Page 175 of Dead Vengeance

Gerald places his hand over his heart, a swirl of cigarette smoke catching the light like a halo all around him. “To me, it just felt like the right thing to do. I don’t like to take advantage of people. And I’d never do it for a quick buck.”

I could swear Archer tsks his tongue, but I’m fast to speak over him before he accidentally upsets Gerald again. “You’ve done so much for me, Gerald. I’m so thankful for everything. For this opportunity you’ve given me.” My heart sinks over the next words that I know I have to deliver. That I came here to deliver. “But I have to let you know, I’ve been offered another job, and it… The hours just suit a bit better. Less… less death. Hopefully. With hauntings and things.”

His eyes fall immediately on Archer. “Is that right? Doing what?”

“Um…” I look to Archer in the hopes he can provide a reasonable explanation.

“He’s coming to work in antiques with me,” he says.

“Oh, is he now?” Gerald’s tone has shifted to wary, his eyes back to beady. “You know, normally I’d charge a finder’s fee for that sort of thing, but you know what?” He turns to me with a grin. “I like you, Liam. I hope you’ll be very happy.”

He taps me on the shoulder, and wow. Wow. Gerald really is such a great guy. “I like you too, sir.”

He nods, then walks over to the door and pulls it open. Archer stands, but before he passes through it, he asks, “Which museum?”

“I’m sorry, what?” asks Gerald.

“Which museum? In Mexico. Just in case I wanted to check.”

“Archer!” I stick an elbow in his ribs. Hot but rude.

“It’s all right, Liam,” Gerald says, a touch of sadness in his voice. “In his shoes, I might not trust me either.”

God, now I feel even worse.

“I can’t recall right now,” he says. “I’ll have to get Ted to pass you the details. Or you can try find it yourself. A little place in Oaxaca. Specialises in the Aztec line. But you should know, I put it on the slow boat. Might be a few months before it gets there.”

“Hmm.” Archer’s mouth is set firm, so I take his hand and drag him out past Ted’s desk before he can say anything else to upset Gerald. Poor, sweet old Gerald.

“I didn’t want it to get broken with the turbulence, you know?” Gerald talks on. “On a plane, shaking around everywhere. It was very expensive to get it wrapped just right, and climate-controlled, and all that, but I don’t mind eating the cost. Not for something so important. Culturally. Ted, would you grab that address for them?”

Ted sighs so heavily it ruffles the papers on his table. “What address?”

“Oaxaca, son,” Gerald calls back.

“Wa-what?” Ted returns.

“Oaxa— Look, never mind.” He smiles up at us. “I’ll have him forward it.”

“Sure you will,” Archer mutters under his breath, so I jab him again.

If Gerald notices, he makes no sign, only settles his eyes on me one last time, that twinkle bright as ever. “Best wishes, lad. Look after yourself.” Then he disappears back through his door and into his office.

I drop my gaze to Ted, who rolls his eyes, then follows Gerald and slams the door behind him.

So…

I guess we’re free to go?

Archer’s quiet as we head down the stairs. It’s only when we get out onto the street he finally asks, “You don’t really believe him, do you?”

“Of course I do,” I protest. “He’s always been good to me. I don’t think he’s perfect, but come on. He’s just a harmless old man, not a criminal mastermind.”

“He’s about as harmless as a lion,” Archer muses, “and twice as sly.”

I laugh out loud at the ludicrous suggestion. “If you really think so, then you keep an eye on ghost activity for the next few months. Tell me if it doesn’t improve.”

“I will,” he mumbles.