Page 150 of Squad Ghouls

“So I thought we could enjoy our breakfast now, and then we’ll head down to the ship and spend the day at the beach. Just have some fun together.”

Popty pinged from under the table.

“Yes, I ordered the blow-up mattress for you,” I said.

He pinged again.

“And the parasol.” I nodded.

He paused, then reached out and tapped Ryan on the shoulder with a soft ping.

“Yes, I’ll text Ted to come if he can,” he said, and Popty dove back down to the phone again.

The table descended into the usual madness, laughter, and friendly jabs, and soon enough everyone I loved was relaxed and happy around me. I leaned into Ryan and rested my head on his shoulder as he fed me a bite of his croissant. He kissed the top of my head, laughing at something Bronwyn said.

My phone buzzed next to my plate and I looked down, my smile widening when I saw the text. I read it and then let out a soft hoot.

“Emoting again, love?” Ryan asked and I turned the phone to him. He went white.

“Confirmed!” I said. “Mama Brolyn will be coming to stay with us next week!”

“When did I agree to this, Owain?” He groaned. “I don’t think I want you two conspiring against me.”

“Too late. Our chat is already several different threads deep into government overthrow plans.”

“God save us all.” Ryan shook his head.

“God fears Sharon,” I said.

“Smart man.” He leaned back as I replied to her text, including several dancing emojis, a GIF of a cat with a party hat on, and a sticker of a ghost holding a banner saying Time to Boo-gie!

I glanced at a thread further down, the sight of my mum’s name making my chest tighten. I hovered my finger over it, considering contacting her before shaking my head and locking my phone. Not yet. I wasn’t ready yet.

The radio switched from music to daily news, and I tuned into it when it mentioned a familiar name. I did my best not to draw attention to it but Ryan noticed. The report stated Gerald was presumed to have left the country and that the search for him would likely cease in the near future. The company had crumbled and dissolved.

“I can’t believe he got off so easily,” I muttered to Ryan.

“It’s bullshit. I’d have fucking ended him if it were up to me.”

“Yeah, but it’s never up to those who were hurt the most, is it?”

He shook his head. “No. There’s always someone above us pulling the strings.”

I scrunched up my nose in disgust.

“Bright side?” Ryan said. “Hollis knows where he is, I’m pretty sure. And if Andrew is the founder of the We Hate Gerald Club, Hollis is the current president. That counts for something.”

“Yeah.” I nodded. “I hope he gives him hell.”

“He will. And in the meantime…I get to stare at your arse in swim shorts.”

I threw a sidelong glance at him as I picked up my mug and brought it to my lips.

“Shorts?” I said. “Shorts are for everyday wear. I swim in thongs.”

He promptly choked on his croissant.

I looked up. Barth was slathering something on his toast.

He held it up towards me and I shook my head at the jam spread on top of it.