Who could have the power to enter the Halls of Death? The power surge had been unexpected and supposedly impossible within the passage between worlds. Lost in her thoughts, she stumbled over a rock, but kept walking.
When Cara turned a corner, she saw the truck waiting a few feet up and she quickened her steps before he could change his mind. As scary as he was, it was preferable to being alone. Walking up to the passenger side of the truck, she waited while he maneuvered the window down with a push of a button.
“Get in.”
Without hesitation, Cara opened the door and jumped in. The truck spun out as soon as she shut the door. She grabbed the dashboard as she was almost flung off the seat.
“Buckle up.” He spoke without glancing at her.
She clasped the seatbelt around her that Billy had showed her how to work the previous night. Cara was beginning to feel like a pro dealing with trucks. It was kind of comforting in this strange world.
“I’ll give you a lift to the next gas station, twenty miles from here, and then you’re on your own.”
Cara nodded. “Thank you.” She didn’t try to convince him to help her; it would be a wasted effort.
“Why were you in the mental hospital? Did you try to hurt yourself or someone else? My guess is someone else with the amount of police presence looking for you.”
“I wasn’t in a mental hospital.” Cara felt a chill up her back. She was very familiar with the mental hospitals and nursing homes. Both were a dumping ground for the unwanted in their society.
“Don’t lie to me or I’ll dump your ass on the side of the road and this time I won’t come back.”
“I’m not. I was not nor have I ever been a patient at one of those institutions.”
“Then suppose you tell me why the police were looking for you.”
“I don’t know. I did not know anyone in that town other than Billy. I can only think that the one responsible for me being there sent them.”
“And that person would be?”
“I don’t know.”
He turned to look at her with a snarl on his lips. “Listen, cupcake, I’m taking a chance just having you in my truck. If you’ve committed a crime and I’m caught with you, then they could get me for being an accessory. Now, for the last time, tell me why the police are looking for you.”
“I’m not lying. I don’t know. I haven’t done anything illegal.”
“Why were you in Corbin?” he snarled the words between clenched teeth.
“Is that the name of the town?” At his sharp nod, she went on, “Because that is where I was dropped.”
“Who dropped you off?”
“I don’t know.” Jericho could feel his patience straining at her ambiguous answers.
“Let me see if I understand this correctly. You were dropped off in Corbin for no reason by someone you don’t know with the police in said town looking to arrest you for no reason that you can think of.”
“Yes.”
“I ought to put you out here and now, the only reason I don’t is because we’re almost at the gas station. Is that all you got to tell me?”
“All that you will believe.”
He looked at her exasperated. “I don’t believe anything you’ve told me. Can you at least answer one question truthfully?”
“I have answered all your questions truthfully. But yes, I’ll answer your question.”
“Why are you wearing a winter coat and gloves in eighty degree weather?”
Cara hesitated, but spoke truthfully, “Because my body has not yet adjusted to its new environment.”
“New environment?”
Cara nodded her head. “Where I come from bodies do not feel heat or cold. Our body temperatures are constant.”
“What are you, an alien or one of the loony’s who believe they were abducted then returned by aliens?”
“I am not an alien, nor have I ever met one. I can guarantee they do not exist.”
“Not that I’m disagreeing with you or anything, and I’m sincerely grateful that you have no relationship with one, but how can you guarantee that they don’t exist. Even scientists don’t agree on that one.”
“Because I know every creature known and unknown ever created.”
“You do? And how is that possible?” Cara didn’t miss that his voice had changed its tone as if he was placating a crazy person. Cara didn’t appreciate his condescending attitude.
“Because I am a Moraie.” Cara’s own tone had turned smug. She was very proud of her heritage.
“Exactly what is a Moraie?” Again with the attitude. It was seriously beginning to grate on her nerves.
“Have you ever heard of the three fates?” Looking at him, she guessed he hadn’t. ”One is present at birth, guiding souls to the correct child’s body. That is my sister, Zerina. Another is present during your life, helping to fight battles along the way. The way they are meant to for the good or bad. That is my sister, Broni.” The whole time she was talking, Cara noticed his hands tightening on the steering wheel.
“And you?”
“I am the third fate. My name is Cara.”
“And what do you do?”
“I cut the thread. I free the soul and escort it to their next life.”
“So you’re a serial killer?”
Aghast, Cara stared at him. “I am responsible for no one’s death. I am only sent for when death is a forgone conclusion.”
“Did you explain this crap to Billy?”
“Yes, I did. And at first, he also did not believe me.”
“But you were eventually able to convince him?”
“Yes, I was.”
“That’s not so surprising; he probably took one look at you and would have believed anything you told him.” Jericho took in her long, straight, black hair, blue eyes and creamy skin. In her winter coat she looked like a ski bunny. The boy hadn’t stood a chance against her looks. He would have been putty in her hands. However Jericho was no boy and he wasn’t buying a word that came out of those perfect lips.
“He believed me not only because I spoke the truth, but I had proof.”
“Now, you just said something to surprise me. What proof? Show it to me.”
“I can’t.”
“Why not? If you have this proof, why show it to Billy and not me?”
“Because of your soul.” At this, his whole body tightened.
“My soul?”
Now Cara spoke carefully, not wanting to anger him, nor did she know if it was even possible to hurt his feelings. She hated hurting people, she had found even the toughest souls had a weak spot and didn’t want to cause additional hurt.
“Billy’s soul was white, gentle and kind. He also had a mother that had recently passed. She was still close to him. He knew I spoke the truth when I answered all his questions that only his mother would have known.”
“And my soul?” When Cara did not answer him, Jericho gave a bitter laugh. “That’s okay, I can guess. I bet it’s not white. Am I right?”
Cara nodded her head. “It’s black,” she whispered.
“And I take it that’s bad.”
Cara nodded.
“Have you seen many black souls?” he asked.
“No.”
“Why not? I don’t imagine I’m the only one with a black soul.”
“No, you are not, but I don’t see them. They are given a different escort.”
“Dare I ask?
“Grimm.”
“As in the Grimm Reaper?”
Cara jumped in her seat when he started laughing.
“Excuse me, but it’s really not funny.” Cara’s eyes darted around inside and outside the truck. “I wouldn’t laugh. He really, really doesn’t like being laughed at.”
“What are you looking for? Could you see him if he were here?”
“I don’t know. I haven’t seen any other immortals since my arrival. I don’t know if they are not around or if I just can’t see them.”
&nbs
p; “But you could see them before, just not now. What happened?”
“I am now mortal. Someone tried to kill my sisters and I.”
He gave her a hard look before activating his blinker, pulling into the gas station. Without asking her anymore questions, he pulled the truck to a stop.
“Do you have any money?” When she shook her head, he reached into his pocket and pulled out several bills and then gave them to her. “Go inside and call a cab or call someone for a ride. I’m going to grab a few groceries. Be gone when I get back.” He then got out of the truck and walked away without another word.
Chapter Five
Twenty minutes later, it had begun raining as Jericho returned to his truck where there was no sign of Cara. He was extremely thankful she was out of his hair. As he was storing his groceries in the back, he double-checked to make sure she hadn’t hidden once again under the tarp. Jericho refused to feel guilt at leaving her behind.
By the time he was driving away from the gas station, it had become a downpour.
It wasn’t far from the turnoff to his house. At this time of year, a heavy downpour such as this could cause flash flooding and he wanted to make it home before the roads became impassable.
He hadn’t gotten very far when he suddenly had to swerve to miss a figure walking in the road. Cursing, he moved the truck to the edge of the road before stopping.
“Are you trying to get yourself killed?” he yelled as he jumped out into the pouring rain. “You’re walking in the middle of the fucking road!”
“I can’t walk in the mud,” she yelled back.
Yanking her by the arm, he dragged her to the truck, opening the door and then lifted her inside roughly before angrily slamming the door behind her.
He waited until he was once again driving before starting to yell at her again. “Why didn’t you call a cab?”
“Where would I have gone? I don’t know anyone or have anyplace to go.”
Jericho looked at her through the dim light. There were no tears in her eyes; she was just stating a fact. What he did notice, though, was her shivering. She was freezing. “Pull off that wet coat.” Flipping his heater switch, he watched for his turnoff before carefully maneuvering the truck onto the waterlogged road. It took well over an hour to reach his cabin on the dangerous road.
Even with the unwanted woman next to him, Jericho was glad to be home. The only thing that had kept him sane while sharing the cramped hotel room with his crew was the thought of being able to come home as soon as the job was done. It was why he had pushed his men so hard; the bonus money would enable him to stay home longer between jobs. It gave him the freedom of the mountains, no timetables to keep, and mainly, the ability of just being able to breathe the fresh air. The hardest thing about the memories of his prison time was the smell. The smell of unwashed bodies, urine and fear could never be forgotten.
“Get out.”
Cara didn’t wait for a polite invitation, she knew it wouldn’t be coming. They ran to the cabin as lightning overhead provided the light to the dark porch. It only took Jericho a few seconds before he was unlocking the door and ushering her inside.
When he turned the lights on, Cara was surprised. The only furniture in the room was a plain couch and a chair placed in front of the stone fireplace.
“This way.” He led her down a hallway to a darkened room. Entering, he again turned on the lights, showing a small room with a bed covered in a brown quilt and a dresser as its only contents.
Cara frowned, there was something missing from his home, though she couldn’t place her finger on what was wrong.
“Here, put these on while I pack the groceries in and fix us something to eat.” Thrusting a bundle of clothes in her hands that he had pulled out of the dresser, he turned and left the room, closing the door behind him. Cara quickly pulled off her drenched clothes, pulling on soft, black pants that were too long and kept sliding off her hips, and a black sweatshirt that fell to her knees and swallowed her arms, but finally returned the warmth to her body. Cara didn’t know what to do with her wet clothes so she took them with her as she left to find Jericho.
She wandered through until she found him in the kitchen. As she entered, he looked up from what he was doing.
“I’m making us some sandwiches.” Seeing she was holding her clothes, Jericho picked up a plate and handed it to her. “Sit down and eat.” Taking her clothes, he left the room for several minutes before returning and taking the other plate. He then sat down next to her at the small table.
They ate quietly. Cara didn’t know what to say, so nervously, she watched him eat.
She wasn’t an expert on looks of mortal men, but even compared to the Gods, Cara knew he was outstanding. Her stomach clenched at his fierce good looks. Cara frowned at her choice of words, but it was the truth. His features were almost patrician with cold grey eyes that were emotionless. He wasn’t overly tall for a man, Cara guessed he was six feet, but he was built, all muscle. The Gods loved to show off theirs with every opportunity, but even with a shirt covering his, they were very evident. Lean hipped and with a butt that looked firm beneath his faded pants, Cara would bet that if Aphrodite or Venus got a hold of him, he wouldn’t be seen for decades. The Goddesses’ love of good-looking men was well known, but Cara had a feeling that this was one mortal who could take care of himself. Probably even giving them a lesson or two.
Cara realized she had quit eating and that he was staring back at her, having finished his food. She turned red and, looking away, finished eating her food. The scraping of the chair told Cara that he had left the table.
Jericho put his empty plate in the sink to be washed later. He knew she had been staring at his body and despite the woman’s beauty, there was no way he was going to lay a hand on that trouble. If he had been like the men he worked with, she would have already been underneath his pumping hips in his bedroom. He had no doubt that all of his men who had been separated from their women for the last six months were now making up for lost time. Nine months from now, the company would be bitching at the rise in insurance rates due to all the babies being born. If the rain hadn’t stopped him, he would now have been in town showing Tammy just how many times he could get his dick up in one night.
It wasn’t because of Tammy that he wasn’t taking the fruitcake at his table to bed, but because there was no way he was getting involved in her mess. She was TROUBLE and he had learnt a long time ago to stay away from other people’s messes. It was safer for his sanity; he would never allow himself to be locked up again. Going back to the table, he took her empty plate.
“Go to bed. In the morning, I’ll drive you into town.”
Cara looked at him, sensing he was in a dangerous mood. If she asked or pleaded for his help, he was more likely to throw her out in the pouring rain.
“Where will I sleep?” Cara tried to keep her voice from trembling. It suddenly seemed too much. Being made mortal, worrying about her sisters’ safety and this big muscled jerk being mean to her was almost too much for her. Cara took the word back as soon as she thought it. Jericho wasn’t being mean to her. He hadn’t left her walking in the rain, nor wet or hungry. He was even giving a strange woman that he truly believed was crazy a bed in his home for the night.
“In the room where you changed. There’s a bathroom in there also. Towels are in the bathroom closet. If you need anything, my room is across the hall.” Cara nodded and left him washing dishes in the sink.
Cara entered the bedroom, wishing it was warmer. She simply couldn’t get the chill out of her bones. Tiredness overwhelmed her, tempting her to just crawl under the covers and sleep. Instead, she went to the bathroom, which was as clean as the rest of his home. It took her several minutes of fiddling before she could figure out the purpose of the shower and to get the temperature of the water to warm her cold flesh.
Afterwards, she dressed in a warm shirt that she had found in Jericho’s drawers, which fell to her knees like the last one. After she
had pulled on the pants she had worn for dinner, she finally felt warm. Quickly, she slid into bed, pulling the warm quilt over her. Within seconds, the warmth and the sound of the storm outside comforted her to sleep.
The next morning when Cara left her room, she found Jericho talking on the phone.
“Food’s in the kitchen.”
Cara nodded and went into the kitchen, finding a plate of food sitting on the counter. She was almost finished when she looked up to find that Jericho was standing in the doorway watching her.
“My neighbor’s basement is flooding with all the rain. I need to go over and help him. Would you like to go?”
“Yes, but what about taking me to town?”
Jericho shrugged. “The road to town is closed with the rain. It’s too dangerous to try it now. When the rain stops, then I’ll be able to take you.” Lifting a dark brow, he asked, “Anxious to go?”
“Not at all. I just thought you were anxious to get rid of me.”
“Not at the cost of getting my truck stuck in the mud or getting killed in the flood waters. If you’re done, I washed the clothes you were wearing. Get changed and we’ll go.”
Cara put her plate in the sink and then took the clothes that he had washed for her. It only took her a few minutes to get changed and it wasn’t long before she was following Jericho outside to his truck. The lightning of the night before was gone, yet the rain was still coming down in sheets.
The road to his neighbor’s house was in terrible shape. Cara had to hold on to the dashboard to keep herself in her seat and that was with the seatbelt on. She felt the truck sliding a couple of times and glanced nervously outside her window. If anyone would have told her that one day she would be terrified of heights, she would have laughed at them, but hanging off the edge of a mountain in a truck that was more off the road than on scared her silly. It was funny how mortality changed your way of thinking. Cara thanked every God she had ever met when Jericho finally pulled off the road and into the driveway of a home.
Now this was a home. Cara admired the beautiful log home that had been built so that it faced the breathtaking view. The porch had a swing and flowers were growing everywhere. This home showed the personality of the owners before Cara had taken a step into the interior.