Twilight: Bay City Paranormal Investigations, Book 3

resigned, Bo wrapped his braid around one hand, gave it a tug and let it unwind again. “I hate to have to leave, but to be honest we’ll have better luck wrapping up the loose ends of this case elsewhere. We’ll need internet and phone access to do some research.”
“All right. You can email us or leave a message on one of our cell phones and let us know what you find about the portal. We’ll be going back down the mountain for a few days whenever this thing with Anne is resolved.” Lex glanced at her watch. “It’s nearly nine now. Why don’t the three of you go ahead and get packed? I’ll let the detectives know you’ll be ready to leave soon. Carl, Ramirez suggested canceling our reservations for tonight too, since we still don’t know where Anne is or what she might do. They seem to think she might be dangerous, though they’re not saying it in so many words.”
“I’ve noticed that too.” Carl nodded, his expression grim. “We’ll go ahead and cancel the reservations now. I had the office warn all of our guests for the next two weeks that we may have to cancel at the last minute, so there’s actually only three still booked for tonight.”
Darren grimaced. “Not good.”
“You can say that again.” Jumping to her feet, Sandra laid a hand on Lex’s arm. “Listen, I’ll be happy to give up my paychecks until y’all recover from all these cancellations. I’ve got some money saved up.”
“Me too,” Jerome chimed in. He pushed his glasses up his nose and swiped a hank of hair out of his eyes. “I love this place. I don’t want to see it go under.”
Tears welled in Lex’s eyes. Smiling, she took Sandra’s hands in both of hers. “Y’all are wonderful to offer. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart. But we can’t accept that.”
“Certainly not,” Carl agreed, his fond smile echoing his wife’s. “We’ll make it through, don’t worry.” He put an arm around Lex’s shoulders. “Let’s go radio the office, honey. No point in putting it off.”
She nodded. “Yes.” Her features pinched with grief and worry, she let her husband lead her from the building.
Sam watched them go. He wished he could do something other than feel bad for them.
“Well. I guess we better go get our stuff together.” Picking up his coffee mug, Dean drained it and set it on the table with a thump. He turned and threw his arms around Darren, who was sitting beside him. “I’m really sorry about Harry.”
Darren, clearly startled, patted Dean on the back. “Um. Thanks.”
Dean let go of Darren, stood and went to hug Jerome. Not nearly as reserved as Darren, Jerome clung to Dean and sniffled on his shoulder for a bit.
“I wish y’all could hang out for a while,” Jerome said, giving Dean a watery smile as they drew apart. “I hardly got to talk to you guys at all. I had lots of questions, too.”
“Sam, do you have any of our business cards on you?” Bo asked, standing and pulling his jacket on. “I didn’t think to bring any.”
“I think I have a couple. Hang on.” Digging in his jacket pocket, Sam found three business cards. He handed the least battered one to Jerome. “Our website, email and phone number are on there. Feel free to contact us any time. We’ll do our best to answer your questions.”
“That goes for all of you,” Dean clarified, moving around the table to hug Sandra. “We’ve loved meeting y’all, and getting to stay at Sunset Lodge. It’s gorgeous up here.”
“It sure is.” Taking Bo’s hand, Sam nodded toward the three sad-faced people huddled around the table. Not knowing what else to say, Sam lifted his hand in an awkward wave. “Bye.”
The three of them exited the building amidst a chorus of “goodbyes” and wishes for a safe trip down the mountain. Outside, Dean darted a nervous look around. “I tell you what, I’ll be glad to get back to Asheville. It’s making me nervous being up here with that crazy woman running loose out there someplace.”
“Thought you said you could take her,” Sam teased. He glanced at the building housing the staff quarters, common room and office as they passed by. Two uniformed officers stood on the deck outside, eyes scanning the grounds while they talked. “Seriously, though, I’m with you. Lex was right, the cops are acting like she’s some sort of dangerous fugitive, and that’s making me nervous.”
“Me too.” His expression thoughtful, Bo studied the two policemen on the deck. “Why did Parsons ask