Going Thru Hell Read Free Page A

forests of tall pine trees, hills growing higher by the mile, lush green grass in open fields. The heat and humidity pressed against the windows of the truck, the air conditioning full blast and barely winning.
    Oklahoma gave way to Arkansas, eventually turning into Memphis and Tennessee. By the time I rolled into Nashville, the drive left me ready for food and sleep. I pulled into another Sheraton, the architecture different than Oklahoma. The building carried a more southern façade, with extravagant landscaping. I smiled, enjoying the subtle differences. The anthropologist in me knew it was done with an eye towards customers and their expectation of a region. I liked the clean lines, variation of plants in the well-manicured gardens, the open spaces inviting as much of the abundant sunlight.
    Opening the door into the suite, I noticed the same basic set up, but the colors ran to deep greens, light tans, and off white. The tiny kitchenette consisted of dark stained cabinets, light colored granite, the same stainless steel sink and matching coffee pot. The doors and trim were painted black, with nickel brushed hardware. The overall feeling more grand estate and less mental comfort.
    As I unpacked, knowledge cruelly bitch slapped me. I wouldn't be leaving Nashville for a long time. Instincts raised red flags, whispering, speaking of battles, blood and death. I understood. I’d make a stand, and fight to keep secrets, in a city I knew nothing about.

Chapter Three

    Nashville was a thriving city, busy streets, older English style architecture and no end to the available entertainment. I walked historical downtown, enjoying the feel of time passing slowly in the oppressive humidity. Wandering some of the better spots, I sensed immortals stalking me, tasting the different pantheons, like spices in a rack. They gathered slowly, invisible to the average human. The genetic mutation giving me the ability to change events in time also allowed me to see into the immortals’ preferred fourth dimension.
    Children stare d openly, adults trying to understand what held the little ones' attention. A subtle threat, the gods could remain hidden from children, from anyone but those like me.
    Threatening the weakest among us? No wonder the bastards had so few followers in modern times. The realization ruined an otherwise good day.
    I turned a corner, finding myself alone. Bugger .
    A loud roar filled the air, startling me and the little entourage. I turned, looking for the source. Oh, bless her. Tiamat flew overhead, a dark shape in the bright blue sky, black eyes sparking with rage. I ran for the store a block away, hoping to keep from getting caught in the middle. I burst through the door, finding a crowd of adults staring at me.
    “What?”
    They began talking at once, pointing at the little dust-up between immortals outside.
    “Wait, you can see them?” Shocked, the immortals walked in the mortal dimension.
    “Lady, we may be southern, but we ain't blind. That's a dragon in our street!” An older man pointed at Tiamat, swiping Amun's chest open and trying to take a bite out of Magni. Smoke curled from her nostrils, a good indication a wonderful show of temper might be in the cards. Amun and Magni moved backwards, hands up.
    I mmortals couldn't die, but did feel pain. The two males must be desperate. Tiamat snapped her jaws, little flames licking the sides of her mouth in a chilling display.
    The people in the store remained silent. I understood. A show like the one across the street would render most speechless and frightened out of their minds.
    I thought it was a great.
    I needed to make a decision. Amun and Magni weren't the only immortals, I could taste others waiting in the wings. The hair on my arms stood up, goosebumps tracking from my hands until they covered every inch of skin.
    I walked outside, deciding to keep the people surrounding me from seeing the fight. Threads of time appeared, each with the consequences of braiding