Chapter 2
We’re locked in the cabin, with every precaution known to the paranormal world. Sigils on the door, walls, and floor to keep the spirits away. Spells of protection, amulets, salt, and burning sage.
An all-nighter, all of us are awake. No service out here, we play games and other activities to keep us from falling asleep.
Replaying the recording over again, Nolan joins me on the bunk.
“Does this face look familiar?”
We’d done our homework, researching the murders and lives of each victim.
“Montana Duke.” The bitch tried to decapitate me.
“Yep and we got her pretty pale face right here. She’s kinda hot too.”
“Sex with Casper is overrated.”
“Yeah, and you would know. Who are you to crush my dreams?” He counters.
“It was an incubus, not a ghost.” I correct him.
“It’s the same thing, they’re both not alive.”
“One’s a demon and the other used to be a human. There’s a difference...”
“Either way, you screwed it.”
“It wasn’t like I summoned it, it came to me.”
I’d had a recent attachment, that I couldn’t get rid of. After a while, I didn’t want to get rid of it.
I enjoyed the visits and became addicted. I’d locked myself away in my apartment, refusing invites and visitations.
Nolan saved me, he helped me to get rid of the thing. We unofficially became a couple soon after.
“You don’t need an excuse to hump “Hatchet Face”.
“And I’m not looking for one.” He says, moving closer to me.
His kiss comforts me, reassures me that everything is going to be okay.
They don’t know it but somethings not right.
These spirits aren’t nice. I’ve met a few angry spirits on my hunts but these are bloodthirsty. They resent the fact that they’re dead.
“We’ve been at it for three days and the only thing that we have is the Montana girl.”
“Yeah.”
“There might not be anything here.”
A few of the group are in agreeance that we should move on. I don’t want to but I know that we should.
This is going to put us on the map, secure us a reality series on a major network.
So, I become the voice of reason.
“They’re here, I know it. We just have to stimulate them.”
“I don’t think that I’m comfortable with fondling a ghost.”
“We’ll split up.” I offer.
“Wait... wait... um... no. We never do that.” States, Greg.
“This is the only way, two groups of three. We’ll be safe.” Nolan explains.
He’s the only one that’s privy to my concerns. “Greg, Dana, and Emil will be together, and Nolan, J’akiah and I will make up the other group.”
“Uh no, I’m in your group.” Greg states matter-of-factly.
He’s been with me for a long time, one of the first to join my team. We were together on many hunts, just us in the beginning.
“You’re one of my best investigators, you should lead the other group.” I admonish, pulling him off to the side.
“Don’t play with me. I know you better than anyone here. What the fuck is going on Zar?” Voice lowered, he’s latched onto my arm.
“These spirits are different.”
“I know. Ghosts hide but not like this, they’re waiting for us to split up and you know it.”
“Let’s give them what they want, then.” Releasing my arm roughly, he scoffs at my statement.
“Do we not mean anything to you? I’m dispensable, is that what you’re telling me?”
“It’s not like that.”
“Then what is it like?”
I don’t know how to even begin to tell him. I’m embarrassed at having to stoop so low, as to put us all in danger.
“We didn’t get the contract.”
“What?”
“They want something different. They’re tired of the same shit. Reactions to random taps, and voices that only the cast hears.”
“Then what the hell are we doing here?”
“We’re getting the fucking contract that’s what we’re doing.”
His hands extend towards me and his fist clench together.
“If I die... I am so haunting the shit out of you.”
