Here we are at the beginning of May when kids are counting down the final days of school, and parents are trying to figure out how to budget the money needed for the family summer vacation.
But there’s one being who never takes a vacation. He has many names; the devil, Satan, Beelzebub, Lucifer (or Luc, as Tori likes to call him), and he’s always watching and waiting for an opportunity to catch someone off guard or in a moment of spiritual weakness.
That’s not to say Lucifer only focuses on the weak in spirit. Some of his greatest joy is in bringing the strongest believers to their knees, even Tori. Here’s an excerpt from Chapter 3 of Children from the Light of one of those moments.
Children from the Light, Chapter 3 “…And you’re all making it quite obvious that someone has been assigned to be with me at all times when Ben’s not with me, which I would assume is his idea!” Tori exclaimed. “Look, I appreciate what everyone’s doing, but I am capable of being alone without fear of Luc trying one of his death games. Besides, Goliath can sense him when he’s near so everyone needs to relax!”
Agent Hughes gave a heavy sigh and admitted, “Okay. I’ll come clean. Ben did ask that we all keep an eye on you. And before you say anything,” he added when she opened her mouth to speak, “for me personally, I’m actually enjoying this chance to spend more time with you. It’s given me an opportunity to learn more about your abilities and how effective they are in honing your skills as a profiler.”
Tori grinned and readily admitted, “Thank you for saying that! I really am enjoying it and was hoping you didn’t feel like you had to work with me due to the new arrangements.”
“Not at all!” he assured her.
“Then would you mind if we referenced each other on a first-name basis when it’s just us? I know Agent Hunter likes us to be formal outside of the team, but you can call me Tori, you know,” she offered.
“Fair enough,” he agreed, inclining his head. “From now on we’re Tori and Riley.”
“Perfect!” Tori replied.
As Tori approached the wall where a large whiteboard was attached, Goliath’s head whipped up towards her, and he began to whine, nervously.
“What’s wrong, Goliath,” she paused, looking at him curiously.
Suddenly she heard a cracking sound on the wall behind her. As she turned, she saw the whiteboard falling towards her. “Oh!” she exclaimed in surprise.
“Tori look out!” Riley yelled, quickly rushing forward to grab the edge of the frame.
Jumping backward, she barely cleared the board’s path as one corner crashed to the floor. “Whew, that was close,” she breathed heavily.
Lowering the board to the floor against the wall, Riley came to her and gently placed his hand on her shoulder. “Are you okay?” he asked worriedly.
“I’m fine,” Tori replied. “Just give me a minute to catch my breath.”
Glancing back at the whiteboard, Riley looked up at the mounting brackets and shook his head slowly. “That was too close,” he decided angrily. “Those brackets should have held better than they did.”
“It’s not the brackets fault, and you know it,” Tori replied with a scowl. “I was wondering why Luc has been so quiet lately.”
Pausing briefly, Riley took one last look at the board and then turned to Tori. “Still feel like you don’t need someone with you at all times?”
Chuckling quietly, she replied, “Okay, so maybe Ben did have the right idea.”
“Odd timing that you mention Lucifer and then this happened,” Riley thought out loud.
“That was his way of reminding me that he’s always paying attention,” Tori advised. “Evil never takes a break…”.
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