Page 94 of The Haunting of Lockton

“Do try to refrain from killing anyone until I get back,” I said, hauling my outfit over my shoulder as I started down the hall toward the bathroom to change.

As I passed the open door to Val’s office, Skyler caught my eye. We shared a smile before I continued on.

Yeah. Nothing lasted forever. But I had a feeling once he left Ivy Grove for good, the ache in my chest he left behind would.

Chapter Thirteen

Skyler

“Took you long enough,” Julian muttered as I slumped down across from him at the table in the bookstore café. “I was about to send out a search party.”

“No you weren’t.”

“You’re right. I would’ve just bought a box of donuts and waited for you to appear.”

“Mm. Donuts.” I daydreamed about their sweet softness before sitting forward and resting my arms on the table. “I talked to Val and updated her on what we’ve learned so far. She thinks that the dark shape that pushed that kid on Halloween might’ve been the Hanging Man.”

“Samuel Howard,” Julian corrected.

“Same thing. It’s like calling a serial killer by the name police give them before their identity is known or whatever. Then it sticks. But anyway. I think she’s right. That creepy bastard is the only aggressive ghost we’ve come into contact with so far.”

“I think the same thing.” Julian grabbed his cup and tipped it back all the way. It was empty.

“Need another coffee?” a smooth voice asked from behind me. That silvery-haired bombshell then came into view. With his porcelain pale skin, androgynous looks, and poised elegance, there was something almost ethereal about him. He seemed like he was from a different era.

“Hey, Zeke,” Julian responded. They were on friendly terms since they had hung out together that night with Taylor. “Asamazing as another coffee sounds, I should probably cut myself off for now. I think we’re about to head out.”

“Not out of town, I hope.”

“No, probably just back to the hotel to go over more evidence.”

I suppressed a groan. I could already feel my eyes drying out from the constant searching through hours and hours of night-cam footage. But it was essential during investigation. We sometimes learned just as much by playing over what we’d already captured. Like the EVP clip with the ghosts saying their names. That information had led us to Roy, which then helped us shift gears and zero in on the riot.

“You’re staying at Redwood, correct?” Zeke asked.

“Until Sunday,” Julian answered. “Our investigation is taking longer than we expected, so we’ll need to find another hotel in the meantime. The owners said the B&B is booked into next year, so there’s no chance of extending our reservation.”

A strange expression flitted across Zeke’s face. “People are so fascinated with tragic tales. I wonder how differently they’d feel if it were their own tragedy being put on display.” He gave a gentle shake of his head. “Pay me no mind. I meant no disrespect toward you as an investigator. Redwood is just a… sensitive topic for me.”

Julian’s eyes narrowed slightly. It was a look I’d seen countless times throughout the years. He often did it when “sensing” with his gift.

I looked around. Was the bookstore haunted? Maybe haunted by people who had died from boredom. Or maybe a bookshelf had fallen over and crushed someone. The possibilities were endless. I’d bet it was death from boredom though.

“I see you’re interested in mediumship,” Zeke said, glancing at the books. “Might I suggest a visit to the mystics shop downtown? Ask for Callum Gray. I heard he’s back in town.”

“I met him yesterday,” Julian responded. “Is he a friend of yours?”

Zeke smiled and averted his eyes to the window. “A friend? I suppose you could call him that. He saved my life in more ways than one.”

“There you are!” a different voice said before Zeke jolted, as if something slammed into his back. I then saw arms come around his torso.

“Inside voice, little dove.” Zeke maneuvered the guy around to face him and cupped his cheek. It was the same blond I’d seen last time. He had a face full of piercings and contacts that gave him snake eyes. He was also super short. “People are trying to enjoy their books.”

“But I missed you.” The shorter dude pouted up at him.

“Nice to see you again, Carter,” Julian said.

Snake-Eyes, aka Carter, beamed over at him. “Hey! Right back atcha.” He grabbed Zeke’s hand. “Hope you don’t mind, but I’m stealing my husband for lunch. I turn into a bitch when I’m hungry. Let’s hang again soon, okay?”