I gave my dad my best skeptical look. “And you think she’s just going to tell me what her plans are if I ask nicely?”
“Maybe.” He hesitated. “Just be friendly. Maybe chat her up a bit. See what her mood is like. You know.”
“And if I think she’s there to cause trouble? Or to try to hurt Sanders?”
My father’s mouth flattened into a thin, hard line. “Then you have authorization to take her into the warehouse and freeze her solid.”
“What?”
He nodded. “If it comes to that, notify us as soon as you’re done, and your uncle and I will come down there.”
“And what, I’m supposed to just keep her on ice for the day and a half it takes you to get here?”
“We’ll take the sleigh. You won’t have to wait long.”
I stared at him for a few seconds, mulling this whole thing over. “You really think it’s going to come to that?”
“We hope not, but Sanders must be protected. Yes, he’s a handful at times, but he provides the world with a very valuable service: sleep. We need him happy and healthy. The whole world does.”
“But no pressure,” I muttered to myself.
“I heard that,” my dad said. “Listen, Jay, we’re not leaving you to do this alone. That’s why we said we’d come down there.”
“I know. But wow.”
He nodded. “I get it. I do.”
“Okay. But I really hope she’s just here to get a book.”
“Us, too. Truly.”
I took a breath and changed the subject. “Speaking of, two more things. I need the books for today.”
“I already sent them through the Santa’s Bag this morning. Didn’t you get them?”
“Kip must have unloaded them already. I haven’t been in the store yet, but I’ll do that next. Also, I sent my tiara back this morning.”
“Yes, I got a message from Heirlooms and Antiquities right before you called that it had been received and would be returned to the vaults shortly.”
“Good. And as much as I love chatting with you, I should probably get to work.”
“You should probably go get yourself a real breakfast. I see what you’re eating. That’s not going to do you any good with the day you have in front of you.”
I laughed. “Is that an order?”
He smiled. “That’s a royal decree. Go eat something substantial. Pancakes, waffles, some bacon, hash browns. They must have a decent breakfast place in that town.”
“Oh, they do.”
“Then I expect you to be there shortly after we hang up.”
“Yes, King Dad. But first I need to make sure Kip took care of those books. Which I’m sure he did, but I still need to be in the store for a few minutes. That is what you pay me for.”
“All right. But immediately after that, go eat.”
“I will. I promise. Did Mom and Aunt Martha get everything settled with the caterers?”
“Not yet, but they’re close. And I’d put your mother on, but you can talk to her tonight. I know what a busy day you have in front of you and she’ll want to talk to you for an hour.”
“Okay, but tell her I said hi.”
“I will. Love you, Jay.”
“Love you, Dad.”
As the snow settled at the bottom of the globe, I tossed the toaster pastries in the trash. Then I sent Cooper a text about meeting me at Mummy’s for breakfast. First of all because I owed him after he’d stayed at the party last night. Secondly, I wanted to know how the rest of the evening had gone between Luna and Sanders. And thirdly, eating there instead of ordering delivery meant I could have a little temporary distance from Sanders.
While I waited for Coop to get back to me, I went into the shop. There were a few customers, but nothing crazy. That would come later, most likely. Kip had the book display by the door looking great.
Juniper walked up as I was checking it out. “How was last night? Did you have fun?” She grinned. “Are you hungover?”
“Not even slightly. It was a weird evening. And a short one. Sanders’ ex-wife showed up.”
Her eyes went round. “What? Tell me everything.”
I did, right down to the detail about the spiders in her hair.
“Ew,” Juniper shuddered. “And he was married to her? What kind of a guy looks at a chick that arachno-friendly and thinks, ‘I gotta get me some of that’?”
“Apparently, the Sandman does. But look, if she does come by the shop today, we have to be super nice and totally normal to her. We do not want to set her off.”
“I hear that. I’ll make sure Kip and the rest of the crew know.”
“Thanks. I’m going to be out for a bit. I need to eat something. My dad’s making me go eat, actually.”
“You have to obey if it’s a royal decree.” She laughed.
“Exactly.” My phone buzzed. Probably Cooper. “I’m going to run. Call me if you need me.”
“I will. Enjoy your breakfast.”
I checked the message as I returned to my office. Cooper couldn’t make it to breakfast (bummer) because he was on duty at the fire house, but said nothing weird had happened between Sanders and Luna the rest of the night. Just some small talk and a little more dancing. All very friendly.
That might have been, but Sanders sure had been quick to conclude that Luna was behind his missing hourglass. That got me thinking about what Greyson had told me last night. There was another reaper in town.
I sent Greyson a quick text with my new idea and asked him to join me for breakfast.
He answered as I was walking into Mummy’s. Can’t do breakfast but I can make the rest happen. Pick you up at the warehouse in an hour.
I might be alone for breakfast, but that was okay. The rest of my morning was about to get really interesting. Maybe I’d just eat in my office. I went to the take-out counter, ready to place an order, when I felt a hand on my arm.
“Princess. I mean, Jayne.” Birdie Caruthers grinned at me. “How are you?”
“I’m doing all right. How are you, Birdie?”
“Oh, I’m fine. Worked to the bone by that nephew of mine. That’s why I’m here. Getting some cinnamon rolls.” She leaned in. “He’s a little stressed with the baby’s due date getting closer. Needed some comfort food, you know how it is.”
I nodded. “That’s right, I forgot his wife is about to have a baby.” I knew the sheriff had adopted Ivy’s son, but this was their first child together. “How exciting! I guess I won’t be seeing Ivy at Delaney’s Delectables much longer.” The last time I’d been in Delaney’s shop, Ivy had been showing pretty well.
“No, she’ll be off on maternity leave. And between us, probably won’t return to work. I think she’s just going to stay home and be a full time mama. But Delaney’s already got some new people lined up to cover the shifts.” Birdie tipped her head, eyes lively. “Hey, are you in a rush?”
“Not for an hour. Why?”
“We should get a cup of coffee and catch up.”
“I was actually going to get breakfast. I haven’t eaten yet and I’m starving.”
Birdie grinned. “Now that you mention it, I could go for some eggs Benedict.” She waved at a passing waitress. “Lynette, we’re going to take that table over there.”
Lynette nodded at us. “I’ll be right over with menus.”
Birdie was never dull company, so it turned out I’d been right on the money when I imagined my morning getting more interesting.
Greyson was right on time to pick me up. Unfortunately, I wasn’t ready. Breakfast with Birdie had gone a little longer than I’d intended (Penny Jo may have come up) and I’d had to hustle to get back to the warehouse. Even with that hustle, I was a few minutes late.
He was leaning against the wall near the warehouse door, a few feet from where his Camaro was parked curbside. And of course, he looked perfect. Kind of rakish and very bad-boy in black jeans, leather jacket, and Ray-Bans.
I waved as I approached. “Sorry.
I know I’m late. I ran into Birdie at Mummy’s and—”
Greyson laughed. “That’s really all the explanation I need.” He straightened. “Do you need to go in or can we just leave from here?”
“Maybe…” If something else had come up Olive or Juniper would have texted me. I checked my phone anyway just to be sure I hadn’t missed anything. I hadn’t. Big relief there. “No, we can leave from here.”
“Great.” He opened my car door, waited for me to get in to close it again, then went around and slid behind the wheel.
I put my seat belt on—a lap belt only, because in 1969 safety was not their first concern. “I need to send a quick text, then you can fill me in on whatever I need to know.”
He nodded and pulled into traffic.
I shot Juniper a note. Off on an errand, back in a bit. Text if you need me. Then I put my phone in my purse. “So. We’re going to see the reaper. That sounds so ominous. What should I know?”
“Just one thing that I can think of. Well, two things. Don’t touch him. And don’t talk about him afterward.”
“Wow, ominous indeed. Why can’t I touch him? Or talk about him? Not that I’m going to do either. Just curious.”
Greyson slanted his eyes at me. “Don’t talk about him because he likes his anonymity. And the reason you can’t touch him is that he retired because he can’t control his ability to reap souls. Which means his touch is deadly. Sometimes.”
My brows lifted. “Only sometimes. That’s reassuring.”
Greyson sighed. “I’m serious about not saying a word about this to anyone. I’ve been sworn to secrecy as well. The only reason Lucien’s even seeing you is because he knows Luna.”
“Lucien? Do all reapers have names that start with L? Lily would be a good reaper name, seeing as how that’s a funeral flower and all.”
“Jayne.” Greyson’s tone held an edge. “I realize you’re hyped up on sugar and breakfast with Birdie, but this is serious business.”
I narrowed my eyes. “I know it’s serious. Last night, a woman with the powers of death and fear showed up and announced she’s coming to my store today. During what could potentially be one of the busiest afternoons we’ve ever had. Then I had my head chewed off this morning by the elemental who controls the world’s sleep, because he misplaced his most valuable tool. And now you’re taking me to see a being who could kill me with his touch? Excuse me if I use snark as a defense. I’m a little stressed. I’d rather laugh than cry.”
Greyson reached out and took my hand. “I’m sorry. I know this is a lot for anyone to handle. But you don’t have to handle it alone. I’m here whenever you need me. Anything you need, just ask. I told you I’d come to the store today and help. What else can I do?”
I let out a long breath and tried to relax my shoulders, which had somehow gotten bunched up around my ears. “Having you at the store will be a big help. That’s really all I can think of right now. Everything else…I’ll just deal with as it comes.”
He squeezed my hand. “It’s all going to be okay.”
“I hope so.” We rode in silence for a few moments before a new thought entered my head. “So Lucien’s touch won’t affect you?”
“No. I’m already dead. He can’t kill me twice.”
“That’s why he’s had you do work for him. No worries about accidentally reaping you. What kind of stuff have you done for him?”
“Errands. Bigger things than his housemate could manage. Some business stuff for the club.”
My forehead wrinkled. “Back up. Death has a roommate?”
“Sort of. She’s a ghost. Kind of. The last soul he reaped. And the first one that was accidental. Anyway, he was able to give her back her soul, but the damage was done. The death part was permanent. So now she’s a ghost with the ability to become corporeal enough to do things like get groceries, run to the post office, and see a movie now and then.”
I stared at Greyson for a full minute. “You’re serious.”
“As a heart attack.”
I slipped down in my seat. “Sweet Christmas crackers, this town is weird.” Then I sat up again. “Do I get to meet this ghost?”
He nodded. “I’m sure Hattie will be there. She always is.”
“Why does she stay with Lucien? I mean, if he’s the one who offed her and everything…” I wouldn’t stick around the guy who killed me. Even if it was accidental.
Greyson stared out through the windshield. “Lucien is her grandson.”
“Oh.” A wave of sadness washed through me and I instantly understood more about Lucien than I could have imagined. It took a second before I could say anything. “That’s kind of awful. But sweet too, that she’s stayed with him.”
Greyson nodded as he pulled into the parking lot of Insomnia. “It is. Part of me is a little jealous that he gets to have a family member with him for eternity. And part of me can’t imagine what it must feel like to know you accidentally cut short the life of someone you love.”
“Wow. Yeah, that part would undo me, I think.”
“It has him, too. You see why he wants to be left alone?”
“I do. Poor guy. But why call her his housemate? Why not just say Grandmother?”
“He doesn’t like the reminder.”
“I guess I can understand that.” I stared at the old Caldwell Manufacturing building. Faded paint spelled out the name on the crumbling brick structure. If I didn’t know better, I’d think the place was abandoned, not home to the hottest supernaturals-only nightclub in town. “So he lives in the same building as the club?”
Greyson nodded. “Yes. Ready to meet him?”
“I don’t know. But I’m ready to find out more about Luna.” I opened my own door this time.
We walked in together. There was no bouncer by the elevator like there had been the first night I’d come here, but the rest of the place looked the same. Dusty rows of machinery and worktables that spoke of the building’s past stood in silent lines, and a dank, metallic smell hung in the air. Faint, but there.
Not a single indicator that this place housed a nightclub. Except for the shiny steel elevator against the far wall. That was a little out of place.
We went up to it and Greyson punched a code into the keypad. “Don’t tell anyone I know how to access this elevator either.”
“I won’t.”
The doors opened and we got on. He tapped the only button on the panel and down we went.
The elevator took us to the club level, but it looked nothing like it normally did. There were no drifts of manufactured fog, no cool blue lights, no walls of running water. All of that was turned off. It still had the sleek, industrial thing happening, and the same white leather furniture and floaty drapery, but without the razzle-dazzle of the extras and the crowds of beautiful people, it seemed like a much more ordinary place than I remembered.
“This way,” Greyson said. He pressed on one of the walls next to the elevator. And it opened.
He pushed it wide. It was a hallway. A nice one. Could have been in any upscale house in the town with its hardwood floors and wide moldings. The light was a little on the dim side, but considering we were underground, maybe it was just the lack of windows. Greyson cleared his throat and called out, “Lucien, we’re here.”
I had a feeling he already knew.
A short, slender woman with more silver than brunette in her hair appeared at the end of the hall. She wore a half-apron over her housedress, and her face bore the lines of someone who’d seen quite a few years.
Also, she was transparent. Literally see-through. I tried not to stare but I’d never seen a real ghost before. “Greyson, how nice to see you. And this must be the woman you spoke of. Come in.”
Greyson walked through so I followed. “Hi, Hattie. Yes, this is Jayne.” He turned to me. “Jayne, this is Hattie Dupree. Lucien’s housemate.”
And grandmother. “Nice to meet you.” I stuck my hand out on instinct. It was what you did, after all. But even as my mu
scles moved, I knew she couldn’t shake my hand. How could she? She wasn’t solid.
But right before my eyes, that changed. I could no longer see the walls and floor behind her. And then her hand shook mine, just as warm and substantial as any living person. The look on my face must have summed up my thoughts.
She laughed. “Not what you were expecting, I imagine. Most people don’t know what meeting a ghost will be like.” Her smile was infectious. “I have to tell you, you still don’t know. I’m not like most ghosts. I can take on a solid form. They can’t all do that, from what I understand. Take Gertrude, who lives in the Van Zant’s attic. She can’t do corporeal. Real shame, too, because it would be nice to have a friend visit now and then that Lucien wouldn’t mind.”
I had no idea what to say, or who Gertrude was. So I just nodded and smiled.
Thankfully, Greyson stepped in. “Is Lucien here? He was expecting us.”
“Yes, he’s in his study. Let me take you into his parlor and then I’ll let him know you’re here.”
“Thank you.” Greyson put his hand on the small of my back, urging me ahead of him.
I followed Hattie. She was a nice lady and not the least bit scary for someone who was a ghost. The house—apartment, basement, whatever the right name for this place was—seemed like it had a lot of her touches in it. At least, I didn’t think a reaper would be into lace doilies and dishes of hard candy, but then what did I know about reapers?
I was guessing Lucien didn’t have anything to do with the smell of freshly baked bread, either.
She led us into a room that had none of the homey touches the rest of the place did. It was still nice—lots of dark wood paneling, leather furniture, and Oriental rugs. But there was something cold about it too. More like a doctor’s waiting room than a parlor in someone’s home.
“Here you go,” Hattie said. “I’ll let him know you’re here. Nice to meet you, Jayne.”
“Nice to meet you, too, Hattie.”
With a nod, she left.
The room seemed even colder with her gone. Greyson and I took a seat on the sofa, a big leather thing trimmed in upholstery nails. It wasn’t nearly as comfortable as it looked.
Miss Frost Saves The Sandman: A Nocturne Falls Mystery (Jayne Frost Book 3) Page 8
