John grins. “You know what – let’s go to my pce. I got plenty of alcohol to throw around.”

  Amber chuckles at this. “So, just like that, we’re throwing a party?”

  “A wise so and so, always says you can either ugh or cry. Personally, I’m done crying.” With these words, the group makes their way towards John’s house. His parents are there, deep in conversation at the front porch.

  “I know, love, but we have to step in. Everything that’s been happening this year, it’s been dangerous. I don’t know if he’s able to handle it.” It’s Thomas Maxwell, the senator on the television, with his tawny grey-blond hair not done up with gel and his eyes cool and calm.

  “Are you talking about me?” John challenges them both.

  “It’s a good thing you’re home, young man.” Aliena Maxwell, his mother marches forwards. “I was considering giving Miss Sincir a call. You’ve been wearing my patience a bit thin with all your antics.”

  Vukosava keeps her face even, one is fire, the other is ice. They work together well, Mr. and Mrs. Maxwell. Finally, after a couple seconds, they take note of the rest of the group. It’s evident they want some along time with their troublesome son, but that’ll have to wait.

  “Very well, this conversation will wait for another day.” Aliena Maxwell gives in reluctantly. “But you best believe that it’s coming, Johnny.”

  “I’ve had plenty of conversations with, Johnny, Mrs. Maxwell.” Vukosava says politely. “He can be a challenge – at times.”

  “You’re not wrong.” Aliena Maxwell grumbles with the knowing of a real mum.

  “Hey, this isn’t the roast the shit out of Johnny day, you got that?” John snaps back.

  “Well, dear, why don’t you introduce us to your friends, I can sometimes forget things.”

  “Right, this is Amber, Harley and Vukosava.” John gestures to them one after another.

  “After what happened to our car, and what Miss Sincir had to deal with – you’re on thin ice, son.” Thomas Maxwell still retains his cool persona. “But I suppose if you’re staying here, you can’t cause too much trouble.”

  “I know, dad, it’s been a rough year. I just want to throw a celebration.” John looks at his parents, despite their grievances with the suggestion, Vukosava can see that they’re weakening. It’s clear that they feel the same way that the rest of them do. “I’ll make sure everything is clean, no bottles, no pizzas, no litter.”

  “Very well, make sure that you’re on your best behavior. These young dies need to be treated with respect.” Aliena Maxwell gives him a sharp look. “Be a good host.”

  With that, the two Maxwell’s go on their way. They’re both very busy people.

  Harley waits until they’re out of earshot. “I can see where you get your winning personality from.”

  “Thanks for the compliment. I really appreciate it.” John flips her off under the table, which gets a snort out of Harley.

  John delves into his freezer, pulling out a couple sprites and ciders for their enjoyment, there’s plenty of snacks to go around too – chips, chocotes, and other sweets. He’s got an entire treasure trove waiting for them.

  “I have to say – there’s one lesson I’ve learned since hanging out with you morons, it always pays to be prepared.” John lifts up his cider, toasting everyone equally. “My dad’s too clever to let me slip beers under the table.”

  Amber sits down by the pool. “I just can’t believe it’s over.”

  “It might be crazy for me to say it – but we avenged Marcus, Fredrick, Gregory and Barry. We helped Carlos and his therapist Alexi send the monsters back home.” Nathen clinks his cider against John’s. “If that doesn’t count for something, then I might as well jump in the pool.”

  “I think they’d be proud of us.” Vukosava only took a few sips of her sprite. “Wherever they are, Heaven or otherwise, I hope they’re resting well. They deserve their peace.”

  Everyone moves over to the pool, smiling at each other. “To our great friends.”

  The rest of the group raise their drinks.

  “This pool hasn’t been set up for no reason.” John shoves Vukosava in. She squeals in shock, ughing as she surfaces, and soon everyone else is jumping in and swimming around the pool, spshing water at each other. It’s the first time that they’ve been able to celebrate anything, the first time that their hearts fill with joy, not fear or sorrow. This is a time to be alive. It’s going to be a long while before they’re ready to emerge from the pool.

  -

  “How much longer do you think the clean-up is going to be?” One of the operatives from the state team is there, speaking to Carlos and Alexi, he’s addressing the question to the two of them.

  Carlos can still smell the blood and bile, but there’s nothing else for it. “Fear is a smell that’s hard to get rid of – what other reason are you asking this bloody question?”

  “You were dealing with Sir Victor Alberius, a Grade-3 haunting, he did exchange words with you, right?”

  “There are going to be more paranormal cases affecting this state. That is the gist of it.”

  “The Bureau is going to be far from pleased.”

  Carlos snaps his head around to look directly at the unfortunate man. “Son, what else do they think? Unless that information is cssified.”

  “I understand your anger, sir, but the Bureau expected better results. You have extensive experience dealing with these occurrences, yet the portal escaped your notice.”

  “There’s one thing you need to understand, son, the Red Queen is an entity that maniputes your desires. If you passionately want something – that fuels her ability to alter reality.”

  Alexi is pying the diplomat. “Sir, we understand the grievances of the Bureau. The people who have been affected by this emotionally and physically – they’re our punishment, we failed them. That’s who matters at the end of the day, regardless of our politics and officiating.”

  “On that we agree.” The man nods to the two of them. “The Bureau has taken the total casualties into account; there are 8,000 confirmed to be deceased. That number could rise over the next few days, in addition the missing persons cases have been on the rise as well, sitting at 200.”

  Carlos nods slowly. “At worst that’s 8,500 people that have been affected by these occurrences.”

  “Correct. With the total number of casualties tied in with the emotional turmoil that occurred, there is a nest egg of negative energy that is dwelling in this local area. The Bureau suspects that the next possible tragedy will use this energy as fuel. As for the entity that will utilise this power – that remains unknown.”

  “Great – so one fucking mess extends to another.” Carlos folds his hands behind his back. “What else is new?”

  “There is one st thing I’m to disclose, the Bureau has taken an interest in one group. The group that initially opened the portal at Duskenveil.”

  Alexi raises an eyebrow. “So, even the Bureau is not against the idea of utilising outside talent?”

  “You understand the Bureau well, Mr. Alexi, they have concluded that future paranormal events will require decisive action. You are to monitor the group, assess their usefulness in resolving future threats and bring them into the fold if deemed necessary.”

  “Do they have a choice?” Carlos asks.

  “This isn’t a conscription, sir, they will have the final say.” The man pauses for a moment, realising the meaning behind his words. “I am Mr. Rhodes, and I will be keeping a close eye on the two of you, respectfully of course.”

  “It’s a pleasure to have you aboard, Mr. Rhodes, I’m sure we’ll get on quite well.”

  -

  “What a day, huh?” John is sitting at the edge of the pool, with his calves beneath its cool surface. “I don’t know what else to say.”

  “I suppose everything has already been said.” Vukosava is sitting down next to him, with a generously donated towel going around her. “The Red Queen, Sir Victor Alberius, some of the monsters, they’ve been fended off. They’ve returned to their court.”

  “You’re already preparing for the future, aren’t you?” John smirks at her.

  “It’s not like I have much of a choice. It’s a case of burying my head in the sand or accepting what reality is – I can’t be an ostrich. I think it won’t be too long, you know how fast YouTubers move to investigate tragic or traumatic locations and events. They want to hunt for the truth and dig it up.” Vukosava is reflecting aloud. “I have to admit, sometimes I despise the industry.”

  “I get it – we’re a bunch of morons that say, this person was murdered by their own family member, the axe murderer confessed to everything – we have their identity.” John speaks in a mocking tone, as if he were a private investigator with a cigar stuck in his mouth. “Man, I sound like some pompous asshole.”

  Vukosava ughs heartily. It’s a deep, resonating tune that cuts through the night. “I won’t deny that. You certainly have a talent for it.”

  He leans against her; they’re shoulder to shoulder now. “So, what’s the pn, Vics?”

  “We keep monitoring – keep our heads on a swivel.” Vukosava doesn’t back away. It’s crazy but she doesn’t feel a sense of repulsion towards him, her heart is going away, but she doesn’t want to expose anything. Her rationality is what she’s always stuck to. “Do you want to hear any of my theories? Any of my hunches?”

  “Why don’t you take it easy for a bit?” John looks up into the dazzling sky. “Our friends would want all of us to live a little.”

  “I suppose I can allow myself one night of not panicking about things and ringing my hair out.” Vukosava admits. “Plus, I do want to get some payback.”

  “Payback?”

  Vukosava jumps up and shoves John into the pool. He falls in, coughing and spluttering.

  He surfaces quickly enough, ughing and shaking his fist comically at her. “You sneaky bitch!”