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I didn’t even need to click on it to know the rest of the headline.

“Jesus fucking Christ, Ted.”

Popty gave an anxious ping, his shadows starting to swell and flux, and Owain quickly smiled at him. “I’m sure it’s nothing, Popty. Ryan will sort it. Wont you, Ryan?”

I remembered the reaction when I’d asked about the microwave death and nodded. We didn’t need another ghost meltdown. “Suuure. It’s probably a different Ted. Our Ted doesn’t even own a mirror. I’ll let you know when I get a hold of the old…rascal.”

Popty was still undulating with emotion, and Owain popped to his feet. “Let me get dressed and we can leave Ryan to find him. He’ll work better without us hovering over his shoulder.”

Owain left with the sheet still wrapped around him and Popty as his shadow and I ran a hand through my sweaty hair. “Never a fucking dull moment.”

I washed and dressed quickly, throwing on my spare ExorSquad uniform even though I didn’t even fucking work there anymore. I was walking down the stairs and about to call Theo and Hollis when I heard Owain’s anxious “No, no, no, Popty, we don’t need to watch TV right now. Wouldn’t you like to do something else? We can go outside and watch birds! We can pick flowers and play if he loves me? Popty—”

“—the search continues as the named suspect, Ted Chapman, appears to have fled London. He is said to be the number one suspect in the John Dee mirror theft that happened three years ago, as well as a string of unexplained deaths across the United Kingdom. Police are asking any member of the public who sees this man to please call in immediately.”

“Motherfucker. He’s about to go nuclear.” I rushed towards the living room, only to get held up when someone banged fiercely on the door.

I swore again.

“Come back tomorrow. We’re closed right now. Uh…I mean fully booked. No room at the inn, Mary. Find a stable to have your baby or whatever,” I called.

Shadows were starting to leak into the hallway.

The banging continued, and I quickly rushed to the door.

“Didn’t you hear what I said—”

My words stopped as soon as I swung the door open, seeing the hooded, sunglassed figure in front of me.

“Ted?”

twenty-three

A happy microwave

Owain

The name echoed over the sound of the TV, and Popty was out of the door in a trail of black a second later.

I followed closely behind, spotting Ted standing on the doorstep over Ryan’s shoulder. He removed his glasses, his expression drawn and tight. There was also a hint of humiliation as he said simply, “I didn’t know where else to go.”

It tugged as hard on my heartstrings as a ghostly call for help.

“We’ll help you,” I declared. Ted startled, glancing over at me. Ryan turned around too and I met his gaze. “Won’t we?”

Ryan scratched his chin before glancing back at Ted. “What’s one more problem? Welcome in, I guess. It’s called the Last Resort for a reason.”

“Definitely a Last Resort.” Ted snorted, keeping his arms crossed defensively as he hurried inside, glancing over his shoulder for anyone who could be following him. Which might be the entire UK police force, from the sounds of it.

The door closed behind him and I saw Popty lurking, the spots where his eyes were turned into heart shapes. He pinged, and Ted whirled around, looking for the culprit. Popty ducked out of sight before Ted saw him.

“There’s that noise again!” Ted exclaimed. “What is that?”

“Ummm…something entirely pleasant,” I said, hurrying up and forcing my arm through Ted’s to hook it around his elbow. “How about we get you settled in before we get into all that. Tea and Welsh cakes sound good? Good.”

I yanked him along toward the dining room without waiting for an answer.

“Ryan,” Ted called. “What the hell?”