Devil Went Down (first 3 chapters)

Devil

Went Down

Prologue

One day the angels came to show themselves before the Lord, and Satan with them. The Lord said to Satan, "Where have you come from?" Satan answered the Lord, "I have been wandering around the earth, going back and forth in it." Then the Lord said to Satan, "Have you noticed My servant Job? No one else on Earth is like him! He is an honest and innocent man, honoring God and staying away from evil."

But Satan answered the Lord, "Job honors God for a good reason. You have put a wall around him, his family, and everything he owns. You have blessed the things he has done. But reach out Your hand and destroy everything he has, and he will curse You to Your face." The Lord said to Satan, "Everything Job has is in your power, but you must not touch Job himself!"

Then Satan left the Lord's presence.

Job 1:6-12 (NCV)

I

                            Lengthy is the best way to describe my existence now for the word completely lacks emotion, like me.

I suppose the end started with my ‘Uncle’ Lou. Endings are sort of his thing and enduring him is sort of mine. Besides being a total jerk, Lou tended to call at inconvenient times. That day was no different. Enjoying a steady Gulf breeze from the deck of my most recent indulgence, I ignored the vibrations originating from my pocket. Only one soul had my number and, as usual, I didn’t want to talk to him. On the ninth or tenth ring, however, the perfect sky clouded over and my sloop dipped sharply on what were no longer still waters.

                “For god’s sake,” I shouted, fumbling to get the stupid phone out of my pocket. “What?” I barked into the receiver.

                “I’d appreciate it if you didn’t mention Him, and for your sake pick up the damned phone when I ring!”

He was—is, very impatient. He alone inspired the development of anger management along with many other forms of therapy.

“Alright, calm down. I’m listening.”

He didn’t care that I hated him, only that I did as I was told. I peered at the shore in the distance, dotted by bodies stretched under the sun, so tiny and dark that they looked like no more than dark sticks lying in the sand.

                “Excellent. I have a new target for you.”

                “What? No way, I’m not due for another two.”

                It was part of the deal, our arrangement if you will. I liked to think of my schedule in terms of firefighters and nurses—four on, four off. Not days, years. It wasn’t for everyone, but I’d grown accustomed to it. What’s more, I didn’t appreciate him cutting in on my time.

                “This is urgent Damian, time sensitive. Besides, you’re in no position to argue.”

                 I knew he could sense my anger, so I didn’t bother concealing my hatred. Oh, I should clarify. I was capable of feeling emotions, just none of the nice ones.

                “Who is it?” I growled, imagining a thousand sulfurous thoughts, each one resulting in his pinhead separated from his stocky body.

                “I’m sure you have heard of him. We’ve been working his case for years now. Charlie Grace?”

                “Yeah sure, but I thought he was off limits.”