Exton

It's been a rough couple of days at the cemetery... people just never die when you expect 'em to, and then some days you have one funeral right after another. And then there's this ghoul thing.... The result is that I haven't slept worth a damn in three days, and I'm staring blearily at my Corona and thinking maybe I ought to go home and get some sleep - and then, of course, a shadow falls across the table.

"Hello, Jack."

"Evening, Rowan. How's the healing business these days?"

"Uplifting... how's the cemetery biz?"

"Oh well, you know, we have our ups and downs...." I pick up the Corona and flourish it. "Pax Aeternum - we will be the last to let you down."

She smiles, but it looks tired. "Have a seat, Red... if you're not with anyone, that is...."

She sighs and sits. "So what do you think of this ghoul business, Jack?"

"I have no clue... I'm just a glorified gravedigger, babe... I leave the mystic stuff to the Doc."

"You forget, I've seen you work."

"You forget… I deal with ghosties, not ghoulies."

She grins. "And Things That Go Bump In The Night?"

I yawn prodigiously. "Not lately. Probably just as well... I haven't slept worth a damn in three days."

People are coming in now, picking up drinks at the bar or placing orders for later. "Looks like things are about to get started."

"Yeah. Hey, if your van doesn't start after the party, let me know... I'll give you a ride."

"My place or yours?" She smiles, then laughs out loud at my dumbfounded look.

"Okay, you got me that time, Red. I owe you one."

"I just may hold you to that…." And with a final smile, Rowan stands and moves over to sit near Erik and Star.