Page 23 of Dead Love

Andrew wrapped an arm around Kora and she rubbed the back of her neck, looking around as she did. For someone to help her.

I crossed the lobby to her side.

“If she doesn’t want your attention, take it elsewhere,” I said in a low voice. “This isn’t a bar, Officer Andrew.”

“We were just talking,” he said, a grin on his face. “And I believe it is none of your business, Erickson.”

“If you make someone uncomfortable in my establishment, itismy business.”

“Establishment?” Andrew laughed. “Go figure. Erickson thinks his funeral home is an ‘establishment.’” A few people chuckled with him, but Kora crossed her arms.

“Leave her alone,” I said quietly, “or this won’t be pretty.”

“Are you threatening an officer, Erickson?” Andrew asked.

“You both need to shut up,” Kora said, staring daggers at us. We both silenced, turning toward her. “Today isn’t about your egos. It’s about Nyla.” She shook her head. “You’re both acting immature right now.”

“Miss Kora,” Andrew started.

“I can take care of myself,” she said, her gaze snapping to me. “Now, if you’ll excuse me.” She walked back through the hallway to the exit.

I clenched my fists, glaring at Andrew. “You’re supposed to be a cop.”

“And I am here to protect Miss Kora,” he said, sticking out his chest. “And you heard her. She can take care of herself.”

“Then why are you still here?”

“I’m not,” he said, turning to leave.

The door swung closed to the garden, and I grit my teeth. Even if she was strong enough to put us in our places, as soon as anything had happened, Kora had fled. She couldn’t handle anything real.

And yet a part of her was drawn to the darkness, where pain and death and grief and longing all existed in the same space, boiling with each other. Where you had no choice but to feel everything.

Don’t be afraid,I had said.

I’m not,she had said, triumphant in her words.What does death feel like?

I had wondered that same thing with my parents and my brother. It was rare to find someone like that.

I went through the back door, exiting around the side of the building. Kora’s slender frame stood gaunt to the side of the garden, but I went past her, not giving her a second glance.

“Thank you,” she said.

I stopped, turning my head for a moment. She crossed her arms, blocking herself off from me.

I resumed my walk, heading back to my house.Don’t thank me yet, flower,I thought.It’s time you were plucked.

CHAPTER8

Vincent

In the studio,I stared at the blank canvas. I turned on the police scanner, the crackling audio surging through the room.

10-25?Sheriff Mike’s voice called through the scanner. I browsed the code guide I had purchased years ago; he was asking if the person had contact with whomever they were investigating.

A slight pause, then the line crackled.Affirmative.

Then another voice piped in:10-49. Possible Echo use.