The Demon Nergal

"All right. It's a deal."

"Search online over the next few days. If anyone's possessed by a demon and needs an exorcism, we can go," Merlin said.

"Oh, right." Roland nodded.

"Go do your own thing," Merlin said, waving Roland away so he could work in peace.

Roland shrugged, returned to his room, and searched online for rumors about demons.

"Goat in Scotland possessed by succubus, causing man to—"

"Child in Pennsylvania diocese lies about demon possession to skip school—suffers at priest's hands with seven-inch crucifix—"

"Florida man claims stealing car was God's will; after his arrest, priest tunnels into jail and beats him under cover of night, breaking his ribs."

Roland fell silent and rubbed his temples. After a while, he resumed his search.

Eventually, Roland found what he was looking for. A little girl had posted on a forum asking how to summon a demon. Most of the replies were made-up nonsense, but one appeared to contain genuine black magic.

"Hey, Bruce?" Roland said when the call connected.

"...I don't think most people would call a friend the morning after his wedding. But coming from you, that figures." Bruce yawned. "What is it?"

"Do you know anyone who can track down people from their online posts?"

"Ask Kate," Bruce said. "She's running for mayor right now, but she can spare a little time for this."

"Okay." Roland wrote down Kate's number. "Congratulations on the wedding."

"I'd be happier if you hadn't called." Bruce hung up.

"Morning." Selene stretched and leaned against Bruce. "Who had the nerve to call you this early?"

"Father Roland. Something important must have come up, or he wouldn't have called me." Bruce tossed his phone aside.

"Aren't you going to help him?"

"No need. I trust him to handle it." Bruce wrapped his arms