The rest of the week flew by. Evan officially moved into the house at 6125 Olive Street. Adam and Roman let him use the microwave and dorm sized fridge they had stored in the attic. Wade and Mark had an extra television for him.
Evan's mother, who lived in St. Louis, Missouri was glad to know her baby was being so well looked after. She'd spoken to both Adam and Roman and thanked them for everything. More than anything, she was grateful Evan was with people who understood and could help with his empathic control.
Chris was as nervous as a long tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs when he spoke to Evan's mother. Evan had told her a while back about his crush on the older man. She assured Chris that the age difference didn't matter to her. Her husband, Evan's father, was seventeen years older when they married. All she asked of Chris was to never hurt her baby boy. He promised her he would never hurt him, and that they were not rushing into anything.
Evan also asked his friends and boyfriend not to say anything about how he looked or what had happened with Brock. He explained, since he was fine, and there was nothing she could do, to just let it go. Brock wasn't in his life anymore, that was all that mattered.
On the Sunday before classes started again, Hunter removed the sixteen stitches. Hunter had done such a neat job, the scar would be barely visible after it healed. Evan's black eye had opened as the swelling went down. His eye and cheek were now the color of a bruised banana with green tinges. His control training was going well too. He could, by the end of the week, keep the door locked for hours at a time. Evan was making progress, but still had a lot of work to do.
On Monday morning, Evan walked to NIU with Adam and Roman. Roman felt a little self conscious as he carried Seth's teddy bear. He'd tried to fit it into his backpack, but the pack was too full of other things, like books, papers and a box of data discs.
"This is where I leave you. Why I ever decided to be a math major is beyond me. Oh well, keeps my mind busy." Evan winked as he headed to the building that contained the Mathematics Department.
"See you, Evan. Have a good day, and keep it locked!" Adam gave Evan a wave. Roman also waved and hurried Adam along to their building. Adam laughed and took the teddy bear from his husband.
"Thanks, Viking. I owe you one. When is your class this term? If you told me, I forgot." Roman asked as he looked at the memo page on his cell phone.
"Wednesdays at ten. The class is full too, that's a first. Maybe I can get another time slot if it stays full and has a waiting list. I like teaching. You have a meeting with Bray before your first class at nine." Adam replied as he looked at his day planner.
They arrived at Roman's office and for once, no students were waiting to see Doctor Reigns. It was usually quiet the first few days of a new term. Students were too busy adjusting to returning to classes and worrying about their grades.
When Adam opened the office door, a large brown envelope lay on the floor. Someone had slid it under the door. It must have been during the break as there was a bit of dust on it when Adam picked it up.
The front of the envelope read: ATTENTION! COLLEGE HILL GHOST HUNTERS! URGENT! "Now I wish we did have an office for the CHGH. If it wasn't for the zoning, we could just use the basement." Adam sighed as he loaded his desk with his brief case, bear and backpack.
"I don't want strangers coming to the house. Call Glenn and tell him we need a space. He's Mark's half-brother, get Mark to push him. What is it?" Roman asked as he stepped into his office and put down all his things. Adam had opened the envelope.
Adam pulled out several eight by ten pictures and a letter. He read the letter out loud. "I didn't know where else to leave this. I knew if I left these here, you would eventually find them. Who I am isn't important. I took these while on a recent trip to Cedar Rapids. They were taken during a random tour of the Brucemore Mansion. They were taken around seven in the evening, during clear weather. They were taken in the library. It has been reported there is a poltergeist there. Things are moved, the lights flicker and strange noises have been heard. There are also reports of a glowing presence. These are pictures of that presence; at least I think so. I went back the next day at the same time to check if it could have been a reflection, but I don't think so. Do with this information what you will. I'd like to know that you will soon investigate the Brucemore." Adam finished reading the anonymous letter. He looked at the six pictures that had come with the letter.
Roman looked over his husband's shoulder. "That is interesting. I'll take them to the lab later. I'd better get up to the second floor. Love you, baby." He gave Adam a kiss and hurried off to his meeting with Bray.
"Love you." Adam replied to Roman's retreating form. Adam took a closer look at the pictures. There was indeed some kind of misty apparition. Adam figured out the scale by using a protractor. His calculations suggested the figure was the size of a child, between eight to maybe twelve years old. Of course, it could also be a small adult, one could never be sure.
He put the pictures and letter back in the envelope. Adam put it and the teddy bear on Roman's desk, for him to take to the lab later. Adam sat back down at his own desk. Adam looked again at his day planner. He smiled, Heath should be at home. He picked up the handset of the phone on his desk and called the red head.
Heath was home. Adam briefly explained about the anonymous letter. "... so see what you can find out about the Brucemore. Do they allow paranormal investigations, you know the drill. Can you text Chris to have him do a history check?... okay... you sure?... Can I bring anything?... alright... thanks, Ginger Snap... Jay Bird told me... oh... poor Jay... okay... love you, too... bye, Heath." Adam hung up the phone with a laugh. He loved getting Jason in trouble with Heath.
Adam turned serious and went to work. He wanted to get a review ready to hand out to his class. Then he had to refine his lecture. This weeks subject was Stonehenge, one of his favorites. He hoped to visit the historic stone circle when they went overseas next June.
When Roman returned to his office, he entered, walked past Adam at his desk, and slammed his office door so hard, his and Adam's wedding picture fell off the wall. When it hit the ground, the glass of the frame shattered.
Adam was shocked. What the hell had happened. He felt sick when he saw the broken glass of the picture frame had ripped a hole in the picture that went right across their faces. Adam went to the small closet and took out the dust pan and whisk broom. He carefully cleaned up the broken glass. Adam salvaged the picture from the broken frame, then tossed the broken frame and shards of glass into the trash can by his desk.
Adam was worried about his husband, but he had learned, early on in their relationship to leave Roman alone when he was that angry. He knew Roman would eventually cool off and talk to him, but until that happened it always made Adam fret.
The psychic sometimes wished he was a bit like Evan, but Adam's gift only allowed him to speak with the dead. He could hear Roman lifting his weight bar he kept in his office. Adam knew it must be really bad, Roman would never work up such a sweat before teaching without a good reason. Luckily, Roman's first class wasn't until after lunch.
Adam held their damaged wedding picture. Both men wore navy blue suits with a red rose pinned to their lapels. They were standing on the steps of Shawn's church, where they still went every Sunday.
"I'm sorry." Roman's voice whispered over Adam's shoulder. He hadn't meant to ruin their picture.
Adam turned and looked up at Roman. The Islander was shirtless, trickles of sweat ran down his torso and arms. Roman's long hair was damp and clung to his back. His dark eyes were like two storm clouds.
"Ro, what happened? Is it Bray?" Adam's voice was shaky with nerves. His hazel eyes searched Roman's.
Roman sighed. "Not Bray; Heyman. He told Bray this morning, that unless the Paranormal Department gets published, in a legit publication, he will close the Department at the end of the semester." He delivered the horrible news. Roman went to the window of the outer office and scrubbed his face with his hands in desperation.
"Does that fucking fool not realize how many students chose this University because of the Paranormal Department? We have published, many times!" Adam was just as angry and frustrated.
Roman stared out of the window. "Tell him that. Bray showed him that article in the Paranormal Journal. Heyman laughed at him. He wants a legit publication to publish about us. Heyman wants National Geographic or Omni to publish. What are we going to do? I have four years to go until I get my tenure, but even that wouldn't matter if he closes our doors. What are we going to do, Adam? This is my life, I love this college." His voice was filled with heartbreaking sadness.
Adam went to his husband. He wrapped his arms around Roman's waist and rested his chin on the sweat laced skin of Roman's right shoulder. "First, you're going to wash up. Then you're going to your lab. You have the solution, the bear. A publication like Omni or Popular Mechanics would love a story on the bear, perhaps even Nat Geo. Those publications treat the paranormal seriously, if the article is interesting. Don't give up, Ro, you never give up." He kissed the spot just under Roman's ear. Adam couldn't help but notice how wonderful Roman tasted.
Roman smiled and gave a slight shudder with Adam's kiss. "You're right, I don't give up. It was the shock I suppose. All I can do is try. Come to the lab? The Doctoral students love to hear from you when we're doing CHGH data. Plus, I need you close." He leaned back against Adam and took comfort from Adam's embrace.
"Of course I will. You know, maybe Stephanie McMahon can help. If her article is good, perhaps you could combine it with the technical stuff. We'll figure it out. Heyman won't close the Department. Doesn't he have to get approval from the Board of Regents to do something so drastic?" Adam asked as he went to the closet. He took out a shaving kit they kept there. He handed the bag to Roman. Both Adam and Roman worked out in the gym, so they kept the shaving kit, a few towels and couple of clean shirts in the office closet.
Roman took the shaving kit and went to get a towel. "Yes, the Board has to approve, but they love Heyman. Maybe Bray can appeal to them. I don't know, maybe Stephanie's article can help. I'll be back, going to wash up. I love you. You're always there for me." He gave Adam a kiss, then left the office. The bathroom was down the hall, and luckily it had a shower.
Adam sat back down at his desk. He just couldn't let himself believe the University would close a major Department. He shook his thoughts. If he was going to the lab, he needed to quickly finish his own work.
Later in the Paranormal Laboratory, fifteen students watched the data from the Robinson Crusoe Island Park investigation. Ten of the students were taking their Doctoral in Parapsychology. Roman was proud to have so many dedicated, serious students in his program.
When the section with Adam, the bear, the aura and the heat signature from the FLIR came on the screen, the gasps of the students were loud. They couldn't believe what they were seeing. They were absolutely awestruck.
When the data finished, the room was silent. It took a few minutes for the students to absorb what they had just seen. Their Professor had shown them CHGH footage many times, but nothing like this.
Roman gave a bit of a laugh, he'd never seen his students so silent and still. "That was a little over a week ago. Now, let me show you an investigation from a few days ago, during the break. Doctor Helmsley caught something and this time, recorded the data. Put on your headsets and watch carefully." He instructed his class. He nodded for Adam to dim the lights as his students "plugged in".
Roman pushed play and once again CHGH footage played on the huge flat screen monitor. Roman wandered to the back of the lab where Adam sat. He leaned in to whisper to his husband.
"This can't close. Did you see their faces? They are the future in this field. We'll think of something, we just have to. By the way, right now, only you and I know about this. Say, you'll answer student questions won't you? You know after they see this, you'll be Mister Popularity." Roman winked at his spouse.
Adam leaned in and gave Roman's lips a quick peck. "Sure I will. I love your students and teaching as much as you do. Now, go teach." He returned the wink.
As Roman wandered back to the front of the lab, the students let out an even louder gasp than they had with the previous footage. They were watching the three screen split of Adam in Mary's bedroom, Mary and the bear in the living room and the data from Adam's heart rate.
When the footage ended, Adam turned up the lights. The stillness and silence in the room was deafening. Slowly the fifteen students removed their headsets. Adam went to sit at Roman's desk at the front of the class. He was ready to answer questions.
Roman addressed his students. "Although it wasn't recorded in the same way, you will notice the aura at the pirate ship matched Professor Reigns' heart rate. I have brought the bear. I want you to prove it wasn't tampered with. I also want you to work on the connection of Professor Reigns' aura and his physical health. You can watch the footage as much as you want and I have hard copies of the all the compared time stamps. If you find anything we missed, write it down, along with the time stamp. Professor Reigns will also answer questions. Get busy." He laid out the assignments for his class.
There was a scrape of chairs against the floor. Several students took the teddy bear to analyze. Some re-watched the data with the time stamp sheets in hand. They wanted to make sure each mark was something actually paranormal. Five of the Doctoral students went to question Adam. They would rotate, so everyone in the class would eventually work on each item. The Lab was four hours and they didn't waste a minute of it. Roman wandered from group to group to teach and advise.
The group of students with Adam asked interesting questions. "Do you feel the heat that the FLIR picks up? Because that wood was white hot." One curious student inquired.
Adam shook his head. "No, I don' feel it. I can of course feel the natural warmth of something. Like the wood absorbing sunlight all day. But, I don't feel the paranormal heat. The stronger my connection, like with the spirit of Billy, the more psychic heat I generate." He replied firmly to the question. He never embellished his answers with television style psychic "babble".
All the students made notes as Adam spoke. The next question was asked. "Does the rainbow aura always appear? And, it went around the child spirit. I could tell he was holding hands with you, and possibly someone else. Why didn't the aura extend to the third party?"
"It didn't always appear. It's getting stronger lately. I can only assume, as my gift strengthens with use, so does the aura. Excellent observation. Yes, Billy was holding the hand of my grandmother, my guide on the other side. I don't know why the aura won't expand around her. Maybe it can't cross over where she is. Maybe one of you can do a paper on that. I'd like to know myself." Adam laughed a bit. Maybe one of these students would be the one to answer the question, Roman was right, this couldn't end.
Each group that examined the bear came to the same conclusion. It had not been tampered with. They had seen other bears like it on the market, but they thought Seth's was the best. It gathered all the information at once. Other bears were just motion detectors or just video recorders. They thought Seth should try to sell the design.
The group also found no faults with the time stamps. One student thought there was a flash when the trickster was in the closet. Roman and Adam came over to look at the isolated time stamp.
Adam put on his glasses and leaned in close to the screen as the student played the time stamp. They played the video several times. Adam took off his glasses.
With a pat to the hopeful students back, Adam spoke. "Sorry, it's just a flash of reflection. See how Wade moved? He barely hit one of the hangers on the rack, but it was enough to cause a slight lens flare."
The student looked at Adam with disappointment in his eyes. "Is he right, Doctor Reigns? I was just so sure." He looked at Roman with hope.
Roman nodded. "Sorry, but he's right. Watch..." he played the video again and pointed out when Wade touched the hanger and the metal flared in the IR light. The hopeful student drooped his shoulders.
"Don't. You did a great job. It could have been something. Something we missed. Okay, so it wasn't a catch this time, but who knows about the next time. We've all had things debunked, there is no shame in it. Keep up the great work." Adam's voice was filled with encouragement. He smiled warmly at the student.
"Thanks Professor Reigns. You make a great leader for your team. We're all grateful that you share your data with us, as well as being so willing to speak openly about your gift. Um... do you ever do private readings?" he asked with a bit of sadness in his eye.
Adam's grandmother suddenly invaded his mind. It was so unexpected he was visibly shaken. He closed his eyes. "Grandma, you don't usually do that. Is something wrong?" His mental thoughts flowed like water to his grandmother.
The students saw Adam suddenly jump. The one who'd asked about a private reading started to speak. Roman laid a hand on his shoulder. "No, don't. His guide must have come to him. Leave him." Roman whispered emphatically. Interrupting a communication could be harmful to Adam.
Adam's grandmother spoke. "Sorry sweetie, but this young man's sister was most insistent. Will you speak to her?" The spirit asked in an apologetic tone. Normally she wouldn't have come to Adam without a warning.
"I will. You know that." Bring her forward, please." Adam's mental voice was like a smile of forgiveness.
Adam's grandmother brought the spirit of a pretty young girl. She was fourteen years old. She "spoke" to Adam in a soft, but clear voice. "Tell Tom it wasn't his fault. He feels so guilty, but it wasn't his fault. It was my time, there was nothing he could do to stop it. Tell him to take care of Beau, he'll know it's me. Please?" She asked Adam with a fervent plea.
Adam opened his eyes and looked at the student. "Your sister is with me . She said it wasn't your fault, it was her time. Nothing you could have done would have stopped it. She's worried that you feel so guilty. She also said to take care of Beau." Adam relayed the spirits message in a soft, gentle voice.
Tom gasped. His hand flew to his mouth. "It is her. Only I know about Beau. I was late getting home with her medicine. She collapsed and died. I should have been faster, but the pharmacy was busy... I had to wait so long. I'm sorry, Sis, I'm so sorry." His eyes filled with tears of guilt.
Adam closed his eyes as Tom's sister pulled him back into mental conversation. "The medicine didn't work any more. Mom and dad knew it, but couldn't bear to tell Tom. They should have. I love you Tom, and I'm happy. I'm with granny and papaw. It's okay to laugh and have fun. I'm with you... often. Take care of Beau. I love you Tom-Tom. Bye..." She faded back into the spirit world. Adam's grandmother left as well.
Adam opened his eyes and repeated, word for word, what the spirit had told him. "... I love you Tom-Tom... and she faded away. But, she was honestly very happy." He finished the spirits message.
Tom looked at Adam. "She's really happy? She's not in any pain?" his eyes filled with hope once again.
Adam smiled. "Yes, she is very happy. She is completely free from pain and suffering. I haven't heard a spirit so happy in a long time. She must have suffered a lot when she was alive. Will you tell me who Beau is? She really wants you to take care of him." Adam explained with sincerity on his face and in his voice.
Tom nodded. "She was in a lot of pain. She had bone cancer. She would cry if anything touched her. There were times when even a sheet was too heavy. I wish the folks would have told me she was so bad that day. I would have stayed home with her, instead of wasting all that time for nothing..." he paused, then laughed slightly... "Beau isn't a him... I don't think. Beau is a huge sunflower. She could see it from her window as she lay in bed. It just grew there, randomly. She said it looked so happy and cheerful. She named it Beau... she named everything. She always said everything needs a name... it was a game we played. Her lamp was Lucy, her dresser was Woody... I miss her. I'm glad to know she's happy and pain free. Thank you, Professor Reigns. Guess I don't need a private reading now. You truly have a wonderful gift." He held his hand out for Adam to shake.
Adam shook the students hand. "It always makes me glad when I can offer comfort. I would have done a private reading, but, spirits don't always come. I find it's better when it's random. When they come to me, it's because they want to. Sometimes when you call for them, they aren't ready yet and don't like to come. Well, sorry Doctor Reigns but I guess you can forgive the interruption to your class?" He looked at his husband with a sly smirk on his lips.
Roman gave a bit of a guffaw. "I think a communication in the Paranormal Lab makes a great interruption. However, no need to spread Tom's private business, understand?" He spoke firmly to the other students in the lab, who couldn't help but over hear the conversation between Adam and Tom.
Tom looked at his fellow students as well. Everyone agreed. While it had been exciting it wasn't something to spread outside the lab. Tom was grateful and thanked his fellow students.
After a bit of talking, the students settled back into their work. The next group sat down to ask Adam a few questions.
Tom just happened to be in the group, and asked the first question. "Do you feel the aura? Can you tell when it's growing, or when it starts to pulsate? And just curious, do you think we would have seen the aura... just now?" He held his pen ready to write down Adam's response.
Adam rubbed his lightly bearded chin. "Hum... I don't feel it per se. It was such a sudden and fast communication, I don't know if the aura would have had time to develop. Doctor Reigns could probably answer more than me about the aura. He always films me with the FLIR." He nodded toward Roman.
One of the girls spoke next. "You said you don't feel it per se, I take it then, you must feel something?" She looked at Adam pointedly. She took all this seriously and would not settle for an incomplete answer.
Adam arched his brow. "Whew... I wish I could answer better. I just... I can't say I feel it, or even sense it, but I am aware of it... sort of... I just... You know the tingling when one of your limbs falls asleep... it's like that, but not as strong... it's almost like a tickle. Well, I'm sure that was helpful..." he laughed at himself. The students chuckled as well.
Ten minutes before the lab time was over, Roman addressed his class. "I still need thesis outlines from some of you. Deadline is approaching. All thesis topics must be approved by Doctor Wyatt and myself. I don't need to really remind you how important your Doctoral Thesis is, you can't graduate without it. I might add, that Professor Reigns is going to be on the panel this year. So you really have to be on your toes to impress someone with paranormal gifts. Alright, see you in your classes and back here in one week. I want ten thousand word papers on this weeks lab. Class dismissed." Roman's tone was serious and formal. His face was stern. He set difficult homework on purpose, becoming a Doctor of Philosophy in Parapsychology should not be easy, it wasn't for him. If he could only tell them, unless something drastic changed, none of them would make it to graduation.
Back in Roman's office, the couple packed up to go home. "Heath asked us to dinner. I need to go home by way of the Hill. Gotta go to the bakery for dessert. Ro, baby, we will figure this out. They won't close one of the biggest drawing departments. Be positive." Adam whispered as he pulled Roman into his arms.
"It just... what if they do? All the work my Doctoral students are doing. I spent two years forming my thesis ... we will figure this out. Sorry, I won't be all doom and gloom. You know, we forgot to show those pictures we got to the lab students. Well, next week. Your communication threw me off. That was amazing by the way. Tom has been down for so long. I'm sure that helped him. He was smiling when he left the lab." Roman smiled. They had left the office and were walking out of the building.
The couple walked, hand in hand toward the shops on College Street. Now that his backpack was empty of books and papers, the teddy bear was in safely in Roman's pack. The air was cool and the sun was low in the sky.
"Yes, grandmother came so fast, it startled me. I was glad she came and brought the sister. She was so happy, Islander. Poor thing must have been in horrible pain. It's spirits like her that really make me appreciate my gift. I wonder how Evan got along today. He's like a puppy, so eager to please. He will be so good for Chris." Adam chattered away as they walked.
"Yes he will. Chris was really worried about being left alone when Bray's boys move up here. He felt more for Bray than he let on. I didn't tell you, but last time Bray went to see his boys, Chris drunk dialed me, he was miserable. Then when school started this year, he told me about this beautiful boy in his honors class... I'm sure you can guess who he was talking about... " Roman laughed and opened the door of the bakery for Adam.
They were hit with that wonderful smell of fresh baked treats and the yeasty scent of just baked bread. Adam had to buy a loaf of Vienna bread, it made fantastic toast. He chose a fresh blueberry cheesecake for their dessert.
"Oh... Are these Wade Barrett's?" Adam pointed to a tray of cookies, his brow raised. The clerk said yes with smile and packed up five dozen of a variety of the cookies. Adam knew sixty cookies would not last long between himself and Roman, especially Wade's cookies.
"Wade must have had the day off, or he was there all night baking." Roman said as he carried the two bakery boxes with the loaf of bread on top.
"Probably at the bakery all night. Mark said sometimes when Wade can't sleep... because of the nightmares... he goes to the bakery. He said ever since Wade saw Evan so beaten up, the nightmares started again. Wade was really glad when Evan moved it, now he'll be safe." Adam related what Mark had told him last night.
"I don't know where Mark found the restraint not to kill those five criminals. I would have. I also don't know what I would have done if that had been you. It could have been. If you hadn't been sick, you would have been there with Wade... oh... Viking... I'm sorry." Roman noticed Adam had stopped walking and looked ready to cry.
Adam had stopped at Roman's words. The guilt of telling Wade to go the cemetery alone still haunted him at times. Roman put the boxes down on a nearby bench and went to his husband.
"Baby, my big mouth. I'm so sorry. It wasn't your fault, sweetheart. Wade and Mark have spent hours telling you that. Wade wanted to go. Shit, this has been a fucked up day." Roman held Adam in his arms.
"I know, but sometimes I do feel guilty. No, helping Tom was good. Come on, Heath and Jason are waiting. I'm looking forward to this, it's been awhile since it's been just the four of us. Let me carry one of those." Adam kissed Roman and smiled. He now carried the box of cookies and the loaf of bread.
When they arrived home, the couple went up to their apartment first to shower and change into jeans and t-shirts.
Before Adam grabbed the plate he'd put the cheesecake on, he turned to Roman. He wrapped his arms around his husband's neck. "Let's leave the crap here. No point in upsetting Jay and Heath. Heyman can't win. I love you, Islander." Adam gave Roman a gentle kiss.
Roman's hands rested on Adam's hips. "You're right. I just want to have fun and relax. I love you, Viking." He returned Adam's kiss, but not gently. He captured Adam's lips with passion. It left Adam slightly breathless. They held each other after the kiss broke. Roman and Adam drew strength from each other. They needed each other.
With another quick kiss, they broke their embrace. Adam picked up the plate and Roman grabbed the Clue Mystery Game. Roman always had hope they would play. He also had the envelope they'd found in the office that morning.
When Adam and Roman got down to the first floor, Evan came in the front door. "Hi guys! Have good first day back?" he was happy, even though he was loaded down with thick text books and the work books that went with them.
"Hey Squirt. Wow, what a load of books. Need help? First day back was good. Want to come with us? Jay and Heath invited us to dinner, but I know they won't mind an extra person." Roman held his hands out to take Evan's load of books.
"No, thanks. This is a light load. Well... um... thanks but Chris is at Tony's. He's getting a pizza. He's going to watch me study. Have fun. Tell Jay and Heath I said hello." Evan laughed and happily bounded up the stairs.
Adam laughed softly as Evan went upstairs. "That is one happy young man. I really hope he and Chris make it as a couple." He knocked on the Reso's front door. Greetings were exchanged when both Jason and Heath answered their door.
Soon the two couples were gathered around the dinner table. Heath had spent all day making a roast chicken with stuffing, mashed potatoes with gravy, homemade cream style corn and a tossed salad. He'd also made homemade dinner rolls.
"Heath, you might not be the neatest in the kitchen, but mom Carol sure passed on her cooking skills." Roman teased with a bite of food.
"Well, my momma could cook, I learned a lot from her, but yeah, mom Carl did teach me a lot. Oh, just before you arrived, I got a call back from the Brucemore. I'm sorry to say, they don't allow paranormal investigations. They were also not happy about pictures being taken on the tour. Camera's aren't allowed on the tour. She asked who gave the pictures to us. I wouldn't have told her, but you said it was anonymous. She thanked us for our interest and said to visit any time; as tourists and she emphasized the word tourist. I dunno if we can talk to them further or not." Heath finished his report and took a bite of mashed potatoes and gravy. He slopped some gravy down his chin.
Jason laughed and wickedly licked the dribble of gravy from Heath's chin. "Such a little slob," he winked and laughed again as Heath flushed a pretty shade of pink.
Adam and Roman smiled at each other. Jason and Heath were an evenings entertainment in themselves. Adam swallowed his sip of iced tea, then spoke. "Now, this is not psychic in any way, but something tells me anonymous will be in touch again. I would also not be surprised to find out anonymous has a connection with the Brucemore. Thanks for making contact, Heath. I promise, when we get an office, we'll find a way to pay you to be there full time." Adam spoke firmly.
Heath vehemently shook his head. "Why should I get paid. No one in CHGH gets paid. I can do both, run the office and do my temp jobs. Oh yeah, Glenn called. I guess Mark fussed at him about an office space. He's looking again tomorrow." Heath went back to eating.
"How funny. I told Adam today to tell Mark to get on to Glenn. Adam, tell them what happened at the lab today." Roman said with a nudge to his husband. Adam told the story of Tom and his sister as they finished their meal. Jason and Heath were both pleased Adam had been able to help someone in trouble.
After dinner, Roman and Jason washed the dishes. Heath set up the card table in the large front room so they could play games. Adam made a pot of coffee and sliced huge pieces of the fresh blueberry cheesecake.
The four friends settled in to play a game of Clue. Heath took a ribbing from Jason when he chose to play Miss Scarlet. Adam didn't fair any better with Mrs. Peacock.
"But I like the blue piece! I can't help it if blue happens to be Missus Peacock. Besides, Jaybird, Colonel Mustard is much better looking than you... you should be Professor Green!" Adam teased Jason right back and stuck his tongue out at him.
That was how the rest of the evening went. A lighthearted, fun time. While Roman did enjoy himself, one thought was constantly on his mind.
Heyman had to be stopped from closing down the Paranormal Department... but how?