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ABBY: I mean. Ish. Ashford’s a stickler.
Mel turns to the camera.
MEL: Okay. Um, this is Sara Donoghue’s room. Sara and Becca have always been really close, but even close sisters occasionally want to keep things private, so Sara would sometimes stash things where Becca couldn’t find them. And I know where, because I’m a bad influence and it was usually my fault she had something worth hiding. So.
She turns back to the closet and slides it open, then crouches down. She runs her fingers along the near side of the floor.
MEL: Yup. This bit of carpet comes up, and then this bit of wood comes away, and there’s a little gap, and...
Mel pulls free a phone, brushing dust from it.
MEL: Shit. Here it is.
ABBY: Can you confirm that is Anthony Beck’s phone?
MEL: I think so. Out of juice, though.
ABBY: Let’s get it charged and see what was worth hiding.
INTERVIEW
SARA DONOGHUE
May 9, 2017
The door opens. Ashford enters, looking grave. Becca and Sara sit side by side, Becca with her arms around her sister, whispering to her, an expression indicative of a wearied but determined attempt at comforting on her face.
ASHFORD: Sara, we’ve made our preparations. I’m going to need you to come with us.
Sara takes a deep, shuddering breath.
SARA: You said that this was risky.
ASHFORD: It is.
SARA: What could happen?
ASHFORD: I’m not going to mince words. You might not survive the process, Sara. And if you do, it could cause further damage to your memories and even your personality. And that is only in isolating the spirit; extracting it is more difficult still. But I have years of experience with this sort of thing, and Abigail is remarkably talented with exorcism. Miranda sent you our way for a reason. She knew that we could help you.
SARA: All right.
ASHFORD: You’re certain. I don’t want to do this without your consent.
SARA: It’s better than...
ASHFORD: I understand.
BECCA: It’ll be okay. You’re going to get through this, Sara. I’ll be right with you.
Together, they rise.
ASHFORD: Actually, Becca, I would prefer to have a few moments to get your sister situated before you join us. It will help... I suppose “calibrate” is a reasonable word. You and Mel will be brought in once Sara is properly in place and we have a good sense of the baseline energies in play.
BECCA: I... Okay. I have no idea what any of that means, but okay.
ASHFORD: Wait here, and Abby will come to collect you in just a moment.
He beckons to Sara, who walks meekly to him. His hand on her shoulder, he guides her out. The door shuts behind them, and Becca settles back into her chair.
