I was still smiling when they returned fifteen minutes later.
“We’ve called the Inspector. The bones are clearly old, but I don’t know if we need a crime scene out. It’s a probable no,considering the trunk’s been moved twice. We’ll likely be told to load it up and take it to a lab,” Welsh said.
“No!”the word boomed around the Inn and echoed several times.
Everyone stiffened while Jenners looked around. “What was that?” he demanded.
“That’s the damn spirit you were informed about. These bones need to be moved now!” Callie snapped.
“Not without permission,” Jenner retorted.
“Did you not notice the angry ghost?” Michelle snapped. She and Lucky had already moved toward their equipment.
“That’s one of you lot playing a prank. Cut it out,” Jenners warned.
“Think what you want. Angela, get the hell out of here,” I said.
Angela began heading for the door.
“Stay there. The forms need signing off to move the trunk,” Jenners ordered.
“No!”the word boomed out again, and Jenner sent us all a suspicious look.
“Angela, get out now!” I yelled. Angela began hurrying towards the lounge door and screamed as it slammed shut in front of her. Throughout the Inn, we all heard doors slamming shut.
Angela was hauled back by Dive, who stood in front of her, as Sunny did likewise with Callie.
“What’s going on?” Jenners demanded.
“You told the ghost of those bones you’re removing them. He’s drawing power from them, and if they are taken, Jeremiah’ll lose his power base. Jeremiah isn’t about to let that happen,” I explained.
“Here,” Lucky handed me a cross. “Michelle and I did reinforced blessings over these today. There’s enough for one each.”
I took the cross and slid it over Angela’s head. As the owner, she would be a high target for Jeremiah.
Lucky shook his head. “I had one for Angela too, Prez. I wasn’t about to leave her unprotected.”
“Got one for me?” Welsh asked, pale. He and Jenners had tried to open the door but failed.
“You’re falling for this crap?” Jenners demanded.
“You do you,” Welsh replied and accepted a cross from Lucky.
“Here.” Michelle was handing out incense balls. “These contain herbs, blessings, and a dot of holy water. They’ll work together to prevent Jeremiah from causing physical harm. And keep these bottles of holy water on you.”
“Can a protective blessing be performed?” Callie asked. Michelle nodded and pulled out a larger bottle.
“Bend your head,” she ordered Callie, who obeyed. Michelle made the sign of the cross on her forehead and then whispered a protection prayer. All of us stepped up for the same treatment, except for Jenners.
The door flew open, and we all looked toward it. Jenners carefully moved towards the entrance and peered out.
“Is there someone here messing with us?” he demanded.
“No, everyone is here,” Angela said.
“If this is some prank for candid…”
“Grow up, Jenners!” Welsh snapped, looking disgruntled. “Why would they play such a wicked prank? Let’s get the trunk in the boot.”
