‘Sometimes I have bad days. It’s like any job,’ explained Faye.
Reverend Ryan and Henry gave a collective sigh.
‘It’s my responsibility to do the right thing.’
‘Yes, yes,’ said Henry. ‘Tell him then.’
‘I was at the Frazer’s house tonight,’ she said.
‘The Frazer’s,’ repeated Reverend Ryan, his forehead creasing in concentration as he tried to place the name.
‘They don’t go to our church,’ she explained.
‘Ah,’ smiled Reverend Ryan.
‘Oh, for goodness’ sake,’ cried Henry. ‘We’ll still be here at Christmas the rate you’re going.’
‘Henry Frazer was … It was awful …’
Reverend Ryan tapped his forehead. ‘Ah, yes. It was a terrible tragedy. How is his wife?’
Faye’s hand had started to shake, and she put down the flowery teacup.
‘She’s been hearing things,’ said Faye, her eyes locking onto Reverend Ryan’s.
Reverend Ryan shifted uncomfortably in his chair.
‘She is, of course, in a deep state of grief. People experience all kinds of things at difficult times,’ he said carefully.
Faye licked her lips. Henry could see she didn’t like to disagree with the vicar. I suppose it’s like disagreeing with God, thought Henry.
‘I sensed Henry Frazer,’ she said. ‘We used … Mrs Frazer wanted me to … to make contact. So I took the Ouija board.’
Reverend Ryan raised his eyebrows and shifted in his seat.
‘Miss Wilson, you realise that divination is a sin.’
Faye sat forward, leaning her elbows on her knees. The heat from the fire had turned her cheeks a bright red.
‘But I can’t help it. It’s a gift, you see.’
Reverend Ryan lifted the teacup to his lips and savoured the sharp taste of lemon.
‘So, something happened this evening that has disturbed you?’
Henry saw his eyes glance surreptitiously at the clock. He never imagined that his early night would be thwarted by a ghost, smiled Henry.
‘I sensed him,’ said Faye. ‘In fact, I think I might have seen him.’
‘I’ve no doubt my dear, that the apparition that you thought you saw, had, of course, been no more than a distortion of the light. I imagine you dimmed the lights and lit candles?’
‘Well, yes,’ agreed Faye.
‘Frightening yourselves to death,’ he smiled.
‘The blood chilled in my veins. I sensed him and he moved the planchette and …’
‘Planchette?’ queried Reverend Ryan.
