Tori cut her eyes at her mom.<br/>"This isn't open for debate. We have an opportunity of a life time here that includes equipment and earning back our reputation." she said, hugging Jacob's arm while she focused on Mom.<br/><br/>"If you must go,Tori, then I will do what I must. You and Jacob will need to find a new living arrangement. Both of your possessions will be in storage when you return. Albert is welcome to come back here if he chooses." Tina said, drawing a deep breath. " I don't think I can stand to worry about you, so I will just let you go."<br/><br/>"Ah, Mom, we will be staying in public places. I mean for fuck's sake, this is a competition sponsored by a well respected metaphysical association. You have even bragged about hearing speakers from them when you when to the NYERA meeting last summer. We aren't trying to jump out there and get ourselves into another incident. This is legitimate and a way for Jacob to get his business back on track. We will only be gone for a weekend." Tori coaxed, moving closer to her mom to pick an imaginary speck of dust from her shoulder.<br/><br/>"Go then," Tina replied, jutting out her chin. " But the living accommodations will change. I'm firm on that decision. However, I want contact information. I mean it, No more flying blind."<br/><br/>Fish stepped in and kissed the older woman, pulling her in for some charm and bullshit. She smiled affectionately at him, returning the hug with a sexy pelvic grind..<br/><br/>"Oh my god."Tori whispered to Jacob. "I did not just see that. Oh, hell no. I think I'm going to go blind."<br/><br/>Fish said, "We'll be back in no time. Keep the light burning in the window."<br/><br/>When Tina smiled at him again, laying her hand against his cheek, he moved her to the side and said to Jacob,<br/><br/>"We need more staff. I mean the three of us can do it, like the Ghost Adventure people, but I would be more comfortable if we had at least two more experienced investigators. Do you guys know anyone?"<br/><br/>Jacob still looked troubled and stubborn but Tori tried to not see that look in his eyes. Ghost hunting was what they all needed to do.It was part of who they were. Jacob needed this, whether he knew it or not.<br/><br/>"How did they even know to call you? You? You didn't own PSI." Jacob asked as he paced the floor, running his hand through his hair. "This is a gimmick. We are a laughingstock in the paranormal circles."<br/><br/>Before Tori could answer, Fish said,<br/>"I entered this contest thing. Had to answer a bunch of questions. write an essay. We didn't have a permanent phone. At the time, you and me didn't even have a cell phone, Jake, and I wasn't sure Toni would put the call through if someone asked for you, so I put Tori down as the contact. I didn't say nothing in case we didn't get picked."<br/><br/>She tugged on Jacob's hand and pulled him into their room.<br/>"Let's go think about this and then we can start to pack for the trip." she told him.<br/><br/>Tori walked, towing Jacob in her wake. He was scowling but following her.<br/>With the door closed, he went to the desk, fumbling with some skulls that were lined up against the wall.<br/><br/>"What about work? We can't just go off and leave them hanging." he said, sitting down on the straightbacked chair.<br/><br/>"I will call Oscar. He and Jeannie can cover the weekend. He is going on a cruise in January and we have to cover for them then. I hadn't told you yet. So he will cooperate. Don't worry about it. Leave that to me." Tori said brightly.<br/><br/>Jacob ran his hands through his hair, brooding.<br/>"Tori, I'm so sorry you were raped. It was my fault.You were my guest and..." he began.<br/><br/>"Jacob, you haven't much touched me since. Is it because you felt responsible or because you see me as polluted?" Tori asked him soberly. "I don't hold you responsible for what happened to me. If I had taken enough precautions, I could have been stronger. I have enough skulls on my body now that my aura is almost iron clad. If you feel like I'm dirty because of the cluster fuck, then the only thing I can suggest is to have the coven to a cleansing on both of us."<br/><br/>She straddled him on the chair, bracing her arms on his shoulders. Tori looked into the troubled depths of his dark eyes and then kissed him lightly on his lips.<br/>"I want to be with you, Jacob. I really do. As long as you want me, I will do what I have to do to make it work,, to make you happy. Please, Jacob, let's go to New Orleans. Make a new start.Restore the faith the public has in PSI. If we win the money, we can start over anywhere. As long as we are together."  She kissed him again. " Okay? Jacob, please?"