Where The Heart Is: A Bay City Paranormal Investigations story

again, about two hours ago, in the kitchen this time. You know it hasn’t appeared in the kitchen for a while now. I followed it, and…and I…” The sound of Sommer’s breathing carried through the phone, rapid and harsh. “Can you come over here?”
“Sure,” Dean answered, his mouth acting before his brain had time to think it over. “Sommer, are you okay? You’re not hurt or anything, are you?”
“No. I’m fine.”
He sounded far from fine, but Dean didn’t think Sommer would appreciate him saying so. He chewed his thumbnail, thinking hard about what to do. He was torn. On the one hand, Sommer obviously needed him, and every cell in his body screamed to respond to that need. On the other hand, he was still bleeding inside from the wounds left by Sommer’s last words to him, and he didn’t know if he could take it again.
“I…I don’t blame you if you don’t want to come,” Sommer quavered finally, breaking the heavy silence. “I said some horrible things to you, and I’m so damn sorry about that. I wish I could take it all back. You were…” Sommer’s voice broke. “I know I don’t have any right to ask this of you, but I, I really need you to come, Dean, please?”
Something about the tone of Sommer’s voice set off warning bells in Dean’s head.
Don’t ask. Just don’t. He’ll tell you off again.
But he couldn’t not ask. Cursing himself for a masochistic idiot, he forced the words out before he could change his mind. “Sommer, don’t take this the wrong way, but this doesn’t involve anything illegal, does it?”
Silence. Dean’s skin prickled.
Just as Dean was becoming seriously alarmed, Sommer spoke up in a shaking, barely audible voice. “I didn’t do this. I don’t know who did. But I think it’s her, Dean, I think it’s her, and I don’t know what to do. Please help me.”
A hard chill raised the hairs on Dean’s arms, but there was no question of what he would do. Especially since he could make a pretty good guess about who “she” was. “Okay. I’m on my way. Where are you?”
“Outside the house. I didn’t want my guests to hear.” Sommer paused, and Dean swore he could feel the man’s fear coming through the phone. “Thank you.”
The connection broke. Dean pulled the phone away from his ear and stared at it, as if he expected to see Sommer’s face in the earpiece. Returning the receiver to the cradle, he went to the kitchen door and beckoned to Ron. His friend excused himself and trotted over to where Dean stood.
“What’s wrong?” Ron asked, following Dean around the corner into the kitchen.
“I’m not sure exactly. He wouldn’t tell me either.” Sighing, Dean ran a hand over his face. “It has something to do with the ghost, that’s all I know. He wants me to come over.”
Ron’s brow furrowed. “Look, Dean, you never said what happened with you and Sommer, and I didn’t like to ask, but…” Leaning closer, Ron laid a hand on Dean’s shoulder. “You were really upset the other night. Are you sure you’re okay to go over there?”
“No. But I’m going anyway.” Dean gave his friend a wry smile. “You should’ve heard him, Ron. He needs me there, and goddamn if I’m strong enough to tell him no.”
Ron studied his face for a moment, then nodded. “Okay. I’ll go with you.”
“Thanks, but I kind of think it would be better if I go alone.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yeah.” Glancing toward the doorway into the living room where the rest of the group was still playing Scattergories, Dean leaned closer and dropped his voice to a nearwhisper. “I don’t know what he found, Ron, but I think he’s afraid he’s going to be in some kind of trouble with the law.”
“Oh.” Ron frowned and scratched his beard. “Sommer would never do anything illegal.”
“I know. But he’s scared. He didn’t specifically say he wanted me to come alone, but I got the idea that’s what he wanted.” Dean laid a hand on Ron’s arm. “Can I use your car? I’ll check out the situation and let y’all know what’s up.”
In answer, Ron crossed to the small table by the back door, took the car keys from the drawer and handed them to Dean. “Call as soon as you can, and let us know you’re both okay.”
“Sure thing.” Moved by a sudden burst of affection for his old friend, Dean flung his arms around Ron and hugged him hard. “Thanks. You’re the best.”
Ron patted Dean on the back as they drew apart, then went back into the living