The Artifact Reaper Saga Box Set

by Jen L. Grey

  As much as I hate to admit it, he’s right. It is Angel’s Breath and the realm I see has clouds, so I’m sure they are involved. We do need to understand how to interact with them, so it has a positive outcome. But here on Earth, there aren’t a lot of books on them. “I’m not having luck finding that kind of information.”

  “Okay?” He turns down the street my family lives on. “We still have to get this information somehow, Christina. We can’t just go in and piss off the people we need to help us.”

  I hate it when he gets like this. Yes, he’s right but he’s not that much older than me. “Yeah, okay. Can we just focus on this unpleasant task first, please?”

  The house comes into view and he turns into the driveway. “That’s probably a smart idea. Come on, I’ll be right beside you.”

  That brings me more comfort than it should, but I force myself not to over analyze it at this point. Right now, he’s on my side and I need it. I’ll deal with the consequences later.

  We walk up to the door and I pause. Do I walk in like I used to or ring the doorbell? As of today, I don’t live here anymore, but I still have a key. I don’t know what the proper protocol is.

  Before I have to make the decision, the front door opens. and both of my parents are standing there. My mom smiles at me. “Hey, honey. I’m so glad you’re here.”

  Out of every scenario I have envisioned, this is not one I imagined. I’m not even sure how to respond to this. It’s a far cry from the disappointed look and cold shoulder they gave me the last time. My best guess is because the warrant for my arrest has been called off. “Uh … hi.”

  “Don’t just stand out here like this isn’t your home,” Dad grabs my arm and pulls me inside. “This is just as much your place as ours.” He motions for Charlie to come inside as well. “Please, make yourself at home.”

  Charlie’s eyebrows raise. “Uh, thanks.” He steps inside and looks up the staircase that leads to my bedroom. “Is Christina’s stuff boxed up?”

  “It is,” Mom’s body is tense, but she forces her trademark smile. She runs a hand through her short blonde hair. “I packed up her necessities in the boxes by her door. I figured Frank and I could bring some other stuff by later.”

  Huh? They want to come to my apartment? I never would have guessed that.

  “That’s nice,” Charlie’s eyes find mine and he smirks. “I’ll just go load her stuff up while you catch up.”

  I shake my head no, but he just runs up the stairs. What a freaking traitor. He just left me down here with them. I turn and find my parents staring at me. “So … how are you guys?”

  Dad fixes the collar on his button-down shirt. “We’ve been better.” He adjusts his suit jacket. “We’ve been worried about you. It’s been hard for us.”

  Oh, wow. It’s been hard for them? Have they thought what it’s been like for me?

  “What your father is trying to say,” Mom takes my hand in hers, “is we’re very grateful that the council has changed their mind and that you’re back in town. But are you sure you’re making the right decision moving out?”

  The council changing their minds means they aren’t at risk anymore, so I’m sure they are very glad. I bet that was the happiest they’d been in months. “Well, I’m almost twenty and I know I’ve been a handful for you guys.”

  “You’re our daughter,” my dad’s tone is gruff, “You are not a handful.”

  Mom narrows her eyes at him.

  He raises a hand. “Okay, you are. But we’re worried you’re doing this too soon. Maybe you should stay here a little longer and just give it a little longer.”

  I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop. They always have an ulterior motive when they ask for this. Maybe it’s in case the council changes their mind, they can find me easily, but let’s be real. The council already knows about my new apartment, so that can’t be it. So, I’m not sure what the motive is.

  Footsteps come down the hallway, and Charlie walks down the stairs carrying three boxes. He glances at me and takes in the scene. “Hey, there are two more boxes up there if you want to grab them, and then we can be on our way.”

  For once, I’m hesitant to leave my parents, but at this point in my life, this is the right step for me. I’m not the ten-year-old girl that needs their acceptance anymore. “All right, give me a second and I’ll meet you out there.” I walk over and open the front door for him since his hands are full.

  “Are you okay?” His tone is low, and his eyes are full of concern.

  “Yeah, I will be.” I give him a small smile. “Just give me a minute.”

  “Will do.” He walks out, and I shut the door behind him.

  Taking a deep breath, I turn to face my parents. “I appreciate your concern, but I have to do this. I’m sorry.”

  They both stand there dumbfounded, so I head up the stairs to grab the remaining boxes. I hurry in my room, trying not to look around. The last time I was in here, it wasn’t the best of memories. However, I notice my picture album laying in the middle of my bed, so I grab it. I can’t leave the pictures of Beth and I behind. Those can’t be replaced.

  As I walk down the stairs, I nod at my parents. “Please stop by sometime if you would like. I’ll text you my address.”

  “Sure, we’d like that honey.” My dad smiles.

  “And this is still your home,” my mom comes over and pats my arm. “You come here anytime.”

  I walk out the door and make my way to Charlie’s car. I feel bad leaving my parents’ house like that, especially when they asked me to stay. But they’ve hurt me my entire life and I need my own space. A part of my life that is all mine that they can’t tear apart. It’s freeing to know a new chapter of my life is opening. I’m just wondering how long it will last before it all blows up.

  Chapter Two

  I never realized how big a grocery store is until today. Sure, I had been in one before, but never for shopping. Charlie has helped me so much with organizing the apartment I offered to make him dinner, not realizing what all that entailed.

  It wouldn't have been possible to offer if he hadn't let me use his car. Granted, it's not only one I can borrow, but he said I can use it for as long as I need to. It's strange to have my own place and vehicle.

  I've been taking on more jobs, so I can buy my very own car. I appreciate everything Charlie is doing, but I'm beginning to see I can be independent and make it on my own. At some point, when this is all over, he's probably going to go his own way and if I don't get a handle on things now, I'll be back at square one without him and I can't have that. I can't go back to feeling the way I did. I'm better off living on my own and counting on no one else. I'm beginning to see that now.

  The apartment complex comes into view, so I turn on the right blinker. It's after three and there are several reaper students out at the community basketball courts hanging out. They aren't playing the game just sitting on the court in a circle laughing and playing on their phones. Two girls are whispering in each other’s ears.

  I hope they realize how lucky they are and don't take those moments for granted. Maybe Charlie is right, and we can find a way for Beth to come back. Maybe I will get those times back with my best friend and I won't have to be alone again. I sure hope we can figure that out and maybe I can then have both Charlie and Beth in my life from here on out, because whether I want to admit it or not, it hurts when I think about him not being in it like he is now.

  Before long, I pull into the parking spot labeled 6A. I get out of the car and pop the trunk. Determined to only make on trip, I grab all the bags and stagger up the stairs. This is my own mini training lesson. That’s what I’ll go with. I carry them inside the apartment laying them on the kitchen counter.

  Once everything is situated, I sit down at the small, round four-seater kitchen table Charlie and I found at a garage sale the other day for ten dollars. This place is getting furnished, but at a snail's pace. To my great relief, the mattress that was left behind is comfortable
and in good condition. Once I felt like it was sanitized, I bought some cheap teal sheets which at least puts a pop of color in the room. I still have no living room furniture and no television. At some point, I do need to get something to sit on. Even if it's just a beanbag. So, between my bed and the kitchen table, that's about all the furniture I have. I'll get there someday.

  A loud knock startles me and I get up and look through the peephole. All I see is a hazel eye staring right back at me. Oh, dear lord, Charlie is early and already messing with me. I open the door laughing. “What are you doing here?”

  “I,” he points to himself, “have found you a couch.”

  Whatever he’s smoking he needs to share. “You have, huh?” I cross my arms. He’s up to something. “Where exactly?”

  “It might be a little unconventional,” he runs his hand through his blond hair, “but it’s a nice couch.”

  Now my interest is peaked. “Fine, just tell me.”

  “Come on,” he takes my hand and pulls me toward the stairs, “I’ll show you.”

  My hand warms where he touches and my heart flutters. Stop it. He’s just excited don’t read into anything. He sure isn’t.

  When we get to the bottom of the stairs, he turns to me with a boyish grin. “Now, you got to remember to keep an open mind.”

  Red flags are going up everywhere. “What do you mean?”

  He points over to the apartment dumpster area. “Look and we better hurry.”

  Through the chains, I can see a nice, dark couch up against the fence next to the metal trash container. I hate to get something that has been thrown away, but it does look like it’s in good condition and it’s not actually in the dumpster. I could clean that up in no time. “Okay, I’m in.”

  Surprise flashes through his eyes and his head tilts back. “Really?”

  “You’re right.” I motion towards it. “It seems to be in good shape and I can clean that up with no problems. Let’s go.”

  “Are you sure?” His foreheads creases and he tilts his head.

  He drags me here and now he’s doing this? What the hell? Someone else is going to get it if we don’t get a move on. “Hell yeah, I’m sure.” I leave him behind as I hurry across the lot. I whip around and glare. “Get your ass over here and soldier up. Someone else is going to take it before us if you don’t.”

  A second passes before he bursts out in a laugh I’ve never heard from him before. It’s almost light and carefree. “You are full of surprises.”

  That’s what Beth used to always say, but I don’t want to ruin this moment between us. This hasn’t happened before and almost seems normal. “That’s what they all say. Now get over here.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” He salutes me and jogs over. “All right, I’ll grab this side and you grab the other. We can have this in your apartment in no time.”

  This sounds perfect. Just one more step closer to having my apartment set up. “Okay, sounds great.” I bend down and lift my side of the couch.

  Dear God, this couch is heavier than it looks. My muscles are already screaming at me and it’s only been a few seconds. I’ve got to work out more. This is ridiculous.

  As we get closer to the stairs, I cringe. Shit, I’m going to be the last one going up the stairs which means most of this weight is going to land on me. This is going to be fun.

  “You doing okay back there?” Charlie raises an eyebrow and smirks.

  Damn him. “Yeah, I’m fine.” I’ve got this. I can’t let him see me stumble.

  When we approach the stairs, he rotates us around so that I’m the one that will head up the stairs not having to bear the weight after all.

  It wasn’t until this whole ordeal I saw this side of him. He is a very considerate person and I’m very fortunate to have him in my life even if it’s just for a short amount of time. I climb up the stairs with shaky legs as slow as possible. “Do you need a break?”

  “I’m doing alright. Just glad you live on the third floor.” He grunts at the end.

  My arms are tired and I’m not carrying all the weight, so I can imagine how his are feeling. When we get to the top of the stairs, I walk backwards and past the other two doors finally getting to my door. I lay down my edge of the couch and let out a breath. “Dear Lord.”

  Charlie stretches his arms out. “You’re telling me. That was rough, but so worth it.”

  I pull out my keys when someone comes up behind us. “I was wondering if anyone was going to get my couch.”

  Shit, we were caught red handed. Can we get in trouble for that?

  “Hey, it’s a nice couch.” Charlie crosses his arms and leans against the wall. “And you threw it away, so it was fair game.”

  “Dude, I’m not here to fight,” he claps Charlie on the shoulder, “I’m glad it can help someone out.”

  Thank God. I was worried that it was going to turn into a confrontation. I turn around and smile.

  The guy pulls at his dark blue jeans and adjusts his white shirt that is in contrast against his dark skin. “My name is Tayvon. Do you need some help getting the couch in the apartment? It seemed you guys were struggling a little coming up the stairs.”

  Some weird guy in my house, no thank you. “No…”

  “Yeah, that’d be nice.” Charlie cut me off.

  What the hell? But I can’t say no now, or I’d come off like an asshole. I glare at Charlie, but he ignores me, so I take a deep breath and open the door to my place.

  Tayvon takes my side of the couch and Charlie picks up his and they carry it in sitting it in the middle of my living room against the wall.

  They glance at me and Charlie points. “Is this good?”

  I nod. Yeah, that’s where it should go if I had everything else. Now, I just need to get the rest of the stuff. One thing at a time though. “It’s perfect. Thanks.”

  “So, this is all you have?” Tayvon glances around my place taking in my bed, small table, and now couch.

  Maybe I should be embarrassed, but I’m proud. This is all the stuff I’ve come up with on my own. “Yeah, but I’ll get there.”

  “Well, if you’re willing, I might be able to help a little more.” He grins at me and then Charlie.

  “How so?” Charlie taps a finger to his lip.

  “Well, I got a bonus at work and getting all new stuff. So, I’m getting rid of my old furniture. I had planned on giving most of it to charity,” he shrugs, “but if I know someone who needs it, I’d rather give it to them.”

  He’s going to give me furniture for free? My thoughts go back to the witch. You don’t get something for free. “What’s the catch?”

  His eyes widen, and he raises both hands. “Nothing. You actually help me. I have to do something with the furniture and you solve that problem for me. I don’t have to haul it anywhere. I can bring it here.”

  My body tenses. There has to be a hidden agenda. People aren’t nice for no reason.

  “Thanks, man.” Charlie steps between us. “We will take you up on that. Obviously, we are in need.”

  “Yeah, you guys want to come over now and check out what I have?” He heads to the door. “My new stuff is supposed to be delivered tomorrow so…”

  Why is Charlie doing this? I don’t want us to owe this guy.

  “Come on, Christina.” Charlie nudges me in the shoulder. “Let’s go get some new stuff.” He leans over and lowers his tone to a whisper. “I promise, it’ll be okay.” He pulls back and winks at me.

  I let out a breath. He hasn’t let me down yet so I’m going to trust him. I glance at Tayvon, who is standing at the door staring into the kitchen trying to give us some privacy. All right, he seems like a nice guy, but are there still reapers like that in the world? “All right, let’s go.”

  The three of us walk out of my apartment and I’m surprised when we walk just two doors down from my own.

  “This is my humble abode.” Tayvon opens his door and we follow him inside.

  His place is a one bedroom like Cha
rlie’s and decked out with the latest electronics. Tayvon scratches the back of his neck and glances down. “Yeah, I may have a slight problem.”

  “Ha, I’d say.” Charlie chuckles. “But hey, good for you.”

  I bet watching a movie here would be awesome. “So, uh…”

  “Oh, yeah.” Tayvon shakes his head. “So, I am getting a new television and it’ll be mounted so you can have this one and the stand if you want and the coffee table is meant to go with the couch.”

  What? Is he serious? I glance at Charlie. This can’t be real.

  “Hey, are you sure?” Charlie glances around his place.

  “Totally,” he stands in the center of the room, “I have to get rid of these either way. So, if you don’t want it, that’s fine. I’ll take it either down to the dumpster again or to Goodwill or something.”

  A tv would be great. There are some nights where I struggle to sleep. Nightmares from the past month or Beth’s death keep me awake. So, I lay awake most of the night staring at the ceiling or watching something on my phone. With a tv, I could watch it on a bigger screen and maybe even doze off while it was on. “I’ll take both.”

  “Great,” his dark eyes meet mine and he grins. “Let’s go ahead and get the stuff moved over.”

  “Wait,” I don’t want to inconvenience him. “Don’t you need the stuff tonight, especially your tv?”

  Charlie nods. “Yeah, we can come over tomorrow and get it. We don’t want you to do without tonight.”

  “No, it’s fine.” He moves behind the tv and begins unplugging cords. “Seriously, I’m going to a party tonight, so I won’t be home ‘til late. If I even wind up turning it on, it’ll be the one in my room. I won’t miss it.”

  Sweet, maybe things are coming together for me, but I’m almost afraid to think that. Everything tends to go awry when I begin to feel this way.

  Within a few seconds, Tayvon has the television unhooked and lifts it up and the stand. “If you two can carry the coffee table, we can head back to your place.”

  “After you,” Charlie motions me to the other side, “milady.”