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“I’m not here to take over someone else’s life. I’m not here to be Jenni 2.0.”

Bushy silver eyebrows lowering over his eyes, Rune gave her a hard look. “Has anyone told you to do that?”

“No. Actually, people have told me the opposite. That they don’t expect it. Yet...”

“You think maybe Jenni foisted her destiny onto ya, huh?”

“I guess.”

“Did you consider that maybe she sent you here because we needed you? You’re an asset to everyone here.”

“Yet, you’re leaving because of what I asked you to do.”

“It’s my curse, hon. It’s got nothin’ to do with you.”

While Emma wasn’t too sure of that, she held her tongue. She asked another question that had been on her mind. “Do the ghosts keep you safe? Out there? Warn you?”

“Sometimes. Oftentimes. It suits them to keep me alive.”

“Th

at makes me feel a little better.”

“If I run into a bunch of zombies, though, I may not make it out alive.”

“You’re okay with that?”

Rune shrugged. “I know death ain’t the end. That makes it easier. But I do feel I perform a valuable service in the land of the living. I do plan to come back. I just need to shake a certain asshole ghost THAT WON’T SHUT THE FUCK UP!”

“Where is he?” Emma asked curiously.

Rune pointed to a spot in front of the Harley.

Emma swiped at what felt like a pillar of cold air with her fist a few times. “Go away! You’re not wanted here! Go away!”

Chuckling, Rune said, “You’re so much like Lainey.”

“Did that work?”

“Actually, a little bit. Now he’s damn insulted and just glaring at you.”

“Good.”

“So...you gonna hop on and go on an adventure with this old man?”

“As exciting as that sounds, I do want to stay here,” Emma said, and meant it.

“You’ve done good here.” Rune pulled the Jack Daniels from his pocket and took a long swig. He offered her some and she gratefully took the bottle.

The whiskey burned all the way down. “I hope so.”

“Worried about tomorrow?”

“No. Maybe. I guess. I’m just wondering what we’ll find.” After one last mouthful, she handed the bottle back.

“Whatever is up there was important enough for Ed to point it out.” Rune took another swig, then tucked the bottle away. “If it’s any consolation, I know you can handle yourself. You’ll do fine.”

“It’s getting used to the team thing. I don’t call the shots now.”