The Hunters: Paranormal many shots

Interlude: House hunting with a duck

Annie stared at the house, right hand on her hip. Jared stood next to her, Senor Quackington perched on his head. The three of them took in the large building, unsure what to say. The real estate agent stood off to the side, body aimed away from the duck. This was by far the strangest group of inspections she had done.

She coughed. "It's got five bedrooms, three bathrooms, a two-car garage, a pool and a study." She said, hoping to get this one out of the way.

Jared tried to scratch his head but received a peck from Quackington. "Well...its big." He said.

Annie nodded, dumbfounded. "I don't know if I can afford this." She said.

Jared waved his hand dismissively. "Don't worry about that, Paul wants to pay you a $2000 per fortnight retainer. To keep your services with us. So, you'll be earning money even when we aren't hunting."

Annie's eyes nearly popped out her head. "$2000!" She yelled. "For doing nothing...I don't know if I can accept that."

Jared popped his lips. "Well, that money will need to go towards bills, food, etc. Also, I would suggest enrolling in self-defence courses and a gym. This job requires a high level of fitness so consider it an investment, if that helps."

"Well, when you put it that way..."

The agent cleared her throat. "Would you like to look inside?"

Annie made a face at the house. "It's pretty big. I don't have that much stuff."

Jared waved his hand again. "Pfft. You'll build up possessions quickly, trust me. And it never hurts to have extra room. Have a bit of fun. Treat yourself."

Annie curled her lip and shrugged her shoulders. "Fuck it. Let's have a look."

"That's the spirit!" Jared said. "Quackington, I'll race you to the door."

He raced off up the path. Quackington honked loudly and chased after him. The real estate agent drew in a sharp breath, clearly worried that this hooligan would break something.

Annie placed a hand on her shoulder. "It's easier to deal with him if you just roll with it."

The agent pulled an Inhaler from her blazer and sucked in a few breaths. "Right." She said, giving a taut smile. "Umm...should we follow them?"

Annie looked up the path. Jared had already let himself in with the key the agent had given them. She could see him running around in the front room with Quackington. She nodded and waved the agent on.

"After you."

The agent took another puff and headed up the path, strangling her poor clipboard against her chest in anxiety. Annie laughed, tucked her hands into her hoodie pockets and followed. She jumped up the few front steps and stepped into the front room. It opened up immediately to the right. The separating wall opened up in an elegant arch, giving the room a fancy feel. Light flooded in from a large bay window. Annie raised an eyebrow, mentally setting up her lounge room furniture in it. There would be a lot of space left over.

"Don't you quack at me with that tone of honk," Jared said from somewhere deeper in the house.

Annie snickered and turned to the agent. "It's a nice room."

The agent gave a rapid series of small nods; her anxiety meter seemed to be rising quickly. She waved Annie along. The hall continued, a small door to the left led into the garage, which Annie skipped. She didn't own a car so what was the point?

Farther down, the kitchen came into view. A long, marble counter sat in the middle. Several high-quality burners were built into the counter behind it; an oven rested in the wall next to them. Annie shook her head; this place was so fancy. A window on the left wall looked out over the spacious lawn. A large flower garden lined it, adding a splatter of colour. It would be nice to have a garden...