“I have wrestled with demons and defied a god,” said JC. “That kind of thing does take it out of you.”

“He has,” said Kim. “He really has. And all for me. Isn’t he wonderful?”

“Hold everything,” said Happy. “You can see us? You’re aware of the world around you? When did that happen?”

“A lot has happened since we . . . became separated,” said JC. “Kim, allow me to present my friends and colleagues from the Carnacki Institute: Happy Jack Palmer and Melody Chambers. My friends, this is Kim Sterling. Happy . . . what happened to your face? Did someone take a swing at you?”

“Yes,” said Happy. “I did. But don’t change the subject. What happened to you?”

“I rescued Kim from the grip of our unseen enemy,” said JC. “And . . . we’re an item now. Don’t ask me how that happened. I think we’re both equally baffled.”

“And delighted,” said Kim, reproachfully.

“Oh yes, delighted, absolutely,” said JC. “I was making the point that it rather sneaked up on us when we weren’t looking.”

“Isn’t it always like that?” said Kim. She smiled sweetly at Happy and Melody. “I’m glad JC has friends. He’s going to need a lot of help and support, now that he has a ghost for a girl-friend.”

“That’s the spirit,” said JC.

“Oh you,” said Kim. She elbowed him playfully in the ribs, but her arm passed swiftly through him.

“I hate new couples,” said Happy. “They’re always so pleased with themselves . . . Look, you’re doing the distraction thing again! What the hell have you been up to, JC? You’ve been blazing inside my head like a sun going supernova! That’s how I was able to find you so quickly. For a while there, you were the most powerful thing in this station.”

“I fought an army of demons,” said JC. “And I lost. But at the very last moment . . . a Light came out of nowhere and made me strong enough to fight any number of them. It’s gone now, but . . .”

“It’s still there, in your eyes,” said Melody. “The Light has put its mark on you, JC.”

“And that is rare, so rare,” said Happy, sounding impressed despite himself.

“I know!” said JC. “I think it’s another sign of how important all this is. Whatever it is that’s going on down here. Now, what have you been doing while I was away? What happened to the Project agents I left you fighting?”

“We got away,” said Melody. Her voice was suddenly quiet, and she folded her arms tightly across her chest.

“They hurt us,” said Happy, staring steadily at JC. “They hurt us bad. We could have used your help.”

“You left us!” said Melody. “To chase after her.” She couldn’t even bring herself to look at Kim. “You have no idea what they did to us, JC.”

“I’m sorry,” said JC.