“I like it here,” Sully said as he paused, staring out at the ocean in the distance. Even from the street we had a solid view of the shore. “Thanks for bringing me. I know it was probably a pity invite thanks to my overbearing sister. But it means a lot to me. You guys have given me a chance to not just focus on the bad shit in my life.”
“Definitely not pity. The moment she mentioned you needed out I was ready to bring you. You’re family, Sully, and no amount of years apart can change that,” I reassured him. “And I’m glad you came along. It’s been a crazy investigation so far, more than normal, so I’m pretty sure everyone would be doubting our credibility if not for you coming along.”
He laughed but it held no humor. “The guy who can’t even see?”
“The guy who can see more than most people, just not this side of the veil,” I offered.
He gave me a side eye but a smile finally curled over his full lips. “Come on, coffee time.”
The inside of Seaside Coffee and Bakery smelled like heaven. It was already early afternoon but she still had plenty of inventory in stock. The small bakery display was half full of donuts that had my mouth watering.
“Perfect timing,” the woman behind the counter called. “I was just about to close for the afternoon since no one was coming by.”
“In that case, we’ll take it all,” I said, gesturing at the case. “And I’ve got a few coffee orders as well, if that’s okay?”
“Really?” she gasped before understanding filled her expression. “You must be the ghost hunters. I guess I’ll have to make sure to keep open a bit later for you late sleepers.” I appreciated her humor; we’d been getting a lot of random suspicious looks from the locals so having two locals in a row be kind and accepting of us was great.
She made quick work of our long list of coffee orders and I soon had three packed boxes of confections in hand.
“Do you need help back?” she offered as she handed back my card.
“Nope, we’ve got it from here. Thank you so much,” Sully said with a charming half-smile that had her blushing.
“Quit flirting with the locals,” I teased when we got outside. He snorted and shot me a look before staring at the ground, trying not to trip and drop the drink carriers in his hands.
When we got back to the inn the lobby was full of my sleepy-eyed men. Ethan practically bounced out of his chair at the sight of us, taking the boxes from my hand while Lincoln was more subdued, relieving Sully of his burden.
“The mocha latte is for the innkeeper if you want to hand that to him,” I told him before helping hand out everyone else’s coffees.
“Come here,” Ryker said as I handed off his last, pulling me in his lap and snuggling into my sweater. “You smell nice.”
“I try,” I joked. “How did everyone sleep?”
“Brilliantly,” Ben said before tipping back his coffee and chugging the scalding liquid without even wincing. When he set it back on the table he flashed me a dimpled grin. “I’m still tired though. It’s been too many days of shit sleep for one good one to make up for.”
“Lucky you,” Sully muttered. That had all their attention on him and he didn’t hesitate to explain his cousin was here now.
“In the room?” Ethan asked, glancing around.
Sully shook his head. “No. He popped in for a few minutes until I heard Brea and escaped. I don’t feel or see him now.”
“The energy in town worries me a bit,” Lincoln admitted. “Does it feel negative, Ethan?”
Ethan shook his head. “Not that I’ve noticed. During our investigation I’ve felt some high emotions but in general, it’s pretty normal.”
“Something has to be causing it and I’m not getting secret hidden cult vibes from this town,” Ryker added. “They just want some tourism to keep their businesses open.”
“Can’t blame them there. The lady running the bakery was about to close up shop for the day because it was so slow. Which isn’t unusual for bakeries, but she had over half her inventory left,” Sully said.
“I hope things work out for Haunted Histories then,” I added. We’d seen plenty of towns center themselves around a haunted location, but they were well established areas. This town seems to have been slowly ebbing away for a bit.
“Then our job is even more important. But we can’t leave the town like this, all hyped up on energy? These ghosts are on speed here,” Lincoln hissed, glancing back at Gary to make sure we weren’t overheard.
“We need to call in the Polterguys then,” I said simply. “Having extra eyes means we can have someone back watching feeds live again.”
“I have missed my command center,” Ryker agreed.
“Don’t act like half of your attention isn’t already split between Brea’s feed and your investigation,” Lincoln called him out. We all laughed at that as Ryker sputtered for a response but had nothing.