The sound of a train blares through the room, shaking the walls and causing the lights to flicker.
“What now?” Lanie cries.
“Harry,” Billy scolds. “What the hell?”
“Harry?” I ask, head bouncing back and forth between Jackson and Billy.
They’re too busy high-fiving and bouncing around like children. That’s when I know.
They’re finally ready to move on.
“We’re going home, Karen.” Billy’s smile is contagious.
I roll my eyes, but I can’t help but smile back, because despite everything, I’m going to miss his smart ass.
“What do I need to do?” I ask, jumping up from my chair.
“Harry said you have to give our spirits permission to move on.”
I nod. “Sure you don’t wanna stay?”
“Are you nuts?” Lanie yells. “Send them packing.”
Billy chews on his bottom lip, pretending to consider it. “No. I’ve had plenty of time with you.”
Jackson bobs his head. “I’m with him. Time to go, toots.”
“Jeez, guys. You sure know how to make a woman feel special.”
“It’s no offense to you, toots. Paradise just sounds like my kinda place.”
I smile at Jackson, happy for him. “I’m sure it will be wonderful. No need to swindle people out of money.” I look between both. Neither are innocent of that.
Jackson has the good sense to appear contrite.
I rock back on my heels, feeling awkward. I’ve spent a lot of time with these two. Some good, some bad, but either way, they deserve something nice from me as a farewell.
I turn to Jackson first. “Jackson, I’m sorry you got an unfair shake for simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time.”
He punches his fist into his palm. “I was right where I was supposed to be. The money I took from Dunbar paid for my baby mama’s house.”
I didn’t even know he had a kid. Wow, I was a horrible host.
“What’s your kid’s name?” I ask, determined to help his child out however I can. It’s the least I can do.
“Ashley. She has her mother Heather’s last name, Miller.”
“I’ll make sure she’s cared for. I hope paradise is everything you could imagine.”
He offers a toothy grin. “Right on, toots.”
“You have my permission to move on, Jackson.”
He smiles, pointing toward the sky before blinking out of existence, hopefully on his way to somewhere better.
I’m left with Billy. My first ghost and the biggest pain in my ass I’ve ever encountered.
“You better not smite me by forcing me to stay here,” he says, waving a finger at me. “I’ve got plans for the other side.”
