Risen (Haunted Series Book 22)

out of that tiny baby.”
“You were her first love.  Could it be that we have it all wrong?  You’re the object of the Cooper curse?” Orion asked.
“I don’t know about this curse.  If there was one, it would have been broken when Shane stole her and took her into the past,” Abigor said.
“That would stop you from the effects, but not Mia,” Orion warned.  “To me, her illness has been explained.  You broke her heart.  You put her in the hospital.  Intentionally or not, I fear that you’re more than inextricably interrelated.”
Orion saw that Abigor was glowing with vigor and pride.  He knew he had him with his words.
“What do I do?” Abigor asked.  “I don’t want to kill her, but I don’t want an assassin in my bed either.”
“I think she’s feeling better.  Leave her alone.  She may not even know how deep her love for you goes,” Orion lied.  “Ted will take care of her.  We all will.  You just continue to do what you do, just leave her alone.  If you want, I can take the memories of you out of her head.”
“No!” Abigor said a bit too quickly.  “Let me just be a dream unrealized.”
“Fine.  Now if you would excuse me, I have to find something for her to wear home from the hospital.”
“These aren’t her clothes?”
“No, she didn’t plan on staying here any longer than to rescue Sabine.  The hurricane and the demon-with-no-name put a monkey wrench into that.”
“I had it all wrong.  But we were in a bit of turmoil when she dropped into the pit with Ruax.  And it didn’t stop when she killed him.  We’re missing a demon ship, one of Leviathan’s.  They thought it was Mia’s doing, but I was with her when it happened.  It’s kismet that I decided to visit her at the exact time it disappeared.  Orion, you’re my alibi that I didn’t sink the ship.”
“Do I need to sign something?” Orion asked as he finished packing Sabine’s clothes.
“No.  I don’t think so.  Of course, it could have been a natural thing that destroyed The Risen.  Maybe a waterspout?  That’s what I’d use if I were going to destroy a ship,” he said, glancing sideways at Orion.
Orion just continued to fuss around.  “Aha!  How about this?” he said, holding up a sundress that was knotted up in the corner of the closet.  But Abigor had left.  He smoothed out the wrinkles and allowed himself a long held in sigh of relief.

Chapter Twenty-six
Mia got out along with Kevin and kissed the tarmac when they landed.  Ted almost wet himself with laughter.  It’s wasn’t that the trip was turbulent, but Kevin didn’t travel well and Mia felt bad for him. So once again, she was taking care of an insecure male the entire trip.
Fergus stayed manifested throughout the entire trip, playing cards with Mason, Orion, and Ted.  Ted had won three I.O.U.s.  He tore up the other two but held onto Mason’s.
“Your husband counts cards,” Mason said, helping Mia into the limo.
“I know.  So do you.  Orion reads minds, and Fergus kept popping behind all of you. And still, you all lost to Ted,” Mia pointed out.
Mason smiled.  “Do you mind if I stay with you, girly-girl, until I figure out what I’m doing next?”
“You’re welcome in my home always,” she said.  “It may get a little crowded with everyone thinking they need to be with me because of my freakin’ broken heart.”
“Sorry about that.”
“Mason, as it turns out, I just needed some rest.  It takes a lot out of a girl, dueling with demons.”
“Or having sex with Ted.”
“OMG, you did not just say that!”
“I could hear you two across the courtyard, sister.”
“Hear what?” Ted asked, getting in the car after loading the suitcases.
“Nothing, dear,” Mia said.
Orion sat in the corner, waiting until Kevin and Fergus settled down on the side seats after oohing and awing over the accoutrements of riding in the limo.
Orion looked at his messages.  “It seems everyone is at your house.”
Mia groaned.
Ted patted her on the knee.  “It’s hell being loved, isn’t it?”
“No comment.  But really, all I want to do is sleep.  Can we stop at the asylum and have me committed for a while?”
Mason snorted.
“Aside from sending in a birdman strike force, there is no way you’re going to get out of this outpouring of love and support,” Orion said.
“Please, call one in,” Mia said.
It was Ted’s turn to snort.
“Let the ladies fawn over and settle you in,” Orion advised.  “We’ll try to rush them along.”
“No, you’ll be out in the barn drinking beers with Cid and Tom.”
“Before I forget, Kevin and Fergus,” Mia said.  “Ted and I’ve discussed this.  We want you to know that the farm is your home as long as you want to haunt it.”
“I appreciate that,” Kevin said.  “But Fergus and I have plans.  We’ll be heading west just as soon as Patrick gets tired of looking for that G damn pirate treasure.”
“They’re going to trade pirate treasure for abandoned gold mines,” Mia told Orion.
“That isn’t a bad idea.  If you don’t find gold, copper is very valuable too,” he said.  “I’d be interested enough to sponsor a trip…”
Mia coughed and mouthed, “Audrey.”
“I have my own money, Mia,” Orion defended.  “Besides, do you know how many favors Gerald owes me?”
“Lucky you.  I think we’re in the deficit, aren’t we, Teddy Bear?”
Ted looked at her with wide soft eyes.
“But you’re so worth it,” Mia said quickly.
“Ah, gross!” Mason complained.
“They’re coming!” Audrey announced.
Cid walked out of the farmhouse and waited for the limo to slow before he opened the door.  Ted got out, and Mia no sooner stood up outside the car before Cid whisked her