Page 29 of Shake Your Boo Thang
Our server arrives at that awkward moment and sets down steaming bowls of stew with freshly baked bread and butter. I have to swallow hard to make sure I don’t drool on myself.
With my enticing proposition still lingering between us, we subside into silence and eat our meal.
The rich, savory flavor of the beef and ale stew has me wanting to walk right into the kitchen and ask the cook for the recipe. I savor each bite slowly and then sample the fresh bread and butter, which pairs with it so well that I find myself humming in appreciation as I eat.
We’ve only had a few mouthfuls when a petite woman with dark hair cut in a fashionable bob and wearing a gray pantsuit hurries over to our table and joins us.
I set down my spoon and get to my feet, pulling out a free chair for her and gesturing for her to sit. “Ma’am.”
She gives me a curious and vaguely amused look. “What’s this all about?”
I flash my most genteel smile. “Where I come from, a gentleman always stands when a lady enters the room.” I gesture at the chair again. “May I?”
She gingerly sits down, and I push her chair closer to the table and sit back down.
She sends another bemused glance my way. “And who are you, if I may ask?”
“Pardon me. I’m Beau Montgomery, a tourist from Alabama, and Callum’s temporary partner in a supernatural investigation.” I reach out my hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
CHAPTER
TEN
RULE # 32: GHOSTS CANNOT CROSS RUNNING WATER
The theory that running water prevents spirits from crossing those geographic locations has existed for, as far as we can tell, centuries. Several ancient manuscripts repeat this rule, and while there is some anecdotal evidence that running water may impede some spirits, one should not assume that all ghosts are vulnerable to this restriction.
Editor’s note: It has been disproved in at least fourteen different cases that we’re aware of. Do not rely on running water for protection. In particular, do not assume a river, stream, or garden hose will save you.
—ExorSquad Employee Safety Manual and Operational Guidelines (Revised Edition)
Callum
“Elizabeth Wu,” my ex-partner says, shaking Beau’s hand. “But my friends call me Liz.”
Beau beams at her. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Miz Elizabeth.”
“Aren’t you sweet,” Liz says. She turns to me, her lips twitching. “You’ve been busy since we last talked.”
I sigh in resignation. “Beau happened to stumble upon my investigation and offered to lend his particular skills to the case.”
“And what might those be?” Liz asks.
Beau opens his mouth, and I know what he’s going to say before he utters a word.
“I’m what folks like to call a ghost whisperer,” Beau explains in a cheerful tone. “I can see and talk with the dead.” He jerks a thumb in my direction. “This one here only developed the ability partway after his near-death experience, so he can see but not hear the spirits. In my case, I was born with The Gift, as my mama calls it, and I’ve always been able to do both.”
The server swings back by at that moment.
“Hi, there. I think I’m going to need a pint and a bowl of that stew to process this conversation,” Liz says.
The server takes her order and disappears.
Liz’s overall credulity as both a DCI and a level-headed person in all things is definitely being pushed by the way this conversation has swerved.
“We genuinely appreciate you giving us some of your time today,” Beau says politely.
Liz shifts awkwardly, but she nods. “Anything for Cal. He and I were partners for fifteen years, and there aren’t many blokes better than him when it comes to having your back.”
