The Unexpected Exorcist: Episode 1

The Wisconsin Supper Club Experience

Welcome to ‘The Unexpected Exorcist,’ my new supernatural action-horror serialized novel!

I will be releasing a new episode every Tuesday and Thursday at 3 PM, PDT.

Click Here To Read “The Blurb” and the Table Of Contents.

Jump To Chapter 2>

Now, on to the story!

- Adam Lutzi Rockwell

Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

The Lake Geneva Supper Club was usually a busy place. A simple restaurant that had been a staple for locals and tourists alike since the 1950s. Brown siding and tall windows overlooked the frozen lake. It would have been busy, but it was eight at night in rural Wisconsin.

Snowmobiles whined in the distance.

Three pickup trucks and two sedans sat in the parking lot. One of the pickups was a lifted monstrosity. The late night crowd. The vehicles were covered in an inch of snow.

An oversized neon sign stood beside the road flashing “Lake Geneva Supper Club,” with an image of a summer lake on a blue-sky day with a fisherman fishing. The greens and blues from the sign illuminated the snow-covered rural highway that passed by.

A quick wind whipped off the ice.

A black 2022 Dodge Charger appeared from around the bend. It turned quickly into the lot, like an elderly couple arriving late for the early bird special.

The car’s headlights were on high and illuminated the entire front of the restaurant. Snowflakes drifted down through the beams. The driver braked fast, and the car slid to a stop, almost touching the front of the building. Just next to the entryway in the handicapped spot.

The trunk popped open.

Sister Catherine Queally, in a full-length brown habit of her Carmelite order, jumped out of the driver’s side. She sported combat boots. She was five-foot three with a commanding presence. Only her snow white, frowning face showed through the shock of the white coif under the habit. Red eyebrows and intent blue eyes. She chewed a piece of bubble gum.

Sister Catherine banged her open hand on the roof of the car.

“Come on Danny, let’s go!”

Father Danny Williams, a tall, blond, skinny, Roman Catholic priest stepped out of the passenger side. He wore the traditional black shirt and white collar with a thick black overcoat.

“I’m coming, I’m coming,” he said, flustered.

She popped a bubble.

They both moved to the back of the car. Sister Catherine grabbed a large gold cross from the trunk. It hung from a heavy silver chain. She swiftly put it around her neck. The cross had a large diamond mounted in its center.

“That thing is gaudy, Sister.”

“Tell that to HQ. Can you get a move on, you’re slow as heck.”

Father Williams reached into his breast pocket and pulled out a pair of gold, side-shielded sunglasses. He put them on and pushed them hard against his face. Very steampunk. Round.

He opened a black case with a small key and pulled out a standard police issue Glock-19, black. He slid in a magazine and chambered a round.

“All ready, Sister,” he said, holding the pistol in his right hand. “Let’s get to work.”

“What do you see?” she asked. “I didn’t come all the way to the middle of nowhere Wisconsin for an imp hunt.” 

The priest analyzed the building. He saw something and she knew it.

He pushed his thumb into his left temple, massaging it. “This isn’t an imp. The report was right. It’s in there and it’s a big one.”

“How big?” she asked, snapping another bubble.

“Let’s just say you might need a bigger cross.”

“Class-two big?”

“Maybe bigger.”

“What were they thinking sending us out here alone?” she asked.

“You think we should call in backup?”

“The closest team is in Chicago,” she said, staring at the front of the building. “At least there’s not the usual screaming and running… yet.”

“Let’s do it then. Can’t keep the Devil waiting.” Father Williams brought his gun to an upright position, steadying his slightly shaking right arm.

“We got this. Take a beat,” she said, smiling, trying to calm Father Williams.

She took another deep breath. Her heart raced. She chomped on the gum.

Father Williams had only been on the job for a year, but he was a good kid. Only a few years out of the seminary, but he was a natural. She liked working with him, and he always followed her orders. Lots of priests wouldn’t.

She looked at the front doors, “Keep your eyes open and expect anything. Call it out quickly.”

He nodded.

They moved to opposite sides of the front doors.

She crossed herself. “Clear the room of civilians… if there’s anybody alive in there. Let’s get this trash in the bag and get home. First round is on me.”

He smiled, put his hand on the door and waited for her order.

She nodded.

He turned the handle of the door and they rushed into the supper club.

Click Here For Episode 2!

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