Ghost Retrieval and Cappuccino: The Afterlife Series

Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty Four

Chapter Twenty-Five

Chapter Twenty-Six

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Chapter Twenty Eight

Chapter Twenty Nine

Chapter Thirty

Chapter Thirty One

Chapter Thirty Two

Chapter Thirty Three

Chapter One

Blood dripped into the water on the tiled floor as if it was being dispensed with an eye dropper. The pain at the back of my head throbbed with the rhythm of my heartbeat. I could feel the terror so acutely that it tingled on my skin and pricked up the tiny hairs on my body. My face filled with warmth, my fear intensified as I realized what was about to happen, when I knew that after slipping on the soap, the man following me would get into the bathroom before I could close the door. I knew I was alone, I knew that if I screamed no one would hear me, but if only I could reach the bathroom window, if only he hadn’t just entered the room with the knife.

I woke abruptly and bolted upright, listening hard to identify the sound that had ripped me out of a deep sleep. My eyes squinted in the semi-darkness. A dying candle on the table near the living room chairs barely illuminated my two-room cottage.

I looked over to the front door; iron hinges secured its heavy wooden frame. Safety concerns were null and void here but my murder preyed on my subconscious just the same. It had been a year since I died, is that why the fear had returned? Sometimes I became so afraid I wanted to bolt the door and avoid people for fear of them turning on me.

Rufus had already made his way to the door and his scruffy ears pricked up at the same sound.

It suddenly started again; nothing sinister, just beautiful music, angelic and uplifting. I draped my gold velvet robe over my white nightgown, slid my feet into black furry slippers and tip toed across the creaky wooden floor. The music grew a little louder in a seemingly intentional manner.

Hello? I questioned weakly with my head leaned up against the door. I tied my robe and opened the door enough to get a glimpse at my visitor.

A pretty, pale faced blonde woman looked up at me from her extremely large harp. The sun had barely peeked out behind her but she diligently kept on playing, caressing the strings with her dainty fingers.

I listened for a moment, taking it in with a deep breath, progressively waking with the tinge of briskness in the morning air. Can I help you? I asked quietly, trying not to be rude by interrupting her.

Her fingers stroked the instrument but she smiled at me again. Are you awake? she asked in the most beautiful unearthly voice I had ever heard.

Yes, I answered, taken aback.

She instantly vanished, the harp along with her.

Rufus ran past me into the semi-darkness. Come back here! I yelled out to him. I braced myself against the chill and went out after him. I tripped over a stone in the walkway but was caught by unseen hands.

I jumped back; startled, until I realized Adam had been the one that caught me. What are you doing here? I asked, surprised.

Rufus returned, probably hoping Adam would keep him amused. I am told you are leaving for your new occupation today and I wanted to say goodbye.

Come inside, out of the cold, I said, gesturing for him and Rufus to follow me in. I shut the door behind us. Rufus ran to the back of my home and jumped on the bed, which I could see from the front door.

Adam faced me and rubbed my arms. His long brown hair, which was tied with a band, highlighted his handsome, kind face and for the first time I saw him in a long flowing night robe rather than his medieval vest and pants.

How did you know about my mission? I only just found out last night.

Avery contacted me—.

Avery?

He nodded. Yes I too was surprised, but he thought I should know.

I’m sure he recognized bewilderment in my face. I’m not sure what to say, Adam. I had full intentions of telling you, but I was going to wait until I got back tomorrow.

He bought me in to him and we held each other and used each other’s body heat. I’m not coming back tomorrow, am I? I knew the answer.

No.

I looked up at him and he smiled down at me. I really am the last to know anything, I said. My so-called friends withhold information to see my reaction when I discover them.

He laughed and kissed me on the cheek. This might be true, but we have little time to discuss the folly of small minds. Are you prepared for your journey?

I shook my head. It is hard to prepare for a secret mission when it is secret to me as well.

You at least know that you will rescue the lost souls on Earth, is this not true?

That’s right.

I am sure if you are meant to arm yourself with provisions, they would have made you aware. You still posses the ability to manifest food at whim, do you not?

Yes, why, are you hungry?

He crossed his sleeved arms against his long gown. I was suggesting it might be an amiable trait for your journey.

What time is it? I suddenly asked.

I ventured here closing in on five in the morning, he responded curiously.

Avery will be here soon. I panicked for no discernable reason that I could verbalize.

He laughed and placed his hands on my arms. Well this is where I bid you farewell then my princess. Please be careful, there is always a risk of danger when one returns to the world of the living.

I don’t know if I want to go. Will you be able to feed Rufus for me?

Of course, but he may also be in need of a companion on occasion so you may just return to find me immersed in your lovely bath. I have developed quite a fondness for it. He smiled cheekily.

I wouldn’t put it past you to spend the whole time in the bath in hopes that I just happen to accidentally return when you’re in it.

He kissed me on the cheek and opened the door. Avery stood outside, staring at Adam and me in our nightwear. Okay thanks for walking Rufus, I said to Adam as he nodded to Avery and disappeared into the cold dawn.

Avery raised his eyebrows at me when he entered my cottage and shut the door.

He just came over to say goodbye because you contacted him. I explained.

Is that right?

Yes that’s right, and you of all people shouldn’t jump to conclusions. Remember Denny and your robe?

He waved my comment away. I’m not judging you, Feisty, but you better get ready.

I walked toward my bed then detoured to the one other room, the wood paneled bathroom. I opened a hand carved chest and selected a violet perfume Pauline had given me. Why did you tell Adam I was leaving any way? How did you know I wouldn’t tell him? I yelled out to him.

He didn’t answer.

I undressed quickly and peeked out to see him making his coffee in the coffee machine that he kept in my mostly hidden kitchen. Is it because you knew we were going to be gone longer than a day? I persisted.

He leaned against the nearest stone wall and sipped his coffee. His white suit pants and white knit sweater looked similar to the outfit he wore on the day I met him at Heaven’s gate.

That might be the reason. He smiled at me, being less than subtle about noticing my uncovered shoulders. Happy death day by the way. He held up a chocolate cupcake with a candle in it.

I stared at him, my mind blank with miscomprehension. Okay, that’s a new one. Should I be worried?

Not at all, it just means you celebrate, eat cake and make out under mistletoe. Oh, no, never mind, wrong holiday.

It suddenly occurred to me that it had been a year since I arrived in the afterlife. I had died on my thirtieth birthday. Memories came flooding back of my murder, meeting Avery at the gate, falling for Adam and grieving in the underground world with Eric. I can’t believe I forgot my birthday, I said.

No, here you celebrate your death day. Your birthday is just a representation of when you were born in your last life.

Oh, well just the same, it should be easy for me to remember. So where is my present?

Well I’d give you a kiss on the cheek but given the circumstances it might border on intimate.

I returned to the bathroom and approached a standing linen press, searching it for appropriate attire. I decided on some white tights, a seventies white lace dress and a white cashmere cardigan, attempting the same innocent look that Avery inadvertently conveyed.

After spraying a generous amount of perfume all over me, I came out of the room and headed directly for the kitchen area. I ignored Avery standing beside me as I poured butterscotch cappuccino into a large paper cup.

There was a lady outside my door just a few minutes ago. She was playing the harp then she disappeared, I said.

Are you scaring the peasants again?

I sipped my cappuccino, testing to make sure it was at the scorching temperature I preferred. Did you have something to do with it? I took the now half eaten cupcake from Avery’s hand and finished it.

I thought it might be a nice alternative to your usual alarm. He smiled behind his plain white coffee cup; his green eyes glistened with mischievousness. Are you ready? he asked.

You tell me. How long are we going to be? Do I have to bring something? Who are we working with?

We’ll find that out when we get there. I’m sorry I can’t tell you more but I don’t know anything else.

If I wasn’t so shockingly bored I might put up resistance. Where are we going?

He gestured for me to follow him out the front door. Rufus ran toward us, giving us both a generous lick on the cheek. He seemed to know I wouldn’t be back anytime soon.

I took one more look around my home, running back in to blow out the candle on the small side table near the chairs. I quickly poured some dry dog food into Rufus’s bowl and gave him a pat before returning to the front door.

We’re going to the gates, Avery alerted me.

The gates? Why?

Avery shut the door then clicked his fingers, propelling us to our destination in the blink of an eye. The only way to leave here is the same place you came in, he explained.

I sipped my cappuccino and surveyed our surroundings. I recognized the iron gates and the check in booths, but last time I stood here, I was alone with Avery. Maybe another twenty or so people, including a few garden-variety angels, stood around waiting with us. This reminds me of waiting in line at a rock concert, I observed.

Damn! Avery cursed, startling me in the process.

What?

The Michael Jackson concert tomorrow night.

Roy, dressed in a brown seventies western style suit, waved at us as he approached. You don’t think we will be back by tomorrow night? I questioned. Pauline and I were planning on going. It’s his first concert since he died.

Howdy kids, Roy bellowed cheerfully, tipping his hat at us in friendly acknowledgment.

Roy, are we going to be back by tomorrow night? I asked with my hands on my hips.

I wouldn’t throw my hand at that one, filly.

Are you sure I’m meant for this job? Wouldn’t you rather someone with more spunk and energy, someone who despises their comfortable bed and fireplace?

You’ll be fine, sweetheart, he said, playfully hitting my arm. You’re in the big leagues now.

Have you got the details of our first mission, Roy? Avery asked, looking slightly morose.

Ah, I’m not co-coordinating this shindig. All the teams are reporting to the captain of the head retrieval unit, he should show up in a cat’s whisker.

Suddenly everyone around us turned to a focal point in the center of the crowd, just out of our sight. Avery took my arm and we made our way through the other people to see what it was they were looking at. This should get us some answers, he said determinedly.

When we finally arrived, I noticed a handful of robust, serious looking men in black suits. Despite the absence of sunglasses and earpieces, they looked like they had stepped right out of a movie about underground FBI agents.

A misty white glow surrounded them and in the dramatic fashion of an eighties rock band’s lead singer, a pretty faced, blonde man came through the mist and offered me his hand.

Chapter Two

Avery’s face took on a distinct grayish appearance, his mouth hung open, uncharacteristically lost for words.

I stared at him, a little confused by his reaction. I returned my attention to the handsome man with a strong jaw line, deep blue eyes and hair as blonde as a kid from A sound of music. He smiled at me, anticipating a response, but as his hand reached for mine; an English muffin appeared in his, buttered with steam rising from it.

He stared at it, perplexed, and then took a bite from it. His left hand then reached out to me to achieve the initial goal of a firm handshake.

Oh I’m sorry, I almost stuttered. I have no idea why I did that.

His warm hand continued to shake mine a little longer before he returned it to his suit pocket. That is quite alright, he responded in a smooth, sophisticated kind of tone. I hadn’t planned on breakfast this early, but you’re very talented with that gift of yours, we must touch base before your leave so you can make me another one.

I smiled in response, feeling Avery’s eyes on the both of us.

You must be Penny Lane, the man said, his blue eyes glued to mine.

And you must be someone I don’t know yet, I replied teasingly.

He laughed briefly before setting his eyes on Avery, who at this stage alternated between expressions of aggravation and surprise. Avery knows who I am; I’m hurt you hadn’t mentioned me to her, Barnaby.

Barnaby? I turned to Avery who looked less than pleased to have this name mentioned. Is that your real name?

No, he replied without elaboration.

It’s something only his closest childhood friends would call him; to his face that is. The man laughed to himself. Of course he was mostly a good sport about it, but I’ll let him tell you that story another time.

I was under the impression you had our mission details, Cary, Avery said to him neutrally.

Cary nodded, the cheerfulness on his face a little subdued. Of course. He approached one his mysterious assistants and retrieved a small metallic square from the man’s hand. You’re the project leader I assume? he asked Avery.

Avery nodded, attempting a smile of his own.

Cary placed the small object on Avery’s hand and it vanished into his skin. Well I best be dispersing myself amongst the masses, he announced, wiping his hands off as if dismissing the tension. It was good seeing you again, Barnaby, he said in a tone that I assumed to be sincere.

Avery nodded and placed his hands in his white pants pockets. Yes it’s been a while.

Cary’s eyes darted to me; his voice lured me in like a charismatic dictator. I have your number, Ms Lane. He then proceeded to take off in another direction.

I eyed Avery carefully. Apparently I have a number, I joked, in an attempt to rescue him from his recently stricken melancholy.

He shrugged nonchalantly. No doubt he numbers all his women.

And you grew up together?

We ran in the same circles. I lacked better judgment back then.

I raised my eyebrows. Well I’m going to leave that one alone for now. What did he mean by you being the project leader?

His expression evened as he offered me a reserved smile. You didn’t think you were going to be the leader, did you? A mere moody ex-melter like yourself?

Okay? I raised my eyebrow and intentionally looked him over in mock intimidation. So where does that leave me?

Each three person team has a leader, counselor and an angel that can translate all dictions.

I looked around, noticing that everyone around us had certainly grouped themselves into three. Sudden panic swept over me and I thought of Leiko, and how tortured I felt working with her. Who makes our trio? I asked reluctantly.

He looked over my shoulder so I turned to follow his line of sight. I recognized the dark rimmed glasses immediately and my anxiety ceased. They let you out of the underground? I knew the relief showed on my face.

I’m told that I have a special touch with difficult personalities, Eric explained as he adjusted his dark green beatnik turtleneck.

So you’ll be good with the ghosts then.

No, I meant you, he said seriously.

Avery burst out laughing and it took me a second to catch on to Eric’s jibe Oh I foresee some real conflict in this grouping, I said, hands returned to my hips. I want a recall.

Roy caught up to us, sizing us up through the corner of his squinty eyes. He tipped his larger than life cowboy hat and cracked his hypothetical knuckles. Alright folks, me and Sheriff Cary are sending your posse’ out first, any questions?

How many questions do I get? I threw in sardonically.

Roy ignored me and extended his hand to Eric. How’s the under ones, Uriel? he asked, addressing him by his true Archangel name.

Eric shook Roy’s hand enthusiastically. Swell as usual, Metratron, it’s been a millennia, huh?

It might just be at that, Roy agreed. He addressed Avery who looked eager to start. Alright young man, you’ve got your mission, your wings and your filly so you’re good to go. We’ll rope you in when you’ve nabbed your loot.

Avery nodded in response.

Roy then seized both of my hands. Now sweetheart, you’ve got your foodstuff and a couple of good men, so you’ll have to put your usual list of who’s and what’s aside and learn by the skin of your teeth, okay?

Not knowing whether his words were facetious, I responded with the potentially unpredictable response of a nod.

Roy physically lined us up shoulder to shoulder then ripped our bodies off our souls in his typical tablecloth removing fashion.

That tickles. Eric giggled, pushing his transparent glasses to the bridge of his nose.

"Why do you wear glasses, Eric?" I had to know.

He shrugged and looked down to his patent leather two-tone shoes. My ensemble is incomplete without them.

Without warning my surroundings changed.

I now stood in a cemented room with a large group of people. A small set of stairs led up to another floor but of the dozen or so people with me, none of them stood anywhere near it.

Everyone talked quietly as if afraid of being detected. A mother hushed her two small children. Tension hung in the room like a dark cloud. I looked around me, wondering how I got here; why was I here?

A man in a Nazi uniform clasped his hat and paced. He discretely looked at me through the corner of his eye so I knew I was visible. He suddenly stopped and crouched down to sit on the cement floor, it looked very cold and uncomfortable.

Underneath the stairs, a worn out leather trench coat barely covered a large pile of garbage. The ripe smell of rotting fruit and old meat mixed in with the stale heavy air and it made me feel fatigued and nauseas. Men, women and children alike had the expression of fear and lack of nourishment. How long had they been here?

A loud whistling interrupted the silence and the wall to my right exploded, throwing bricks and debris across the room and injuring a few people in the process. The crowd of people in the room frantically ran in all directions, preventing me from locating a safe haven.

One corner had amassed a large pile of bricks, exposing the outer wall of another building, perhaps another residence. Ladies in torn floral dresses screamed and sheltered their children. The few men in the room looked more angry than afraid as they tried to calm their families and lead them away from the caved in wall.