It's a Wonderful Death - Sarah J. Schmitt Page 0,73

have a vested interest in the outcome of this, I would assume.”

“I do.”

“And what outcome do you think will serve us all best?”

Death Himself casts a sideways glance at Azbaugh. “There is only one among us who will be better served if RJ does not return to the new timeline, and he has made his position perfectly clear.”

“What makes you say that?” Shepard says, taking notice of the carefully chosen words.

Death Himself stands a little straighter. “I have it on good authority that Azbaugh is eager to wield judgment first hand. He has been looking for a way to usurp my authority over the dead for some time now.”

Marmaroth shoots a suspicious look at Azbaugh. “Is this true, Brother? Are your intentions less than pure?”

“They have been and always will be for the greater good,” is all Azbaugh says.

Am I the only one who notices he doesn’t answer the question?

Marmaroth looks back to Death Himself. “These are serious accusations,” he says, leaning forward.

“Yes, Marmaroth. They are serious indeed. This is why I must come forth with all the facts now.” He turns toward Azbaugh, who looks like he wants to leap across the dais and strangle Death Himself.

“Are you prepared to offer proof to support your claim?” Shepard interjects.

“I am. However, these proceedings are neither the time nor place. RJ deserves her verdict to be untainted by our ethereal squabbling.”

Marmaroth nods slowly, his eyes turning toward me again. “And you believe the girl will continue the changes that have begun even when she leaves this realm and the memories fade?”

“I do,” Death Himself confirms with a swift nod, and I think he really means it.

Turning to look at me again, Marmaroth, without emotion, says, “I agree.”

Wait a minute. Did I just win?

Chapter 30

Judgment Hall erupts in pandemonium. I’m going back! I’m going to see my family and my friends again! I’m going to eat popcorn and watch movies and feel the sun on my face. I can’t believe it.

Before the mob of well-wishers descend upon me, Sal rushes us back through the little door to the side of our table. This time, instead of a small room, I find myself back in the confines of Azrael’s office. Death Himself is already there.

Azrael looks up with his millions of eyes and says, “Is it done?”

Sal gives a quick nod and then promptly disappears.

“Where did he go?” I ask.

Death Himself shakes his head. “He is of no benefit to you now. He has done his part to represent you but he has other work to do.”

“When will this matter be completed?” Marmaroth asks.

“Soon,” Azrael replies. “We must decide when the best time will be. Her return must be seamless but we must allow for her body and soul to acclimate. Suggestions?”

“Well, obviously it should be when she is alone,” Death Himself asserts.

“Agreed,” Marmaroth seconds. “But near the date of her collection. We want to make sure her memories are fully restored.”

I look between the three of them and it dawns on me that I’m in the middle of an Afterlife war room.

Azrael looks back down at his desk. “I trust you will make sure the plan goes off without a hitch.”

Marmaroth nods, accepting the responsibility. Azrael then turns to Death Himself. “And I see you couldn’t refrain from exposing Azbaugh’s plans.”

“I was asked a question. I answered it. I couldn’t exactly lie in Judgment Hall.”

“No,” Azrael replies, a growl emanating from his throat. “But you didn’t have to be so honest.” He pauses, looking at me. “Never mind,” he says, shaking his head. “What’s done is done. Back to the girl. Let’s intersect her early in the morning on the day she originally met the Reaper. If we’re lucky, she’ll think this is all some dream and forget everything she’s seen.”

“But I don’t want to forget,” I blurt out before I can stop myself. If Azbaugh and his self-important power trip frightens me, then Azrael conjures up almost enough terror to bring on a heart attack.

“You have been catered to enough, human,” Azrael says, his eyes—the ones that belong to him and him alone—turning black as coal. “And you would be well advised not to ask for any more favors.” He begins to walk toward me and I back up until I bounce off the chest of Death Himself. “Furthermore, when your life is over and you return here to learn your fate, I suggest you do everything you can to avoid me. You have been a thorn in my side long