Murder Out By Caster Bridge

Epilogue

It's been a week. A week since the murders stopped. A week since Angela was killed by Kayla and Kayla was killed by Christina who became a vengeful ghost. A week since Hayden got hurt.

And here I was, walking up the steps of Hayden's house. Nervously, I wiped my hands on my jeans before ringing the doorbell.

The door opened and two kids about eight opened the door. They both had turquoise blue eyes and ginger hair. The girl had her hair up in a ponytail and wearing a sundress while the boy was in shorts.

"Hello," the girl said.

"Lulu, we don't speak to strangers," the boy said with anger in his eyes.

The girl, Lulu, placed her hands on her hips as she glared at her brother. "He's not a stranger. He's Weston. Hayden talks about him all the time."

The boy crossed his arms. "Hayden gets into too much trouble. He could be lying and saying he is a friend, but really, he's just waiting to take us away or hurt us."

Hayden's mother suddenly appeared. "All right you two. Break it up. Let Weston through now."

The boy looked at his mother. "But, Mom..."

"No buts, Kasper. He's a guest. Let him in."

The boy grumbled. "Still don't trust him," he said as stomped off with his sister.

I looked up at Hayden's mother. She had an air of annoyance around her. "Come in," she said with fake politeness in her tone that set me on edge.

She then walked away.

I walked in and then headed down the hallway to Hayden's room. Just then I heard the voice of Hayden's father.

"I can't believe you allowed that boy inside our home."

Hayden's mother sighed. "We don't have a choice. If we want to keep an eye on him, we need him close. You didn't see his magic. He could be dangerous."

"Even so, he shouldn't be here. He could hurt us or worse."

"I doubt he will hurt us. You didn't see how he is with our son."

"Either way, he is trouble."

I bit my bottom lip and then quietly made my way to Hayden's room.

I knocked.

No answer.

I opened the door and came in.

Hayden was laying in bed with his eyes closed. He was no longer pale and he didn't feel in pain either.

I smiled and made my way over to him. I lay beside him, cascading my fingers through his ginger hair. I knew he wasn't asleep. I couldn't feel any exhaustion. If anything there was a light playfulness.

"I know you aren't asleep," I commented.

A smirk broke out on his handsome face. "I hate that I can never surprise you."

"It's not my fault I got empathy."

His eyebrows furrowed as he opened his eyes and sat up, looking directly into my eyes. "I'm not complaining. I don't care that you can feel people's emotions. I mean, sure, it was a little nerve-wracking to learn about it. But, Weston, you've always been empathetic. It's a part of who you are. I would never take that from you. Whether it's magical or not. And I'm pretty sure without the magical enhancement, you would still be the same. Maybe not as powerful."

I smiled at that. "You think so?"

He shrugged. "I mean, it makes sense." There was some sort of anxiety or anticipation simmering underneath his calm emotions.

"Is something wrong?"

Hayden's turquoise eyes found mine. "I was wondering..."

Before he could finish his thought, my phone decided to ring and vibrate in my pocket. I pulled it out and answered, "Hello?"

"Wes, hey, it's Norman. Listen, can you meet me at the magic shop? I know it's your day off with everything that has happened, but it's kind of important."

I sighed. "Yeah, okay. I will be there."

"Great." He then hung up.

I sighed and placed my phone back in my pocket and then looked at Hayden. "I have to get going. I just wanted to come by and see how you were doing."

Hayden smiled. "Thank you."

Just as I turned around, Hayden grabbed my wrist. I swiveled my head and looked at him. "What is it?"

Hayden didn't respond with words. He pulled me down to him. I looked at him with wide eyes. Before either of us said anything, he cupped my face and kissed me.

I could feel my cheeks heat up as I placed my hands over his and kissed him back with the same gentleness.

Just then I heard rain pouring and before Hayden's emotions could overwhelm me, I let go and backed away to put space between us.

"I..."

Hayden shook his head but his smile remained. "Don't explain. I already know. Now, you go on ahead."

I didn't want to go, but he had a point.

I nodded. "Okay, I'll text you, okay?"

"Weston, I know. Go on," he said, but there wasn't any malice or anger.

I hesitated but waved. "Get some rest," I said, smiling before I turned and left his room.

When I got in my Jeep, I smiled. That was our third kiss. Did that mean we were a thing?

_______________________________________

When I arrived at the magic shop, Mel and Norman were standing outside. They looked to be discussing something about the building. As soon as I parked, they both turned their heads toward me. I waved and then got out.

Norman smiled. "About time. We have to show you something." He pulled out a small card. At first glance, it looked like a business card. He then handed it to me.

Sure enough. After taking it and examining it, it was a business card.

"Magic Shop and the Paranormal Agency," I read aloud.

"Name is a work in progress," Mel said with her arms crossed.

I nodded and continued to read, "Magic Shop owner, Melinda Black. Lost and Found expert, Norman Forrester. Ghost Communicator expert, Weston Brooks." I looked at them with wide eyes. "You involved me in this?"

Norman nodded, enthusiasm leaking through his emotions. "Well, this way, if people have any paranormal problems, they can come to us. Our numbers are there if they have any questions. Melinda was the one who had the idea surprisingly. She's not only hot but smart as well."

Melinda glared at him. "You want me to turn you into a toad, Norman Forrester?"

Norman paled and gulped. "Uh, no. I'm good."

Melinda grinned. "Great. Now, I have to go inside and tend to the store now." She sashayed back inside the building.

I turned to Norman. "Are you sure about this?"

Norman smiled. "Most definitely. Melinda and I talked about this while she gave you the week off. It was all her. She will be handling everything for us financially. We get to choose the cases that are brought to us."

"it doesn't sound that difficult, I suppose. But what about my job here?" I asked.

"Melinda has that worked out, too. You can still do both. She can explain it better. But you get to keep your current job."

That didn't sound so bad. I did like working in the magic store for several reasons. Looking at the stop, maybe this paranormal agency business thing might not be a bad thing.

I hoped.