Under_The_Whispering_Door_by_TJ_Klune

Wallace bit back a retort. They were nothing like him. There was a
coldness emanating from him. It permeated the room, causing Wallace to
shiver.
“Like you, in a way,” Hugo said. “They have their own journey to make.”
The man said, “Do you know my name?”
“Alan Flynn.”
The skin under Alan’s right eye twitched. “She said I’m dead.”
“You are,” Hugo said, moving for the first time. He brought his hands out
from behind his back, settling them on the table in front of him. The teacups
rattled on the tray as the table shifted slightly. “And I’m sorry about that.”
Alan looked toward the ceiling. “Sorry,” he said, sounding amused.
“You’re sorry. What are you sorry for? You didn’t do this to me.”
“No,” Hugo said. “I didn’t. But still, I am sorry. I know how it must seem
for you. I won’t pretend to understand all that you’re going through—”
“Good,” the man said sharply. “Because you have no idea.”
Hugo nodded. “Would you like some tea?”
Alan grimaced. “Never been one for tea. It’s bland.” He rubbed at his
chest again. “And boring.”
“This isn’t,” Hugo said. “You can trust me on that.”
Alan didn’t seem convinced, but he took a careful step toward the table.
The lights in the sconces flickered with a low electrical hum. “You’re here to
help me.” He took another step. “That’s what you said.” Another step.
“I am,” Hugo said. “It doesn’t need to be today. It doesn’t need to be
tomorrow. But soon, when you’re ready, I will answer every question I can. I
don’t know everything. I don’t pretend to. I’m a guide, Alan.”
“A guide?” Alan asked, voice taking on a sardonic note. “And just where
are you supposed to guide me?”
“To what’s next.”
Alan reached the table. He tried to put his hands on it, but they went right
through it. His mouth twisted down as he pulled his hands away. “Hell?
Purgatory? This woman didn’t feel like offering specifics.” The scorn in his
voice was crisp and biting.
“Not Hell,” Hugo said as Mei narrowed her eyes. “Not Purgatory. Not
somewhere in between.”
“Then what is it?” Alan asked.