Most Foul

“There has been a **** at Cathedral one seven four two.”

My mouth dropped in shock. Since the rise of the artificials there have only been three murders. I stroll quickly to my car.

The proximity start has my electric motor purring by the time I slide into the seat. I accelerate to the speed limit and head for the cathedral.

There is already a small crowd gathered there. I push my way to the front to see. I look up and hanging there is a lifeless Angel hung spread eagle on an inverted cross. The red of his blood stains his white linen robe.

I enter the cathedral to look for witnesses. The moment I step in another Angel greets me.

“Peace be with you.”

“And you. I’m a Blue. Can you tell me what happened here?”

“But if you do warn the wicked person to turn from their ways and they do not do so, they will die for their sin, though you yourself will be saved.”

I sigh. The Angels belong to their master far more deeply than most. The artificial that owns them truly believes it is the second coming of Jesus. They spend their time in equal measure doing charity and recruiting young impressionable kids.

“Is there any video surveillance out there?”

“Alas, there are only the eyes of God are upon it.”

“Thank you.”

He nods and walks away. Several other angels in white linen robes are praying. However, I’ll get the same answers out of them. Their devotion leaves little room for individuality.

I step back outside and snap a picture of the dead Angel. Using my phone I pull up every place he’s been on security cameras for the last week. It’s time to retrace his steps.