The Deadliners Box Set

By Rachel Medhurst

You don’t stop living when you die.

They're called Deadliners, they're spirits, and they play fate with human lives. These 'deadline assignments' have unfinished business which must be cleared by the time they die. What the deadliners don't know, is that by helping others, they clear karma of their own.

In this box set of three books, follow Danny and Jenny as they lead their teams into unknown territory on earth. A group of soldiers, an elderly lady, a father and daughter, and even a fair ground crash. All these spirits need help moving over to the other side.

Will The Deadliners be able to keep their cool as they try to rid the world of the evil spirits that don't want people who die to move over?

In this box set:

The Deadliners
The Deadliners: New Generation
The Deadliners: Third Wave

• Language: English
• Publisher: Rachel Medhurst
• Release date: Nov 4, 2016
• ISBN: 9781536582277

Book preview

The Deadliners Boxset

BY

RACHEL MEDHURST

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Copyright © 2014 by Rachel Medhurst

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This book is dedicated to all the people that have entered my life. Every single one of you has helped me to grow in one way or another and I thank you.

For updates and fun, sign up at http://www.rachelmedhurst.com/welcome

Boxset Contents

The Deadliners

The Deadliners: New Generation

The Deadliners: Third Wave

Free Books

Acknowledgements

Author

Copyright

The Deadliners

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 THRITY ONE

CHAPTER THIRTY TWO

CHAPTER THIRTY THREE

CHAPTER THIRTY FOUR

CHAPTER THIRTY FIVE

CHAPTER THIRTY SIX

CHAPTER THIRTY SEVEN

CHAPTER THIRTY EIGHT

Chapter One

Anna

As the motorbike spun, the screeching of metal on concrete seeped into her ears. The brutal abrasive surface ripped at her skin, beating her body with its unrelenting hardness. This wasn’t good. She stopped. Everything stopped. The sound of traffic, people speaking, sirens and crying, attacked her ears. She let it sink into her head. She knew it would be too late for her; she couldn’t feel her body. The numbness crawled over muscles, towards her brain. Her mind was the last thing to die.

‘Hello there,’ a deep voice whispered. She cracked open her eyes, letting in the glaring light. It didn’t hurt though. In fact, she felt good. She started to climb to her feet, noticing a pulling sensation as she sat. Looking up, she saw a tall, dark-haired man standing over her. His hand was held out towards her as he smiled.

‘Who are you?’ She reached out slowly and placed her palm against his.

‘I’m Danny,’ he replied as he pulled her to stand. She looked back at where she’d been lying and rubbed her eyes. Her heart tried to escape her chest. There, on the floor, lay a body - her broken and twisted body.

‘What...?’ Her words trailed off as Danny turned her away from her old self. A bright flash enveloped them, clearing to reveal a sparkling lake.

‘Anna, I’d like to welcome you as my newest recruit,’ he said. She looked around her. Where was she? Where was her mum?

A community of houses and buildings lay in the distance.

‘What is this? What’s going on? Am I in heaven?’ Anna spun in a circle, facing the woods, the buildings, Danny.

‘No, this isn’t heaven. This is your new home. You’re a spirit, Anna, and you have a new job.’ He took her hand and made her face him.

‘A job...?’

‘Yes...welcome to your new life as a Deadliner.’

*

Twenty years later, Anna came up to the window at the front of the house and peered in. The old lady sat in the living room wearing a faded summer dress. Her messy hair was loose and she slouched into the soft brown chair, staring at the moving picture in front of her. Her skin was worn. Lined like a map. Her hair shone grey as it reflected the light from the bulb overhead. It wasn’t dark outside. The beams of sunlight that lazed on the carpet went ignored as the bulb glowed on.

‘I can’t do this,’ Anna’s whispered words caused a fog to appear on the glass in front of her.

The woman’s head turned towards her. Her dull blue eyes were wide as they looked out of the window.

‘You can’t get away with it again,’ a deep voice came from behind Anna. Spinning around, she pushed her back against the hard grey wall, her hands gripped together in front of her. The tall dark haired man stood inches away, his heavy breath landing on her face.

‘Please, I’ll do anything...’

‘No. This is it,’ Danny hissed, as the masculine scent of him climbed up her nose. She tried to pull her head back, but his hand came up, holding her chin steady as his eyes moved closer to hers.

‘This is the day. No more bargaining, no more time.’

She closed her eyes and nodded her head. He was right. This was the third time she’d come to this house. She’d managed to bargain with him twice already.

‘Just one thing...’ She pushed his shoulder. He stepped back and looked down at her. His eyebrows lifted as he took a packet out of his pocket and lit a cigarette from it.

‘My next assignment is Mia.’ The words fell from her mouth. His hand stilled in mid-air, the cigarette going limp in his fingers. He lowered his head and closed his eyes.

‘It can’t be,’ he whispered, the agony that coated the words sunk into her skin.

‘Now you know how it feels.’

He looked up at her. His pupils met hers; she tried to inhale oxygen into her lungs.

‘How long...?’ The giant’s tone had her stepping towards him. This was a side of him that she’d never seen. The house and its occupant were forgotten for the moment.

‘Well, let me see...’

‘WHEN IS HER DEADLINE?!’ He took a step towards her and curled his fingers around her neck. The pressure squeezed the soft pipe enclosed within. She gasped and wrapped her hands around the pumping tendons in his arm.

‘Three months,’ she managed to push through the small hole in her throat. She watched as the muscles in his neck moved up and down. His Adam’s apple quivered as he slowly loosened his grip on her. This man had the power to destroy anything. Yet, here he was, his eyes welling with water as they stood facing each other in an old lady’s front garden. Passers-by didn’t acknowledge the exchange. The woman inside couldn’t hear a thing. The cat sleeping by the front door gazed at them lazily.

‘Last time we were here, you bargained with me for an extension of six months.’

Nodding, she ignored the burning muscles in her throat. Her feet were firmly planted and her hands were at her side.

‘And the time before that...?’

‘I got the deadline extended for two years.’ She lowered her slender frame onto the grass and leant her back against the cold wall. His shoulders dropped but he stayed standing as he looked down at her.

‘Two years and six months later, here we are again. Are you satisfied that everything’s been done?’

Her head bent back, her bobbed brown hair brushed her shoulders and her eyes landed on the top floor window directly above her. Shaking her head, she let air rush out of her lungs.

‘I’m sorry, Anna, I can’t give you any more time. I’ll give you this though...the rest of today, to spend here, before you come back.’

Her neck snapped forward, her gaze landing on the red cigarette end.

‘Give Mia six months and I’ll give you a whole day.’

The lit end of the cigarette glowed as he sucked the life from the dying tube. She nodded at him and smiled. The corners of his lips lifted as she stood and turned towards the house.

Making her way inside, Anna glanced into the rooms that she passed. The décor was stuck in the eighties. White walls with peach carpets. Glass cabinets and shiny brass handles.

She could hear the television, but she didn’t follow its sound. Her feet carried her up the stairs and into a bedroom. The walls were black with big white circles on them. A bed in the corner had an Aztec patterned throw over it. Bon Jovi posters littered the ceiling, their yellowing edges curling in on themselves. A collection of paperweights sat on a dressing table, trapped in a time that no longer existed. Anna concentrated her energy as she thrust out her arm, swinging it in an arc. The paperweights leapt into the air and thudded onto the wooden floor.

She heard her coming up the stairs, her light footsteps attacking the carpet. Rushing into the room, the grey-haired woman came to a stop. Her eyes landed on the scattered mess on the floor. She ran her hands over her face and knelt on the wood. There was a carrier bag sitting next to the weights. Looking around the room, the woman let tears roll down her cheeks. Picking up the bag, she slowly lowered each weight into it. When she’d finished packing up the room, the lady lay down on the bed and let the breath escape her lungs. The dust danced in the sunlight that shone in through the window. Anna started to cry as she sat next to the sleeping woman. She smiled and sighed in relief as the lines on the woman’s face relaxed for the first time in twenty years.

‘I’m sorry, Mum, but it’s your deadline and I’ve come to collect you.’

Chapter Two

Danny

Danny’s frame was completely still. His eyes followed her beautiful figure as she came out of the front door and headed for her Ford. The blue car reflected the sun as the light tried to penetrate its metal case. As she drove away, Danny threw his finished cigarette on the floor. Closing his eyes, he willed himself back to the compound.

He appeared by the lake. A group in training walked past, the teacher’s voice travelling to where he stood.

‘The reason you are deadliners, is because you chose this as the next step of your experience before you incarnated on earth. Your duty is to guide people in the last moments of their lives. Then you escort them to wherever they need to go next, explaining how everything works.’

Danny recited the words in his head as the new spirits went by. There were five of them, a mixture of young and old. All of them were wide-eyed as they inspected their new home.

‘They make it out to be an honour to let people die. To grab their spirits away from the life they had, only to dump them into another.’ Reese’s soft voice had Danny turning to look at the young spirit. His fair hair and soft features always made Danny question the reason for taking someone so young.

‘You’ve been here long enough to know that’s not how it works,’ Danny muttered, turning and walking away from the youngest member of his group. Reese had died a year ago; he was still being trained by Milly. When Danny had first seen the picture of the young man smiling at him from his computer screen, he’d felt sad. He rarely felt emotion when he took people over to the other side...it was his job. Even though he knew that Reese’s soul had chosen this path before he incarnated on earth, it always struck a chord in him when someone so young came into his team. This kid had been just sixteen when he was run over and killed.

‘Danny, I don’t suppose you could do me a favour?’ One of the teachers came rushing up to him. He was puffing as he struggled with his tie.

‘Of course, what’s up?’ he replied.

‘I’m meant to be teaching the first class to new recruits, but my deadline needs my help. Can you cover for me?’

‘Yeah, no worries, it’s been a while since I taught.’ Danny shook hands with the other man and then made his way to the training centre. He always enjoyed this part of the training. Watching the faces of the recruits as he explained their new job was amusing. Being a deadliner could be fun...sometimes.

*

‘By now you’re probably all wondering what this is all about?’ Danny stood at the head of the class. Ten spirits sat at small tables in front of him. Life as a deadliner was sparse. Where they lived and worked wasn’t a materialistic place. There were no signs of life being lived, no clutter anywhere. The students in front of him nodded. One woman had her face in her hands, sobs shook her back. Charlie sat at the back of the room next to her, his light brown hair caught Danny’s attention as he whispered words of encouragement. Danny had asked the third male of his group to help him with the lesson. 

‘Before you incarnated on earth, you decided what type of life you wanted. You chose your parents and your challenges. You also chose your death. Right now, you’re still feeling your earthbound emotions. You’ll have negative and positive thoughts. We’ve all chosen to be guides for a short time after our life on earth. We decided that we wanted to try and help other humans pass over more peacefully. When we were alive, it was easy to lose our connection with Source. Even here, after death, you’ve not reconnected fully. Put your hand up if you’re feeling lighter within yourself.’

A few hands slowly went up. One woman had a huge smile on her face as she looked around her. Danny pointed at her and asked her to stand.

‘Please will you tell me how you’re feeling?’

‘I’m so happy to be here. I came back this time because I specifically wanted to do this task. I wanted to be a deadliner to help those on earth.’

The woman laughed as a few of the others groaned. Danny let the corners of his lips lift. Even in their emotional state after death, they were thinking of the woman as a ‘hippy’ or do-gooder. So many humans were still so far from the truth.

‘And on that note, it’s time to join hands and sing Hallulujah!’ Charlie stood up and started swaying as he hummed the famous tune. The class laughed as he opened his eyes and winked at them. Danny cleared his throat and glared at his colleague.

‘You’ll have to excuse Charlie. It’s like being back at primary school when you’re around him.’ Danny smiled at the class, ‘Sometimes there’ll be a soul that remembers its path when it leaves the human body, but often, because we still have human emotions, we’re still stuck in that frame of mind.’

‘So is there a God? Do we go to heaven?’ A man held his hand in the air as he spoke. These were the most common questions that were asked when the new recruits came through. The truth was, Danny wasn’t sure himself. Part of the deadliners purpose was to be able to think like a human so that they could judge how to bring the person to a more peaceful state.

‘There are lots of names for God here too...Source, The Creator, Spirit. We know that when our mission is complete, we go and join the other souls that have gone over. From there, we can choose where our soul wants to go next.’ Danny looked over at Charlie. He was watching the new recruits. ‘Is there anything you want to add?’

Charlie looked at him and grinned. He realised his mistake as soon as Charlie started running round the room shouting, ‘It’s the end of the world as we know it...’

Some the new recruits jumped up and joined in with him. He’d forgotten that feeling of being reborn. The old life wasn’t forgotten, but a childish wonder came over you when you were first in your new spirit body. Charlie had never lost that immaturity; it just seemed to be a part of his innocence.

‘Okay, okay, settle down,’ Danny shouted over the shouting. When they were seated, he looked at them and smiled, ‘Are there any more questions before I get to explaining what a deadliner actually is?’

‘Be honest with me will ya, mate, you ain’t really got a clue about what’s up there?’ a middle aged man asked.

‘It’s very similar to earth here to be honest. We know that something is there and that we’ve agreed to do this mission. But, when it comes to God, Source, Energy, Spirit or whatever you want to call it...no...we don’t know the full details. All we do know, and I hate to say it...is that everything is run on love there.’

‘Why do you hate to say it?’ the airy-fairy woman asked.

‘Because it sounds so clichéd,’

‘So, how do you know that it’s all lovey-dovey up there then?’ The cockney man smiled at Danny’s discomfort.

‘Okay, rather than tell you about what we do, we’re going to show you...ready?’

They all nodded and Danny motioned for them to stand.

‘Close your eyes and imagine that we’re standing by the lake outside.’

Danny pictured the cool water and felt a slight rush as his spirit whizzed to that place. They all plopped there, next to the water, one by one. Well, except for the cockney man. Charlie offered to go back and get him. When they both returned, Danny explained that they could be anywhere they wanted to be. The only place that they were not allowed to go was to see their relatives.

‘Why can’t we see our relatives? I know my mum always visited me,’ one of the other newbies asked.

‘Your mother would have gone to the other side, so her guidance is coming from love. We feel emotions too much like a human to be able to disconnect from our fear. If we saw something we didn’t like, we could try to intervene and we can’t do that.’ Charlie was actually serious as he answered the hardest question that was always asked. Danny had never liked the rule. It was extremely hard, knowing that you could see your loved ones at any time, yet you had to resist. He cleared his face as they looked at him.

‘It’s a very strict rule,’ he said, ‘Okay, Charlie, I think you have an assignment that’s ready?’

‘Funnily enough, boss, I do,’ Charlie replied, turning towards the group, ‘I’ve helped a woman to make amends with her daughter. Let’s go and see her now. Close your eyes and think of the name Edna French from Kent, England.’

Danny watched as Charlie disappeared and waited until the rest had gone before willing himself to Charlie’s side.

‘There she is,’ Charlie said, pointing to an elderly lady who sat on a bench in a beautiful park. Sitting next to her was a younger woman. They were laughing with each other as they held hands.

‘That’s so lovely,’ the hippy woman sighed.

‘Her time is up next week. I won’t be bargaining for more time, because she’ll be leaving without any resentment towards her daughter.’ Charlie was smiling.

Danny looked around at the spirits as they watched. Some were smiling, while others were frowning.

‘Don’t forget that Charlie will be there to greet Edna when she does pass,’ Danny said, ‘now I want you all to close your eyes.’

Charlie turned away from his assignment and came to stand next to Danny. They all closed their eyes and Danny thought of the other side. He felt a warm rush and opened his eyes. They were standing on what he liked to call the border. A bright wall of light was in front of them.

‘Wow, that’s what he was talking about earlier,’ one of the recruits said. Some of them still had their eyes closed. The vibration that was enveloping Danny’s spirit was making him feel fuzzy inside. A smile played on everyone’s lips.

‘It’s bliss, mate,’ the cockney man said.

Danny nodded and willed them all back to the compound. A teacher was the only spirit that could show students the wall of light. 

‘You’ll never forget that feeling of love,’ Charlie said, as they all shook out their limbs.

‘That’s where you’ll take the spirits after you’ve greeted them, you’ll...’ Danny paused as the shout of his name caught his attention. The teacher was back. He ran across the grass and stopped before them.

‘Sorry about that, I’m ready to take over,’ he puffed shaking Danny’s hand.

‘Are you sure? I don’t mind...’ Danny was cut off as the man held his hand up.

‘No, no...it’s my responsibility. Thank you so much for your help.’

Danny shrugged as the group moved away.

‘So, Danny boy, are you not retiring yet then? I want to take your place. I think I’d make a better leader than you,’ Charlie said, throwing his arm over the taller man’s shoulders. Danny elbowed him in the side and Charlie jumped away. 

‘I’m not ready to retire. I’m the best leader and you know it.’

‘Ah, but you won’t have a choice, will you? You’re past it, mate, I reckon they’ll pluck you out soon and then I’m in for the job. I’m going to be a lady magnet.’ Charlie started to hop on one leg.

‘Nah, they won’t retire me, I’m too good at my job. Plus, my ultimate mission hasn’t come up yet.’

‘How the bloody hell do you know?’

Danny raised his eyebrows. Charlie stopped hopping and shrugged.

‘Yeah, alright, I suppose you would’ve been retired if it had. Anyway, I’m going. Let’s hope you hurry up and learn that lesson of yours so you can bugger off and I can be leader,’ Charlie laughed as he dodged Danny’s extending fist and disappeared. Danny stood looking over the lake and thought of Mia. Would he want to retire if she went over to the other side?

Chapter Three

Anna

Anna stood in the same spot that Danny had earlier. This time the older woman was walking into the house. The front garden was overgrown. Weeds hugged struggling flowers, trying to pull them back into the earth. Anna followed the woman into the house.

In the front room she watched as Mia picked up a photo frame, kissed the face that grinned at her and then set it back down again.

‘Afternoon, lover, had an awful day at work.’ Her light breezy voice travelled through the empty room. Switching on the television, she turned the sound up and went into the kitchen.

Anna froze as the door swung slightly, revealing a tall muscular man standing behind it. He was wearing a black jacket and a balaclava. The eyeballs that poked out of the darkness danced about in their sockets. Anna knew what someone on drugs looked like; this wasn’t good. Her hand came to her chest as the man pushed the door quietly and stepped out from behind it. He walked to the centre of the room and stood looking at the picture that the woman had kissed. Anna stepped forward as he picked it up and brought it close to his face. The clanging noise that came from the kitchen had the man’s head spinning towards the door. He set the frame back down swiftly but gently, and turned. He walked across the room. Anna followed him. He went into the hallway and paused briefly. He was just about to turn towards the kitchen. Anna closed her eyes and threw out her hand. It connected with his skull, knocking it forward slightly. The man clasped his hand to the back of his head and spun around. His gaze ran over the open doorway. He twisted back and looked around him. His rolling pupils made the hairs on the back of her neck strain away from him. Anna reached out her hand and tried to push his back, but she’d used too much energy. Her hand glided straight through his solid form. The man’s face was red as he turned towards the front door and rushed silently out of it. He didn’t close it properly, leaving it to rest against the frame as he ran down the path. The woman came out of the kitchen a few seconds later. Her eyebrows sunk low as she spotted the open door. Coming forward, she closed it gently. She lent her forehead against the hard glass, letting her eyes drift shut as a sigh escaped her throat.

‘I know you’re here, baby,’ she whispered, causing a fog to expand on the glass. Anna pressed her hand to her chest and felt her eyes start to pulse as water dribbled down the woman’s cheek.

‘Don’t worry, Mia, he’s always with you,’ she breathed as she willed herself back to the compound.

*

She heard shouts as she emerged outside the house. Turning her head to the side, she guessed that the commotion was coming from the canteen. Sprinting across the grass, she spotted Danny. He stood back from the hustle in front of him. His shades were on and his long coat hung on his frame. His arms crossed over his bulging pecks as he looked down. In front of him, Charlie was on the floor. His knees were pressed into the ground and his hands were pinning down another deadliner called Tom. Tom had his hands wrapped around Charlie’s throat.

‘Get off me,’ Charlie’s voice squeaked through a small gap in his throat. Tom laughed as his fingers made a dent in Charlie’s skin. Anna stopped next to Danny.

‘What are they fighting about now?’ she asked.

Tom dropped his hands and heaved Charlie off him. Jumping up, he patted his trouser legs, sending dust particles dancing in the still air. He looked at Anna as he smoothed his dark hair. Danny laughed as Charlie jumped up and bowed to her.

‘Lovely Anna, may I escort you away from this riff raff?’

‘Bloody boys,’ Danny said taking Anna’s arm and leading her away from the pair. Anna glanced behind and saw them both glaring at Danny’s back. They wandered out of sight and Danny let go of her arm, taking out a cigarette.

‘It’s a good job you’re already dead, or that would kill you,’ Anna laughed folding her arms.

‘It’s a terrible habit I agree, but I don’t think it matters anymore.’

‘What will you do when you go over to the other side? You won’t be able to do it then.’ They’d been told that when a spirit went over to the other side, they found peace. Anna couldn’t wait.

‘I never thought I would want to go over,’ Danny sighed as they neared the lake. A group of new recruits were working out by the sparkling water, their sweat reflecting the glowing sun. Anna had been a deadliner for twenty years. She had no idea when her retirement would come. Danny had been doing this job for much longer. She stayed quiet.

‘When did they tell you about...Mia?’

‘Last week,’ Anna sat on the bank with her knees pulled up and her arms resting on them. She watched as the water danced in circles. Danny sat down, his heavy body slouching next to hers.

‘Any idea how...?’

‘No, but I need to tell you something. You’ve got to stay calm, you can’t do anything stupid.’ Anna put her hand on his leather-covered arm. He looked at her; his forehead creased as he took off his sunglasses and held them in his hand.

‘I was with Mia today. I think a man would’ve attacked her if I hadn’t stopped him,’ Anna swallowed. She pulled her hand away from his arm as the sound of cracking plastic sent her gaze flying to the crushed sunglasses that Danny clenched in his hand.

‘Where was she?’ His face was still, but the red flush that crept up his cheeks had Anna bringing her feet under her. Chasing Danny wasn’t going to be easy.

‘In the house...’ She looked down at her own clenched hands.

‘Bloody hell,’

Danny stood up. Anna jumped up beside him. He scowled at her before pacing by the water. His long black coat stroked the fine blades of grass as it dragged across the top of it. Anna sat back down and tried smiling up at him. He ignored her, looking across the lake.

‘He ran when I managed to poke him in the head,’ Anna whispered.

‘Well done,’ Danny also whispered. Touching the humans was prohibited.

‘Maybe it was just an intruder trying his luck.’

‘I don’t think it was. I think I know what he wanted.’ Danny’s teeth were clenched tight as the words pushed their way through, ‘I hope you’ll bargain for her?’

‘She has six months; I haven’t had a chance to think about it yet.’ Anna stood, as the remaining three deadliners from the group approached them across the grass.

‘You know that I’m going to try to get her more time. I hope you remember how long I gave your mum.’

Danny looked down at his clenched hand. Lifting it, he threw the broken glasses into the lake. The water splashed in protest.

‘We have six months, let’s not get into it now,’ Anna said under her breath. The others smiled at the pair as they came up to them.

‘Hey, guys,’ Reese said dropping to the grass.

‘I mean it, we’ll be talking...’ Danny grabbed her arm and put his face near hers, ‘Soon.’

Anna tried to pull out of his hard grip. His angry face cleared and he shook his head. Letting go, he turned, his coat swinging out behind him.

‘What the...?’ Charlie muttered as Danny disappeared. The other female was called Milly. She sat on the ground as Anna stood looking at the empty space where their boss had been. She rubbed her arm and let a rush of air escape her lungs.

‘Are you okay? What’s going on?’ Charlie asked.

‘My next assignment is Mia.’

‘Oh shit,’ came his reply.

Chapter Four

Reese

He sat in the chair by his assignment’s bedside. The cough that cleared the old man’s throat echoed around the high-ceilinged billiards room. Reese had his eyes closed as the rich man recited Shakespeare. The words snaked around the furniture, bounced off the walls and landed into no one’s ears. Or so the man thought. Reese rose from his chair as Danny entered the room through the open doorway.

‘Hello, Reese,’ his leader greeted him as the crackled voice continued on its lonely journey.

‘Danny,’ he replied, nodding at him.

‘Today’s the day then?’

‘Hopefully not, I want to bargain with you,’ Reese said, sitting back down and looking across at George. The man’s eyes were watering as the words etched in his mind found their way out. His mouth moved as his leaden body pinned him to the bed.

‘Go ahead,’ Danny said, leaning against the worn wooden billiards table that sat in the middle of the room. He rested his hands on either side of him.

‘George hasn’t got anyone to leave his fortune to. It will go to the government if he doesn’t do something before he dies. I’d like him to have more time so he can leave it to charity.’ Reese sat on his hands as he held his head high and looked directly into his leader’s eyes.

Danny put his head to the side and pursed his lips. His gaze left Reese and glanced at the person who should have been dying that day.

‘What makes you think you have the power to persuade a lonely man who’s never had any friends or family to give up his wealth?’

‘It can’t go to waste...’ Reese started, his voice rising. He stopped as Danny took his hands away from the frame of the table and crossed them over his chest. Reese cleared his throat and lowered his tone.

‘The government will abuse this money. He is worth a fortune. It could help so many poor people.’

‘You’re still so new to this. It’s hard for you to disconnect from your old life.’

‘Surely that’s what it’s about? If people are supposed to learn lessons before they die, his money would help those less fortunate to have a chance.’ Reese stood and looked out of the window. The grounds stretched too far for the eyes to see. Both of the men in the room had a hold on Reese. His teeth pressed together as he realised this.

‘Soooo...?’

‘What?’ Reese swung round and came towards his leader. His hands were clenched at his side, his stride was long and his chin was tucked into his chest. Danny put one hand out. The movement caused Reese to stop.

‘You’re losing your head. Take a second to remember your training,’ Danny said, letting his arm drop as Reese turned to look at the muttering old man.

‘Can I have two weeks? He’s suffering.’ Reese sunk into the chair as the man’s eyelids started to droop.

‘A reasonable request...one that I’m happy to grant.’ Danny nodded at the young boy as he looked at him, ‘Get it done,’ he finished, vanishing out of the mansion.

*

Milly stood in front of the desk. The woman seated on the other side had her head resting on her arms. Reese stood behind Milly, his eyes running from one certificate to another on the walls surrounding her.

‘How the hell are we going to get her attention?’ Reese muttered as a quiet snore rushed out of the woman’s open mouth.

‘George’s file is just under the one she’s leaning on, I want to try and get her to look at it,’ Milly whispered.

‘She can’t hear us otherwise I would’ve asked her by now.’

Milly glared at her apprentice and then leaned forward and reached out her hand. Her long blonde hair brushed against the desktop. Reese’s gaze swung to her face as she squeezed her eyelids together and gained enough energy to pull the edge of the file. The woman jumped awake. Her hands came up to her face and she rubbed at her cheeks. Lifting her heavy head, the woman glanced down at the brown envelope that was now visible.

‘Hmm, I’ve not seen this one,’ she muttered before clearing her throat. She flicked it open as her mouth stretched in a yawn.

‘George Major.’

Milly grinned at Reese as the woman started to read the file. Her hands were shaking as she reached out and picked up the black phone, her eyes staying focused on the writing in front of her.

‘I have a man here whose fortune will go to the government if I don’t try to do something about it. Please can you set up an appointment with him?’

‘What’s the name?’ came the distant reply. Milly winked at Reese. The lawyer told her and put the phone down. Her finger came to her mouth and she chewed on a nail as she finished reading. Laying the file down, she looked up and shook her head.

Milly laughed and punched Reese on the arm. He smiled at her and watched as the woman stood up, grabbed a coat, and headed out the door.

‘That was good, I didn’t think of that,’ Reese said, sitting in the vacant desk chair. He looked down at the file, his mouth dropping open when he saw the estimated value of Mr George Major, his assignment.

‘Wow, that man could change the world with his money!’

‘Let’s hope he does or Danny might laugh at us,’ Milly muttered leaning over the front of the desk and taking a peek at the sum. She whistled as her hand came up to cover her mouth.

‘I’ve never seen that figure written down before, let alone knowing someone who has that sort of money.’

‘That’s why it’s got to work. We’ve got to get this money to the people who need it.’ Reese stood and winked at her before disappearing.

*

The dark-haired lawyer sat by George’s bed. Her soft voice floated around the airy room. The rain bounced off the clear glass windows. George’s heavy breathing was broken by soft coughing as he struggled to hold his head up. The nurse looking after him added another pillow to give him support.

‘So...you...want me...to give my...money...to charity?’

‘Yes, Mr Major, so many people can benefit from the work you have done in your lifetime.’ The woman’s pink lips smiled, causing the corners of her brown eyes to crinkle. George’s mouth tried to work in return as the lady placed a warm hand on his gnarled cool one.

‘And...you will...make sure it...goes to the right place?’

‘Yes of course, Mr Major, I promise. I’m here to use the money the best way possible.’

Reese and Milly stood by the billiards table. Their arms were crossed and their eyebrows were raised.

‘It can’t be that easy?’ Reese muttered running his hand through his light hair.

‘I don’t...really care what happens to it...to be...honest,’ the old man breathed, squeezing her soft skin with his creped hand.

‘Mr Major, I’m sure you don’t mean that,’ the lawyer frowned as the man heaved out a breath and his eyelids started to droop.

‘I do, love. I’ve lived a lonely...life and now...it’s time for me to...go,’ his voice got lighter.

‘Would you sign this document, Mr Major, before you go to sleep? It hands over the power of attorney to me to distribute to charity as I see fit.’

She reached into her briefcase on the floor and pulled out a clipboard. The white sheet of paper gleamed in the dark room. Without removing her hand from his, she rested the board in front of him and put a pen in his shaking hand. As the nib scratched along the dotted line, Reese looked outside and shook his head. The rain ran like rivers down the windows. The dark clouds made the dank room seem like it was stuck in the middle of the night.

‘Thank you, Mr Major, please rest easy that I’ll do a lot of good with your legacy,’ she said, as she sat back and placed the signed document back into her bag. Placing both of her hands on his, she leant over and touched her soft lips to his sunken cheek.

‘Mr Major, you will change so many people’s lives. Thank you so much.’ Her voice shook as she pulled back. Reese laughed at the old man. His cheeks were covered in red and the corners of his lips actually reached towards his eyes.

‘Randy old dude isn’t he?’ Reese patted Milly on the back as the woman stood and left the room. Milly nudged Reese as the young man’s eyes followed the pretty lawyer. She nodded her head at George as the deadliner dragged his gaze away from the open doorway. Glancing over to the man, he noticed that he had his hand pressing against his bony chest.

‘Not long now,’ Milly whispered as a nurse came in and tried to make him comfortable.

‘Tomorrow is his deadline.’ Reese walked over to his assignment and sat at his bedside.

‘You can release him now though, if you feel that he’s done everything he can.’ Milly came and sat on the arm of the chair. She rested her arm on his small shoulder. Her blonde hair rested near his own light strands.

‘This is it, Reese, you can do it,’ she said.

‘Okay, I’m ready,’ he said as the nurse walked out of the room. George released his chest and laid his worn-out limbs on either side of him. The wrinkles in his face started to relax, becoming at one with each other. A tiny rush of air left his lips as Reese stood up.

‘Hello, George,’ Reese smiled as the spirit rose from the frail body.

‘Who are you?’ George’s forehead dropped as he looked down and flexed his arms. Reese put his arm around the spirit and led him out of the room, preventing him from looking back.

‘My name is Reese and I’m here to take you to the other side,’ he said smiling at the new spirit.

‘The other side...?’ George breathed as their surroundings disappeared.

‘Let me explain...’ Reese laughed.

Chapter Five

Anna

‘This is a cruel assignment,’ Charlie muttered as he sat in the canteen with Anna. Spirits didn’t need food to sustain them like they did when they were alive, but it was a pastime that most spirits enjoyed too much to give up. It had been three months since Anna had taken her mother over. Her brown hair was littering the table as she leaned her forehead against the cool surface.

‘It’s about time I did something about it though, there’s only three months left. I can’t keep ignoring it.’ The canteen was empty. It was training-day for new recruits and the other deadliners were out doing their jobs.

‘We’re allowed to slack sometimes,’ Charlie said, offering Anna a crisp. She reached in and pulled out the funny shaped edible. Popping it into her mouth she glanced around. Bringing her eyes back to Charlie she leant towards him.

‘I’ve even been tempted to just give in to Danny,’ she whispered.

‘Anna, are you feeling okay? I mean, you’re usually on the ball and looking really hot, but you don’t seem yourself?’ Charlie rested his hand on her arm.

‘Are you saying I’m not looking hot?’

‘Erm, well, I...’ Charlie stuttered, jumping up when a hand landed on his shoulder.

‘Whoa, calm it, Kermit,’ Milly giggled as she sat next to him. Charlie grinned at his fellow deadliner.

‘I was just trying to hit on Anna, you always pick the worst moments,’ he joked.

‘Sorry, but I could see that you weren’t doing a very good job.’ Milly’s light voice made the corners of Anna’s lips lift. Her friend always managed to brighten the room.

‘So how’s the crappy job of taking the boss’s wife over going?’

Anna’s forehead came down and her previous thoughts about Milly were revised.

‘I love you, Milly, always to the point,’ Charlie said, taking a sip from a Coke can.

‘Let’s have a swig?’ Milly asked, holding out her hand. Charlie passed it to her and stood up.

‘Well my lovely ladies, I...your saviour of the world, am off to use the toilet. If I’m not back in an hour, send in a hot woman, as I’m probably having a little difficulty...’

He was cut off by the empty can hitting him on the head.

‘Get out of here, you dirty git,’ Milly giggled as he strutted across the canteen and out the door.

‘Did he really just say that?’ Anna groaned, rubbing her forehead. Milly nodded and handed her friend a chocolate bar.

‘You look like you need some energy. Come on, talk to me.’

Anna took the food and ate it in two mouthfuls. Her brown eyes filled as Milly watched her.

‘How can I do it? How can I take his wife over?’ The water that hovered on her lower lids tried to find an escape. Milly put her hand on Anna’s and squeezed.

‘What has he asked for?’ Although she wasn’t always the most intelligent of the group, Milly had a determination to get things done. Anna was glad Charlie wasn’t still there. She loved Milly’s ability to give her a boost.

‘Five years...’

‘Can you give her that long?’

Anna shook her head, letting her forehead fall back onto the table as she breathed out. Although deadliners had the power to negotiate how long someone could have to finish their business, they still had a final deadline that could not be crossed. When that time came, a person had to be brought over to the other side.

‘Can you give her anything?’ Milly brushed a hand through her hair.

Again Anna shook her head, causing her hair to wipe the table like a mop.

‘I have a gut feeling it’s going to be violent.’

Milly’s gasp made Anna sit up and wipe her eyes. Her friend was looking at her, her eyebrows low.

‘You need to investigate. You’re putting it off, but you know the deal, Hun, you’ve been doing this for years.’ Her face was stern and Anna let her gaze drop. She watched as Charlie came back in the door. Milly’s eyes followed her gaze.

‘I mean it - get to it,’ her voice was soft as she squeezed her hand, ‘get him to help if you have to,’ she said gesturing behind her to Charlie who was winking at the other women in the room.

‘Ladies and gentlemen, I have arrived,’ he cried, throwing his hands in the air and nodding his head as he looked around.

‘You really are a prat. It’s time for you to be serious, Anna needs your help.’ Milly stood and smiled down at her, ‘You can do it, Hun, you’re nearly there.’ Patting her hand one more time, Milly left the canteen. Charlie sat down and placed his hand over Anna’s.

‘I feel that you need me to rest my hand here,’ Charlie said. Anna snatched her hand away and scowled at him.

‘Okay, okay, I’m sorry, I’ll stop.’ Charlie put his hands up. He then folded them on the table in front of him and looked over at her. It was rare, Charlie being serious, but his colleagues knew him well enough to know when he was actually listening.

‘I need to find out how Mia dies. I’m not happy to just let it happen. I need to try and protect her.’

Charlie’s handsome forehead creased as he leaned towards her.

‘You think it’s going to be nasty?’

‘Yes, I...I don’t think we know who Danny really was,’ Anna sighed resting her chin on her hands.

‘Whoa, you think it’s to do with Danny? When he was alive?’

‘Yes, I think so,’ Anna whispered looking around her.

‘Have you thought about talking to him?’ He reached out a hand and then quickly pulled it back.

‘I can’t. He’s so angry about it. I don’t feel like I can say anything.’

‘Okay, how about we go look ourselves? Try and find something that will help.’ Charlie fiddled with the chocolate wrapper that lay on the table.

‘You would help me?’ Anna said, taking the wrapper from him when the rustling sound became too much.

‘Yes, of course, I’m still waiting for my next assignment.’

‘Thanks, I’d appreciate that, but where would we start?’ They looked up as Danny walked into the canteen. The thunder that hung around him vibrated through the room. Some spirits got up and left. Charlie stood up from his seat as Danny approached them.

‘Anna, Charlie, how’s it going?’ He plonked himself next to Charlie and then glanced behind him, realising that he hadn’t picked up any food.

‘It’s all right. We were just going to work though, sorry,’ Charlie said, nodding at Anna. She stood and smiled down at Danny.

‘Yes, we’ve got to go. Sorry we couldn’t stay longer,’ her voice shook slightly and she cleared her throat. Danny grunted as he also stood and followed them to the food counter.

‘Have fun with that,’ he muttered, turning away from them.

As they walked out of the door, Anna took in a gulp of the cool air. Her hands were shaking and her step was heavy.

‘Anna, you can’t absorb so much of him,’ Charlie said, taking her arm and slipping it through his.

‘But its Danny, our commander, our boss, or whatever you want to call him...the strong one. He’s crumbling, and it’s all because of me.’

‘Now, you know that’s not true. He may be our boss, but he wasn’t the one who gave you the assignment. That’s down to the top dogs. He may be our friend and someone we have come to rely on, but you need to disconnect yourself from this. It’s just a job.’ Charlie walked them to their house and led her into the kitchen.

‘Let’s write some ideas down.’

He picked up a pen and paper and leant against the work surface. Anna stood next to him and closed her eyes.

‘You’re right. I’m letting my emotions get involved. Let’s start with the connections.’

‘Good. It starts with Mia. Then, Danny. Did they have children?’ Charlie drew a family tree.

‘No, they didn’t have a chance.’ Anna’s eyes started to fill. Charlie pinched her arm.

‘Hey, what...?

‘Snap out of it. I’ve never known you to be this bad. Not even with your mum.’ Charlie went to the table and sat, patting the seat next to him. Anna sat down as he put the pad in front of her and opened her clenched fingers, sliding the pen into her hand. Shaking her head, Anna sucked in a few deep breaths.

‘What’s wrong with me? Okay...I’ve been doing this for twenty years now, I can do it.’ She bent over the pad and started writing. Charlie watched as she got into the swing of it and the family tree started to form.

An hour later, they still sat at the hard wood table. Sheets of notes were scattered all over the surface.

‘We’ll get going tomorrow,’ Charlie said placing the pen on the pad and rubbing his fingers.

‘Yes, I think they’ll retire me when I’ve taken her over.’

Charlie’s gaze snapped to her face. His cheeks flamed red as he continued to massage his hands.

‘Wow, really?’

‘Yep, I’ve just got a feeling.’ Anna’s eyes were trained on the window; her gaze fell through the glass to the grassy field beyond. 

‘It won’t be the same without you here,’ Charlie whispered reaching his hand across and placing it on the table just next to hers. Her eyes rested on her small finger as it lay on the stained wood. They both looked at the delicate digit. It was long and thin, keeping still as its owner’s mind strayed into its own world. Charlie moved his hand and cleared his throat.

‘Right...’

The bang of the front door made them jump. Reese entered the kitchen with a grin on his face.

‘I think we need to celebrate my first take over, what do you reckon?’ He held up some alcohol; a forbidden product.

‘Where did you get that?’ Anna stood.

‘Don’t worry about that, come on, don’t be a spoilsport. We need to let our hair down.’ Reese was reaching into the cupboard, pulling out wine glasses. Charlie glanced at Anna and shrugged his shoulders. Anna’s stomach flipped and a grin spread her cheeks.

‘Thought I’d win you round,’ Reese laughed handing out the offending liquid.

‘To death,’ he chimed, chinking his glass against the others. Charlie and Anna frowned at each other before gulping their own drink.

Chapter Six

Charlie

Charlie thumped his fist into the brick wall outside the kebab shop. He looked through the window and saw a man slicing the meat. Two teenagers stood at the high counter, flicking through the newspapers. The rustle of the paper filtered out of the open doorway. Charlie huffed out his breath and turned towards the street. Camden Town fed vibrancy into the brain. People walked along in dark clothes, bright clothes and hair higher than the signpost that introduced this part of the city. Charlie watched as the tourists milled around the arches of the food court. Chinese foil trays littered walls and sat in people’s hands.

‘Nah, I ain’t gonna go to that party tonight, bruv, I’ll end up killing someone,’ A young man with a hoody pulled over his head passed by, heading towards the canal. Charlie remembered coming here with his group of friends. They would walk along the streets as he made them laugh. He would sing a song about the people they passed, causing them to glare, or smile and shake their heads. They would then go into the shops and salivate over the items that they knew they couldn’t afford.

‘You look lost, son,’ an old lady said to him. She was short and plump, her dark hair hiding her true age. Charlie looked around him for the person she was talking too.

‘I can see you,’ she whispered as a couple walked past with their arms wrapped around each other. They glanced back at her.

‘You can?’ Charlie took a step backwards, banging into the brick wall behind him. Her small brown eyes looked him up and down. She had a big bag hanging over one shoulder and an umbrella in her hand.

‘Yes, I’ve always been able to see spirits.’ She grinned and leant against the wall next to him. The London street was filled with people, most of them going somewhere. Teenagers hung around the shop fronts with cigarettes hanging from their fingers.

‘You’re the first person I’ve met who can see us,’ Charlie said, running his hand through his hair as he spoke.

‘There are many of us, young man. You’re a handsome one, aren’t you?’

‘Thanks. I really can’t help it. I was lucky enough to be gifted,’ he chuckled as a cackle escaped her lips, making the passers-by glance her way. They just carried on, ignoring her. Camden was about acceptance. You went there as you were and was accepted for that.

‘You look a little lost, do you need help going over to the other side?’ Her hand went into her bag and pulled out a card. Holding it towards him, she let him look at it. She was a medium, ‘Come to my shop,’ she whispered putting the card away.

‘All right, old lady, how you doing today?’ The kebab shop assistant shouted, hanging his head around the side of the doorframe. He grinned at her and winked.

‘I’m well, thank you, young man. I hope you’ve been working hard,’ she said patting her stomach.

‘I have, I have, you hungry? Want anything?’ He gestured behind him.

‘No, thank you son, I’m just taking a little rest and then I’ll be on my way.’

‘Okay, well, I’ll see you soon,’ he winked again and swung back into the shop.

‘Is that your name? Old lady..?’ Charlie asked, following her as she pushed away from the wall and started making her way towards the canal.

‘Of course not, son, but that’s what they call me round here.’

A passing man turned to look at her and apologised. He’d thought that she’d been talking to him. Charlie shook his head as the kids on the streets greeted her. Some of them shook her hand; some of them started singing to her. They all respected the short woman who walked along the road talking to herself.

‘What’s your real name?’ Charlie asked, as a teenager rode past on a bike.

‘Marion,’ she replied, stopping in front of a tiny door. The sign above the wooden door read ‘Medium Marion.’ She pulled a huge bunch of keys out of her bag and managed to find the right one first. Sticking it into the lock, she muttered something and opened the door.

‘I’m Charlie.’

‘This is my shop. I don’t have any appointments today, so we can have a chat.’ She led him into a room. A waiting area in the corner was made up with a small table and chairs. A thick red curtain separated the room in half.

Marion pulled back the material, revealing a round table with a chair on either side. It was covered with a purple cloth and had a pack of cards sitting in the middle of it. There was a door at the back of the room. The walls were decorated in dark red and purple. The pictures on the walls were symbolic paintings. The woman pointed at the chair opposite her as she sat. Charlie shook his head, preferring to stand.

‘Okay, so why are you here? Are you trying