“Does every intern have this much fun?”
“Some don’t have nearly this much excitement in a lifetime, dear. Not bad for your first week. Not bad at all, Isis.” She smiled kindly. Death truly cared about her interns. I don’t know how she did it, having to see so many leave her so soon. “I can help with the pain, but you’ll have one hell of a sunburn for a few days. Your hair will need some treatment as well.”
“I’ll take all the help I can get.”
Death kissed my forehead, and, like magic, the pain eased from my body.
“Thank you.” I was so relieved, I wanted to cry.
“Anytime, dear. Go check in with Constantine before he sends in the National Guard. I’ll see you soon.” She patted my cheeks and headed out the door.
I was not a hairy person, but even the few hairs I had on my arms were gone. Bad sunburn was an understatement. I was radiating. I didn’t believe it was possible for a brown girl to burn, but I was proved wrong. I was making mental notes to avoid the devil at all costs. I was planning to spend a lot more time in church and out of the club.
I walked into the kitchen, and Constantine was pacing back and forth on the kitchen island. He was giving orders to somebody. I was afraid poor Bartholomew was up already. Nobody was in the kitchen. Constantine was talking into one of the walkie-talkies we had in the house.
“Isis, it’s about time you were up. How do you feel? Never mind that. You look like hell. That’s probably how you feel.” That was definitely a first—Constantine was asking and answering his own questions all at once.
“Hi to you, too, Terminator. Who are you yelling at?” I opened the fridge and grabbed some milk. I felt parched.
“Hi, Isis.” I turned around to find Bob entering the loft with two large bags.
“Bob!” I put the milk on the counter and shuffled over to Bob. I gave him a huge hug. He was careful not to hurt me.
“Death said to be careful with you and Bart till you’re completely healed. You don’t look so bad for surviving a giant blast.” Bob was looking at me very carefully.
“Bob is right. You don’t look half-bad. Of course, you’re going to peel. Abuelita sent you some ointments, and she said you need to start using them now. She also wanted to thank you for watching over that crazy grandson of hers.” Bob was pulling bottles from the bag as Constantine explained. “Eric also made you and Bartholomew more shakes. He said they’ll help with healing and raise your immune system.”
“Abuelita and Eric were here?” I was looking at the stack of bottles Bob had pulled out.
“Of course not. In your condition, we’re not taking any visitors. We also canceled practice till next week so you can heal properly.” Constantine had canceled practice. I was in worse shape than I had imagined. “I also told Abuelita you won’t be going in for another week. We don’t need any rumors of your condition linking you to downtown.”
“So we quarantine Reapers. How are we going to get food?” I really didn’t want to starve to death.
“What do you think Bob has been doing? Girl, please. We’re not new at this. Well, at least I’m not.”
Constantine was still rambling when things finally clicked for me. “Bob, are you staying?”
Bob had a huge smile on his face. This was the best news I’d had in weeks. “The boss here talked to Death, and she agreed to hire me. I have the rooms by the entrance. They’re fully furnished. I’ll be in charge of security and even maintenance of the vehicles.”
“Bob takes better care of the cars than you do. You’re a menace on wheels.” Constantine was cleaning his face with his paw as he spoke.
“I hope you don’t mind…” Bob was looking worriedly at me.
“Mind? Of course not. Bob, this is awesome news. I’m so happy you’re joining us. Are you sure you want to work with us?” This was a crazy life. I wanted to make sure Bob was OK with it.
“Isis, this is the best job I’ve had since leaving the army. For the first time, the nightmares make sense. I have a purpose again.”
“In that case, welcome to the family.” I grabbed the milk again.
“Stop. First the shake, and then the milk. We need to start your healing. You’re not going to be lying around here doing nothing forever.” I knew Constantine’s caring demeanor was not going to last long.
Thank God Eric’s shakes were good. They all had peanut butter for some strange reason. I grabbed a bottle and headed to the kitchen table. I looked out the glass window and saw a new car next to Bumblebee. The thing was covered with a tarp, but the shape was very familiar.
“What’s that?” I pointed toward the garage.
“Your new car just arrived.” Bob looked very excited as he moved toward the window.
“My new car? When did I get a new car?” What had I missed? I got up and moved next to Bob.
“You were not expecting to drive Bumblebee forever. That’s our ride. You might blow it up.” Constantine was standing near Bob. When had those two bonded so well?
“Can I go on the record and clarify that I did not blow up the Whale? That was not my fault.”
“Isis, car, vans, and even trucks tend to explode when you’re near them. So to be on the safe side, we got you a Mini Cooper. Low to the ground, fast, and a lot more stylish than that van of yours.”
I was staring dumbfounded at Constantine. He had bought me a new car. And not just a new car—I had a Mini Cooper. Yes!
“What color?” I was ready to run downstairs and check it out.
“Midnight blue, of course. Are you doubting my taste in vehicles?” Constantine was giving me the
