Page 27 of Ghostly Bother (Ghostly #9)

"No," Franks told him. "Claims it all appears like they were normal personal calls to her family and friends. Nothing we wouldn't expect to see."

"There had to be another phone. A burner she used."

"Maybe, but don't forget, Eden used her personal phone the night of the murder to contact Lucas Jenkin," Franks pointed out.

Angus looked up. "Did she? We know someone did, but was it Eden?

The killer could have messaged him from her phone after they killed her.

Call Lucas Jenkin and find out if the number Eden texted him from was the number she usually used.

If he gives you shit, tell him we'll get a warrant for his phone records if he doesn't cooperate. "

Franks groaned. "He's going to make me go through his attorney."

"Maybe not. It's a simple question. Answering it won't get him into any more trouble than he's already in." Angus stood. "I need to see a man about a horse and stretch my legs."

"I'll be here." Franks reached for his phone.

Angus headed out of the office and down the hall toward the bathroom.

He wanted so badly to forget work and head over to the morgue and steal Lance away so the two of them could talk.

He couldn't settle his mind until he was sure they'd be okay.

The conversation earlier helped, but the fact Lance told him to stay away for a day or two more made him nervous.

God, if he could strangle Eden himself, he would.

As wrong as it might be, he understood why someone had killed her.

The woman got on your nerves. Even dead she managed to cause problems. Why hadn't whatever powers there might be in the afterlife forced her to move on?

It would have saved him a hell of a lot of problems.

He finished in the bathroom, then after washing his hands, headed back down the hall.

He debated on checking in with Captain Marshall, but what was the point?

He didn't have any news to share on the case.

Right now, they were grasping at threads, hoping desperately that one would unravel and lead them somewhere.

He paused when he saw his mother walking through the front doors of the station. He gave her a curious look. "Mom?"

She grinned as she walked over to him. "I didn't expect to see you." She lifted her head so he could bend down and kiss her cheek.

"Why are you here? Is everyone okay?" He prayed one of her friends hadn't gotten into trouble. It had happened more than once, but she usually called him to help figure things out.

"I'm here to speak with Captain Marshall. Jeremy has been following Isaac's son around and had some information the captain needs to know." She glanced at her side. "Jeremy and Isaac are with me."

Angus smiled but didn't say anything. While his mother had no issue appearing to talk to herself or to imaginary friends, he wasn't about to do that. Especially here at the station where it could influence his job. "Do you need me?"

"No, you go work on your case. Betty stopped by this morning to give me a quick update. It sounds like Lance is dealing with one bitch of a ghost. I feel for him. Betty is staying close, but I'll come over and assist if things get any worse. We're working on a way to get her to move on."

"Can you do that?" He had never heard of a ghost being forced to move on by other ghosts or living.

"Maybe." She winked at him. "Now let me go meet with the captain. He's expecting us. Tell Franks he's welcome for dinner tonight if he wants. Your father has ribs on the smoker. They should be ready around six." She waved as she walked down the hall.

Angus smiled. Seeing his mother was just what he needed.

Was it crazy to be nearly forty and still need your mother's smile and encouragement in your life to get you through bad days?

He didn't care. He loved her and nothing would change that.

He made his way back to the office to find Franks working on something at his computer.

"Ran into Mom. She said you're invited to dinner tonight. Dad's smoking ribs."

"Damn, that sounds amazing, but I actually have a date tonight."

"Oh, going out with that dispatcher again?" Angus asked.

"No, this is someone new. It's our first date. She's new to town and asked me to show her around. We're going to dinner, then headed over for music in the park." Franks didn't look up from whatever he was working on.

"That's great. I hope things go well. I'm glad you're getting out.

" He was a bit shocked that Franks was going on an actual date and not just dinner with one of his friends.

He'd been going out with a dispatcher off and on but swore they were just friends.

This sounded like it might be something more.

He had a ton of questions but knew Franks well enough to know not to ask. He'd share when he was ready.

"Thanks, we'll see how it goes." Franks finally glanced up. "Seriously, tell your mom thanks for the offer."

"I'll pass that on, but you know the offer stands.

" Angus stared at his computer. He had to get to work.

Answers weren't going to appear out of nowhere.

Trying to push thoughts of Franks' date and worries about his own relationship from his mind, he focused on what was important.

He'd solve this case, and hopefully, be rid of Eden once and for all.