Page 31 of Ghost in the Night

I read the page and smile. “Actually. That’s not a bad idea.”

I find Dad on Lena’s porch, putting together two brand-new rocking chairs.

“There’s my daughter! Been wondering where you ran off to. And stole the boy too.”

“We met up with Myah,” I say. “Her dad’s shop is right by that City Market place.”

“Ah, that’s where all the cool kids hang out. Glad you taking Robby along. He needs to get up from under his mother sometime. They don’t have a lot of family.”

Dad finishes the chair, standing up to look at his handiwork.

I push one of the chairs back to test it, and Dad grips it tight.

“Whoa, whoa! It’s bad luck to rock an empty rocking chair! Your grandma would go off if she saw you doing that. Plus, I’m not sure if I put in all the screws right.”

“Sorry,” I laugh. “Since when did you become Mr. Fix-it?”

“I know my way around a drill. At least I think this is a drill.” He chuckles. “Lena asked me to help out around the house.”

Ah. Of course. Anything for Lena.

I push the thought away and clear my throat. “Hey, Dad, can I get an advance on my allowance?”

He looks up at me with a frown. “An advance? For?”

“For … another ghost tour.”

“Harmony, you’ve already done one in Savannah. Isn’t there something else you want to do? I mean, this city is amazing and you’ve barely scratched the surface.”

“Yeah, but this tour takes you to Bonaventure Cemetery and other sights. Please! I really wanna go.”

Dad rubs the back of his head.

“I don’t know, Mony love. I’m not sure if all this spooky stuff is good for you.”

He’s never had a problem when I did my own thing in other cities. Either Lena’s gotten to him or he might actually be worried. I rest a hand on his arm and smile.

“You’re right. But I swear, it’s a wrap after this. Please? It’s my last summer of fun before we head back for school. Then you’ll never have to worry about me going on these tours again.”

Dad winces a smile. “All right. But just … keep this between us. Okay?”

TEN

Isnap a picture of the man waiting in Johnson Square. He’s a little older than my dad, wearing tweed pants and a short-sleeve button-down shirt, even though it’s mad hot. He has long, graying brown hair tied in a low ponytail. He paces back and forth in front of the water fountain, checking his watch and fidgeting with his messenger bag.

“Are you sure that’s the right guy?” Myah asks from our hiding spot on the corner, giving him a mean once-over. “He don’t look like nobody’s scientist.”

I tip up my glasses. “This is where he told us to meet him.”

Robby blows out some air. “I feel like we’re in the middle of one of those PSA videos that teach kids not to talk to strangers or they end up getting kidnapped.”

Myah shakes her head. “We’re in the middle of investigating one kidnapping already.”

I put my camera back in my bag. “He can’t kidnap all of us in broad daylight. We ready?”

Robby shrugs, and we look to Myah for the final decision.

“Hmph. All right. Hurry it up though, I don’t have much time before I have to get back to the shop.”