Page 42 of Seven Graves

The Mortician

I rue the day I ever had the bright idea to make good off of my aversion to a lifeless corpse.

Have I made out like a bandit? Sure. In more ways than one.

But…aside from whatever mixed feelings I’m fighting off for Malek, I’m seriously questioning if any of this was ever worth what I’ve stacked away.

I keep reminding myself that I agreed to this on the understanding that once it’s done…

we’re done. If that’s what I want. But one look at Bridget after nearly breaking my phone, talking to Malek and—I don’t think it’s what I want anymore.

We’ve had an amazing day together. She’s so much younger than me, and yes…

bat shit crazy. But Bridget is a hundred percent a girl, and I can’t remember ever really embracing any of that.

We didn’t get waxed, but we did get a full set and a pedicure that included a twenty-minute foot and leg massage. I didn’t tell her…but it’s my first.

I have my own trove of black nail polish, and usually…

it’s not worth paying for, just to have them ruined or in the way while I’m working in the basement.

Or, you know…other things. But I’ve also never had anyone to go with, just to spend time and enjoy the company of another human being.

She’ll never understand how much it meant to me to take her out today.

And if whatever he just did keeps this girl safe…

I can’t be mad at him for any of it. So, I’ll go.

And I’ll make the call to clear my schedule for the week.

I only have two deliveries on the books anyway.

Dad is licensed to do what I do, and while I hate putting it on him, I know he’ll just be happy knowing that I’m doing something for myself .

It won’t even be a question. The problem I’m having is… disposal.

“Do you remember what bag that fuzzy red sweater was in from that one store? I can’t find it.

” Bridget is digging through every shopping bag we brought in on the kitchen island, and my heart feels full just knowing that her mind was able to drift away from the life she knows—even if I’m about to shoot it right back to where it’s been trapped.

“Not sure, Bridge. We gotta go. I’m sorry the day got cut short.” I could have just been imagining it, but the look on her face actually caused me physical pain. She’s had to grow up way too fast.

“Where is he? What happened?”

“He took care of one of them. I’ve gotta help clean it up. That’s all I know.” She looked almost excited now.

“Did he say which one?” I shook my head. “And you’re taking me with you?”

“Actually, the only idea I have to fix this problem in the middle of the damn day…is to take some time off and make a vacation outta this. So yeah. We’re gonna go upstate and hang out for a while, if that’s cool with you.”

“Say less, I’ll get my shit.”

Bridget scurried around to pack, and I shut myself into my bedroom to do the same, ringing Dad while I did.

“Little Bean! I was just sittin’ here pondering the damnedest thing.” I smiled, yanking my suitcase out of the bottom of my closet.

“Yeah? Let’s hear it.”

“So, I think the Batmobile is a Transformer.” I stopped dead, swallowing.

“What?”

“Well, you said you’re not greasin’ the wheels, so I figured I’d double check everything and make sure it didn’t need some work on it, and get this…not only is there fresh mud on the tires…the mileage also went up. Could only mean one thing. It’s alive.”

“Dad, I—”

“Did you really think I’d be mad at you for driving a car, Beans? You know I’d give you anything I’ve got. It’s just…why do I feel like I should be worried about you? You never used to keep secrets like that from us.”

I turned and slowly sat down on the edge of my bed, sighing. “I know. But I should have asked, and I just didn’t want the twenty questions about why. I promise, Dad…you don’t have to worry. I’m fine. I’m great, actually. That’s why I’m calling.”

“Oh? Do tell.”

“I need a few days off. And can you handle my guests? You’re the only one I trust with my sanctuary down there. Otherwise, I’ll have to put off a much-needed vacation.”

I heard chewing and could almost hear the wheels turning in his head, trying to figure me out. “I’ll consider that. Romantic getaway with the delivery boy?”

“Dad…don’t do it.” He chuckled through whatever he was eating.

“I’ve got you covered. Just promise me you’re being careful. And that you’re gonna actually go have some fun. I’ll keep your mother and Greg off your trail. Take as long as you need. I’m proud of you.”

“For what?”

“For finally coming out of the basement, Beans. You’re smiling more. And I’ve heard you singing. It’s been a long time since I felt like things were turning around for my little girl. Just take care of yourself, baby.”

I smiled to myself. “I love you.”

“Love you most. I’ll expect a car wash when you get back, yeah?”

“I’m sorry, Daddy.”

“It’s alright. Go have fun.”

I pulled onto some state road that wasn’t even on the GPS, with absolutely no asphalt and sketchy as hell, about to say fuck this and turn around, when I spotted Malek’s car parked in the shade of the wood line.

He stood, leaning on the hood and my stomach flipped when I got closer, realizing he was covered in fucking blood.

I know he’s a killer. I’ve seen his bodies.

I saw him circle poor Conor’s chair while he played with his victim, but…

I haven’t seen him like this yet. For some reason…

I didn’t expect it. Bridget leaned forward, narrowing her eyes as we came to a stop and Malek ended up waiting close by her window. I rolled it down.

“Jesus. You look glorious,” she said, almost surprising me… almost . I sometimes forget that I’m besties with two very unstable individuals. Maybe Dad was right to worry. “Tell me it was Jonas.”

“Kendall.”

Bridget crossed her arms and leaned back against the seat. I think it’s the first time I’ve seen her especially bratty since I met her. “Not that I’m complaining, but…he wasn’t the bigger issue, stupid.”

“Thank you, Bridget. I wasn’t aware. But he is the artillery I’m not gonna have to deal with later when I go after Jonas and Zane. Work smarter, not harder. Which you know nothing about…on either end.”

“Screw you, prick.”

Malek shrugged. “You’re welcome.” He shifted his head, and his attention past Bridget and locked onto me, smirking.

“Afternoon, precious.” He must have noticed whatever look I had on my face at the sight of him.

His expression fell pretty quickly. “I’m sorry if I ruined your play date. But thanks for coming.”

I cleared my throat and put the car in park. “Where is it?” He tipped his head over his shoulder.

“The other side of these woods. There’s a warehouse tucked into a back lot. I left him sittin’ in the driver’s seat. Got any ideas on how you’re cleanin’ this one?”

I shut the car off and nodded, both of us climbing out to follow him through the shallow wood line.

“Having his car makes it a little easier, at least. We need to get it to the vacation house in Rockport. There’s a drop-off by our place where Greg and I used to swim.

It’s a decent spot to run the car off with the body in it.

The water’s at least fifty feet deep there.

That’s the best I’ve got.” We trudged through the woods and Malek smiled at me.

It’s more unnerving than I want it to be with all that blood caked to his face.

“That’s fuckin’ brilliant.” He reached back, rubbing the back of his neck and looked suddenly unconvinced. “There might be a slight issue, though.”

Uh…issue there fucking was.

We cleared the woods and were a good twenty to thirty feet away from the truck, and I already identified the problem.

The inside of the car looks like it’s been painted red .

“Malek, how in the fuck are we supposed to get this thing anywhere in broad daylight?” Both he and Bridget turned around to look at me.

Oh, that’s right…I’m the fucking cleaning lady.

“So. I clean it…just so we can dump the thing into the ocean. Checks out.”

“I’m sorry ,” he whined.

I sighed hard and pointed a finger at him while I stormed over to the truck.

“Go get the duffle outta the back of my car. Thank God we never made it back around to the storage unit. Fuck me .” Bridget followed me to the SUV, and I opened the driver’s side door.

Bad move. The body fell out, landing with a thud to the gravel and Bridget yelped, holding her mouth—but not because of the dead guy on the ground.

I glanced over, realizing what was left on the bloody seat.

“Is that…”

“Yep,” I gagged. “That’s definitely a penis.” A butchered one at that. I don’t even wanna know what transpired here. She backed away and I pulled a pair of gloves out of my jumpsuit pocket.

“What are you gonna do with it?”

“Did it actually come off?” Malek asked, coming up from behind us with my supplies and a shit-eating grin. “Let’s stick it in his mouth. Or his ass. I understand he likes both.”

“Wait, what?” Bridget snapped her head towards him.

“Yeah, he was on the phone with whatever sad sod is layin’ pipe in his backyard when I was hiding in the back.

I got him while he was tryin’ to send a dick pic.

” His teeth were stark white against the dried blood, and I couldn’t help but smile.

I guess that means I’ve lost that last little kernel of my sane mind.

Which was ten times as evident when I plucked the severed member off the seat and dangled it in front of Malek, who winced in disgust. “Ew, no. I’m not the sod! ”

“Didn’t say you were. Want me to clean this truck? Dispose of your shit.”

“Ah, fuck. Gross .”