“These guys will be in jail for a month, and then what?” George asked.
“I hadn’t thought about that. Guess I figured they’d just move on,” said Sam.
“Well, Angie and I have been talking and I made a decision. I have an offer for you Sam,” George said.
Sam looked from Angie to George and couldn’t figure out where this was going. “Okay, what is this offer?” she asked.
“You’re going to need Buster around for a couple of months. Once those reporters get out, most are going to disappear. But a few are going to come back to see if Buster is still here and if there is a story,” he said.
“I can see that,” said Sam.
“So, Angie and I talked and if you’re willing, I’d like to stay on for a while. Angie too. I’m not ready to be separated from her for more than a few days to be honest. She can help around the kitchen and stuff. You can take it easy for a bit and I’ll work on being an old dog. Then in a few months, Buster can pass on too and you can be left in peace,” said George.
“I can’t ask that of you,” said Sam.
“No, but we can offer. George is between jobs and while the company can use a good receptionist, Ginny can cope and we figure it would probably be good if ‘Solda or Bitty learned a skill or two,” said Angie.
“I agree. We talked about this while you were gone Luc,” said Ginny.
Luc turned to Patrick. “I knew leaving them alone was dangerous,” he said to Patrick.
“Like you didn’t know they’d plot to rule the world. Steal someone else’s bone,” laughed Patrick.
“Geeze, I’m the CEO, and my receptionists rule the office,” said Luc.
“You bet your ass,” said Meg. “As it should be. I think it’s a great idea. Plus it will give Angie’s house a chance to sell so they aren’t packed into Ginny’s house.”
“I’d forgotten all about that,” said Sam. “I accept.” Sam held her hand out to George to shake on the deal. George wrapped her up in his arms and hugged her. Angie moved in and hugged Sam as well.
“Now, which one of us is cooking?” asked Patrick holding up a pile of steaks. “Not sure about anyone else, but I’m starving.”
Sam smiled and tossed her barbecue apron to Patrick. Patrick snagged it and turned back to the stove. Ginny started to make a salad and Luc and Meg went upstairs for a bit. Sam turned to George.
“You gonna be okay with this?” she asked quietly.
“Yes Sam. I wouldn’t have offered if I didn’t. At first I thought that I could just go home with the others at the end of the week. After the reporters showed up, I knew I couldn’t. So, Angie and I talked. The best solution was for us to stay,” he said.
“Alright, but if it ever gets to you, you just tell me,” Sam said.
“I will. Oh, and one other thing. No wages,” he said.
“But…” Sam started.
“No Sam, and that was my condition,” said Angie. “We figured that by being here we’re costing you a room. We won’t take from you twice. You won’t let us pay you now which isn’t fair either.”
“Well, you’re family. How could I?” said Sam.
“Exactly. So, if we don’t pay for our rooms, we don’t get paid wages,” argued Angie.
Sam thought about it for a moment and realized that Angie was damn smart. “Fine. It’s a deal,” she said and they shook on it. “Now let’s see if we can get this place cleaned up a bit. We have a business to run.”
*
Saturday morning came far too quickly. Luc and Patrick packed the Subaru while Meg and Ginny said their goodbyes. Kisses and tears were exchanged and finally Angie, George and Sam waved as the Subaru pulled out of the driveway and down the road.
Luc waved out the window and then concentrated on driving. Cal had called Friday night. Work had been steady, but there was a wave of stupidity flowing through town. He’d gotten to work to find the sign defaced and some windows broken. Luc hadn’t said anything in front of Sam or George, but he suspected that someone had traced them from the B&B to work.
“So, what’s got you all riled up?” asked Patrick.
“Someone playing stupid tricks at work. Cal and Peter are doing repairs today and I’m not happy,” said Luc.
“We can tell. Stop growling at all the cars,” said Ginny.
“Sorry. It’s just after all that’s gone on you’d think that people would just let it go,” said Luc.
“Hon, they won’t. It’s just too damn interesting,” said Meg.
“Why do you say that?” asked Luc.
“Well, have you looked at the best sellers list in the paper lately?” she asked.
“No,” said Luc.
“Well, there are three books that have been at the top of the list for fifteen weeks. All of them to do with vampires, werewolves or other supernatural beings,” said Meg. “To be honest, two of them are my favorite authors.”
“Yeah, in spite of the whole bite and turn factor, some of those books are really hot,” said Ginny.
“Yup, Sex sells,” said Patrick. He’d picked up one of the books Ginny was reading the other day and had been surprised at the level of sexual content.
“So, this is about voyeurism as much as anything?” asked Luc.
“In a way. People want to see things that frighten or fascinate them and the more ‘out there’ it is, the better they like it. Sex is good. Naughty sex is better. Naughty sex with vampires and werewolves is hot,” said Meg.
“Oh god! You mean they want to see shifters fucking?” asked Luc.
“Not only see it, but do it. There is a whole group of people called Furries who dress up and pretend to be shifters and have sex. Or, at least cybersex,” said Meg.
“Where in the hell do you women find out about this type of thing?” asked Patrick.
“Patrick, we do more than shop online,” said Ginny with a giggle in her voice.
“What!!!” said Patrick.