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

same and do not learn.  Nor do they desire to.  It is not your fault.  It is our own.  We accept the blame for these monsters.  But they will trouble you no longer.  The tides have shifted, though darkness still reigns at times.  The Mad Arab is no more.  His black knowledge has allowed him to survive in a state of consciousness in death, but his powers are limited.  And he must answer to us before he acts.  On your own, you would’ve been able to do nothing.  You were right to call upon us.”

Macky took off his hat and made another drunken bow.

“Would you stop doing that?” Millie said.

Surprising them, Nodens chuckled.  The sound reverberated on the outskirts of the city.

“Do not be so hard on him,” Nodens said.  “As foolish and rash as he has been, he has shown an unwavering, if not, foolish amount of bravery.  He was loyal to you all.  He risked his life, though he may never know it.  Let him enjoy his drink.  It has a powerful rebound, or so they say in Kadath.  Beware the shadows.”

“Thank you,” Millie said.  “Thank you for helping us.”

“Very much,” Armitage said.  The hound was no longer by his side.  It had disappeared into the witch-house.

The others nodded.

“It is no need,” Nodens said.  “We aim to serve and bestow our blessings upon you.  You are flawed creatures, but you are resilient, and you show a staggering amount of heart.  To us, it often appears foolish.”

“Yes,” Millie said.  “Thanks again.”

“Farewell, mortals.  The Elder Gods were proud to serve you.”

Macky saluted again, buckled at the knees, and fell to the ground.

Chapter 21

“Have you seen today’s paper?  Have you seen it?” Captain Warrens said.  He was an African American man who’d just returned from his time in Bermuda to a ravaged city.  He was in the precinct with Duke and Newt while the other officers were tending to the aftermath, along with city workers and thousands of volunteers.  “We’re the laughing stock of the entire city, not to mention the nation!  Probably the world.  It’s written by that hooligan reporter, Fryebean.  Stringbean.  Greenbean.  Whatever.  I can’t remember his name.  Innsport in Chaos, the headline reads.  Have you seen what he does to this precinct?  Inept, flat-footed, careless, helpless, useless.  Those were the words he used. ‘While Duke Bardhoff and Newt Givens, of which no one could locate, were cowering amid the ashes of destruction, fearing for their lives, and Captain Warrens and Mayor Hancock were on vacation, the Outer Gods wreaked pandemonium on a defenseless city.  If not for the wily, crafty staff at the Innsport Gazette, who labored tirelessly around the clock to save those fleeing in terror, the situation would’ve been substantially worse.’ Are you serious?  Is that what happens when I turn my back for two seconds?”

“I think, under the circumstance, we did pretty well without you, chief,” Newt said, leaning back in his chair.  “I mean things could’ve been a whole lot worse like the article said.  But we managed to overcome all that adversity without you and the mayor.  I mean, you do take a lot of vacations.  Most of which has happened now while two cosmic entities have tried to terrorize the city.  It could be just a coincidence, but it kind of makes you look like you’re in cahoots with these outer beings.  What I’m trying to say is, chief, no thanks are necessary.  We aim to serve without reward.  Right, Duke?”

Duke hid his smile behind his hand.  He was growing fond of his partner.  He nodded.  “Couldn’t have said it better myself, Newt.  I’m sure it was worth it to get away, all that beautiful blue water.  Who couldn’t use a vacation?”

“Don’t get smart with me, detective,” Warrens said, pointing his finger at him.  “You know how much this is gonna cost the taxpayers to put this city back together?”

“Maybe you could contact Nodens, and he could help,” Duke said.  “They seem pretty agreeable, all things considered.”

“We got those fiction writers at the Innsport Gazette taking all the credit for this,” Warrens said.  “People don’t trust us anymore.  They would rather go to some private dick.  We’re a joke!”

“I wouldn’t go so far as to say that, chief,” Newt said.  “Most people know how much the press lies anyway.  It’s all for the publicity, you know that.”

“We got hooligans running all over town snatching purses,” Warrens said.  “Bodies turning up in the east canal, gangsters on the prowl, pick-pockets, and who knows what’s going on in the black market.  People are looting with all the destruction.”

“Sounds like you could use another vacation, chief,” Duke said.  “Don’t worry, we’ll handle it.  Come on, Newt, the city needs us.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Captain Warrens said.

“It means, before we get started, I could use a bite to eat,” Duke said.  “I hate fighting crime on an empty stomach.  Come on, Newt, let’s go.  That sushi joint still open on a hundred and fifteenth and Dalemont?”

“Dalemont Sushi Joint?” Newt said.  “I believe so.”

“Good.  I’m famished.  I think I shed a few pounds with all that running around we did.  Battling unholy horror sure is exhausting.”

“You said it,” Newt said.  “You want us to bring you back a fortune cookie or something, chief?”

Captain Warrens dropped the paper on the floor and turned and walked away.

“What’s got him so mad, Duke?”

“Beats me.  You know coming back to work after a long holiday isn’t easy.  Reality sets in.”

“Don’t I know it,” Newt said.  “Come on, I’m driving.”

“Sound philosophy, partner.  You’re learning.”

—

Armitage had come by the office the next day, which was finally free of glowing orbs and portals.  Millie was wiping the leaves of the philodendrons.

“How did you know?” Macky said.

“Just a hunch,” Armitage said.  “You guys get those, too, right?  I remembered