DEATH (The Justice Cycle Book 1) by J Kiefer (best classic books to read TXT) 📗

is a bit… out of date. Besides, I was raised Christian. Demons and angels I get, but you, now that is something new entirely.”

The Musketeer waved away Steve’s confusion. “My boy, there is much about the universe you do not know, but now is not the time for teaching. Let me ask you, what were you planning on doing to those two policiers?”

“I was going to kill them.”

When Steve declined further elaboration, the Musketeer said, “Oh, mon ami, you really are such a blunt instrument.”

Not sure if he was being insulted, Steve shrugged. “Why did you stop me?”

“Because, my boy, now is not the time for killing dear Dana. You need only be patient a little while longer.”

Steve was not sure who or what this man was or what his intentions were. That made him nervous. He casually put a hand behind his back and allowed the dark energy to build up in his fingertips just in case.

As if the man could read his thoughts, he turned around so his back was facing Steve and raised both hands up. “If you think you can hit me, then go ahead and strike.”

Steve’s eyes went wide as the man suddenly vanished. Before he even had time to wonder where the man had gone, he felt a sharp object pressing against the small of his back. It was at that very moment that Steve realized just how outmatched he truly was. A fear like he had never experienced before petrified him.

The tip of the Musketeer’s rapier bit into his skin as the man leaned closer to speak in Steve’s ear. “As fun as this little distraction is, mon ami, time is ticking away, and our window of opportunity is short. Now listen to me very carefully since I will not be repeating myself. Find a woman you fancy and go be a blunt instrument. When you do, he will sense it and he will come; and when he does, you will understand why I stopped you tonight.”

Steve managed to stutter, “Who will come?”

But there was no reply.

It took him some time to dare turn around to see if the man was truly gone. His heart was still racing from the confrontation. Whoever the Musketeer was, one thing was certain: he was no ordinary human being. Steve could still feel the spiritual echoes left by his immense power.

The words the Musketeer had said right before he vanished resounded in his mind. “Find a woman you fancy and go be a blunt instrument.”

That was simple enough. It was time to go hunting. The night was waning fast and he was dying to try out his newly discovered powers.

So with a smile, he stalked off into the shadows.

Thirty-Seven

Jeremy threw up again. He hated teleporting, and twice in one night was definitely a record for him. Since he was from the city, he had no idea where they were. He did recognize that they were on the roof of a rather tall building. Of course, “tall” was relative. Compared to the lofty skyscrapers of downtown Manhattan, even the tallest buildings here looked small.

“We are still in town,” observed Sanctuary. “I had hoped for a destination that was farther away, but this will do for now.”

“At least Dominion is gone. For the moment.” Jeremy sat in the corner with his eyes closed, holding his stomach and feeling miserable. “That’s something anyway.”

Jared stared out at the night sky. It was late or early, depending on your perspective. Soon the sun would be cresting the eastern horizon and the day would begin for the ordinary people of New York’s Southern Tier. He still could not get Joe’s terrified expression out of his mind. No matter what argument anyone made, he knew it was his fault the young man was dead.

Sanctuary placed his large hand on his shoulder. “Jared, I am sorry it took me so long to find you. I was detained. What has Tzedakah told you so far?”

Jared continued to stare off into space lost in his own thoughts. It took him a minute to realize that someone had spoken to him. “I’m sorry. What did you say?”

Sanctuary scrutinized him for a few seconds before he spoke again. “It was nothing important. How are you adjusting?”

“To being a murdering monster? Not well.” He spat.

“Jared, it is not as it seems. You are not a murderer; in fact, you are the farthest thing from it.”

“Tell that to the young man whose arms I cut off,” he retorted. “Oh, that’s right. You can’t; he’s dead.”

“That was not your fault,” Jeremy interjected.

Jared turned on him. “Oh really? How about the teenager back at the convenience store? Was he my fault?”

Jeremy had no idea what to say to comfort him, so he went back to nursing his nauseated stomach.

“What is it Tzedakah has told you?” Sanctuary asked.

Jared glared at his sword. “Not much. It keeps trying to invade my mind and I don’t like that. I never liked alcohol—never even tried drugs—because I don’t like the feeling like I’m out of control. These mental intrusions are a thousand times worse.”

“I see. Now I understand why it took control of your actions earlier. Unfortunately, there was probably no other way for it to protect you. You were in more danger than you realized, and even though Jeremy is a fine fellow, I am sure he was very much out of his depth.”

“I’m sitting right here, you know,” Jeremy said. “Yeah, he is a bit full of himself, isn’t he?” This last statement was directed to the sky.

“Tzedakah’s actions may seem harsh,” Sanctuary continued, “but I can assure you, they are absolutely just. In fact, Tzedakah is the living embodiment of justice, and every action it takes is for that purpose and that purpose alone. To mortal perceptions, justice can at times seem harsh and unfair, but justice is the one force in the entire universe that is absolutely and always impartial.”

“So, it was just for that young man