Finders Ghost Hunting Series

Episode One

Two Years Ago

Claire Westin's office, a fortress of glass and steel, stood as a testament to power and success. Yet tonight, its sleek surfaces and panoramic city view felt oppressive, mirroring the emptiness gnawing at her soul. The walls, once symbols of achievement, now closed in, questioning the very foundation of her accomplishments.

Seated at her desk, Claire stared at a message from Janet, her ever-enthusiastic assistant: "Claire! The ratings are insane! You're a genius!" What should have been a moment of triumph felt hollow. The accolades, soaring ratings, and financial rewards were like echoes in a vast, empty chamber. Her fingers hesitated over the keyboard before she typed a brief reply: "Thanks, Janet. See you tomorrow. Good night."

She leaned back, her eyes drifting to the indifferent city skyline. The silence was thick with memories she had long tried to bury. Her mother's voice whispered in her mind: "Our work should reflect our values, Claire. It's not just about success—it's about doing the right thing." Those words had guided her when she first entered the media world. She had believed she could make a difference, but the industry demanded compromises that blurred the line between success and integrity. She learned to navigate the game, delivering what networks wanted, even when it gnawed at her conscience.

Her gaze shifted to the stack of papers on her desk—the contract that could either elevate her to the position of executive producer, with her own show, or end her career. Signing Finder's Ghost Hunters meant stepping into a realm where faith, conviction, and truth mattered more than sensationalism. It meant risking everything she had worked for—her reputation, career, and the legacy inherited from her father.

If this venture failed, it wouldn't just be a professional setback; it would be a personal one. The industry would view her as a naïve idealist who overstepped her bounds, and her boss, Executive Producer Roger Hawthorne, would ensure she never forgot it. He would tighten his grip, denying her the freedom to pursue meaningful work again.

Her thoughts wandered back to San Diego Comic-Con, where she had first encountered Grant and Jason. She had been there to promote her latest show—a lighthearted dramedy about quirky millennials navigating love in the digital age. Yet, the Finder's Ghost Hunters booth had piqued her interest. "You don't seem like the ghost-hunting type," Jason had teased. Grant added, "We've got plenty of stories, but they're more than just tales to us."

What was meant to be a brief chat turned into hours of conversation. By the end of it, Claire felt compelled to join their venture. Offering them a contract had been a daring move—one Roger barely acknowledged—but she was willing to take that risk.

Her phone buzzed, interrupting her musings. It was Roger.

"Claire, sponsors are pouring money at us. What's next?" Roger's voice brimmed with excitement, though Claire sensed a flicker of tension, as if he were walking a tightrope.

"God only knows," she said, half to herself. "Plans will be on your desk by morning."

There was a pause on the other end, just long enough to prick at Claire's unease. Then, Roger's voice returned, the earlier lightness replaced with a colder, more calculating tone.

"Don't burn out on me now, Claire," he said, his tone deceptively casual. "This project could make or break us."

Claire's breath caught. She knew Roger too well to miss the underlying message—there was no "us" in his equation. This was a test, a pivotal moment, and he was scrutinizing her every move.

"Roger you are being paranoid," she assured him, but even as she spoke, the weight of her commitment began to press down harder—not just to Roger or the network, but to herself.