“Are you serious?” West asked, incredulous. “We’re staring down the barrel of mystical contagion that turns people into friggin’ cannibals! Not to mention we’ve got a vampire and a lich in holding cells, for Christ sakes! I won’t even get started on what you are.”

West knew he had made a mistake as soon as he said it.

“What I am is of no concern to you, Agent West.” Winters said, her voice as cold as her namesake. “And just because some child with a second-hand copy of the Cthäat Aquadingen and a good singing voice killed one of my men, I’m supposed to believe he’s the Second Coming? Please. It’s all science, Agent West. And once I get my hands on that boy and the detective, science is what will stop this contagion. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a vampire to dissect.”

West watched her angrily stalk away. He smiled, because while the unnatural bitch was pontificating, he had felt it. His mistress, The Mother of Abominations, was near. Lilith was coming.

“Iä! Iä! It is time,” Agent West whispered.