Total pages in book: 76
Estimated words: 71312 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 357(@200wpm)___ 285(@250wpm)___ 238(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 71312 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 357(@200wpm)___ 285(@250wpm)___ 238(@300wpm)
It’s terrifying, really, to know someone’s spirit can get stuck like that, faded and forgotten until they’re just a tourist attraction. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve loved how mainstream ghost hunting has gotten over the last few years, but there’s something sad about people using these tormented spirits for views.
“You wanna go tonight?” he asks hopefully. “I can order takeout and meet you there.”
I make a face, glad he can’t see me. “Um, it’s been a really crazy day. You don’t think anyone is in danger, do you?”
“Not if I can get my cousin to leave. Everything okay?” He gasps. “Did a demon attack again?”
“Thankfully no, and I’ll fill you guys in soon.” I let out another sigh and shake my head as I think about the crazy turn today took. “Over wine. Lots and lots of wine.”
“I might have signed up for another monthly wine subscription so let me know when and I’ll bring a bottle or two.”
“Hah. I’ll definitely take you up on that offer. And I’ll text you tomorrow. The vet is coming out to do the horses’ teeth tomorrow morning, but I should be able to swing by in the afternoon, if that works.”
“It does. I work seven to three tomorrow, so we can meet out there in the evening.”
“Perfect.”
“I’m texting you the location and a few photos from today. Want me to dig into the history of the house?”
“Sure, but don’t tell me anything. If your cousin is expecting a world-class medium, then I want to deliver.”
Keith laughs. “I know you’ll blow her away. And don’t worry. I didn’t tell her you were a witch. She probably wouldn’t have believed me even if I did, but your secret is safe with me.”
“Thanks. Be careful, okay?”
“I will. I’m going to tempt my aunt and cousin to leave with the promise of buying them dinner. It’ll work.”
“Sounds good. Have a good night.”
“Bye, hun.”
I end the call and set my phone down, looking at Ethan. He’s waiting for an explanation, I know. “So, Keith’s aunt bought a haunted house and they caught an EVP that said something about a witch, and he thinks it was talking about me because he was talking about me.”
Ethan cocks an eyebrow. “What?”
I wave my hand in the air. “I’m sure it’s nothing. There are soooo many witches in the area…”
“Where is the house?” Nik asks.
“Somewhere in Paradise Valley,” I say right as a text from Keith with the address and pictures. “Oh, this is the place. It is wonderfully creepy.”
“Estelle would have said the same thing,” Nik notes with a lopsided grin. “I used to tell her if she dyed her hair black, she’d be the perfect Morticia.”
“I’ve always liked her. And Wednesday.”
“What exactly did this ghost say?” Ethan asks, face pulling down with concern.
“Supposedly, it said she’s a witch and Keith was just talking to his aunt about his friend who’s really good at ghost stuff.”
“Did he mention your name?” Ethan sets the wooden spoon down.
“I don’t think so. There are so many witches in the area I’d really find it hard to believe this spirit was talking about me. And people tend to hear what they want to hear when it comes to interpreting EVP.”
“That’s true,” Ethan agrees. “He was already thinking about you when he listened to it.”
“Exactly. And how would a random ghost know who I am? I don’t think I’ve been here or even driven past it.” I exit out of the photo and plug the address into a map. It’s on the complete other side of Paradise Valley than where we go. “It’s by the university,” I tell Ethan. “I don’t even think we’ve driven on this street.”
“Then I wouldn’t put much stock into it,” Ethan says and goes back to the food he’s cooking.
“I said I’d meet Keith there tomorrow. I am interested.”
“Your brother is coming for dinner tomorrow.”
“Shit. That’s tomorrow?” I wrinkle my nose. “Right, it is. Today feels like it’s been a million years long.”
“Call him and tell him this weekend isn’t good,” Ethan suggests.
“No,” I quickly reply, shaking my head. “I pushed him to take the job in Chicago so I could see him more often. What time is he supposed to come over?” I ask, knowing “Harrison time” is usually half an hour or longer than planned.
“Seven, and he’s bringing his girlfriend.”
“He has a girlfriend?” My jaw drops and I stare at Ethan. “And you knew?”
“Ohhhh,” Nik whispers, looking from me to Ethan. “I didn’t know that Harry is dating a nice girl from India whose parents don’t approve of him, but she really likes horses so she’s excited to come over and wants you to take her on a ride.”
“The fuck?” I lower my gaze to Hunter, the only one in the house who didn’t keep this from me. “Why am I just now finding out? Who is this girl? What socials are she on? How do we know she’s not a demon? Fuck, I don’t have any collated silver to mix into her food. But I do have holy water to spike her drink with.”