Page 67 of Dead End

I nodded with satisfaction. “Fatima. I should’ve guessed.” Naturally one powerful woman would want to hire another. She knew who’d get the job done. ‘Big Boss’ had handled thesale of Bruce Huang’s house and was the reason I had water in my moat.

“Oh, well that’s all right then,” Nana Pratt demurred.

Ray cupped Alicia’s chin. “We’ve made peace with the situation. I hope you will, too.”

Tears welled in the teenager’s eyes. “This isn’t fair. I’m finally getting my family back and you’re taking that away.”

“We’ve been fortunate to have this time at all, baby girl. Most people don’t get a second chance,” Ray said, his voice gentle.

I turned away, unable to listen.

“You didn’t tell them that you’re leaving, too,” Nana Pratt said in a low, accusatory tone.

“Because this isn’t about me,” I whispered.

“They’ll want to know,” Nana Pratt insisted.

I shook my head mutely. They needed time to come to terms with the new reality of a world without their loved ones. That was the priority in this moment.

Nana Pratt turned to Steven and Ashley. “I have something for you. Check your emails when you get home.”

“Email?” Steven laughed nervously. “You sent an email?”

“Technically, Ray sent it. He’s a better typist.”

My throat thickened. “I’ll give you all a few minutes alone. Come outside to the cemetery when you’re ready.”

From the back of the sofa, Claude jumped onto my shoulder. I exited the house and walked to the rows of headstones to wait. The night air hit me like a slap to the face—cold, sharp, and bitter, despite the season. It suited the occasion.

I sank against a headstone and glanced at the fresh dirt where Posy’s head was buried. “It’s been a crazy couple of weeks, buddy.”

Claude nestled against my neck.

“I need you to do me a favor,” I said to the revenant. I felt the hand shift position. “I need you to look after everyone inthe Castle, especially Kane. He’s going to act like he’s fine, but he won’t be.”

I stopped talking when I spotted the cluster of silhouettes moving across the lawn. Alicia held her grandfather’s hand. Even in the relative darkness, I could see that her eyes were rimmed with red. I braced myself for the next and final step.

“Will it hurt?” Alicia asked. A common question that was easily answered.

“Not at all.”

“We’ve said our goodbyes,” Ray said with a nod to his family. “But I still have one more.” He engulfed me in a hug. “I know you’ll do what it takes to protect everyone else no matter what I say, just don’t lose yourself in the process.” He gave me a final squeeze. “I’ll miss you like you were my very own.”

I choked down my grief. “Thank you for everything, Ray. I don’t know where I’d be without you.”

“Well, you’d be ten pounds underweight if it weren’t for me, that’s for sure,” Nana Pratt interjected.

Laughing, I wiped a runaway tear. “Thank you, Nana Pratt. I appreciate you more than you’ll ever know.” I hugged her fiercely. “I’ll miss you every day.”

“That’s what memories are for, dear. Use them well and you’ll never be without me.”

The ghosts clasped hands and stood facing me, looking far more prepared than I felt. “What now?” Ray asked.

Gathering my strength, I held up my hand, palm out. “It’s time to continue your journey, Ray and Ingrid. Be at peace.”

“That’s it?” Alicia asked.

I shrugged. “Death is only complicated for the living.”

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