Free Sidekicks by Linda Palmer

knows that."
    Though Cooper's playful grin told me he was halfway teasing, I enjoyed the show of possessiveness. It made me feel special and was nothing to worry about since I was the kind of girl who'd squash jealousy in a heartbeat if it made her uncomfortable or in any way cramped her style.
    Tyler had no problem with driving once I approached him in the parking lot and was really psyched when Brynn and Marty showed up to say she didn't need a ride, either. I closely monitored Tyler's body language, knowing he'd never admit to being bothered by Brynn finding a boyfriend, especially after talking to me about her. What I saw was a guy thrilled to be alone with my sound system. That gave me peace. I dearly loved those two and didn't want any kind of conflict.
    Cooper drove us to Martinsburg Regional Medical Center by way of a quick spin through Marty's neighborhood so I could see where he was staying. I liked the look of the place, a two-story brick with columns in front and elaborate landscaping that would be a real headache for anyone mowing the lawn.
    Then we made a quick stop at Sonic, which meant I had a cherry limeade in my hand as we entered the hospital. After taking an elevator to the fourth floor, we located room 405, where today's session was to take place.
    I stuck my head through the doorway before entering to be sure the patient was awake. Seeing he had his eyes on his television, I stepped into the room. Cooper followed me.
    "Mr. Reynolds? Hi, I'm Mia Tagliaro." I offered my hand to the guy, who I guessed to be in his mid to upper thirties. He wore the standard blue print hospital gown and had an IV going into one arm. I noted several types of monitors nearby, though they didn't seem to be hooked up to him. At any rate, the screens were blank and they weren't blipping regularly.
    He turned off the TV and smiled at me. "Call me Dalton. Thanks for coming by."
    Not having a clue why he wanted me there, I got right down to business by opening my mind to anything. Three spirits came forward--one male and two female. The male showed me a ring, wide silver with words carved into it. I saw a matching ring on Dalton's left hand, and immediately knew he was gay and the male spirit was his deceased partner. I also saw a J. I concentrated on it until I got a solid name. "Jacob is here. He's worried about you."
    Dalton softly gasped, but didn't say anything.
    "Did he die in an auto accident?"
    His eyes brimming with tears, my patient nodded. "A year ago."
    "He wants you to know that he appreciates the flowers you put on his grave every week. He's also fussing because you spend too much. Get some silk ones, he says, and arrange them yourself. It's the thought that counts."
    Dalton laughed through his tears. "Tell him to shut his trap."
    "Believe me, he heard you." I focused on the females. "Your mom and your sister want you to know that they're with Jacob, who found them when he passed. Mom's fussing because you kept him a secret. She says who wouldn't like such a nice boy?"
    His face contorted as he struggled for composure. A sob was his response.
    "Are you worried about dying?" I asked.
    He looked away and swallowed audibly. "Yeah."
    "I don't know your situation. I mean, I mostly deal with the dead. But if you do die, they'll be there waiting for you, you know."
    "He's not going to die," said Cooper. "At least not any time soon."
    Dalton and I both zoned in on him.
    Dalton spoke first. "But the doctor said--"
    Cooper stopped him. "Lab results should be here by this afternoon, but the tumor was benign. You're fine."
    Dalton lost it then. Without thought, I went to him. We hugged for a long time, both of us crying. When I sneaked a peek at Cooper, I could tell he'd choked up, too.
    When he and I left shortly after, we saw Detective Simms lurking down the hall. I greeted him, noting that he wasn't the only officer around. Another one, this cop in uniform, appeared to be standing guard outside the door of 408.
    Just as