Page 17 of Haunting Salem

“The halos?” He quirked a brow. “I saw them. I didn’t say anything because—”

"I know. I understand." Salem was unusual. I'd never felt anything like it before. The air crackled with residual and active hauntings, plus whatever surrounded some of the people. Not everyone had it though. At least from what I could tell, so it begged the question what were they, and if we asked, would we get a straight answer? "I think we should ask the sheriff tomorrow. I feel like we're walking into all of this blind and we shouldn't be."

“I agree,” Jack added. “All it’ll take is one misstep and we’re all going to be in trouble.”

“Speaking of trouble,” Kael said. “This afternoon was interesting.”

“What happened?” Nolan stared down at me, his penetrating brown eyes ensnared me. “Besides Kael joining you after I went for a shower.”

Jack groaned. “It was my fault. I told her to wait, but she had to show you our research.”

“Lucy barged into our room,” I said. “Thankfully after, you know.” Heat filled my cheeks. It was one thing to discuss sex between the three of us, it was another to have someone storm into our room after the fact, especially with Kael.

Nolan sighed. “She’s a great addition to the team, but...” He shrugged. “Boundaries.”

I agreed. “I’ll talk to her tomorrow. She has to understand our privacy.” If she couldn’t, we might have to cut ties with her, no matter how much I liked her. Plus, there was the little fact she wasn’t in Gaspar’s book.

“So, how are you feeling about the show?” Jack rubbed my arm as we all snuggled together in bed. “Anything you saw today bothering you?”

I shook my head. “No. I think we’re going to be fine. The only unknown we have to face is Chase. I just hope he doesn’t fuck us over. This is our big chance to make it. If he does something ridiculous, it’ll reflect on him and us by default.”

“I’ll talk with Henry in the morning when he arrives, explain your hesitation. I’m sure he’ll understand.” Jack kissed my shoulder. “I know you wanted someone else and you had your hopes up, but I’m sure all of them are working on spectacular episodes for Halloween night and couldn’t be here.”

"Yeah, maybe." Jack had a point. The Adventure Channel went all out for October, so it made sense no one else but Chase would be available. Still didn't ease the disappointment though.

"There will be other times," Nolan assured. "We're not a one-trick pony."

“Besides,” Kael pipped up. “All of us will be there and we’ll make sure everything goes off without a hitch.” When he said, ‘all of us,’ I knew exactly who he meant. Him along with Ember and Gaspar. I hadn’t seen both of them much since that night. I was equal parts excited and trepidatious to have them back with me.

“Thanks for making me feel better,” I whispered. “I needed that.”

Kael chuckled. “I don’t think we’re done with you yet, though.” He apparated in front of me, a translucent figure of his corporal self. Nolan gave him an incredulous look while shaking his head. “I believe we’re all up for round two.”

I woke up at the butt crack of dawn, unable to sleep. All three of us, Kael, Jack, and Nolan had fallen into a heap of limbs and bodily fluids, passing out almost instantaneously, except for Kael, he didn't need to sleep. My mind churned with unanswered questions, and I guess that's why I couldn't sleep anymore. So, I untangled myself from the guys, took a quick shower, and got dressed. I needed answers for what I saw yesterday, so I could understand what was happening around there.

After grabbing my satchel and key card, I headed out. We were only a mile away from downtown Salem, so I figured I’d grab everyone coffee and breakfast while I was out. Today was going to be long and hard. Filming the introduction information on each of the sites would take at least a few hours each place leaving us little time to rest or grab a snack.

“You’re up early,” Sheriff Adock said, stopping next to me in his SUV as I crossed the street heading into the proper of Salem.

“Good Morning, Sheriff,” I replied. “I could say the same about you.”

He chuckled softly and the shimmering shadow surrounding him the night before was dampened, almost becoming more of an aura than anything. “Crime never sleeps, even in Salem. Can I buy you a cup of coffee?”

“Are you hitting on me?” I teased, cocking a brow.

“No, my wife and partner would have my balls if I was,” he answered, his tone full of humor. “Hop in. I know a place where we can talk.”

“Thanks.” I slid into the passenger seat of the vehicle and glanced around. “Mass Hysteria is an interesting place. I didn’t know you worked there.”

“I own it with my partner, Cian, and our wife, Jamie,” he replied. “I work there mostly on the weekends but Jamie’s brother, Gideon, needed the night off so, I filled his shift.”

Interesting. “Can I ask you another question? This one might be personal, though.”

Zane pulled up to a small coffee shop in the middle of town and parked. “Sure, but I reserve the right to not answer.”

“Deal.” I nodded, getting out when Zane did. We walked into the shop and the scent of fresh brewed coffee and hot pastries made my mouth water. It wasn’t until after we ordered and were sitting at a table that I asked him the one thing I couldn’t stop thinking about. “So, I saw something last night. Do you know you and Cian have these shimmering balls of energy surrounding you? The colorings are different too. I mean, you’re not the only ones that have them here. I’ve seen quite a few.”

He narrowed his eyes. “You have, huh? Do they have a form to them or are they balls of light?”

---