Page 12 of Inferno

And that’s exactly what we do. We don’t find one specific thing that was the cause, but by the time her session is over, Celeste is calm and a little more confident in her ability to cope.

After exiting the dashboard, I lean back in my chair. I don’t have another appointment for an hour, and I should be typing up my notes, but instead, I let my own anxiety creep in.

Who the hell will find me?

6

Inferno

Two weeks later…

“You’re really overqualified for the position.”

It takes everything in me not to snort at the lady’s words. I’ve never been overqualified for anything in my life or afterlife.

“Maybe, but I’d really appreciate the opportunity.”

Linda Stone smiles at me. “You’d appreciate the opportunity to be the janitor?”

If it means I’d be close to Emmy, fuck yes.

“I’ve been out of work for a while,” I say with a shrug. “I need a regular paycheck and can’t afford to be picky.”

“Well, then, when can you start?”

“As soon as possible.”

Linda grins. “How about tonight? We close at five today which would give you plenty of time to get acclimated.”

“Tonight’s perfect.”

“Good.” She rises from her chair and thrusts her hand out to shake mine. “Why don’t you come in at four-thirty? I can get all of your paperwork completed, and then you’ll be ready to start once the staff clears out.”

“I’ll be here,” I tell her. “Thank you.”

Linda chuckles. “Don’t thank me yet.”

The ride to the clubhouse goes by in a blur. I haven’t had a job in… well, a very long fucking time. And later today, I report to work.

So much for being a celebrated warrior.

“How’d it go?” Viking asks the second I step inside.

“Fuckin’ hell, gimme a minute,” I snap as I stride toward the bar.

“If you got the job, you might want to rethink that,” Reaper states as I reach for the Jack Daniels.

Shit. He’s right.

I retreat from the bar and settle on the couch. My brothers hover around me, anxiously waiting for details.

“I start later today,” I tell them.

“Damn, I wish I could be a fly on the wall while you’re pushing around a mop bucket,” Demo says with a chuckle.

“Dude, you can walk through walls,” Acid reminds him. “Watch him all you want.”

“No fucking way,” Viking barks. “We’re not invisible while we’re on a job.”

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