An Inner Darkness Book 5 Bay City paranormal

you know. Turn your head to the right a little.”
    Sam obediently turned his head so Dean could clean and bandage the broken skin where Bo had bitten him earlier. “For cuts and scrapes? Naw, no need. Besides, they would’ve asked a lot of awkward questions.”
    “Yeah, there’s that. Although it might’ve been a good idea to have the kids checked out, just in case.”
“You looked them over and said they seemed to be okay.”
    “They did, but I’m not a doctor, just a nurse’s aid with ER experience. But I totally understand, so I won’t fuss at you too hard.” Dean stuck the BandAid on Sam’s neck and patted his shoulder. “There you go. Good as new.”
    “Thanks.”
“No problem.” Dean shot him a wry grin. “Not like I had anything else to do.”
“Don’t you have plans for Thanksgiving?”
“Not really. Thought I’d just veg out at home. Watch some movies or something, you know?”
    It sounded like a lonely holiday to Sam, but he knew better than to say so, or to ask Dean why he wasn’t spending the day with his family. Dean always managed to steer the conversation away from himself.
    Lee walked in, a duffle bag in each hand. “Here are the boys’ things. Enough for tonight, anyway. We’ll regroup tomorrow.” www.samhainpublishing.com 167
Ally Blue
Sam nodded. “Sounds good. It was good of you and Janine to let the kids stay with us tonight.”
    “We agreed it would be better for them to be with you and Bo in a familiar environment than to stay with Janine and me in a motel. We’re glad the two of you were able to take the boys for a while. The window’s easily fixed, but I can’t imagine either of the kids would feel comfortable here any longer.”
    “So what are y’all gonna do?” Dean asked as he put away the first-aid supplies. “Are you gonna look for a new place?” “I suppose so.” Lee scanned the room, his expression sad. “It’s a shame. Janine and I did love this house. But we can’t stay here. None of us would ever sleep again, I’m sure.”
    “Well, the portals are permanently closed, so it should be safe to sell, at least.” Sam looked past Lee to the empty foyer. “Is Bo still upstairs?” “Yes. He’s talking with Sean.”
“How’s he doing?” Bag in hand, Dean walked over to stand beside Sam and Lee.
“Him and Adrian both. This must’ve been pretty horrible for them.”
    “It was.” Lee sighed. “Sean’s calmed down, but he’s scared to death to be by himself right now. Adrian? I don’t know. He seems okay. But you know how he is, Sam. He keeps things to himself. I think I’m more worried about him than Sean.”

    “Yeah, me too.” Sam ran a thumb over the gauze wrapped around his hand. “I know Bo’s talked to him, but I think I should too sometime in the next couple of days. I know what he’s feeling right now. I think I can help.”

    “Yes, I believe you can.” Lee gave him a tired smile. “We all owe you our lives, Sam. I don’t know how to thank you.”

    Footsteps sounded on the stairs. Sam looked up in time to see Janine walk in, withAdrian beside her. Heat flooded Sam’s face. “You should thank Adrian. He’s the one who closed those portals. I wasn’t strong enough.”

    “You taught me.” Adrian regarded Sam with solemn eyes, red-rimmed from crying.

    “I wouldn’t have known how to focus if you hadn’t. And I could feel your mind there, helping me. I couldn’t have made those things go away by myself.” 168
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An Inner Darkness
    Janine walked forward, both arms wrapped around herself as if to hold herself together. She stared up into Sam’s face. “My kids nearly died tonight because of me.

    Because I didn’t believe you and Bo, or Adrian. Because I didn’t listen. I wish I had. I’m sorry.”

    Sam shrugged, feeling horribly awkward. “You were doing what you thought was best. I’ll be the first to admit that all the portal stuff seems pretty out there until you’ve seen it for yourself.”

    “It does, yes. But it’s real.” She looked down at the floor, then back up at Sam, her eyes full of remorse. “I’ve been awful to you and Bo both. I’m not even sure why, just…” She drew a deep breath and blew it out. “I know there’s a lot of bad blood between us.

    But I’d like to start over, if you’re willing to forgive me.” Sam smiled. “Only if you’re willing to forgive me for all the ugly things I’ve said.” She let out a nervous laugh.