Chapter 4 Lucifer

Lina's POV

I arrived at the church as early as 7am. Father Eron was leading the morning prayers so I waited patiently for him.

After a few minutes of waiting, the prayers came to an end, and I was glad I finally got to speak with the priest.

I was just too eager to get my hands on clues that can help me track down the motherfucker that's behind these missing children.

Not just that, I'll also like to look straight into detective Rayshon's eyes and throw my middle fingers at him.

These were my fantasies and I'll make them come true.

I'm a step close to the clue I'm looking for.

“Detective Lina,” Father Eron called, walking towards me with swift yet urgent steps. “I'm sorry I had to make you come all the way here.”

“It's no problem,” I replied calmly, my expression emotionless but I was curious as fuck, “Anything that helps the investigation is worth the walk.” I added.

“Thank you, please have a seat.” He said, gesturing to the chair I stood up from to greet him.

He sat opposite me with a worried look.

I was quiet, expecting him to start talking already, but he hesitated for a while.

“Is everything okay….Father?” I asked, curiosity creeping into my voice.

“I'd a revelation last night,” he paused. “I saw a set of five kids screaming for help in a burning garden.” Father Eron said, his voice suddenly became low, as if he didn't want the walls to hear him speak.

After a long pause, then he continued, “And…among these children, was...Nore.” he choked while he stole quick glances at me just to see my reaction.

My eyes darted to Father Eron's hand, they were shaky. He hesitated for a second before he continued talking again.

“Nore was… troubled, he came to me often, complaining about the things he hears in his head, sometimes he sees things too.”

I noticed there was a continuous pause in the way Father Eron speaks, which could only be because he was scared of something.

Father Eron continuously toyed with the rosary around his neck while he spoke.

“Did he ever mention dreams?” I asked, leaning in, wanting to hear more.

Father Eron shook his head briefly, then he whispered, “Not always.”

I wanted to push deeper, to want to know more, but I don't want to take things too far, so I decided to take it slow.

I stared at the priest continuously, hoping to study him perfectly, to see from which angle I could start questioning him from.

“What was your relationship like with Nore?” I asked.

“We're…really close, that's all I know.” He blurted smoothly.

“What do you feel about his disappearance?” I asked, leaning back into my chair.

“I wished I'd paid more attention to him.” Father Eron said, his voice was partially resentful.

“I understand how you feel, but you need to understand that it's not too late to pay attention to him right now.” I explained, my voice was soft and I sounded almost too certain.

“I need your help, Father,” I whispered quietly. “You understand Nore, even more than his Mom. You may know more than you think. Please be a part of this investigation, these kids need us now.” I pleaded, eyes strained wide, and palms rubbing each other.

The priest sighed; “Detective, my work is here, as you can see. I've a flock and they're my purpose on earth, to serve them, for the sake of Jesus Christ.” He explained.

“Father, do you know what it’s like to stand beside a mother who's staring at her son’s empty room? To tell her we don’t know anything about her only child's whereabouts? Even if these parents are sinners, they still don't deserve any of this.” I was almost sounding sceptical but I tried to mask it.

The priest hesitated for a while then he stood up and walked to the altar and stood just next to the candle table. He began to light the candles one after the other. While he did so, he started to talk; “I know how it feels like to lose a child, but what I have no idea about is having someone to devote his whole life into something, just like you do.”

I tried to smile but I couldn't, the conversation was getting more heated.

He lit the candles slowly and the flames caught slowly, as if it was too reluctant.

“Father, please. For the sake of these kids…for the sake of Nore…let's help them come back home.” I added as I stepped forward closer to the altar.

“Alright,” The priest finally said, his eyes still fixated on the candles. “I’ll help, but I fear what we might find.”

The priest wasn't smiling at all. He looked dead serious and maybe somewhat terrified.

For some reason, I was slowly becoming scared too.

But then I felt a mix of relief and assurance. I can't believe I'm going to prove that bastard senior detective of mine wrong.

“Thank you, Father,” I said, sounding almost too excited.

I turned around to leave when he suddenly said something that grabbed my attention and left me thinking.

“But I should let you know that this isn't a battle that guns and bullets will fight for you!” He whispered, but loud enough that I heard him.

“Wh…what?” I stuttered, trying to put a smile on my face but I was too scared to fake a smile.

“I'm scared that we might have a third party in this case.” He whispered again, still burning the candles on the altar.

My legs began to shake beneath me, I couldn't even say a word.

“A….a…third party?!” I stammered.

“Yes, a third party!” The priest said, now staring at me—straight into my eyes.

His stare was even scarier than his words.

“Who could that be?”I managed to ask.

“Lucifer!” He blurted smoothly, and I could see the reflection of the candle flames in his eyes.

Just the mention of ‘Lucifer’ sent shivers down my spine and for a split second, I wished I hadn't heard this.