Page 34 of See Through

“Unlike our friend here,” Cooper points at me, “I’m a big believer in things that can’t be explained. I’m really excited to be here.”

“Welp, it’s two against two,” I say, knowing Maven isn’t necessarily a nonbeliever like I am, but I know she’s here to support her best friend. That’s enough for me. “I appreciate your help.”

“So, boss, tell us what we’re going to do.” Cooper smiles, way too fucking giddy for my liking.

“We’ll start at the funeral home entrance. That’s the biggest part of the house, since it was a running business for my family. There’s a morgue in the basement with cold freezers. My family was no stranger to bodies of loved ones. My mom handled the embalming, and my dad handled the arrangement side of things. I’m sure there are a few spirits still lurking in that part of the building.”

Aubrey pauses, her voice getting shaky toward the end. “Aubrey and I will be conducting business as usual. Cooper, you’ll be carrying another camera as you walk with us, capturing more than we ever have before.”

“And I’ll be at the control center, watching cameras for anything funky to happen, right?” Maven asks.

“Yes,” Aubrey says. “I don’t want you going in if you don’t have to, and you’ll be stationed here, in the garage.”

“Aubs, I’ll be fine,” she insists. “I’ll be okay if I walk inside. It’s you I’m worried about.”

“I know,” she whispers. “I haven’t been back in my house since I saw Adrian for the last time.”

I grab her hand in mine, squeezing it once.

“And will I be watching what your cameras are capturing?”

I note the subject change from Maven, thankful she turned the conversation. I’m really worried about Aubrey. I knew this idea was a little out there, but I’ll support her in anything she wants to do. All I can do on this investigation is be there for her and pull her out if it gets to be too much.

“No,” Aubrey says. “We usually have four other cameras in key locations of the places we’re investigating. We always just let them run and look back at them later, but this time, we wanted you to watch them so we can see if some stuff happens in real time. Most of the time, nothing happens, but we figured it would be best to have you watching them.”

“What do you mean most of the time?” Cooper leans forward, his elbows on his knees as he listens to us.

“Well, there have been some times when we’ve caught voices on those after the investigation was done.” I run my hand through my hair. “And some footsteps.”

“There was one time one of our cameras got knocked over,” Aubrey reminds me. “Remember that?”

“I do.” It’s hard to forget. That was a handful of times when something I couldn’t explain happened. I remember latching that camera to one of the tripods we have. It was stable. I always check them after I set them up, and it was solid. At one point, it tipped over. No wind. Nothing that could be explained for tipping a fairly heavy camera over.

“So, if a camera gets knocked over, I let you guys know, and you’ll go check it out?”

“That’s right, Mave. See? I knew you would pick this up quickly.”

“I’ve always been an overachiever.” She flips her hair.

“And I’m coming with you guys? How do I know what to record?” Cooper asks.

“You can try following my lead, or just let Aubrey tell you what to point at. It’s a camera, dude. It’s not too challenging.”

“I know, but I want to make sure I get the stuff you want me to get.”

“Just do your best,” Aubrey smiles. “That’s all I ask.”

“That, I can do.” He nods at her. “You two make a good team.”

“I think so.” I chuckle to myself. “She tells me what to do, and I listen. Simple as that.”

“Hey.” She lightly smacks my arm. “I’m not that bossy.”

“Yes, dear.” I dodge the other smack she tries. “Missed me.”

“Ugh, remind me why we’re doing this again?” she jokes.

“Because you’re insane and you have a ghost problem,” Maven giggles. “But we support you, babe. Whatever you need from us, you’ll get.”