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“Is that him I hear in the background?” she asks sharply.
Dagnabbit. Mama’s got ears like a fox.
I hesitate and then say, “Yes.”
“Put me on speakerphone,” she demands.
Not one to ignore Mama’s commands, I comply. “You’re on speaker now, Mama.”
“Well, hello there, sir. My son tells me you two are real friendly-like and are investigating some kind of supernatural case together. I’m Beau’s mama, Sarah Jane Montgomery, but you can call me Sarah Jane, and I’d like to know more about who you are, if you please.”
Callum sits up wide-eyed. “Um, hello, Sarah Jane. My name’s Callum Fraser.”
“A pleasure to meet you, honey. Now, how did you and my Beau meet?”
“It’s a bit of a story. You see, I used to be a detective inspector for the Met. That’s the Metropolitan Police here in London. But a few years ago, I had a near-death accident on the job, and ever since, I’ve been able to see ghosts.”
Mama gasps. “Oh, honey, I’m so sorry to hear that.”
“Thanks. Despite what happened, I’m grateful to be alive. Adapting to ghosts in the world hasn’t been easy, but Beau’s helped a lot with that in a short span of time. When we met a few days ago, I was starting my very first paranormal investigation but didn’t have a clue what I was doing. Coincidence or fate brought your son into my life, and now we’re working together to try to solve this case.”
Mama sighs dreamily. “Oh my word! Isn’t that just the sweetest story. Imagine you two finding one another in this big ole world the way that you did. Why, that seems like some kind of divine intervention, if you ask me. Could be your daddy looking out for you from the Beyond, Beau?”
I face-palm.
She titters. “And can I just say, Callum, you have the most wonderful Scottish accent.”
“Erm, thank you?”
Mama continues, rambling the way she sometimes does. “I sure do enjoy that Outlander show. Well, I don’t care for all the violence, so I fast-forward through those bits, but that actor Sam Heughan, he is absolutely wonderful, and that accent. Oh, my stars! Maybe Scottish appreciation runs in the family? My mother used to be quite partial to Sir Sean Connery back in the day.”
Callum’s lips twitch in obvious amusement, but he keeps his tone serious. “Aye, a true Scottish legend, that one.”
He leans close and whispers in my ear, “But by all accounts, he was also a bit of a bastard.”
I have to cover my mouth to hold back the laugh I nearly let out.
“What’s a Scotsman like yourself doing in London?” Mama asks, sounding almost scandalized.
And I can’t help but feel a tug in my chest, missing her something fierce all of a sudden.
“I’m afraid it was a necessity of the job.” He looks at me. “But I don’t know how much longer I intend to stay here. Ever since meeting Beau, I’ve been more seriously considering moving back to Edinburgh to be near my family. He’s inspired me to take charge of my life after I’d been stuck in a rut for far too long.”
My eyes widen as I study him. This is the first I’m hearing about his plan.
Dare I hope he might want to invite me along as well?
“Ooh, Edinburgh! And what family do you have there?”
“Mama,” I scold. “That’s awfully personal.”
“Hush now. Callum and I are getting to know one another. It’s only polite to inquire after one’s family.”
I mouth, I’m sorry at Callum.
His mouth twitches in amusement.
“Both my parents live in a suburb outside the city. They’re recently retired and enjoying their senior years. I’m their only child and I don’t see them nearly as much as I should.”
