Runaway - An Adrian Hell One Shot by James P. Sumner

Author:James P. Sumner [Sumner, James P.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

18:28 EDT

I open my eyes. Everything’s a little misty. There’s a constant, dull pulsing in the back of my head, too. I’m guessing someone hit me from behind.

Well, whoever it was is going to be really sorry he didn’t kill me.

I blink hard a few times to clear the fog, and glance down at my watch. I’ve been out well over an hour.

I’m sitting down, but I’m not tied up or anything. Which is the second mistake these assholes have made. Seriously, what a bunch of amateurs. Don’t they know how to kidnap and torture anyone? Jeez…

This chair I’m sitting on is nice. It has a smooth, polished wooden frame, and thick, soft padding. The carpet looks nice, too. It’s maroon and clean. A quick look around the room tells me everything I need to know. It’s nicely furnished, well maintained, with soft lighting and low music playing in the background. There’s a large sofa on my left, facing an open fire, which is crackling and flickering away to itself. I’m sitting at a table in roughly the center of the room. I’m at one end, and there are three seats on either side of me, all empty.

I’m guessing I’m inside the gated community of The Children of the Light. I would also guess I’m in Kenneth Wylde’s own private house. I say that, because he’s sitting opposite me, staring at me with a wide, unblinking gaze.

There is some serious crazy behind those green eyes. Trust me, I know a thing or two about monsters buried deep inside, and this guy’s definitely got his own devil locked away somewhere.

He smiles, slow and broad. “Welcome, my friend.”

His voice is smooth and deliberate. It makes me think of a snake—soothing and persuasive.

I massage my neck, and let out a reluctant sigh. “Hello.”

He points at me. “As you can see, you’re not restrained. I want you to know you’re free to leave whenever you want.”

“Uh-huh…”

“But I’m hoping we can talk first.”

I shrug. “I wanted to talk anyway. I was on my way here to sign up when I got clocked from behind. I’m guessing that was one of your… disciples?”

He nods. “It was. A mere precaution. I have learned not to let my faith blind my judgment.”

“Right…”

“Two of my children tell me you were physical with them.”

I nod. “I was, yeah. They were in over their heads, and they were about to get lynched by everyone inside a café. I explained to them I did what I did for their own protection. I also explained I’m in town looking for you.”

“That’s right.” He strokes his beard dramatically. “They told me you are… lost?”

“That’s me. A lost soul if ever there was one. So, can you help me?”

“You’ll have to forgive my skepticism, Mr…”

“Adrian.”

“…Adrian, but not many people actively seek us out.”

I raise an eyebrow. “And why do you think that is?”

He smiles, as if he’s about to launch into a well-rehearsed speech that he’s said a thousand times before. “When the Lord started speaking to me, and helped me find my true calling, I was in a bad place.

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