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“The Reaper’s Resources department.”

“So, Taevian, the department head, selected you?”

He looks at his watch and then inside the room before he replies, “Yes, he did. We have five more minutes before its game time.” That’s a little morbid to call it ‘game time’. But again, I do not say this out loud.

“Did Aiden drink a lot the night before, or on the day of the incident?”

He firmly shakes his head. “No, he had maybe two drinks the night before, and he never drinks on the job. I honestly think he just made a mistake.”

I look at him curiously. “Why do you think he made a mistake? Have you made a mistake like this before?”

“No, but we were all human once. I feel as though it was bound to happen sooner or later. I didn’t think he would make a mistake like this, but he’s still good at his job.”

Joey pauses to sigh. “I think he got confused. They were identical twins, with similar names—Amanda and Alex. They worked at the same place. If he didn’t double check the file, then I could see how this happened. It is unfortunate, because once a death is assigned, there is no taking it back. The twin who was supposed to die, but did not, will continue to live until her death is assigned to her again.”

That does suck. What sucks even more is that the opposing counsel is allowed to bring Alex, the twin who wrongfully died, onto the witness stand. I saw a report on Alex’s life, and she had a husband and a daughter. She had many goals and plans that she cannot do now. The opposing counsel is going to have a field day with that information, I’m sure.

“It’s my understanding that since Aiden is on suspension, you have taken over his role as supervisor?” I ask as I glance in the room again. Those poor parents don’t even know what is about to happen in two minutes. A doctor walks past us and into the room. Strange.

“Yes, but I honestly didn’t want to. I told Director Taevian to select someone else, because it didn’t feel right. But he told me I was the best person for the job. Of course, it’s not permanent if the court finds Aiden not guilty.”

I can understand the hesitation of taking a friend’s position. I wouldn’t feel good about it either. Seems like he’s doing well in the position, so far.

“Okay, that’s all I have for you.” I flip my notepad to the first page. I will type up all this later. My plan is to conduct some more interviews and collect more information, then try to piece together a solid defense.

He nods. “Perfect, because it’s time to go in.” He winks at me and reaches for the door handle.

I grab his arm before he opens the door, “Wait, aren’t the parents going to see us?”

He chuckles. “No, we aren’t visible to humans. One of the powers we have as reapers is that we can decide when and how someone sees us. I am using my powers right now to make you invisible. Sometimes I change my form to someone from the soul’s life that would bring them comfort.” He grabs the door handle again and slides the door open. “Right now, we won’t be seen by anyone except for Jessica.”

That explains why no one looked at us as we walked through the hospital, and why the doctor did not acknowledge us when he went into the room.

As we walk in Jessica is flatlining, and the nurses are trying to comfort her wailing parents. Jessica sits up from the bed and looks around with confused eyes. She looks different. On the bed, she looks frail and sick. But now, she looks healthy and vibrant.

“Mom? Dad?” She reaches out to touch her mom, and her hand goes right through her. She loudly gasps and climbs off the bed. That is when she finally notices us.

Joey looks at his phone, then his watch. “Jessica Walker. Caucasian woman. Born January 29, 2000. I’m sorry, but your life has come to an end. You need to come with us.”

She looks at us curiously and asks, “Who are you?”

“I am Joey, and this is Joyce. I am a reaper here to help you on your next steps.” He points his thumb at me. “Joyce will be assisting me today. I’m sorry but your time on Earth has come to an end. Don’t be afraid. Your next steps may be a new beginning.”

I wish Aiden would’ve been this polite. He just told me that I’m dead and that I had to go with him. When I refused, he walked up to me, put his hand on my shoulder and we were in his office. It’s a wonder why Aiden is Joey’s supervisor and not vice versa.

“What about my parents?” she asks as she glances back at them. When she looks back to us, there are tears rolling down her cheeks. He walks up to her and places a hand on her shoulder. Touch is one of the ways reapers can teleport with other people. But I also think it is a way to bring comfort to souls.

“You will see them again one day, if fate allows it,” he says in a calming tone. She nods her head and wipes her tears. After a few seconds, she takes a deep breath and exhales. The way she collects herself is inspiring.

“Okay,” she replies, and looks back to her parents. “I love you both. See you soon.” From what I learned, she may or may not see them again, depending on their karma.

“Time to go,” he says as he touches our shoulders. I widen my eyes with realization of an idea.

“Wait!” I yell. “Before we go, can you do me a huge favor?” I plead with my hands in a prayer position.

He smiles at me with an arched brow. “Since you’ve been great company, sure. But we have ten minutes to get her soul to the Soul Directory department. Can it be done within that time frame?”

I nod and tell him what I want. Both Jessica and Joey smile at me. Joey touches both of our shoulders again, and off we go.