Read Online The World Ends at Five & Other Stories by M Pepper Langlinais - Free Book Online Page B

didn’t even know you had a starring role.” He stopped in front of her, leaned in again, cornering her in the chair by putting his hands on either arm. “Now, let’s talk about temptation.”
     
    Andrew stopped so shortly, Stephen nearly ran into him. They lifted their eyes to the building in front of them; it was higher than any of the others they’d passed. The elegant brass sign over the door announced it to be “Ames Enterprises.”
    They went inside.
     
    “Lucien, don’t!” Jezebel’s voice was ragged and hoarse with a mixture of fear and rage. She took a step forward, but that was as far as she dared go.
    He turned to her with a sneer. “Jealous, pet? Don’t you like this new game?”
    “If you tempt her--”
    “It will all be over. Go ahead, I’d like to see you try.”
    Lucien’s head turned towards the door; the rest of him was perfectly still. A slow, cold smile creased his features. “Andrew. How long has it been?”
    “Not long enough.”
    " And who is your friend? Come , be polite . Introduce us.”
    Andrew did not move or speak. Stephen stood next to him, studying his expression, trying to understand the depth of the hatred within the older angel. He couldn’t. He’d never seen anything like it before, and he hoped to never see it again; it hurt him physically, made him squint against the darkness, not of the office, but of Andrew himself.
    Stephen’s gaze then moved to Lucien. Strangely enough, he looked like any other angel. But of course, Stephen reasoned, he would. Lucifer had been the angel of light and music, and here they all were in a dark, silent room, with nothing but the city lights and moonglow to give them anything to see by.
    “DoyouthinkIcan’ ttempther ?”Lucien demanded. “Don’t you think I could, if I tried?”
    “Pride, Lucifer,” Andrew warned smugly. “Do you remember what it goes before?”
    “A fall. But that doesn’t necessarily mean it will be mine.”
    Stephen’s eyes widened slightly at this outrageous twisting of scripture. That’s how he does it , he thought. That’s how he confuses people about what to believe.
    In her chair, Doria had pivoted to watch the proceedings. “Get the girl, Stephen,” the one called Andrew said. The other one moved towards her, but Lucien stepped into his path.
    “I wouldn’t.” The voice was low and smooth and deadly.
    Stephen looked at Lucien, then back at Andrew. He l ooked at the girl. And suddenly, he couldn’t see.
    The storm clouds had blocked out the moon. They had blocked out all light from the city. The office was pitch black.
    In the corner, Jezebel struck the lighter and lit some candles that were sitting on the bar.
    Outside, there was a crack of thunder. It was low, but it was building, like a large cat growling in its throat.
    Lucien shook his head. “No. I will not lose this game.”
    Jezebel strolled over, lighting a cigarette. “I think you already have, babe,” she said with the cigarette between her teeth. She shoved the pack and the lighter back into his suitcoat pocket.
    Lucien shoved her away and pointed to Doria . “I have her here! There are rules, even to this! As long as she is here, nothing can happen to this city!”
    “That doesn’t necessarily mean nothing can happen to you ,” said Andrew.
    One of Lucien’s long, white hands went to his forehead, fluttered there a moment. It was the only sign that might convey something like desperation or panic on his part. “You know, Andrew,” he said after a long moment, “you should have come with me. I could have used a wit like yours. I’m sure it’s less than appreciated where you are.”
    “The girl, Stephen,” Andrew said flatly.
    Stephen moved forward again, but Lucien caught at his arm. The pain and anger in Lucien’s eyes made Stephen wince, not in fear, but in pity. Stephen understood that it was as close to begging as Lucien would come--he would not speak it, but the expression pleaded with Stephen not to do