“You guys were literally running in slow motion,” Ryker said before bursting out into laughter that had us all joining in. It was out of place but effectively melted away the tension.
“I need a fucking shot,” I whined breathlessly as I wiped away my tears.
“Or six,” Sully agreed. “Holy shit.”
“Can I punch that mayor lady or is that frowned on?” Ben muttered. “The fact they call us experts but ignored our advice like that is so fucking infuriating.”
“I don’t normally go for violence, but in this case, I’d happily watch you take her down,” Gavin agreed.
“Take a video so I can see it,” Sully added, making us laugh again.
“Come on, drinks are on me,” Lincoln said as he started to descend the stairs.
The aftermath of the encounter was crazy. The house was in shambles, the furniture and their belongings shifted around. The grounds looked fine though, and the sea was calmer than I’d ever seen it.
Serenity Harbor was officially free.
Epilogue
Ben
The last week at Serenity Harbor was downright peaceful. We got the chance to appreciate the location without having to be terrified for our lives.
After the bonfire the town treated us a bit coldly but I didn’t care. They didn’t have to know what we did for them—we knew they would be safe after we left, and that was enough.
Ryker and Brea had compiled enough evidence to send along to Paul and his Haunted Histories team.
My heart stopped as I checked my email again to find something from Admiral Danvers. She’d been my contact since we’d sent off the letters last week. I read the email quickly before a smile spread across my face.
We did it.
They found the crew.
“Guys!” I yelled out, startling everyone in the living area of the inn, including Gary.
“The Navy came out and searched the nearby islands. They found the crew. She said they’ll send us an invitation for the memorial on base when one is arranged,” I said. “And they’ve found almost all the families for the letters to finally make it home.”
“Oh my god,” Brea choked out. “That’s incredible. I never thought…”
“Things don’t usually turn out this smoothly. But your new gift saved a crew, Red,” I grinned down at her. She choked out a happy sob before we crushed her in a hug.
“That’s great,” Sully said. “I take back the comment about all the death. There’s been so much good here too.”
“And you were part of it all,” Troy told him. “Without you, we might not have been able to cross them over properly.”
“So where to next?” I asked the Polterguys, who now officially included our friend Sully. The scream of excitement Olivia had let out when he called to tell her still had my ears ringing. Maybe with him finding his own brand of peace, she could officially find hers too. Mack hadn’t only messed us up, she was just as affected. But she was already trying hard to move on.
“Haunted Histories sent us over a few locations, but I think we’re going to get Sully settled in and try a few small hunts to get used to each other,” Adam explained.
“I want to go home and sleep in my bed, cuddle my kitten, and enjoy being home,” Brea agreed.
“Onyx isn’t a kitten anymore,” Lincoln teased but she wouldn’t hear of it. The furball would always be her baby.
“What location are you thinking about next?” Sully asked us. “I know you won’t stay put for long. Your nomadic hearts can’t handle that shit.”
“We’re narrowing it down. We can’t agree,” I admitted. “I found an amazing asylum.”
“But the church sounds fucking scary and awesome,” Ethan argued.