As soon as Imogenia died, the spirits that manage new arrivals escorted her to the Terminal just inside the cemetery grounds in the Land of Oomaldee. She noticed a sign on the gate as she passed through. It read, No Unauthorized Digging.
"How could he!" she yelled.
It was not some small boo boo he had inflicted, but an all out attack. It had killed her. As she had been leaving, she saw the corners of his mouth start to turn up in a smile and his eyes narrow in contempt. He had meant to be rid of her.
"He will pay," she vowed.
Now she stood looking at that same sign post for the third time. One arrow pointed to Peace Paradise. Another, pointing in the opposite direction, read Hades. These destinations she understood. It was the others, below these, that she was unsure about. One read Unclaimed Baggage, another Unfinished Business Office, another Guest Services, another Employment Office and still another Waiting Area.
Spirits behind her in line were getting impatient. "Would you make up your mind?" one ghost moaned.
She was in no mood to be hassled. "Got somewhere you need to be?" she shot back.
A Guest Services Official standing nearby floated over and, in a sing-songy voice said, "Okay Miss, let me go through this again. Spirits with no outstanding issues or problems head to the left to Peace Paradise. Spirits who are cold and seek to warm up or get a tan, proceed to the right to Hades. Spirits who have lost luggage traveling to the Terminal, follow the signs to Unclaimed Baggage to find your luggage or file a report. Spirits seeking to file claims against The Living, follow the signs to the Unfinished Business Office. Spirits wanting to earn a little extra money before retiring to Peace Paradise, proceed straight ahead to the Employment Office. Spirits choosing to wait for relatives or other beings, follow the signs to the Waiting Area. All others, proceed to Guest Services to my left. Please make your choice or return to the end of the line."
Two spirits dressed in silvery, official-looking uniforms were lingering nearby. Imogenia overheard one whisper to the other, "Looks like a bad end."
"Dagger to the back I reckon from the looks of things," replied the other. "Such a shame, so young and pretty."
Imogenia whirled around, staring at them with an icy glare. "Do you mind?"
"Beggin' your pardon, Miss," replied the taller, removing his silvery hat.
Imogenia turned back and continued staring at the signs.
"Not takin' her demise so well," the other replied. "Pity, these kind waste a lot of time stewing over what can't be changed rather than resting in Peace. Me, I'm headed for Peace Paradise first chance I get."
"For your information, I plan to rest in Peace Paradise," Imogenia interjected, turning back to face the spirits. "But first, I have something I need to do. Where do I go to get revenge on my miserable little brother?"
"Well now," began the taller spirit in an unhurried tone, "That all depends on whether you're going to do it alone or with the help of or just the support of other spirits."
Until now, Imogenia had not thought about how exactly she was going to teach her little brother a lesson he would never forget. The thought of having help, excited her.
"I think I'd like some support," she finally replied.
"Then follow the signs to the Waiting Area", replied the shorter official.
"About time!" shouted one of the spirits behind her as she floated away.
She found the Waiting Area easily enough. It was a spacious room with several white plush couches arranged in groupings. Spirits lingered about, talking with each other in hushed whispers.
