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The hand burst from the bushes and scrambled along the pavement to the bridge. I debated whether to seize control, but in the end, I let him go. At this point, I was more curious than worried.
“Did you find it?” Nana Pratt’s anxious voice cut through my thoughts.
“He left,” I said. “I saw him crawl through the gate.”
“Can your witch friend modify the ward to include stray hands?” Nana Pratt asked.
“Phaedra isn’t my friend. She’s someone I do business with.”
“You seem to like her,” Ray said. “Why not make a friend?”
“One that isn’t an assassin or a demon,” Nana Pratt whispered, as though one of them might overhear her.
“Witches and I mix like pineapple on pizza. Not a good idea.”
Ray hoisted an imaginary belt. “I’m a big fan of pineapple on pizza.”
“Anyway,” I dragged out, “Phaedra won’t modify the ward again without additional payment.” And we all knew I was short on cash.
“Seems like it would be difficult to do,” Ray said. “If ghosts fall in the same category as revenants, then we’d activate the ward every time we moved around the property.”
I twisted to regard him. “You’re a fast learner, Ray.”
Nana Pratt looked mildly put out.
“A compliment for him isn’t a criticism of you,” I told her. “Don’t make it mean something it doesn’t.”
Her shoulders relaxed. “This is still all so new. I’m trying my best to keep up.”
I softened. “And you’re doing a phenomenal job, really.”
“Thank you. That’s very nice to hear. I can’t say I was very impressive during my human life, so it feels good to tick that box now.”
Ray tried to nudge her gently, but his shoulder passed straight through hers. “Ingrid, how can you say that? You were a very impressive woman. Look at your grandbabies. They’re a real testament to you.”
Nana Pratt scoffed. “I wouldn’t describe Ashley as thriving just because she wasn’t sacrificed by witches.”
I sighed. “Is there some interference you’d like me to run with Ashley?” When I last checked in with Steven and Ashley, I was informed that Ashley had been fired from her job. I should’ve known Nana Pratt had been stewing over it ever since I shared the news.
“Well, since you asked—maybe you could help her find a new job.”
Ray gave her a heavy dose of side-eye. “Are you seriously trying to be a helicopter grandma from beyond the grave?”
“Says the man whose granddaughter regularly visits for advice.”
I made a placating gesture with my hands. “Let’s just agree that neither one of you is winning any individuation awards today.” The fact that they’d chosen to stay tethered to Fairhaven after their deaths to keep a close watch on their families was the flashing neon clue.
“Renee and Alicia need me,” Ray said.
“And Steven and Ashley need me,” Nana Pratt chimed in. “They already lost their parents. I’m all that’s left.”
I felt that familiar tug on my heartstrings, the one that had prompted me to agree to let them stay on that fateful day. I’d also lost my family too soon. I understood their anguish and their desire to keep their family ties intact.
I climbed to my feet. “I’ll see what I can do for Ashley. I’ll also talk to Phaedra about the ward and see if there’s anything she can add that affects revenants but not ghosts.” Although I wasn’t sure how I’d explain my reasons to the witch without revealing more than I intended to. I’d come up with something, though.
I always did.
CHAPTER 11
