TWO

About twenty minutes later I was standing inside the lobby, gawking in amazement.

“The NECROPOLIS?” My screech was drowned out by the cacophony of voices around us.

“Isn’t it brilliant?” said Nico, flinging his arms wide. “Did you ever see such a great theme? And the execution is terrific!”

“Execution. Yup, that works, Nico. I could execute certain people right now.” I wasn’t such a fan of the theme.

Pete snorted beside me.

I continued to stare at the decor. Problem was, Christmas was only a week away. And a Vegas hotel, no matter what its theme, was not about to ignore Christmas.

So the lobby was a crazy combo of Christmas decorations and creepy hotel theme. I made myself look beyond the cheerful tree.

Blood-red velvet curtains trailed on the black-and-white marble floor. In the center of the lobby stood a statue of gargoyles with circular seating around it. Oh, wait—not a just a statue. A fountain! Fine streams of water spilled out of the creatures’ wee-wees.

The rest of the seating in the room was fashioned out of overstuffed coffins. I squinted at the mural on the wall behind the coffins. Not one but—wait for it—a murder of crows. I was doomed.

Not only that. Those decorations on the Christmas tree? Candles. Mini plastic gravestones. And crows.

Nico could hardly contain his excitement. “Check out the name of the restaurant, Gina.”

I followed his pointing arm. “The Crematorium Grill?” I groaned.

“Wonder if they only do well done,” said Pete.

Nico pointed to a standing sign. “Look. A zombie convention! Just when we’re here. Aren’t we lucky?”

That was one way of putting it. The lobby was bustling with happy people who appeared to be extras from The Walking Dead. Some of them were wearing Santa hats. Which was seriously twisted.

“We seem to be the only ones alive here,” said Pete.

Nico grinned. “And all the staff members are dressed as morticians! It’s awesome.”

“So that’s why you’re wearing black and white.” I pointed to his white jeans and black shirt with the tails hanging out. “Usually you’re more colorful. Like Pauly.” Nico had a habit of dressing like a parrot. One parrot in particular.

“Speaking of parrots and their owners, Lainy is all excited to see you. She’s doing a show tonight, but she’ll call you tomorrow. Since she’s your maid of honor, I’ll be the best man. That is, if it’s okay with Pete.”

Pete’s response was drowned out by the noise of the conventioneers. At least, I think the moan I heard came from a zombie.

Just to the right of reception was a shop named Dead Gorgeous. The window was a sea of blingy mermaid-style dresses.

I stopped. “Hold on.” I pointed to a dress with blue sequins. “I am so going to try that on.”

Pete laughed. “You can do that right after we check in.” He took my hand and propelled me toward the reception desk.

“Better idea. Why don’t you check in, and I’ll check out that shop!” I was a girl on a mission.

Pete chuckled. “Okay. I’ll drop the luggage off and meet you back there in time for the fashion show.”

So now it was a “fashion show.” Pete knew me well. “Nico, are you coming with me?” I asked.

He hesitated. “Actually, I’m supposed to check in with someone. I’ll do that and then meet you at the shop.” He gave a little wave and sauntered off.

I stared after him. “Well, that was weird. Usually Nico loves to shop with me. Wonder what’s up?”

I found out soon enough.

Ten minutes later I was in the dressing room at Dead Gorgeous with a pile of shimmering dresses. Vegas was all about bling, right? Neon lights and blinking slot machines. Hey, I was only doing my part to keep the strip dazzling.

They had the blue gown in my size, so I started with it. I placed it over my head and tried to shimmy it down. It wasn’t easy to get into. This worried me a bit. In my experience, gowns that are hard to get into are even harder to get out of. I hoped Pete would show up soon, in case I needed the cavalry.

I was just straightening up to admire the dress when a movement in the mirror caught my eye. I heard a whoosh, like the sound of a door being opened. The wall of satin drapery behind me billowed out.

“Hey,” I said, turning. A large hand covered my mouth, and I was pulled back through the curtains.