Dead & Godless Read Online Free Page A

along.
    “I
hope you don’t expect me to make it too easy for you.”
    “I
expect you to fight me every step of the way. But do not attempt to lie.” The
attorney’s tone darkened. “We angels are not easily lied to, nor are we
forgiving of those who try.”
    Corwin,
however, had no intention of deceit. Fully convinced that truth and reason were
on his side, he doubted very much that any of the angel’s tests would prove
insurmountable.
    “Lies
are a coward’s defense. I won’t have need of them.”
    “Excellent.”
With a clap, Ransom folded his hands. “Then let’s get started.”
    He
made as if to get up, but then stopped halfway.
    “One
more thing!”
    Rifling
through his pockets, Ransom’s fingers finally came upon what he was looking
for, withdrawing a cross affixed to a slender chain. The golden necklace glinted
in the light, its sharp contours simple and elegant. He slid it reverently
across the desk.
    “You
had best put this on.”
    Corwin
eyed the cross skeptically.
    “I’ve
heard of dressing for court, but isn’t this a bit much? Will your omniscient god
be fooled into thinking that I’m a good Christian if I just look the part?”
    “Trust
me,” said Ransom. “It may come in handy.”
    “You
know I don’t believe in your good luck charms.”
    “Believe
what you will. You can think of it as a fashion statement for all I care. But
for now, I strongly suggest you shut up and do as your defense attorney asks.”
    With
no small amount of disdain, Corwin gave in and looped the gold chain around his
neck, the cross dangling below his collar.
    “Remember
this,” Ransom said gravely, “if ever you are separated from me and find
yourself in a desperate situation, hold onto that cross.”
    The
warning stirred dark thoughts in Corwin’s head. Just what kind of “desperate
situation” might his attorney fear? Before he could dwell upon it too deeply,
Ransom sprang to his feet.
    “Well
then, no point in wasting any more time.”
    He
struck off for the office’s front door, motioning for his client to follow.
    “Where
are we going?” asked Corwin.
    “To a
place you once knew.”
    Ransom
clasped the doorknob, the bolt sliding with a click as he gave it a twist. It
was the same door through which his secretary had come and gone, and Corwin half
expected to glimpse the marble halls of a heavenly law firm on the other side,
but instead a wall of white light flooded his vision, engulfing both of them in
a flash.
    A
springy carpet of grass cushioned the soles of his boots. The bright light resolved
into an afternoon sky, cobalt blue and dotted with cotton clouds. In the center
of the park, a brass gentleman struck a scholarly pose amidst the maple trees. He
was flanked by Georgian buildings that harkened to an age when architects
strove to capture invisible truths in stone. The leaves had begun to turn,
painting the fields with splashes of crimson and gold.
    Everywhere
students were roaming about. Some hurried to their classes while others
meandered in the park, conversing with friends or simply taking in the
pleasantly brisk day.
    “Recognize
anything?” inquired Ransom as they strolled beneath a shaded walkway that
bordered the park, its ceiling upheld by a row of austere pillars to their
right.
    “My
old university,” breathed Corwin.
    “An
institution where young minds are molded, not always for the better.”
    Corwin
smirked at the jab. “You don’t sound too fond of education.”
    “On
the contrary,” replied Ransom. “The pursuit of God has long gone together with
the pursuit of knowledge about his handiwork, but the most important
lessons—those of how to live rightly—are seldom taught in your universities
anymore.”
    “I
don’t know about that,” said Corwin. “They do encourage ethics of a sort. It’s
called Political Correctness.”
    “Ah
yes, an ethical code in which the greatest sin is causing offense. Do you
ascribe to it?”
    “No
thanks. Being considerate is well