Thirteen (Otherworld 13)

"You don't want to do that," Mom said as the officer walked over to it.

The officer hesitated. He wasn't much older than me, and I could tell by his expression that he didn't know exactly what it was, only that a glowing sword capable of slicing off a man's arm wasn't natural.

"The Sword of Judgment," Mom said. "Take a good look, because if you ever see one in this dimension, it's time for last rites. Very, very fast last rites. The only person who can touch it? An angel."

The kid looked at Josef.

"Do you really think Eve Levine is an angel?" Josef said. "She's the daughter of Balaam. Lord demon Balaam. That thing comes from his world. From hell. Now pick it up."

When no one moved, Mom laughed. "You're not reassuring them, Josef. Heaven or hell, it's clearly no toy." She bent, slid her hands under the blade and lifted it like an offering. She walked over to Josef. "If you're so sure it's safe, take it."

"Don't test me, Eve," he said, so low I barely heard him.

"I'll take it, sir."

One of the officers stepped forward. He grabbed the hilt and then let out a shriek so loud everyone jumped. He staggered back. Josef strode over and grabbed the officer's hand. The man's palm was covered in blisters and he trembled with pain.

"Sword lesson number two," Mom said. "Don't touch."

"Set it down," Josef said. "We'll leave it behind."

"Uh, that won't work either."

I'd been crouched beside Adam again, trying to wake him. Now I stood and stepped between them.

"Please don't do this," I said to Josef. "Two men have already been hurt. Just let Mom put the sword on her back and have the officers walk us out. She won't reach for it. You can figure out what to do with it later."

"Put the sword on the ground, Eve," Josef said.

"If she does that, it'll--"

"Enough."

"But the sword will--"

"Enough."

"Don't bother, baby," Mom said. "He's as stubborn as your father. Unfortunately, not as bright. Why do you think Thomas passed him over for Sean?"

"Mom, please," I whispered.

She met my gaze and nodded. Then she bent and laid the sword on the ground.

"Everyone stay back as I walk away," she said. "Savannah's right. Two people have been hurt already. Let's not make this lesson a fatal one."

She straightened and started walking away. Josef waved for the nearest officers to fall in.

"Beside her, please," I said. "Or in front."

The sword started to quiver, rattling against the concrete. As everyone stared at it, my mother kept walking. Josef barked for two more officers to take Adam and two to escort me. Kaufman came toward me and waved over the youngest officer. My gaze was still fixed on the rattling sword.

The kid started to cut across to me. Right between Mom and her sword.

"Don't--!" I began.

The sword flew into the air. I leaped forward and yanked the kid toward me. He spun. The sword flew past. The kid let out a yelp. We hit the floor. As I scrambled up, he lay there, staring at his hand. The last joint of his pinkie finger was gone, blood flowing.

"Oh my God," he whispered. His gaze went to my mother. The sword was on her back, attached to its mysterious holster. "Oh my God."