Chapter Fourteen: Evil Triumphant

"Here's a visitor for you." One of Matt's biker friends pushed open the door to Julia's hospital room. A thin, lifeless-looking girl in a fancy pearl-gray pantsuit entered with some forms.

"I'm sorry to disturb you, Miss Tyler," she said, in a whispery voice. "But the college needs you to sign these release forms. Professor Bradford's research notes are college property and they need to be returned to the campus as soon as possible."

"The professor is dead." Julia sat up straighter in bed. "Last night there was a fire, and all the notes from the old witch trials were destroyed. But at least I'm okay. That's the main thing, right?"

"I'm sure the administration is glad you're okay," the girl said primly. "I'm from Campus Legal. They sent me to make sure the college gets back any notes that may have scholarly value. Legally anything Professor Bradford collected belongs to us."

"Legally my life has less value than a bunch of lecture notes!" Julia glared at the Legal girl. "Professor Bradford wasn't doing research. She knew exactly what was happening at Dunwich Manor. She brought me here as a human sacrifice, then helped a bunch of freaks pump me full of drugs. And you let her do it!"

"Nobody in the department had any idea what the professor was up to," Campus Legal protested feebly. "Nobody even knew the two of you had left the campus. Legally speaking, you're of legal age, Miss Tyler. The college is not liable. There's no liability at all."

"Right," Julia said. "A kid hangs himself in his room, and a week later you find the body. A girl goes off campus and gets murdered, and there's a memorial service and the professors all cry. You know what I learned, researching the unholy secrets of Dunwich Manor? Higher education is a scam. And college professors are the scum of the earth. Now get the hell out of here before I turn all hell against you."

"Well. I'm sure an attractive young woman of your background can find other paths to career success. College isn't for everyone." Campus Legal glared at Julia as though she belonged in a zoo. Then she left the room with an air of great dignity.

"Watch your step, doc!" There was a loud crash, and a chorus of laughter from the brutal bikers clustered outside.

"Someone just took a little trip," Matt said quietly.

"At least they didn't feed her to the Horned God!" Julia sighed, feeling sad and sinful and even slightly ashamed. But only slightly. "Still think I belong in college?"

"No, you're clearly damned. You belong with me, at Dunwich Manor."

Julia laughed, and used her good arm to pull Matt close. The evil witch kissed the demon lord and they both lived happily ever after.

THE END