Oh, great. Death was quoting Newton on me. It was either way too early or late for this.
“So if you’re not here about the offer, why are you here?” This was the longest day ever.
“You called me.” Death was serious, and I was speechless.
“I did what? No way.” I was officially crazy.
“You wished you would die and quiet the voices.” Death inclined her head and waited for my answer.
“OK, hold up. A lot of people say things like that. Do you appear to everyone who mutters that statement?”
“Only to those who put actions behind the words. But you are different. I have a link to you. So your voice is a lot clearer. Didn’t Constantine tell you not to call on me? Rule number three—remember?”
Was she serious? Constantine had not explained rule number three very well.
“I have a feeling he forgot to tell me why. I’m sure I would remember if he mentioned that Death would appear.” I needed to have a few words with that fur ball.
“Strange things happen when I’m around. It would be unfortunate if you called me in a crowded room and people randomly started to have strokes and heart attacks. The body is a complicated machine and reacts differently in my presence.” Death technically did not kill people, but some just managed to die when she was around. Good to know. Don’t call Death at a hospital—check.
“OK, I’m not planning to kill myself. I just had a really long day.” Not to mention I hadn’t slept since I’d met her, but who was keeping track of that?
“I’m glad. But you still need to control your dreams and put some barriers around yourself. If you’re not planning to stay at the safe house, at least get this place blessed.” Death looked around the room with a measuring air. “Tell me, Isis, what is your purpose in life?”
“That’s ironic coming from Death. Do I need a purpose in life?” I didn’t want to answer this line of questioning.
“At some point in your life, you will need to stop running. According to your faith, God won’t make things easy, but they will be possible. Your martyrs claimed those who don’t stand for something will fall for anything.” Death sounded like a college professor delivering a well-rehearsed lesson.
“Well, I might be dreaming after all. You’re lecturing me.”
Death smiled. “Not lecturing, Isis. Just pointing out that you are not living—just waiting to die. When things get tough, you run.” How long had Death been watching me?
“Just because you are Death, that doesn’t mean you know me. You don’t know how it feels when everyone you loved dies around you.”
“Now, child, don’t give yourself that much credit. That’s my job, remember?”
Oh God, I had no arguments about losing people when Death was the one taking them. She knew exactly how I felt, because she had to make the delivery herself. Death’s eyes shone with understanding.
“I’m a jackass.” I dropped my head down and slumped on the bed.
“At times your mouth moves faster than your brain.” She was laughing at me. “Wisdom come with age; remember that.”
“Yes, master.”
Death gave me an interesting smile. “I haven’t been called that in years. Of course, back then it had less sarcasm.” Damn, she didn’t miss a thing. “Isis, I’m offering you an opportunity to make amends for your mistakes and to find purpose in your life. Isn’t that why you joined the military? To do something great?”
I was fidgeting with my fingers. I wasn’t sure how to reply, so I listened.
“Ask yourself what brought you to Texarkana. The spirits have been calling you. Why have you followed?”
“Hey, wait a minute. Nobody has influenced me. I just like it here.” That sounded weak even to me. I honestly had no idea what had drawn me there. I had just known I needed to come.
“You are intuitive and gifted. Your skills, if you develop them, could serve a greater purpose. You could save your friend and many other souls. Right now you are wasting away in this dump. Is that how you want to spend your life?” Death did not fight fair. I wasn’t sure whether I was ashamed or angry.
“Are you trying to guilt me into accepting?”
“No, Isis, just telling you the truth. Sometimes the truth hurts. You must face it.”
I didn’t want to face any truth. Denial was not just a river in Egypt for me; I spent a lot of time there.
Death rose from the chair and walked over to my bed.
“What are you doing?” I pushed myself as far away from her as possible.
“I’m going to help you.” She was standing over me.
“Listen, lady, last time you kissed me, I was seeing all sorts of crazy things. I don’t need a replay of that.” I was barely able to open and close my third eye. Another kiss might go supernova and never close it.
“Shhh. Isis, you need sleep.” With that she patted my head. I wasn’t sure what Death did to me, but it felt as if a hundred-pound sack was lifted from me. I took a deep breath and felt asleep.
Chapter 9
I had no idea why I was there. It was eight in the morning, and I was parked in front of Reapers Incorporated. Maybe I wanted to say thank you to Death for the best night of sleep I’d had in years. Or maybe I had lost my mind. What was I doing there? Not sure why, I got out of the Whale. I slowly walked toward the door but turned right around as soon as I reached the call button. This was insane. The best course of action was to go back home and back to bed. It was almost as if I had been sleepwalking when I dressed and drove there. For whatever reason, I paced back to the door and then back to the Whale. It was a blessing the building was at the back of the
