by Unknown
Unlike my porter’s elevator, Pick’s always glowed red inside, as if the fires of Hell were illuminating it from the bottom up. And on that note, it would be a frigid day in Hell before I stepped foot in Pick’s elevator. Not going to happen—ever.
I don’t know what kind of supercharged ecto-mojo Carolyn Turner had stored up, but one minute we were moving her toward the elevator, and then next the three of us were flying through the air. I landed hard on the wooden floor and skidded to a stop inches from the elevator to Hell. Spots clouded my vision, and when it cleared, I found myself staring up into Pick’s black orbs. I lay there, paralyzed with the thought that he might actually drag me inside.
“She’s getting away.” The porter bent, bringing his face even closer to mine, and said in a low smooth, menacing voice. “It’s best we don’t let that happen, Ms. Carron.”
“Right.” Scrambling like a crab, I put as much distance as I could between the elevator and me. I jumped to my feet, evaluating the scene in the split-second. Both Nate and Samuel seem dazed but unhurt. Maniacal laughter split the air and rang through the theater as the psychotic ghost swooped out over the seats and around the balconies. We’d never catch her now. She knew who we were and why we were there. But the thought of leaving her free to rain death and destruction was unthinkable.
I crept to the edge of the stage, watching her zoom around the interior of the theater. I unhooked the scythe from my belt, but didn’t release it. She’d tried to kill me once, and I wanted to see if I could get her to do it again.
“That had to be the worst Juliet I’ve ever heard!” My comment didn’t even cause her manic flight pattern to slow. “You suck as an actress!” And just to add insult to injury, I shouted, “And Samuel likes me better than you!” I jabbed a finger at her like I’d seen those angry girls on the web do. “That’s right.” I circled my head and snapped my fingers. “We’re going to live happily ever after together, because I’m all that, and you are nothing but a dried-up bag of bones. And…” I continued, really getting into it now, “I am a much better kisser than you are. So why would he want you when he can have all of—” I stroked my hands down the front of my body. “—This!”
She hovered forty feet above me in the center of the theater. Her chin dipped and her eyes pinned me with a look filled with so much hatred I could physically feel it prickle against my skin.
“Yeah, that did it,” Nate said from behind me. “I hope you have a plan.”
“It’s time to pull out the big gun, boys.” I braced myself, but sent up a quick prayer that she wouldn’t plow into me again. “This is going to get ugly.”
“Though I would agree whole-heartedly that you’re all that, I question whether you know what you’re doing,” Samuel said in an unsure voice. “I’ve never seen her this angry.”
“Don’t worry, I have that effect on people.” I grinned. “And Sam?”
“Yeah?”
“Thanks for thinking I’m all that.”
He laughed, “You’re welcome.”
A shrill shriek exploded from Carolyn. I almost had to cover my ears against the splitting scream, but managed to remain where I was, fixed and focused. As I knew she would, the spirit swooped toward me with her arms extended, and her hands ready to reclaim my neck. Though she came at me like a bullet, I forced myself to wait until she was a few yards away before releasing my scythe.
The handle hissed and lengthened, and the smoky blade swirled up and out, forming to a sharp gleaming point an instant later. I darted to the side, narrowly avoiding her hands, and brought my weapon down in and arc. The scythe’s blade sliced through Carolyn, splitting her in two. One second she was there, the next the air was empty.
That’s the thing about my sweet scythe, no porter required. Reaping with the weapon was clean and efficient, even if it was rather impersonal. In this case, though, I was okay with that.
“Nice one, Carron, “Nate said.
“Thanks.” I pivoted and smiled, holding up my hand. “I think that deserves a high-five.”
At first Nate just stared at my hand and then at my face. I waited. I knew he wouldn’t let me down. I’d just pulled off some serious ninja reaping. He totally owed me five. After a few seconds, he sighed.
“What the hell?” He leveled a solid slap against my hand. “You deserve it.”
I grabbed him by the shoulders and shook him. “We deserve it, partner.”
“That was amazing,” Samuel said. He held up his hand and I slapped the crap out of it. Now there was a man who knew how to high-five a sista. “I’ve never seen anything like that before.”
“Don’t let this hockey-mom face fool you.” I twisted the ornate ring at the top of the handle, and my scythe slid back into its cylinder. “I’m a badass when I have to be.”
“I see that.” Samuel’s gaze skated over me in a way that seriously had me questioning how long he’d remain corporeal. “I think your agency is lucky to have you—both of you.”
“Ms. Carron,” Pick called from the entrance of the elevator. “Though you are quite a sight to watch, you do take all the fun out of reaping.”
“Uhhh, sorry?” So not sorry. He tipped his head toward me and winked as the door closed, and then disappeared. I frowned and turned to Nate. “Did he just wink at me?”
“I think he likes you.”
“God forbid.” I shuddered. Making friends with Pick was right up there with petting a cobra. One second you’re both swaying to the music, and the next he’s latched on and is pulling you into the bowels of Hell. “He makes Hal seem tame.”
“Tame is not a word I would use for your grandfather.”
I held up my finger. “Grandfather is a word I wouldn’t use to describe my grandfather.”
“Good point,” he agreed.
“You two are quite the couple.” Samuel’s gaze squinted at us. “I have no idea what you’re talking about and yet I find you completely entertaining.”
“Speaking of entertaining…” I held my arms out wide. “It’s show time?”
Carolyn was gone, which meant my chances for surviving the night had skyrocketed from around thirty percent to nearly a hundred. It was a job well done, but the night wasn’t over yet. We had a play to attend, and if Evelyn Git was half as good as she said she was, hundreds of ghosts to help crossover. It was going to be a busy night.
10
T he house filled to capacity and a buzz of excitement hummed through the theater. I’d heard whispers about this being the first real play in decades. The patrons had dressed to the nines in suits, tuxedos, gowns, and party dresses. There was enough bling in the theater tonight to fund a dozen renovation projects.
I claimed a couple of VIP seats in the balcony; after all, this play wouldn’t have happened if it hadn’t been for us. I hefted my two-pound bag of candy onto my lap and got comfortable.
“This is going to be great.” Evelyn Git emerged from the ether onto the chair next to me. “I couldn’t be happier with the turn out.”
“Is this all your doing?” I unwrapped a mini chocolate-peanut bar and popped it in my mouth.
“This is what I do—did.” She held out her arms like Moses at the Red Sea. “Behold, the power of public relations.”
“Impressive,” I said around a mouthful of chocolate. “You should get a job at GRS. They could use somebody like you.”
“Maybe I’ll have a chat with the powers to be and see what we can come up with.” She slapped her legs. “Well, no rest for the wicked. I’ve got more schmoozing to do.”
“Knock’em dead.” I snorted, laughing at my own joke.
In a blink of an eye, she disappeared. I’d been kidding about her working at GRS, but I’d seen crazier things than that happen since I’d become a grim reaper. In this line of work anything was possible.
Nate pulled aside the curtain and slid onto the chair next to me. “Great seats.”
“Only the best.” I held out the bag of Halloween candy to him. “Treat?”<
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He leaned toward me and scanned the options. After a few seconds, he lifted his head and smiled. “No, thank you.”
“Come on.” I rattled the bag. “You have got to be hungry after the night we’ve had. It’s Halloween.” I shoved the candy toward him. “Just one piece in honor of a job well done.”
“Fine, but only one.” Reaching over, he grabbed the first piece his hand touched, and then tucked it into his jacket pocket. I knew he wouldn’t eat it. “This isn’t going to become a thing, is it?”
“I don’t know,” I said, pulling the foil wrapper off and held up the chocolate, giving him a pointed stare. “It might become a Halloween thing.”
I tossed the candy into my mouth and turned my attention to the theater floor. His stare brushed against the side of my face like butterfly wings, and it took all my will power not to glance at him again. Times like these were dangerous. The case solved, the client reaped, Nate sitting very close—it was enough to test any girl’s self-control. I really needed to start dating. This schoolgirl crush was getting me nowhere.
“Look.” I pointed to the far side of the theater. “There’s Ginger.”
The cigarette girl drifted along the outer row, the tray hanging around her neck. She called out her wares, stopping periodically to sell one of her items. As my gaze tracked around the lower level, I recognized several ghosts—a couple of the patrons speaking with Evelyn, the ushers, and the little irritating guy that looked like a ferret. They’d all become familiar in such a short time, and I wondered if we’d bump into each other again in the afterlife. For someone who worked in the death-afterlife field, I sure didn’t know much about what went on once a spirit was delivered to their destination. And to be honest, I was in no hurry to find out.
The lights dimmed, and the spotlight illuminated the stage. This was it, Pammy’s big night. I sat on the edge of my seat, waiting for her to make her first appearance. It took a while, but the Capulet-Montague brawl sufficiently entertained me until then.
When she walked onto the stage, I reached over and grabbed Nate’s hand. It just happened. Seeing her take command of the performance made me feel like a proud mother—well—maybe older sister—and I could barely contain my excitement for her. It took a few seconds for me to realize Nate hadn’t released my hand, and in fact, his thumb rubbed back and forth over mine. I swallowed hard, but kept my eyes on the performance. It would be too weird if I looked at him, or in any way acknowledged our connection, and I wasn’t quite sure how I’d retrieve my hand from him—not that I wanted to—except, eventually I’d want to eat more candy.
That turned out not to be a problem when a few minutes later Samuel joined us in the balcony VIP section. “I knew she’d be wonderful,” he whispered. His gaze remained riveted on Pammy, and a contented peaceful smile curved his mouth. “She is the real deal.”
“You have an eye for talent,” Nate said. His hand slipped from mine.
“Yeah, she’s amazing.” I set the Halloween candy on the floor, and locked my fingers together, settling my hands on my lap. Maybe this would prevent me from reaching for Nate during a particularly emotional part of the play. “And this is a real treat for us. Once a client is reaped we don’t have much of a chance to socialize.”
“Thank you again. I can finally rest in peace, as they say.” He smiled at me and tiny butterflies erupted in my stomach. There was no doubt he was a handsome man and would no doubt be a hit in the afterlife. “As can a few others, I think.”
“We’re happy to help anybody who wants to cross over, including you,” Nate said a little too enthusiastically.
Okay, nothing like making the client feel unwanted. I slowly turned my head and gave him a questioning glower. He returned my scowl. I had to wonder if he might be a tiny bit jealous. A girl could hope.
We turned our attention back to the play, and soon the performers had whisked me away to the world of the Capulets and Montagues. Pammy was fabulous, but I couldn’t help but feel a little sad for her. Her death had been senseless, the result of a sick and jealous mind. At least she’d gotten one night to put on the performance of a lifetime.
As the final curtain fell, the audience erupted in a standing ovation, which lasted for several minutes. We made our way down to the stage, and as Pammy took her final bow, Samuel Parker presented her with a bouquet of roses that befitted any Broadway star. I blinked back the tingle of tears threatening to form and inhaled deeply. This had been quite a night. Most of the time we just went one-on-one with our spirits, sending them to their designated destination. But tonight, I felt like I would be saying goodbye to actual friends.
After the applause died down, Samuel took center stage, announcing that anyone wishing to join him in the next act would be welcome.
When the entire theater broke into applause again, Nate leaned in and said, “I think we’re going to need a little help.”
“I’ll call Constantine.” I ducked offstage and down to the break room where I’d left my bag.
He answered on the first ring. “I’ve got people on the way, Carron. Good job.”
Before I’d even said a word, he hung up. “Okay, good talk.”
I clicked off the phone and shoved it into my back pocket.
“I want to thank you again.”
I spun to see Samuel standing just inside the door. He walked toward me, his body looking as physical as mine, and stopped a fraction inside my personal bubble. This time though, I didn’t really mind. “You’re quite welcome.” He was good looking, like billionaire bad boy good-looking, except nice. “Just doing my job.”
He lifted his hand and caressed my cheek. Unlike before, his touch was only cool, not a painful chill. “I want you to promise me something.” He didn’t wait for me to ask what it was. “When you get to the other side, I want you to look me up.”
I didn’t even know if that was possible. I didn’t know if reapers went to the same place as normal people, or if we had a special afterlife. But I was game for giving it a try. “I promise.”
I think he was going to kiss me, as was evident by the slight bend in his posture, but Nate interrupted us. “The others are here.”
“Great.” My eyes searched Samuel’s face and I smiled. C’est la vie, this was not meant to be. I stepped back. “We could use your help.”
“I’m all yours,” Samuel said, winking at me.
A wistful sigh slipped from me. Why were all the good one’s dead?”
With that, he turned and glided out the door, his body growing more translucent. Nate waited until the spirit was gone before turning back to me. “Did I interrupt something?”
Was that jealousy I detected? I gave him my sweetest smile. “Nope. You weren’t interrupting a thing.”
“Are you sure, because it looked like you two were having a moment.”
“Oh, I forgot to tell you.” I brushed past him and headed down the hall. “I took a picture of you in those tights.”
“You better not have.” He followed me down the hall. “Carron, let me see your phone.”
“Nope.” I picked up my pace. “Don’t worry, I won’t show anybody. It will be strictly for my personal enjoyment.”
“Not if I have anything to say about it.”
I had to flat out run to get away from him, but made it to the stage before he got a hold of my phone. I didn’t really have a picture, but I didn’t want him to know that just yet.
Even with five other reapers with their porters, it took us another two hours to empty the theater. Most spirits had happily jumped on any open elevator, intent on continuing the party on the ethereal plain. Pammy and Arlene were two of the last spirits to leave. After saying our goodbyes and well wishes, I loaded them onto Hal’s elevator. Tonight, he was dressed in black and orange satin, and though I refrained from commenting, he did remind me of a gigantic jack-o’-lantern. I’d describe his style as anything over the top.
“Who makes your clothes?” Arlene asked. She fingered the fabric at hi
s sleeve. “They’re nice. Not everybody could wear this color.” She lowered her hand and peered over her glasses at him, which was kind of funny because it was the exact same expression he was giving her. “Have you ever considered fringe?”
“Madam, you are a woman after my own heart.” Hal turned to me and smiled. “Liiiiisa…” He always dragged my name out, making it three syllables longer than it actually was. “You always bring me the most interesting people.”
“Well Hal, I live to please.” I gave a little wave. “Going up?”
“Wait for me!” Evelyn Git tromped up the steps and jogged to the elevator. She stopped beside me, her breath coming out in pants as if breathing was still a required function. “Whew, I thought I missed my ride. Listen, tell my niece that I’m thrilled she is taking over the theater and she has my blessings to move forward with the renovations.”
“I’m sure she’ll be thrilled to know that,” I said.
She flicked her head in Nate’s direction. Thankfully he was too far away to hear. “And tell her not to let that one over there get away. He’s got it all, if you know what I mean. Prime choice.”
“All righty, then.” I wasn’t about to tell Lizzy Git any such thing. I pushed Evelyn into the elevator. “Have a great trip.”
A chorus of goodbyes filtered through the doors as they closed and then silenced. I pressed my hands to my lower back and stretched. The siren’s call of my bed was growing stronger, and exhaustion was taking hold. I walked to where Nate and Samuel stood. The only elevator left was Pick’s.
“I guess I’m the last one.” Samuel eyed the interior. “Is this a one-way trip down?”
“To be honest, “Nate said, “I don’t know.”
“Wait.” My gaze bounced between Nate and Pick. “He’s not going to Hell, is he?”
“Sorry, Carron, but he killed Carolyn Turner.” Nate said.
“In self-defense,” I argued.
“It’s not our call.” Nate shrugged. “I don’t think it’s fair either, but we have to have faith that the powers to be will be reasonable.”