“We do what we’ve always done,” Malice offered.
“Avoid each other like the... sorry, uh... plague?” Sin looked anywhere but at Malice as he spoke.
“And where does that leave Merri? With Lucifer?”
“Fuck no,” I immediately spouted.
“No fucking way,” Sin agreed.
“Merri will be with us,” Malice said confidently.
“But we weren’t even with us,” Grim said. “We all went our separate ways last time.”
“Things have changed. We have a reason to stay together now.”
Grim’s gaze was uncertain when it found mine. “How long will that last, though?”
“You make a good point. Our duties aren’t exactly conducive to building a family. They never have been.” I knocked back the remainder of my drink and joined Sin at the bar, shoving the glass at him and waiting while he filled it.
“Sure. I can be your bartender. You’re rude as fuck, though.”
“Looks like someone doesn’t want a tip.”
“The only tip I’m interested in is the one I’m going to give Merri later.”
“It’s my night with her,” Malice taunted. “So it’s just you and your hand tonight, Sinclair.”
“Fuck that.”
“I’m going to give up my mantle,” Grim stated, interrupting the conversation.
Everyone went silent, all eyes on Death.
“You’re going to do what?” Malice finally asked.
“I choose her and this life we have. Once this is all said and done, I’ll find someone worthy and pass on the mantle.”
“But that will make you mortal,” I reminded him.
“I know. I will live out as many days as I can at her side.”
The three of us exchanged glances, all arriving at the same conclusion.
“So will I,” I said.
“And me,” Malice chimed in.
Sin lifted one shoulder in a shrug. “It’s not exactly a hard decision, boys. I found everything I’ve ever wanted in Merri. Fifty years with her is better than fifty lifetimes without.”
“So it’s agreed,” Grim said. “We deal with the horsewomen, and then we find our replacements.”
“Sounds like a pretty fucking great plan to me,” Sin agreed. “We can get a big house and live out our retirement in style. Like the Golden Girls. I’m obviously Blanche.” He pointed to me. “You’re Dorothy.” Then to Grim. “Sophia, obviously.” Finally, he pointed to Malice. “That makes you Rose.”
“I have a question,” Malice said, the words hesitant, as though he didn’t want to give voice to something.
“Perfect! You’re already in character,” Sin said, then we all looked at Malice, waiting.
“What happens to Merri once we die? If she goes after us?”