CHAPTER 3
An Intermission
I parked in my apartment complex and stepped out of the car feeling leaden. Inside my messenger bag, Barbara’s soul was swirling gently, a consummation of all her experiences, emotions, and feelings; they all belonged to me now.
Ladouche appeared, and he clapped. “You got your first soul. I’m proud of you.”
“It’s not something to be proud of.”
“Ah, remorse,” Ladouche said, clasping his hands. “Get used to it.”
I stared at the ground. “Barbara had a child. She was so optimistic. Why do you need her soul?”
“I have my reasons.” He appeared next to me and put his arm on my shoulder. “You’re two souls away from being rid of me forever. That should make you happier.”
Nearby, an old man was crossing the street. A black van approached, and its driver, a teenage bo
