We make our way through the tunnels to another ladder. Once again Asa leads the way and we eventually exit into a darkened cabin. The place is more rustic and, dare I say, smells a little like wet dog.
Instantly I see a scruffy looking guy with brown hair sitting on a couch. Next to him is a dark-skinned beauty. Both look incredibly bored until they realize I’m staring at them.
“’Ello,” says the guy. “What ‘ave we got here?”
His cockney accent takes me by surprise and I smile. “Melvyn?”
“Is he here?” Asa stops beside me and puts his hand on my waist. Maybe in preparation to protect me, or maybe he just wants to touch me again. Either way I’m good with it.
“I think. English guy?” I ask.
“That’s him.” Asa inches closer, his arm going around my waist. “Don’t let him sweet talk you.”
I nod and look at the woman. “You wouldn’t happen to be Deneishia, would you?”
“That’s right.” She looks at Melvyn and back to me. “You can see us?”
I’m surprised they haven’t sensed me, but maybe a Were’s awareness isn’t as strong as a vampire’s. Or maybe they just aren’t controlling possessive creatures like the vampires are. “Yes. My name is Lisa.”
Melvyn stands. “Is this visit social or somethin’ else? Not that I’ll complain when a lovely lass shows up.”
“Thank you, but this isn’t really a social visit.” I fold my hands in front of me, trying to look unthreatening. “Actually, I’m a grim reaper and I’m here to help you crossover.”
Now the woman stands. Her face is a stony mask and I can’t tell if she’ll be cooperative or attack. “What do you mean, crossover?”
“You know—” I fumble for an explanation, not exactly sure what’s in store for the two werewolves. “Heaven.” I don’t add or Hell, figuring that won’t help persuade them to not fight the inevitable. “It’s better than hanging out here for eternity, isn’t it?”
The ghosts look at each other and then Melvyn shrugs. “Can’t be any worse, right? What you think?”
Deneishia isn’t so easily convinced. “At least here we know what to expect.”
“Yes, we do.” Melvyn slides his hand into hers. “Nobody seeing or hearing us. Life going on but we can’t participate. Running and hunting but never catching prey ever again.” He brings her hand to his mouth and kisses her knuckles. “It’s a fate worse than death, love.”
She swallows hard and then looks back at me. “Can we go together?”
More than anything I want to say yes, but I don’t know what happens after the elevator door closes, so I’m honest. “I don’t know, but I can ask.” I exhale and call, “Hal!”
Either the spirits I’m giving him are piquing his interest or the gold is motivating my porter. The pink light instantly appears, stretching and diming until the elevator door slides open. Dressed in orange plaid trousers and jacket, neon yellow boots, and a gigantic pair of pineapple-shaped sunglasses, I have to wonder if Hal is getting his style cues from Elton John or vice-versa. He leans out the elevator, seemingly giddy about being called.
A feral smile curves his lips. “I must say, Lisa, I haven’t had this much fun since the Salem witch burnings.”
“Nice, Hal.”
“What the shaggin’ hell is that?” Melvyn asks, pointing at the porter.
“That’s Hal and his elevator. He’ll deliver you to your appointed destination.”
The werewolf ghost laughs. “He’s got style, he does.”
“Thank you.” Hal’s voice drifts across the room and I feel the compulsion he’s sending out. Deneishia takes a step toward him but I block her path.
“Not so fast.” I glance at Asa. “Can I have three gold pieces?” I see his confusion but without questioning me he drops three coins into my hand. I close my fingers around them and hold my fist in the air. “Two gold pieces to transport them and one for you if you keep Melvyn and Deneishia together.”
Hal taps his chin with a long orange fingernail and purses his lips. “Five gold pieces and I will deliver them together and let them keep their wolves.”
His offer takes me by surprise. “What do you mean?”
“Meaning, I’ll deliver them to a place where they can remain in human form or run free as a wolf. The choice will be theirs.”
The offer seems extremely generous but I’m not a werewolf and don’t know if this is acceptable. I turn to the ghosts. “Well?”