Page 94 of Dead Heat

I didn’t answer her. “What if I gave her a few concepts to work with? That way I don’t end up with a petticoat and a parasol.”

The elderly ghost clutched the neckline of her robe. “I couldn’t possibly make a parasol.”

“You’ll end up in polka dots or gingham.”

“Aite didn’t own prints and we’re using her fabrics. Howabout this? Let’s give Nana Pratt a chance and if it doesn’t work out, then I’ll come groveling.”

“No need to grovel. I’ll accept a slow crawl accompanied by a sheepish smile. What time does this momentous occasion take place tonight?”

“Seven thirty.”

Gun tossed his head back and laughed. “Oh, this I’ve got to see. Please send pics. I promise not to post them. They’ll be for my own amusement.”

“Just you wait. I’m going to love it so much I’ll wear it to game night too.”

“Please do.” He checked the clock on his phone. “I’d better get rolling if I intend to throw you the most memorable game night of your life. How about a nice charcuterie board?”

“How about a nice pizza with pepperoni? Ooh, and cheesesteaks with fried onions.”

He clapped my shoulder. “Honey, you don’t want to take indigestion to Helheim with you.”

“If it’s my last meal, I want it to be a good one.”

He sighed. “Okay then. It’s your esophagus.” In an unexpected display of affection, he leaned down and pressed a kiss to my forehead. “See you tomorrow.”

“‘Bye, Gun.”

My chest expanded as he exited the house. Gun was right. A night of fun with loved ones was exactly what I needed before I risked my life in the land of the dead. And if I got trapped there indefinitely, at least I’d have good memories to sustain me.

The sewing machine clicked on, and pieces began to move.

“It works,” Ray said with a note of triumph.

“Fantastic.” I gave Nana Pratt a cheerful thumbs up. Iwasn’t giving her a lot of time to work; I didn’t want her to feel too much pressure.

“This is exciting,” she cooed. “A dress and a party. It’s just like old times.”

“While your fairy godmother is working, can I show you something on the computer?” Ray asked.

I walked to the counter where the computer was humming louder than the refrigerator. They seemed to be competing for the title of Most Distracting Sound in the Kitchen.

“I found a map that might help you.”

I glanced at the screen. “That’s an actual map of Helheim?”

“That’s what it claims to be. I can’t be sure, of course, but the identified areas line up with my research.”

I took a picture with the camera on my phone. “Thanks, Ray. This is amazing.” An accurate map could mean the difference between life and death.

He straightened his shoulders. “I do what I can.”

“You do a lot, Ray, and I’m grateful for every bit of it.”

I leaned over to study the map more closely. A cave. A gate. A wall. A river. It was similar to Melinoe’s underworld in terms of the basics, a fact in my favor. Although my memories weren’t fully intact, I’d be more likely to trust my instincts.

“I don’t know where the portal will take me, but this will help me get my bearings once I’m there.”

“How do you get to the portal?”

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