Page 70 of Deadly Avarice
Franklin shook his head. “It’ll be fine. You’re my priority.”
I closed the distance between us. Grasping Franklin’s face within my palms I raked my thumbs across his jaw. He was so damn torn. I could see it in his eyes. He couldn’t stand letting either one of us down. Franklin had been placed in an impossible position, and it was my job to get him out of it.
“I’ll reschedule Janet Meeker,” I said. “That’s the simplest solution. It’s not like her granddaddy is going anywhere.” While that was true, I hated to put her off any longer. Janet had been very understanding the last time. I wasn’t so sure about this go around. There was a strong likelihood I was about to earn myselfa scathing review. Seeing the relief on Franklin’s face was worth whatever vitriol Janet sent my way.
Franklin’s deep inhale spoke volumes. “I hate this,” he said.
“I know you do, but it’s your job and that boy needs you more than I do right now. My job is bringing the dead back. Yours is to keep them alive as long as possible. We work at different ends of the spectrum and right now, your job is the priority. It’ll be fine. I promise.”
Franklin’s arms surrounded me, pulling me against his hard chest as he squeezed tight. “God, I love you. I could say those words a thousand times and it still wouldn’t be enough.”
Despite the phone call I wasn’t looking forward to, I felt my heart lighten. I would have liked to stay in Franklin’s arms, but he had a boy to rescue. Pushing free, I said, “Go on. Call me later?”
“Of course.” Franklin kissed my forehead before reaching for his coat and keys. “Stay safe. I’ll see you later tonight.” Franklin’s phone was already at his ear as strode through the precinct on his way to his vehicle.
With a heavy sigh I followed his example, reaching for my phone and pulling up Janet Meeker’s number. A text would be the coward’s way out. I almost took it but called her instead. Janet answered quickly.
“Necromancer Boone, I didn’t expect to hear from you for a few more hours yet.” Janet sounded pleasant enough. I wasn’t at all certain that would last.
Clearing my throat, I leaned against Franklin’s desk and dove into my apology. “I hate to do this to you, Miss Meeker, but I’m afraid—”
“You’re canceling?” More than a hint of anger rang through those words.
“Regretfully, yes. I’m afraid something emergent and unavoidable has come up.” I didn’t want to drag Franklin intothis discussion. I hadn’t told Janet that Franklin was coming with me this time and I didn’t see a reason to broach that topic now.
Mumbled words I couldn’t make out rumbled across the phone call. I got the feeling Janet was speaking with someone else. There was a good chance it was another family member. She’d already told me one or two might be present also. While that wasn’t in the contract I’d had her sign, I didn’t mind as long as I had a heads-up.
Janet’s voice came back, stronger than her prior mumbled words that clearly weren’t meant for my ears. “That’s fine. I understand.” Janet’s tone softened into honeyed sweetness. “Emergencies happen. While it’s unfortunate, plans can be changed.”
Tension fled my body. “Thank you. That is very understanding. Again, I’m very sorry. This isn’t how I typically run my business or treat my clients.”
I got the feeling Janet was waving a hand in the air. “I won’t pretend I’m not disappointed and maybe a little upset, but as I said, things happen. I just hope everything is all right on your end. I’d hate to think you’re canceling because of some personal affliction or predicament.”
“No, nothing like that.” Her concern was kind. “It has more to do with my boyfriend.” While I still didn’t want to get into specifics, I decided to share enough that Janet wouldn’t worry.
“Ah, yes… Significant others can derail even the best laid plans. Love makes you do all kinds of things you never imagined yourself capable of.”
I blinked trying to parse out those odd word choices and phrasing.
Before I could respond, Janet said, “Maybe I could come to you.”
My mouth slipped open while my brain processed Janet’s words. “Come here?” I was more than a little puzzled. “You want to drive your granddaddy’s body across state lines?” While Mississippi and Louisiana were kissing cousins close, it was still at least a three-hour drive. They’d have to hire a hearse, load up Eugene Meeker’s coffin and body, and head this direction.
Janet’s laugh was too high pitched to be auditorily comfortable. “Oh no. Not the body. Granddaddy was cremated. Didn’t you know? I’ve heard that’s not a problem for you. That you can still bring back the soul. Was I misinformed?”
My brain stumbled. I could have sworn Eugene Meeker had been buried, not burned. However, if it was only an urn… “I hate to make you do that.”
“It’s no problem. In fact, it might just be a better plan. This way, you don’t need protection on your way here. I heard the person who attacked you is still on the loose. This way is much safer.” Janet’s reasoning was incredibly sound and generous.
I stared at Franklin’s desk while chewing on my bottom lip. I’d promised him I wouldn’t drive to Louisiana without him, and I was a necromancer of my word. Janet’s offer solved a multitude of problems, not the least of which was taking Franklin away from his job for a day.
Decision made, I said, “If you really don’t mind—”
“Not in the least.”
Tension leaked from my body. “Then I will happily take you up on your offer. When can you be here?”
“Consider me in the car and on the way. Would you like me to come to your home or meet elsewhere?”
