Page 62 of Something Cryptid This Way Comes
Agnes turns to me. “I really am sorry. I regret the method I chose to get you here, but not the result of you and Trevor.”
I accept that with a nod.
My attention falls to the continued stream of comments.
MonsterHunter99: You and Trevor look cute together in the investigation photos, and the one from the Halloween pet parade.
I’m happy now that I’ve shared so many photos of my time here. “Thanks, Monster Hunter. Trevor’s a great guy.”
CryptidKeeper: Is that the guy who’s been in your vacation photos for years? Nice! Always wondered if there was something going on between you two.
“Yes, CryptidKeeper, he’s the same guy.” I try to ignore Agnes’s smile.
LoveOfLore: The story of Bram and Trevor meeting as kids in the Mabel episode was cute. Loved the investigation footage of you together too. We need more Trevor content!
Those make me feel better. Then I spy a comment from my brother.
CharlieMacleod: About time. Congrats to you and Trev.
Agnes sits back and smiles bigger. “See? People understand doing things for love.”
I fail to hold back my grumble. “I hope so. But still, it doesn’t make what you did okay.”
She nods. “I realize my actions hurt our relationship and I’m very sorry. I hope we’ll be able to repair it. You and Charlie mean the world to me.”
Restoring that trust will take time. “I appreciate you saying that, and that you came here and took responsibility.”
She turns her attention to the camera. “It was lovely meeting you all. Perhaps I’ll see you in another video.”
Relieved that most people met this with understanding, I sit tall and get ready to sign off. “That’s about it, everyone. My next video will be a more coherent and detailed explanation about what happened. We’ll go through the whole story and also talk about debunking methods and investigation tips. Thanks for being here today and for visiting The Cryptid Corner.”
I tap the button to end the live feed and the screen goes black.
Agnes stands and returns the chair to the side ofthe table. “I’ll get out of your way, dear. Please let me know if I can do anything else, or if you want me to record an explanation again for your next video. The girls would do it too. I want to make amends.”
“I’ll let you know.”
She gives Hades a pat. “Please tell Trevor goodbye for me.”
I walk her to the door, then sprint back to the kitchen. The video of the live stream is at the top of my feed for anyone to watch the replay. I type a post directing people to the video and promise to post the follow-up video with the detailed explanation and story soon, then crosspost to my other social media profiles.
Tension swirls through me like the mist in the haunted house rooms. I close my laptop and push away from the table, huffing a sigh. It’s been an emotional roller coaster of a day. All I want to do is hold Trevor.
Hades pads into the kitchen and noses my thigh. I rub his head. “You were so brave today. And who knows, you might be the first dog to have a Mabel sighting.”
He barks. I take Mabel’s stone and set it on the windowsill beside her crocheted likeness. On another long expulsion of breath, I glance around the kitchen. The coffee cups we used this morning are back in the cabinet. Trevor took such care in preparing me for the shock, just like he takes care in everything else.
I need to see him.
“Want to see Bandit?” I pat my thigh and my dog jumps up on me, then runs to the front door.
After grabbing my phone and keys, I jog across the lawn to the carriage house, with Hades leading the way. We follow the sound of an electric drill down the hallway of the first floor.
In the room with all the mirrors, Trevor sets the drill down and turns to the doorway. He does a double take and his cloudy expression brightens. “Hey. How was the video?”
I step inside and smile at Hades and Bandit reuniting. Daylight changes the room’s perspective and uncovers some of the tricks behind the illusions. “I did all I can. The people watching seem to trust that I’m telling the truth.”
He blows out a breath and his shoulders relax. “That’s really good.”
