Chapter 7: Reunion
Twelve years had passed since I became a full fledged grim reaper, and I was definitely loving it! As a certified reaper, I got to go on multiple missions with Willy-poo, some of the other hunks that I worked with, as well as a few solo assignments. To think that I could feel so alive when I myself was dead! Oh, the irony of it all just made me laugh! This new power I had to pass judgment upon the wretched souls in the living world had only heightened my self-confidence. Even though I wasn't in heaven, or ever would be able to go, this surely was the closest thing that I would ever come to it… and it did not bother me one bit!
One fine morning, I awoke just like any other ordinary day: bathing, dressing, and eating breakfast (because even reapers required sleep and nourishment). Then I made my way to the Collections Department to get briefed on my next assignment, passing by the Administrative Department (in charge of managing and creating the "to die list" and overseeing the souls after collection) en route. Three of my fellow reapers were standing in the corridor, gossiping with each other in hushed voices.
"The Admins are furious." A tall, lean, young man whispered.
"Yeah, I guess there's been a few killin's of young maidens who weren't on the list. Some git in London's decided to play God." Said another rather husky man.
"So it seems," stated the third, a short man with a thin moustache, "I think they're going to send someone from Collections to go investigate."
Interesting, I thought to myself, this will certainly be a fun one… If someone's being naughty, then I think I should really like to meet them. I entered the Collections Office, trying not to show my excitement, hoping that I would be allowed to take on this scandalous mission however my hopes were soon crushed when I saw none other than my dearest William holding said case file and talking to one of the department heads.
"Yessir! I will investigate this case with my fullest efforts. You can count on me." William insisted as he turned to leave the office. As he walked by me, he pretended not to see me and continued on his way. After he had left the room, I walked to the window, where I was given an extremely boring assignment: some old lady who would die of old age.
"This is a waste of my talents!" I protested wildly, almost throwing the paperwork at my boss. "Why does Will get all the good ones? So unfair!" I huffed and whined for a little until I was pushed out of the office and forced to take the files. "How BOOOORRINNNGG!" I sighed aloud. "I am ten times better than Will. Why does he get to go on the good ones!?" Then, out of nowhere, it suddenly dawned on me, what if I switch files with Will!? Then I will be able to do something exciting! He's always so dull anyway; he might actually enjoy this one!
Snickering to myself at this new evil plan, I walked toward the mess hall for lunch. After I got my food, I spotted Will holding his file underneath his tray of food. Perfect! I thought, as I continued towards him. I quickened my pace, until finally, SMACK! We collided, dropping food and spilling drinks. Both of our files had fallen and I could see Will's glasses on the floor.
"Watch where you're going, Grell!" William said, his left eyebrow twitching as he pawed at the ground, trying to collect his things. Before he could reach for his glasses, I handed him one of the files underneath his tray.
"Sorry, Will, my darling, I was just so mesmerized by the sight of you that I just couldn't help but get lost in my daydreams." To this, he made a rather harsh face, placed his glasses back on his nose, and took his things back from me with a violent tug. He turned and walked away, not noticing the wide, toothy smile that had spread across my face as I opened his file. "Oh, Will. You underestimate the persistence of this little lady!"
I returned to my room and opened the files at once. I read the first page, only to stop half way through. It seems that there was a doctor in London who had murdered two prostitutes who were not listed on the "to die list". When I looked at the picture of the prime suspect, I nearly shouted with my surprise. "Oh, my!"
That same evening, I transported to the living world. I was finally going home, after all these years. As a reaper, I had the privilege to be seen or unseen by mortals, so it was very easy to slip into the manor. Because I had worked in this manor for many years before my death, I knew my way around without any problems. I made my way to the master's bedroom, the very same that the Lord and Lady had used in life.
I opened and closed the door, making no noise as I tip toed towards the bed. There she was, just as I remembered. Her beautiful red hair was spread out upon her pillow around her pale face. "My dearest, Angelina." I whispered, leaning down to kiss her cheek. "It seems that I have been away for far too long."
Angelina awoke from her slumber; her dark red eyes met mine for a moment before she let out a cry of shock. "Who are you!?" She shouted. I could see the fear behind her gaze.
"True, you wouldn't recognize me in this form, but if you give me a second, I assure you, you will see something truly remarkable!" I twirled around a few times until coming to a final stop. Her eyes widened as they took in the vision before her, like a ghost from the past. There I stood, wearing that same plain brown suit and white gloves. I had reverted my hair back to its natural shade of brown and tied it with a large red bow. I replaced my red reaper's glasses with more simple frames and dulled my teeth.
"It can't be… Grell! No, but, they found you hanging in your room twelve years ago… no… no…" she stammered, still trembling with fear and disbelief.
"Yes, Ann, my dear old friend, it is I, Grell Sutcliff. Your long lost butler has returned!"
