All Change
Part 2
“Well,” said Manny, leaning on his scythe, “getting hit by a three-ton tanker on the freeway is not the best way to stay in the Land of the Living. Then again, getting hit by one in the Land of the Dead isn’t particularly –“
Henez moaned: “I’m dead? So you’re the Grim Reaper?”
“Only one of them. It’s just a job.”
“What do I do now?”
“Now? You come with me. That car over there. In the back seat.”
On their journey down the Limbo Highway Manny explained about the Land of the Dead and the dangerous journey every soul must make through it. Henez, shivering in a thin robe, seemed to take it all in. When they arrived at the DoD, Manny escorted Henez into his office and looked for him on the computer. As Manny looked at the file his excitement grew.
“Ah, Mr. Henez. You are a very lucky man. According to your file, you are eligible for the most prestigious award of all souls –“ Manny paused dramatically, “a ticket on the Number Nine!”
Henez looked blank. Manny explained. “Oh.”
“You should be very proud, Mr. Henez. Only very good souls get tickets for the express train. I’ll just go and fetch your ticket, along with your travel information.” He got up and walked around the table, already excited at the thought of having bagged his first real premium client.
“Uh – Mr. Calavera, on second thoughts I don’t think that would really be wise.”
Manny paused, surprised.
Manny went out of his office to talk to Don Copal, the new boss who had been there about two months. That didn’t stop him ordering Manny around, though. He wasn’t looking forward to explaining himself. As he passed Eva’s desk he smiled at her. She ignored him. Probably remembering his half-hearted attempt at kissing her during the Christmas party, which was already becoming legend at the DoD. Feeling small, Manny knocked quietly on Copal’s door and went in.
“What is it now? Oh, it’s you, Calavera. Can’t it wait? No? Then come in and meet your new office buddy. This is Domino Hurley, just transferred here.”
Warily, Manny shook hands with Hurley. He smiled too much, but other than that he looked harmless. Terrible taste in suits, though.
“What is it, Calavera? I’m busy here.”
“We’ve got a problem with my latest client.”
“Problem? How can there be a problem? That guy is spotless!”
“He says he doesn’t want his double-N ticket.”
“What?” Copal flew out of his seat. “Why the hell not?”
Manny coughed delicately. “Um, he hates trains.”
“Speak up, Calavera.”
“He hates trains. He doesn’t like travelling in them.”
Copal raged for a few minutes. Hurley leaned towards Manny with his shark’s grin. “Always like this?”
“Usually. Wait a minute or so, you’ll be able to understand him.”
When Copal had calmed down, he slammed his hands down on the desk. “I strongly suggest you find a way to convince him, Calavera. Make sure he understands what a privilege it is to get a ticket on the Number Nine!”
Manny ran quickly out of Copal’s office and back to his own. Inside, Henez peered at him nervously. “What did he say?”
“Tonio, is there no way you’ll travel on the Number Nine? It’s only four minutes and it’s supposed to be a reward for a good life. You’ve led one, this is your reward.”
“How can it be a reward if I don’t want to? Why can’t I have one of those sports car packages? I like cars.”