The Gossip Gals

Nigel tip-toed his way up to the door of the Demon's Lounge, peering through little rectangular window. There she was, the Love of his Afterlife. Veronica. She and the other Gossip Gals met in the Demon's Lounge every evening to talk shop. Spill the tea. Gab until they had nothing left to say, which was practically impossible.

Forcing himself to peel his gaze away from his love, he glanced around at the other members, trying to discern if one of them was going to throw him out if he dared enter the unholy space.

To Veronica's left, sat Delores. She was never a fan of Nigel, she seemed to think he was always hiding something. He usually was, but that was none of her business.

To Veronica's right, was Big Bessy, also not the biggest fan of Nigel. Perhaps related to the fact that he kept calling her Bessy, given her cow-like features. He couldn't help himself, what was he supposed to do about it? Barbara just wasn't the right name for her. Didn't feel right.

Next to Bessy, was someone with bright magenta hair that Nigel would recognize anywhere. Charlie was the most recent member of the Gossip Gals. She was also the only member that was not a demon, but a human, who ended up here due to some technicality mumbo jumbo. There was brief discourse about changing the name to Gossip Pals, but Charlie protested the change, citing the fact that she died before she could fully transition to female. It's not her fault she still looks like a man. Charlie and Nigel were inseparable when he and Veronica were still together. After the split, Veronica laid claim to Charlie, as a member of the Gossip Gals. Charlie was told never to speak to Nigel again. Of course, they would still meet in secret now and then. What Veronica didn't know, couldn't hurt, right? 

Nigel snuck quietly around the corner, waiting for the group to disperse from the lounge. After what felt to Nigel like hours, but was probably closer to 20 minutes, the door to the lounge opened and the gals began to filter out. He waited for Charlie to break off from the crowd and tip-toed up behind her, tapping her on the shoulder.

"Satan's Sunglasses! You scared the brimstone out of me!" Charlie exclaimed, nearly jumping out of her skin.

"Sorry, bud, I didn't mean to scare ya. I need to ask you a quick question. Did anyone in the meeting tonight mention a little girl running around causing havoc?" Nigel asked, checking over his shoulder for any signs of the other group members.

"Yeah, actually, all three of them claimed to have seen this little human girl running around yelling 'kitty'. It's truly bizarre, if you ask me." Charlie shrugged her shoulders and turned to continue walking, when Nigel reached out and grabbed her by the arm.

"Hold on, bud, one more question. I'm tryin' to find this girl, it's a top secret mission from the Big Guy, himself. If you hear anything else about this kid, you'll let me know, won'tcha?" Nigel patted Charlie on the back.

"Um, yeah, I guess. Just make sure Veronica doesn't find out that I'm talking to you, she'll have my head in a jar by the next meeting." Charlie turned even more pale at the thought. She was already quite pale to begin with.

"You got it, pal. Thanks, you're a real friend!" Nigel waved as he left Charlie's side to head back to his surveillance room. He should check in on Henry, maybe he's made some progress that could be helpful to Ol' Nigel.

As he turned another corner, Delores leapt out in front of him, blocking his path.

"Nigel, what are you doing here? If Vee catches you sneaking around the lounge, she'll have your head on a spike. And I'm not opposed to that, myself." She frowned at him, crossing her arms.

"Now, come on, Dee. Can't you and I be friends? Maybe with benefits?" Nigel winked at Delores. He almost didn't see her hand coming as it collided with the side of his face in a thunderous clap. 

"Owww! Okay, okay, not friends. No benefits. Got it." Nigel rubbed the side of his face that was turning a bright salmon pink.

"Stay away, Nigel. Or I'll turn you in to Vee myself." Delores turned on her heel and stomped away, leaving Nigel alone in the hall, rubbing his face.