Death Times Two

by C. J. Ellisson

  I quickly jot down the names of the recently deceased on the property that I know. “Where do you think we should look for them? Near where they died?”

  Lisa nods. “That’s as good a place as any to start, but the souls aren’t bound to a location. How big is the resort?”

  “Fifteen square miles. Surrounded by miles of nothing and then we reach the Coldfoot State Park.”

  She groans, annoyance clear. “That could be like searching a needle in a haystack.” Resolve crosses her face. “I can do this. I need the money.”

  “You get paid?” Surprise colors my tone.

  Lisa’s eyes narrow. “Of course. What do I look like, an idiot? Don’t answer that. It’s a job, and one I’m uniquely qualified for.” She puffs up a little with pride. “Trust me, there aren’t a lot of reapers in the world.”

  “I gathered that. Especially since no supernatural I know has mentioned them.” I tap the list I made, desperate to focus on work and not how good it felt to hold her against me. “Vikram, he’s the Indian fellow you described in the lobby. He’s a vampire.”

  “How did they all die?”

  I think back to the bloody mess of the gym after Vivian ripped off Vikram’s head. And how Emiko sliced up Sanji with a sword, spelling out words on her chest with well-placed cuts. How will Lisa react to those details? Do I really want to freak her out more? “Is that important?”

  She waves a hand. “Probably not. Let’s move on.”

  “Bebe is a tall, dark-skinned woman. Looks like she could be a South American super model. She died near the greenhouse—also a vamp.”

  “You guys have a greenhouse?”

  “Actually, we have several. They grow vegetables for the human guests and employees. The resort is designed to be self-sufficient.”

  “Very cool. Wish they had something this nice for regular people.” She glances around the room at the expensive furnishings and fabrics. “Although I probably couldn’t afford it.”

  I could give her part of my cut from the hunt earnings this past winter. When am I ever going to need that much money?

  Do you hear yourself? Contemplating how you can help her? Forget it! You can’t have her. Let it go.

  I tamp down a sigh and concentrate once again on the mission. “Melvyn and Deneishia are both werewolves. One died in a cabin and the other in the hotel basement.” She nods, staring intently at the names. “Emiko died at the hangar and Sanji by the ski slopes.”

  Lisa rubs her eyes. “Okay, then. That’s a start. We’ll check out those locations tomorrow.” I nod, sensing our time together is at an end, but reluctant to leave. “Does this place have room service? I’d like to get a little something before bed. I skipped dinner in all the excitement.”

  “Yeah, it does.” I gesture to the phone by her bed. The comfortable looking bed she’s going to be stretched out and sleeping in later. Alone. “Just call and someone will bring up a meal shortly.”

  “Great, thanks.”

  I stand and head toward the door, unsure of how to say goodbye after the physical intimacies we shared.

  “Asa?”

  I turn back, squashing the unexpected burst of joy bubbling inside from her calling out my name. “Yes?”

  “What time do you want to start? I wasn’t sure what your… umm… sleeping requirements might be.”

  “I’ll conk out at what would normally be sunrise and with help, I’ll be up a little after noon. How about I come find you then?”

  She nods, not looking my way, attention focused on the nightstand holding the phone. “Okay then. Goodnight.”

  “Nite.” I close the door behind me, barely resisting the urge to apologize for pretending I was unaffected by our kissing. I hate the thought of hurting her, but I need to stay focused on this job. For her sake as well as mine.

  I trek to my suite of rooms in the basement, next to the command center, with a jumbo travel mug of bagged blood in hand. The secret door slides open to reveal Eric, my little brother and newly turned werewolf, on duty at the elaborate security desk, focusing on his laptop and not the screens. No reason to chew him out since we don’t have any guests at the moment—we keep up a steady duty rotation to make sure we’re always in the habit.

  “Whatcha working on?”

  “Nothing,” he mumbles and closes the lid.

  Hmm… What the hell is he up to, and why won’t he tell me? I squash the urge to make him, honoring the promise that I’d never mind control him or his best friend Pat who also lives on the resort.

  “Okay, suit yourself. Did you see our new arrival?”

  “The blonde with the nice tits and ass? Yeah, man. I’m not dead.” He smirks at his own humor. “Like you.”

  “Ha ha. You’re a regular comedian. So clever. Witty, too.” I drive back at him with retorts—as he would expect. “Don’t know how the ladies resist you. Oh wait, must be the wet dog smell from your frequent changes. Told you to shower more.”

  He smiles and chucks an empty paper cup at my head. It sails past and hits the cinderblock wall behind me. “So close.”

  “That’s what she said.” He wiggles his eyebrows. “Hey, are you hitting on this chick or can I go after her?”

  Shock boils inside me. “Dude, she has three kids. And she’s like a decade older than you.”

  Eric shrugs, a grin showing his newly repaired broken tooth. “A hot MILF? Fuckin’ A. Think she likes younger guys?”

  I snort, unworried about his teasing, having a feeling it’s on purpose because he saw us kissing on the security monitors in the reading parlor. “That might be the case if you had any experience. But damn… two tours in Iraq and then stuck here after you became all furry? I don’t think you’ve got a chance impressing her.”

  He mimics a blow to the chest. “Damn. That’s harsh.” His sharp, knowing eyes turn speculative. “Think you do?”

  I lean against the wall, crossing my arms over my chest. “Doesn’t matter. I’ve got a job to do.”

  “Right.” He nods like a bobble head doll, full-on obnoxious churning below the surface. “Protecting Vivian and following every precious command out of her mouth. Who’s not here, by the way.”

  I stare above his head, resisting the urge to pummel him. “You know it’s not like that, man. She hardly needs anyone to protect her.”

  “Hmph. After the shit that went down in Argentina I’m not so sure you’re right.”

  “Whatever. She’s fine now. You heard the tales from Drew and Paul about Rafe killing those vamps. Those two really never needed us here for extra protection.

  “But you don’t get it—I made a choice. Vampires aren’t like a pack of hormone driven randy dogs,” he growls as I plunge ahead, “we’ve got a hierarchy. Rules and shit. And not following those rules will get me hunted down and unceremoniously killed. Besides,” I shrug and look away, “Vivian isn’t so bad. I’ve followed men in the Army I respected less.”

  “Fine. Whatever you say. She scares the beejesus out of me. I’m glad I deal with Jon more than her. I get the feeling she thinks of me as a pet. I keep waiting for her to smile and pat me on the head.”

  “Well, there is the whole dog thing to consider.”

  “Bite me. Seriously, is there some rule you can’t have fun either? Go after the MILF. Live a little, you undead bastard.” He smiles again at his double entendre.

  I sigh, letting the tension ease out of me. “It’s not as simple as you’re making it.”

  “Really? What’s the problem? Your dick stopped working when you turned? Seems like we’ve had enough orgy-loving guests here that would dispute such a problem.” His face crashes. “Dude. Do you need Viagra? The undead parts don’t want to work right?”

  I laugh, the sound bouncing off the stark walls. “Ahh, no.” I think back to the instant arousal when Lisa was plastered against me after she escorted Joanna to the glowing door. “That’s not my problem.”

  “What is it then?”

  I hesitate, torn on whether to
say anything or not. Might as well pull the Band-Aid off as quick as I can. “I don’t drink directly from humans anymore. And I haven’t been intimate with one since I was in Manhattan working for Cy.”

  “Okay, so what? You worried you won’t last? Yank it before you make an attempt. That should do the trick.”

  “No, I’m not worried about coming too quick, but gee, thanks for the obvious life tip.” Remorse fills me as I recall the horror I put past lovers through. “My bite brings excruciating pain to a human. Like screaming—poison through the veins—ready to do anything to get the hell away from me type of pain. Didn’t have the problem with Joanna, so I’m guessing it’s only humans.”

  “Oh man, that sucks. No pun intended that time, I swear.” He looks deep in thought. “Either you could fill up on blood ahead of time so you’re not tempted to bite,” his face scrunches in disgust, “during the ‘moment.’ Or you avoid the temptation altogether and never make a pass at her.”

  Temptation? He has no idea. Temptation has nothing to do with it.

  Katie had to be hospitalized for a month and refused to see me, during her stay or after. Leslie told me she’d stake my ass if I ever came near her with an open mouth again. Ray quit the bar and had to have his mind wiped. He swore if he knew freaks like me existed he never would have taken the extra pay no matter how desperate he was. After that, Cy insisted I stick to bagged blood only.

  “I’m going with option number two—never make a pass at her. I like her too much to have her look at me with revulsion and hatred.”

  Chapter Seven

  Lisa

  The next morning I wake at seven o’clock. For a minute I’m confused about where I am. Then I remember I’m in a hotel that caters to vampires and werewolves. Even though nobody bothered me, not even the spirits haunting the place, I didn’t sleep very well. The whole possibility of being attacked put a damper on the zzzs I needed.

  Maybe a shower will revive me. I have a feeling today is going to be busy. The room is pitch black. What I want is to open the metal shutters and let the sun in. I need this. It feels like the only thing that will ground me in this weird adventure. But that wouldn’t be good if Asa comes in. I hesitate. He’ll probably knock first and I’ll be able to close the shutters before I let him in. At least I hope so. Having him burst into flames and crumble to a pile of ash isn’t my idea of a great start to a day. Plus, with it being so early I figure he won’t be up for hours.

  The sunlight streams into the room and illuminates it with gold light. Even though it’s morning, the sun doesn’t set. I stand in the rays for a minute, breathing deeply and attempting to clear my mind. Today is going to be trying. I feel it in my reaper bones. Already I’m missing my kids. Their fighting, messes, and all around chaos that follows them. The only redeeming qualities about this assignment are the great accommodations and my hot helper.

  He might be another reason I couldn’t sleep. Kissing Asa churned up lots of naughty thoughts. But I need to be realistic. I’m a mother of three and he’s a smokin’ sexy vampire. Not the ideal combination. His reaction to our kisses had me all kinds of confused. At first he seemed to be into it, but after Ivan was reaped, he seemed to shut down. Maybe his tastes run toward sexier twenty-somethings and not hockey moms.

  Opening my eyes, I sigh and secure the shutters again. It takes a few seconds for my eyes to adjust. After clicking on the lamp, I gather my toiletries and clothes and head to the bathroom. My phone call to Constantine can wait until I’m feeling human again. Then he’s going to get an earful.

  I brace my hands against the wall of the tiled shower and the let spray beat against my back. I have a tiled shower at home, but no way does it come close to this sleek style. Actually mine echoes the 1970’s. Harvest gold tiles and a faux black marble counter top. Classic design. The hot water washes away some of the aches and grogginess. Everything about this place is perfect—even the water pressure. Too bad it’s full of vampire ghosts who seem bent on dragging me to Hell or possessing me.

  Once I’ve lathered and scrubbed, I rinse and towel off. I could get use to these creature comforts and make a mental note to demand a bigger bonus for this job. After all, I deserve it. Maybe I can buy some plush towels or a new shower head with fifteen spray settings. I’m not hard to please.

  After slipping on my sweats I head into my room. What I want is coffee. Lots of it. Asa said there was room service. Last night I was too tired to wait up for food. Now I’m hesitant to call but I don’t think I’ll be able to wait until he wakes up to eat. My body supports carbs and gets cranky when it’s not fed on a regular basis.

  Throwing caution to the wind, I pick up the phone and press the room service button. Instantly my call is answered. The woman on the other end is friendly and eager to be of service. I wonder if she knows who, or more like, what I am. After placing my order I hang up. I need to call Constantine but it’s better if I wait until I’m fed—for both of us.

  Despite my initial apprehensions about ordering, the food arrives within fifteen minutes, carried by a smiling woman. She appears human. At least not a vampire. Since my knowledge of werewolves is limited to my encounter with Jon, I can’t say whether or not she’s fully human.

  My stomach growls when the aroma of sausage and eggs hit me. After setting up the meal the woman turns to me. “Is there anything else you need?”

  A thousand questions tumble through my mind but I don’t ask. It wouldn’t be right prying for details. There was a good reason why this place was so well hidden. Probably the less I know the better. “No, thank you.”

  She leaves me with more food than I’ll be able to eat—but I give it the old college try. Sated, I crawl onto the bed and grab my phone. Reclining, I get comfortable. I don’t know how long this conversation will be but I definitely want to speak my piece.

  The phone rings. There’s a hint of an echo on the other end of the line. Cell towers are few and far between up here. I’m just happy I have connection.

  “Carron?” Constantine’s voice sounds worried on the other end. “You all right?”

  “Hello to you, too.” I smile at his concern even though I’m still miffed about coming to the inn clueless. “Why wouldn’t I be all right? Something you forgot to tell me?”

  Silence stretches on the other end of the line. Then he clears his throat. “I didn’t forget.”

  “Oh,” I say, my head nodding like a dancing parrot. “Just didn’t feel it was important to tell me about the vampires. Oh—oh—and the werewolves.”

  “Look.” He hesitates. “You wouldn’t have believed me or gone if I told you. We needed you up there to clear the spirits before the owners return.”

  “About that. We’ve run into a few problems.”

  “Such as?” His words are terse, as if expecting me to make more excuses as to why I can’t do this job.

  “Such as Hal won’t take these reaps without gold. So if we don’t find more, this job is dead in the water. No pun intended.”

  A muffled curse wafts through the phone. “That can be dealt with. If I know that crafty redhead, and I do, I’m sure Vivian has some stashed away.”

  “Asa is checking it out, but I’m just saying, the three ghosts I’ve reaped might be it.”

  “Three? Just how many are there?”

  Obviously he hadn’t lied about thinking this job would be a few reaps. “I know there’s at least two ghosts hanging around, but Asa says there’s six more. I’ve stopped asking how and why there are so many.”

  “I’m sure you can handle it, Carron.” His voice has lost the concern and is now all about pumping up the team spirit. But in an I’m the boss and you’ll do what I say way. “Anything else?”

  “Yeah, there is. That bonus you promised, well you need to increase it by ten times. So far one spirit tried to drag me into the elevator to Hell and another attempted to possess me.”

  “Possess you? How did you stop them?”

  Telling Constantine that I snogged a hot
vamp wouldn’t win me any credibility points. “That’s not important. What is important is that either I get hazardous duty pay or I’m out of here. Besides, Nate should be reaping all these spirits. Violent death and all.”

  “Supernaturals fall under you.”

  For a few seconds I’m speechless. “When did we make that rule? I don’t remember reading that in my job description.”

  “You’re special, Carron. That’s why you have a familiar and that’s why Hal Lee Lewya is your porter.”

  Constantine had a habit of talking in half explanations, which left me to decipher the rest of the truth. Anybody who knows me would understand how unwise that is. My imagination far outweighs my skills of deduction. If I can’t figure it out, I make the crap up.

  “What do Hal and Fletcher have to do with it?”

  “Familiars are rare and only choose reapers with… extra skill. And Hal is a powerful porter. One of the most powerful as a matter of fact. That’s why he can transport supernaturals. That makes you the perfect reaper for the job.”

  “Well, those might have been important points to explain to me before now, don’t you think?”

  He gives a noncommittal grunt.

  The urge to tell him what he could do with the job wars with the knowledge that I now have some serious leverage power. If I was the only reaper able to handle these spirits then I should demand more for my services. “Then I suggest you make this job more appealing to me or I’m coming home.”

  “You’re getting a bonus.”

  I don’t reply, letting my silence be my answer.

  After a few seconds he sighs. “Fine, Carron. I will give you a thousand per supernatural soul you reap.”

  My mouth drops open. I hadn’t expected that much. He must really need these souls reaped. I snap my mouth shut, certain he can see or somehow sense my shock. Like I said, I’m not sure Constantine is human. I mirror his sigh, acting as if the offer is barely acceptable. “I’ll do this, but I’m not thrilled about it.”