“He walked off in that direction,” Macy said, pointing toward the far end of the garage.
Bette and two guards arrived in front of them.
“It’s that time again,” Bette said. “Time to get fondled.”
Juan held out his arms while Bette examined him for bites. Macy looked taken aback for a moment, then realized what was happening.
“Does my cousin know what you’re up to?” Juan teased as Bette swept her hands down his legs.
“That joke is getting so old.” Bette rolled responded, rolling her eyes. “You’re clear.”
Emma went next to give Macy a few more seconds to accept the coming pat down. Bette was thorough and fast.
“Has anyone managed to get past you with a bite?” Macy asked when it was her turn.
“No. One guy tried, but he failed.”
Macy frowned. “Why would he try to fool you?”
“He had an unhealthy dose of denial. You’re clear.”
Rune stood alone away from the bustle of the Fort activity with his head down and shoulders hunched. Bette and her guards approached, but he didn’t appear to notice.
“Rune, we need to get your info to Nerit,” Juan called out, following the others.
Emma started after him, uncertain of where to go next, and Macy trailed behind her.
Rubbing his forehead, the medium acknowledged Juan’s comment with a nod but didn’t move from the spot where he was rooted. He looked a little disoriented while Bette patted him down.
“You’re clear, Rune,” she said.
The medium gave her a quizzical look for a second.
“You okay?” Bette asked.
“Yes, ma’am.”
Although Bette didn’t look convinced, she moved on to check the people coming through the gate.
“Rune, we need to talk to Nerit,” Juan said again.
“I heard you the first damn time.” Sounding cranky, Rune dramatically swept his hand in front of him. “Along with the rest of them.”
Emma grasped what he was implying. “The other ghosts found you, didn’t they?”
Rune blinked his eyes rapidly, as though trying to avoid looking at something, then turned to face the three people staring at him worriedly. “Let’s make this fast. I can’t stay.”
Juan bristled. He’d been on edge with Rune all day and his expression hardened. “What do you mean? We need you to show us where Ed was pointing!”
“I will show you, but I can’t stay here!”
“Dudes, chill,” Macy chided both of them, holding out her hands in a soothing manner.
“I’m trying, ma’am, but it’s hard when I’m being bombarded by a pack of ghosts with separate agendas.”
Giving Rune a bewildered look, Macy took a step back from him. “Who are these ghosts? You said that my son-”
“It’s not anyone you know. It’s not anyone I know. It’s a bunch of lost spirits trying to resolve their issues so they can move on and they’re damn loud.”