“You seriously have a demon hunting dog?”
The priest leaned forward in his chair and patted the German Shepherd on its head, “Why is that so hard to believe William? Dogs have senses that mankind doesn’t. With Jack’s help, I am able to identify the presence of demons far sooner than I could on my own. For instance, I already know there is a demon in your house – and I already know you’re a little jackass.”
William was shocked to hear a priest be so direct, “Why do you say that father?”
“William, demons are attracted to two kinds of people – saints and sinners. It’s far more difficult to deal with the latter. Which would you say you are?”
“I’ve never been much into church –“
“I didn’t ask about church William. I am asking about the condition of your heart … your soul.”
There was a long pause before William answered, “I’m not sure why it matters.”
“You’re not sure why it matters?” The priest chuckled out loud and exchanged glances with Jack,
“You’ve spent your life ignoring God’s plea for a relationship and now that you have a little demon problem you suddenly want His help.”
“Why do you keep saying it’s a demon? Couldn’t it be something else – like a ghost or something?”
“Ghost?” The priest sighed, “William, it is appointed to men to only die once. When they do, they go to heaven or hell. Those who are in hell are unable to communicate with the living and I’m sure those who are in heaven have better things to do.”
“What are you saying?”
“I’m saying there are no ghosts. There never has been. There’s never been any aliens, Bigfoot, or a Loch Nest monster either … it’s all demons and always has been.”
“But ..”
“But nothing William!” The priest suddenly stood eliciting a soft bark from Jack, “It is the chief goal of the enemy to convince you that he and his minions aren’t real. If he can get someone to spend their life looking for Bigfoot they haven’t spent their life looking for God. It’s as simple as that!”
The room grew somber for a few seconds with only the sound of Jack’s panting to fill the void. William watched as the priest walked over to the window and looked outside.
“What do I do then?”
“What do you do?” The priest turned from the window to look at William, “You make the same decision we all make. You choose sides. Pick God and pray He spares you from what’s happening in this house or refuse Him yet again. In which case, you’re left to your own devices.
Either way, I’ll try to help you the best I can.”
“I don’t believe in demons.”
The priest grimaced slightly before nodding, “Very well then. I wish you good luck William. Come Jack.”
The priest patted his leg and left out the front door with the German shepherd on his heel leaving William all alone in the dark room. One more night he thought. Whatever it was, he would wait it out one more night and then call an exorcist who wasn’t affiliated with the church.
What he needed now was rest. William leaned back in his chair and shut his eyes. The priest had nearly managed to spook him with all his talk of demons. A good night’s rest would help make things look better.
It was then that the demon made its move. Clawed hands slowly moved from behind the chair to creep along William’s chest. The foul stench of death slowly filled the room as the demon sunk in its claws. William’s eyes opened wide as he screamed. The demon had him pinned to the chair as blood began to seep through his shirt.
It was in that moment that his front door burst open. Jack the German Shepherd bolted into the room barking followed closely behind by a screaming priest brandishing a raised crucifix.
In the chaos, the demon released William and scurried away into a corner.
“Do you believe in demons now William?” the Priest was still shouting as Jack crouched and squared off with the demon in the corner.
“I believe!” William staggered to hide behind the priest; his hands held to his still bleeding chest.
“That’s a start William … we need to get you to a hospital. Jack – come!” The priest ushered William out of the room while Jack backed out growling all the way.
As the trio made their exit, the demon slinked its way to the window to watch them leave. The next time it would be ready for the canine.
William would be his.
_________________________
©2011 C.D. Goble
C.D. Goble enjoys writing in a variety of genres including horror and poetry. He is relatively new to flash fiction but loves the challenge of creating an enjoyable story in 1000 words or less. You can find him on the web at http://www.theimperfectdisciples.com/
Tags: C.D. Goble
