***
She’d been given clear instructions on where to drop off the car, but as she drove up to the parking lot, she couldn’t help worrying. Unlike the usual rental car experience, she’d been told she’d be met by someone who would collect the keys.
“So you remember what I told you, right?” she asked Dillon.
“Every word,” he assured her.
“Work on stretching. I know the bounce-back is no fun, but if you practice, you’ll find that you’re able to get farther and farther away from the car. It’s like exercise, it’s going to be painful at first, but the rewards will be worth it.”
“And avoid the ghosts with the red edges. If you see someone who looks like they’re outlined in red, go the other direction.”
“I will,” he promised, but this time with less enthusiasm.
“I’m serious. I know you’re lonely and you probably think any company is better than none, but it’s not. The red ghosts are bad news.”
“I’m already dead. What can they do to me?”
He nodded.
“And stretch.” She pointed a finger at him and smiled, and he smiled back, a mix of emotions fighting for precedence on his face.
She spotted someone approaching through the back window, and said hastily, “Gotta go. You take care.”
Stepping out of the car, she greeted the young woman. As she handed over the keys, she impulsively said, “I’m going to be moving to this area in a few weeks and I’ll need to lease a car. Is there any chance that this one might be available?”
“That would be great,” Akira said. “Do you have a number or something I could call when I get back?”
“Sure. Yeah. You could ask at GD. Ask Grace.” The girl nodded, her uncertainty disappearing. “Grace will know. She’ll be able to help you.”