Page 59 of Real Fake Hauntings

“I can talk to Bosko,” I said, “but Wyatt won’t say a word to me. Can you go there tonight and see what he knows?”

“We have the tour rehearsal.”

I wriggled my eyebrows even though he wasn’t here to appreciate it. “‘We,’ huh?”

A stony silence followed my remark.

“It’s okay to feel included in the lovely Halloween tours, Ian,” I told him smoothly. “The sky won’t fall and your house will still be standing the next day.”

I stretched an arm to tap on a nearby tree.

“If you say so.”

“Fine. You’ll just be there to check the strays don’t do anything horrid to the cemetery’s reputation.”

“Yes.”

“You could drop by the bar after the rehearsal,” I suggested. “It won’t take that long.”

“You realize if he’s guilty and gets a visit from the local bounty hunter, he’ll run for the hills, right?” Ian asked dryly.

“Technically speaking, you’re semi-retired.”

“I don’t think he’ll care about technicalities.”

I bit my lip, pondering this problem. We could send Alex or Shane in, but I doubted they’d get anywhere, either—everyone knew they worked for Ian. Could we use Mark? But that would mean telling him about Crane’s death, and I didn’t trust him that much yet. Especially since he had been so eager to help at the shop.

“Do you trust Mark?”

“Yes.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes. Why?”

“He’s been helping at the shop. It’s suspicious.”

“I think he likes Dru.”

I thought that too, but still… “I don’t want to tell him about Crane yet.”

“Then don’t.”

“But if Wyatt won’t talk to me, and you won’t talk to him, how will we find out if he’s involved in Crane’s demise?”

“There’s still time to call Officer Brooks.”

And get everyone in trouble for getting rid of a corpse? I didn’t think so. “No.”

“All right. I’ll drop by, rattle Wyatt’s cage, and keep an eye out to see what he does.”

“You can do that?” I said in awe.

“Sure.”

“Because waiting for criminals outside motel rooms is your specialty?”

“Exactly.”

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