by A. J. Locke
* * *
In a perfect world I’d be able to waltz into LIJ, zero in on the doctors and nurses who were taking care of Isabelle, ask all the right questions, get all the right answers, and have Isabelle’s ghost in my clutches before sunset. Unfortunately, I was hardly working with perfection here, so it was going to take some clever scheming to see if I could learn anything useful. I headed up to the pediatric wing and approached the nurses’ station, deciding lies might work better here rather than acting in an official capacity. I didn’t want to raise any suspicions.
“Hello, could tell me what room Isabelle Rye is in?” I asked in my most friendly and nonthreatening of voices. The flustered nurse who was fussing with papers while trying to type something on the computer looked up at me in annoyance, then her eyes widened. She’d recognized me, and I was guessing she wasn’t a fan.
“You…you’re…”
“Selene Vanream. You’ve probably seen my pretty face all over the news lately. But enough about me, could you tell me where I can find Isabelle Rye?”
“You’re acquainted with her?” the nurse asked. The tone of her voice said that she didn’t believe I was.
“The Ryes are family friends. I would have liked to visit Isabelle before now, but well, you know how my life has been lately.”
“Oh, um, right…well, let me see.” She clicked at the computer for a few moments, but was soon frowning.
“It appears Isabelle was transferred out last week,” she said. “That’s strange,” she said in a lower voice as though she was talking to herself more than to me. “I didn’t hear about a transfer request.”
“Transferred?” I said, trying to sound as surprised as possible. “Do you know to which hospital?”
“No,” she said. “The paperwork wasn’t completed; it doesn’t say where she went. This is sloppy work. I have to talk to someone about this.”
“Wait,” I said before she could turn away. “Has anyone other than Isabelle’s parents been to visit her in the last week or so?”
“I wouldn’t know,” the nurse said. “I’ve been on vacation and only got back to work today. If you’ll excuse me…” She hustled away, and I was left staring after her, drumming my fingers on the counter and feeling more than a little discouraged.
Looked like it was a bust here. If I went around trying to question other nurses it would look suspicious. I was about to turn away when I caught sight of a clipboard at the edge of the counter. It was the visitor sign in sheet. As casually as I could, I picked up the pen as though I was about to sign in, then quickly flipped back a few pages, looking to see who had signed in as visitors for Isabelle Rye. As far back as I could go it had only been her parents, but I noticed that the last time they had signed in was last week Tuesday. So I had a time frame, not that it was much help right this moment. I put the clipboard down and turned away.
There had to be some way I could figure out how Isabelle left this hospital. It seemed official, but the paperwork being unfinished was a red flag, as was the fact that she had clearly not ended up in another hospital. My feeling that a third party was involved was getting stronger and stronger. I really did not think John and Maria Rye, in all their grief over their dying child, could have successfully executed getting Isabelle’s body out of here and faking paperwork to try and cover their tracks. If only I could see what had been going on last Tuesday, which had to have been the day Isabelle made it out of here.
Wait. Maybe I could see. I glanced up and around at all security cameras. Could I walk into their security room and ask to see their footage? Absolutely not, but that wasn’t the only way I could get access to these cameras. Feeling a little more encouraged, I made my way out of the hospital.
It was after five now, and I’d finally heard back from Micah. He’d texted that he was running late with a ghost client, and I should just meet him at the restaurant. That was fine by me. I was extremely hungry since I hadn’t had lunch, and letting my energy wane only made me feel the effects of the Rot more, so I was going to get the meal started without him. There was no shame in my game.
* * *
Mallory’s Surf and Turf was a less classy and more trashy restaurant on the Lower East Side, but they had the best food when it came to meaty things covered in sauce, or fried things covered in cheese. I asked to be seated at a table for four to make sure there was enough room for all the food I planned to order, then settled in and started looking over their extensive menu. I’d need a lot of side dishes to compliment my giant plate of ribs.
Ten minutes later my ribs order was in and my table was joined by calamari, sticky wings, and potato skins, but still no Micah. I made myself an assorted plate and started happily eating, but another fifteen minutes later, Micah’s lateness started to bug me. I tried calling him again but his phone rang out. I hoped it was because he was driving.
“Selene?”
I looked up, ready to give Micah the evil eye for keeping me waiting so long, but it was Andrew standing in front of me.
“Andrew?” I frowned as Andrew wasted no time in taking the seat opposite me. I looked around, confirming that I was indeed in a low brow Surf and Turf restaurant and not some fancy five star spot, which was the kind of place you’d expect Andrew to be, even if he was a ghost who couldn’t eat.
“What the hell are you doing here? Don’t tell me it’s for the greasy ribs.” I was already in a sour mood over Micah’s lateness; I wasn’t in the mood to deal with Andrew, even though my conversation with Tielle was at the back of my mind. I sighed internally. I guess the least I could do would be to not scowl at him too much and pray Micah showed up soon.
“It actually is for the ribs,” Andrew said with a smile. “Though not for myself of course.” He unbuttoned his jacket and leaned back, making himself more comfortable. “I’m paying a visit to my brother Jacob, and he has a fondness for Mallory’s, so I called in an order.”
“I see.” I was still working on easing the frown from my face. “Well I’m waiting for Micah so…”
“So I can wait with you until he arrives,” Andrew replied. “My order isn’t ready yet anyway. I was told the kitchen is somewhat backed up.”
“Yeah, everybody loves ribs Monday,” I muttered, feeling deflated. It was bad enough having to deal with him being anchored because of me and being annoyingly persistent about wanting to be with me, now I had to play the part of being into him? The thought sickened me. There was a time when I had found Andrew extremely sexy and we’d had some raunchy times, but that seemed like a lifetime ago. For one, he’d been alive, and two, it had been before he’d turned into a jealous asshole who’d tried to force himself on me. Not to mention the fact that he’d planned to divorce his wife to be with me. Which he hadn’t felt the need to share.
“How have you been feeling lately?” His ever present smile faded and his look became more serious.
I shrugged. “You know all about the Rot and how it’s supposed to affect someone. So I’m sure you have some idea.” Before I knew it he placed his hand on top of mine. My body went rigid, and my first instinct was to snatch my hand away, but Tielle’s stern face loomed in my mind, and I forced myself to relax.
“I don’t want to see you on this side of life,” Andrew said.
“Why not?” I couldn’t help but say. “I’m sure my ghost will find some reason to rise, then you can continue your endless pursuit of me.”
“I cannot help what my unfinished business is, Selene,” Andrew said, face still serious. He sighed and sat back, releasing my hand. “I know I was an unforgivable bastard to you, there’s nothing I can say that will change that, but I have always genuinely cared about you.”
I shook my head, crossing my arms over my chest.
“Sure. Nothing says ‘I care’ more than bending me over your desk several times a week while your wife waits at home for you.” Cecelia had long moved out of the condo she shared with Andrew. The tabloids had had field day with the story in a way that completely humi
liated her. She was no friend of mine, but I cringed when I read the stories of how Andrew had treated her. There were many mocking headlines about the fact that Cecelia, for all her money and plastic surgery enhancements, couldn’t keep a man while he was alive or dead.
Andrew smiled briefly, but it was a sad smile. “I admit I handled things in the worst possible way. I should have told you that you meant more to me than just a passable affair. But Selene, think about it, do you really think you worked that hard to seduce me?”
“What do you mean?” I asked slowly.
“Despite what you think of me personally, I’d like to think you know that when it comes to business I am a man of ethics. All I wanted was to uphold the standard my father created for Affairs of the Dead and take it even higher. That is why he chose me over Jacob to take over the business. Having an affair with one of my employees was never on the agenda, and you were hardly the first woman in the office to make a pass at me.”
My eyebrows rose. I never considered that other females might have batted their eyes at Andrew too. Then again, it wasn’t like sleeping around was a novelty with our office. Maybe Micah had been the consolation prize for some of them when they couldn’t get Andrew.
“So you’re saying I was different,” I stated. “Boy, that just warms my heart.”
“You were different,” Andrew said. “Different, and beautiful, and headstrong, and not afraid to get the job done no matter what. I fell for you long before you tried to seduce me, but it wasn’t something I could ever let show. And when I saw that something was developing between you and Micah, it snapped something in me because I wanted you for myself…”
“I’m not much into being possessed, thank you very much,” I interjected. “That’s something Micah knows a lot better than you.”
“I know. And I am truly sorry, Selene. I should have said that to you long before now but you’ve hardly given me the chance to talk to you.”
“Can’t blame me,” I muttered. The look on his face seemed genuine, but knowing Andrew was all about claiming me meant I was going to keep my guard up no matter what. There was no chance I would fall for him based on anything he told me, and it was a struggle not to just dismiss him outright. I had to keep telling myself to err on the side of being nice for the sake of not having him beastie out.
“I would like us to at least try to reestablish our business relationship,” Andrew said.
“Oh yeah? That’s all?”
“I can’t deny what I want. But I know it’s not something I can force from you. I know how much is on your shoulders. So much has happened because of that mess with Michael and Larry, and on top of it you are dying. I am driven by my feelings for you, and you are the one keeping me here, but I don’t only care about myself and my wants. I wish there was something I could do to help you.”
“Micah and Ilyse are on it.” They may not have gotten anywhere, but that wasn’t the point, I already had my team.
“I hope they are able to find a way to save your life soon,” Andrew said, once again placing his hand on mine. I was able to stop myself from flinching. Small victory.
My phone rang, and I frowned when I saw that it was Amy. Why the hell was she calling me?
“Hello?”
“Selene, I’m really sorry I’m running so late.” Wasn’t Amy, it was Micah.
“Why are you calling from Amy’s phone?” Had to ask the important question first.
“My battery died,” Micah replied. “I was on my way to you but ran into Amy on my way out. She was having car trouble so I helped her, but I didn’t realize how much time was passing. I’m really, really, sorry.”
My annoyance bubbled over into outright anger. Amy had car trouble and the only person she could pounce on was Micah?
“Mm-hm,” was all I said, not trusting myself to say more because I didn’t want to make a scene in front of Andrew in a crowded restaurant.
“You’re pissed, I understand, but she’s good to go now, I can be there in twenty minutes.” I sighed and bent my head, pinching the bridge of my nose with my thumb and forefinger. I was suddenly very tired.
“Don’t bother,” I said. “I’m tired of sitting around here, it’s been almost an hour. I’ll get the food to go and head home. You can just meet me there.”
“OK.”
I could tell by the sound of his voice that he was upset that he’d let me down, and he should be. I hung up and beckoned the waiter over, changing my order to go and asking him to pack up my appetizers. Sometime during the conversation with Micah, Andrew’s order had arrived.
“Everything all right?” Andrew asked.
“Yup, just dandy, slight change in plans is all.” I tried not to let it show how annoyed I was by the way the evening had turned out. My date with Micah had turned into a date with Andrew instead. I guess that would at least make Tielle happy.
“Well, I hope you can still salvage your evening.” Andrew stood up and buttoned his jacket. Then he bent over and gave me a kiss on the cheek.
“I’m happy I was able to talk to you like this,” he said. “See you soon, my sweet Selene.” He picked up his food and left, and now I was free to scowl after him. I really had to break him of his habit of using possessives in front of my name.
CHAPTER FIVE
“Ribs,” I said when I walked through my front door. I held up the bag of food for Ethan, who paused his video game to come and take it. Luna gave me about five seconds of attention before the scent of pork caught her nose and she followed Ethan to the kitchen.
“Don’t give Luna any,” I called, dropping myself onto the sofa.
“I already fed her anyway,” Ethan called back. Luna seemed to know we were denying her, because she started barking. Ethan came back with a plate, and I picked Luna up and started cuddling her whether she liked it or not.
“Where’s Micah?” Ethan asked between bites. “I thought you two were going to Mallory’s together.”
“Yeah, well, helping Amy with her car trouble seemed more important,” I muttered. Ethan raised an eyebrow in my direction but didn’t ask any further questions. I enjoyed that he wasn’t a prying ghost. As I looked around the living room I caught sight of a bunch of old leather bound books, like the ones in Ilyse’s office, scattered on the other side of the coffee table.
“Is that what you’ve been doing all day?” I asked, indicating the books.
Ethan shrugged, and looked down at his plate. “I thought I could try to help figure out how to get us unbound and save you from the Rot, so I was looking through some of the books Micah left here.” His expression was sad. “What’s going on with someone making you anchor ghosts is bad enough, but I noticed that you haven’t been looking so good lately. I know things are getting worse.”
“Well the point of the Rot is a downward spiral,” I said, trying to keep my tone light. Luna seemed to have gotten over her quest for ribs so she was curled up in my lap while I rubbed her back.
“I can’t believe we haven’t found anything remotely helpful yet.”
“Probably because history never had to deal with anyone in a situation like this before.”
“We can’t give up though. I can’t deal with the fact that I’m killing you. Every day I try to stay positive, but it’s so hard.”
I patted his hand. “And I find it hard to deal with the fact that your body was lost because of me.” What remained of Ethan’s body was in an urn that he kept in his bedroom.
“I know,” Ethan replied, then he gave a small laugh. “It seems like we’re in the kind of situation where we should really despise each other, doesn’t it?”
I smiled. “You’re right.” I lightly punched him on the arm. “You asshole, you’re killing me.”
He laughed again, then gave me a similar punch. “You bitch, you destroyed my body.” We grinned at each other. Ethan could bring the doom and gloom like Micah and Ilyse, but he was better than they were at pushing past it and trying to get me to smile instead.
> “Speaking of all the bad things, you really should talk to your parents soon, Ethan. They’ve left me half a dozen voicemails over the past week asking about you. And the reason they’ve been calling me is because you don’t answer their calls.”
Ethan grew quiet and stared at the ground. “I don’t know…”
“I haven’t pushed you on it this past month, but is seeing them really such a bad thing? You look more human than ghostlike these days, so I don’t think it would freak them out. Don’t you miss your family?”
“Don’t you miss yours?” he countered, looking at me. “As long as I’ve known you I haven’t once heard you mention your parents, only your grandmother.”
“Avoiding the question by turning it around on me, don’t think I’m falling for it,” I said, giving him a look. “But I’ll answer. I’ve only talked about my Gran, Amelia, because she was all I had.”
“Did your parents die?”
“Who knows?” I shrugged. “My grandmother said my father was of the deadbeat variety, and my mother had problems with addiction so she left me with Gran. I saw her a few times during my childhood, then she stopped coming around. Gran never said it directly to me, but I know she thought my mother had eventually overdosed. From what I remember of her, she was definitely troubled, but she seemed to love me. I guess she just couldn’t overcome her demons.”
“Sorry,” Ethan said. “I wasn’t trying to drag up bad memories.”
“They aren’t bad memories, just facts. I wish my mother could have gotten better, but my memories of her are so distant and vague it doesn’t really pain me to think of her. Besides, Gran was great to me so I was happy growing up even with parents who weren’t around. The bad memories start with Gran’s death, because then I had no one.”
“You had no other family at all?”
“Nope,” I replied. “My grandfather died before I was born, my mother was an only child, and there was no connection from anyone on my father’s side.”