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“Well, the semi-good news is they got one or two things right when it comes to ordinary spirits. Most of this is a bunch of hooey though. Now, poltergeists are an entirely different story, and some of the warnings they provide are worth considering if you ever encounter a malevolent spirit. As for their so-called spirit extraction equipment they gave you, I suspect they won’t do much of anything useful.”

I lean an elbow on the table and squeeze the bridge of my nose. “I had a feeling that might be the case. The only gadget that seemed decent was the EMF reader.”

Beau nods with approval. “They can be helpful, but I find they tend to work best when handled by folks like you and me. My theory on this one is that we supercharge the devices with our own affinity for the supernatural, which resonates with the spiritual energy around us. A kind of bidirectional flow, you might call it. Usually, ordinary folk don’t get a strong reaction on an EMF reader unless there’s poltergeist activity involved.”

“What do you think about the spirits in Salon de Spin? Are any of them poltergeists?”

“Well now, I can’t say for sure, but I didn’t feel the kind of energy I’d expect from a poltergeist, and I have encountered a handful of them over the years.” His expression becomes deadly serious. “They are not something to take lightly. They can be very dangerous.” Then he grins at me. “But one thing your handbook got right is that there’s safety in numbers, darlin’, and that’s yet another reason you should let me team up with you on this investigation.”

He says that last part with a triumphant glint in his eyes.

I make a noise of protest, but he holds up his hands and continues.

“Now, now. I don’t want any payment. You secured this job, the money is yours. All I ask is that you be my official tour guide whenever we have some free time each day. That way, I get a sexy man who knows the city to show me around and I’ve got you covered if there’s anything truly dangerous going on in that building.”

“I don’t think ExorSquad’s going to like me bringing in a partner who doesn’t work for them on this case.”

He blinks at me innocently. “Do they have to know?”

I ponder that. It’s not like Gerald is providing a lot of oversight on this case, so I’ve been free to handle things how I see fit. Beau’s right. He doesn’t really need to know if I’m working with someone else.

This whole thing sounds a bit too good to be true though. “I don’t know.”

Beau flutters those stunning golden eyelashes at me. “The more I communicate with the spirits, the more their stories may become clearer. Those who are willing, I should be able to help cross over when that happens. Then you’ll be able to give your client a neat and tidy end to this case.”

Fuck me, but he’s making good points I can’t really argue with. And this way, we don’t need to destroy these ghosts like ExorSquad expects me to. We can actually help them. My gut instinct is screaming that this is how it needs to be done.

Plus, working side by side with a gorgeous guy doesn’t sound so terrible either.

Nothing’s going to happen but you can enjoy the eye candy.

“All right,” I say with a growl. “I’m willing to let you assist me just so long as you remember that I’m the one in charge.”

“Unless there’s a poltergeist,” he retorts.

I narrow my eyes. “Unless there’s a poltergeist.”

He reaches out his hand. “Shake?”

Warily, I clasp hands with him.

My physical reaction is immediate. If I didn’t know better, I’d swear we set off sparks when we touched.

I really hope I’m not going to get burned in this arrangement we’ve made.

Beau beams at me with delight.

“I look forward to working with you, big fella.”

CHAPTER

SIX

Welcome back to another episode of Beau’s Boos and Beyond! Today, I’m answering some messages I’ve received from my wonderful listeners—thank you all for supporting the show.

My first message is from Mark who wants to know: Can spirits possess the living? That’s a great question, sugar. The answer, however, is rather complicated. Possession of the unwilling is very rare. Those horror movies about folks being possessed by demons and whatnot are mostly pure fantasy. A spirit would need to be very powerful to possess anyone who didn’t want to let them in. We’re talking high-level poltergeists here. But like I said, incredibly rare. I’ve never encountered it myself, although I’ve read a handful of accounts from over the centuries.

Now, the other category of possession is really more about mediumship. Someone with abilities similar to mine can choose to be a vehicle through which a spirit communicates with the living. For short periods of time, that is. I find mediumship to be quite physically taxing. Only in special circumstances would I agree to such a request from a spirit. But remember, the medium is always the one who retains full control and can boot the spirit if they start misbehaving.