er double shift at the highway diner ended, but the exhaustion didn't

ntal bone marrow transplant was her only shot. Insurance called it "experimental," so they wouldn't cover

apartment. Not enough. Never enough. Sleep was a luxury

h opposite her. Jess, her friend from high school, all charisma a

armed over, Ash," Jess

ugged, too tire

ss continued, her eyes s

a lump formin

e something. It's... unconve

snapped up.

nce. The Blackwoods. Old couple, very wealthy,

Ashley

oosing her words. "They're very religious. They have this old.

wned. "A c

gin, specifically. To hold a vigil, perform some 'comforting rites.' Be

in the air, hea

'?" Ashley asked, her

ites were completed. Certain ceremonial items have to be 'consecrated' by your presence, your touch, overnight. And a

pite the diner's stuffy

h, the money. One hundred thousand dollars.

nd. Enough for Lil

s repeated, her gaze steady o

ng in her stomach. But then Lily's pale face flashed in her

y m

oo many questions. Someone... innocent. I thought of you." Jess's smile was gone, re

i

mer blow, shatteri