Page 39 of The Wondrous Life and Loves of Nella Carter

She fidgeted as he read, taking tentative sips of tea and placing the cup back on the saucer. Her eyes darted around the shop, trying to land on everything but him. He took his time, savoring her nearness as he absorbed her words. He knew she remained steadfast in her belief, but she would not for long.

Death knew what was coming.

He sat back, his face carefully neutral. “Have you enjoyed the process?”

Nella hedged as she reflected. “It was hard to know what you wanted, what would count as evidence, but in the end, I enjoyed capturing those moments from life, showing you their meaning.”

Death nodded. “I’m glad. Your talent has only increased,” he said, pulling out a familiar bundle of folded paper from his pocket.

Shock ran over her face, followed quickly by anger. “Those are from my desk.”

Death chuckled, surprised at her response. “Don’t look so alarmed. I had to make sure you were on track; after all, the fate of the world is at stake.”

“But you went through my things! Without permission.”

He shrugged indifferently. He could take so much more if he wanted. “I had a vested interest,” he explained. “And I’ll admit, I couldn’t resist. I can honestly say this is going better than expected. Humans are so given to speaking about nonsense, blathering on about nothing—but the written word! I can see it through your eyes and hear your voice. It’s an odd sensation that I have come to like. I find it ... refreshing. After all, this is why you’re alive.” Something akin to sunshine bubbled up within him. He was not familiar with it, but it wasn’t entirely unpleasant.

Death watched as Nella digested this.

“So, this is it? Earth continues?” she said cautiously.

He grinned, showing all his perfect teeth. “Unless you want to end it now?”

“No!” Nella said. “I just ... I mean, I continue? My life goes on? I grow old? I ... die?”

Death snorted. “Of course not. You have me intrigued. I need to see what you’ll do next. You’re off to Paris, are you not? I think the trip will do you good; there will be more to see and more life to share. You’ll learn the world is bigger than these shores, and humans of all kinds are capable of great cruelty. You will continue with your task—that is, until you can’t.”

Her face fell, but she schooled it back into place, the reality of what she’d agreed to dawning. Only Death would decide when, if ever, her task was complete.

Death rose from the table, taking the writing with him. He had much to read before he’d collect her next installment. He was interested to see how she would deal with what was next.

“Wait! I had a question.”

Death paused, head tilted.

Nella took a deep breath. “My brother ... Silas ...” She looked up, so hopeful.

Death had wondered if she would ask. “Don’t search further, for he is with me.”

Her mouth dropped open. “How? Why? When?”

“It was not long ago,” Death said matter-of-factly.

She sat, still shocked, the news reverberating, tears cresting down her cheeks. “But how?”

“Yellow fever,” Death said. “Just after Mardi Gras. He’d been bit by mosquitoes when clearing out the marshes on the Cormack plantation.”

Nella’s gasp filled the tearoom. “That’s not true!” she said, eyes glistening. “He was just here. He wrote this.” She pulled a scrap of paper from her purse and laid it on the table. “He was supposed to meet me.”

“I’m afraid he will not,” Death said simply.

She sat for a long while as the knowledge of the loss washed over her.

“My dear Nella, does this change anything? I have your evidence,” he said, gesturing to her papers, “but I’ll gladly accept your forfeit.”

“No,” she said after a long time. “I ... had hoped to see him again.”

“You can. All you have to do is give in.”