Closer: Bay City Paranormal Investigation, Book 4

anything. It could still happen. Fort Medina’s strong electromagnetic field and unstable energy made it a prime spot for a gateway to form. If Sam lost his temper here, the runaway emotions might trigger the psychokinesis he still couldn’t entirely control, and open a doorway to the other side. And if that happened, they would all be in danger.
“Sam? What do you think?”
Turning, Sam met Dean’s questioning gaze. “Sorry, what?”
Dean shook his head as he rose to his feet. “I was saying, I brought some bottled water. It’s in the SUV. We’ll take Bo to the front, and I’ll stay with him and make sure he’s okay while you go get the water. How’s that sound?”
“Sounds fine to me,” Sam answered. He aimed a stern look at Bo. “And don’t tell me you feel fine and you don’t need anybody to sit with you. I’m sure you’d be all right alone, but I’ll feel better if Dean watches you for a few more minutes.”
Bo let out a long-suffering sigh. “I’m not a child who needs babysitting, Sam.”
“No, you’re an adult who just passed out cold not five minutes ago and still isn’t feeling quite back to normal. I’d ask any of our group to do the same in your situation.” He laid a finger over Bo’s lips before he could say a word. “Humor me, okay?”
Bo’s expression softened. Taking Sam’s hand, he kissed his fingers. “Okay. If it’ll make you feel better.”
“It will. Thank you.” Sam stood, pulling Bo up with an arm around his waist. “Just lean on me. And let me know if you start feeling faint again. We can sit down.”
“I’m fine right now. Just a little wobbly.” Removing his arm from around Sam’s shoulders, Bo slipped it around his waist instead. He hooked a thumb into the back pocket of Sam’s shorts. “I’m sorry to put you both to this much trouble. Especially in the middle of an investigation.”
“It’s no trouble. I’m sure we’ll all be happy to lose a few minutes of investigation time to make sure you’re okay.” Dean leaned down to pick up the thermal camera, then crossed to the corner to retrieve Sam’s flashlight. “Let me know if you need to stop, Bo.”
Bo looked like he was about to protest, but he just nodded. Sam was glad. He’d had more than enough of Bo pretending nothing was wrong.
The three of them left the living quarters and made their slow way across the tremendous open space in the midst of the fort. Bo leaned heavily against Sam’s side, but his steps were steady. None of them spoke, though Dean kept a sharp, assessing eye on Bo. If the attention bothered Bo, he didn’t let on. It was a little surprising, but Sam wasn’t about to complain. This was the most normal Bo had been since his first visit to the fort.
It was only a day ago. The realization caught Sam by surprise. It seemed like much longer.
When they drew near the arched tunnel leading to the parking lot, Sam saw three shadowy figures huddled around the table. The low murmur of voices stopped as they approached.
“Oh God,” Bo groaned. “What are they doing here?”
Sam shook his head. He knew Bo hated being the center of attention, especially for something he would perceive as a weakness.
“I asked Andre to meet us here,” Dean explained. “He has the keys to the SUV. I didn’t expect a party.”
“Hey, it was almost time to touch base and switch out some of the equipment anyway.” David sauntered forward to meet them. “Here, Dean, let me have the thermal. It’s my turn for it.”
Dean handed over the camera. “It’s all yours.”
“Thanks.” Grinning, David clapped Bo on the shoulder. “Hey, boss-man. Heard you had an attack of the vapors. You okay?”
Bo laughed. “Yes, David, I’m fine.”
Leading Bo under the arch, Sam pointed at the nearest chair. “Sit. I’ll go get you some water. Andre, could you give me the keys?”
“Sure.” Andre reached into the pocket of his pants, pulled out the SUV keys and tossed them to Sam, who caught them one-handed.
Keys in hand, Sam strode down the tunnel and out into the parking lot, which was empty except for their SUV. Joanne had left after she let them in, saying her brother had been hospitalized unexpectedly and she needed to drive over to Mobile to be with him. Another fort worker was supposed to meet them at three a.m. to lock up again.
A cool, salt-scented breeze sighed through the pines edging the parking lot as Sam jogged toward the SUV. Beyond the fence, the darkness was absolute. Something about