Vigil: A Novel

Jill 'Doll' Blaine, a spirit tasked with comforting the dying, descends into the home of her latest charge, K. J. Boone, a wealthy oil company CEO. Boone lies in a grand bed, surrounded by opulent decor and personal mementos, while his wife sleeps exhaustedly on a love seat nearby. Boone's mind is a fortress of self-assurance, rooted in his achievements and the power he wielded in life, making it challenging for Doll to penetrate his defenses and offer solace. Suddenly, a Frenchman, another spirit, interrupts Doll's work, claiming to have important information for Boone that could alter his final moments. The Frenchman, burdened with guilt over his past inventions, believes Boone must be led to contrition and repentance for the environmental damage his actions have caused. Meanwhile, Boone's daughter, Julia, visits and expresses her disappointment and concerns about her father's legacy. Doll and the Frenchman witness Boone's final moments and his interaction with his parents, who come to comfort him.