“Oh, fuck, they were human?”
“Those weren’t but he found a coffee tin full of said serial killer’s trophies.”
“Fuck,” my brother repeats. “What are you going to do?”
“First, dig up the killer’s grave, steal his bones, burn the casket, and bring the remains here to burn to ash with magical fire.”
A moment of silence ticks by. “Like I said before. We live very different lives. Wait, ghosts can kill people? You’ve always said they can’t do that.”
“They can’t, so we’re thinking this guy made a deal with a demon as he lay dying. Julia was able to connect thirteen different murders ranging from 1896 to this year.”
“Fuck. You’re sure he’s dead?”
“Well, his spirit tried to attack me this morning, so yeah.”
“Okay, um, well. You handle that and let me know when you’re free for dinner.”
“Will do. If all goes as planned, I’ll break my grave-robbing cherry tonight.”
“You’re so fucking weird, Annie. Do you need help?” he adds, wanting to play the role of protective big brother.
“Nah, we’re good here. And you’d be tired at work if you were robbing graves with me all night.”
“I’m gonna say it again: very different lives.”
“I laugh. Are you seeing Saanvi tonight?”
“I am,” he replies and I can tell he’s smiling. “We’re going to a friend’s open mic night at a standup comedy bar. He’s horrible so I’ve been practicing my fake laugh in the car.”
“Hah, good luck with that.”
“Be careful, Annie. Text me later?”
“I will. Love you, Har.”
“You too.” I end the call and Ethan and I go upstairs to get dressed. It’s another nice day so I open the windows in the house, stopping by the one in our sitting room that looks out over the front yard. I thought it was odd the hagstone was buried on the side of the house until Ethan pointed out it’s one of the few places in the yard that isn’t monitored on camera. He already ordered more so every angle will be covered. My gut tells me it’s that warlock, the one who encouraged Aunt Estelle’s dark side.
“What did you do that was so bad?” I whisper, turning around. “Things would be so much easier if you’d just told me the truth.” Sighing, I go into the spare room and put Romeo’s harness on him and carry him downstairs.
“You’re bringing Romeo?” Ethan asks.
I shrug. “We’re already having a picnic in a cemetery. Might as well bring a ferret.”
He opens his mouth only to close it again. “I can’t argue with that.”
“It’s been awhile since he’s been out of the house. I really need to get him a buddy.”
“I still like the idea of a ferret room in the barn.” Ethan reaches out and pets Romeo.
“I do too. You know I’ll be the first to admit ferrets are stinky.”
“You do a good job keeping his cage clean.”
“Thanks.” Ethan kisses and and we head out, getting takeaway from Paradise Valley and go to the graveyard. I have Romeo’s leash wrapped around my wrist, letting him hop along with us as we walk through a row of graves.
Unlike a dog, though, Romeo just hops along and I have to constantly pick him up and carry him a few feet before setting him down again.
“You’ve got to be fucking kidding me,” Ethan huffs and turns, motioning for me to be quiet. He points to a sign posted next to a tree. I lean in to read it.