A Reaper Made

by Liz Long

  “You know it’s good luck to find something the campus’s secret society left for someone!” Tessa said. Her face clearly told me to get it together.

  “Secret…society?” I repeated, not getting it.

  Allison gave me a weird look. “Yeah, BAD - Beta Alpha Delta? The school’s infamous secret society?”

  “Oh, right.” I still didn’t get the “dropping” thing. “Must’ve missed that at orientation.”

  Allison chuckled, her face full of disbelief. “How have you been going here for this long and not know about them? They do monthly walks around campus, leave little charms around for students to find? Mine was a blue and white marked teddy bear. Anyway, they’ve been around since the school was built.”

  She cast a furtive look around the library to make sure no one overheard them. Apparently satisfied, her shoulders shrunk as though to be more inconspicuous as she leaned over the table to whisper. We leaned in to hear her secret. A smile flitted across her lips.

  “Brady and some friends and I snuck into their old tunnels a couple months ago.” She even seemed surprised at herself. “They’re like, super old and it’s forbidden to go down there, but Brady dared someone and we all went. Matt almost wet his pants at a rat down there.”

  Tessa chuckled and Allison straightened up with a giggle. I seized the opportunity.

  “Speaking of Matt…,” I said, pausing to look down at the table, hoping it appeared bashful, “is he single?”

  I looked up in time to see Allison’s nose wrinkle. It disappeared, but she knew I’d seen it. She tried to backtrack. “He’s cute, don’t get me wrong. Yes, he’s single right now.”

  “You don’t like him?” I asked. My eyebrow arched.

  Allison sighed, an apologetic look on her face. “No, it’s not that, he’s one of my friend’s ex-boyfriends.”

  “He break her heart?” Tessa asked.

  “More or less. He’s always been more Brady’s friend than mine.”

  “Oh, so maybe I could ask him about Matt?” I asked, making sure to sound hopeful. That would give me a good excuse to learn a few things about our enemy.

  Allison nodded, her smile a bit too frozen. Must’ve been a nasty breakup. “Anyway, you ready to talk about witches?”

  A nervous laugh bubbled up from my throat. “Witches? What are you-?”

  Tessa “accidentally” slung her bag into me, her tone cheerful. “Salem Witch Trials, you bet. I’m practically an expert.”

  Oh. History study group, right. I shot a look at Tessa, her lips quirking into a smile at the topic. Allison rummaged through her book bag and I took the opportunity to address my witchy friend.

  “An expert, huh?”

  She kept her expression neutral. “Well, I do have a great memory.”

  “And was this topic always on the syllabus?” I asked out of the corner of my mouth.

  Tessa’s slender shoulder came up, her face innocent. She cleared her throat, a cue that it was time to get information. I hesitated at Allison’s open face, honest and cheerful. I didn’t know if I wanted to upset her. Maybe I couldn’t do this after all.

  “Hey, Allison, I wondered…” I trailed off, having no idea what to say. How did someone ask about a dead sibling? There was no tactful way. Allison waited for me to finish my question but my mind went completely blank.

  Tessa saved me by bursting into tears. Allison and I jumped, our eyes going to the waterworks. I stared at Tessa, bewildered.

  “What’s the matter?” Allison asked, concerned.

  “I’m sorry, it’s just…well, I lost my cousin over the weekend. He was like a brother to me, you know?”

  Stricken, Allison immediately leaned in, put her hand on Tessa’s. “I’m so sorry. What happened?”

  Tessa proceeded to tell some cockamamy story of a skiing accident that also somehow involved a giant moose. I had to glare at the library table scars and bite the inside of my cheek to keep from smiling and ruining everything. Allison never looked away from Tessa, sympathy all over her face. Once Tessa ran out of steam, she slumped back in her chair.

  Allison bit her lip, her eyes going from me and Tessa. “Actually, I know how you feel. I lost my big sister three years ago.”

  I’d have to remember to tell Tessa she was a genius. I looked up at Allison, trying not to appear eager to hear her memories. She went silent for a long moment. Tessa motioned for me to test it out.

  “You can give me the bird if I’m prying, but how did she…?” I hardly noticed I sat on the edge of my seat, never having known I’d wanted so badly to hear how I died. More importantly, how did it go afterward?

  Allison’s eyes went to her lap, but after a half second, she said, “A drunk driver hit her, some idiot who plowed through a stop sign.”

  Tessa gasped and I resisted glaring at her for the overdramatic effect.

  I leaned forward. “What happened to the drunk driver?”

  An ugly look I didn’t recognize came over Allison. “Got away with rehab and fines. One of my brothers texted me yesterday to let me know the guy was arrested again, this time for drug possession. Serves the bastard right.”

  I grimaced, unsure of what I’d expected to feel. I still felt a rage at that man for my death, but I hadn’t shared with anyone just how much. Tully would not approve of my spite, but I hoped prison treated him poorly.

  I faked a sympathetic look. “At least he’s not out on the streets anymore.”

  Allison shrugged as though indifferent, but a flash of something in her eyes said otherwise. I would bet anything she wished him dead.

  “He turned out to be some company bigwig who needed rehab long before he killed her,” she said. “We sued and gave a third of it to MADD. Another bit went to the hospital Grace volunteered at and the rest we put into savings for all of this,” she said with a small wave to the library, referring to her college education.

  “I’m so sorry.” My voice caught on the last word, the deep sorrow within me bubbling to the surface. I swallowed hard, hadn’t expected to get so choked up about it.

  Allison’s features softened. The lost look on her face making my insides twist with emotion. “I never got to say goodbye to her. That was the worst part. More than anything, I want to tell her I love her.”

  “She knows that above anything else,” I said. Tessa elbowed me in the ribs; I’d said it with such certainty that Allison looked up, confused. I hurried over it. “I mean, she would probably want that, too. To say goodbye one last time.”

  Allison bowed her head, eyes back on her hands. “It’s funny how it’s the little things, isn’t it? Fighting over who got to drive or talking all night after our parents went to bed? She was my best friend and that man took her from me.”

  “Oh, Ally,” I said, pausing when she winced at the nickname.

  “Um, that was her name for me,” Allison said. “If you don’t mind, I go by Allison now.”

  “Of course,” I murmured, angry with myself for the mistake.

  She turned her attention back to the textbook, picking up her pen to take notes. Tessa shot me a look and leaned in to start telling her side of things while I let my mind wander.

  I had to keep it together. We’d never save anybody at this rate if I couldn’t stay focused on the task at hand. My sister was a priority, but the souls had to come first, I knew that. To do that, we needed Brady the witch to talk. I just had no clue how yet.

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  Tessa and I said our goodbyes, leaving Allison at our study table. Outside the library, the witch and I faced each other.

  “I’ll see you back at my place, yes?” Tessa asked.

  At my nod, she turned and walked off behind the building. Away from prying eyes, it provided the cover she needed to disappear. I waited until she’d turned the corner and took a few moments for myself.

  I strolled along the path, not wanting to go quite yet. Instead, I took in the sights, the sounds. Students were scattered on campus, many in study groups
on the grassy hill or grabbing a bite to eat over by the Student Union. A small gaggle of sorority sisters passed me, excited about this coming weekend’s charity event. A skateboarder whizzed by, the noise startling me. He paid no attention to passersby, his earbuds firmly in place blasting music.

  Colorful banners screaming about campus events were strung across the balcony and porch; recycling bins were readily available; and music sounded from nearby dorm windows. I lifted my face toward the sky, soaking in the warm sunshine. For a moment, I could forget about my problems and simply be a college student.

  “Hey!” a voice rang out.

  I turned to see Allison, raising her hand in greeting. I turned around to make sure no one stood behind me and returned her wave.

  “How’s it going?” I asked as she walked up to me.

  “I texted Brady about giving you Matt's number,” Allison said. “He suggested maybe we all go out so you two can get to know each other.”

  My mouth fell open. A double date with my sister and her witch boyfriend? I was torn, seeing both an opening and a dangerous situation. I’d have to walk a fine line around him to prevent his suspicion (if he didn’t have it already). The sooner the better.

  Allison hesitated, mistaking my silence for embarrassment. “I’m sorry, maybe I shouldn’t have said anything…”

  My hand went up to stop her. “No, that’s great! Sorry, it surprised me is all. Are you sure you’re okay with it? With your friend and the history there and all.”

  She nodded. “It’s not really any of my business, in previous or any future relationships. He’s always been nice to me, so maybe I didn’t hear the whole story.”

  I’d take that and run with it. No use spoiling a golden opportunity. “Yeah, cool, I’m free tonight.”

  “Great, I’ll text you the details. See you later.”

  Had I not been her sister, she would’ve fooled me. That bright expression, her dimpled cheeks pulled into a smile. But I saw no smile in her eyes and I knew she wasn’t entirely comfortable with the double date idea. That only encouraged me. If Brady had suggested the date because he suspected something, he might take it out on her. I couldn’t let that happen.

  To my great disappointment, Tessa and Tully both disagreed. Once they’d chewed me out for not immediately returning to our makeshift headquarters, they teamed up on me about the date idea.

  “Are you insane?” Tessa asked, whirling on me in her living room. “Going on a date with the enemy?”

  My hands went up in protest. “Even if he saw through the spell, he wouldn’t do anything with Allison and Matt right there.”

  “You cannot be certain of that, child,” Tully argued. Despite his tone, he’d managed to master standing perfectly still. I marveled at the skill; I twitched too much like my old self. Tully had assured me it would fade over time.

  “Look, it’s the best shot we have to learn more about him and what’s happening to the Reapers,” I said.

  “You can’t just ask him about magic or draw him out,” Tessa said.

  I shot her an annoyed look. “I know that, but I can read him. Gauge his reactions about certain phrases. Observe him and stuff. What other evidence do we have to go on right now?”

  At that, Tully and Tessa exchanged a look. They knew I was right. I decided to push my luck.

  “Great. Can I borrow one of your dresses?” I asked, gesturing to my plain jeans and tee. Tessa grumbled, turning around to rummage through her closet for my outfit. Tully disappeared to check on his souls that needed attention.

  An hour after Allison texted me about the Italian restaurant across the street from campus, we walked over together. Conversation came easy; we fell into a rhythm, taking turns to gush over hot celebrities and our favorite movies. As we got closer, I noticed the boys waiting for us.

  I offered Matt a shy smile. He grinned back and I couldn’t help but notice his very white, straight teeth. Those dark blue eyes were much prettier from this angle. His friendly, open expression caught me off guard; as one of Brady’s friends, I’d expected something a little darker. Instead, he looked like a normal guy. A feeling I didn’t know swooped through my belly.

  We all did the awkward greetings and made our way to the table. I bit back a grin when Matt pulled my chair out for me. No boy had ever done that for me. He had a seat next to me and I pretended not to notice the brief thumbs up he gave Brady.

  Matt made a little small talk with me, while I threw out the first things that came to mind. Right now, I was Evie, and maybe Evie was a bit more spontaneous and fun than Grace. Evie, in my mind anyway, had ridden a motorcycle, bungee-jumped, and most likely lost her virginity to her first rocker boyfriend.

  “Where did you get your work done?” Matt asked me. When I gave him a blank look, he used his fork to gesture at my arm.

  “Oh!” I said, realizing he meant the tattoos Tessa had given me.

  I silently cursed her; I was not nearly exciting enough to have such a colorful sleeve. I glanced down at the shapes, wishing I’d studied them more. The intricate pattern of assorted bird feathers surrounded a much larger peacock feather. I admired it certainly, but in no way did it scream ‘Grace.’ Then again, that was probably the point.

  “Um, took several trips. This one I got at senior week with my friends at the beach,” I said, pointing to one and trying to be as vague as possible.

  “It’s a beautiful piece,” Allison said. “Mine’s much smaller.”

  I sputtered on the water I’d brought to my lips. “You have a tattoo?”

  “Sure, you don’t have to look so surprised,” she said. “It’s a mirror, in honor of my sister.”

  People had often remarked on our likeness, more than a few even asking if we were twins. That’d been our inside joke. As a matter of fact, we’d once said we’d get those tattoos together. I’d been sixteen and thought I’d been going through a rebel phase. Turns out it was just my smart mouth that stuck around; the rest of me wanted to be either at home or at the hospital rather than partying with my vapid friends.

  I bit my lip, fighting back the initial reaction to leap across the table and hug her. “That’s really nice.”

  Brady paid me no mind, instead buttering a slice of bread. I eyed him across the table, wondering if he knew my secret. He kept most of his attention on Allison, only looking at me when I answered a question.

  “Do you have any brothers or sisters?” Matt asked me.

  “Nope.” I shook my head, maybe a little too forcefully.

  I didn’t look at Allison when I said it, feeling like she’d see right through the lie. She remained quiet, probably not wanting to talk about me — er, her sister — any more than she already had today. Luckily, Brady changed the subject.

  “What are you majoring in?” he asked me.

  I blanked again, trying to remember my fake class schedule. Had Tessa and I gone over this? Under Brady’s scrutiny I’d forgotten.

  “Must be undecided like me,” Matt said with a good-natured chuckle. “Don’t worry, it’s not unusual. I can’t figure out what I’m good at, ya know?”

  My shoulders went up in a nervous shrug. “My problem seems to be that I want to do it all, I think. I like doing a lot of different things.”

  “Sounds like Al,” Brady said offhandedly. He tucked a strand of hair behind Allison’s ear. I saw the moment his fingers froze, a spark of realization in his hazel eyes. He kept his gaze on his girlfriend, but I knew what I’d seen. He’d put something together, but what? How much did he even know to put together?

  I forced a nervous laugh and tried to change the subject. “Matt, tell me more about you.”

  He eagerly jumped in, telling us more about his interests (soccer and bad guitar playing). Brady asked him a soccer question and they immediately broke into their own sports language. Allison and I exchanged an eye roll. My stomach unknotted and I relaxed a little. Brady was acting totally normal; I must’ve imagined things. I focused instead on Matt’s mesmerizing voic
e.

  I let my eyes wander to him, this young college boy with the handsome smile. Despite the strong jawline, his profile still had a bit of baby face to it. I focused in on his neck tattoo, remembering he shared Brady’s ink design.

  “You didn’t tell us about your tattoo,” I said. “You and Brady have the same design, right?”

  My question definitely took Matt by surprise. I didn’t miss the glance he gave Brady.

  Brady’s eyes narrowed. “How do you know about mine?”

  Oh, crap. With the ink on his ribcage, how would I know about something like that? I tossed out a lie and hoped it stuck. “Uh, Allison mentioned it a couple months ago. The description sounded like what’s here on Matt’s skin.”

  To my relief, Allison just laughed and cuddled up to Brady. “I was probably talking about your hot bod.”

  I forced a laugh. “Exactly.”

  Brady relaxed, but I could tell my question had unnerved him. Matt answered for both of them instead.

  “Oh, you know, just a stupid whim. Only young once and all that.”

  Allison chuckled. “I’ve been bugging Brady for months about it. My guess is they got too drunk over fall break and took a ride into the city. Better that than a stripper STD.”

  Brady’s lips pursed, but he nodded. “Yep, I told ya babe, just a stupid decision on the fly.”

  I didn’t miss Matt’s eyes drop to the table. I pressed further. “What does it mean, though?”

  “Just some symbol we saw on the parlor wall and decided was cool. Nothing special,” Brady said.

  For obvious reasons, I didn’t believe him. I could tell they weren’t going to talk though; no use in pushing my luck and raising Brady’s eyebrows more than I already had. That symbol they shared meant something, but what?

  As the evening wore on, I couldn’t help but enjoy myself. Matt was an upbeat guy who enjoyed telling jokes that had Allison and me in fits of laughter. Even Brady chuckled at several of them, though I noticed he didn’t look at me much throughout the evening.