Page 107 of Death Wish

As if Sean had heard him, he said, “I love you, Pop,” to the emptiness beside him.

“It’s time to go…” I whispered, and together, Wyatt and I walked into the privacy of the woods. I walked until I found a tree with a wide enough trunk and drew the symbols for the spirit door. When the lines glowed orange, signaling the opening of the door, Wyatt turned to me.

“I know what you’re thinking, and don’t you dare,” he said.

That took me off guard. “What do you mean?”

“Don’t feel guilty for this. Me dying wasn’t your fault in any way.”

I blinked. Was I really that predictable?

“I can read it on your face,” Wyatt explained. “I know that look, and there’s no reason for you to feel that way. It was my time.”

“After you’re processed, I’ll come look for you. Make sure that whatever afterlife they give you, you’re comfortable.”

He waved that away. “Eh, I’m sure I’ll be fine. But I’ll never turn down a visit.”

“I’ll bring beer. The expensive kind. Arrogant Bastard is what it’s called, right?”

He winked. “You got it. Just like me.”

Wyatt stepped closer to the shimmering door but paused. “One more thing,” he said. “The box. The one my wife found with your tattoo symbol on it? You can have it. Maybe it can help you find out who you are in some way. Maybe Sean can help you, too. The kid’s smart. And he knows all that technology stuff.”

“Thanks.” I didn’t know what else to say. Even though I knew quite well that his soul’s “life” didn’t end here, I couldn’t help but feel like I was losing him somehow. My chest ached terribly.

“I know everything about supernaturals. I made it my life to know. Yet I’ve never met anyone like you before.” Wyatt offered me a warm, reassuring smile. “Whoever or whatever you are, Jade, you’re something special. Something this whole damned world and all its damned people may need.”

I was about to protest such an outrageous statement, but like a parent, he tsked the excuse away.

“Take my word for it,” he insisted and tapped the side of his nose. “I am an expert in this area, after all.”

I couldn’t help but chuckle at the crazy old man. “Goodbye for now, Wyatt. Thank you for all your help.”

“See you soon,” he said, and with a tip of his hat, he stepped through the spirit door and disappeared into the afterlife.

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