Agents of the Demiurge Read Free Page B

me last night about how being
successful at work was how he sought dignity. We were discussing
the Church and how neither of us were very active in the local
congregation. Jed and I thought we might start attending
together.”
    Hess managed to keep his face impassive. The
lead Church man studied the woman with his unblinking gaze. “What
is your name?”
    “Theora Winfield. And you, Investigator?”
    “Investigator Monterey.”
    “Pleased to meet you, Investigator.”
    He swiveled back to Hess, steely eyes locked
onto his target. “You have been living in this community for seven
years. Why haven't you joined the congregation?”
    Hess spun the story the woman had started,
hoping he wouldn't say anything to contradict her memory. “I
intended to join. But I've been busy with work. It's like Theora
said – I find a lot of dignity in my work.” The significance of
dignity was lost on him, so he decided not to elaborate further on
that topic. “I became Director of Logistics this past year. That is
a huge achievement for someone my age. TFK Motors is the third
largest employer in the city, you know.”
    The man's eyes shifted to the door behind
Hess. A search of the house would reveal hastily packed luggage,
which would undoubtedly take this conversation in a less friendly
direction. Though if they did go inside, he could kill them without
the neighbors witnessing the fact. He might get a fifteen minute
head start.
    Theora spoke again, bringing everyone's
attention back to her. “I can't believe you forgot about our date,
Jed! You promised to meet me at the community center at four sharp.
I showed up five minutes early and saw you drive past like a
maniac. I know you obsess about your job, but this was supposed to
be a big date.”
    Something in her expression rang false. There
was a hint too much tightness around the eyes. Combined with the
tilt to her head, it suggested she was sending him a subtle message
of some sort. Whatever it was, Hess didn't get it. Hopefully
Theora's words about him being a loyal citizen were accurate. With
all the holes in his memory this Iteration, Hess couldn't assume
anything.
    He put on his most convincing wince. “I
didn't forget. Honest, Theora. Things were happening at work and I
stayed a little later than I intended.”
    “Your date has been delayed,” Inspector
Monterey said.
    Theora sighed. “I understand, Inspector. We
probably missed our match with the Keegers already.”
    The Inspector blinked. “Are you acquainted
with the Keeger family?”
    “Yes. Never met the judge, but the kids are
into broom hockey.”
    “So I hear,” the Inspector said. “Mr. Orlin,
it is somewhat suspicious we don't see you at Church meetings. How
about you make yourself less suspicious in the future?”
    “I will, Inspector,” Hess said.
    “Have a good day, then.” The four Church men
went to their SUV's, climbed inside, and drove away.
    Theora folded her arms across her chest and
fixed him with a look. “Well?” she asked.
    “Well what?”
    “Seriously?”
    Hess tried to think of something to say, but
he didn't have any memories of a relationship with this woman to
guide him. As far as he recalled, they had never spoken. “I'm not
sure what you want me to say.”
    “Maybe you should thank me for intervening
before you could make a bigger mess of the situation.” In addition
to her voluptuous figure, Theora was a beautiful woman, with deep
black skin and kinky hair dangling halfway to her shoulders. Her
chocolate eyes were calculating and critical above pouty lips.
Something in the way she held herself . . . .
    Elza glared at him. “Do you recognize me
now?”
    He cleared his throat. “Of course. I was . .
. preoccupied before.”
    “That would be a polite way to put it.
Unfortunately, I'm not feeling particularly polite at the
moment.”
    Hess glanced at the street. “What do you know
of the Church?”
    “Only what I've read in the past two hours.”
Her eyes narrowed. “Which