The Last Story (23 page)

Peter sighed and stood. "I have to go. There are things that have to be wrapped up right away."

Jimmy also stood. "I understand. How's your back?"

"Perfect. Not even a twinge."

"That's amazing."

"It's a miracle." Peter patted him on the shoulder.

"Take care of yourself."

"You, too." Jimmy hugged him. "Will you be all right?"

Peter sniffed. "Yeah. It'll take time, but I'll be fine. I have my work to do."

"Coaching?"

Peter nodded. "There's that—I won't quit helping the kids. But Shari left me a pile of money. Now I'll be able to do more. The Rishi and the yogi said to serve. I want to try to help the Hispanic community in the inner cities somehow."

"Good for you. I saw Shari's will. She left her Hispanic family a tidy sum as well. Not that I'm

complaining—she left me far more than I deserved.

I never knew she was so rich."

Peter was sad. "She was rich in many ways." He touched Jimmy's arm. "Let's stay in touch, OK?"

"Sure. We'll talk tomorrow."

"Good." Peter paused as he stepped toward the door, and glanced at the computer. "Are you sure you'll be able to finish her story?"

"She once dictated a whole book to me, and after she returned to Earth, we were closer than ever. I don't think there will be any problem."

Peter smiled faintly. "It will probably be another best-seller."

"I'm sure that would have made her laugh."

"Goodbye, Jimmy."

"Goodbye, Peter."

After Peter was gone, Jimmy turned on his computer and loaded the floppy disk into his word processor. For the next four hours he read his sister's last story, and when he came to the part where she went to see his mother, he briefly closed his eyes and prayed for guidance. He was not praying long when a tap on his shoulder made him jump. He opened his eyes and whirled around.

But, of course, the room was empty.

Jimmy smiled. "All right, I'll start writing. If I make a mistake, we can always fix it in galleys."

Rolling up his sleeves, Jimmy began to type. This time he was awake and knew he wasn't dreaming.

Her funeral had been nothing more than a social

obligation he had to attend. His sister was alive. He would see her again someday. They would meet in a place of light and splendor and both would remember today and yesterday and days so long ago their history could only be found in forgotten ancient myths, such as "The Starlight Crystal."

Look for Christopher Pike's

The Last Vampire 3: Red Dice

Coming in May 1995

and

Christopher Pike's Long-awaited

Adult Novel

The Listeners

Now Available in Paperback

About the Author

CHRISTOPHER PIKE was born in Brooklyn, New York, but grew up in Los Angeles, where he lives to this day. Prior to becoming a writer, he worked in a factory, painted houses, and programmed computers. His hobbies include astronomy, meditating, running, playing with his nieces and nephews, and making sure his books are prominently displayed in local bookstores.

He is the author of Last Act, Spellbound, Gimme a Kiss, Remember Me, Scavenger Hunt, Final Friends 1, 2, and 3, Fall into Darkness, See You Later, Witch, Die Softly, Bury Me Deep, Whisper of Death, Chain Letter 2: The Ancient Evil, Master of Murder, Monster, Road to Nowhere, The Eternal Enemy, The Immortal, The Wicked Heart, The Midnight Club, The Last Vampire, The Last Vampire 2: Black Blood, and Remember Me 2: The Return, all available from Archway Paperbacks. Slumber Party, Weekend, Chain Letter, and Sati—an adult novel about a very unusual lady—are also by Mr. Pike.

Coming in Mid-July 1995

From Archway Paperbacks

Published by Pocket Books