“Male or female?”
“I think it was male, but it sounded strange. Hollow.”
“What did it say?” Azrael asked.
The man scowled. “Something like, 'Analysis complete.”
“Whoa, trippy,” Jesus said.
“Do you remember anything else?” I asked. “Like, how did you feel when you heard that voice?”
“I felt fine. I had the sense that the analysis was positive.”
“Well, you're in Heaven, so you must have been a good person.”
He shrugged. “I don't know. I hope so.” He sighed. “That's all I can remember. That voice and then moving again. No, wait. I think it said one more thing.”
“What?” Azrael asked.
“Error.”
Azrael, Re, Jesus, Hades, and I looked at each other. We couldn't speak freely in front of this man. It would only scare him.
“Thank you so much,” I said brightly.
“I helped?”
“Yes, you did. You were very helpful.”
“Then you'll be able to return my memories?”
“I'm going to try.”
The man's expression fell.
“But, hey, don't be sad.” Jesus crouched in front of him and held out his hands.
The man took Jesus' hands in a daze, his eyes wide with awe. Soft light transferred from Jesus to the soul, filling his form. As it did, the man relaxed and smiled.
“You are where you belong. Safe. Loved.” Jesus let go of the soul and stood up. “I've got an idea. I'm going to take you into paradise, where there must be souls who will recognize you. Maybe they can help you remember.”
“Do you think so?” The man stood up.
“I do.” Jesus held out a hand. “Come with me.”
The man took Jesus' hand, and they headed for the door.
“Uh, Jesus?” I called after them.
Jesus looked over his shoulder. “Chill here. I'll be right back.”
Hades looked at Azrael and cleared his throat.
“I'm sorry, Brother, but we can't wait,” Az called out. “We've got all we need here. Now, we have to talk to Trevor about Ty.”
“Oh, of course. No worries. Text me when you learn anything.”
“Will do.”
