Keepers of the Underworld

Chapter 9

Sephi was doing her rounds when she reached Cora’s room. She knocked lightly before going in with a smile. She was thrilled to see Cora wearing one to greet her.

“How are you doing today, Miss Cora?” Sephi sang as she went to work assessing the elderly woman.

“I’m wonderful today,” Cora chirped. “How about you, dear?”

“I’m having a good day so far, and I hope it stays that way.”

“I will keep my fingers crossed for you,” Cora grinned. She tipped her head to the side and said, “Have we met?”

“Of course, we’ve met. You see me nearly every day,” Sephi told her as she took notes to chart when she left the room.

“That’s not what I mean. We…I know I know you,” Cora said as she got frustrated. “I just…” Cora gasped. “It’s you!”

“Me? I don’t know what you mean by that.”

“You were there the day I lost my brother. We were young and playing on the beach. My brother, Jonny, and I went for a swim against our mother’s wishes. We got caught in a rip tide. My brother drowned, and I came so close. I remember standing on the shore with you. You were holding our hands, and we could see ourselves lying on the sand. You told me that Johnny would go with you and you would come for me when the time was right. You’re Persephone. I’m sure of it,” Cora told her.

Sephi smiled as Cora recounted the events of that summer day long ago. She remembered watching from a distance as the two children went into the water. Sephi hated that she could not interfere with the lives and deaths of those precious children. She was happy to see the girl had grown into a woman who was loved and treasured by her family. Sephi only wished it could have ensured Johnny had done the same as his sister.

“Why do you think I am Persephone?” Sephi asked curiously.

“Because of how you look, dear. You can change the color of your hair and wear different clothing. But you are still you. I will always recognize you from that day. You were so polite and caring with both of us. Your eyes will always give you away. They never change,” Cora told her. “I need to know.”

“Cora, I think this is something that we should keep this to ourselves. Others might not believe you, and it might cause problems. Deal?” Sephi suggested.

“Of course, Sephi. You are here to do your job, both of them. I would never think of saying a word.”

“Thank you,” Sephi said as she finished up what she was doing. “Alright, Miss Cora, You are ready for the day, and I will see you later.”

“Thank you, dear. I promise your secret is safe with me,” Cora grinned and gave her a wink.

Sephi was turning to leave the room when Cora said, “Sephi, I need to know. Did you keep your promise to take care of Johnny? Is he happy?”

“I personally took him to Elysium. He has known nothing but joy and happiness since that day, and he has wanted for nothing. I have made sure he has been able to see you from time to time and knows that you have done well in life. Soon, I will take you to be with him.”

“Thank you. I would like that,” Cora said before she settled back into her pillows.

She knew that she would need to speak with Dee about what Cora had said.

Sephi was smiling as she stepped into the hallway. Of the many people who might recognize who she was, it had to be Cora. The elderly woman with dementia who has a habit of stretching the truth because of her confusion. Sephi nearly laughed as she walked down to Dee’s office.

“Come in, my love,” Dee greeted her from his desk as soon as she stepped into the office. “To what do I owe the pleasure of your company?”

“I had a very interesting conversation with Cora Kiriakis,” Sephi said as she watched Dee lean back in his chair and study her. “She remembers me. She and her brother went swimming as children, and her brother drowned. Cora saw me collect Johnny and knows who I am. She also promised to keep my secret.”

“Would she be believed even if she did? To my recollection, Cora has dementia.”

“I doubt it, but I thought you should know. That means she will also know who you are, and she might call you Hades instead of Dee or be afraid of you.”

“If she knows who I am, then she knows she has nothing to fear,” Dee said as he paused and thought for a moment. “Do you mind if we both go see Cora now? I want to make sure she knows that she has nothing to worry about and that she will be joining her brother very soon.”

“I am ready when you are,” Cora smiled.

She watched him stand from his desk. He seemed deep in thought as he picked up his jacket and slipped it on. He curled his lip as he began to adjust his tie, making Sephi laugh. He hated to wear a necktie and was horrible at adjusting them.

“Let me, my love,” Sephi said as she stepped to him and reached under his beard to fix his tie. Sephi frowned, “You already had it.”

Dee grinned, “Yes, but this made you get close enough for me to do this.”

Dee pulled her into a crushing embrace and kissed her lips tenderly. He felt one of his hands slide down her back and squeeze her buttocks as he continued to kiss her and hold her tight against him. He released her, causing her to let out a plaintive groan at the loss of feeling him against her.

“That was just a sample of what I will be doing to you tonight,” Dee smirked. “Now, let’s see Cora.”

The pair hurried down the hall to Cora’s room. Sephi knocked on the door and opened it a little to peek in and see Cora smiling at her.

“Oh! I was hoping you would come back,” Cora said.

“I did, and I brought my husband. He would like to speak with you as well to ease your mind about anything that may come,” Sephi said as she led Dee into the room before closing the door behind them.

Cora looked at Dee and flatly stated, “I don’t know you. But, if Persephone is your wife, you must be Hades.” She giggled and continued, “Roxy said Sephi’s husband was built like a Greek god. If only she knew how right she was.”

“It is a pleasure to meet you finally, Cora,” Dee said as he extended his hand to shake hers. “Here, my name is Dee. I work as the attorney for this center to help the families with all the legal mumbo jumbo that comes with someone passing. I wanted to see if you had any questions for me.”

“Only to confirm that I will be joining my brother in Elysium. I have always felt as if I could have done more to prevent what happened that day. Maybe if I had argued more or refused to go with him, it would have changed everything,” Cora said as her eyes welled with tears.

Dee sat on the bed beside her and took her hand. Looking into the woman’s eyes, he told her, “Cora, it was something that had been written in the stars long before either of you were born. Nothing would have changed it. You did more than most would have. You tried to save him and nearly lost your life in the process. You are a good woman, and I promise you will be with your brother soon, both happy in Elysium.”

“Thank you,” Cora sniffed.

Dee grabbed a tissue from the bedside table and gently dabbed at the tears streaming down Cora’s cheeks. Dee moved to where he could hold the elderly woman as she cried. She had been carrying the burden of her brother’s death for most of her life, and he had just removed it from her. He lowered her back onto the bed and helped her get settled once more.

“Thank you,” Cora said again. “You are not what I expected. I have heard all the stories about the two of you. I must say, you are nothing like what you are portrayed. You are so kind and loving. You and Sephi are the perfect match.”

Dee chuckled, “Those stories have been corrupted over the eons. Sephi and I are like any other loving couple. While I did take her to be with me, I never held her captive, and she did not go on a hunger strike, as the story goes. I allowed her to fall in love with me in her own time, the way I love her, and it did not take long for her to do it. However, there is one thing the stories have right. If you want to bribe her, pomegranate fruit or juice is the way to her heart.”

“I will keep that in mind. My granddaughter has an ice cream shop, and she makes one with fresh pomegranates. You would both love it,” Cora gushed with pride.

“What is the name of the shop? We would love to visit it. If it is near the beach, it would be perfect to get ice cream and take a walk,” Sephi asked.

“It is called Ina’s Ice Cream and Confections. It is right on the beach. You will love it. She is also a master baker. She went to school for it and everything. She could work anywhere in the world making fancy things, but that girl refuses,” Cora laughed. “She says it would never compare to seeing all the happy faces when she gives them their treats to enjoy their day on the beach.”

“She sounds lovely, and it has been wonderful visiting you, Miss Cora,” Dee told her. “Unfortunately, Sephi and I have to get back to work. A new resident moved in, and I need to check on him and his family.”

“Of course,” Cora smiled warmly at him. “And I promise not to say a word about who you are. Even if I did, who would believe me? I know my mind is going. Today is one of the best days I have had in a very long time. Tomorrow, I might not know anyone, including myself. Will you come back and visit me again?”

“I would be honored, and when your family comes to visit, I would be happy to meet them as well. I am the center's attorney, after all, so I am always happy to speak with them about anything.”

“I will let them know. Thank you, Dee and Sephi, I will see you later,” Cora smiled.

Dee and Sephi excused themselves from the room and walked back to his office. They were both smiling and happy when Dee closed the door behind them. He hugged Sephi and laughed.

“That could not have gone better. Cora is such a lovely woman. I only want the best for her and her family,” Dee said.

“I’m glad. She is one of our favorite residents. Speaking of residents, I have to get back to the rest of mine and check in at the desk with Roxy.”

“I have to go see our new resident, Yannis Papadopoulos. So far, I am not impressed, and I might need to come up with a new torment for him. Maybe even four or five new ones.”

Sephi rolled her eyes, and her words dripped with sarcasm as she replied, “Oh, he sounds lovely. Do I need to worry about him?”

“No, but be careful around him and around Travis’ family. I do not trust his brother or cousin, especially around you.”

“I will be careful, my love,” Sephi said as she gave him a chaste kiss. “I will see you at lunch.”

“Bye, my sweet, I will see you later,” Dee told her as she slipped out the door. Dee sighed and mumbled, “Now, on to you, Yannis.”