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“You say that with your voice, but I can see into the greedy human part of you. I’ll just place the seed on this table for when you change your mind.”

She sets it on the coffee table.

“I’ll admit it. The thought is tempting. A few years ago, I’d have jumped all over a deal like that. But not now. Keep your charm.”

Zadkiel seems to consider this for a moment.

She says, “I have one more offer. Something I know you’ll have to agree to: I’ll open the gates of Heaven. Think of it. All the damned souls you care so much about finally free to make their way into Heaven and bask in the glory and love of God, the Father. I know it’s what Samael wants.”

“And all I have to do is let you walk away like none of this ever happened?”

“Yes. Make a wise choice, Abomination. A billion souls are in your hands.”

“If I say yes, how do I know you’ll do it?”

“The oath of an angel is binding.”

“Even a crazy one?”

“All angels.”

I think about the offer for a minute.

“If I let you go, will you promise not to make any more Chris Steins?”

“You have my word.”

I look at her. I wish I could read angels better. But I can’t.

I say, “Okay. I’ll take the deal.”

Zadkiel closes her eyes for a few seconds. Opens them.

“It’s done.”

“Wait. That’s it?”

She cocks her head at me.

“Did you expect that there was a giant key I’ve carried with me all of these years?”

“I was kind of hoping.”

“I’m sorry to disappoint you. However, the gates are open.”

“Wait here. I need to check something.”

I go through the Room and emerge in Hell, where the refugees have been huddled against the gates of Heaven. Sure enough, they’re open and souls are pouring through and up the celestial stairs.

After all this time. All this blood. In the end it was so simple.

I go back to the flying saucer house.

“I’ve got to give it to you. You told the truth. The deal is done.”

Zadkiel gives me a funny look . . . and kicks me hard enough that I leave a dent in the wall on the far side of the room.

“There’s one more point to the bargain.”