Markus wailed and dropped to one knee. Riley turned and started up the stairs.

Finish it! Don't leave me like this! He howled in pain, smoldering in mid-expulsion as Riley left the Cell.

She was almost to the car when her phone rang. She recognized the ring tone she'd assigned to Gillian and answered as she unlocked the car. Hey. I know you told me to stay home--

Hon, someone's here.

Riley straightened and looked over