Death Among Us by Jack Crosby Page B

are being tailed.”
    Immediately, I snapped out of my daze.  Looking out the rearview mirror, “Which car?”
    “The black SUV has been following us since we left the rest area.  It has stayed two cars behind no matter what I do.”
    I picked it up, it looked like a Trailblazer and the windows were blacked out.  Neither of the girls said anything, which was a blessing.  Deciding it was time to find out if my buddy was paranoid or on to something, I began to push the speed.  This also gave me an excuse to bob and weave through traffic like an asshole.
    Maybe ten minutes passed and I looked back; the SUV was still there.  “Khloros, it’s time to confront this guy.”
    Roxanne answered, “Are you sure about this?”
    “Of course I am!  I’m Death for crying out loud and if someone is dumb enough to follow me, than they forfeit their soul!”
    Maggie looked over at me.  Fear was in her eyes.  “Derrick?”
    “What?”
    “You’re scaring me…”
    I took a deep breath.  “I didn’t mean too.  This has been a shitastic day and I don’t appreciate being followed.  When we confront whoever this is, stay in the car, got it?”
    She nodded her head.  Under her breath, “Fuck, this got real.”
    Yes it did.  I pulled off the exit, which didn’t have much.  Turning left, I drove for another mile or two before I found an old parking lot to an abandoned drug store.  This was the perfect spot.
    Opening the door, “Roxanne you’re with me.  Khloros, if things get bad, get Maggie out of here.”
    “You can count on me.”
    Maggie leaned up and hugged me around my neck.  “Be careful out there.”
    “I will.”
    Roxanne walked around the car and came up beside me.  “Let the waiting game begin.”
    I figured it wouldn’t take too long.  I placed my scythe in my jacket.  I didn’t know what to expect and if for some reason our pursuers were human, I didn’t want them to freak the fuck out.
    The black SUV came into view.  It pulled into the parking lot where we were and stopped about fifteen feet away.  The smell of brimstone (and not just from Roxanne) filled the air.  A shiver went down my spine from the demonic power pouring out of the car.
    “Darius…”  The words were a whisper from Roxanne’s lips.
    The door to the SUV opened and a large man exited.  Decked out in black, the man was bald, towered over me, and had a vertical scar that ran the length of his head.  Two more demons came out of the back door, smaller, but still rather impressive looking.
    “Horseman Death, I bid you greetings.  My master Beelzebub sends his regards.”
    Darius’s voice was awful.  It was like it was worming its way into my brain.  “It’s a shame I get the B team and not the real thing.  Was Beelzebub too scared to show up himself?”
    The large demon laughed.  “I heard stories that you were a rather amusing entity.  However, your reputation is one that can back up your asshole like personality.  I look forward to the test.”
    He snapped his fingers and flames appeared.  They turned black and formed into one wicked looking axe.  Roxanne put her hand on my shoulder, “Ifrit’s war axe…”
    Pointing it at us, “I am glad you remember whore.  The things I plan to do to you once Death is out of the way are unspeakable.”
    Reaching into my jacket, I pulled out Leviathan.  It flared to life causing the two minor demons behind Darius to jump.  “You’re not the only one with an awesome weapon.”
    “Horseman, your time as the boogeyman is over.”  Darius spit on the ground.  “Your kind no longer commands the fear once granted you.  You have become fucking insects.”
    My anger took over.  My celestial fire blazed to life, forming a chain in my left hand.  It’d been a long time since this power came to life.  “I will show you who the fucking insect is.”
    Darius started laughing again.  “Not today Horseman.  But I will take a parting gift to make sure I see you