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“Have you heard of a Wendigo before?” David asked. I hadn’t even processed his return, but he must have noticed I was lingering over that portion of the text.
“No.”
“They appear quite a bit in folklore and stories. Most historians think the legend came from the northern Algonquian, who were known to perform acts of cannibalism on enemy tribes. But consuming human meat produced a psychosis in aboriginal tribes called Wendigo psychosis.”
“So you think that maybe Wendigo aren’t real?”
“No, that’s not what I’m saying at all.” He shook his head. “While there were cases that were attributed to psychosis, they happened after the disappearance of the colony. I think it’s two different things, but I also think it’s good to have all the facts and not jump to conclusions.”
I nodded my agreement.
We had gone through six books by the time Penelope came back an hour later to tell us the letter was ready, apologizing for the delay. “We’re short-staffed today.” She collected the volumes and asked us to follow her into a small hallway with dim lighting. “Wait here a moment and I’ll let you in.”
Penelope carried the books down the hall and turned the corner as David cast an anxious look at the closed door.
I glanced at it too, now worried about what lay behind it. “Why do you look nervous?”
“I’m hinging a lot of hope on this document, Ellie.”
“What?You didn’t tell me that. Only that you thought you could get some useful information.”
“I didn’t want to give you anything else to worry about. In case it came to nothing.”
I wanted to call him out for keeping something from me, but who was I to judge? My own guilt smoldered in my gut. “What do you hope to find?”
“I think this letter will tell you what you can do with the ring on your finger. I only hope it lives up to my expectations.” He paused, fear filling his eyes. “Ellie, your life depends on me finding answers. What if I’m wrong? What if I keep failing you?”
My eyes widened. “David, you could never fail me. Even if we don’t find anything useful in the letter about the ring, you still haven’t failed me. Besides, we’ve already gotten information about a dozen other spirits today, not to mention your connection to Allison and her possible information about the Ricardo Estate. And what about everything you’ve discovered about the Guardians? I never would have known about any of it if not for you.”
“But the possible connection to the Guardians is a shot in the dark. And it could be a coincidence that Allison saw a watch similar to your father’s.”
“Who’s the one who keeps insisting there are no coincidences?”
“I know.” He grimaced. “I’m sorry. It’s just that if you can’t learn how to fight these things on your own, we’re lost. It’s almost too much to hope for that the information would conveniently show up like that.”
“We could use a little convenience for once. But I understand what you’re saying.”
His voice softened. “You have so much faith in me. I just hope it’s not misplaced.”
I shook my head. “Don’t think like that. I need you, David. And not just for this.” I pointed to the door to the climate-controlled room. “I needyou. When I feel like this situation is completely hopeless, you make me believe I can actually do it. That we actually have a chance.”
“Wedo.” He leaned down and gave me a soft kiss.
“That’s just it,” I murmured as he pulled away. “That’s why I need you. You have enough faith for both of us.”
Penelope cleared her throat as she reappeared. “I think you left out an important piece of information about Ms. Lancaster.”
David laughed. “I didn’t think it was important.”
“Anything concerning your love life is important. Especially after Dr. Moran.”
David stiffened slightly and cast a glance in my direction, but I offered him a reassuring smile. So, Penelope knew about David’s old girlfriend. It wasn’t really a surprise, since they’d dated for a year.
She led us into the room, where a document lay on a tray on a metal table. “You know the rules. I don’t think I need to go over them again.”
David sat down in front of the document, already enthralled.
“I’m not supposed to leave you alone with this, but if I can’t trust you, I’m not sure there’s anyone I can trust. I need to go check on something, but I’ll be right back.”
