Sorrow's Lie: Volume 4 (The Marker Chronicles) - Softcover

DeVor, Danielle

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1944728414 ISBN 13: 9781944728410

Publisher: City Owl Press, 2017

Synopsis

Only an Exorcist Can Confront His Demons

Jimmy Holiday, exorcist extraordinaire, is about to embark on his most unusual case yet—a baby that may be possessed by the demonic...or worse, a true demon spawn. The Order wants him to make sure it is a true case and not some hoax...or so they say.

Once Jimmy arrives, the situation changes into a living nightmare. The Order is not what he thought at all. And now, they demand he commit an unspeakable act. But Jimmy has enough scars of his own.

When the full truth of the corruption within the Order comes to light, Jimmy must act. With a voudou woman who lives down the lane as an ally, Jimmy must fight for the life of this supernatural child, but at what cost?

About this title

About the Author

DANIELLE DEVOR, named one of Examiner’s 2014 Women in Horror Author, has been spinning the spider webs, or rather, the keyboard for more frights and oddities. She spent her early years fantasizing about vampires and watching “Salem’s Lot” far too many times. When not writing and reading about weird things, you will find her hanging out at the nearest coffee shop, enjoying a mocha frappuccino.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

Sorrow's Lie

Book Four of the Marker Chronicles

By Danielle DeVor

City Owl Press

Copyright © 2017 Danielle DeVor
All rights reserved.

ISBN: 978-1-944728-41-0

CHAPTER 1

END OF THE BEGINNING

SOMETIMES, YOUR DAY just sucked. It all started before light, when someone or something startled Isaac, the amazing cat, and he pissed on my head. I couldn't figure out what had happened at first. Then, I discovered the sewer system had backed up.

"Tabby?" I still couldn't believe I was doing what I was doing, but every now and then you have to get in the thick of it.

"What?" she called from upstairs.

I'd saved her the horror.

"Are you bringing me the plunger or not?" I tried not to gag from the smell.

"If you'd hold your horses, maybe I could get down to you and not break my neck." Her feet clunked on the wooden basement steps.

I shut up. She was getting close to chopping my head off. Right now, she was still trying to help me.

When she got within reach, her face screwed up and she whipped her hand over her nose. "Here."

I took the plunger from her and attacked the drain again. It burped. Then, I felt something bump into my boot. I screamed.

"What is wrong with you?" Tabby asked.

My face reddened. And I was embarrassed as hell that I squealed all because of this. Guess it was a good thing she liked me. "Something touched my foot."

"Since I doubt there are unholy shit demons, I recommend you suck it up."

I laughed and swallowed my injured pride. "Call the utility board. I give up."

"Like I told you an hour ago?"

I sighed. "Love you."

She didn't say a word and headed back upstairs. I stared at the mess and wanted to cry.

* * *

After I discarded all the crappy water clothes, pulled myself together, and got a shower, I went downstairs to find Lucy watching yet another scary movie. Isaac sat beside her, ignoring me. They were watching some gore fest, but I was silently thankful it wasn't another exorcism flick.

"Do you ever get tired of these?" I asked her.

She glanced up at me. Her white dress flowed in stark contrast with my mustard yellow carpet. "Not really. They're more interesting than anything else."

I rocked back on my heels. "Don't you like other stuff?"

She shrugged. "SpongeBob is okay."

I laughed. Once again, worrying over nothing. I needed to get a grip. "Okay. Go back to your movie. Where's Doc, anyway?"

"Looking into something."

"Got it." I left the living room and went into the kitchen long enough to grab a soda out of my awesome green fridge. Then, I passed back through and headed outside. Tabby sat on the front stoop, waiting on the city services folks. Her red hair sparkled in the early morning sunlight. She looked like a goddess in jeans and a white shirt. I was too lucky.

"They say when they would be coming?" I asked.

She shook her head. "Soon. I don't know."

I plopped down next to her and put my arm around her shoulders. Spring had been slow to come to Virginia, but it was finally warm enough to be outside without a coat. I was thankful. I needed to feel more normal again, not closed in. "If they don't get here in time, go ahead to see the wedding planner. I'll deal with the shit brigade."

Tabby snorted. "As if you don't want to get out of it anyway."

"It's not like Doc can handle it. Never mind that he isn't here now." I scratched my arm and peered down the street. Nothing but birds.

"No, but Mom will be here in about a half-hour."

I took my arm back, put my elbows on my knees, and buried my head in my hands. "Just when I thought the day couldn't get any worse."

She swatted me on the arm.

* * *

Tabby's mother arrived about twenty minutes later. Her little blue Toyota pulled into my driveway next to the SUV. Her bleached blond hair was arranged in a bouffant cloud around her head. More than once, I wondered how Tabby came from this woman. She must take after her dad.

"At least the drive wasn't bad," Tabby's mom said.

"Hello, Betty." I waved at her.

She glared at me. "Hello."

Tabby hopped up. "Thanks for coming, Mama. We really appreciate it."

"And that cat of yours is secured?"

"I put him in the bedroom. He won't bother you."

I could hear Isaac meowing from upstairs. I didn't relish us letting him out later. He was pissed.

I watched Lucy creep upstairs. I knew she couldn't let Isaac out, so that wasn't even a thought. I was more concerned that Tabby's mom would notice that a TV was on upstairs. Lucy, undoubtedly, was going to her room.

Tabby led her into the house. I glanced down the street, begging for the utility company to arrive. But they didn't, and I was stuck going along. I sighed and went into the house to grab my wallet and keys. Luckily, I didn't encounter Tabby and her mom. Wandering outside again, I climbed into the driver's side of the SUV. Tabby came out a few minutes later and hugged her mom on the stoop, then headed toward the car. Things had gone so easily, I couldn't help but wonder if Tabby hadn't performed a little witch-a-roo to make things go so smoothly.

"Okay, are you ready?" Tabby asked as she hopped into the car.

"I feel more like I'm going to the gallows."

She swatted me again. "Stop."

"Yes, ma'am."

I sighed as I put the car in gear. She peered over at me and regarded me carefully. I think she was afraid I was going to go rogue and drive us to Mexico or something.

"Jimmy, seriously, it isn't going to be that bad. If we don't like her, we can interview someone else."

I sighed again. "Guess I don't understand why we even need a wedding planner."

She glanced at me out of the corner of her eye. "If you get a case, we aren't going to have time to deal with flowers, setting up the church, where the reception will be, and the cake. The idea is to let the wedding planner know our budget, what we like, and let her take care of the rest. That way, if all hell breaks loose, the wedding can still go on as planned.

"What happened to the 'simple wedding'?" I know my folks got married in a church. My mom's parents showed up. My dad's didn't. They had pieces of cake in the church basement. That was it. I didn't have any idea why in the world we needed something bigger than that, but I had a feeling if I said much more, I was going to get my ass kicked.

"These days, this is a simple wedding."

"God, help me." It slipped. But instead of getting my ass kicked, Tabby stared out the window. I had dodged a bullet.

* * *

The first thing I saw when we arrived at the wedding planner's office was the flowers. Now, don't get me wrong, I don't mind flowers as much as the next guy, but this — this was over the top. There were so many of them; they seemed to burst forth from the walls, the floors, and even the desk. They weren't any one color either. And they were artificial, otherwise that much pollen would have sent me into a bizarre allergy fit. Luckily, the chairs were open and free.

"I'm so sorry," the older woman said. Her hair was dyed black, and I could still see the crow's feet at the corners of her eyes underneath all the make-up. "I had to pick up flowers for a client."

Part of me was impressed by her dedication, but the other side was inwardly cringing as to why she dumped all the flowers in her office when she knew she had an appointment with new clients.

Tabby grinned. "Nice of you to go out of your way."

The woman smiled tiredly. "I try to do everything I can." She held out her hand toward Tabby. "Eliza Donahue."

Tabby took the offering. "Tabby Settle, and this is my fiancé," she pointed at me, "Jimmy Holiday."

"Nice to meet you," I said. I was hoping this would be over with as fast as possible, but it wasn't looking like luck was going to be on my side today.

"Please sit," she said and started opening drawers in her desk and pulling free colorful brochures.

Tabby and I sat in the chairs on the other side of her desk.

Every so often, Eliza would hand over a pamphlet. I let Tabby take them. This was her dog and pony show.

"We want a simple wedding," Tabby started.

Eliza leaned back and stopped pulling things from her files and closed up the drawer in her desk. "Then what do you need me for?"

I forced myself not to roll my eyes, but it was hard. I didn't like the attitude she was copping. "We have jobs that take us away from town a lot. That makes it hard. We need someone to do as much as possible."

She stared down her nose at me. "And what is it you do?"

I grinned. "I'm an exorcist."

* * *

"Really, Jimmy. Did you have to?"

We were walking to the car and I had to rush to keep up with her. I hadn't seen her this upset in a while, but I was willing to take the hit. I couldn't stand it anymore. It wasn't my fault the woman freaked. Granted, I could have probably put it in a better way, but I was done with her attitude.

"You do know she's the best in these parts?" Tabby threw open the car door and shut it hard after she climbed in.

I got back in on the driver's side. Whether she was the best or not, I didn't care. She was more about the money. That pissed me off. "I didn't like her attitude."

"Obviously."

I shifted in my seat to look at her. I didn't care that she was annoyed at me. I wasn't kissing that wedding planner's ass. "Listen, why don't we go to the justice of the peace?"

Tabby paused, and then sighed. "Because there is no point in me getting married unless it feels like it means something. A judge feels so sterile."

I would love to know where women come up with this stuff. My head was starting to pound. "Can you say you are comfortable with a minister either?"

"Like you'd be willing to have a handfasting." She seemed to curl in on herself.

"Why not?" Not that I knew what that was, but wedding stuff was not my forte.

She turned toward me. "You'd do that for me?"

Obviously, she didn't figure in that I was willing to die for her, but I'd forgive her for it. I'm not exactly vocal. "I want you to be happy. We don't need any wedding planners. We'll take our time. Make sure everything is taken care of. Then do this ... whatever it is."

She swatted me on the arm.

"Besides, this way, Doc and Lucy will be able to participate."

She beamed. "I love you, ya goof."

"I love you too."

CHAPTER 2

Welcome to the Universe

THE MINUTE I pulled into the driveway, my phone rang. It couldn't have been any more perfect. I was starting to hate clichés. I jerked it from the cup holder. It was Father Martin.

"Yeah?"

I heard what sounded like him swallowing. "How fast can you get to National, Kentucky?"

"Since I don't know where National, Kentucky is, I can't say." I motioned for Tabby to go ahead. She shook her head.

Father chuckled. "That was pretty stupid of me, wasn't it?"

"Nah, just forgetful."

"There is something unusual going on there. And well, Rome must send their specialist here on a transatlantic flight to get them in on this matter. In the meantime, they would like a Marker there to check things out as soon as possible. Hopefully, today. You seem perfect for the job, considering you are used to the unusual."

That was putting it mildly. As far as I knew, I was the only guy to exorcize a corpse. "Okay. What is it I'm supposed to do?"

"Find out if there is a 'devil baby'."

I dropped the phone.

"Mr. Holiday?" The voice asked faintly from the speaker in the ear piece.

I picked it back up, my hand shaking. "Sorry. Just a shock."

"No matter at all. I will forward you the information you need. Can you leave now?"

I cleared my throat. Well, that put a monkey wrench in all our plans. "Give me time to get my mail held and get packed."

"That will do." I set my phone down in the cup holder and leaned in the seat.

"What is going on?" Tabby asked.

"I don't even know if you'll believe this one." I took a deep breath. "Let's get rid of your mother and I'll tell you all about it."

No way was I going to talk about this with the battle axe around. I didn't need all the snide comments about my mental state. Granted, I was not quite sane, but that woman could take anything and make it shameful. I was not a fan of hers.

Tabby smacked my arm, shook her head, and got out of the car. "Whatever you say."

I followed Tabby into the house. The discussion was not over, but I wasn't going to start it up again — especially around her mother.

She was standing inside the living room, glaring at us. "I don't know how you can stand living with that thing. All it did the entire time I was here was make noise."

Tabby sighed. "Did you try talking to him?"

"Now, why would I do that?"

I wanted to slap the woman. Nothing with her was ever easy, but she couldn't let anything go.

I glanced up the stairs to see the usual ghost. Lucy, my six-year-old spirit, was standing there with her hand over her mouth as if to try to keep from giggling. I winked at her.

"It could have been worse, I guess, except for the stink," her mom said, then looked me up and down as if I was dirt under her shoe or something.

I wasn't about to have someone insult me in my own damn house. "How would you know? I'm surprised you can smell anything over the top of that cheap perfume you insist on wearing."

"Well, I never." She huffed, put her head in the air, and walked out of the house. Tabby followed her, trying to calm her down, but the woman hopped right into her car and took off.

Once Tabby got back inside, she fumed. "Jimmy, did you have to?" "I absolutely did."

"You couldn't have held it together for five minutes?"

I shook my head. "Nope. I get that she hates my guts, but I'm not taking shit from her. She could have been decent about the whole thing, but she wasn't."

"And where does that leave us?"

I shrugged. "There's no chance we can count on her to help watch out for workmen in the future. I'd honestly rather not have her in my house. Besides, there are more things to worry about than your mom's hurt feelings."

"You really make things difficult sometimes, you know that?"

I pulled her into a hug. "Sorry." I motioned for Lucy to come down. "Why don't you go let the slobbering beast free?"

Tabby laughed. "Oh no, buddy. You go let him out. I'll hang with Lucy."

I crept upstairs, dreading this one. While I knew he wasn't going to repeat this morning's performance, I would be fortunate if I didn't end up losing a bit of blood.

I opened the door to our bedroom and froze. My pillow was ripped apart, stuffing spread all over the bed and floor.

"You little shit!"

He appeared at my feet. Didn't walk. Appeared. And he was smiling.

"You are lucky I love you."

He rose up, rubbed against my legs, and left the room.

"Son of a bitch."

* * *

After I finished cleaning up the mess, I headed back downstairs. Tabby and Lucy looked at me and started to laugh.

"What?"

"You have cotton or something in your hair." Tabby guffawed.

I ran my hand through my hair and found the ball of fluff. "You can thank your brat of a familiar."

Isaac meowed from the back of the couch.

Tabby snickered. "Seriously, where are we going? Is this whole thing going to give me a headache?"

I walked over to the computer and booted it up. "Kentucky. Probably. Do me a favor and hose out the basement. I have to get our reservations."

She raised her eyebrow and gave me the glare of death. "How about I start packing for the both of us and you take care of the shit in the basement? Literally."

I sighed. "What? Isaac's little game wasn't enough?"

She snorted. "If we both go down, then we will still need to pack. If I pack while you hose, at least then you won't be cleaning up puke as well as shit and both things get done."

"All right. But next time, you're doing it."

She laughed. "I hope to God there isn't a next time."

I fiddled with the computer some more, avoiding the inevitable. When I finished, I noticed the receipt from the Utility Board sitting there in its yellow-ey goodness on the table. The guy had scribbled that the back-up was on them and not on me. So, no money was owed. Thank God. It meant I didn't owe Tabby's mom any money.

No sense in putting it off any longer. I laid down the receipt and walked into the hallway. I opened the door to the basement and gagged. The stench was as bad as the demonic. The dank staircase didn't help, but the smell was simply awful. I flipped on the light. The floor of the basement was not something I wanted to witness. I gagged again, then went outside, grabbed the water hose, dragged it with me into the house, and hooked it up to the kitchen faucet. I yanked it along with me downstairs.

"Okay, can we come around now?" Doc asked.

I laughed. "You might want to avoid this and watch TV with Lucy." Might as well save as many people as I could from the horror.

"I'll keep you company. Ain't got no smell."

It was nice of him. But then, Doc was always surprising me. Yet, what he said made me pause. Lucy had the ability to sort of smell things by letting them pass through her body. After she'd discovered that, I kind of figured they all could. "Really?"

(Continues...)

Excerpted from Sorrow's Lie by Danielle DeVor. Copyright © 2017 Danielle DeVor. Excerpted by permission of City Owl Press.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.

Edition details

• Publisher: City Owl Press
• Publication date: 2017
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1944728414
• ISBN 13: 9781944728410
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 192