It took Chris Jericho a few minutes to realize he wasn't in his bed, in his one room apartment at the rooming house. He smiled when he felt Evan stir in his arms.
"Chrissy?" A sleepy voiced Evan spoke through a yawn. He nuzzled his head against Chris' chest.
"Yeah, Evvy, it's me. Time to wake up. We're all having breakfast at the Happy Chef, remember?" Chris gave the raven haired head of Evan a gentle kiss.
"M'kay... wanna take a shower? Clean towels under the sink." Evan again spoke through a yawn. He stayed wrapped around Chris. It was so nice and comfortable.
"Baby, you have to let me up." Chris gave a laugh through a yawn of his own.
"Oh... sorry... " Evan rolled away from Chris and snuggled down deeper on the bed. Evan usually woke up immediately, but he was so safe and comfortable, he fell back into a light doze.
Chris looked over at the clock/radio on Evan's night stand. There was plenty of time before they all met for breakfast, he decided to let Evan sleep a bit longer. Chris got out of the bed, took his shaving kit out of his back pack, along with a pair of jeans and a blue button down shirt. He also grabbed clean underwear and socks.
Evan smiled in his sleepy state. It was nice to wake up in the arms of someone that cared about him. Evan also felt more rested than he had in months. He laughed softly, Chris was singing in the shower.
Evan made himself get up. While he waited for his turn in the bathroom, he made the bed and took out a back pack. He packed for the overnight trip to Cedar Rapids. While he worked, he grew more nervous about the upcoming investigation. He was glad Chris was there.
"Roman Reigns, change the sheets! This is the third time I've asked. I want clean sheets on the bed when we get home on Sunday. You helped get them dirty you know!" Adam spoke sharply. He was trying to pack for himself and his husband.
Roman sighed. "Alright, Viking. I'm coming! I wanted to catch the weather for tonight..." He clicked off the television. Adam was mad and that was not a good way to start an investigation day.
Adam almost threw their things into their bag, but his sense of order kept him in check. When he felt Roman's arms around his waist, Adam shrugged them off.
"I'm sorry, babe. You're right, I should have done it the first time you asked. It's not your job to do all the housework." Roman backed away from Adam and went to strip the cum and sweat stained sheets from their bed.
Adam sighed. "I'm sorry, RoRo. I'm... you always do your share of the chores and then some. I'm letting my nerves get control." He went and helped Roman put the clean sheets on their big, extra long king sized bed.
Roman chuckled. "You must be really sorry. You haven't called me RoRo in ages. Baby, Evan will be fine. Bray wouldn't have told you Evan was ready if he wasn't sure." He spoke calmly, no point in keeping the argument going.
"You're right, I know. Still in so many ways, Evan is a baby. He reminds me of me, before Bray helped me. Thanks for being your patient self. I know I can be a real bitch at times. Will you please get our shower kits?" Adam asked as he threw the pile of dirty sheets in the hamper.
By nine that morning, the Reigns', the Reso's, Wade, Mark, Chris, Evan, Dean and Seth were loading equipment into the mobile command van. Seth sorted out what they needed and Dean directed the loading.
The group was complete when the Helmsley's came walking down the alley. Hunter carried a well packed gym style bag.
Greetings were exchanged and Mark loaded the Helmsley's bag into his large SUV. They were all so well organized, it only took twenty minutes to get everything packed up. The mobile command van made it so much easier.
Mark spoke. "All aboard, I'm hungry." He got into the drivers seat of his SUV, Wade rode shotgun. Because he no longer carried investigation equipment, Mark could add the extra seats the SUV had. Everyone now rode more comfortably.
Seth drove the mobile command van with Dean as his passenger. Jason and Heath rode with them. Heath and Seth prepared themselves for a day of bad jokes and long, usually pointless stories. Jason and Dean always tried to out talk each other.
They first stopped at the local coffee club hang out. An old fashioned diner/restaurant called The Happy Chef. Everyone in Cedar Falls swore the restaurant had the best coffee ever brewed, and the biscuits were so light, they nearly floated off the plates.
Shawn, Adam, Wade and Seth all brought a thermos to fill with the wonderful coffee. After they ate, some of the guys took a turn in the bathroom, some took a chance to have a cigarette. Adam always took a walk around the parking lot to stretch his long legs before a drive.
Chris, Mark and Dean were having a smoke. Adam noticed Evan looked like a lost puppy as he wandered around the SUV. Adam had also noticed Evan had barely eaten any of his breakfast.
Adam strode over to Evan. "You alright? You hardly ate anything?" He looked at his protégé with a worried expression on his face.
Evan bit at his thumb nail. "Nervous. I don't want to screw anything up tonight. I feel like I'm on trial."
Adam gave a bit of a laugh. "Well, I guess you are, in a way. Don't fret so, we aren't evil judges. Bray and I wouldn't have said you were ready if you weren't. You will be fine, I promise." He threw his arm around Evan's shoulder and hugged him.
"Thanks. Chris told me the same thing. Doesn't Doctor Wyatt come on investigations?" Evan asked with a curious gleam in his eyes.
Adam shook his head. "Very rarely. He's too busy most of the time. Being the Dean of the Department doesn't leave him much time to go with us." He explained to Evan and did a few deep knee bends.
Mark finished his cigarette. "Alright boys, we'd better get going." He unlocked the SUV. Wade took the passenger seat, then on the three bench seats sat the Helmsley's, The Reign's, then in the back, were Chris and Evan. Everyone buckled up, and Mark headed the SUV towards Cedar Rapids.
An hour later, the two black vehicles of the College Hill Ghost Hunters arrived in Cedar Rapids.
The city, the second largest in Iowa, had the unique distinction of sitting on both banks of the Cedar River. The government offices of the city sat on an island in the middle of the river. Chris spoke as they passed the island.
"One of the only places in the world where the government buildings are on an island. Paris is the about the only other place I can think of, off hand. It's also home to the first exclusively Muslim cemetery in all of North America, I think. All the graves face Mecca. It's also the home of the oldest mosque in North America. There is also a huge Czech and Slovak influence. Quite diverse city." Chris spoke like the historian he was. However, he made it interesting.
That's why Chris was such a popular instructor. He didn't just lecture endless dates and cold facts. He brought life to history. He'd even been known to dress as historical figures and speak as if he visited from the past. Evan just looked at Chris with wide eyed adoration. The fact that Chris was his man didn't hurt either.
Mark looked at Chris in the rear view mirror. "I should remember, but which tribes were here?" Mark always relied on the Native American heritage of an area. Different Native tribes had different ways of dealing with things from the "under world". It was always best to know what he might come across during an investigation.
Chris looked at Mark's reflection. "Sac and Fox... oh look, there's the Brucemore." Chris pointed out the window.
To the left, was a beautiful Queen Anne style mansion in the middle of a deep green lawn, twenty six acres right in the middle of town. It was breathtaking.
"We're supposed to meet our anonymous client at the Lost Cuban restaurant at noon. It's on Third Street, just a few blocks from here." Adam stated as he looked at his pocket day planner.
"Um... you don't know who we're meeting? How will we know who it is?" Hunter asked in a sleep laced voice. He'd been asleep since they'd left Cedar Falls, and woke up when Chris pointed out the Brucemore.
Adam laughed. "Welcome back, Doc. The lady said she'd reserve a table under CHGH and she'd find us. I normally wouldn't meet someone like that, but with this group... I think we're safe..." Adam let out a gasp and slapped his forehead.
"Wade... oh... I'm so sorry. I didn't think... me and my fucking mouth." Adam moved forward to the passenger seat and gave Wade's shoulder a squeeze.
Wade reached up and squeezed Adam's hand in return. "It's alright, buddy. In a way, I'm glad that it gets forgotten. Just let it go... I'm okay. I know I'm safe..." he turned his head and smiled at Adam.
Evan quickly changed the subject as Adam sat back down. "Hey Adam, I just had a thought. Remember, Chris told us about the lions that Mister Douglas had on the estate. Remember that Leo the Second, lived in the house until he got sick and was euthanized? I've heard of empathy with animal spirits, but at least that's one thing I don't feel... anyway, could an animal be haunting the library at the Brucemore? One of things reported is a growling sound." He was curious. Could their ghost be Leo the Second or one of the other two lions?
Wade replied before Adam had a chance. "It is possible. Animals have souls, so they can return in spirit form. That's a really great question, Squirt. That's the only way you will learn. As Voltaire once said, 'Judge a man by his questions, rather than his answers'. Remember that." The Wizard flashed Evan a smile and a wink.
Evan chuckled. "I was always told I ask to many questions."
Shawn turned to look at Evan. "He who asks questions is a fool for five minutes; he who does not ask questions, is a fool forever. Remember that!" He too gave the young man a smile and a wink.
Adam nodded. "They are right, Evan. For example, if Seth never asked questions, he wouldn't invent half the things he's come up with. You make an interesting point, about the lions. I've only ever had one animal communications. One of Jason's favorite pet cats. It didn't speak, but I just knew he wanted Jay to know he was alright on the other side. We'll think of that tonight, maybe it is the ghost of one of the lions. Remind me to tell Seth." Adam stopped talking as Mark pulled into the restaurant parking lot.
They were an hour early as they stepped out of the two black vehicles. Heath ran up to Adam. "I am not riding back with those two! Dean and Jaybird got into a knock knock joke contest! Another hour of their knock knock jokes... just take me to Independence, now!" He was half joking, half serious. If he didn't love Jason so much, he would have killed him... and Dean.
Everyone chuckled at poor Heath, but they laughed even harder when they saw Seth remove the foam ear plugs from his ears.
"Heath, when will you ever learn?" Seth teased as he pulled a tube with fresh ear plugs out of his pocket. He held them just out of reach of Heath's greedy little hands.
"Gimme those Seth Rollins! Just see if I ever make you a lemon meringue pie again!" Heath held out his hands for the ear plugs.
Seth handed them over so fast, even Mark burst out in loud, deep laughter. He then wrapped one arm around Wade's waist and escorted his fiancé into the restaurant.
Roman asked the hostess for the table reserved for the CHGH. The girl led the group of twelve men to a private room in the back part of the restaurant. Adam wasn't the least bit surprised.
"Well, we might as well eat. I've heard this one of the top five restaurants in Cedar Rapids." Shawn proposed as he picked up his menu.
Everyone agreed. The Cuban menu was filled with delicious, authentic dishes. Nearly everyone ordered the special Cuban sandwich with side dishes of authentic, perfectly seasoned black beans. Evan ordered the Sopa de Pollo, a traditional chicken soup and a Cuban salad. They also drank various specialty sodas that were made and bottled in the restaurant.
Hunter challenged Roman to a game of Dominoes. Every table had a set of Dominoes as it is considered a national sport in Cuba... lives had been lost over games of Dominoes.
With the others engrossed in watching the Domino match, Chris leaned over and whispered in Evan's ear. "Baby boy, just a small cup of soup and a small salad? You hardly ate any breakfast. You know, you don't have to diet, you're thin enough, almost too thin." He gave Evan a serious, worried look with a deep furrow etched into his brow.
Evan smiled softly. "I am not vain, Chris. I'm too nervous to eat much. I promise, I'll be a right pig tomorrow Thank you though, for caring so much. It's been a long time." He gave Chris a soft kiss.
"Awww... you two are just precious. I'm so glad you found each other. Chris was getting to be a grumpy, lonely old man." Jason said with a wink to the couple. He meant it, he was happy for them, especially Chris.
Heath couldn't smack Jason, their food arrived with two waiters. Everything looked and tasted superb. They were only half way through their meal when a woman, dressed smartly in a pantsuit walked into the room.
She had short silver blond hair, and was of average height and weight. Her only jewelry was her huge diamond engagement ring, gold wedding ring, and small gold earrings. She had a confident air about her. She was not someone easily pushed around, if anything, she did the pushing.
She walked right up to Adam, who sat at the head of the table, or did before they all stood. "Professor Adam Reigns, I'm your anonymous contact. My name is Linda McMahon, nice to meet you." She held out her hand for Adam to shake.
Adam shook Linda's hand. "Linda McMahon? Are you by chance related to Stephanie McMahon?" He asked curiously. The other men remained standing as Roman pulled up a chair for their guest. When Linda sat, the men sat back down. They were just as curious as their leader.
Linda laughed. "You caught me out. Yes, Stephanie is my daughter. I was married, well still am I suppose, to Vince McMahon. We've been separated for several years... but, that's not important. Please, do go on with your lunch..." she paused and ordered a cup of Cuban coffee.
Linda continued. "I moved to Cedar Rapids and became a member of the Board of Directors for the Brucemore. I own the KCRG Television Station. I'm Vince's biggest... competition. Anyway, Stephanie told me about the article she is writing. When I learned about you, and the College Hill Ghost Hunters, I knew you were the ones to call upon." She smiled when the waiter served her coffee. She took a sip of the hot black liquid.
Adam swallowed the bite of food he'd quickly taken. "Missus McMahon, why now? The Brucemore has been active in the paranormal for a long time."
Linda nodded. "I know, but it's getting more frequent, and it is starting to affect the business. Tours are down and those that do come, usually have some kind of experience. The Brucemore hosts many cultural events every year. Since, we can't, by the rules Missus Douglas laid out, rent out the mansion for private events, we depend on art shows and plays to provide funding for every day costs. Those bookings are also down. Some of my fellow Board Members think the idea of the paranormal is ridiculous. There are a few of us that, at least, think it's possible. I give major funding each year, and my station runs free commercials for events. I finally put my foot down." She paused to take another sip of coffee.
The group held its collective breath as Jason spoke. They never knew what would come out of his mouth. "Adam said, if we do find something, we aren't allowed to guide it to leave. How is this going to help, if the spirit is still there..." He let his question fade. The police officer in him couldn't work out the logic.
Linda let a sly smirk play over her lips. "Some Board Members have... odd ideas. They look at the spirit as part of the Museum's collection. What I said was, you can't tell it to leave..." She was interrupted by Wade.
"Ah, I see. However, should any spirit decide, on its own to leave..." Wade was halted by Linda.
"You Sir, are very astute. You're Mister Barrett, the Wizard, I believe. Oh, Stephanie's story is very thorough. I would also like to meet to discuss your findings. I will be in Cedar Falls next weekend. It will save you a return trip. Oh, and Stephanie would like to be there as well. May I add. You did a wonderful thing, with Molly Heyman. She and Paul are like newlyweds... makes me..." he words faded as her thoughts wandered.
Adam placed a kind hand on Linda's arm. "That will be fine, Stephanie is a sweet girl. I must say she sure is enthusiastic about the Paranormal Department. Then, I can assume, if my spirit guide should happen to show any spirits at the Brucemore, to the other side, we'll keep it to ourselves. So, how do we get into the Brucemore, and can we use our cameras and other equipment? They work on Infra Red, so they don't damage fragile artifacts." Adam brought the conversation back to the subject at hand.
Linda McMahon regained her businesslike composure. "That will be fine. A soul should be in the light. Well, Stephanie takes after her parents, a dog with a bone that won't let go. I'll meet you at the Brucemore at eight, after closing. Do not arrive before then. Just be careful not to touch any artifacts or attach anything to furniture or fixtures. Oh, I booked six rooms at the Cooper's Mill Hotel. It's lovely, right on the river and only two miles from the Estate. I hope you don't mind." Linda pulled a packet of papers from her messenger bag.
Hunter took the offered papers. "We don't mind, thank you. However, we will pay. We don't accept money or gifts, that includes hotels and meals. It's our policy, and we are firm about it." He spoke politely but seriously.
Linda smiled. "Yes, Stephanie told me. The owner of the hotel is a dear friend, she just holding the block of rooms. You can go any time, the rooms are ready." She explained with a last sip of coffee.
Linda then stood. All twelve men politely stood as well. "I must be going. Good to finally meet you. I'll see you all at eight." She shook hands with the Reigns' and left as quickly as she had arrived.
Since everyone had finished eating and they were already standing, the group started to leave as well.
"Well, knock me over with a feather. I did not expect Stephanie's mother. Oh well, the world is full of surprises. Um Evan, what's up? Adam asked the young empath. Evan was grinning even more than the Cheshire Cat.
Evan was nearly giddy. "I did it! I actually did it! I felt her empathy trying to invade my mind, but I kept the door locked! I did it, Adam!" He was so happy with himself.
"That's great, Squirt! That was hard, even I started to feel her empathy, and that never happens. I'm proud of you! Keep it up. Um... Evan..." Adam pulled the younger man in closer as they walked out of the restaurant.
Evan stopped and looked at his mentor. Adam continued. " Are you... comfortable with only six rooms? I mean you and Chris... aren't... together... like... um... that yet... or um... are you? I don't mean to be nosey... I just want you to feel safe and comfortable. You can stay with Roman and I if you'd rather..." He was extremely hesitant. It was hard to care and not sound like a nosey Yenta.
Evan threw his arms around Adam and hugged him. He was still so thrilled about keeping his empathic door locked. "Um... Chris stayed with me last night. But not, that way. He stayed on top of the covers. I'm an adult, boss. I'll be fine. I do love you for caring. Oh Adam, this is the best day of my life! I controlled it, it didn't control me!" Evan was practically vibrating. Adam shook his head with a smile.
Evan squealed when Chris grabbed him from behind, lifted him up and twirled him around. "I am so proud of you!" He set Evan down. Adam had wandered over to speak to Jason and Heath.
Chris continued. "He worried about the hotel rooms? Hunter said I could stay with him and Shawn, that's what I usually do. Saves money." He smiled at Evan with a wink.
Evan ducked his head. "Well, Adam said I could stay with them. I told him you stayed with me last night, and our arrangement. We're consenting adults, I'd love to share a room with you." He leaned in a gave Chris a kiss.
No more was said as Mark called everyone to get in the vehicles. They loaded up and headed for the Cooper's Mill Hotel. They once again drove past the Brucemore and when they did, Adam was suddenly slammed by a spirit.
Roman felt Adam stiffen, he knew exactly what had happened. He indicated for everyone to be quiet. Mark pulled over and stopped. Luckily there was a gas station where they could safely park.
Adam closed his eyes. "Grandmother? Is it you?" He called out to his spirit guide. The sudden feeling he'd gotten had vanished as fast as it had slammed him.
"No Addy, it wasn't me. I don't know who it was. They were too fast. However, I think they know you will be at their house tonight. Be careful. I don't like it when they manage to sneak past me. I'm sorry, Addy." His Grandmother's spirit voice had an agitated tone to it.
"It's alright, grandma. You can't be over me constantly. I don't expect you to be. If you do learn anything, let me know. Thank you, grandma. I love you." Adam spoke with love and affection to his maternal spirit guide.
His Grandmother gave Adam a mental kiss. To Adam it always felt like a warm, gentle charge of energy. It left him feeling so loved and safe. He slowly opened his eyes.
"You knew?" Adam asked his husband. Adam realized they had pulled over and stopped.
Roman chuckled. "After seven years, yes Viking, I knew. What happened?" He gently massaged Adam's neck.
Adam filled everyone in as Mark once again began to drive. The Mobile Command van had gone on to the hotel. Seth thought Mark had stopped refuel. When the SUV arrived at the hotel parking lot, Adam once again told what happened.
"I hope she can find whoever it was. I don't like those sneak attack spooks." Jason conveyed in a worried tone. He'd seen Adam "attacked" many times before Bray had entered Adam's life. They were only children, and it had been an extremely frighting thing to see.
"Jay, they aren't spooks. Sometimes, they get a bit excited and jump me. I'm fine. It's not like before, Grandma keeps me safe." He gave his best friend a one armed hug of reassurance.
With a nod, Jason grabbed his and Heath's bag from the back of the SUV. Hunter went in ahead of everyone to get their rooms arranged. Hunter was always in charge, and filled the roll of group manager, with Shawn's help.
The rooms were wonderful. Each was on the top, fourth floor with views of the river. King sized beds, microwaves and refrigerators were part of the amenities.
Seth loved the high speed internet and computer connections with plenty of sockets to plug into. He could run data after the investigation if there was something important to look at. Linda had done well. They were almost sorry their stay was only for one night.
Each couple settled in. They hoped to take nice long naps to be rested for later. Evan liked that no one seemed to care that he and Chris shared a room. That was the difference between dorm life and living with mature adults... not counting Jason.
"Wow, Chris. Look at this view." Evan said in amazement. He'd grown up poor and in college he never had a lot of money, he wasn't used to such things. This was only the second time he'd been in a hotel.
Chris walked up to Evan. He wrapped his arms around his boy's waist and pulled him up against him. Evan smiled, his back fit against Chris' body perfectly.
"It is beautiful. Think of it, sweetheart. That river has flowed for thousands of miles for hundreds of years. Think what it could tell us if it could speak." Chris' voice was filled with awe. He always thought of the history of things.
"It does speak, in a way. Things wash up on the banks, fossils are found in her riverbed rocks. It changes its course to reveal other things. But, yes, if she could speak for real, the stories she would tell. Too bad my empathy can't work with things like that. It would be a lot more interesting. Chris... are you alright... sharing a bed... without... we aren't ready yet... I want it, but... not yet... are you mad?" Evan turned in Chris' arms. He placed his hands on his boyfriend's shoulders.
Chris smiled softly and tightened his grip on Evan's trim hips. "I'm fine with it. I want it too, but no, we aren't ready. I want to be absolutely sure of us first. The last thing I want is to hurt you. Sex is great, but, it's the reward for a full commitment. Especially after... well, Bray was my choice... I knew it was just sex. I want it to mean more than that with you." He spoke openly and from his heart. He didn't ever hide his relationship with Bray.
Evan gave the tip of Chris' nose a kiss. "I'm sorry about Bray, I know you cared and do care about him. But... with me... it's just me. I'm yours for as long as you want me. After Brock, I want it mean something too. If we ever do, I'm quite sure it will be the best experience of my life. Come on, we'd better take a nap. I want to be rested for tonight. Hold me?" He too spoke from his heart.
Chris gave Evan a slow, gentle kiss. "You know I will." He took his boy by the hand and led him to the bed. They couple laid down on top of the covers, fully clothed. Evan curled around Chris and Chris wrapped his arms around Evan. They fell into a deep, restful sleep.
All the couples of the College Hill Ghost Hunters took their naps. It was easy to do with full stomachs and cozy rooms. Hunter and Shawn made love first. It wasn't often they had a weekend away from patients and parishioners. Jason and Heath also made love, just because. Soon though, everyone was asleep. They all wanted to be rested and refreshed for the investigation that evening.
It was going to be an important investigation. They had a very important client, and would be Evan initiation into the College Hill Ghost Hunters.