When the Preacher-man's body was discovered, the entire country went into an uproar. Lilith made sure that copies of his confession along with the video of him killing Millie went to every media outlet she could find, small or large. She even posted it on every social media site, ensuring that anyone who wanted to could see who Levi Sethos really was. Suddenly every celebrity who had once called him a friend wanted to distance themselves and pretend that they had hardly known the man. Every news agency went on the air with stories of shock and disappointment while making sure to paint themselves as having always been suspicious of his pious veneer. Politicians used the opportunity to push whatever agenda was at the top of their list while carefully trying to rewrite the public's memory. Nothing was more important than erasing any evidence of friendship, handshakes, hugs, and political support.
The first story that the public and every media outlet wanted was Jeza's. They were clamouring to hear from the shocked, grieving widow who had found her husband dead from suicide. Not only that, but all of her financial assets were frozen, her 'friends' had rejected her and now she was facing a myriad of legal charges such as fraud and embezzlement. Even her one lover Ty suddenly had no time for her, although he had plenty to give for exclusive interviews. He painted a picture of himself as a poor trainer struggling to make ends meet and the powerful older woman taking full advantage of his plight.
Former mistresses of Levi Sethos also came flocking out of the woodwork. Their stories were carbon copies of Ty's, although the professions were different. None of them were willing to discuss the many gifts they had accepted or the cash, cars, or even apartments. All that was important was that different news outlets were willing to pay for their narratives and victimization was extremely popular. Reporters were also on scene when Adam Benoni pled guilty to 'breaking and entering with intent'. The only thing he said to the press was that he was getting real help with his addiction and was grateful that a 'friend' had sent him a Pastor named Michael Eilish to visit him in jail.
Of course the media analyzed and dissected everything they could about the confession. One thing that was of great interest was the meaning of the Preacher-man's final words. They were hastily scrawled at the bottom of his confession and recognized as a quote from Dante Alighieri, but every news agency had a different take on its meaning. The words were: 'Hope not ever to see Heaven. I have come to lead you to the other shore; into eternal darkness; into fire and into ice'. Lilith had understood its meaning. For a moment Levi had understood the final cost of his actions even if he did go into denial and tell himself that Heaven was awaiting him as he buried the knife in his own chest. It was a warning to others of the fate which awaited them if they followed his path. Every news channel, magazine and newspaper believed it was proof that he was mentally ill, probably suffering from depression. Others had a similar view but attributed it to a physical ailment such as a tumor pressing on the man's brain. Still others assumed it was just another way that Levi Sethos was grandstanding and seeking out attention even after death. Some agencies never mentioned it at all.
Ultimately there were only two stories the press couldn't seem to get and that was Lilith's and Eli's. Levi Sethos had only referred to the demoness as L-- in his confession leaving it deliberately ambiguous, but the salacious details were the stuff of ratings gold. Every newspaper and media outlet wanted to be the one to discover who L-- was. They went so far as to hire private investigators, but could find nothing. The only one who could shed light on the mystery was Elijah Asher and he wanted nothing to do with reporters, newspapers, magazines or news programs of any kind. He wanted to be left alone, but that seemed an impossibility... at least until the tires arrived.
Elijah had never imagined coming home to such a surprise. His bike and his dream trip to New Orleans had been the last things on his mind after everything that had happened. He had been working all evening welding inside a tank and enjoying the solitude. It was the only place he felt that no one would bother him. Even the bosses, from his direct supervisor on up, wanted to keep him happy. With the Preacher-man's confession, the backdoor deal to help Rawley's get the historical church in exchange for harassing Eli had come to light. No one at the company wanted him to talk to the press. This made him golden and untouchable so long as he remained in the position he currently had. Had he accepted any promotions or job changes, he knew they would sabotage him in a heartbeat just to get him out of there. Fortunately Eli knew their games and had no intention of moving anywhere.
A week after the Preacher-man's death he came home from work to discover two motorcycle tires sitting inside his living room along with an envelope that contained thirty grand and a note. Unfolding the paper his soft blue gaze fell upon handwriting that he had never seen before. The penmanship looked like something from an old eighteenth or nineteenth century document. All it said was 'Build your dreams and seek your adventure, Eแน itayam.' This had to be a cruel joke because no one called him that name except Lilith and she was dead... or at least... well... was she?
Desperately needing to get away from everything, Eli put in for his vacation, along with Wynne, then putting the new tires on his bike the two friends took off for New Orleans, Bourbon Street and the French Quarter. Originally the trip had been intended to include Kaleb, but no one had been able to get hold of him. It was as though he had dropped completely off the face of the Earth. The assumption was that he was lying low, afraid to face his friends or anyone after being named in the Preacher-man's confession as an accomplice.
Once the two men were on the road everything seemed like it was back to normal. The two guys visited bars and listened to some of the hottest jazz and blues while drinking some of the finest bourbon and spirits available. They walked down streets admiring the amazing architecture. There were the Creole townhouses with their Spanish influence on style, arched windows and wrought iron railings. Narrow brightly painted shotgun houses, Creole cottages and more. There was history to be found on every corner they walked. Yes, a vacation was exactly what Eli needed. He seemed like his old self again and while nothing erased his time with Lilith, or her loss, it felt good to laugh and have fun again.
Walking down one road, the two friends were reminiscing about the bar they had visited the night before and were paying no attention to the shops they passed. As they approached one little boutique a woman stepped out and stood directly in their path. She was quite beautiful with flawless dark skin and piercing black eyes. Her figure was ideal with just the right amount of femanine curves to bring out her soft, slim, and toned body. She was dressed in a long red cotton sundress that was decorated with white flowers that accentuated her long legs and only added to her allure. On her head she wore an African wrap that matched her dress as well as exquisite jewelry made of semi precious stones that seemed to exude a power of their own. Looking at her brought to mind the images of powerful African Goddesses and no doubt she was one.
"Your woman is not dead," she said, her eyes staring into Eli's with intensity.
"Excuse me?" he asked. His first thought was that she was some make-believe psychic trying to cold read him and drum up business. "I'm not interested in any fortune telling."
"I am no fortune teller, but I see an aura about you. You are of holy descent and your light has pierced the heart of the dark queen."
"I don't know what you're talking about." Eli started to walk away, but she stopped him and placed her hand on his heart.
