Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye by Imari Jade Page B

Gatherer’s energy so Clifton and Marc could draw it into their trap.
    Terrifying screams called out from inside the Soul Gatherer and rocked the foundation of Lincoln House. The sound grew deafening as the building shook.
    “We got it,” Clifton shouted to the others. “Flip the switch, Marc.”
    Marc turned up the power and it pulled the energy of the Soul Gatherer inside. The demon screamed against the pull but it was no match for modern technology. The machine continued to suck until the Soul Gatherer disappeared. Tiny white souls that inhabited Lincoln House rose to the ceiling and disappeared into the light.
    Isabella still floated after the chanting ended.
    Ernie rushed over to catch her along with Taj and Clifton. The spell broke. Isabella hurled to the floor and down to the men sending them sprawling to the floor.
    “Damn girl, you weigh a ton,” Ernie said trying to sit up.
    “Two tons,” Taj said rising and dusting himself off.
    “You better lay off those beignets,” Clifton added.
    “Go to hell, all of you,” Isabella said from her position flat on her back.
    Collena helped Irene to her feet. “Let’s get the hell out of here. I’ve got to get Irene to the hospital.”
    Ernie helped Isabella to her feet. “It is gone, isn’t it?”
    “Concentrate,” Isabella told him. “Can you feel it?”
    “No,” Ernie answered.
    “Then it’s gone, but not dead. Let’s lock this place up and get the hell out of here like Collena said.”

Chapter Thirteen
    Torrey, Malcolm’s secretary raised her head up when she heard the door open. One of the mayor’s bodyguards stood under the doorsill.
    “Isabella Denning is here to see the Mayor,” the bodyguard announced.
    “I’ll see if he’s in,” Torrey replied as she removed her fingers from the keyboard of her computer. She rose from the chair and walked down the hall and knocked on Malcolm’s door.
    “Come in.”
    Torrey opened the door and entered. “Isabella Denning is here to see you.”
    Malcolm jumped from his chair, grabbing his jacket. “Tell her to come in,” he told his secretary as he buttoned up.
    Torrey nodded and walked out of the office to her desk. “Show her in, Jack. The Mayor will see her.”
    Torrey was anxious to see this Isabella Denning for herself. She was unable to attend the mayor’s party because of illness but heard much gossip around the water cooler when she returned to work. She wanted to see what the fuss was about because no one was that perfect.
    A young black woman, clad from head to toe in black leather, entered the office. Her face was lovely and she had one killer body.
    Oh, well, she was wrong.
    Malcolm came out of his office to greet her. “What a lovely surprise.”
    Isabella Denning smiled back at him. “The pleasure is all mine, Mister Mayor,” she said as Malcolm led her to his office.
    “Hold all my calls,” Malcolm told Torrey as he closed the door behind them.
    Torrey just stood and stared at the door for a moment before returning to her seat. Her behind sank into the cushion, knowing her dreams of becoming the First Lady of New Orleans had flown out of the window.
    * * * *
    “Is it over?” Malcolm asked Isabella as he helped her into a chair. He walked over and sat behind his desk.
    “It’s over,” Isabella told him. “Lincoln House is demon free.”
    “What happened?”
    “You really don’t want to know,” she told him with a little chuckle. “The less you know about these types of things, the better.”
    “I guess then I really don’t want to know. I’m still finding all of this hard to believe. If I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes…”
    “Then we wouldn’t be here having this conversation.”
    “So, is it safe to send my people in to clean up the place?”
    “It’s already clean. The Petres sent over a crew. The place is sparkling and ready for your next party.” Isabella studied his face. My, he’s handsome.
    Malcolm gazed over at her. “There will be plenty of time