“Why do you think I’m here?” Maude was matter-of-fact. “If you’re in danger, then I’m in danger. That’s simply the way of the world. You can’t get rid of me now. I won’t allow it.”
Maddie sighed. She knew there was nothing she could do. Maude was here. They would have to deal with her. “We’re going to have a big fight when we get back home. You’ve been warned.”
“I’m looking forward to it.”
12
Twelve
Maude seamlessly ingratiated herself with the Casper Creek group, enthralling Jackie and Danielle so much they invited her to the shop so they could help her with an outfit for the seance. Maddie found she was frustrated with the entire thing, and Nick had to talk her down.
“Would you prefer they not like her?” he asked as they watched Maude and Jackie whoop it up across the street. The rest of the psychics were making their way to the downtown area so they could start. In the end, Hannah had been right. All the psychics agreed a seance was a great idea, leaving Alicia to stew about perception by herself.
“Of course not,” Maddie replied, dragging a hand through her hair. Now that her caffeine buzz had long since worn off, the headache Nick promised was present and bolder than she anticipated. “I just ... she’s so good at it.”
Nick tilted his head, confused. “Good at what?”
“Making friends.”
He arched an eyebrow. “And you don’t think you are?”
“I think I’m more timid than her.”
“I think you’re perfect.”
Maddie shook her head as she eyed him. “And I think you might be biased.”
“I’m fine with that.” He kissed the corner of her mouth, frowning when Maddie began rubbing her stomach. “You’re not sick again, are you? That’s multiple times in the last few weeks, Mad. Heck, that’s multiple times in the last few days.”
“I’m not sick. I’m ... nervous.”
“About the seance?”
Maddie nodded. “I’ve never done anything like this before. What if I’m not any good at it?”
“Mad, you’re going to be great.”
“And, again, I think you’re biased.”
He slipped behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist, resting his chin on her shoulder. “There’s no doubt that I’m your biggest fan. I don’t ever see that changing.”
“Good. I enjoy being adored.”
He grinned. “And I enjoy adoring you. That doesn’t mean I’m biased in this particular instance, though. You know what to do. You’ve been practicing. You’ve been reading tarot cards and opening yourself up to visions. This is no different.”
“Oh, this is way different,” she countered. “When I do those other things, it’s with people who are only there for a good time. These people know the game. They’re going to be judging me.”
“Why do you care?”
“Because ... .” Maddie hesitated, unsure what to say.
“Aha!” Nick poked her side, causing her to squirm. “Mad, you shouldn’t care what these people think about you. It doesn’t matter. The only thing that counts is what you think of yourself, and if you’re anything less than impressed with the things you can do, then you’re an idiot.”
Now it was her turn to smirk. “That’s a rather strange way to bolster my courage.”
“You’re already the bravest person I know,” Nick whispered. “This is just ... a new experience. You like new adventures. You told me that yourself.”
“I did. I’m still worried. What if these other ghosts make a scene?”
“What if they do? You can’t control that. You can’t even control your grandmother and she’s still with the living.”
Maddie’s scowl returned with a vengeance as she slid her eyes to Maude, who was being helped into a black cape by Jackie. “Oh, you’ve got to be kidding me.”
Nick chuckled at Maddie’s petulant tone. “She’s going to be part of the show,” he reminded her. “This is also a good thing.”
“How do you figure?”
“Because she’s going to garner the bulk of the attention, which allows you to check out the other ghosts and watch the psychics for signs of being evil-doers.”
“And what signs are those?” Maddie was genuinely curious. “It’s not as if they’re going to sit there and twirl villain mustaches while muahaha-ing their way through town.”
His smile broadened. “Is it any wonder that it’s always been you for me? I mean ... seriously. That could be the cutest thing you’ve ever said.”
Maddie rolled her eyes, although she secretly basked in his delight. “I’m just nervous. My stomach is doing a weird dance because of it. I’m sure I’ll be okay five minutes in.”
“I’m sure you will, too.” He kissed the ridge of her ear. “If you need me, I’ll be right here.”
“I thought you were patrolling the perimeter with Cooper.”
“I am, but I will be close enough to monitor the situation. There is a killer out here somewhere, Mad. I’m not just going to wander away when you need a bodyguard.”
“I’m not sure I agree that I need a bodyguard.”
“You do. I’m an expert on these things.” He made loud kissing noises against her neck, causing her to giggle. “And who loves guarding your body more than me?”
“Nobody. You’re uniquely suited for the job.”
“You’ve got that right.”
They remained together for a few more minutes and then Hannah signaled to Maddie. It was time to put their plan in action. Maddie blew out a sigh and collected herself. “I guess it’s time.”
“Yeah.” Nick was solemn. He could read his wife’s moods better than she could sometimes. He was worried, but he knew, like with anything else, once Maddie had time to settle she would be fine. “Use Maude,” he intoned in a low voice. “She’ll serve as comic relief and a way for you to deflect attention. Let her be her.”
“That sounds like a dangerous prospect.”
“And yet somehow I think you’re going to be okay.”
Maddie gave him a quick kiss and then moved to the center of town. Hannah joined her, big smiles on both their faces, and Maddie held up her hands to garner the assembled crowd’s attention.
“Thank you all for joining us,” she announced. “We’re
