Free The Adventures of Gravedigger by Barry Reese Page A

black and of a sinister
presence, hiding above it all. “I think you’re going to need my help.”
    “I’m the one who has three years to prove
herself,” she countered. “I don’t want you screwing that up.”
    “You don’t redeem your soul by getting points for
killing the bad guys,” he answered. “You have to save lives… you have to become
a better person.”
    “And kill bad guys.”
    Max smiled softly. “Okay. And kill bad guys.”
    Charity buckled her sword around her waist and
asked, “Josef never said anything to me about becoming a better person.”
    “He wanted you to figure that out on your own,
just as he did. When I first met him, he was a zealot – he worked 24/7 to
accomplish his goals because that clock was always ticking inside his head. But
eventually, he started slowing down… enjoying life, making friends. And that’s
when he cleansed his soul.”
    “So you’re going against what Josef would have
done by telling me this?”
    “Yes. He and I were friends but we didn’t always
see eye-to-eye when it came to methods.”
    Charity nodded. “Thank you.”
    “You’re welcome.”
    “But remember – you’re working with me,
you’re not the captain of this ship. Understand?”
    Max shook his head, realizing that while Charity
might have heard his words, she hadn’t taken them to heart. She was still
concerned about getting the “credit” for Meeks’ kill. “Whatever you say,” he
agreed.
     
    ***
     
    “I like your accent.”
    Mitchell grinned, pouring himself a stiff drink.
He looked over at Li and was amused to see that she’d pulled open the neck of
her wrap, revealing more of her smooth throat. “Thank you, luv. Can I slip a
little of this into your tea? Might spice it up a bit.”
    “Oh, please!” Li stood up and crossed the room.
Mitchell could smell her perfume, its pleasant peachy aroma causing him to
clear his throat. Li’s knowing smile widened as he poured some of the alcohol
into her tea. “Do you think I’m pretty?” she teased.
    “I think you know just how pretty you are,”
Mitchell answered, enjoying the little game that was beginning between them.
    “Are you going to ask me to dinner?”
    “I’d say things are a bit busy at the moment,
wouldn’t you?”
    “This won’t last forever.”
    “I wish I shared your optimism. This Meeks fellow
killed my friend and I’m afraid he might kill Charity… and me… before it’s all
said and done.”
    Li’s facial expression shifted and for the first
time since her breathless arrival, Mitchell saw that the young girl before him
had additional depth to her. She wasn’t just a party girl – there was a
strength to her that was surprisingly strong. She set her tea aside and placed
a palm against his chest. “Charity was shot and buried under the ground – and
she’s still here. And I can tell that your life hasn’t been all sunshine and
happiness. But you’re still here. And neither one of you is going to be killed
by a sleazy wannabe-warlock like Arthur Meeks.”
    Mitchell put his hand over Li’s and for a long
moment the two of them stared into each other’s eyes. The moment was broken
when Gravedigger strode into the room.
    If Gravedigger noticed that she’d interrupted
anything, she didn’t make mention of it. “Mitchell, is the car ready?”
    “I filled up the tank earlier today – so we’re
good to go.” Mitchell’s eyes widened a bit as The Peregrine entered. He’d
wondered if Max was going to share his identity – and apparently he’d decided
to not only trust Charity but Li, as well.
    The philanthropist turned vigilante wore a long
coat over his suit and tie but it was the mask on his face that really caught
the eye. It was affixed domino-style over his eyes, extending over the bridge
of his nose, where it ended in a bird-like beak. “We should park down the block
from Meeks’ apartment, just in case he’s got someone on lookout.”
    Mitchell gave him a deadpan smile. “Max,