Page 118 of Half Dead

“Well, you shouldn’t be on your budget,” Nana Pratt sniffed.

I ignored her. “Why don’t I show you to your room? Then I’ll take my nap.”

It felt strange showing Goran the bedroom where Aite had stayed. I knew it wasn’t ‘her’ room, but I still thought of her each time I passed it in the hallway.

Goran observed the bedroom with a delighted grin. “This is better than the lake, I’ll say that much. Less seaweed.”

“I’m glad you approve.”

I retreated to my bedroom and willed myself to fall asleep. It was harder this time because of my earlier nap, but I knew I needed as much rest as I could muster. Whatever Lucifer had in store for me, it would require all of my mental and physical acuity.

I awoke to find Nana Pratt hovering in front of my closed door. “Oh, good, you’re awake.”

I shifted to an upright position. “Probably because my subconscious felt your eyes drilling holes in me.” I wiped the sleep from my eyes. “Why are you violating the rules?”

“Royalty or not, he can’t stay here indefinitely,” Nana Pratt announced.

I flipped back the covers and scooted to the edge of the bed. “Why not?” I opened the trunk and selected the macheteand a whetstone. If I had to listen to her complain, I might as well make the time productive.

The ghost hovered over me while I sharpened the blade. “For starters, he doesn’t have a job.”

“Aite didn’t have a job when she stayed here.”

“Aite brought a bundle of cash with her. Goran doesn’t have any money.”

I continued to focus on the blade. “I’m not concerned.”

“Well, maybe you should be. He’ll be another mouth to feed. Let’s not forget you already struggle with your modest budget, even with Aite’s money.”

Lowering the machete, I looked at her. “I appreciate your concern for my financial welfare, but I told Goran he’s welcome to stay as long as he needs, and I meant it. If I’m going to reconsider invitations to stay in my home, I might decide to start with someone else.”

Nana Pratt gave an indignant huff. “I’m a ghost. I don’t cost you money or use any of your resources. Goran’s a grown man. They eat a lot!”

“I’m not going to discuss this any further. Goran is a guest in the Castle. I expect you to be courteous while I’m gone and that’s the end of it.”

The door slammed and I returned my attention to the machete. “I think I liked it better when they couldn’t touch anything,” I muttered.

One of Claude’s deformed fingers tapped my arm.

“Is everybody violating boundaries today?”

Claude shrugged.

“Are you going to give me a hard time about Goran, too?” I asked.

The revenant moved from side to side. He pointed at the whetstone. “You want to help? Thanks, buddy.” I gave him the whetstone and held the blade toward him. We worked together in companionable silence. It was a nice moment,and I stayed present in it. No more worries about the final trial, or Nana Pratt’s objections about Goran. Just me, my revenant, and the soothing sound of stone on steel.

My phone pinged with a message from Otto, expressing his concern that he hadn’t heard from me. I set down the machete and hit the call button.

“A phone call?” he said, by way of greeting. “I’m honored. I was hoping to have you over for a meal before the final trial. Kane is welcome, too, of course.”

“I’m glad you didn’t say for a final meal.”

“I have more faith in you than that.”

“I’m glad one of us does.”

“I’ll have a variety of desserts. I thought you might want to fill up on sugar before the big event.”

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