The Next Death

Chapter 3

After school, I wander towards the football field as normal. I usually sit in the stadium and do work or chill until after Dan's practice. So, if I just didn't show, Dan would get freaked out. Can't have that.

I'm in luck. I see Dan walking towards the entrance of the locker room. "Dan!" I call, jogging towards him.

Dan stops when he hears his name, turning towards me. He stops and waits for me to reach him. "Hey. What's up?"

"I'm going to go for a walk. I'll be back before practice is over," I promise him.

Dan considers for a second. "Fine. Just keep your phone on and stay out of trouble."

"What are you? My mom?"

"Ha ha ha ha. Hilarious," Dan responds, rolling his eyes. "Have fun. If you get food-"

"Bring you something. I know the drill."

"Alright, see ya," Dan waves before walking to the locker room.

I turn towards the gate that leads off campus, pulling the card out of my pocket. Mr. Mors. I remember him from my comma dream, and a deal, but I can't remember anything else. It was time to get answers.

- - - - -

As normal, Old Merchants Lane isn't bustling, only a couple of odd souls wonder down the street, mostly window shopping.

Father Time's Antique Shoppe doesn't stand out from the rest, if anything, it seems to be trying to avoid being seen. Its front is old, like all the other shops on Old Merchants Lane, but it hasn't been painted over recently. It seems to be owning the antique, even in looks. Looking in the windows, all I can see is shelves and tables full of odds and ends, all antiques, and glimpses of a counter. No one appears to be inside.

I take one last glance at the card before shoving it back in my pocket. I take a deep breath and open the door. A bell chimes as I push the door open, and again when the door swings shut behind me.

"Hello," I call, walking down the center aisle, glancing around for someone. "Is anyone here? Hello?"

I reach the counter, but no one has come out. I notice a bell on the counter and go to ring it.

"Ring that bell, and I end you," a cold voice calmly says from behind me.

I spin to face the speaker. The girl I now face is the living embodiment of the term goth. She has black hair, wears black jeans, a black shirt, and black boots. Her nails are painted black and her hand are covered by mesh gloves, and black leather studded bracelets. She doesn't look like her words were an empty threat.

"What do you want?" she says, in a condescending manner.

I pull the card out of my pocket and hold it up. "I found this. I'm looking for-"

"Mr. Mors," a new voice calls from behind me. "Chill, Agatha. This is the one we've been waiting for."

I spin back around. A boy leans on his crossed arms resting on the counter. His smile is easy, and he appears to be the exact opposite of Agatha. He has shaggy red hair, and he wears a white shirt.

"Nice to meet you Elizabeth, I'm Neal," he introduces himself. "You've already met Agatha. You'll have to forgive her bedside manners, but I promise she grows on you."

"How do you know my name?" I ask, slightly freaked out. I'd consider running to the door, but with the look Agatha is giving me, I don't think she'd let me pass.

"Mr. Mors told us that you'd be coming. He had to step out for a bit, but he'll be back soon," Neal says.

"Right," I nod. "So, while we're waiting, I've got a few blanks in my memory," I say, waving the card in the air, "Can you fill them?"