XXXI: In Which a Third Meeting Occurs

“Off at three again?” Colin asked as Jane made his drink.

“Yeah, Ahmed picked up on things pretty quickly and just scheduled me off at three on Saturdays from now on. Stacy’s not happy about it but Stacy doesn’t pick up extra shifts.” Jane winked.

“He must be a really good manager. Most food service places make you do all your cleanup after your scheduled shift is over.”

“Eh. It’s more of a practical thing. College students have strict times they need to be places, so they need to be off at the end of their shift no matter what. Class is more important than a part-time job.” She handed over his coffee.

“I guess you’re right, thank you.” He dropped two dollars in the tip jar.

As he made his way into the café proper, he saw that the big table with its reservation card was occupied by Steve and Ron who were in animated conversation.

“Look, all I can tell you is that she might be in danger. You don’t want to know more than that.”

“Hey, Steve.” Colin said as he approached the men. “Didn’t we agree we wouldn’t say anything to the group?” Cat was out of the bag anyway, no need to be discreet.

Ron looked between them. “What gives?”

“I’m not going to tell the whole group, just Ron. He’s better at research than any of us. We need his skills on this.” Steve put his hands out in a pleading gesture.

“You haven’t really told me much of anything, but I will allow you to keep your secrets. Colin, on what day did you put up the original flier?” Ron seemed placated.

“October First. It was a Saturday.”

“Middle school girl, red hair, sports team, had a game or practice in Kanetown on October First. Probably in danger, according to a message from Jake. I’ll figure out anything I can, but I don’t make any promises.”

“Hey, anything you get would be better than the big fat nothing I’ve come up with.” Steve shook his head. “So if you don’t find anything, I won’t blame you.”

“What are we blaming Ron for?” Sam asked, walking up with his drink.

“Oh, nothing much. Just the nature of the universe, the state of American politics, and the cancellation of Firefly.” Steve joked.

“What’s Firefly?” Sam asked, taking a seat.

“What’s -” Steve started indignantly, then saw Sam’s gigantic smirk. “Oh gods, I can’t deal with you.”

“What can I say? You old people are easy to rile up.”

“I’m going to ignore that ‘old’ comment. Anything new lately?”

“Not really. Even Kent hasn’t said a word to me since you helped me out.”

“Now that actually worries me.” Colin interjected. “In my experience, bullies don’t just back off because you stood up to them once. They keep pushing unless they found another target.”

“Probably moved on to easier prey. I wouldn’t worry about it.” Steve said dismissively.

Once everyone had arrived, Colin opened his laptop and brought up the document for Zachary’s investigation.

“Welcome, everyone to the third meeting of the Kanetown Society for the Paranormally Gifted.” He announced. “Steve, did you sweep for bugs again?” Colin already knew the answer but wanted to make sure everyone knew.

“Yep! Not a cellphone, microphone, or videocamera in sight. We’re in the clear.” Steve said proudly.

“I doubt Sheppard, or whoever was spying that first day is going to give up that easily.” Xander said. “I’ve seen enough movies to know what powerful people do to people like us.”

“I don’t even want to think about that.” Selena shuddered. “So, what do we have for Zachary?”

Colin and Ron clued everyone in on what they had discovered at County Records, which they admitted hadn’t been much.

“That’s why I want to go back and look up information on Zachary and his house on Monday before the party. Oh! Speaking of the party, fellows, you are all coming I hope.” Ron said.

“Yeah! My mom gave me permission as long as ‘Mister Park’ makes sure I stay out of trouble and I’m home by ten.”

“Ten? Well, I guess that’s as good as we could have asked for, but it still blows.” Steve said.

“Steve, I know you guys are buddies and we treat him like any other member of the group, but you have to remember Sam’s still a kid. That’s why he’s not coming on the Second. It’s way too late.” Colin admonished.

“Yeah, you’re right. He’s mature for his age so I forget sometimes.” Steve said as Sam looked down dejectedly.

“You literally make fun of his age any chance you get.” Jane scolded.

“Can we bring a guest to the party?” Alex asked, changing the subject back.

“Of course! Truly I am bringing one of my own. It would be most uncouth of me to deny you all the same courtesy.” Ron said.

“Ooh, who’s the mystery person?” Alex asked, excitedly.

“Probably just his mom.” Steve said.

“No, she’s a date I recently met. I believe you’ll all love her. Just be sure not to accept anything from her without offering anything in return. She has particular social customs.”

Everyone at the table nodded except Alex whose eyes went wide, but she didn’t say anything. They talked a bit more about party plans, then decided it was time for drink refills and bathroom breaks.

When they all returned, Colin called their attention again. “So, about November Second. We should all meet here about ten-thirty, eleven o’clock to get ready to go.” The group nodded. “Also there are two things I need to share with you. Firstly, Jake’s master may be another ghost.

The tape called the date the ‘Day of the Dead’ and I’ve been thinking, maybe they picked that date because it’s easier to manifest.”

“Truly I have converted the skeptic!” Ron burst out.

“Ronaldo, I have met a real ghost. Hard to be a skeptic after that.” He tabbed over to the other page of notes. “The other thing is, we may have to fight them to make them give us information. Please don’t ask why. So bring crosses or holy water or whatever you believe in.”

“Those things are for vampires, not ghosts.” Selena said. “Do you expect Jane’s vampire to be there?”

“Why does he have to be my vampire?” Jane asked.

“I don’t know what weapons are effective against ghosts, actually. Ronaldo?” Colin said.

“Well, crosses or other holy symbols should work, as well as Holy Water, salt, haint blue items, running water; burning or burial of their bones can cause them to move on, just as finishing their business like Zachary wants to do.” Ron counted out on his fingers.

“What’s ‘haint blue’?” Xander asked.

“A group of colors in the light-blue to blue-green spectrum believed to either repel ghosts or fool them into thinking a porch ceiling is actually the sky so they pass through.” Ron explained.

“Oh, hey! Thinking of spiritual items, the latest delivery from Jake had some rocks in it. Got any idea what these are?” Steve pulled the stones Jake had left in the envelope out of his pocket.

“Well, this one’s easy. Black tourmaline. It’s used for grounding, purification, and protection. Carry it with you or put it on your altar to ward off negative emotions and protect yourself from outside harm. The other one is tiger’s eye. It’s a jasper stone that promotes clear vision and enhances personal power such as self-confidence. They’re both grounding and protection stones.”

“Huh. Well, that’s weird.” Steve looked confused.

“Why is it weird? What’s this about?” Jane asked.

“Nothing yet. We’ll find out more in a few days. It’s just more mysterious Jake stuff.” Steve tried to reassure her. Jane did not look reassured, but let it go.

“So that’s all the current business, did anyone have any new business?” Colin asked.

“Xander got a promotion!” Alex spoke up. Everyone excitedly congratulated him.

“It wasn’t really a promotion. I’m just now also a Freelance Writer for the newspaper.” Xander corrected.

“Still that’s great! I’m really happy for you!” Selena said.

They spent the next hour discussing their lives and just shooting the breeze until they called the meeting adjourned and the majority of the group headed their own ways.

* * * * * * * * * *

Colin grabbed another round of coffees for Ron, Steve and himself once the others were gone. The purchase filled his punchcard and started a punch on a new one. He figured he’d save the card for when he really needed the caffeine, which he didn’t expect to take too long.

“So, are you guys, like, Ghost Hunters? Do you have a YouTube channel? Jane’s like all secretive about it.” The barista, a brunette college girl without a halo named Lily asked.

“I could tell you, but then the men in black suits would have to talk to you.” Colin quipped, taking the drinks and heading back to the table. He passed the cups around to the guys and took his seat.

“So I trust you fellows to have a reason to keep your secrets, but if these stones have a connection to the girl you think is in danger, I think Jake wants to protect her.” Ron said before blowing on his coffee and taking a sip.

“Jake? Not whoever sent him?” Steve asked.

“Whichever. I just know there’s more going on here than we’ve conjectured.”