I glance over the attachment that details his findings on Carl Hampson’s death. Forensic evidence suggests that the angle of the wound and the position of the gun do not match typical patterns of suicide. There were also discrepancies in witness statements regarding Carl’s mental state and his behavior prior to his death.
I’m reeling from the news that one of the five men in the photo is a Montgomery. I snapped a photo of that picture when Matilda’s back was turned, hoping it would be useful down the road, and it would appear it already has been.
I sigh, running a hand back through my hair. My mind is racing with all the information. I type up a quick text to Lanie, ready to move on from one of the many open cases I’ve gotten myself tied up in.
Me
Your note is with forensics.
If we find a print, I’ll let you know. Otherwise, I didn’t find anything.
Lanie
Didn’t figure you would, but thanks for looking. See you soon!
Me
See you soon.
I shut down my phone and place it in my bag, eager to board the plane and use the next four hours to rest. I’m anxious to get to Alyssa and relieved to have something to present to the girls whenI arrive in New Orleans. This news will get Nina the reunion she’s been looking for and Alyssa back in Massachusetts.
This calls for a celebration. I’m going to make that past-due date happen.
As I approachthe Ramada House, a chill washes over me, despite the balmy New Orleans afternoon. This place is unlike any other bed-and-breakfast I’ve encountered. I can’t put my finger on what exactly I’m feeling, but a heavy, oppressive energy pushes down on me.
Ghosts and demons? It’s the stuff of nightmares, not police investigations. Yet here I am, stepping into a world I never imagined I’d believe in. Not to solve the case, but to be here for my girl.
My girl.
Damn, I love the sound of that. I didn’t think I’d be ready for a serious relationship anytime soon, but Alyssa changed the game. She makes me want more than a simple fling.
She makes me think of the future. A future with her by my side.
I shake off that thought, needing to be prepared for whatever’s happening in the creepy fucking place in front of me.
The sound of a wail has me running up the stairs and through the front doors. What I find inside is pure chaos.
A dark-haired woman dressed in a black cloak stands amidst swirling incense and sage, waving a cross in the air. The place is full of smoke, making it hard to breathe as the floors tremble beneath my feet and the walls groan ominously. It feels like the whole place could collapse at any moment.
“Get out,” the woman’s deep, throaty voice reverberates through the room.
My finger flies to my chest, eyes narrowed in on her as if to say,Me?
She rolls her eyes, shaking her head as if I’m the biggest idiot she’s ever encountered. Turning her back to me, she continues waving her cross in the air, shouting out commands for the demon to leave.
The place is alive, bellowing and groaning with every demand the witchy woman makes.
Instinct tells me to grab Alyssa and get her out of here, but I know better. She won’t leave.
“Alyssa,” I call out, taking my chances of pissing off Madame Hocus-Pocus or worse…a demon.
“Over here,” she yells, above the phantom howls.
I make my way through the smoke in search of Alyssa, my ears ringing with every scream of the house. I can’t tell where the sound is coming from. It’s everywhere and nowhere.
Fucking anarchy.
When I finally find Alyssa, her determined gaze is fixed on the woman wielding the cross, her eyes blazing with a fierce resolve that both impresses and worries me. I keep my distance, giving her space to do what she feels she needs to do. But my eyes remain steady on her at all times. I won’t intervene unless I know her life is in danger.
