Mia wrote this information down with her free hand.
“We scouted out a number of places but lacked the personnel and the equipment to adequately search for it. I’m thinking it would be best to sail up there and live on the ship while we search the island.”
“It still sounds like a logistical nightmare,” Mike said.
“That’s where PEEPs come in. I propose we do a standard ghost-hunting adventure in the hotels and restaurants that want to have us. I have applied for a license to film and have spoken to the tourist bureau. As long as we get permission from whomever we film - and steer wide of the numerous weddings they have there during the season - we are welcome. This way, we can move large boxes of equipment all over the island under the guise of filming. Plus, we may get lucky and have a few ghosts show up.”
“Aside from being pack mules,” Mason said. “It sounds like a vacation. You girly-girls may want to bring your teeny-weeny bikinis.”
Mike let go of Mia’s hand so she could slug Mason. No one, aside from Mason, objected to the violence.
Chapter Twenty-nine
Ted, Mia, Mason, and Kevin drove up to Mackinac City in the PEEPs truck. Mia worked out a deal to get some help, on both ends, loading the boxes on the ferry and unloading the boxes once they arrived on the island. She was taking her job very seriously. She even booked a two-room suite with Wi-Fi in the Royal to use as a base of operations. Kevin loved sitting next to the unsuspecting driver as he encouraged his dual team of draft horses up the long and winding hill. Mia, Mason, and Ted chose to walk, stopping along the way to make note of things only Mia could see.
“There are a lot of British and American soldiers walking the streets. Ladies and men in all manner of dress. A few Odawa, but they seem to be moving through the buildings. I think they are residual haunts,” Mia said. “There are quite a few buildings built over graves. We may want to see if Kevin and Fergus can get a feel for what would be the best story for PEEPs to tell.”
“This hill is going to kill me,” Mason said.
“Just think of how easy it’s going to be on the way down,” Ted said.
“When are the others arriving?” Mason asked.
“We have probably thirty-six hours or so depending on wind.”
“Thank you, guys, for bringing me. I couldn’t bear another night on any boat,” Mason said.
“We knew that Kevin wasn’t going to get aboard the yacht,” Mia said. “What’s one more?”
“Tell you what, I’ll keep track of Kevin, and you guys go and have yourselves a mini honeymoon. I packed Cid’s noise-canceling headphones. Have yourself a good time.”
“How gracious of you,” Mia said dryly.
“You and Cid seem to be at odds,” Mason said.
“Cid and I are fine,” Ted said.
“No, Mia and Cid.”
“I don’t bear him any ill will, but he hasn’t said anything to me, aside from a few glares. I think he’s pissed about Murphy. He thinks it’s my fault he’s gone,” Mia said.
“No, he’s pissed about you not being broken hearted about Murphy,” Ted said.
“He said that to you?” Mia asked, flabbergasted.
“Oh no, he and Mike were talking on the phone and I walked by.”
“Damn. I thought Cid was on Team Ted,” Mason said. “Hey, girly-girl, do you want to join Team Mason?” he asked Mia.
“In your dreams. There is only one team, and it’s Team Ted,” Mia said.
Ted put his arm around Mia. “It’s a damn fine team, but we don’t have cheerleaders. Mia won’t allow them.”
“You guys are real jokers,” Mason said.
They had caught up to the wagon and helped unload the suitcases while Ted checked them in.
“Mia, should you be doing all this lifting?” Mason asked, concerned.
“My heart’s fine, Mason.”
“Who’s your doctor? Maybe I should give him a call.”
“Actually, I have two miracle workers, both of whom cleared me.”
“Any of them plastic surgeons? Because you look younger than when I met you at the school.”
“Why, aren’t you the little charmer,” Mia said, lifting her end of the console box. They hefted it on one of the three luggage carts.
Ted walked out with the keys. He helped Mason finish loading while Mia hunted Kevin down.
Their suite of rooms wasn’t far from the elevator, and the view from the room more than made up for the walk up to the hotel. The hotel itself was mostly from a grander era. It had, however, been added on to and improved where space allowed. Several films had used the hotel, taking advantage of the grand porch and impressive manicured grounds. There were rumors it was haunted, and Mia was pleased to find that their suite wasn’t haunted by anyone other than Kevin Murphy. He had stretched out on one of the sofas and was fast asleep.
“Is this what it means when they say, I can sleep once I’m dead?” Mason asked, looking at the ghost through Ted’s special glasses.
“I don’t think so, but Kevin’s got the right idea,” Ted said. “Let’s leave setting up the console for after supper. Right now, there’s a beautiful woman in my room all alone.”
“I’m too tired. You take care of her, will yah?” Mason said, giving Ted a dollar.
~
Sabine sat back and enjoyed the sunshine while the others toiled on the yacht. Patrick had worked a few summers on a large vessel like the one Gerald had found for them, and Cid had read a book on how to sail, which now didn’t seem like a waste of his time. Between them, they had a few rocky starts but ended up heading north, courtesy of the nice breeze coming up
