“Which is why we’re passing it on to a higher power, literally.”
They reached the manager’s office and were ushered in by Gennifer.
“Please join us. We’re so excited about the things you uncovered and the mystery you solved. We’ve taken the liberty of checking records, and there was a Bronwyn Brown who lived and worked here in the mid eighteen hundreds. The death announcement of her fiancé was also found.” The salt-and-pepper haired petite woman in a sharp navy-blue dress vibrated with excitement. Her blue eyes sparkled, and a wide smile crossed her round face, showing off laugh lines around her mouth and eyes.
“We’re just happy she’ll be put to rest,” Demi said, taking the lead as Pierce tried his best not to show his irritation. Am I the only one around her with a healthy dose of concern? She’s not a pet project. She’s a ghost who’s been around for a long time.
“I believe she’d like being remembered and having her story told.” Gennifer placed a hand on her chest and sighed. “It’s sad yet so romantic. She never loved again.”
Demi shifted her weight and remained silent. He could see the unease in the tense set of her shoulders and the dulled sparkle in her eyes. She’s thinking about her parents. He wanted to wring Gennifer’s neck as his hard work was taken down brick by brick. The past few days, he’d gotten her to step outside of her comfort zone and feel something more than friendship. If Demi freaked now, he’d never get a second shot.
“Well, here’s the necklace.” He thrust the cloth-wrapped bundle, and a weight lifted off his shoulders. It’s all yours now, Gennifer.
“Thank you. We’ll be sure to credit you for the discovery.”
He held up his hands. “That’s really no—”
“Awesome,” Demi said, practically dancing beside him. He swallowed down his protests, happy to see she moved on to something happier.
“The clergyman will arrive around two. Would you like to wait for him and stay for the blessing and binding?”
“Demi?”
“No, I’ve already said my good-byes to the spirit.”
“Very well.” Gennifer smiled. “We’ll be in touch as we prepare to display the locket. Enjoy the rest of your stay, and please, don’t hesitate to ask for anything. “
“Thanks, Gennifer.” Pierce wrapped an arm around Demi’s shoulders. She leaned against him, and he released a sigh of relief. They turned and walked out of the office. “It’s our last night. What should we do?” he said.
“No clue. Nothing can top what happened last night. I mean, we actually solved a case.” She peered up at him and grinned.
“So I guess we immerse ourselves in normalness now?”
“Well, in true case style, it’d be dive bar and greasy food time.” Demi batted her lashes.
“I think I can arrange that.” He smiled. “We wouldn’t want to deter from the cosplay experience of the trip now after we’ve gone through so much trouble to be authentic.”
She rolled her eyes, and he chuckled.
“Such an ass.”
He inclined his head. “You did want me to be Roman Stone.”
“I didn’t say it wasn’t a little bit hot.”
He guided her into the elevator and pulled her back against him, gripping her hips. “Only a little bit?” Nipping her ear, he nibbled his way down her neck. She shivered and rubbed her ass into his groin.
“Mmm. More than a little.”
“Much better,” he said.
He stepped away, and she huffed. A bell chimed. “We’re here, but hold that thought until we get back tonight.”
“Buzzed hot sex afterward?”
“Anything for accuracy.”
* * * *