Free Fiction Friday

The re-Possession of Mary Smith (excerpt)

a penny dreadful

by Michael Yoder

copyright 2021 Michael Yoder

"Anything in the news?" asked Azazel.

"Going to be a plane crash in France next week - no survivors though," replied Beelzebub. "Looks like a cholera outbreak is due in Tanzania." He flipped the pages of the paper. "Really nothing very interesting. That last American President is planning on opening a theme park. That might be interesting to visit."

"Really?!" Azazel was astonished. "I thought we pretty much did that one in, didn't we?"

"It's those evangelicals," sighed Beelzebub. "They just keep yarding him back into the picture. 'Course the media doesn't help too much on that front either. Damned bloodsuckers!"

"Hey, guys!" a new demon sat down next to Azazel and Beelzebub in the waiting room. The room was very, very long and full of orange plastic chairs. The walls were white with no pictures and lit with glaring florescent lights. Occasionally, there was a small table with old Reader's Digest magazines and the odd newspaper. The place was full of demons all waiting for their turn.

Putting down the paper a moment, Beelzebub was a little put out. Looking over his reading glasses he asked, "Who are you?"

"Oh, sorry! I should have introduced myself. I'm Belial. Been around here a while, but not nearly as long as you two." The young demon smiled. "I'm really itching to do some good work. What number are you guys?"

"4360," said Azazel looking at his ticker tape.

"I'm 4333," said Beelzebub. "What about you?"

Belial pulled his tape out of his pocket. "666. Hey! I got the boss's number!"

They all glanced at the receptionist desk. The sign above it read "Now serving number 665."

Azazel sighed. "Guess you're up next, kid."

"Let's look at the real estate section," interjected Beelezebub. "There's usually something interesting there." He licked his thumb and found the section. It was full of listings. "Oh, here's an old English Manor House! That could be fun."

"What else?" asked Belial straining to look at the paper.

"Mostly condos, a couple old museums, a family of four - not bad for multiple homicides. Here's a kid who's into maiming animals. That sounds promising." He scanned down the columns of listings: various drug addicts, derelict buildings, rich people with nothing to do, but then something caught his eye. "Well, now!" he said. "This one's really interesting."

"What is it?" asked Belial.

Beelzebub read it aloud. "Ahem! Mary Smith formerly possessed but exorcized in 1989 is dealing with major family trauma and potential divorce, is experiencing severe depression and is ready for re-possession."

"Whew! That's a good one!" said Azazel. "Hey, kid! When your number's called why not - "

He was interrupted by the receptionist on the loudspeaker. "Now serving number 666! Number 666 please come to the reception desk."

"Hey, what was that listing number?" asked Belial.

"12,430," said Beelzebub.

"I'm gonna try for it," Belial said, getting up. "Wish me luck!"

Azazel leaned into Beelzebub. "Kid's got spunk. Gotta like that."