Ghost Hunting 101

☆Twenty Four ☆

Warning: Minor innuendo.

***
Since there were spirits that the team had encountered, which needed help crossing over, Billie was contacted and asked to come and handle the situation. She agreed, wholeheartedly and Avery was asked to assist. She was pleasantly surprised and happily agreed.

Once that was done, and Nolan and the team presented the evidence to the clients, whom were eternally grateful, everyone packed up and returned to Sahling, where the crew from Paranormal Monthly offered their hearty congratulations to the team and took off.

Avery stood there, holding Nolan's hand, as they waved the staff from Paranormal Monthly, off. Avery knew how relieved Nolan was.

"I'd like to add my own personal congratulations," Nolan tells everyone, smiling especially at Avery, who can feel her face heating up.

"Thanks, boss," Sid says. Nolan suddenly looks a little emotional and Avery wraps an arm around his waist, holding him tightly. Nolan struggles briefly, trying not to completely lose it.

"T..Thanks," he finally manages to choke out, his eyes watery. "You guys are the best damn paranormal team a guy could ask for."

Lennox chuckles, clapping Nolan on the back. Nolan gives him a shaky smile.

"And you're the best damn leader," Lennox says. "I've learned a ton from you over the few years."

"Thanks," Nolan repeats. "You've been an excellent student." He looks at Sid and Lola, too. "All of you have. You're professionals, and you're not afraid to ask the tough questions and look for the truth."

"Aww shucks." Sid chuckles, looking both pleased and embarrassed.

"You've been a good leader," Lola adds. "You're the perfect fit for us. You're patient, and willing to push us when you know we're capable of more."

"That's part of being a good leader," Avery says, giving Nolan's hand an affectionate squeeze. He chuckles, looking less teary-eyed.

"Thanks. But a leader is only as good as they're followers. And you've all been amazing students and followers. You took a chance on me and this society. I'll be forever grateful," Nolan says.

"We'll miss you, buddy," Lennox says.

"And I'll miss you all," Nolan says. "But it's not forever. And if for any reason, something comes up, that stumps you, I'll always be available to brainstorm."

"Thanks, Nolan," Lola says. Nolan grins.

"Anything for this amazing group."

****

Nolan and Avery left the society, heading straight to his house, to unwind and have some uninterrupted time to themselves.

"Is it gonna be difficult for you, to just step away from the society?" Avery asks as they're relaxing on the living room couch.

"Yeah," Nolan says. "It really will be." He runs a hand through his hair, looking like someone who just lost their best friend. Her heart ached for him. She knew just how much the paranormal society meant to him. It was a part of who he had become.

"But a break is seriously needed," Nolan continues. "I haven't had a break from doing this in the ten years I've been running the society."

"Damn," Avery remarks. "That is a long time going without a break. You're long overdue." Nolan nods absently, rubbing Avery's back.

"I suppose this signals the end of this particular topic for your blog, huh?"

"It is. I'll need to come up with another topic by the end of the month."