The Two Devils by David B. Riley Read Free Book Online

women poured hot water down my back. After three such dowsings, they left me to soak by myself. I was debating whether to pay more and get a massage when the door opened and a woman entered.
    She was behind me, so it wasn't until she moved around to my front that I realized it was the same woman who'd clobbered me in Hangtown. I tried to cover my privates as best I could.
    "So you're Miles,” she said.
    "That's what they call me,” I said. “You have the advantage."
    She was stunning, every bit as pretty as Janus, with soft blonde hair and eyes that were bluer than blue, like little pieces of a cobalt jar. “Miles, I guess you already suspect, I'm an angel. Your horse gave me away the other day."
    "They say you can only see an angel if it wants you to,” I said.
    "And, once you've seen us, we can't conceal ourselves from you,” she added. “So, you know what I am.” She pulled up a chair. “My name's Buffy."
    "What kind of name is that?” I asked, then regretted it.
    "A very old one,” she said with a cross tone.
    "Miles, when someone like Nick takes a personal interest in a mortal, we do get a bit concerned,” Buffy explained. “That's why I'm here."
    "Who's we?” I asked. A certain sense of unease filled my innards.
    She looked at me like she thought I was an idiot. “Miles, I'm from heaven. That's where angels come from, but for a few exceptions."
    "Oh. It's just that I met one of those exceptions a few days back."
    "Sending you to intervene with a ritual like that depravity last night. It's not like Nick. It's not like him at all,” she said.
    "Well, he didn't rightly send me, exactly,” I pointed out.
    "He didn't?"
    "No. But they sure knew I was heading for Hangtown. And Janus gave me some strange warning about clergymen."
    "Interesting.” She stood and put the chair back where it had been.
    "I'm concerned about you, Miles. That bunch from hell, they're not to be trusted, or taken lightly."
    "Well, I don't trust ‘em, exactly. I don't know what to make of things. I'm just a simple clod from Kansas,” I argued.
    "A simple clod who has a first name relationship with angels and Nick Mephistopheles. And I don't even want to think what sort of depravity Janus is leading you into.” She started for the door, then looked back at me. “I'll see you, Miles."
    "Hey, Buffy?"
    She stopped. “Yes?"
    "Paul seemed to know you, the other day. What kind of horse is he?” I asked.
    "Miles,” she paused for just a beat, “he's a stallion.” And she was gone.
    I finished my bath and got dressed. I found my horse being petted by a very pretty woman dressed in one of those Parisian dresses, this one was green and black. She had the prettiest eyes I'd ever seen, even prettier than Buffy or Janus. This redhead was stunning. She smiled. “His name's Paul,” I said.
    She patted him again. “I know that."
    I was really wondering why I was so popular with the angels all of a sudden. “I'm Miles."
    "I know that.” She finally turned toward me. “What did Buffy want?"
    "Who are you?"
    "Oh, I'm sorry. It's just that I feel I already know you. I've heard so much about you,” she explained. She extended a dainty hand. She was a little smaller than Janus, but she reminded me of her with the same sort of sassy look. “I'm an angel, Miles. And I'm not from heaven."
    I gladly took her hand. “How many angels are there in hell?"
    "Just a few of us. And those silly demons are so jealous.” She seemed to regret that admission. “Is Buffy trying to woo you back to their side?"
    "I ain't on anyone's side,” I pointed out.
    "Did she give you a peck on the cheek, or just a crummy handshake?” she asked.
    "I still don't know your name,” I said, trying to change the subject. I was rather impressed with Buffy and didn't like where things were going.
    "Mabel.” She was not going to give up easily. “Well?"
    "Neither. She never touched me.” I decided not to count the previous day when she'd clobbered me.
    Mabel smiled.