Death Takes a Holiday Read Online Free PDF

and within a few seconds and breaths, I’m out of the danger zone. I can breathe without forcing it.
    “Good girl,” Nana whispers. “Good, good girl.”
    “Thank you,” I cry. The tears won’t stop but at least speech is possible now. I breathe deeply.
    “Oh baby,” she says with relief. “What happened?”
    “I—I … everyone here hates me. I’m scared all the time. They keep yelling. I can’t do this anymore. I just can’t. I can’t.”
    “Bea, I don’t understand.”
    “Everything is just so … confusing. I have no idea what to do. Everything I try only makes it worse.”
    “Honey Bea, if you’re this miserable then quit.”
    I’ve thought about it. No more concussions. No more kidnappings. No more running for my life. But let me say the look on a victim’s face when I told them I’ve stopped the monster is more addictive than heroin. “I can’t.”
    “Then I don’t know what to tell you, baby.”
    I wipe my eyes and my snotty nose. “I—I just don’t know what to do anymore.”
    She’s silent for a moment. If my Nana had a power, it would be the gift of wisdom. She never steered me wrong. She’s the one who told me to ignore Sarah Cale when she was picking on me. She’s the one who told me to keep going to April’s house even after she found out about the psychokinesis. She’s the one who told me to break up with my ex Steven if I had any doubts when things got serious. We should have her on the team.
    “Nana?”
    “Christmas is in a week. I think you should come home. You missed Thanksgiving.”
    I did. Stupid vampires killing prostitutes during the holiday season. Jerks. “I had to work.”
    “They can do without you for a week or two, can’t they? How else can I spoil you rotten?”
    “I don’t know.” And I don’t. I’m not exactly clear on the F.R.E.A.K.S. vacation policy. But she put it out there and honestly, how many daycare center emergencies can there be? I’ve used the excuse with April on her birthday, and with Nana for Thanksgiving. She’s right. A vacation is exactly what I need. That and Christmas presents. I love presents.
    “Beatrice, if you’re working for a company that expects you to miss Thanksgiving and Christmas, then maybe it’s not the kind of company you want to work for no matter how much they’re paying you. I’m sure you could find another teaching job here.”
    My loved ones believe I left my beloved career as a teacher to pursue a lucrative one as Director of Childcare Services for Black Industries. They think I fly around the country with my co-workers setting up daycare centers at all the branches. The truth is I joined the F.R.E.A.K.S. to gain control over my psychokinesis. And I have gotten more control in the past ten months, but not enough that I’m comfortable working around small children. Beds and lamps still float when I have a bad dream. I’m not even close to chancing sex. One orgasm and my partner’s head could literally explode. I still have a lot to learn, and this is the only place to do it. But Kansas is disgusting in the winter with the sleet and sub-zero windchill; San Diego is in the high fifties. I’d be an idiot not to go. Postponing my troubles. Sounds like a plan. Worked for Scarlett O’Hara.
    “You’re right. You’re totally right. It’s Christmas. They can fire me. I’ll book a flight tonight.”
    “Oh Honey Bea, I’m so happy to hear that. I miss you so much.”
    “I miss you more, you have no idea. I love you so much.”
    “I love you too, precious baby girl. I’ll start cleaning your room right away. Call me with your flight info.”
    “I will. I love you. Bye.” I hang up.
    A getaway. No vampires. No dead bodies. No egos the size of China. Just me, Nana, and April shopping, talking, and drinking too many margaritas. And no men. Heaven here I come.
    I love this bed. I really do. It’s lovely. Thousand thread count sheets, padding made of clouds, and enough room to lay wherever I want. I pull