Father Santos was pleased. “I saw the same thing. But what puzzles me is that the nature of a heritage demon isn’t to cower inside of a human who isn’t part of the family.”
“Cower?” Alan questioned.
“Heritage demons are high demons. They have infinite power. One could be in the next room and be influencing Father Simon to do a cartwheel without much effort. There is no reason to possess a living being. If this is Gadus, it’s doubly disturbing.”
“Why?”
“It had been feeding off the Borgia family. When the direct line ended, Gadus had no choice but to look for others. The only reason we know about Gadus at all is because of Lucrezia Borgia’s secret journals. Gadus would have amassed a significant amount of gold. With gold comes power. Power brings gold. It is a vicious cycle and the Achilles’ heel of many demons.”
“Forgive me, Father Santos, but I thought heritage demons dealt with souls.”
“Hell pays for souls with gold,” Father Santos answered. “The longer the line, the richer the heritage demon becomes. We rarely step in because you can’t kill them. Once they are imbedded in a family rich with heirs, they won’t leave. If the line hasn’t died out, the principal of the family has to release the demon. I’ve been able to do so successfully a few times. But I assure you both, the principal and the demon were ready to part ways.”
“But you do exorcisms,” Alan confirmed.
“Yes, but rarely, and even more rare involving a heritage demon. They are easy to communicate with once you know their names. But they are extremely dangerous if you don’t,” Santos told him.
“Could we be dealing with a lower level demon?” Father Simon asked. “Audrey mentioned negative elementals. I confess I have never heard of them before.”
“They are rare. Even rarer on their own.”
“She said her husband Orion told her that ‘on the rare occurrence of a demon death, they are offered rebirth as an elemental. It’s a demon ghost.’ Can a corrupted human, upon their death, be offered the same deal?” Father Simon asked.
“I would have to consult a black magic practitioner,” Father Santos said and made a note. He turned and asked Father Simon, “I can see your wheels turning, Berhanu. What are you considering?”
“What if more than a heritage demon is involved? If there is also a negative elemental, then it would explain why they are keeping ghosts trapped inside the house.”
“A negative elemental doesn’t have infinite power; they need to feed…” Father Santos said, rubbing his chin. “A demon ghost can possess a living being. I wonder if I can find an account of one.” He stopped and wrote down another note. “Alan, we need to find out as much as possible on August Atwater and his grandson Arnold. But we have to be very careful not to show our hand too soon.”
“What happens to Kiki in the meanwhile?” Alan asked.
“With negative elementals, distance is a factor. They need to recharge or feed by draining the ghosts. If you are worried about the negative elemental draining Kiki, don’t. It doesn’t happen. But they can’t be too far from their food. It may be miles or hundreds of miles. The longer they are away, their hold on the living diminishes. Drive down and surprise Kiki with a dinner out in the neighboring city. Put at least three rivers between you and the Atwater Estate. Think of a negative elemental as a demon ghost. They have similar problems with salt, moving water, iron, holy water. My hope is to stretch the hold on Kiki to such a demanding point that the negative elemental will release her and return to the Atwater Estate.”
“What happens once she is freed?”
“She is susceptible to possession again by this demon ghost. You’ll have to keep her away from the project without her knowing why.”
“That’s going to be impossible. Why can’t she know?”
“If she returns knowing what happened to her, the negative elemental will read her mind, and if we aren’t prepared…”
“All hell is going to break loose?” Alan guessed.
“I wouldn’t have used those words, but yes.” Father Santos said.
~
Sally arrived to find the kitchen showing signs of midnight munchers. She set everything to rights before putting together a hearty breakfast. Carl was the first contractor to walk in and inquire about her night.
“We played poker. I’m up five dollars after I pay Jesse back, so I’d say it went well. You look a little tired.”
“Wayne talks in his sleep. Last night, it was about a puppy stuck in a toilet or some such nonsense.”
“Coffee?” she asked, reaching for a mug.
“Yes, please.”
Carl helped Sally bring out the trays of sausages and scrambled eggs to put on the sideboard. Once that was accomplished, Sally set up a toasting station. She put out an array of breads and butters.
Pete wandered out. His hair stuck up on one side. He served himself and sat down to eat in silence. Sally went back into the kitchen. There she prepped for lunch and sat down with a cup of coffee to start to plan supper. Cid walked in, kissed her on the cheek, and left with a smile.
Kiki walked in. She didn’t say a word. She just stared at Sally.
“Yes?” Sally asked.
“You’re not doing your reputation any good sleeping in a trailer with two bachelors.”
“Duly noted. I used to sleep in a tent with twelve bachelors. I know how to take care of myself. Your concern is appreciated but not warranted.”
“I thought we got
