Judgment Night [BUREAU 13 Book One] Read Online Free Page A

prospect of battle. “That's a start at least. Dick, Raul, did you recognize it?"
    Both of the wizards shook heads. I knew how much they wished for their gear and once again I cursed myself for making the mages leave the stuff behind. But it was well known that if you don't sit on them occasionally, wizards would do nothing all day but play with their wands. No joke intended.
    "Jessica, any chance of doing a Mind Blast?” I asked hopefully.
    The lady psychic stared. “Against that behemoth? No way."
    "Father?"
    Over by the porch, Donaher let the window curtain drop back into place. “Sorry, Ed, did my best already."
    True enough. Evil clerics might have more destructive spells than a Catholic priest, but they sure weren't the kind of folk you really wanted to pal around with. Or turn your back on.
    "Okay,” I said, biting a lip. “Then its physical weapons.” Pulling out my .357 Magnum I checked the load. It was a combo load, two cold iron, two silver, and two steel-jacketed hollow point bullets. Damn.
    "The thing doesn't like fire, so I'll light the fireplace,” Jessica offered, moving across the living room. Defense was always her best talent.
    "And the oven,” Mindy reminded, flipping her sword through the air. “Hey, isn't there kerosene in the basement?"
    I smiled. “Way to go, killer. There's a couple of ten gallon cans in storage."
    Shouting a war whoop, Mindy sheathed her blade and disappeared down the stairs. Personally, I was pleased by her reaction. I knew the martial artist would have preferred to go hand-to-hand with the creature. But there are times when even her deadly fists and indestructible sword just won't do the job required.
    "We'll need soap powder and a funnel,” Richard said, dashing into the kitchen. The mage knew exactly what we were doing. This was a recipe everybody had memorized. Basic Monster Fighting, Chapter One.
    "There are soda bottles on the porch,” Raul offered, “And some sheets that can be cut into fuses."
    Filling a bucket with water, I told him not to bother. “Go assist Mindy with the kerosene. I have a plan, and we may get out of this yet. George, how many rounds remaining?"
    "Fifty-seven,” George replied from his position by the door, not bothering to count the length of linked shells dangling from his ungainly weapon. “Steel-tipped, armor-piercing."
    "Save ‘em."
    "Check."
    A click-clack sounded from the bedroom and out walked Donaher holding a pump-action 12-gauge shotgun. The antique was not ours, it had come with the cabin.
    "Ten shells,” he announced. “Double-ought buck."
    Better and better. As the group got busy, I surveyed the cabin and tried to outline my battle plan. The exterior consisted of hundred year old oak logs cemented into place. The interior walls were lined with antique brick, the floor made of modern concrete. Wood beams thick as a Volvo supported the ceiling, and the roof itself was butt-braced slate, capable of carrying a winter's accumulated snowfall. I may have goofed on not letting the crew bring their toys along, but I sure wasn't stupid enough to bunk us in a place that would crumble at the first sign of trouble.
    With the good Father's help, we shoved the bookcases in front of the windows and blocked the door with the big sofa bed. Yeah, perfect, if we can just finish in time we might stand a chance.
    Just then, a tremendous thump sounded on the roof, the whole building gave a mighty creak and the windows shattered. Aw crap. Peeking through a shutter, I saw a couple of scaly lengths, thick as tree trunks, blocking the exit.
    "Something is coiled about the place, trying to crush us,” I announced as a rain of dust fell from the rafters and the cabin groaned. “Most likely Laughing Boy has polymorphed again."
    "Thanks for the news flash,” Mindy snorted, returning with the kerosene cans from the basement.
    The containers sloshed full and Raul hauled them to the kitchen. While I kept guard with the Magnum, Mindy held the funnel