“So there are others,” Azrael said.
“Were,” Remiel said. “All who I know of died—some in the attack on the Golden Citadel and the rest in the final battle.”
Jesus sighed and sat back on the fluffy, white couch. “This is such a downer. Who could be doing this?”
“I don't know, Your Majesty,” Remiel said. “Perhaps it's over now. Perhaps it was just a joke, and the jokester has realized he's gone too far.”
“It was more than one act,” Azrael said. “The scrolls of Alexandria were moved and other belongings were also taken and left in odd places.”
“That is strange, but I still don't think someone is trying to hurt King Jesus. These are pranks, nothing more.”
“I hope so,” Jesus said. Then his stare shifted behind the purple lenses and landed on a plate of petite fours. “Yum! I love little cakes!”
“Please, have as many as you wish.” Remiel held the plate out to the King of Heaven.
I shared a look with Az. Neither of us thought these were simple pranks, but there was nothing more for us to do.
Chapter Nine
As we left Remiel's home, something occurred to me.
“Hey, Jesus, was there anything in the Ark?” I asked.
“In the Ark?” He shuffled his Birkenstocks over the golden stones, but they didn't make a sound, just glided as if he were walking over water. “Oh!Insidethe Ark?” He made a motion with his hands like he was putting something in a box. “Yeah, a few things.”
“You did open the Ark and make sure they were still in it, right?” Azrael asked.
“Ummm.” Jesus chewed at his lip. “Someone must have.”
“Unbelievable,” Horus muttered. “Look, Vervain, we don't like leaving Astie with other people too long. Katie and I are going back.”
“Horus,” Hecate scolded. “She's with Samantha. Sam is great with the kids. Hell, she should open a god-babysitting service.”
“You know, that's a good idea. I'll run it by her,” I said.
“I don't care if Astie's with the best babysitter in all the realms, I don't like leaving her with people who are not us,” Horus said.
“Go,” I said. “Don't worry about it, Katie. We've still got the rest of—”
“Um, if they're going,” Hades said with a wince.
“If you have kids to get back to and you want to leave, go ahead,” I said.
“Thanks, V!” Persephone kissed my cheek, the scent of fresh grass and flowers wafting over me. “We left Princess at home with Cerberus, and those two always get into trouble.”
“That damn dog is a bad influence,” Hades muttered.
“He certainly is,” Sephy said.
“I meant Princess.”
I pressed my lips together to keep from laughing. Princess was a Pomeranian we rescued from the Zombie Apocalypse (long story). Sephy had fallen in love with the dog, and since Hades loves Persephone, he put up with the little yappy puffball. But I think he secretly loved the animal too. Every time I visit, I catch him slipping the dog treats.
“It's fine,” I said. “Kiss the puppy for me. And I mean Princess, not Cerberus.”
Persephone giggled. “Hades would never let me kiss Cerberus.”
“Cerberus would never let you kiss Cerberus,” Hades drawled. “Goodbye, everyone. We'll check in tomorrow.”
