All the Pomp of Earthly Majesty by Michael G Williams

Author:Michael G Williams [Williams, Michael G]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Falstaff Books
Published: 2020-04-27T22:00:00+00:00

A Chinatown, Tonight

What happened to the city?” Madge’s eyes were wide with concern and curiosity, and then they narrowed with anger. She took a step toward Mammon and raised her index finger to point at him. With every step, she felt forces start to spark and gather around her.

“To be honest,” Mammon said to her with a big grin, “I’m not sure. I have the sense something happened, but…” The demon shook his head, looking around. “I’m not sure what. I’m afraid I’ve just arrived myself.”

“Just arrived?” Madge finished closing the gap between them and put the tip of her index finger in the very center of Mammon’s chest, poking him. “Quit bullshitting me and give me back my partner. And my city.”

Mammon’s head twisted on his neck, nodding first to one side and then the other, considering her as though from a great distance. “You’re quite sincere, aren’t you?” He reached up and pushed her finger aside. “And quite aggressive. You know, it’s possible I might have a job for someone with your, ah, insight.”

Madge stepped back. “You really don’t know what I’m talking about, do you?”

Mammon smiled again. She could tell that was his default reaction: smile, see if that wins people over. She knew what happened if he didn’t. And she knew that meant this Mammon had no idea who she was. “I’m afraid I don’t. But I do know a witch when I see one, believe me.”

Madge took another step backward. “So what are you doing here?”

“I’ve come to San Francisco to see what riches it might hold.” Mammon spread his hands wide, gesturing at the city in general. “It’s always struggled to find its place in the larger scheme. But there also seems to be endless potential for exploitation. I’ve come to see if I can kickstart that. Goose the throttle and make some magic happen.” When he said “magic,” he rubbed his thumb against the tips of his index and middle fingers, the common gesture for money. “Thought I might start with some real estate speculation, see where that takes things. Make enough people think they want to be in a place badly enough and someone will figure out a reason to stay.” The demon clapped his hands together. “Now, as I was saying, I could always use the help of a cooperative magician. You know, the usual: charms, spells, potions, whatever ability you might have to tip the hand of fate and influence people to take a more favorable mindset toward my ambitions. Are you interested? I promise to make it quite worth your while.”

“Oh my fucking gods.” Madge closed her eyes and turned halfway away from him. “This is the San Francisco where you never showed up before now.” She opened her eyes again and blinked at him. “No real estate boom. No Silicon Valley.” She looked back at the skyline, shorter in stature than the one she expected. “I have to get back home.”

Mammon lifted a finger as though to delay her for a moment.

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