Destiny's Wrath (Destiny Series - Book 3) by Straight, Nancy (manga ereader txt) 📕

our way to the Desk Sergeant, and just as Dennis had said, he took us to Detective Ross.

Detective Bert Ross stood up from his desk. “How can I help you two?”

Max cleared his throat, “We wanted to see Jimmy Jacobs. Dennis Thornton called us tonight and said we should meet with you.”

“I’m sorry, Max, Jimmy isn’t permitted visitation from anyone other than his lawyer. You haven’t passed the bar since the last time we spoke, have you?”

I felt my eyes bulge, really seeing him for the first time. Samael was right there in front of me with a gun and badge, the lead detective in the case.

Max didn’t see it; he looked confused, “I’m sorry, have we met?” He held out a friendly hand. Before the detective could take Max’s hand, I slapped it away.

I shouted, “You son-of-a-bitch.” All eyes from the little room were on me, “Don’t touch him!”

Three officers in the room stood up and looked as though they were ready to tackle me. Samael gave them a dismissive wave. “Why, Lauren, it’s always a pleasure to see you; I cannot imagine what you two hope to accomplish here.”

I growled, “We came to see Jimmy, to save him from you, you leech.”

An evil grin spread wide across his face. He lowered his voice so only Max and I could hear, “Jimmy is a criminal. A murderer. But don’t worry, my sweet; he’ll have his day in court. I wonder what his defense will be? A demon made me do it? No, probably not – he was always so pliable, so willing to keep the secret. I bet he takes it to his grave.”

Samael reached out to touch my hand. I yanked it away a second too late and felt his hand brush mine. The revulsion oozed from me with the words, “Never touch me.”

“Lauren, you must realize, you are in an awkward situation. I am, after all, ‘Johnny Law’ in this town. Do not try my patience, or I’m sure I can find a reason to get you a cell right next to dear Jimmy.”

Max stepped in front of her, “Samael, what’re you doing? Renny and Dakota are in town. Showing yourself to us is a quick way to get the detective killed.”

“Ahhh, Max, I’ve missed you as well. Who is going to tell them? You? I think not. You and I still have our bond, don’t we? You always were averse to murder. No, I think you’ll keep the secret just as well as Jimmy.”

“So, why did you want to see us? Just to let us know that you’re alive and well?”

“A simple message: Back off. Leave this one alone.”

“But if you made Jimmy…”

Samael cut him off in a harsh whisper, “I didn’t make that little piece-of-shit do anything. He had it all planned out. He is exactly where he deserves to be. Now stop meddling and go home.”

“How can you say you didn’t have anything to do with it?”

“Just as I said, your presence is going to do the little hoodlum no good. Be on your way while you still can.”

I returned Samael’s smile, over my initial shock, “You’re afraid. I can feel it. Whatever you have planned, you’re scared we’re going to get in the way.”

Samael’s expression never wavered, “I must be having a Scooby Doo moment. You meddling kids need to mind your own business.”

I felt the physical power I commanded, the strength I took from Samael all those months ago. I saw his wallet setting on the desk, and picked it up right in front of him. I held my smile, never breaking eye contact with Samael, and removed the badge, letting the leather holder fall to the desk. I held the tin shield in my palm, bent it in two, then began rolling it with my fingers until it took the shape of a long AAA battery. “Max may be averse to murder, but I’m not. You aren’t the law. You aren’t anything.” I could feel Max’s eyes burrowing through me, and I knew he was silently telling me to back off.

Samael’s smile finally began to fade, “I assure you, I am the law. Push me further and I will become your greatest fear.”

“You had that role once, remember? That was before I took your power of sight, your physical strength, and the body you took refuge in. You care to go against me again? What do you have left for me to take?”

It was as if thunder echoed through Samael’s voice, “Enough!! I am through with your little games.” The three police officers in the room scrambled to their feet, and a young one in a starched uniform with razor sharp creases actually drew his weapon, focusing it squarely on me. In a more calm voice, Samael continued, “You both have a purpose, as do I. Provoking me in front of these mortals will solve nothing. Go now before the rookie shoots you.”

Max grabbed the back of my shirt and tugged me backwards. “Okay, Samael, we’ll be on our way.”

I allowed Max to pull me backwards; we were at the top of the steps before I let my stare waiver. Samael wasn’t locked up; he wasn’t hidden from humanity. I was still holding the rolled up badge in my palm. I said, “Hey, Detective Ross, this is yours.” I flicked the rolled up shiny metal directly at him; as I turned my back, I heard it twang on the floor.

Max gave my sleeve a hard tug, “C’mon, we need to go, now!”

I started down the steps. Before we got to the bottom, I called to Renny, “Meet us at our motel tomorrow morning. Bring the Council.”

Her response came through loud and clear, “Lauren, you’ve seen Samael?”

“Yes. Have the Council meet us at our motel tomorrow morning. We’re going to need your help.” I blocked any further communication with Renny so she wouldn’t see what we had just seen.

Max, who couldn’t hear my communication with Renny, said, “I think we should call