Science 9

Tracy heads for the door, the rest of you following in a gaggle.

Four people stand on the porch: one man and three women.

Scott Busiek is your friend; you went to high school together, but he didn’t go on to college as you did. He graduated and immediately skipped town to work on a cruise ship to get out of the house he’d grown up in. You’d heard that he was back, but those years away put some distance into all his relationships around here. You aren’t sure where he’s living now or what he’s up to, but he looks good.

Beside him is Delilah’s sister, Meredith “Meri” Powers. Her skin tone is a little lighter than Delilah’s, but she’s similarly slim and pretty. She wears glasses and usually a nerdy graphic tee. She’s carrying cameras and tripods.

Next to her is a stout, round-faced, short-haired blonde named Colby Lindle. You’ve seen her around campus.

The last one is the smallest: a pale girl with wild, coppery hair and round glasses. You don’t know her.

“Um. Hi,” Tracy says, clearly unprepared.

You considerately slip to the front and take her place. “Ghostbusters?”

“Yes,” Meri says, eyes shining. They all look excited except Scott.

“Scott, you’re a ghostbuster?” you ask.

“Hey, Flynn. No. They said I have to carry stuff.”

You block the doorway with your arm. “What did Delilah tell you?”

Behind you, Rey covers Delilah’s mouth.

“That there’s a spooky ghost terrorizing your family,” Colby says, as though nothing could be more exciting.

“And, just to be clear, what are you going to do about it?” you ask, directing the question at Meri.

“We gotta see if we can find out where it is, then get it on camera,” she says.

Would that be possible? Maybe. Everyone in the house has seen the woman with horns.

“What exactly is that process going to look like?” Nadia asks sensibly.

“Super professional,” Colby assures her.

“I’m sorry, who are you?”

“I’m Colby. This is Delilah, Scott, and Apple,” Colby says.

“Hi. I’m Tracy. And I’m sorry, we aren’t trying to be rude, we just didn’t know you were coming,” your mother says graciously.

Meri frowns. “Oh. Delilah said you needed the house checked out.”

“Well…” Tracy looks uncertainly at Delilah, then at you. “Can you give us a second? I’m so sorry, we’ll be right back.” She closes the door and turns on the family. Rey keeps her hand over Delilah’s mouth. “Do we let them in? Show of hands.”

“Might as well try,” you say. “They’re already here, and they’re willing to do it. Why not?” You put your hand up. What could possibly go wrong?

“I can think of a reason or two,” Nadia says tightly, but she shakes her head. “Whatever. I guess if there’s even a chance they can help.” She reluctantly raises her hand.

Rey rolls her eyes and lifts her free hand. Delta scowls and does the same. It’s everyone except Tracy, who shrugs and puts hers up as well.

“OK, unanimous. I just wanted to be sure. But let’s say no cameras. Just in case.”

Everyone nods.

Tracy opens the door. “OK, thanks for coming out. I’m Tracy Kerns, by the way—Apple, I know you. Um, no cameras. But if you want to use your gizmos to see if there’s a ghost in here, that’s OK. Thanks?”

“Yas!” Colby raises her bags in triumph.

Apple trots past, eyes bright, turning a dial on a device. Everyone jumps as static crackles. Colby pushes by, eyes on yet another device while something in Meri’s hand beeps. Rey ducks to avoid having her eye poked out by an antenna.

“How’d you get stuck with them?” you ask as Scott comes inside.

“I’m in the film club. They’re all in it. They are it. They just asked.”

The film club at UFG? “You’re at school?”

“Yeah.” He doesn’t sound happy about it.

“Well, since you don’t have to set up cameras, you want to get a beer and catch up while they fuck around?”

He looks grateful. “That sounds good.”