Sasha struggled to keep Don from bolting, despite his small size and restraints. "Let me out of here," the child screamed.
"How can we help you, Father?" she asked, during a lull in the noise.
"You're doing it. Just continue to keep him under control, please."
Suddenly Don stopped fighting. He glared at Sasha and his eyes glowed red, like two hot coals.
The child growled softly in a half-human, half-animal voice. "I command you to release me. Now."
"Don't listen to it!" shouted Father Sutherby.
Floyd rushed over, and covered Don's mouth.
"Ouch!" he exclaimed, jumping back.
In those seconds, Father Sutherby had begun a low chant.
Don went very still, and closed his eyes.
The two police officers looked at him, eyes wide.
About a minute later, Don opened his eyes.
"Do you see what I'm seeing?" Floyd whispered.
"If you're seeing red eyes and a grin that would put a crocodile to shame, then yeah. And to think we had that... thing... in our car all that time?" Sasha replied.
Father Sutherby used his sleeve to wipe his drenched forehead. "Officers, could I trouble you for some assistance, please? This next stage is going to be extraordinarily difficult, not to mention dangerous. A straight jacket in the child's size could significantly increase my chances of success - and survival.
Sasha nodded. "Of course, Father. I'll talk to Doctor Hughes now. Officer Colmes will stay here, in case you need help."
"Why do I get the hard job?" he joked, causing both officers to laugh.
"I'll be back as soon as possible," she assured the two men.
Despite the handcuffs and shackles, Sasha was wary as she kept an eye on Don. "He's not doing anything, but that demonic expression has me rattled," she admitted to the priest.
Father Sutherby shook his head. "Never underestimate a demon. It is gathering its energy for the next battle."
"I noticed that you call him it?" she asked, eyebrow raised.
"That helps in remembering that we aren't dealing with anything human. Given the opportunity, these creatures will use our sense of mercy and compassion to lead us to early graves."
"I can see we're not dealing with an ordinary boy, Father. Once the demon is out, will he be alright?"
"There's no way of knowing, Sasha. Sometimes the host survives... all we can do is pray."
"I wonder how long he's been like that?" she mused.
"I don't know. But he won't be imprisoned for much longer. One way or another, I'm going to free him."
The chapel door opened, and Don charged forward, hopping like a kangaroo, but at far greater speed.
Both Father Sutherby and Sasha Russels grabbed for him, and missed. A man in a blue coverall outfit stood in the doorway, holding a small kennel. When he saw the inhumanly fast child, he dropped the kennel. The metal grate door fell off, as it crashed to the floor.
To be continued
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Cover image made in Canva Pro using their gallery
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