Max walked into the café. The morning rush had died down, and the place was fairly empty. He placed his order at the counter and got comfortable in a small brown booth in the corner. The smell of coffee and baked goods made his stomach growl in anger.

"Here you are, Max." Nancy, the barista, set down his café latte along with his bacon and egg croissant.

Nancy was a cute little thing, that at one point, Max had almost dated. Her smile crinkled the corners of her eyes as she asked, "How are you? How's Trish?"

"I'm good. Trish is cool. You know how it is." Max shrugged.

"Still making you pay for all your past mistakes?" Nany flashed him an amused grin.

Max's reputation preceded him, and Nancy was aware Trish made him grovel at her feet.

"You know it!" Max replied.

"Well, good for her!" Nancy gave Max one last smirk before she sauntered back off toward the order counter.

"Hey! You're supposed to be on my side!" Max called after her.

"Ha!" is all Nancy replied in return.

Max chuckled to himself and took a bite of his sandwich. His stomach immediately rejoiced in response. Max wiped his hands on a napkin before he pulled out his phone to call Al.

The phone barely rang before Alice picked up and yelled, "Why the hell did you ignore my call? I've been worried sick!"

"Damn, Al! Calm down. My fucking eardrums, for Christ's sake."

"I saw a fire, Max! Are you guys alright?" Alice asked.

Max could tell by Alice's cracking voice, she'd been crying.

"Aw! Come on. Don't cry, babes. We're fine." Oh, fuck—did I just say we're?

"Where's Trish?"

"Trish? How the hell should I know?" Max replied, stupidly trying to play off his mistake.

"Oh my Goddess, Max! If you don't stop acting like I'm stupid, I'll kick your fucking ass!" Al screeched.

"Fuck! Fine! Trish is good. She's at work. We were having an argument which is why I didn't pick up. Then Gary popped in."

"What happened?"

"The stove caught on fire for no apparent reason. And Trish and I fought about keeping our relationship, a not-so-well-kept secret," Max confessed.

"Well, yeah! You two are idiots. We all know. But besides that, what concerns me more are all these accidents. You should let Raven and Susie go by to put up some protection spells," Alice suggested.

"You think it'll help?" Max asked doubtfully.

"It can't hurt," Alice replied.

Max sighed. "I guess you're right. Are you working?"

"Yeah, why?" Al asked.

"When do you get off?"

"Around four. Again, why do you ask?"

Max sensed Al's irritation.

"I have a favor to ask you," Max paused.

"Well? What the fuck is it, Max?" Alice screamed after a minute of silence.

Max laughed. It was fun to irritate his sister.

"I'll hang up," Alice threatened.

"No! Wait! Seriously. Will you come with me to drop the money off to Sally tonight? I think there's a better chance of her hearing me out and not calling the cops if I have you with me." Max silently awaited a response.

"Yeah. I'll come. If you think it'll help and it gets poor Gary to move on, then how can I not help?"

"Thanks, sis. You're the best!" Max replied.

"I know, you little shit."

"Hey! That's mean!"

"Well, then, stop purposely trying to irritate me!" Al huffed.

"What are little brothers for if not to irritate older siblings?" Max pointed out.

"You've got a point." Alice giggled.

"I love you, Al. I'll pick you up at six-thirty."

"Okay. I'll be ready. And I love you too. Bye!" Al said before hanging up.

Max couldn't help but laugh out loud which caused Nancy to glance over. As he peered out the window, the spectral figure of a woman who'd been sitting on the curb floated closer.

Max shook his head. "You know the rules. I'm only available during my office hours, and I'm having breakfast," he warned.

The spirit rolled her eyes and floated back off.

"Geez. Spooks! They think I have to cater to them twenty-four seven."

Max spent another hour browsing news articles on his phone as he finished his coffee and the sandwich. When he finished, Max got to his feet and tossed a five-dollar bill on the table.

"Bye, Nancy!" He waved as he walked out.

"Bye, Max! Enjoy your day!" Nancy called after him.

When Max made his way back into his apartment, Hector, the building super, was assessing the damages.

"Hey, Max! I checked for gas leaks and everything seems fine. Looks like your security deposit is safe too, it's all smoke damage which will wipe clean."

"Cool. I have my cleaning lady coming by. Any clue what caused it?" Max asked.

"Were you using oil?" Hector responded.

"Nope! And we had everything cleaned recently. The pan isn't one we usually fry with and Trish was sure it was clean too," Max replied.

"Well, it's a mystery then, man. Everything is fine. Good thing you caught it before it spread though. That could have been tragic," Hector said as he shook his head.

"Yeah, well, thanks for checking it out." Tragic was right. Come to think of it, every accident so far had been one that could have ended in a major tragedy.

"No problem. That's why I'm here. Take it easy, okay?" Hector smiled, gathered his tools, and headed out.

Lupe showed up a few hours later and cleaned up the stove, leaving everything looking brand new. Max gave her a big tip on top of her fee for coming on such short notice. He couldn't shake the uneasy feeling as he recalled all the accidents that had occurred over the past few months.

The first strange occurrence involved a heavy marble mini statue of Beethoven's bust. It fell off of one of the floating shelves mounted to the walls as Max passed by and almost hit him on the head.

After that, a chef's knife attached to a magnetic knife bar along with five other knives came loose and cut his wrist, nearly missing the major artery. That accident required a trip to the ER and stitches. It was the only knife that fell, and those puppies were on there pretty tightly. It took a good amount of force to pull one off to use, which made the incident even odder.

Now, the fire. If Max wasn't a medium, he'd be certain he was being haunted. But if there was a ghost around, Max would see it. So, it made little sense.

"Raven and Susie may help with those protection spells Alice mentioned. I should let her ask them for me because this time, it could have hurt Trish. I can't let that happen."

Max met with two other spirits he was aiding before hopping into his car to pick up Alice. He called her when he arrived outside her house. A moment later, Alice came scurrying out of the front door and entered the front passenger side of the car.

"Hey, beautiful!" Max greeted Al as she leaned in and gave him a kiss on the cheek.

"Hi—" Alice sighed.

"What's wrong?" Max asked.

"I don't want to talk about it."

"Don't do that to me, Al. Tell me what's up. You can tell me anything."

"It's stupid—" Alice replied.

"That's okay. It's bothering you, so get it off your chest. Even if it is stupid." Max put the car in drive and began to make his way to Sally's address.

"Trevor confessed why he's been blowing me off lately," Al said.

"And? Why is he blowing you off?"

"He's been seeing someone."

"Oh—" Max was aware of Alice's continued attraction and love for Trevor. Max was the only one Al had openly confessed it to, and he was glad she had.

"I realize it's stupid and I shouldn't feel sad. I have no right to feel jealous or possessive. I'm with Avery." Alice frowned and stared down at her hands on her lap.

"Al, it's okay. You're allowed to feel, however you feel. They aren't wrong. I know you. Your love for Avery is real and strong, and I believe your love for Trevor is too. It fucking sucks. You realize people make relationships like this work. Avery just has to share." Max grinned.

"Stop!" Alice rolled her eyes.

"Come on, Al. You've thought about it."

"So? Even if I have, it'll never happen. Avery will never share me with anyone. Especially Trevor. His jealousy has gotten way better, and he's cool with the time I spend with Trevor, but if Avery realized I was in love with Trevor the way I am, he'd flip. He wouldn't understand that my love for Trevor doesn't take away from my love for him. I can't explain it, Max. But when they're both near me, I feel complete. It's so dumb!" Tears of frustration formed in the corners of her eyes.

"Don't cry, Al. It's not dumb. Maybe you should talk to Avery about it," Max suggested.

"No way! What's the point? Trevor has a girlfriend now."

"Wait. He said he has a girlfriend, or he's seeing someone?" Max asked.

"He said he's seeing someone. What's the difference?"

"There's a big difference. If he's just seeing someone, then it's not serious. Trevor loves you, Al. Don't worry," Max assured her.

"I don't want to be that girl, Max. The one that moves on but can't see her love move on as well." Alice sniffled.

"You haven't moved on if you're still in love with him. You're still pretty hung up. And you two are almost always together. How's that moving on for you? You guys are practically in a relationship. The only thing missing is sex. If Avery doesn't see that, he's a moron."

"Max!" Al scolded.

"What? I'm serious. Trevor is always around. How many nights a week does he have dinner with you two?" Max questioned, even though he'd noticed it was almost every night of the week.

Alice huffed. "We're used to having dinner together because of all the time we spent at the safe house. Avery doesn't complain or mind. We all have a good time hanging out. It's not awkward. It's comfortable."

"Like I said. You're already in a relationship. The only difference is you aren't fucking Trevor. The three of you guys spend almost all your time together." Max smirked as he was sure of his victory in the argument.

"We hang out as friends. Nothing more," Alice continued to argue. "I want Trevor to be happy. It's not fair for me to keep him when I can't give him what he wants. I realize that, but it doesn't make it any easier."

"You're telling me you and Avery aren't friends? The only difference between a friend and a boyfriend or girlfriend is sex and intimacy. I've seen you and Trevor cuddling and watching movies on the couch when Avery is away on a supply run," Max added.

"So what? I cuddle with you, Trish, and Leo the same way," Alice replied defensively.

"Okay? But you also want to fuck Trevor. It's different. That makes what you two have one step away from a full-blown romantic relationship."

"I'm done with this discussion, Max," Alice said before she shut down for the rest of the car ride.

Max continued to poke her through their telepathic connection, but Alice refused to engage. Max wasn't attempting to be mean. All he wanted was Alice's happiness. He noticed that there were times during the past year that Al's conflicted emotions had led her to deep sorrow. Max wanted her to figure out a compromise or for Trevor to keep his distance. He was tired of Alice being sad. She'd already spent too much of her life in sadness.

Max expected that when Alice fell in love with Avery and they moved in together, that it would be the start of her happily ever after. Instead, Al was torn between two men, she didn't seem like she could live without. There was no way Alice was being greedy. Her connection with Trevor ran deep or she wouldn't risk her relationship with Avery to maintain her connection with him. Max would bet his life on it. He knew his sister probably better than anyone.

They pulled up to a massive apartment building on Chicago's west side. It wasn't the best of neighborhoods, but Max couldn't blame Sally for where she lived. It was all she could afford.

Before they got out of the car, Max said, "Al, I'm not trying to be an asshole. I love you and I want what's best for you. If you and Avery can't make it work with Trevor, then maybe it's best that Trevor stays away."

Alice didn't argue that time. She realized what Max said was true. It was probably best that she and Trevor say away from each other. But the thought of not being near Trevor and seeing him regularly broke her heart. He hadn't been by to see her in a week and Alice missed him so much it hurt.

"Let's go help Gary crossover," Al replied.

Max and Alice exited the vehicle and made their way into the multiplex. Sally's apartment was on the third floor. Apartment 3B.

"Here goes nothing," Max said before he knocked on the door.

A moment later, there came an answer, "Yes? Can I help you?"

"Hi! Sally?" Max asked.

"Who wants to know?" The woman replied, still not opening the door.

"My name is Max, and this is my sister, Alice. We're friends of Gary's and we were hoping we could sit and discuss something with you. We have something for you."

"Gary's dead."

"We know, but he left something for you he wanted you to have." Max held up the large envelope of cash so Sally could see it through the peephole.

"What is it?" Sally asked.

"It's best if we don't discuss that out in the open. Can we come in?"

There was a sigh before the door was unlocked. Sally cracked the door and peeked out. She scanned both Alice and Max.

"What's she thinking, Al?" Max asked through their mind link.

"She thinks we look nice. So we're either legit or some kind of organized crime. She's curious about what's in the envelope. She'll probably let us in," Alice replied.

"All right—come in. Make it quick though. I'm making dinner for my son." Sally stepped aside and allowed them to enter.

They entered the meagerly furnished, one-bedroom apartment, strewn with toddler toys. Sally had done well to make the rundown apartment livable for her and her son. Suddenly, the temperature dropped, and Gary materialized.

"Dammit! I wish I could figure out where that draft is coming from. I apologize. Come this way. Want some coffee?" Sally led the way into the kitchen.

Gary floated behind them and settled near his son, who was napping in a playpen set up on the kitchen floor.

"Please, sit," Sally instructed.

Alice and Max took a seat at the small kitchenette.

"Look. We don't want to take up too much of your time. We understand you have things to do, so I'll cut to the chase. Gary wanted us to deliver this to you, but he had some instructions," Max began.

"What the heck is in there?" Sally asked as she took a seat with Max and Alice.

"Here. Look for yourself." Max pushed the envelope towards Sally.

Sally grabbed the envelope and opened it cautiously. When she saw the contents, her eyes went wide, and her jaw dropped open.

"Where? How?" Sally stammered.

"I don't have to tell you how paranoid Gary was. He won the lottery some years ago but kept it a secret. He hid it and left me instructions on how to find it, if anything ever happened to him. He wanted you to have it for little Gary, but he left a few stipulations."

"I—how much is in here?" Sally finally got out.

"Six hundred grand. The first thing you need to do is hire a financial advisor and get that money into a bank for safekeeping. Don't be an idiot like Gary. It could have been a million dollars by now had he invested it. The next thing you need to do is get little Gary out of this shit hole of a neighborhood and get a better apartment somewhere safer. Gary wanted you to know he loved you. He would have taken care of you and Junior forever. Unfortunately, this is the only way he can do that now."

Tears trickled down Sally's cheeks. "This doesn't make up for him not being here. That bastard took him away from me and my son. I'll never forgive him for that. I'll never find anyone like Gary. Crazy and all, he was incredible."

Gary floated closer and smiled a sad smile.

"He'd want you to be happy, and he'd want you to move on," Alice assured Sally as she reached over and squeezed her hand.

A strange look of peace came over Sally's face at Alice's gentle touch.

"Thank you. I can never repay you for doing this. You two could have taken off with this. You're good people," Sally replied.

"Thank you—" Gary silently mouthed.

Slowly, he dematerialized. Alice and Max were almost sure that was the last time they'd see their ghoulish friend. Max wouldn't admit it, but he'd grown fond of Gary and he'd miss him.

"We'll let you get back to making dinner," Alice said. "If you need anything, please call."

Alice reached in her purse and pulled out a scrap of paper and a pen. She jotted down her number and passed it to Sally.

"Will you two stay for dinner?" Sally asked.

"We can't. We both have people to get home to," Max replied. "But like Alice said, if you need anything, we're only a call away."

They stood and made their way to the front door. Sally gave them both a big hug before saying her goodbyes.

Once in the car, Alice said, "Max, I'm so proud of you. You're doing a wonderful thing. You just changed her life, and you helped Gary find peace in the afterlife."

"Ah, stop! It's not a big deal," Max replied, nearly blushing.

It was Max's hope that he'd make Alice proud. He was proud of her too. Al was becoming stronger in her gifts every day that passed. And she'd also become a warrior capable of facing any foe head-on that stood in her way. But what he loved the most, was that Alice never lost her pure heart and empathy. She cared so deeply for those around her. Max was trying his best to emulate her selflessness.

Max drove Alice back home. As they pulled up, they spotted Avery's car out front.

"Avery's home from the safe house. You want to come in for a while?" Al asked.

"Nah. I'm cooking dinner for Trish tonight. Are you going to talk to Avery about Trevor?" Max cocked an eyebrow at his sister.

"Max—No. I'm not talking to Avery about that. It's not worth it. There's nothing good that will come of it. Avery and I are happy. We have a good relationship. It's not worth causing waves."

"Suit yourself. I love you, Al. I just want what's best for you."

"Same. Tell Trish I said hello, and that the next time I see her I'll slap her for being dumb and trying to hide your relationship from me." Al smiled and gave Max a kiss on the cheek.

"I'll let her know." Max chuckled.

Alice got out and made her way to her front door. She stopped and waved before going inside.

As Max pulled away, he didn't notice the light gold liquid leaking from underneath his car.

A/N: Chapter Three will be posted in a week. Leave your thoughts in the comments. Please like, share, and add to your library and lists.