Betty laughed. "Wouldn't be the first time."
"You're sure he'll be okay without you now?" Martin asked.
"He'll be fine. I made sure before I fully left his body. The cord looks strong and healed. His aura is also strong. I wouldn't have risked his life if I wasn't sure," Betty told him.
Lizzy repeated everything for Martin.
"Thank God." Martin used his crutches to stand. He stared down at Angus and shook his head. "We are so lucky to have you in our lives, Betty. I know you and my wife drive me insane most of the time, but I am so blessed to have you as part of our lives. Thank you for saving my son. For being there for him when I couldn't."
"I'm glad I could do it." Betty glanced at Lance. "Tell me what the doctors are saying about him."
Lance explained about the induced coma and how they wanted Angus's neck to heal. The rest of his injuries were minor and healing. The biggest worry was whether his neck caused any problems with his voice or swallowing, but they didn't think so. "They'll take him for tests on Wednesday and we'll know more then. I was warned they might keep him in a coma for a week or two depending on how he's healing." Just the thought of several weeks of this had him feeling exhausted, but he could getthrough anything as long as Angus survived. It was amazing how he'd gone most of his life without Angus around, but now, just a few days without speaking with him felt like a deep vacant hole inside his heart. He'd taken to playing old voicemail messages on his phone just to hear Angus's voice.
"Betty, you're back." Bethany rushed into the room, Ray right behind her. "Where have you been?"
Lance listened as Betty explained everything to Ray and Bethany. He was glad for the break. If he were honest, he would rather be alone with Angus. He was tired of everyone asking how he was and worrying about him. He had everything he needed and just wanted to spend his time beside Angus. The quiet was comforting. All the noise when everyone was visiting bothered him, and he was always worried someone might trip and bump into the bed. Still, he couldn't tell them to leave. Lizzy and Martin had every right to be here, and so did Angus's other friends when they dropped by. Thankfully, with them being in ICU, visitors were limited to a select few. He pulled his chair closer to the bed and sat down, keeping his hand on Angus's. He glanced over at Ray. "How are things at home?"
"I think Haunt misses you guys, but she's started sleeping with Jackson. He's good with her. Megan's been staying too, but they said they'll get their own place or stay at Megan's once you two are home and everything is back to normal." Ray smiled. "Kel's been fun to have around. He's got a ton of stories. He spends a lot of time with Megan's father, talking politics."
Lance shook his head. "I feel like I've missed so much, but it's only been a few days."
"You really should go home and get some sleep. Especially now that you know Angus hasn't crossed over. Let one of us stay with him for a while. We can get you if anything changes." Ray waved his hand toward Betty and Bethany. "Let us do something to help."
Lance shook his head. "No, not until he wakes and I can look him in the eyes. I just can't. I need to be here, especially if he knows I'm here, and from what Betty says, he does."
"Then tell me what else we can do to help. I know I can't do a lot, but I'm feeling helpless. You've done so much for me and Bethany, and we want to help you now." Ray glanced at Angus. "Do you want one of us to stay with you?"
"No. Honestly, I like being alone with him. There's nothing you can do. I've got all I need. Jackson is making sure I have clean clothes. Everyone brings me food. You guys have been great about checking on Lizzy and Martin. It keeps me from worrying about them. If anything, see if you guys can find out anything going on behind the scenes on the investigation. What direction is the case going in? Franks has updated me, but I'm not sure he knows everything that ATF and the fire marshal know. See if you can hear conversations that might hint at the cause. I need answers, and I know Angus will want them too when he wakes up."
"We'll get on that. Kel and others will help. Between all of us ghosts, we'll cover all areas. I'm just worried about you. You look exhausted."
"I am," Lance admitted. "But more mentally than physically. My shoulder still hurts and the cuts on my legs itch and burn, but Christine has been checking on me for that stuff. None of that would change if I were home. Just get me answers to why this happened."
Ray nodded. "Let's hope there are answers."
"There has to be. Explosions like that don't just happen. Something went wrong with the gas line, or someone messed with something. Hell, maybe someone placed a bomb there. I don't know, but I know something happened that wasn't normal." Lance stared at Angus. "This wasn't an accident."
"We'll find the answers. I know you're not the only one who wants them. Half the town knew someone that was affected by this. Everyone wants to know why it happened and if it's safe to go places. People are nervous. I'll talk to the other ghosts and we'll see what we can find out."
"Thanks," Lance told him.
They fell into silence, listening to Betty talk with Lizzy for a while, then as Lance relaxed back in his chair, he fell asleep, content that Angus was safe thanks to Betty.
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
Franks glanced up as Amy walked into the office. He was frustrated that they hadn't been able to interview Hillary Hilton the day before. After calling her several times with no answer, they'd even headed back over to her home to find no one at home. He'd gone home frustrated, more convinced than ever that Hillary was hiding something. "She call?"
"Nope, not a word. I'm waiting until nine to try her this morning, and if she doesn't answer, we'll head back over to her house. I can't imagine why she's not responding to my messages." Amy set her store-bought coffee on her desk. "Anything new on your end?"
"Nope, not a thing. I talked to Martin last night just to check in. Nothing new to report on Angus. Martin's golf buddies dropped by to visit so we didn't get a chance to talk too long."
"I'm glad they have such a great support team. This can't be easy on them." Amy turned on her computer.
"Even more reason why I want answers about what happened." Franks stood to refill his coffee cup from the pot he'd made when he'd come into the office. He smiled thinking about the new one he'd buy once Angus was back. He doubted Angus even heard him promise to replace the old one, but just in case, he'd find a nice one they could all enjoy.
"Gretta doing okay?" Amy asked.
"We didn't talk much last night or this morning. She was working on her computer last night, trying to figure out a new program she wants to use at work. Then this morning, we barely had time to say good morning over coffee. I was running late and she was out the door before I'd barely had my first cup." He raised a brow at Amy. "What is it about you and your sisteralways having your laptops open? Did your parents give you laptops at birth to keep you occupied?"
