CHAPTER TWENTY
Lance scooped a bit of ice cream from the bowl he held, watching as Haunt ran the yard, chasing Terrance around it. Beside him, Angus had his own bowl of ice cream, but he was focused on his phone. "Put it down. You're mine tonight, not work's."
Angus smiled and set his phone aside. "It was Captain Marshall. He was letting me know that it looks like Johnny is getting a plea deal. He'll admit to his crimes and be charged as a juvenile."
"How do you feel about that?" Lance asked.
"I'm torn. I hate to see his life over at fifteen because he gets sent to jail for life, but he did kill four people. He knew what he was doing. I'm not sure it's punishment enough for all the hurt he caused."
Gail looked over at them from where she sat across the table with Ray and Bethany. "I thought I'd be more upset, but I'm not. I'd rather still be alive, but the anger and hate I thought I'd have for Johnny isn't there. I feel sorry for him. I wish we'd done more to include him. I can't help but feel like maybe we caused some of this."
"You didn't make him choose murder," Angus stated after Lance told him what she'd said. "There were other ways he could have handled his anger."
Terrance walked over. "No, he was invited to join us. Every time we ordered pizza, we offered him some. We always asked if he wanted to join us, but he'd roll his eyes. It got to the point that yeah, we'd quit asking him, but that was his choice, not ours."
Lance told Angus what was said.
"One thing I've learned when it comes to murder is no one is to blame except the person who chose to do it. Most of us find ways to show when we're upset. We don't go killing people. Don't feel guilty." Angus scraped the last of his ice cream from the bowl. "Millions of kids face the problems Johnny did and don't kill people."
Lance agreed. He didn't feel a bit of sorrow for Johnny. He'd made his choices. The ones he felt sorry for were the victims, the families, and the friends who had lost so many. He couldn't stop thinking of Tom who couldn't mourn Terrance the way he should because he had to hide what they meant to each other from his family. It was something Lance didn't bring up because Terrance was having a hard enough time, but it really hit hard. Needing to change the subject, Lance set his bowl down. "Have you two decided if you're going to stick around awhile or head into the light?"
Gail and Terrance exchanged smiles.
"Thanks to Ray telling us about all the free travel we can do, we've decided to stay for a while and travel. We're not sure where we'll go or for how long we'll keep it up, but we both agreed there's too much out there to see for us to cross over now. We are going to leave in a few days and start our adventure in California. We'll travel the coast and work our way through each state, then maybe go overseas and see other places. I've always wanted to go to Egypt." Gail sighed. "I just wish Liz and Fiona were here to go with us."
"Who knows what's in the light? Maybe they are seeing even greater things," Bethany said. "I think it's great you guys are going to explore. The light will be there when you're ready."
Lance told Angus everything, then smiled at the ghosts. "I'm so jealous of you two. There's so much to see out there. No matter where you go, know that you two are welcome back here anytime. My home is always open to you two. I hope that at some point you two will come back and tell us all about the great things you've seen."
Angus nodded. "Exactly what he said. While I am so sorry you two died, I'm glad you're not letting it stop you from living."
Lance smiled at how perfectly Angus had said that. "I love you."
"Love you too." Angus kissed him softly.
"That's our cue to get out of here." Ray stood. "We'll leave you two alone for a few hours. We're going to head over and check on Tom and Gavin, then we're taking Terrance and Gail to meet some of our friends across town. We want them to know others when they decide to come back."
"That's great. Someday, I want to meet these people too," Lance told Ray before explaining to Angus that the ghosts were leaving for a while. "You guys have fun." He watched the ghosts rise and with a wave, they floated out of the backyard. "They're gone. Looks like it's just the three of us." Lance smiled as Haunt came back to his side after seeing the ghosts leave.
"It's okay, girl, they'll be back." Angus brushed his hand over the dog's back. "As for us, I'm not sure what to do with us having time alone. I'm tempted to hide my phone in the garage so no one can get hold of me."
Lance got up from his chair and settled onto Angus's lap. "After the week you've had, if anyone calls you tonight, they won't like the way I answer. Tonight, I want to forget work, forget ghosts, and forget that there is a world around us. Tonight, it's just you and me."
"I like the way you think. I'll make you a deal. You clean up out here, while I go in and get Haunt's dinner and make sure she has water. Then I'll lock up and meet you in the bedroom. Last one in the shower has to deal with the cold tile on their back."
"Promise to warm me up if I lose?" Lance nipped Angus's lip.
"I'll warm you up and keep you that way all night. That's one promise I know I can keep." Angus reached over and turned off his phone. "See, no one can call me in to work now. I'm all yours."
"I've known that since almost the day we met, and no matter how many times you're called away, I know you're mine and will always come home when you can." Lance stood. "Meet you in the shower."
"Unless I get there first." Angus stood and ran inside.
Lance laughed as he picked up their empty bowls. Life was an adventure with Angus by his side, but it was a life he wouldn't trade for anything. He was happy, and with Angus as his partner, that wasn't going to change.