Moon Shadow

20

Pastor Hans called me the next day, asking for my help. A vana had possessed someone from his church, and I was the only one who could save them. Ha! Though Pastor Hans hadn't said it, contacting me was his way of admitting faith magic was useless, like I had told him back at Mama Joni's house. Some people loved learning their lessons the hard way.

Getting out of the auto-rickshaw, I stepped onto the dirt road; the sun blasting me with its hateful rays like we had beef, forcing me to cover my face with my hands. Days like these made me hate the fact I was on call twenty-four-seven. Maybe I should do business from nine to five? Argh! I hated being broke. Also, why didn't I carry an umbrella? I didn't want to swim in my own seat.

In front of me was The Church of Miracles surrounded by a massive perimeter wall. I never thought I'd live long enough to be invited to an enemy's territory without my life being on the line. And yet, here I was.

"Binti Nasra," a voice called me from the gate. Turning, I saw Pastor Hans standing in front of the open metallic door, wearing a black two-piece suit and a white clerical collar around his neck.

"That's my name," I replied.

He frowned. "Follow me."

Kha! You'd think he'd be glad to see his knight in shining armor. Mxiu! The manners on him.

Stepping through the gate, my ears popped before the whooshing sound of wind filled them again and a wave of chatter followed. From the outside, it looked like nothing was going on inside. I had assumed everyone was relaxing while waiting for the boring Sunday to end, now that the morning mass had finished.

I was wrong and naïve to think so—two things I couldn't afford to be in my line of work.

Clearly, the church had erected—ha!—a sound barrier, preventing those on the outside to hear what was going on inside. A smart move. Too many nosy Nancy's out there.

Six buildings with multiple floors made up The Church of Miracles. One stood in the middle while the rest surrounded it, forming a star shape. The church had male and female members, using the titles pastor and pastoress while being led by a reverend.

"Can you tell me more about the possessed pastor?" I asked Pastor Hans.

"I never said it was a pastor."

Ha! He caught me. But now I knew it was a pastoress. Still, what would the demon want with her? Vanas mocked pastors and pastoresses as much as occult detectives did. Could it be doing the same here? Possessing her to show them how weak they and faith magic were against it? I mean, we are talking about the members of The Clergy here. They'd blame someone or something else for why they couldn't exorcise the demon, rather than admitting the truth.

"I don't know why you won't tell me. What are you hiding?" I asked.

Pastor Hans stopped walking, and I bumped into him. "There are too many eyes and ears here." He glanced at the other pastors and pastoresses staring at us from the sides, all dressed like him.

My mouth formed an O-shape. Oh, shit. The other members didn't know about the vana. This level of secrecy meant the demon didn't possess a pastoress. Instead... I gulped.

"I don't feel welcomed here," I said, not liking the glares directed my way when I was there to save the day. Did they think I wanted to be here and be the center of attention? If so, then yes, they were right. I loved being delusional from time to time, thinking the world revolved around me.

"You shouldn't feel welcomed. This is a one-time thing," Pastor Hans said before he resumed walking.

"Ouch." I placed my hand on my chest, pretending his reply hurt me.