Page 12 of Half Dead

The waiter returned with two cocktails. I accepted the flute, and Posy took the old-fashioned glass. She sipped her drink and offered a thumbs-up. The waiter pivoted toward me, and I realized he was awaiting my approval. I took a quick sip and nodded.

“Here she is, the goddess of the hour,” a woman said, brushing straight past Posy. The shimmering blue and green hues of her kaftan were more vibrant than the Mediterranean. She extended a poised hand to me. “Inanna. Goddess of love, war, and fertility.”

“You’re Mesopotamian.” Inanna was also associated with political power. It wouldn’t surprise me to learn she was one of the secret board members.

“That’s right. Gold star for you.”

Posy’s nostrils flared in annoyance.

“And how are you finding our headquarters so far?” Inanna asked. “Have you chosen a hut? I know of one that just became available if you’re interested. Has a hot tub right on the deck.”

I swallowed the mouthful of liquid I’d been savoring. “I’ll be honest, I wasn’t expecting a beach resort.”

“I remember when it was a single high-rise building without air-conditioning. With each acquisition, we get better and better.”

Acquisition. The word rankled me.

Inanna noticed my expression. “You look like you have something on your mind. Go on, spill.” Her gaze flicked to Posy. “Fetch me a drink, Martell. I’d like a moment alone with our special guest.”

Posy’s eyes widened. “You know my name.”

“Drink,” Inanna barked, prompting Posy to leap into action.

The goddess turned her sharp gaze back to me. “You’re in Paradise now. Ask your questions. I suppose you’re worried about your home.”

“Fairhaven?”

“The human town?” She flicked a dismissive finger. “Your real home. It’s only natural that you’d be concerned about a rudderless underworld.”

No surprise she knew that Hestia had agreed to hold down the fort until summer solstice. At that point, the goddess expected me to take my parents’ place as queen of the underworld.

I lapped up more liquid courage. “It wouldn’t be rudderless if you hadn’t murdered my parents. On that note, I’d like to speak to the manager of the obliteration department while I’m here.”

Posy passed a martini glass into Inanna’s outstretched hand. “I see,” the goddess said. “And I assume you’d like to ask them whether they’re responsible for the obliteration of your parents.”

“Seems like a reasonable question.”

She nodded as she brought the cocktail glass to her lips. “And what if the response is affirmative? What then? Will you exact revenge right here and now? Because I can promise you won’t like the outcome. This isn’t Fairhaven. You don’t make the rules here.”

“I wasn’t aware that I made the rules there, either.”

“You’re the queen of the crossroads, or so I’ve heard. Surely that gives you some sway in that little town of yours.”

“It’s a group effort.” I surveyed the beach scene. “Much like The Corporation.”

“Power isn’t true power unless it’s concentrated in the hands of only a few.”

“Tell that to your employees at the bottom of the corporate pyramid. They all seem to think they’re head honchos.”

She offered a vague smile. “That’s what happens when you have an organization filled with deities. Even in the animal kingdom, there can be multiple apex predators per biome. Same is true for other realms as well.” She pressed her lips together. “The problem is, of course, if you aren’t the predator…”

“You’re the prey.”

“I’ll leave you with that thought. Enjoy the party.” She ventured toward another group with an airy wave.

Another woman hovered outside our tiny circle. Her dark hair was fashioned in a single, thick braid. “Hello,” she said, surprisingly shy for someone in Paradise.

Posy released a bored sigh. “Melinoe, meet Libitina.”

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