"I have to keep reminding myself how much worse it could have been. While we were injured, none of us died. I can't imagine the devastation the families of those who did die are feeling today." Lance pressed his hands to the bed, fisting the blankets. "Did you see any of the ghosts of the dead at the scene?"
Isaac shook his head. "No, there were a few ghosts there taking in the damage, but I didn't see any that appeared new. That doesn't mean they aren't around, but they weren't there. I'd imagine they'd be with their families. I know when I died, I didn't care about how or why. My only concern was how my wife and kids were taking the news."
"I was the same way. I rushed to my son's side. Got there before he was told. I hated seeing him so upset, but there was nowhere I'd have rather been. I didn't give a crap about my body. I just wanted to know my son would be okay." Cel still held Angus's hand. "When your time comes, hopefully many years from now, you'll forget about your physical self and only worry about those you love."
Lance knew that was true. He saw so few ghosts at the morgue with their bodies. While many moved on, he was sure that a lot stayed with family for a while. "I hope I go before he does." Lance stared at Angus. "Just that moment of fear last night that I'd lost him about killed me. I'm not sure I'm strong enough to handle being alive without him." He thought about the ring he had at home, stashed in the pocket of one of his old coats in his closet. He'd had so many chances to ask Angus to marry him. He wished now that he'd been braver and taken the chance to do it, even if the place and time hadn't felt right. He wanted to be married to him. To have that bond between them.He vowed that as soon as Angus was out of the hospital, he'd waste no time purposing to the man he loved.
"It's not easy watching them once you're gone, especially when you can't communicate with them. You'll have an easier time since you can see us. When your loved ones pass on, they'll still be able to speak with you. Say whatever they need to before they cross over. Then, there's always the chance you'll be like me and find out your wife has been cheating on you and your son is deeper into the drugs than you thought." Isaac sighed.
"Oh no." Celeste turned to Isaac. "I'm so sorry to hear this."
"It's okay. Not much I can do about my wife now, but thanks to Lance and Lizzy, I hope to cut off my son's supply of drugs in time." Isaac smiled. "They made four arrests the night before last because of information the ghosts have shared with Captain Marshall. There will be more."
Celeste nodded. "I've heard about everything going on. If I wasn't so busy with my grandsons I'd be there helping you. Maybe, in time, I'll join in. Right now, I'm trying to make sure my son's choices in new girlfriends don't cause issues for my grandkids. I swear I didn't raise my son to be so vain. He doesn't seem to care if a woman has brains as long as she has a big bust."
Isaac laughed. "He won't feel that way in a few years when that woman starts to age. He'll wish he'd found someone with a big brain instead of huge bust to grow old with."
"Exactly, but it's not like I can tell him that. Or that he'd listen even if I could." Cel sighed. "If I wasn't so worried about my grandkids, it wouldn't matter as much, but they're still young enough to need a good female influence in their lives. I wish they could see me, but no such luck."
"You did what you could while you were alive. Hopefully, it will be enough." Isaac appeared to pat Cel's shoulder. "If I can be of any help, even an ear to listen, please let me know. I know all too well how hard it is to watch a child throw away their life."
"Oh my, here I am going on about my problem child when you have much bigger problems with yours. I'm sorry. I return the offer you gave me. If you need someone to lean on, please let me know. I can't imagine what you're going through." Cel turned to Isaac. "I know how frustrating it is not being able to do anything but watch as they make horrible choices and decisions."
"I might just take you up on that sometime," Isaac told Cel. He then glanced at Lance. "But for now, what can we do to help you? What do you need?"
Lance gave them a weak smile. "There's nothing to do but pray and wait. I'm okay. My brother will take care of me. Just keep those positive thoughts coming for Angus. He's where our attention should be."
"Is there anyone else that should know?" Cel asked.
"I don't think so. I think we've contacted everyone. Word spread around the police station quickly, and Lizzy and Martin were with us when it happened. As far as ghosts, Bethany and Ray have let everyone know who is close to us." Lance wanted to reach up and brush his hand down Angus's cheek, but he didn't dare touch his face or head at all.
"I wish I could cook for everyone." Cel sighed. "I feel so helpless. I think I'll head over to check on Lizzy and Martin. I'm sure they hate not being able to get around like they're used to."
"It would mean a lot if you guys could keep an eye on them. Lizzy saw what I did. When Angus left his body. It had to hit her just as hard as it did me. Not only that, but with Betty gone, she's got to be losing her mind." Lance forced back the fear that they may never see Betty again.
"I'll check on her and make sure she's okay. I'll spend what time I can with them." Cel stepped away from Angus's bed and narrowed her eyes at Lance. "You take care. Don't you go gettingsick on us because you forget to eat or sleep. Remember, you were injured as well."
"I'll do my best," Lance lied because it was what everyone wanted to hear. He didn't give a crap about his own wellbeing. He just needed Angus to heal. That was all that mattered right now.
"I'll be around as well," Isaac promised. "I'm going to head over to see Lizzy and Martin with Cel for now, but I'll check back here later tonight."
"Thanks, guys." Lance eased back down in his chair. "I'll be here." He watched as the ghosts left the room, then closed his eyes. Hopefully, he could get a nap in before the next visitor arrived.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Franks punched in the GPS of the next address they were headed to. So far, they hadn't found out much. They interviewed almost everyone who'd been working in the kitchen when the explosion happened and none of them had seen or heard anything out of the ordinary. Not a single person they'd spoken to had smelled gas, and the only person that had said they had was dead. Their visit to the Chris residence had been a bust since no one had been home. While they figured Tyler Chris would probably be at the explosion site, working with officials there, they hoped to find his wife at home.
Amy held up a finger as she talked to someone on the phone.
Franks paused what he was doing and sat back, waiting for her to finish her conversation. It was impossible to know what she was hearing since the conversation seemed to be one-sided, and not the side he could hear. He reached for another piece of gum and popped it into his mouth. He was so tired of gum. He wanted a damn cigarette. No matter how many times he reminded himself about how much money he was saving since he quit, it didn't help ease the desire. He had a mantra of things he told himself when the urge got bad. He smelled better. He was saving money. His teeth were whiter. He didn't cough and hack like he was dying. He didn't have to stand outside freezing just to get a fix. It didn't matter how many reasons he came up with to not smoke, he still wanted to.
Amy ended her call and looked at him with tired eyes. "They want us to go speak with the owner of the bakery next door to Desorio's. They think that was where the explosion came from. A.T.F. will speak with her later, but they want us to do an initial interview and find out if she knew of any issues with her gas lines or equipment."
"Or if she had any enemies who would want to hurt her business," Franks continued with a nod. "Address?"
Amy put it into the GPS for them. "After that, we can go speak with Rose Chris. She's staying at her mother's home for now. I guess the media was hounding the family last night and they wanted to get away. Can't blame them for that. I've got the address where they're staying."
"When will the reporters learn some compassion? At least they didn't seem to be bothering Mrs. Hilton at her home. I'm sure half the reporters have conjured up some conspiracy story about how one partner killed the other. I mean, it's possible it happened that way, but seems like a hell of a lot of trouble to go to. Tyler Chris has a huge mess on his hands now. Would have been easier to shoot the guy if he wanted him dead."
