Divide and Conquest (Grimm's Reapers Book 4) (17 page)

It was certainly weird being back on Earth.  The three years spent in Eden really put a new perspective on things.  I could’ve stayed if I wanted to, but I had something important gnawing at me.  I needed to find my brother Jacoby.

Dad and Roxanne took my decision as best they could.  I was nineteen and had learned a lot training with the Eden Battalion.  I was ready to go find him and end this divide in the family once and for all.  The only problem, I still didn’t know where he’d disappeared too.

My friend George always had feelers out for me, hoping to get some word or trace of where Jacoby went.  For three years, there wasn’t so much as a blip on the radar of Death’s lost child.  I came to realization that my journey might be useless and end with me finding a corpse or worse, never finding anything at all.

Dad teleported me back to Philly, the place I was most comfortable with.  Before I went, I promised my little baby sister I’d come home safe one day.  Little Veronica was cute as a button, totally obvious she took after Roxanne.

It was probably close to midnight when I walked up to the old house.  Dad’s private investigative business still owned the place and the key worked.  I went to unlock it but realized the door was already unlocked.  I opened my backpack and pulled out my weapon.  I’d gotten so proficient at calling my fire, that I wasn’t worried it was unignited.

The door creeped open and I entered.  The place was dark and dusty.  There hadn’t been anyone living here since we left.  Off to the side I thought I saw something, but it turned out just to be a shadow.  I slowly walked through the office part and into the living area.

As I entered the kitchen, this time I did see someone.  Sitting at our old table sipping a cup of coffee was an incredibly hot girl.  She looked a few years old than me, someone you’d probably see at a goth club.  She had purple hair, a halter top and skirt combo, and thigh high latex boots.  Maybe even a high class hooker?

My sword flared to life, the reddish glow of it putting off enough light to see her clearly.  “Who the fuck are you and why are you in my house?”

The girl’s beautiful green eyes met mine.  “Oz Grimm, the prodigal son of the Horseman Death has come home.”

“You know me it seems, but again, who the fuck are you?”

She stood up, a few inches taller than me.  “You needn’t worry about me, I’m a friend.  Cassandra Zane at your service.”

I wasn’t convinced and kept my weapon level with her.  “When your dad is Death, you can’t take people’s word at face value.  Why should I believe you?”

She reached out and her soft, warm hand touched my forearm.  “Because Oz, I can help you find your brother.  All you have to do is trust me.”

Oz Grimm is taking over the mantle! 

Look for his first adventure this fall when The Witch Wars begin!

Death Among Us (Book #1)

Old War Stories (Book #2)

Feast or Famine (Book #3)

Divide and Conquest (Book #4)

Jack Crosby enjoys writing ridiculous stories and pushing the limits.  He also likes food and beer, in case you were curious.  Email him at
[email protected]
or follow his blog at
http://grimmsreapers.blogspot.com
.