"Nothing concerning," Sean replied confidently."We vet all the spirits for every event—large and small.We don't allow ghosts who've crossed over to the darker side of eternity to attend.So, ye won't be entertaining any unsavory types.We've got a newly departed celebrity author arriving—Cornelius Lennox.Bit of a dramatic fellow, but harmless enough.The rest of the lot are all vetted, all registered, all accounted for."
Evangelina's ghostly form shimmered with excitement."The author!How thrilling.I must remember to introduce myself."
"I'm sure he'd be delighted," Sean grinned."Though I should warn ye, he's quite the diva.Had a whole list of demands in his contract—wanted to bathe in water from the falls, requested his own private audience chamber, insisted on being announced with trumpets.We threw out most of it, but he's still expecting the royal treatment."
Even Butcher cracked what might have been a smile at that."Sounds like he'd fit right in with some of our more theatrical residents."
"The important thing," Leahnora said, bringing the conversation back to practical matters, "is that everyone feels welcome while staying safe.We want this to be a weekend Cauldron Falls remembers fondly."
"Absolutely," Sean agreed."Everything's been planned down to the last detail.The containment spells are solid, the security measures are in place, and we've got that loophole protectant doing its job.Frankly, what could go wrong?Ghosts will be ghosts—they'll have their fun, attend their sessions, and return to their eternal resting places.Simple as that."
Roam surveyed the peaceful cemetery one more time, his enhanced senses detecting nothing out of the ordinary.The autumn air was crisp and clean, the shadows were lengthening in all the right places, and everything felt under control.
"Well then," he said finally, "I think we're as ready as we'll ever be."
"Indeed," Leahnora agreed."Thank you all for your hard work.This should be quite the celebration."
As the group began to disperse, Sean fell into step beside Roam."Your town really is something special," he said admiringly."I can see why it was chosen for this honor."
"We like it," Roam replied, though his tone remained neutral.There was something about this newcomer that he couldn't quite put his finger on—nothing wrong, exactly, just...careful.Professional.
Sean seemed to sense his reserve."I hope we'll have a chance to work together more closely during the weekend.I'd love to learn more about some of the recent troubles here."
"I'm sure there will be opportunities," Roam said diplomatically.
Behind them, Butcher was already back to his rounds, checking each headstone and monument with the methodical care that had made him loved by all.Evangelina drifted alongside him, chattering excitedly about the weekend's possibilities.
The great stone tree sculpture cast its protective shadow over the entire scene, its carved branches seeming to reach up toward the darkening sky like arms embracing the approaching night.Everything was peaceful, orderly, and completely under control.
The Ghost Convention would bring the greatest gathering of spirits Cauldron Falls had ever seen, and everyone was confident it would go off without a hitch.
After all, what were the odds of something 'other' sparking unexpectedly?
Chapter 3
Speed Dating
The warm aroma of fresh baked goods and brewing coffee filled Tab's Café, mingling with the excited chatter of Cauldron Falls residents gathered over their breakfast and copies ofThe Curious Moon.The rich scent of Tabitha's famous cinnamon rolls competed with the chicory fragrance of her specially blended morning coffee, creating the picture-perfect backdrop for animated conversations about the evening's historic event.Sally Swanton had outdone herself with the headline: "GHOSTLY GUESTS GATHER: Once-in-a-Century Convention Comes to Cauldron Falls!"
Uma slid into the cozy booth across from Honey, who was already nursing her second cup of coffee and poring over the newspaper's special convention supplement.
"Listen to this," Honey said, her eyes sparkling with excitement."They've got a whole profile section on the celebrity guests.There's the opening ceremony speaker, Madame Theodora Grimm—she's apparently the world's foremost expert on spectral etiquette.And they’ve added Cornelius Lennox as a special late addition to the program!"
"Spectral etiquette?"Uma raised an eyebrow as she signaled Tabitha for her usual."That's actually a thing?"
"According to this, Madame Grimm has written seventeen books on proper ghost behavior and cross-dimensional manners."Honey flipped the page excitedly."But listen to this about Cornelius—he's giving a talk called 'Love From the Afterlife', followed by a reading from his brand new romance novel.The title and content are being kept completely secret!"
Uma leaned forward with interest."What else does it say about him?"
"Says here he was the bestselling author of the beloved Mortal Hearts Romance Series.Oh, I know him!I've read all his books," Honey said, then her face fell."Well, except that last one.What a disaster that was."
"What happened?"Uma asked.
"Nobody talks about it.Then he died in some taxi accident right after..."Honey shook off the thought.
Uma snorted softly."Sounds like he's really milking the drama."
"Can you blame him?"came a warm Irish voice from behind her."A man's got to make an entrance, after all."
