Unlocking the Devil

Moira Rothrock comes from a long line of dark retrievers, a profession that requires regular interaction with demons and other-worldly beings, as well as frequent trips into Hell.

It also means she's on "friendly" terms with Lucifer, with "friendly" really meaning a love/hate/flirtatious relationship. It's safe to say interacting with the Devil is interesting and complicated. And wildly dangerous.   

However, when Moira's new client turns out to be a local London priest, the handsome Father Basil Holt, their chemistry surprises her, but she's more intrigued by his unusual request: his dying parishioner claims to have sold their soul to the devil and he needs Moira's help in retrieving it.

As Moira spends time with the young priest while bickering with Lucifer about the technicalities of soul ownership, she realizes she might be in over her head. Father Holt gives her mixed signals, the dying parishioner refuses to tell the truth, and Lucifer happily throws obstacles in her way. What's a dark retriever to do?

While Moira refuses to make a deal with Lucifer, she isn't above playing dirty to get to the truth. As things begin to look hopeless, Moira wonders if the answer lies in unlocking the reasons behind why Lucifer wanted the soul in the first place.

Unlocking the Devil (A Moira Rothrock Dark Retriever story) is a stand alone 23,000 word urban fantasy novella. Be sure to check out "Sleeping with the Devil," which was featured in Pulphouse Fiction Magazine Issue #6.