The Haunted_Edit Copy 4-9-17 final final 5 Upload

“I have good news. The future leaders of America are
reading paranormal erotica in aisle 3,” I announced as I approached
the counter.
Tucker’s head shot up like I’d come in to the store breathing
fire. He must have been really engrossed in the book in his lap. After
a moment, he recovered from his initial shock and smiled. “That is
reassuring news. And don’t worry; they know what Kim Kardashian
had for dinner last night, but still nothing about our government.”
A laugh bubbled up in my throat. I was learning very quickly
that ghost hunters weren’t the weird people I had expected them to
be. My little brother, while unique, wasn’t a freak. And Tucker was
able to hold a conversation with pop culture references. They didn’t
spend all their time in the dark drawing pentagrams on the walls in
cat’s blood.
“How are you doing?” he asked as he set his book down on
the counter. Today’s specimen was The Count of Monte Cristo.
“Well, I’ve lived a few days with dead people floating,
walking, and moonwalking all around me. I’d say I’m doing well.”
I tugged the list out of my pocket again and held it out to him. “I
come bearing more questions from Gunner. And a few from
myself.”
Tucker’s dark eyes held more appreciation than they had on
Monday. Was he that happy that I was becoming so interested? I
guess one more person whose denial had been vanquished was a
victory for him.
“Let’s see what I can do for you today.” He started unfolding
the new piece of paper.
“Thank you, Sensei. I looked into the crystals like you
suggested. No wonder you couldn’t explain them to me the other
day; there are so many!” I slid both my hands into my back pockets.
He let out a laugh. “Yeah, you should see my collection. I’ve
got a whole case of them.”
“Do you always carry them with you?” I asked. I
remembered reading that people would get out of bed in the morning
and decide which crystals felt right for them to carry on that
particular day. Then they’d leave them in their pockets constantly.
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