Page 75 of Dead Heat

And it seemed the human apple didn’t fall far from the godly tree.

“Have you heard of The Corporation?”

“It’s my understanding there are many such companies in the human world, more than seems necessary for one puny realm.”

“It’s their actual name.”

“Hmm. Not very original, are they? I’m not sure about The Corporation, but I did have an unusual visitor recently.Charon apologized for ferrying them over. He said they presented the proper credentials.”

“I thought the proper credentials were to be dead.”

“Typically, yes. This wasn’t a soul, however. They claimed to be a god.”

“Which one?”

She waved a hand airily. “Not one of ours, so I sent him away. I didn’t bother to memorize his name. I assumed it was a trick, although now that I’ve spoken with you, I wonder if it was sort of divine intervention…” She laughed. “Imagine that. Divine intervention amongst the gods themselves.”

Pieces clicked into place. It was no coincidence that the Erinyes and Cerberus came in search of me not long after The Corporation learned of my identity. This outcome was exactly what they’d intended. The organization wanted me out of the way, so if I decided to remain in the underworld as its ruler, they win. If I refused, they’d take the consolation prize—one of their own in charge of the underworld instead. Also a win as far as they were concerned. The organization was obsessed with power and control. The underworld would be a coveted feather in their world domination cap.

The question remained—who would be the lucky (or unlucky, depending on your point of view) avatar?

Cerberus rolled onto his back and whined. I crouched beside him to rub his belly while I continued my conversation with my aunt.

“The visitor … he’s the one who told you where to find me, isn’t he?”

“Yes, as a matter of fact, he was.”

“And then you sent the Erinyes to find me?”

“Yes. Once I received information of your existence, I asked them to locate you and report back to me, nothing more.”

Maybe I’d misunderstood the attack, although I still didn’t know why they’d opted to retain their animal forms.

“And Cerberus?”

She heaved a sigh. “That monster left of his own accord once he learned of your location. I couldn’t stop him if I tried. He’s far too stubborn.”

“Who’s a good, stubborn boy?” I asked, scratching his fur as he twitched with pleasure. My whole life dogs had feared me, but not this one. Not the best one.

“Was the visitor from The Corporation?” Hestia asked.

I nodded. “I’d be careful about any future visitors. You can’t trust anyone from their organization.”

“How can I be sure you aren’t from there?”

I smiled. “You knew me before I recognized you.”

What had been two isolated storms were now as golden as the sun. “I knew you immediately, even though you look nothing like you once did.”

Curiosity got the better of me. “What did I look like?” It wasn’t as though she’d have a photograph lying around, but still—maybe there was a good stick figure on the side of an urn.

“You favor your father. He’s quite handsome, so there’s no shame in it. Your hair is the color of ash, and your eyes are the deepest, darkest part of a shadow.”

“Gee, I sound radiant.”

“Your spirit is.” Hestia smiled. “That’s where you favor your mother. You draw everyone to you like a moth to a flame.”

“You said I keep to myself, like my father.”

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