The Omen

by David Seltzer

The doors swung open, and in the massive archway stood a diminutive man. He was a priest; his robes were disheveled, his manner tense, his sense of urgency felt by all in the room. The aides exchanged an uneasy glance, uncertain whether it was safe to leave the room. "Would it … be all right …" asked the priest, in a thick Italian accent, "… to speak with you alone?" "It's about a hospital?" asked Thorn. "Si." After a moment, Thorn nodded, and his aides moved hesitantly from the room. When they were gone, the priest closed the doors behind them; then he turned, his expression filled with pain. "Yes?" Thorn asked apprehensively. "We have not much time." "What?" "You must listen to what I say." The priest refused to move, remaining with his back touching the door. "And what is that?" asked Thorn. "You must accept Christ as your Saviour. You must accept him now." And there passed a moment of silence, Thorn at a loss for words. "Please, signor …" "Excuse me," interrupted Thorn. "Did I understand you to have a matter of urgent personal business?" "You must take communion," the priest continued. "Drink the blood of Christ and eat his flesh, for only if He is within you can you defeat the child of the Devil."