Page 16 of Exorcise Me
As they loaded Sadie onto a stretcher, her eyes flickered open briefly. They were clear and frightened—a teenage girl’s eyes, nothing demonic about them.
“What happened?” she asked weakly.
“You’re going to be okay,” I told her, squeezing her hand. “The doctors are going to help you.”
Relief washed over her face before her eyes closed again, exhaustion claiming her.
I watched as the paramedics wheeled her out, her parents following close behind. Father Finnegan stood apart, his expression unreadable as he packed away the unused ritual implements.
“You’ve just condemned that girl to continued torment,” Father Finnegan said.
“I’ve helped her get proper medical care,” I countered. “If there was a demon, the doctors wouldn’t find anything wrong.”
“And when theydofind nothing?” His voice was sharp. “When their science fails her, will you still deny what you’ve seen with your own eyes?”
“I saw a seizure, Father. Not evil.”
He shook his head slowly. “You used to have faith, Noah.” He stepped closer, his gaze piercing. “The evil one has found a way into your life. Into your heart.” He placed a heavy hand on my shoulder. “Tell me the truth. What have you done?”
The weight of his disappointment was crushing. This man had been like a second father to me, guiding me through years of training, believing in me when I doubted myself.
And now I was lying to him.
“I need time,” I said finally. “To think, to… sort things out.”
He searched my face for a long moment, then sighed heavily. “Time won’t change what’s right and wrong, Noah. But take it if you must. Just remember—the longer evil dwells near you, the harder it becomes to recognize.”
He gathered his things and left without another word, leaving me alone in the now-quiet room, the faint smell of incense and antiseptic hanging in the air.
Chapter 9
I drove home in a daze, my mind replaying the events of the day in an endless loop. Sadie’s contorted body. Father Finnegan’s disappointment. The paramedic’s matter-of-fact assessment of a medical condition, not a spiritual affliction.
And beneath it all, the question that had been haunting me since Lucien appeared in my life: What if everything I’d been taught was wrong?
By the time I reached my apartment building, night had fallen. I sat in my car for long minutes, gathering courage for the conversation I knew awaited me upstairs. Lucien would have questions. He deserved answers. I just wasn’t sure I had them.
When I finally unlocked my apartment door, I was greeted by darkness and silence. No music playing. No delicious smells from the kitchen. No Lucien lounging on my couch with a book or my laptop.
“Lucien?” I called, flipping on lights as I moved through the apartment. “Are you here?”
No answer.
I checked every room, a growing sense of dread building in my chest. The bathroom was empty, the bedroom undisturbed. In the kitchen, a note sat on the counter, held down by a small jar of honey I didn’t remember buying.
With trembling fingers, I picked up the note.
Noah,
I think we both need some space to consider what happens next. You have choices to make that shouldn’t be influenced by my presence (or my admittedly spectacular bedroom skills).
Don’t worry—I haven’t gone far. When you’re ready to talk, truly ready, hold this jar up to the light and say my name three times. Yes, it’s dramatic, but I am a demon. We have standards to maintain.
Whatever you decide, know that these past days have meant more to me than you can imagine.
- L
P.S. The honey is excellent in tea. Or other places, if you’re feeling adventurous.
