What Hides Inside: Bay City Paranormal Investigations, Book 2

time.”
Looking into Bo’s pleading eyes, Sam wanted to lie. He longed to say all the things Bo needed to hear, to promise he’d wait forever if that’s what it took. The problem was, it just might be forever. Bo hadn’t yet accepted his own nature, and until he did, he would find excuse after excuse to keep his relationship with Sam hidden. And Sam wasn’t sure he could deal with that on a long-term basis.
Laying a hand on Bo’s cheek, Sam tried to find the right words to say what he had to say. “Bo, I—”
A knock at the door interrupted him. “Who is it?” Bo called without looking away from Sam’s face.
“It’s Cecile. There’s a client here to see you.”
Bo shot a frustrated glance at the door, then wound a hand around Sam’s neck and kissed him hard. “This conversation is not over,” he murmured.
Sam said nothing as he pulled out of Bo’s embrace and straightened his clothes. He waited until Bo was seated behind his desk, then went to open the door. Cecile’s eyebrows went up, but she made no comment. Sam stood aside, allowing Cecile to enter, followed by a slender black man with graying hair and a stern expression.
“Bo, this is James Innes, he’s the principal of South Bay High.” Cecile nodded toward Bo, who was already rising to his feet. “Mr. Innes, this is Dr. Bo Broussard, our lead investigator.”
“Dr. Broussard.” The principal reached across the desk to shake the hand Bo offered. “Thank you for seeing me, I know this is short notice.”
“Not a problem,” Bo answered with a smile. “Please, have a seat.” He glanced at Sam. “This is Sam Raintree, a very valuable member of our technical team.”
“Nice to meet you, Mr. Innes,” Sam said, offering his hand to shake. The older man had a firm grip and a direct, no-nonsense manner Sam liked. “Bo, you want me to send Andre in?”
Since Amy’s death, Andre had become Bo’s business partner, managing a great deal of the day-today running of Bay City Paranormal. He was always present for client interviews, though Sam sometimes wondered if that was a good idea. Amy had been his longtime lover, and losing her had caused the once open and friendly Andre to become withdrawn, moody and often surly. His friends and coworkers understood, but clients were sometimes intimidated by the big man silently glowering at them.
“Andre and David left just a few minutes ago.” Cecile glanced at her watch. “Actually, I was planning to head home myself, if that’s all right?”
Bo nodded. “Sure, go ahead. I’ll see you in the morning.”
“Okay. Oh, by the way, Bo, you have an interview tomorrow morning at ten.”
For the tech position, Sam remembered with a sharp pang. With Amy gone and Andre taking over her previous position in the company, they were short a tech person. Even though he knew it wasn’t his fault, Sam couldn’t rid himself of the smothering sense of responsibility. He’d opened the dimensional doorway in Oleander House, however unintentionally, and Amy had died as a result. No one else blamed him, not even Andre, but he figured he blamed himself enough for them all. Sometimes he wondered if he’d ever be rid of the guilt.
Bo smiled at Cecile, neatly concealing the pain Sam knew he felt. “Thanks.”
“Sure thing.” Cecile turned to their client. “Good night, Mr. Innes. See you soon.”
“Certainly, Ms. Langlois. Thank you.” Mr. Innes shook Cecile’s hand, then settled into the plush leather chair in front of Bo’s desk.
Sam started to follow Cecile out the door.
“Sam, since Andre’s not here, could you stay?”
Forcing himself to relax, Sam turned around. “Sure, Bo.”
Sam dragged the extra chair out of the corner and up to the desk, trying to ignore the tension between himself and Bo. Thankfully, Mr. Innes didn’t seem to pick up on it.
His most winning smile in place, Bo rested his elbows on the desk and clasped his hands together. “What can we do for you, Mr. Innes?”
“I’m sure you’ve heard by now about the students who have disappeared from my school,” Mr. Innes said.
“Yes,” Bo answered. “Terrible thing. The paper said the police had no leads.”
“That’s true.” The principal stared at his lap for a moment, then raised his head. His gaze was direct and a bit defiant. “Let me be blunt, gentlemen. I need you to investigate South Bay High.”
Sam and Bo glanced at each other. Bo’s expression reflected the question in Sam’s mind— Why?
“I hope this doesn’t