Part 25 (1/2)

”Faith. We've got that.”

” 'Take the helmet of salvation.' ”

Ryan nodded. ”Our heads need to keep remembering we're saved. Got it.”

” 'And the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of G.o.d.' ” Becka looked up.

Ryan was already chuckling. ”Remember how crazy quoting the Bible made those little critters in the mansion?” Becka nodded. ”That's all Jesus used when he fought Satan.”

Ryan agreed. ”No guns, no missiles, just the Bible. That was his sword, his only weapon.”

”And ours,” Becka added.

Ryan nodded as he turned the last corner and headed up Julie's street.

Becka looked back to the book: ”The last piece of armor: 'Pray in the Spirit on all occasions.' ” Ryan threw her a chagrined look. ”Guess we've kinda left that out lately, haven't we?”

Becka nodded. It was true. In all of the emotion flying around, they'd completely forgotten about prayer.

Ryan eased the car to a stop in front of the house, and before Becka could move, he reached out and took her hand. Then, to her astonishment, he closed his eyes and began to pray.

”Lord ...”

Becka looked on, stunned. It was all she could do to say grace in front of people. But here was Ryan, praying out loud as if it was the most natural thing in the world. What an incredible person this guy was! She closed her eyes as he continued.

”I'm not real good at this kinda stuff ... but you know what we need here. There's some kids in that house who don't know what they're dealing with. Show them, G.o.d. Let them see what's really happening. And, uh ...” He hesitated, unsure where to go.

Becka couldn't help but give his hand a squeeze of encouragement. That's all it took. ”And help us too. Show us the right thing to do, keep us safe, and don't let us mess up too bad. In Jesus'

name we pray. Amen.”

”Amen,” Becka repeated softly.

They opened their eyes and looked at one another. The lump had returned to Becka's throat, but this time it had nothing to do with sadness or even fear. It had everything to do with her feelings for Ryan.

They stepped out of the car and headed for the house. It was fancy, three stories, and worth a lot of bucks. They reached the door, knocked, and endured the h.e.l.los and pleasantries from Julie's mom. Becka knew she should try and explain what was going on, but she also knew the woman wouldn't believe them.

Fortunately, she saved Becka the trouble by explaining that she and her husband were just heading out to catch a movie.

Becka's eyebrows raised. How convenient.

Or was it?

”Go on upstairs,” Julie's mom said while slipping into her coat. ”And if you and the rest of the gang want any munchies, feel free to help yourself in the kitchen.” The last thing Becka or Ryan wanted to do was eat, but they thanked her and started up the stairway. Rebecca could feel her heart pounding. She'd had lots of encounters with the enemy lately, but she was still frightened. Maybe that was good. Maybe the fear was a reminder that this stuff wasn't something to play with.

She reached out and took Ryan's hand. It was as cold and damp as hers.

They arrived at the top of the staircase, turned, and headed for Julie's room. Fourth door on the left. Once there, they stopped and looked at each other. There was no missing the anxiety each was feeling. Becka took a deep breath and nodded.

Ryan reached for the k.n.o.b, turned it, and pushed. Neither was prepared for what they saw.

The room looked normal enough. It was large and painted in robin's egg blue. On one side was a dresser and a white vanity with a huge mirror surrounded by a dozen softly glowing bulbs. The next wall contained a closed window with white chif-fon curtains that stirred in a strange sort of breeze. Beside the window was a towering bookshelf that ran from the ceiling to the floor, also in white. Next to the bookshelf was a desk with a top-of-the-line computer on it. The final wall was nothing but a giant walk-in closet. None of this was surprising. Becka knew Julie had money. She also knew Julie never showed it off, which was why they were such good friends.

What had surprised Becka was seeing Philip and Krissi standing at the foot of Julie's bed, staring in awe. The reason was pretty clear. Julie was no longer in bed. In fact she was no longer on the bed. Instead, with her eyes closed in blissful peace, Julie Mitch.e.l.l was floating above her bed. Not too far above it, only four or five inches. But it was enough.

Julie's eyes fluttered and opened, and Becka went cold. Whoever was behind those eyes was not her friend.

When Julie saw Becka, her face twisted and contorted. Immediately, she fell back down onto the bed. ”Youuuu,” Julie hissed.

But it wasn't Julie's voice. It was as twisted and contorted as the face. And as full of hate. ”You are not welcome.” Rebecca could feel the waves of hostility press against her.

She took another breath, trying to calm herself.

”Becka,” Philip spoke up. He tried his best to sound casual but was doing a lousy imitation of it. ”What brings you here?” Ryan stepped forward. ”Listen, what you have here, it's not what it looks like.”

”Silence!” the voice inside Julie ordered.

Ryan turned toward his friend. ”This ... thing ... it's not an angel.”

”Of course he is!” Krissi squeaked. ”He's teaching us all sorts of cool things so we can band together and help save the - ” Ryan cut her off. ”Do you remember all the stuff that happened in the mansion? Remember all those little creatures?”

”You mean the demons?” Philip asked.

”Exactly. That's what we've got here. This is no angel. This thing is nothing more than - ”

”Liar!” Julie hissed.

”It's just another demon, but this one is disguised to make you think it's an angel.”

Suddenly the bookshelf behind Ryan began to vibrate. Everyone turned and watched as the shaking grew more violent.

”Maybe it's an earthquake,” Krissi said hopefully. But she knew it wasn't. Nothing else in the room moved.

As the books vibrated forward, Becka stole a glance at Julie.

The concentration on the girl's face made it clear that she was the one responsible, that the shaking was an extension of her anger.

The wind had picked up considerably. Then, one by one, the books began falling to the floor.

Philip motioned for Ryan to look at Julie's face. ”Don't you see - look how you're upsetting her.”

”That's right,” Krissi whined. ”You're wrecking it! You're going to make her mad and ruin everything.” The books continued tumbling out, faster and with more force. The wind increased, causing the curtains to flap and whip noisily. Becka prepared herself. She was about to speak, she was about to step forward and put an end to all of these special effects. Unfortunately, Ryan had other plans.

He turned and addressed Julie. ”Is that all you can do?” His voice was a little high, the way it got when he was nervous, but he did his best to cover it. ”Kinda bush league, aren't you?”

”Ryan,” Becka warned. ”Don't mess arou - ” Julie's voice cut her off. ”Bush league, am I?” Her lips curled into a sneer.

Ryan crossed his arms and shrugged. ”I've seen better.”

”Ryan ... ,” Becka whispered.