Page 40 of The Haunting Plot

“But it sounded like Mom,” Jonah says.

“Dad, can we stay for dinner?” Tommy asks.

Sawyer’s eyes search mine. I should put a stop to this. Spending more time with him will only give him the wrong idea. “We should be heading home. Don’t want to wear out our welcome.”

“You have to stay,” Jonah begs, then turns to me. “I want them to stay. Can they?”

If I try to fight this, it could end in a meltdown, so I nod. Even though I had nothing to do with it, I feel a twinge of empathy for Sawyer’s spider spasm.

He lowers his voice. “Are you sure? I know this wasn’t part of the plan.”

My heart squeezes at the way he remembers my words. “I’m sure. I’ll order some pizza.”

“You’re never gonna get rid of us now.” Sawyer smiles.

——————

Once the pizza arrives, the kids crowd around the table while Sawyer and I hover over the kitchen island. Tommy is constantly out of his seat, talking a mile a minute as Jonah rocks in his chair. McKenna is talking animatedly to Jane as she gushes about a bunch of demon hunters. I glance at Sawyer as he happily watches the kids, shoving another slice of pepperoni in his mouth.

The whole scene is oddly domestic, and I’m struck with a sudden wave of grief, followed by a wave of happiness. It feels like Kris is giving me a warm hug from beyond the grave when suddenly the lights go out.

Jane and McKenna scream as the boys break into laughter. Sawyer pulls out his phone, turning on the flashlight.

“Was this you?” I ask.

“No.”

I give him an incredulous look.

“Something probably tripped the breaker. I’ll go check it out.”

“Can I help?” Jonah asks.

“Me too!” Tommy says.

“Sure thing, fellas, hold on.” He looks at me. “Flashlights?”

“Under the sink.”

He lumbers off, returning seconds later with a flashlight. When he hands it to me, his fingers brush mine. I suck in a breath, trying to ignore the rush of tingles racing through my body. “I’m here now. I’ve got this. I’ll happily fight your demons, gorgeous.”

There’s something familiar in his words, but I can’t place it as his eyes bore into mine like he could see into my soul in the dim light. “What?” Why is my voice so breathy?

“It’s probably the ghosts. I told ya we’d anger them with the demo.”

“Moron.”

“There she is.” He turns, breaking the spell as he motions for the boys to follow him. “C’mon, you two. I need some helpers to get these lights working again.”

CHAPTER 12

SAWYER

It’s ten in the morning on a Saturday when I walk into Chestnut Roasters. The place is packed. I order an iced blueberry lavender latte and find a table in the back, away from the door and prying eyes. I’ve lived in this small town most of my life, and while it’s home, it’s also full of gossips.

What am I doing? The kids are at Jocelyn’s. I should be at Raven’s getting started on her list for today, but I panicked and texted the moms for help.

Bella, Summer, and Lucy enter minutes later, and once they order their drinks and join me, I opt for honesty. “I need your help. Nothing I’m doing is working with Raven.”