The First to Die at the End (Death-Cast #0)(58)

“I’ve been working hard for a moment like this.”

“But you won’t be around to reap the rewards.”

“I like knowing my work is out there. That I was seen.”

Laverne nods slowly. “I hear you. Fortunately, I’ll have a new photographer by Monday. Tuesday at the latest. We can make your dreams come true then.”

Orion is about to fight for me, but I grab his hand. We both stop and exchange a look.

I got this, I say with my eyes.

If you don’t, I will, Orion seems to say back.

Then I look at Laverne, and she can’t seem to read my mind even though she once said she could see my soul through my gaze. “I will be dead by Monday,” I say.

Laverne sits beside me. “You’re scared. I understand why. Our president has lied to us about Death-Cast and is creating hysteria. But I lived through this already with Y2K back in 2000. We were told that this millennium bug was going to affect all computer systems and result in banks shutting down and government records being exposed and people getting stuck in elevators and technology turning against us. I was terrified . . . until the clock hit midnight and we were all fine. You will be too because Death-Cast isn’t real.”

I’m so disappointed. It was one thing seeing people in Times Square not believing in Death-Cast, but it’s another to see it coming from someone I trusted with my career—with my life. “Moments after getting my Death-Cast call, I was almost killed in Times Square. Probably by the same person who killed William.”

“A nearly tragic coincidence,” Laverne says. “I’m relieved you lived—and that you will. We’re going to do incredible work at the photo shoot next week.”

We’re not going to change each other’s minds. The only way I can prove her wrong is by dying, and I don’t want to do it any sooner than I already will to make a point.

“Is there really nothing we can shoot today? My sister will be arriving in New York really soon. Scarlett’s a photographer. You loved her work. So did the RainBrand team.”

I don’t know which stage of grief bargaining is, but I know that’s what’s happening here. I’m desperate to make this work, any way I can.

“Scarlett has a wonderful eye, but she’s not here,” Laverne says.

“I can do it,” Orion says. “How hard can it be?”

“Exceptionally,” Laverne says. “The RainBrand campaign will need a veteran to helm it nonetheless. I’m looking forward to introducing you to whoever that turns out being in the coming days.”

I’m fighting a losing battle, so I’m going to step out of the ring.

“Thanks for seeing me,” I say. “I’m sorry this didn’t work out today.”

“I am too. Is there a new number we should take down until you replace your phone? Maybe Scarlett’s?”

“That won’t be necessary. Thanks for your time.”

I take one last look at the wall with the headshots, accepting that this agency won’t ever turn me into a star.

Not even after everything goes dark for me, like an empty night sky.





Scarlett Prince


5:00 a.m. (Mountain Standard Time) Scarlett Prince is finally being let off the airplane.

There are still investigations to be held, but the police force wants the plane emptied so they can conduct their searches as they sweep for bombs or weapons, and escort the pilot somewhere safe. Which means Scarlett will be released back into the airport without her luggage but she will have improved phone service. Over a dozen text messages that have been written to Valentino over the past few hours will immediately be sent to Orion’s phone. That one-sided conversation with her brother didn’t settle her nerves. She couldn’t stop reliving the fear she last felt when she was upside down in her car moments after the accident, terrified that she would die alone. She’s dreading this to be true for Valentino.

Once Scarlett is off the plane, she fights all urges to break down.

Time is of the essence, and that time must be spent with her brother.





Valentino


8:00 a.m.

Dreams don’t come true on End Days.

Everything upstairs could have gone differently if I had an agent who believed in Death-Cast in the first place. Calls could have been made to move heaven and earth to help me fulfill my life’s dream. All I got was someone who won’t even mourn me because she believes we’ll see each other in a few days. I’d love for her to be right, but I know she isn’t.

I don’t look back when we exit the building. I don’t even know where I’m going. I just walk down the sidewalk wanting as much distance as possible from this place.

“Slow down,” Orion says.

I don’t.

I keep going.

“Wait for me!”

His voice sounds further back. Not as strong. I turn, and Orion is leaning against the wall, eyes closed with his hand pressed over his heart. I snap out of my misery and return to his side.

“Are you okay?”

“Yeah, I’m just . . .” Orion takes a deep breath, then another and another. “Blood pressure running high and then speed-walking was a bad combo.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Not your fault. Mostly not. I’m pissed at what went down upstairs.”