She sighs heavily, closing her eyes. “A year ago, we allowed two viral YouTubers to record their ghost-hunting show here. They did a séance with a Ouija board, and something…came through and stayed.”
My head lolls back on my shoulders. “What were you thinking?”
“I wasn’t here,” she cries. “I found out after they left. The place was closed to visitors so that I could clean it up, and all hell broke loose.”
“Literally, if I had to guess,” Lanie deadpans, shaking her head.
“Can you help me get rid of them?” she asks.
I share a glance with my friends. Lanie shakes her head, signaling we should leave while we can. Nina, on the other hand, is looking at me like I couldn’t possibly desert Adeana in her time of need.
“Yes, but if there are multiple spirits here, I’ll need some help.”
“I’m out,” Lanie says, throwing her hands into the air. “You said not to say it, and here you are doing exactly that. I’m not playing with the devil, Alyssa.”
I run a hand back through my hair. “They’re angry ghosts, Lanie. Not demons. Geez. We’ll call on Bee tomorrow first thing and get rid of whatever is here.”
“How do you keep me safe?” Her voice pitches. “I might die before tomorrow.”
I roll my eyes. “We’ll take precautions. Everyone will sleep in Nina’s room. It seems to not be as active.”
Nina bobs her head.
I reach for my phone, dialing Nick’s number, completely forgetting what time of the night it is. Walking to a private corner of the place, I wait for Nick’s voicemail to kick on.
“Alyssa? What’s wrong?” Nick doesn’t sound like he’s been asleep at all.
“I’m staying at a very haunted bed-and-breakfast, and if I’m being honest, I’m spooked.” I begin to pace, recognizing just how much this encounter has me on edge. “I’m sorry for calling you at this hour. I’m not even sure why I did.”
He blows out a harsh breath. “When you say haunted…”
“I mean something evil that’s proving to have a lot of energy.”
He’s quiet for several moments, likely contemplating what to say to such a thing.
Poltergeists are unsettling and bring a chill with them. This brought foreboding. It’s a spine-tingling darkness that whispers promises of torture and death. It’s pure evil.
“You can’t stay there,” he says, and I huff a laugh.
“I don’t have a choice. I have to help.” I shuffle on my feet. “I’m not sure why I called. I guess…I just wanted to hear your voice,” I admit.
“I’m not gonna lie. A wicked part of me is getting too much satisfaction outta the fact you called me in the middle of the night because you’re scared.”
I bark a laugh. “You are wicked. Getting pleasure out of my fear.”
“No, darling. I’m getting pleasure outta the fact you gave me the chance to save you.”
I smile, shaking my head. “I don’t need saving,darling,” I say, mocking him. “I’m perfectly capable of ending this angry spirit myself.”
He chuckles. “That, I do not doubt.” He’s quiet for a moment, voice serious when he continues. “But I can’t allow you to do this yourself. If you’re fighting evil, I am too.” He sighs. “I’ll catch the next flight out. I’m on break for two days.”
“You made me promise not to drag you into something like this again,” I say, reminding him of his words at Marmalade and Rye.
He barks a laugh. “That only pertained to Matilda and her sword of sage.”
I giggle, trying not to be too loud.
“If you insist on coming here, be prepared. This is different, Nick,” I say, hoping he hears how serious I am.
