Irresistible Forces (2004) Anthology by Catherine Asaro ed

Author:Catherine Asaro ed. [ed., Catherine Asaro]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Penguin Publishing Group
Published: 2004-10-14T21:00:00+00:00

Skin Deep

by Deb Stover

1

After two years, Nick Riley still wasn’t used to the clean, white, fluffy kingdom. Sure, the Pearly Gates and golden thrones were nice, but he was a third-class resident, stuck on the lower levels of Heaven until he proved himself.

“How the hell am I supposed to prove myself?”

“Your language is more like a trucker’s than a lawyer’s—though I’d rather deal with a trucker than a lawyer any day.”

Nick looked around for his ever-vigilant watchdog, Séamus—a former New York City cop, overblown with self-importance as Chief of the Mortal Watch Division.

Séamus crossed his arms over his chest and wore a stern expression on his not-so-angelic face. “Two years and still can’t mind your tongue?”

“My father was a marine before he was a real estate tycoon. I probably learned to cuss before I learned to walk.” Nick shrugged and pointed at the monitor. “I saw Margo again. She doesn’t look any happier.”

Séamus sighed dramatically. “Of course she isn’t.”

Nick didn’t argue. How could he? “She didn’t love me, but I made her think she did.”

“You were too busy trying to win at everything,” Séamus said, his tone filled with disapproval. “Well, you won Margo.”

“Yeah.”

“And now she’s alone down there and you’re up here, though I still can’t figure out how you slipped through the Gate.”

“I wish I could go back and fix things for her.” Nick meant every word. He regretted his selfish, shortsighted lifestyle. And short-lived.

“Maybe you can.”

He glowered at his superior. “Chief, don’t…”

“Believe me, it wasn’t my idea.” Séamus looked upward for emphasis. “A higher authority wants you to go back and help Margo get on with her life.”

Nick’s thoughts exploded with possibilities. Return to fast cars, expensive vacations, and—

Séamus cleared his throat.

“I keep forgetting you can read my mind,” Nick said sheepishly and glanced at the monitor again. “Tell me more. When?”

“Now, but only to help Margo.”

“What will she think? I mean…seeing me?”

Séamus grinned. A mischievous twinkle glittered in his eyes. “She won’t see you. You’ll have a different appearance.”

Now that had possibilities. He’d always wanted to be taller. “I’m ready. What are we waiting for?”

“Close your eyes.”

Nick obeyed, but he saw images anyway, similar to when he’d died. First there’d been the car crashing into the brick retaining wall…pain…blackness. Then bright lights, a tunnel, and images of people and places he’d known. After the pain, it had all been rather pleasant until he saw Margo’s misery.

Soon he’d see her in person, could tell her he was sorry…

A chorus of male voices greeted Nick’s arrival in the sauna at his favorite health club. At least Séamus had seen fit to send him somewhere he’d enjoyed when he was alive. But he didn’t feel right. Something was different. Missing. And…new.

Nick glanced down at what he thought was his body, but it couldn’t be. Séamus wouldn’t have…

“Did you catch the playoffs last week?” A gruff male voice interrupted Nick’s thoughts.

Blinking in the steamy environment, Nick tried to discern the identity of the other occupants. The last thing he needed was for someone to recognize Nick Riley with boobs.

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