Page 74 of Grim

Seul l’impossible peut faire l’impossible.

“No,” I breathe out, looking atmycopy ofInterview with a Vampire,the copy I lent to GG.

“No one to tie him here” Kane snaps, pulling me out of my thoughts. “And stop touching his belongings. This isn’t an estate sale.”

“You think no one will remember him? Will miss him? Mourn him?” I insist while stepping in front of the large man. “You know, sometimes, I forget you don’t have the capacity to feel compassion,” I spit out.

Then my eyes travel to the window, and I see the little tray he has set up with a chessboard, two moves in. This was the last game he and I played. I had to cut it short because I wasn’t feeling well and Mom was going back to Chicago. He brought the board home and set it up to study for our eventual finish.

“What is the matter with you?” Kane asks, making eye contact.

“At least you can still look me in the eyes,” I state while crossing my arms over my chest.

Kane gives me a forced smirk. “Right now, I have a soul to collect. If it were up to me, I would do nothing more than stare into your eyes. For eternity. But it is not, so do me a favor, and let’s try to keep things professional.”

I gape as Kane walks around me to move down the hall. I realize he didn’t bother taking my hand again. Though I guess he doesn’t need to if we are the only ones here.

I follow Kane, making my way into the bedroom, only to stop in my tracks.

“Oh, GG,” I squeak out at the motionless body in the bed.

Kane’s head whips around as he stares at me. “You know my client?”

My lip wobbles as a burning sensation tingles my nose and pricks my eyes.

“Yes,” my voice is so small as I try to make sense of what’s happening. “I…he…we just played chess a few days ago at the center.”

“The community center?” he asks, and my gaze meets his.

“How did you know that?”

“I saw you,” he says softly. “I was cleaning up a reap from a subordinate and saw you talking about a book. Rebecca.”

“Yes,” I breathe, his words stunning me. He saw me there? He remembers what I was talking about? “I volunteer twice a month at the community center in town. I read, play chess…Oh, Kane, he is such a nice man.” I whimper as a tear falls from my eye. “Surely there’s a mistake.”

Kane exhales sharply, glancing toward the bed. “Nice people die too, Rue. If it’s any consolation, he went peacefully.”

I shake my head, not willing to accept this. “Small comfort.”

Kane touches Mr. Guidry’s arm, and his scowl deepens.

“What’s wrong?” I ask. “Where is his spirit?”

“Still inside him,” Kane says like a curse as his grip on the body tightens.

“Can he hear us?”

“Obviously,” Kane grits out.

“Then talk to him.”

Kane whirls his head around and raises his brow. “I’m sorry, who is the experienced reaper here? Not you, correct?”

Kane leans over Mr. Guidry. “Come on. It’s time. I know you’re scared, but there’s nothing on the other side to fear.” There is only silence, and Kane growls in frustration.

He looks at me and sighs. “He’s holding on, says he can’t leave.”

I inch closer. The silence is thick, and Kane’s shoulders tighten with each passing second.