The Lurker at the Threshold : A Horror Mystery by Brandon Berntson (books under 200 pages .txt) 📗

ultimate good, but in the end, you’ll lose.  You always will.  The irony is quite beautiful.  You’re seeking the wrong thing, Nyar-baby.  Your motivation stinks.  It’s backwards.”

Everyone held their breath.  Macky thought he saw the god smile.

“I admire your courage,” Nyarlathotep said.  “It is foolish courage but courage nonetheless.  And it was a good speech.  From a mortal perspective.  I knew it was right to lay this at your feet.  I knew it would amuse me.  You have not let me down, Mr. Macky.”

Armitage let out a deep breath.  Millie stood with wide eyes. Capshaw was speechless.

“Talking to Outer Gods is a new thing for me,” Macky said.  “I’m not all that experienced.  But I’m trying to learn, like a good P.I.  I believe in fighting for what’s right, and not just for myself.  I believe in a brighter future with new tomorrows and fewer monsters.  You know, life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.  You and these cosmic thugs are getting in the way.  I don’t like that.”

“I took you to the nexus of the gates,” Nyarlathotep said.  “This is where you’ll find the way.  In that, I provided you a service, which goes with your philosophy.  Good luck to you.”

“You call this a favor?”

“We are operating on different levels,” Nyarlathotep said.  “You don’t see it the way I do.”

“Maybe it’s not wise to keep arguing with him, Dev,” Capshaw said.

“Wisdom among mortals is always in short supply,” Nyarlathotep said, looking at Capshaw.  “You, however, possess more than most, old man.”

Capshaw took a gulp.  “Was I just insulted or complimented?”

“A little of both, I think,” Armitage said.

“Cthulhu is on his way,” Nyarlathotep said.  “He rises from the sea.”

“What is that, like a leviathan?” Macky asked.  “Haven’t we had enough of that?”

“Your vocabulary is improving, Dev,” Millie said.

“You didn’t give me any credit for when I used ‘self-aggrandizement’ earlier.”

“Let’s practice humility first,” she said.

“Dev, I think we’re running out of time,” Armitage said.

“How did I get elected for this detail?” Macky asked.

“We’ve already been through that,” Millie said.

“You’re the Supernatural Sleuth of Innsport, Dev,” Capshaw said.  “You were made for this.”

“Thanks, Creighton.  I’m glad I’m appreciated in some light.”  Macky looked at Millie.

“Are you going to get started or not?” Millie said.

“I’m thinking, toots,” Macky said.

“Dev, so help me—”

“I know.  I know.  Pet names.  I forgot. There’s no end, is there?  It’s all part of the restlessness of the human race.  Or their irrelevance.  Eradication.  Whatever.  It’s all the same.”

“You’re stalling,” Millie said.

“You sound like you’re trying to get rid of me.”

“I want to get this over with.”

“Well, I’m scared.  I never jumped into another dimension before.  It’s got me edgy.”

“Would you like me to go with you?”

“Who would look after Mr. Kalabraise?”

There was silence for a while.  Macky looked around at all the moving electric lights, portals, doorways, and scenes.

“No one’s gonna miss me, huh?” he asked.

“We won’t know that until you’re gone,” Armitage said.

“I’m with Henry,” Millie said.

“I’ll miss you, Dev,” Capshaw said.

“I can always count on you, Creighton,” Macky said.

Mr. Kalabraise barked.

“And the dog,” Macky said.

Without thinking, he turned and leapt into a random portal.

Mr. Kalabraise jumped in after him.

Chapter 19

“I think it came from over there.”

“No. It came from over there.”

“Are you sure?  I’m pretty sure it came from over there.”

Duke and Newt were hearing two things at once.  Duke thought the screams were coming from the far east of the farmhouse.  Newt insisted they were coming from the far west, toward the extension. Duke admitted that made more sense.

After hearing Amelia scream, they ran toward the farmhouse.  The city of Innsport was gone—just a couple of city-slicker flatfoots in redneck country on the other side of the universe.

The addition to the farmhouse was glowing a bright blue/green.  Every crack and opening emanated streams of light.  The wind was blowing.  Clouds moved above with preternatural speed.  Lightning flashed.  A crack of thunder sounded so loud, the ground shook.  To their left, a hundred yards away, a figure stood on a small hillock, a turban on his head, screaming incantations from an open book in his hand.

“Holy Beelzebub, Duke!  That’s the Mad Arab!” Newt said.  He stopped and pointed.

“Come on!  We’ll deal with him later.  We gotta find Amelia.”

“Heelllp meeee!  Someooone, pleeeeaase!” 

Newt bolted into a dead run toward the house.

“Newt!  Newt!  Hey, wait for me!” Duke cried, holding his hat with one hand, trying to keep his pants up with the other, and doing everything he could to stay in step with his partner.

Lightning flashed again.  The clouds swirled. The Mad Arab was like a magician, invoking the powers of darkness swirling to life in the countryside.

“Newt!” Duke shouted.  “Hey!  Hold on!  Blasted, wet-behind-the-ears, starry-eyed, love-struck detective . . .”

Duke tripped and fell, hitting the ground face-first.

—

“Mr. Kalabraise!” Millie screamed.  She launched herself toward the portal, but Capshaw grabbed her arm, holding her back.

“No, Millie!” he said.  “It’s too dangerous!  You have no idea where she went!”

“But that’s my dog!  She needs help!  I can’t leave her!”

“I’ll go!” Capshaw said.

Armitage stood watching this, amused, the book in hand.  Nyarlathotep looked like he was smiling.

“No, you can’t!” Capshaw insisted.  “I won’t let you!” He managed to get in front of her.

“I have to!” Millie said. “I’ve been standing around useless the whole time.  It’s driving me crazy!”

Capshaw launched himself into the portal before she could say anything more, disappearing in a flash of pink light.

“Good heavens!” Armitage said, putting a hand to his face.

Millie gasped, staring wide-eyed.

Even Nyarlathotep couldn’t believe it.

—

Macky looked behind him.  He was all alone. The place was dead quiet.  He thought he could