The Hanging Hill

55

“With this final ritual,” Hakeem explained to Grimes, “you will assemble the ultimate cast! A living, breathing army of demons eager to do your bidding.”

Grimes understood. “They could rob banks for me.”

“Yes, Your Eminence.”

“Steal gold. Jewelry. Stocks. Bonds. Anything. Everything!”

“Yes, Your Eminence.”

Grimes felt the blood surging through his crippled arm. “A monster like Lilly Pruett could take revenge on all my enemies.”

“And she will. She will do whatever you tell her to do. So will they all. They will be your puppets. You will be their puppet master.”

“Show me what must be done.”

“These are the words the male child must speak during the ceremonial offering.”

Grimes moved to snatch the scroll out of Hakeem’s hands.

“Careful! It is two thousand years old!”

“Then read it to me!”

“As you wish.”

Carefully, very carefully, Hakeem unrolled the parchment and recited the ancient words. When he was finished, Grimes fully understood the magnitude of his destiny, the tremendous power he had been given.

The bloody deed that must be done to make it all so.

He was more than special.

He was very close to being a god.

His eyes grew wider and wilder.

“The boy must chant these words before the two children enter the holy place,” said Hakeem. “Tonight. When the moon is full.”

“Why these two children?”

“They were both born under a full moon.”

“So that’s why you got rid of Brad Doyle and hired Derek Stone.”

“Indeed.”

“Clever. And once Derek and Meghan have played their parts, once they make their ‘exits,’ I will become the undisputed ruler of all the reanimated demons we have summoned forth?”

Hakeem nodded.

“Good. Good.”

“We, of course, hope you will see fit to share whatever riches you acquire with your loyal acolytes in the Brotherhood of Hannibal.”

“Fear not,” said Grimes. “You people have proved faithful and true. I shall prove generous and munificent.”

“Badir? Jamal?” Hakeem clapped his hands. “Take the trunk. Hide it where no heathen might stumble upon it.”

“Yes, Hakeem!”

“Then finish your preparations! All must be in readiness by moonrise tonight!”

“Fear not,” said Grimes. “I shall be ready! So shall the children!”