Crown Of Thorns [ Michael Langdon ]

17 - hail satan! - 17

{Chapter Seventeen - Hail Satan!}

~ You never looked like yourself from the side,
But your profile could not hide,
The fact you knew I was approaching your throne ~

- Crying Lightning

"I don't know why you won't just tell me exactly where we're going." Michael said from the front seat of Madelyn's red convertible. Elora sat in the backseat, her legs up on the seat next to her. It was hot, so her blazer jacket was laying across her lap.

"I'm sorry. I'm already a little freaked out I've said too much. And you being who you are..."

"It's okay. You don't have to be nervous around me. I'm the same guy I was when you met me."

"That is so not true." Madelyn laughed.

"Just tell me."

"Okay. We are, like, this secret network. We all know each other. A secret network of people who sold their souls."

"Yeah?"

"And... if you think about this network like it's a hotel, then I am taking you to the penthouse. No one is gonna pass up a chance to meet the true son of the most foul. If there is anyone who can help get you back on track, they can."

They pulled up in front of a large glass building. Michael and Elora jumped out, "You're not coming with us?" Michael asked, as Madelyn stayed idle in the car.

"They're only interested in you. Just... go up the path to the entrance and ask for Jeff Pfister and Mutt Nutter. I really think you're gonna be impressed. At least I hope so." Madelyn smiled. Michael kneeled by the door of the car to speak to her,

"Why are you so good to me?" He asked, smiling. Madelyn reminded him a lot of Ms Mead.

"I've waited for you my whole life. We all have." Madelyn shrugged. "Could I ask you a favor?"

"Anything."

"When you finally talk to your father, could you maybe put in a good word for me? When I get to Hell, I want to be in the lowest circle."

"Circle?"

"However it's structured, I want to be in the worst part. Or the best part. I want to burn in blistering fire for all eternity in service."

"I'll see what I can do." Michael said with an amused smile, before standing up straight. The pair walked towards the building, Elora gazing up in wonder.

"Hail Satan!" Madelyn called, and Michael looked back at her, laughing and holding his finger to his lips, saying 'Shh'. He turned to Elora, who grinned back at him. Michael pressed a kiss to her lips, throwing her off guard.

"What was that for?" She intertwined their hands.

"I'm just so glad you're here with me. I couldn't do any of this alone." Michael said as they continued walking, "I love you."

"I love you too." Elora responded as the sliding doors opened for them. The building was considerably cooler than outside, which Elora was thankful for. She pushed her sunglasses to the top of her head, and her heels echoed in the silent lobby.

"Hi, welcome to Kineros Robotics." The woman at the front desk spoke. She had a couple of buttons undone on her shirt, and Elora noticed she looked Michael up and down with a smirk. "How may I help you?"

"We're here to see Jeff Pfister and Mutt Nutter." Michael named the men that Madelyn had told him to ask for.

"Oh, yeah. Madelyn called." The woman said, reaching for her telephone. It seemed like the receptionist was familiar with Madelyn. "Just take a seat." Michael and Elora sat down on the black leather couches, and Elora put her blazer back on.