Page 95 of The Haunting of Lockton

Zeke waved at us before being dragged away by a guy half his size.

“So.” I knocked my shoe against Julian’s beneath the table. “What was that about?”

“What?”

“You sensed something.”

Julian looked after Zeke and Carter, who had just disappeared among the shelves of books. “I’m not sure. Because it doesn’t make any sense.” He returned his gaze to me. “Zeke almost gave me the same feeling as when I’m around ghosts. It was a little different. Not as strong, maybe.”

“Yeah, that’s kinda weird.”

He kicked me.

“Ow! That was my shin, you fucker.” I reached down and rubbed at it. Which was dumb because it only made it hurt worse.

“Sorry. I meant to kick your foot.”

“Well, your aim waswayoff.”

Julian scooted his chair back and closed the various open books scattered over the table. “I’ll buy you lunch to make up for it.”

“Lunchanda cupcake.”

“A cupcake?”

“When walking back from Paxton’s work, I saw the bakery advertising the flavor of the day. It’s a pumpkin spice cake with a coffee buttercream and caramel drizzle. There’s a little chocolate coffee bean on top too. I require two before accepting your apology.”

Julian chuckled. “Fine. You got it.”

He placed the books back on the shelf, and we left the shop.

“That Zeke guy had a good idea,” I said, hands in my pockets to warm them. My pinky tingled at the memory of being linked with Paxton’s. Why had I liked it so much? He’d seemed to like it too. “We should visit Callum again.”

“I was thinking that too.” Julian wore a dark jean jacket over a red-and-black flannel shirt, and the strands of his hair flicked around his face with the cold wind.

I almost made another joke about him being a long-lost Winchester brother, but my shin was still hurting. To spare myself another kick or slap, I’d behave. For now, at least.

“Oh!” I spun around to him. “I totally forgot to tell you. Alan, you know, Paxton’s ghost bestie slash roommate slash former love interest, told us something interesting.”

“Former love interest?”

“That’s all you got from that?” I shoulder checked him before walking again. He trailed beside me. “Anyways. Did you know ghosts can sense you too? Alan said he can sense that you’re gifted.”

Julian was quiet as we continued down the sidewalk, passing a small boutique with a mannequin in the storefront window wearing a tacky Christmas sweater. The clock chimed from the courtyard, signaling that it was definitely time for lunch. The aroma of food wafting from the nearby restaurants awoke my stomach, and a loud growl joined the tolling of the bell.

“I’ve always wondered if ghosts can sense my gift,” he finally said. “Is that why he avoids me?”

“Yeah, I think so. Don’t let it get to you though. I’m sure he has his reasons. He also said something interesting about Callum’s family.”

“Don’t keep me in suspense. Spit it out.”

“I always spit it out unless it’s someone I care about.”

Julian made a face. “Oh my god, you’re disgusting.” He shuddered and motioned with his hand. “Tell me about Callum’s family. What’s so special about them?”

“They’re tied to the riot at Lockton. Well, supposedly.”

“What? Really?” Julian halted on the sidewalk. Must’ve been great intuition because he’d stopped right in front of the diner with the mouthwatering burgers. “How?”