Page 115 of Real Fake Hauntings

“Yep.” I recounted my confrontation with Hannah, then told her about Bagley’s new home and bringing in Officer Brooks to deal with Crane’s murder and its perpetrator.

“I’m sorry,” Key said with understanding. “Must’ve been tough finding out Hannah betrayed you.”

I shrugged. “Been there, done that. You were there,” I added with a pointed look.

Key blushed. “Sorry about that.”

“I’m kidding. But speaking about that…” I presented Key with her grandma’s spellbook, which I had put inside one of Bosko’s garish cloth tote bags. Fighting evil one hand-me-down at a time.

“What’s this?” She took it and peeked inside.

“Your grandma’s spellbook.”

Her mouth formed a silent “o.” “You’re giving it back? I thought you were going to destroy it.”

I shook my head. “That’s for you to decide.”

“But the spells…”

“You’re a grown woman. I trust you not to give them away or try dark magic yourself.”

Key gave me a tight hug. “Thank you.”

“That’s not all,” I continued when she stepped back.

“It’s not?”

“I have the name of the earth mage who helped Hannah.”

Key’s expression filled with an excitement that soon turned into wariness. “You do?”

“I know you’ve thought it might be your brother.”

She pressed her lips firmly, a gleam of defiance entering her eyes.

I held up a hand. “I’m not going to tell you what to do with the information. You’re an adult, right?”

“Right,” she answered slowly.

“I hope you won’t run headlong into danger, but it’s your decision.”

Besides, I was one to talk.

“Okay.”

I gave her Slater’s name, and she mulled it over for a few moments. “I don’t recognize it.”

“It’s probably an alias.”

“I’ll ask Shane to help me look him up.”

“You should ask Ian too,” I said dryly.

Key shifted uneasily. “Maybe.”

I pulled her back toward the entrance. “But that’s something for another day. For now, let’s see how well you do the tour tonight.”

Her face lit up. “Really?”

---