Page 42 of The Haunting of Lockton

Me:Yeah. We’re cool. I’m sorry for getting mad last night. I overreacted. You didn’t deserve it.

Skyler:I kinda did though. I say stupid shit sometimes without thinking. Just know that I’m not a total dick, ok? I’m only half of one.

A surprised laugh bubbled out of me.

Me:Noted lol

I set my phone facedown until I was finished eating, then checked it again. Skyler had sent a GIF of Ichabod Crane from the oldSleepy Hollowcartoon taking a bow, and then he followed it with another GIF of Ichabod chowing down on a pie.

Me:Is that your way of saying you had sweets for lunch?

Skyler:haha nah. We’re downtown at a diner atm. I was craving a burger. But they have pie here. You had it b4? Is it good?

Me:The pies are okay, but the milkshakes are better.

Skyler:Noted ;)

I cut my eyes at the screen. The half-dick was mimicking me.

“You should get dressed,” Alan said from the archway. A knowing smile curved his lips. “Or you’ll be late for work.”

“Wipe that smile off your face.”

Said smile widened. “I can’t help it. I like when you’re happy.”

“Who said I’m happy?”

Alan arched a brow. “I’m dead, not blind. You light up when you talk to him.”

I muttered at him under my breath as I rinsed off my plate and tidied up the kitchen. Then, I took a quick shower, threw on some clothes, and left the house.

Madison had the day off, so I was scheduled to work with Levi that afternoon. He was at the front counter when I walked in a little before one o’clock, decked out in black from head to toe. Like me, he’d chosen a Victorian vampire type of aesthetic for his costume. It suited him better than it did me.

“Sup, Pax,” he said. I caught a silver flash of his tongue ring as he spoke. More piercings were in his ears, nose, and bottom lip. The underside of his black hair was shaved, with the top long enough to pull back with a hair tie. He wore it down sometimes as well, depending on his mood. That day, he wore it pulled back, showing off the shaved sides and his new industrial piercing in his left ear.

People were intimidated by him on first impressions, but Levi was honestly the sweetest guy you’d ever meet. He had a black cat named Loki, who he loved showing everyone pictures of.

“Afternoon.” I joined him at the counter. “Has it been busy today?”

“A little. The weather’s nice, so everyone’s out shopping. They pop in here to browse. Your tour for tonight just sold out.”

“Dearest Paxton.” Valentina exited her office. “I do hope your travels to our fine establishment held no trouble.”

I fought a grin. “No trouble at all.”

“Splendid.” She wore a dark green corset with black lace down the front, a knee-length black skirt, and ankle boots. A tiny top hat sat on her head with a ribbon the same shade as her corset. “Please help yourself to the treats in the parlor. Miguel made peanut butter and chocolate thumbprint cookies.”

“They’re out of this world,” Levi said. “I ate six.”

“Just six?”

“I’m debating on a seventh.”

“I need to get changed first,” I said with a light laugh and headed toward the bathroom down the hall. I stripped out of my clothes and began assembling the various pieces of my outfit. My phone vibrated in the jacket I’d draped over the sink, and I stopped buttoning my vest to fish it out.

Skyler:I hope I can see you again soon.

I stared at the text, not sure I believed what I was seeing. As my brain tried to sort itself out, another message came through.