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Archie said regretfully, firmly, “Mixed, at best.”

Priscilla sighed. “Given your profession, I suppose that’s inevitable. Anyway, we—the TPS—all agreed that as each of us crossed the veil, we would attempt through séance to communicate with each other. We’re going to open the channel on Wednesday—tomorrow evening—and I know John would want you to have the opportunity to attend.”

“A séance?” Archie repeated. “Tomorrow?” He glanced up at Beau.

Beau echoed his tone. “A séance?”

“Please don’t dismiss the idea without at least considering it,” Priscilla said quickly. “John understood and respected your feelings, but he did believe very passionately and I know…”

She didn’t finish it, which was a relief.

“I’m not sure.” Understatement. The very idea of a séance to summon John bothered him. A lot.

But Priscilla was right. John was a true believer. And, while he’d never tried to proselytize, let alone pressure Archie, it was a given that Archie’s presence at such a gathering would have meant something to him.

“I—we—just want you to know that you would be very welcome tomorrow night. We’re going to meet at Leo’s at nine for dinner and drinks. And then we’ll attempt to commune with John.”

Dinner and drinks and a chat with the dead?

It was almost funny.

Almost.

“I appreciate the invitation. I’ll think about it. I promise.”

“Thank you for at least considering it,” Priscilla said. “And Archie? No one in their right mind believes you had anything to do with John’s death. When—if—John appears, we’re going to ask him who’s responsible for his death.”

Chapter Seventeen

Archie put his cell phone away.

“You can relax,” he told Beau. “No need to investigate further. The Twinkleton Paranormal Society is going to ask John who killed him.”

Beau laughed, did a doubletake. “You’re…not kidding, are you?”

“Nope.”

“Are you attending the séance?”

“I don’t know. Actually, yes. Probably.”

“Actually, yes?”

Archie’s smile was lopsided. “The truth is, my being there probably would—would’ve made, John happy. But also, if they really are going to ask…John about the homicide, that could be the catalyst for some interesting conversation. Between the living guests, I mean.”

“I can’t argue with that.” Beau thought it over. “But remember, if you do find anything out, the next step is to contact me. You don’t investigate on your own.”

Archie sighed. “Yep. Got it.” He couldn’t help adding, “You do know that even if I wasn’t personally invested in this case, the Bureau wouldn’t be trying to take over your investigation? The Bureau wouldn’t have any role at all unless you specifically asked for support. That’s not how we operate.”

“I know. But you are personally invested, and I know you don’t like standing on the sidelines.” Beau abruptly changed the subject. “Do you plan on checking out of Fraser House tonight? Do you want me to give you a ride over there?”

Archie considered, shook his head. “I’ll deal with it tomorrow. I’m beat.”

“Well, you had a busy evening.” Beau’s smile was not a really a smile. “Besides checking out of the inn, what’s your plan for tomorrow?”

Archie rose and came around the desk. “I’ll lock the door behind you.” He led the way to door. “Tomorrow? I have a meeting with John’s lawyer to go over some of the particulars in his will. That’s at eleven. And then nothing until drinks and dinner at nine. The séance is at Leo Baker’s house.”

“Drinks and dinner? How festive.” Beau’s tone was dry as he followed Archie out of the study and down the hall to the front door.