Micah

The scent of feces and sow seared his nostrils. Holding his hand up to his nose, he swallowed back the bile that threatened to rise as his stomach protested. Knowing Cincinnati was once the pig capital, and smelling it were two completely different experiences. The sun sank low in the sky as the squealing pigs were marched through the streets beside the empty field. Men and women marched two by two across the landscape. Smoke drifted out of the hole thirty feet away. He opened his mouth to scream a warning. No sound emitted.

Regardless, the couple at the beginning of the line halted. They turned toward him and stared. The anger darkening their eyes forced him to take a step back. He pivoted on his heels and ran, pumping his arms and legs. The ground shook with the stampeding of feet. He glanced over his shoulder and cried out. They gave chase like zombies who caught the scent of flesh. His lungs burned, and his heart threatened to crack his ribcage as it beat double time in his chest. Beads of sweat rolled down his back and forehead, stinging his eyes.

The molten sun threatened to broil him alive. His strength began to flag from running full out. The gang behind him remained relentless. A sob rose in his throat. They saw him as the enemy. One who had oppressed, owned, and disrespected them. He could feel their breath on his neck. Hands grabbed at his shirt. Fingernails dug into his flesh. Fighting against the hold, he kicked and flailed. More hands held his arms and legs down. Hoisted into the air, he was hauled back toward the ominous hole spewing smoke.

He opened his mouth in a silent scream. A brilliant light blinded him. He squeezed his eye shut. The hands disappeared.

“You’re okay now, son.”

“Dad?” He rubbed his watering eyes and glanced at the man he missed every day.

“We wouldn’t let anyone hurt you, Micah.” His mother stood beside him all dressed in white. Her hand caressed his face.

“Mom.”

His dad offered his hand, and he took it. Pulled to his feet, he glanced back and forth at his parents. They exuded peace and joy.

“We know you’ve been looking for us, son. We wanted to come to you sooner, but it wasn’t time yet,” his father said.

“A-Are you really here?” Micah’s voice cracked.

“We’ve always been here. Now you’re finally able to see us,” his mother said softly.

“And you’re okay?” he whispered.

“Yes, baby. We are with the loved ones who came before us. Death is nothing to be afraid of. It’s simply the next stage in evolution.” His mother glanced over his shoulder. “Our time is almost up. I love you.” She held him close, and he was flooded with the floral scent she’d always worn.

“I know you’re wondering if this is real. It is, son, we’ll send you a sign, and you’ll know.” He hugged his father and wept unashamedly.

The blaring alarm startled him awake. The dream had been a replica of what occurred after he blacked out in the Claymore apartments. The experience had shaken him. He couldn’t talk to anyone about it until he knew if it was reality or a trick the ghosts were playing to prey on his weakness. He swung his legs over the side of his bed and forced his body to rise. They were trying to get their hands on a Ground Scanner.

Once they had proof, they could go to the church and see about having a holy man come in to try to move them on. It could be tricky. With so many different ethnicities there, they might not all recognize the priest’s authority. Carl was great for smaller jobs, but one this magnitude needed a person who acted like a bigger amplifier. No wonder Carl had static, there were probably too many trying to come through at once. He scratched his chest as he meditated on the dream, picking it apart, and padded to the shower.

The hot water beaded down on his skin and he bowed his head. How could he go to work and face his siblings with this memory so fresh in his mind? It’d be like opening a fresh wound. It’d been so long since he saw his parents in person. He’d forgotten the nuances. The sound of their voice, the way they smelled, and how it felt to receive one of their hugs. He rested his head against the side of the shower stall. What happened when you finally received the one thing you’d been striving to get and didn’t know how to deal with it?

He stepped out of the shower woodenly, dried off, and padded into his room. Standing in front of his closet he scowled at the suits. I’m not going in. Blessed respite filled him. He made the phone call to H.R. They’d be just fine without him. He texted Asher.

Micah: Hey, I’m taking a mental health day. I’m exhausted, and I need downtime.

Asher: All right. Thanks for the heads-up. We got things covered here.

Moving to his drawer, he slid on his favorite pair of sweatpants, a white T-shirt, dark denim, and an oversized gray cable knit sweater. Barefoot, he walked into the living room and found Daize clad in pajamas on the couch with a mug of coffee.

“Did you call in today, too?” he asked.

She rested her mug onto a coaster on the end table beside her. “Is that going to be a problem?” she asked sassily.

The vehemence in her voice shocked him. “No. Not at all.”

“Oh, you’ve decided to play nice today?” She crossed her arms and narrowed her gaze.

“I can tell I’ve upset you. I don’t know what I did, but I apologize.” Weighed down by the burden of his lingering dreams, he spoke frankly.

“Is this your thing, running hot and cold?”

“What are you talking about?” He struggled to follow her reasoning.

“It’s my fault for looking to a stranger for support.”

Rushing forward, he knelt in front of her. “Please, tell me what happened.”

“Yesterday you were icy to me. It was like I ceased to exist. I didn’t recognize the man you became. Even once we came home, you were distant and dismissive. It was unlike you. Then I realized, maybe it wasn’t. I fooled myself into thinking we had this incredible connection, but I know so little about you.”

He cringed mentally. “No, you weren’t wrong.”

She uncrossed her arms. “Make me understand what happened then.”

“My experience in the between was different than yours.”

“What?” She scooted to the edge of the couch.

“The people attacked me. They were going to throw me in the hole when my parents showed up.”

“Oh, my God.”

“It screwed with my head. I didn’t want to tell anyone because I wasn’t sure if it was my subconscious at work, reality, or the ghost preying on my weakness. I thought I was faking it pretty good. I’m sorry I left you out there on your own.”

“Yeah, well I get it now. Communication. It’s an important part of a relationship.”

“Relationship?” He grinned.

“I never said it was romantic,” Daize countered.

He chuckled. “Can we shelve all this paranormal stuff, and just have a day for us?”

“Can we?” she challenged.

“I promise I’ll make it worth your while and make up for my mishap last night.”

“That’s a tall order,” she said, not giving him an inch.

“I can deliver it,” he vowed.

“We’ll see.” She refused to give an inch. He respected that. The things worth having were ones you had to work hard for.

“Go get dressed, while I cook breakfast, and once we’ve eaten, we’ll head out for the day.”

“Hmmm. I think I like this already.”

“I could be a horrible cook,” he yelled to her retreating back.

“I’ve yet to discover one thing you don’t do well.”

He grinned.

“Except communicate.”

She took the wind out of his sails with the precision of a surgeon. “Ouch.” His smile never faded.

***

“DID YOU BRING ME TO the zoo?” Daize set up in her seat, pressing her face against the glass as they pulled into the parking lot across from the zoo.

“I did. Maybe we’ll see the ghost lion.”

“Don’t even joke about that.” She slapped his arm playfully, and he laughed. “I’ve had all of the paranormal activity I can take.”

He maneuvered into a parking space and killed the engine. “When I was a kid, this was my absolute favorite place to go to. As I got older, it remained a retreat. I’d walk around aimlessly, checking out the animals, and working my way through the issues and change of adolescence.”

“It’s like the beach for me,” Daize said.

“Yeah, I’d imagine it was.”

“And you want to share this with me?” she whispered.

“I want to show you who I am, beyond the exterior and hang-ups you’ve already had a front row seat to.”

“Are you trying to apologize to me for still grieving your parents?” He turned away. She cupped his chin, forcing his gaze back to hers. The sincerity in her eyes softened him “Because you don’t get to do that. I understand. For the record, I think it was them. They stepped in and saved you, because a parent’s love is eternal.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah.” She bopped his nose, and he laughed as he swatted her hand away.

“Come on. I have animals to see and bad food to eat. The zoo is a bit like the circus that way.”

“Don’t worry. You’ll walk it off here.”

They exited the car, linked arms, and strode over to the bridge that led them over the street and into the zoo. Seeing the zoo through fresh eyes was the boost of spirits he needed.

“I’m still trying to decide if Capybara are cute or terrifying.” Daize popped a piece of popcorn in her mouth as they studied the oversized, shaky, brown animal that looked like a cross between a bunny and a rodent.

“What?” Micah asked with a laugh.

“I mean, it’s cute and cuddly enough, but it’s not too far of a stretch to see it as a massive rat.”

“Don’t listen to her, guys. You’re adorable,” Micah called out.

“Yeah. Would you think that if you saw one coming at you in the middle of the night?”

He paused. “Well, we don’t live in Australia, so I’ll never have that experience.”

She laughed. “In other words, yes, too close to comfort on the giant rat angle.”

He mock scowled, sending her into another round of laughter that rang out sweet, pure, and music to his ears. He’d experienced so much anger, pain, and suffering last night. When the ghost grabbed him, he’d seen inside of their soul. The anguish, torment, depression, and steely grit were a flash that exploded like a bomb inside of him. As long as he lived, he would never forget what must’ve been a mere fraction of their true emotions.

To combat the darkness that had brushed him, he was soaking up as much joy as he could manage. They continued through the Wildlife Canyon, admiring he hooved beasts and rodents.

“It’s your turn to pick,” Daize said as she sipped her hot chocolate. A dollop of whipped cream remained on the tip of her nose. He wiped it off with his thumb, and she grinned sheepishly.

“All right, let’s go see two of my favorite exhibits. The otters and the wolves are in the same area. The wolves they have here are the smallest species known as the Mexican wolves are el lobo. But about forty minutes out of town there’s a wolf sanctuary called Wolf Creek Habitat that houses white wolves. They’re massive. Beautiful as all get out, but you never forget they’re wild, despite how playful they appear. Partially because they’re massive.”

“Have you gone?” she asked excitedly.

“I have. Our company actually donates to them every year. It’s an amazing thing they do. So many people think it’d be cool to have a wolf for a pet, never understanding they’re not dogs. Once they start to howl and the neighbors complain, or they get too big, they’re at a loss.”

“I can’t imagine being arrogant enough to decide I want to own a wolf. It’s enough to take care of myself.”

Micah snickered. “Yes, but you’re brilliant, and as a marine biologist, you understand animal behavior more than most. You understand even when domesticated, exotic animals are wild.”

“I’d love to see this place.”

“Well now is the best time to go. During the summer, they can get hot with their winter fur, and they close early. Plus, the photos are always best during spring and summer.”

“Wait, photos?”

He chuckled at her increasing excitement. “Oh, yeah, they have a photographer on staff who takes them.”

“I’m intrigued, Mr. Davenport.”

“Stick with me. There’ll be plenty more enlightening moments about Cincinnati.” His voice dropped an octave.

“So, you’re my own personal tour guide, now?” she teased.

“If you’d like me to be.” The playfulness fell away. He was asking her for more than permission to show her around. He needed an indication she wanted to keep him in her life past the investigation.

“Once things settle down, will you still want the job title?” she asked bluntly.

“Yes,” he said without hesitation. Taking her hand in his, he twined their fingers. “I don’t mind putting in the word to win you over. All I’m asking for is a chance.”

“You have one.”

“Don’t move,” he whispered, stunned as a small group of Monarchs landed in her curls. We’ll send you a sign. His mother always loved butterflies, and the Monarch was her favorite. The four butterflies flapped their wings, forming a living crown. He shakily took out his camera and snapped a few shots before they left. “Look.” He turned the camera to her, and she gasped.

“Did that seriously just happen? That’s straight out of a fairytale.”

Is that you giving me your approval, Mom? His heart and head warred. Did he perceive what was there or what he longed to see? The unanswerable question would’ve tormented him a week ago. Today, he opted to let it be as his father would say. When the strains of the Beatle song began to play in the background, he smiled. I hear you, Dad.

***

DAIZE

“You ready for this, honey?” Maria asked.

“Yeah.” Daize nodded, lying through her teeth. They’d brought in an architect friend who possessed a ground penetrating radar machine. She hadn’t listened carefully enough to catch all the details because she was too busy trying not to freak out. What happened if they did find a potter’s grave? Who knew how long it would take the complex to do something.

The machine beeped to life, and Steve began the scan. She held her breath as the image began to form. The mapped area revealed itself strip by strip until it formed a complete picture riddled with lines.

“We’ve got a hit.”

“Is this compelling enough to lead to action?” Micah asked.

“It all depends on the property manager and how they want to handle things. To be honest, ma’am, I’d look into breaking the lease and moving because this is going to be wrapped in red tape for a long time.” 

Shoulders slumped, she nodded.

“Don’t give up hope. We’ve still got the blessing to do, and now that we have proof, we will work toward finding these restless souls the help they deserve,” Maria vowed. Brendon nodded his head in agreement.

What if the hauntings don’t stop? I can’t live my life wondering what the next day will hold, being woken in the middle of the night, or watched in the bathroom.

“Only time will tell.” She hoped she sounded more confident than she felt.

“Let’s record the proof, get the equipment out of here, and do the blessing. Then I want you to talk to them, Daize. I think maybe you can form a truce. They came to you for a reason.” Micah placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, and she inhaled.

“I’ll try.”

Fifteen minutes later, they stood in her living room with holy water, anointing oil blessed by a priest, and a crucifix. Micah stood, tall and proud, leading the charge in the black jeans that hugged his long, muscular thighs and juicy butt. He was a temptation. His jaw clenched as he nodded at the others. Brendon began to sprinkle holy water as Micah held the oil, and Maria stood beside him with the crucifix.

“In the name of Jesus Christ, I ask for your peace and joy to inhabit this room.” He walked over to the door, put some oil on his thumb, and marked it with a cross. They continued through the home. “Let any negative energy or those wishing harm be banished. I command you to leave in the name of God the most high.” Energy gathered in the home as they slowly worked their way through every room. She sensed the presence of others. It wasn’t threatening in nature. It felt more like having an audience.

“I think they’re here,” she whispered.

“They are,” Carl agreed. “I believe they’re beginning to understand we mean to help them.”

“Speak to them, Daize,” Micah urged.

“We got your message. We’re working to see that you receive the respect and peace that you weren’t allowed in life.” She stopped. It felt odd to speak to thin air.

“Keep going,” Micah said softly.

“This is going to take time. You can’t keep scaring me in the meantime. I don’t mind sharing this space as long as you keep your hands to yourself. We hear you. We sympathize with you. But we won’t tolerate bad behavior.” Anointing the room, they completed the blessing and returned to the couch.

“How do you feel?” Micah asked.

“Less apprehensive for sure. Slightly paranoid.”

“You had a lot of scares in this apartment. I think that’s normal.”

“Maybe. I still don’t want to sleep here though.” She crinkled her nose.

“You don’t have to. We’ll give it a few days to settle in, and I’ll come and stay with you personally. How does that sound?” His eyes told her she could stay as long as she wanted.

“Doable.”

He smiled and patted her thigh. She felt the eyes of the others on them. Micah had kept his words. He wasn’t hiding or toning down the natural connection that flowed between them.

“Good.” He turned back to his crew. “I think we’ve done enough for now. It’ll take time to figure out if the blessing took, or the spirits will be appeased.”

“We’ll keep in close contact with you, Daize. Don’t let too much time pass before you return,” Maria implored her.

“I won’t. I promise. I just need a minute to breathe.”

“That’s understandable,” Mel said.

“What if it doesn’t work?” Daize asked, unable to stop the negative thought from coming out of her mouth.

“Then I take a crack at it with my expertise. We’re nowhere near out of options.” Mel gently squeezed her shoulder. “Hang in there with us.”

“I have no other option.”

“Where are you staying?” Mel asked.

Daize glanced over at Micah.

“She’s crashing in my spare room for now,” Micah answered.

“Oh. I didn’t realize you had grown so close,” Trish said, glancing back and forth between them.

Heat filled her cheeks and ran down the back of her neck.

“So, we’re no longer ignoring the obvious connection the two of you have developed,” Eric said dryly.

“No. She deserved better than that. I realize it’s unconventional, but we’re taking care not to let it affect the case.”

The loud silence that followed made her ache for Micah. These were his peers. Their opinions mattered to him.

“I’m not going to say it’s professional,” Brendon spoke softly.

“I understand that. I’m not asking you to pretend it is. I couldn’t fathom losing her because I kept quiet. We discussed it and decided we both wanted to move forward together.”

“I can respect that. I’m not sure I approve of the timing,” Brendon held a hand up, “but I get it.”

“Then we won’t have a problem, because I’m not giving Daize up.”

His proclamation silenced the doubtful voices inside of her mind and cemented his commitment level. Her lips twitched up at the corners. She glanced down to hide her pleasure from the others. What they had was new. Therefore, she would protect it. 

***

“DO YOU FEEL BETTER?” Micah asked.

“Knowing there’s nothing demonic in my place? Yes.”

“I sense a but coming.” Micah handed her an Angry Orchard Rose.

“Everything is still so up in the air.”

“You’ve got a roof over your head for as long as you want it, an answer to the immediate questions that concerned us, and me.”

“I like how you threw yourself in there, too,” she said dryly.

“I have to keep you on your toes.” He winked.

She rolled her eyes. “You told them about us.”

“I’ve never been one for secrets, and I wasn’t going to watch you be put into a position where you felt you had to lie. I’m not ashamed of you or anything we’re doing.” He held out his hand. “Come on, let’s get out of here.”

“To where?”

“Somewhere we can take our mind off everything and eat without having to worry about cleaning anything up. May I take you on a date?”

“Yes.” She felt giddy as she placed her hands in his and he helped her stand from the couch. “I should change.”

“No. You look perfect the way you are.”

If she was the swooning type, her legs would be wobbling. She followed him to the door, and they bundled up and slipped out into the evening.

Leaning back in her seat, she enjoyed the heat pouring out of the vent as he drove.

“My brother, Asher, and I discovered this place when we were looking for something fun to do. I think you’ll like it.”

“I’m putting my trust in your judgment.” She studied the tall brick buildings and stonework. It was unlike anything one would see in California. Ohio had a history that they’d proudly upheld, converting older buildings and using them for modern businesses. It created a unique charm she admired. With Micah as her tour guide, things had gotten a lot less lonely and more enjoyable.

Going to the bourbon bar with her co-workers had cracked the ice. It might’ve taken three months, but she was finally starting to craft a new life. They parked in a lot, and made their way down the sidewalk, coming to a stop in front of a building with a pixilated figure. Large glass windows dominated the front of the building. An outside deck stood out on the right-hand side of the door.

“This is 16-Bit Bar.” He opened the door, and she preceded him inside. The center bar was a wooden work of art. The multicolored wooded backboard matched the bar that was lined with the stools. Everywhere she looked she saw arcade games. On the left-hand side, there was a row of stools set up in front of large screens where people were also playing games via controllers.

“This place is amazing.”

“Wait ’til you see the drinks.” He wrapped an arm around her waist and guided her to the bar. “They don’t serve food, but we’ll place a takeaway order at The Eagle. They have stellar food. How do brown sugar bacon, fried chicken, and fries sound?”

“Delicious.”

“Then I shall make it happen, my lady.” She listened to him order as she browsed a menu and laughed. The Patrick Swayze, Macho Man, and Bill Nye. The pop culture references were through the roof, and they worked.

“Our food will be ready in about thirty minutes.”

“Well I have to honor the eighties queen, so I’ll start with the Molly Ringwald. The cucumber vodka, grapefruit, simple syrup, and Sprite combined with a salted rim sounded refreshing.”

“I’m going to start off with the Slush Puppie.” They took a seat at the end of the bar, and the bartender in the black company hoodie and matching ball cap walked toward them.

“How are you guys doing tonight?”

“We’re doing good. Can we start off with a Molly Ringwald and a Slush Puppie?”

“Sure can. I’ll get them started for you. Do you want to keep a tab?”

“I do.”

Daize’s eyes widened when he handed over a black card. How much money did his family have? He seemed too down-to-earth to be so wealthy. It spoke to who he was as a person.

The drink was beautiful when it arrived.

“Wow.”

“Yeah, they go all out. Drink up. We have a two-drink minimum before we can play games.”

“This sounds like a made-up rule.”

“It’s a Davenport rule.”

“Sir, are you trying to intoxicate me?” She lifted her eyebrows.

“Only with my personality.”

She rolled her eyes, nudged him with her shoulder, and lifted the drink to her lips.

“I thought that was you.”

She glanced up to find a brown-haired man with a curvy brunette. The family resemblance was apparent in his cheekbones and lips.

Micah stood. “Looks like great minds think alike, brother.” They did a manly hug, and he hugged the woman. “Clara, it’s good to see you again.”

“Hi, Micah.”

“Daize, this is my brother, Asher, and his fiancée, Clara. Guys, this is my date, Daize.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you. My brother’s spoken highly of you.”

“Has he?” she asked.

“He exaggerates.” Micah elbowed him in the side, and Daize laughed. “Are you coming or going?”

“We were leaving, but we can stay on for a bit to visit, can’t we?” Asher turned to Clara, who smiled.

“Of course,” she replied.

They took the seats to the side of Micah. The sudden ‘meet the family’ moment caught her unaware.

“Micah told me you’re from California. How do you like Cincinnati so far?” Asher asked.

“Now that I’ve been getting out, there’s a lot to love here. It’s a slower pace than we had in San Diego. People aren’t always in a rush, and it’s not as crowded. There are some beautiful older buildings also. I’m enjoying learning about the rich history the city is so proud of.”

“The dollar must stretch further here.”

Daize gave a bark of laughter. “Yeah. I’m never upset when I go grocery shopping.”

“I need to run to get our food,” Micah said.

“I’ll go with you,” Asher said, standing. “You don’t mind keeping Daize company, do you?” Asher asked Clara.

“Of course not. Go, we’ll be fine.” Clara waved them off.

“How did the two of you meet?” Clara asked once they’d left.

“Through his paranormal investigation team.” Daize decided to keep it true and vague.

“Oh, so you believe in ghosts?”

“I didn’t use to.”

Clara’s dark brown eyes grew as round as quarters. “You experienced something?”

“More than I would’ve liked,” she admitted.

“Wow. I can’t even imagine.” Clara frowned.

“I hope you never have first-hand knowledge.”

“The Davenport boys have a way of finding romance in the most unlikely places.”

“How did you meet?”

“I was his sister’s lactation consultant after her pregnancy. We got off on the wrong foot at first, but eventually, I came to see what a great guy he was.”

“I feel like there’s a wealth of story you aren’t sharing.”

She laughed. “Okay, I couldn’t stand him. He was rude to me at our first meeting. He’d been up all night with his sister and a crying baby. At the time, I didn’t know him well enough to gauge if it wasn’t his true personality.”

“So, you made him work to prove himself?” Daize said.

“Exactly.”  

“Do we want to know?” Micah asked. She looked up to see him with a plastic bag full of food.

“Just girl talk, honey.” Daize fluttered her eyelashes.

“Uh huh,” Asher said skeptically.

“How cute, I think we made them nervous,” Clara said.

“I leave my fiancée alone with your girl for a few minutes, and they’re already plotting against us,” Asher huffs playfully.

“Us girls have to stick together, babe.” Clara winked at Daize who felt as if she’d met a kindred spirit. “We won’t interrupt your date any longer. Let’s exchange numbers.”

“I’d love that,” Daize said brightly. She pulled out her cell and took Clara’s number, calling her so she could save it on her phone. They hugged as they said their good-byes, and she wondered if maybe things were taking a turn for the better.