Read My Demon for Free Online

shopping in a teenagers’ clothing store. What do you really think…?”
    Alex ignored the demon’s commentary. If she thought of him like a radio playing in the background, she could fade him out.
    The customer held her visa out as Alex finished scanning the tags. She glanced at the name before sticking the card in the reader. Mrs. P. Peabody. Alex removed the security devices and folded the clothing, sliding everything into a large plastic bag while she decided the ‘P’ could stand for Penelope, but most likely she was called Penny for short.
    “I think that top’s beautiful,” Alex said. “Especially matched with the skirt you chose.”
    “Are you sure, dear?” Mrs. Peabody asked. “I know this shop is aimed at younger individuals, but I noticed them in the window as I walked by and couldn’t help myself.” She had a posh accent, but on the sweet side. Alex thought she was probably a lovely person. The type of lady who bends over backwards for her friends and has the innocence to not realize it. Funny how she supposed so much from a voice.
    “Can you enter your pin please,” Alex asked her.
    “Certainly dear,” the lady said, and juggled a copious handbag and two other shopping bags to free some fingers.
    “Listen,” Clive said, and rested his hands on her shoulders. “When the till opens, Mrs. Peabody will drop something. A commotion near the shop will distract everyone else. Take the money then.”
    The cash drawer clunked open with a bing. Mrs. Peabody dropped her handbag and purse. Coins flew in all directions, tinkling across the floor. An evangelical preacher appeared right outside the entrance with his amp and loudspeaker, as if from nowhere, and started shouting the blessings of the Lord into the shop.
    “Now!” Clive ordered.
    Alex swung into action, grabbing piles of twenties, tens and fives. She folded them carefully and stuffed them down the front of her trousers.
    “No pockets,” she said when she caught Clive’s half-cocked smile of amusement. “Oh no.” Alex grabbed Clive. “What about the surveillance cameras? They’ll have taped me!” Despite whispering, Mrs. Peabody’s head popped up from behind the counter.
    “Did you say something, dear?”
    “No, no. Do you need some help?” Alex’s smile stretched wide. If Mrs. Peabody stared long enough, she’d know. She’d spot the bulge in Alex’s trousers, and shout, Cooey. This girl stole an extraordinary amount of cash from the till. Will somebody please take her away?
    Instead, Mrs. Peabody’s eyes fluttered to the floor. “Yes please. The insides of my handbag do seem to have gone far and wide.” She glanced behind her. “Whatever is the noise about?”
    Alex turned to the front of the store. Agnes and Becky were trying to shift the religious zealot and stop his attempt to convert the shop and contents.
    “And the Lord will bless you…”
    “Wonderful. I’m happy for you. Now will you leave?” Aggie spoke in a barely repressed shout. Customers left the shop, squeezing awkwardly past Aggie, Becky and the preacher. “I’ll call the police!”
    “Good. They need some teachings. Corrupt demon-led police!” preacher-man retorted.
    “He has no idea,” Clive said with a smirk.
    “Cameras?” Alex questioned cryptically, her eyes wide.
    “What, dear?” Mrs. Peabody popped up again.
    “Coming.” Alex dashed round to the other side of the counter and began gathering keys, receipts, and coins, along with a lock of hair. Alex eyed Clive quizzically.
    Laughing at her strange expression, Clive finally said. “Don’t worry. This evening, your Amazonian boss will discover the central core of her recording device overheated. Today’s recordings will be non-existent. Shame.” He performed a curt bow. “You can thank me later.”
    Alex put a hand to her tummy, tracing the edge of the wad of cash before pushing it a little further below her waistband. A vision came to her, notes tumbling out in front of everybody.