The priest placed the microphone gently on the nightstand.
"If you'll tell me your name, I'll try to find one."
"Yes, of course," it responded with a cackle of amusement. "And then drink it yourself, I suppose."
As he pushed the RECORD button, Karras answered, "Tell me your name." "Fucking plunderer!" it rasped.
And then promptly disappeared and was replaced by the demon. "And what are we doing now, Karras? Recording our little discussion?"
Karras straightened. Stared. Then he pulled up a chair beside the bed and sat dawn. "Do you mind?" he responded.
"Not at all," croaked the demon. "I have always rather liked infernal engines." Abruptly a strong, new stench assailed Karras. It was an odor like...
"Sauerkraut, Karras. Have you noticed?"
It does smell like sauerkraut, the Jesuit marveled. It seemed to be emanating from the bed.
From Regan's body. Then it was gone, replaced by the putrid stench of before. Karras frowned.
Did I imagine it? Auto-suggestion? He thought of the holy water. Now? No, save it. Get more of the speech pattern. "To whom was I speaking before?" he asked.
"Merely one of the family, Karras."
"A demon?"
"You give too much credit."
"How so?"
"The word 'demon' means 'wise one.' He is stupid."
The Jesuit grew taut. "In what language does 'demon' mean 'wise one' ?"
"In Greek."
"You speak Greek?"
"Very fluently."
One of the signs! Karras thought with excitement. Speaking in an unknown tongue! It was more than he'd hoped for. "Pos egnokas hoti presbyteros eimi?" he quickly inquired in classical Greek.
"I am not in the mood, Karras."
"Oh. Then you cannot---"
"I am not in the mood!"
Disappointment. Karras brooded., "You made the dresser drawer come sliding out?" He inquired.
"Most assuredly."
"Very impressive." Karras nodded. "You're certainly a very, very power demon."
"I am."
"I was wondering if you'd do it again."
"Yes, in time."
"Do it now, please--- I would really like to see it."
"In time."
"Why not now?"
"We must give you some reason for doubt," it croaked. "Some. Just enough to assure the final outcome." It put back its head in a chuckle of malice. "How novel to attack through the truth!
Ah, what joy!"
Icy hands lightly touching at his neck. Karras stared. Why the fear again? Fear? Was it fear?
"No, not fear," said the demon. It was grinning. "That was me."
Hands gone now. Karras frowned. Felt new wonder. Chipped it down. Telepathic. Or is she?
Find out. Find out now. "Can you tell me what I'm thinking right now?"
"Your thoughts are too dull to entertain."
