Page 71 of Mack's Horribly Hellacious Ghost Town
“I can lock him down if he does,” Seiji tacked on.
“Might as well get it over with.” Brandon groaned. “Although, right next to running water, the ghosts are going to be stronger. Right? Please tell me I’m wrong.”
“No, cher, you’re right.” Unfortunately. I wasn’t thrilled either, but it was on our to-do list and all. “Is the weather fair tomorrow?”
“You’re in the desert, it’s always fair,” Quinn said dryly.
I was already sore from chasing after ghosts all day, but now I’d have to do it in an open space where I couldn’t cage them in if I needed to? Oh, this was going to be fucky for sure.
I finished my dinner, said my good nights, and headed to bed. Then got up again, fussing, as I realized I hadn’t set an alarm or plugged my phone in to charge. Dammit, I was tired if I skipped whole steps just to get horizontal.
Those damn ghosts better not run my legs off tomorrow. They better not.
20
The riverbank was problematic in different ways than anticipated. The main reason we were here was to draw out Joey, so my nerves already jangled walking in. I kept one eye out for him. Like hell would I let an almost-demon get the drop on any of us. We’d initially seen an open area with a lot of ghosts, and I didn’t think anyone’s thought process had gone past that. But working the riverbank meant we worked out in the open.
Which meant we got spectators.
The area had tall banks on either side of the river, a good fifty feet up at least, and sidewalks and back parking lots facedthis river. It was easy enough to see down here while you walked or drove up above, so of course a bunch of people in FBI windbreakers would catch attention. We had a good two or three dozen people lined up with their phones out.
Man, I did not want spectators. I couldn’t explain just how little I wanted a peanut gallery for something already nerve-racking.
With waterright there, the ghosts were much stronger than usual, to the point I could see vague outlines and hear them clearly. Fun for me, I loved moments like this, but it definitely encouraged the spectators.
Also, the snippets of conversation I overheard from the ghosts were amazing.
Two prostitutes stood nearby, pointing at another ghost who had his back to them. The girls whispered between each other, just loudly enough I could overhear.
“Did you meet him in life?”
“Oh, no. Did you know him?”
“Oh, I knew him. Avoided him, too. That bastard’s had the clap so many times, it’s now a standing ovation.”
I choked back a laugh, shaking with the effort of holding it in. Woooow, they weren’t pulling punches.
The man in question realized, I think, they were talking about him, as he turned around, taking off his hat and rubbing his bald head. “You talking to me?”
“No, I’m talking about you,” the older prostitute snapped back. “You better start repenting before that cute Medium gets to you. I don’t want you in hell with me.”
I laughed a little harder. We had some interesting personalities here today, clearly.
Beau wandered up to stand next to me. “What are you laughing about, Brandon?”
“These two ladies are killing me with their running commentary.”
“Ah.” He grinned, eyes twinkling. “I’ve caught snatches myself, they’re a walking comedy duo.”
“Truly.” Damn shame they were dead.
Beau paused, looking up at our spectators for a moment. “Used to be PAD was hush-hush, as people didn’t want to admit to ghosts or hauntings. Used to be, we’d make sure no one was around before working. Now we’re getting filmed like we’re stars.”
I regarded him thoughtfully. “Tech advanced so quickly in your lifetime, I bet you got whiplash sometimes.”
“Oh, weekly, felt like. Our policies were constantly updating because of the technology waves. People watching us work, documenting it in their own way, I’d not predicted that.” Then he suddenly smiled, crow’s feet more pronounced. “But it’s better now, working in the light.”
I couldn’t imagine it, trying to deal with ghosts in buildings usually occupied. Having to craft excuses to get in there and work. Having to explain away any damage done while ferreting a ghost out. That must have been ridiculously frustrating and needlessly harder than it should have been. I was sure he was glad those days were well behind all of us.
