The Tessa Randolph Collection, Books 1-3 by Paula Lester (good short books .TXT) 📕

the living. Of course, they don’t have bodies anymore, so they’re all riled up and ready to find a human form to inhabit.”

“I said zombies.” For the first time, Tessa noticed her mother’s coloring wasn’t normal. She was pale. The usually unflappable woman was afraid—actually afraid. A chill ran down Tessa’s spine. She shuddered. “Okay. That does sound . . . bad.”

Cheryl set her jaw. “As reapers, we are the first line of defense against the chaos that would ensue if the living and the dead could co-mingle. Losing Chet Sanborn’s spirit could trigger a dark time like this world has never known.”

She got out of the car and slammed the door, leaving her words to reverberate through the enclosed space like a threatening echo.

Tessa contemplated what it all meant. Had she been aware of the consequences—of what this job really entailed—she probably would’ve stuck to waitressing. Serving a hamburger never triggered an apocalypse. But she’d already gotten herself mixed up with it. There was no turning back now.

She got out of the car and trudged after her mother. When she finally got inside, Cheryl was talking to someone in the lobby. It was the lovely, ebony-skinned woman Tessa had seen in the agency’s parking lot the day before. The one who’d heard Tessa swear when she damaged her nails on Linda’s door handle. This woman was the epitome of grace, with a straight spine, long neck, and gentle movements. She glanced Tessa’s direction, revealing makeup that looked like it had been applied by a professional—subtle yet stunning. It enhanced the almond shape of her eyes and full lips.

Feeling awkward, Tessa started toward the closet-sized space she’d been assigned. But her mother’s sharp voice stopped her. “Tessa. I think you should go on Gloria’s next assignment with her. You won’t be given another one until the Sanborn situation is resolved, which I have a conference call about this morning with the higher-ups. I don’t need you sitting around doing nothing. You may as well learn something.”

Gloria winked an eyelid expertly coated in sparkly mauve shadow. “Yeah, girl. Come with me. I’ll show you how it’s done.”

Gloria’s car started without issue, causing Tessa to feel a jolt of jealously. It would really be nice to have a car that started every time you turned the key in the ignition.

Tessa pushed uncharitable thoughts about Linda away, irrationally afraid that the car would hear her and act even more stubborn.

She wanted to chitchat with Gloria—ask her where she bought her makeup. But they weren’t really on good footing just yet. So, she settled on talking about work. “Who’s the mark?”

“His name’s James Parsons. Car accident.” Gloria shook her head. “He’s been a heavy drinker for years and had a lot of near misses. That ends this morning. He’s been drinking all night. Should’ve just slept in the truck for a while instead of trying to get home.”

“That’s not good.”

“At least he isn’t taking anyone with him.” She glanced at Tessa, who kept her eyes on the scenery outside. “Word is you had a rotten first day.”

“It could have been better, that’s for sure. I lost a soul.”

Gloria pulled the car onto a wide spot on the shoulder. She got out and leaned against the hood. Tessa followed her, looking around. “This is where it’s going to happen?”

The lovely reaper nodded. “Yep. James isn’t going to be able to make that turn.” She gestured toward the hairpin curve in the road they faced before glancing at her watch. “We’re about five minutes early. Perfect timing.” She shot an apologetic look at Tessa. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to—"

“I get it,” Tessa replied. “I need to watch the time better. Don’t worry. I’m not going to be late for an assignment ever again. Not only would it be risking my job, which I have no business doing right now—because I’d rapidly become homeless—but apparently it also risks causing a tear in the universe or something crazy like that.”

“Is that what Cheryl said? Spirit apocalypse?”

“Basically, yeah.”

Gloria snorted. “I know she’s your mom and all, but I gotta tell ya—she can be a little . . . much.”

The rumbling of tires drew both of their attention to the road.

In the next instant, a rusty blue pickup truck appeared, careening through the curve without taking it. James Parsons never hit the brakes. The truck soared off the road and smashed into a huge oak tree in a cacophony of tearing metal that made both reapers cover their ears.

It was immediately apparent that there was no way the driver could have lived. The front of the truck was crumpled like an accordion, pushing the bumper almost into the bed.

Gloria crossed the road and stood a foot in front of the truck, hands on her hips, watching as James’ spirit rose through the broken roof of the truck. The sound of the vehicle’s fluids dripping onto the ground mixed with the spirit’s wails.

“Come on, now, James. You had to know you were flirting with death, driving around like that for all these years.” Gloria made a clucking sound and shook her head. “Don’t act shocked.”

The spirit tried to focus on the reaper, but his half-transparent form seemed unsteady. “Who said that?” he slurred.

“I did.” Gloria snapped her fingers a few times. “Right here. I’m your guide to the other side. So let’s go.”

“Other . . . what?”

“Let’s go,” Gloria repeated. “I haven’t got all day. You’re due in the spirit world.”

James shook his head, and his spirit toppled that direction, upending over and over like a crazy, out of control top. Tessa crossed the road to stand next to Gloria. “His spirit is acting as drunk as his live body was. How is that possible?”

“Oh, people’s spirits sometimes don’t adjust to being dead for a few minutes or more,” Gloria explained. Then she shouted toward the opaque figure, “James! You’re dead! Let’s get a move on!” She lifted a hand and waved it toward the dead man and suddenly, he stopped