by SJ Sanford
She nodded, “yeah. Just a nightmare. Go back to sleep.” Glancing at the clock she climbed out of bed and headed for the shower. Seven hours of sleep was more than enough. In the bathroom she turned on the shower and looked in the mirror while the water heated up. Twisting so she could see the large nasty looking bruises on her back. With a grimace she climbed into the claw footed bath tub and pulled the curtain shut. Scrubbing herself with the provided lavender smelling soap and shampoo. Turning off the water she stepped out and wrapped herself along with her wet hair in fluffy towels. Returning to the bedroom she dug through her bag for clean clothes.
“So what's the game plan for today?” He asked, as she pulled her clothes on.
“Coffee, run through some footage from last night and once June gets up the historical society.”
“So a full day, then.” He sat up running a hand through his dark hair. “Want some help?”
“Sure. I'll head down and whip us up something to eat.”
“Sounds good.” Andy replied, rolling out of bed and heading for the shower.
As soon as she stepped out of the room Jayme felt the change in atmosphere. The air seemed heavy, almost stagnant. A chill crept down her back, this was not a normal haunting anymore. She had either woken something up or pissed something off last night. Today she needed to figure out which, so they could deal with it. Darting down the stairs, she headed for the kitchen and the enticing smell of fresh coffee. She paused in the doorway seeing Chaz sitting at the table. He looked at though he hadn't gotten much sleep. Dark circles smudged the underside of his hazel eyes, which were without their usual spark. His shoulders slumped as he stared into the coffee mug before him. Something black flickered on the edge of her vision, when she looked it was gone. Looking back to Chaz he was staring at her grinning.
“Hey, Jay, I was hoping to see you before everyone got up.”
“Why?” She asked warily, crossing to the coffee pot. Turning she reached for the cupboard to get coffee mugs. Jayme never even heard him get up, suddenly Chaz was behind her hands on her hips.
“Because I missed you,” He whispered nuzzling her ear.
Instinctively she elbowed him in the side, and darted out of reach. Putting the table between them she said, “then you shouldn't have cheated on me.”
Holding his side he turned and glowered at her. “It's showbiz...”
“You are a Youtube wannabe,” She interrupted, edging toward the door. Her eyes widened as a dark aura surrounded Chaz and anger flared in his eyes.
“No thanks to you!” He thundered, glaring at her. “If I had known what you can do we wouldn't have had to make shit happen.”
Jayme felt her heart speed up, and cold fear seeped through her veins. Around Chaz the aura pulsed and snapped. The dumbass had gone and managed to get possessed by whatever had been attached to Dr Trent. This was so not good.
“Everything ok in here?” Andy asked from the doorway behind Jayme.
The aura flared then faded. “Yeah were good,” Chaz replied.
Spinning on her heel, Jayme grabbed Andy and pushed him from the room. “We're going to eat out.” She muttered guiding him toward the door. Pausing only long enough to duck into the dining room to grab her bag and a laptop. Jayme snagged her coat, glancing toward the kitchen she saw Chaz leaning against the door jam watching her intently. Unnerved she let Andy open the front door for her and lead her outside. Drawing a deep breath of the crisp fall air she centered herself, before crossing to the van.
“So wanna tell me what that was all about?” Andy asked, climbing into the drivers seat.
“Chaz is possessed.”
“What?” Andy looked at her wide eyed, jaw slightly slack.
“When I was attacked by Dr. Trent there was some dark entity attached to his spirit. Now that entity is attached to Chaz.” Jayme looked back toward the B&B. It seemed darker than the day before. The pouch was empty and so was the garden. Letting her eyes drift up to the turret room, she found Chaz staring down at them in the same place Dr. Trent had the day before. “Lets get out of here. I'll text June and let her know what's going on.”
Andy started the engine as, Jayme sent a message to June. Pulling out of the parking lot he said, “We shouldn't have let anyone sleep in that room after what happened last night.”
“People have been sleeping in that room for years, we couldn't have known what would happen to Chaz. Being the ass that he is he could have asked for it, for all we know.”
Andy nodded, his agreement, but still looked upset. “You should call Theo and Father George just in case we need to exorcise him.”
Jayme grimaced, but dialed Theo's number.
****
Jayme played with the handle of her coffee mug as they sat in the diner waiting for Theo to arrive.
“How long?”
“Any time now.”
The waitress plopped down a plate of fries with a large hamburger in front of her. They had missed breakfast. She glanced at Andy's BLT and onion rings. “You're not expecting to kiss me later, are you?”
He grinned,” I think there's some gum in the cars.”
With a smile she started in on her burger. In between bites she glanced toward the door. A wave of relief coursed through her when the bells jingled, as the door opened and Theo walked in. Setting down her burger she waved, to the older man's attention. “He's here.”
Upon seeing her his blue eyes lit up and he weaved his lanky frame through the tables to where they sat. Settling in the booth next to Andy, Theo asked, “So why did I have to drive my happy ass, all the way out here?”
Jayme picked at her fries, “Chaz got himself possessed. June and the guys are keeping an eye on him while we regroup and call in the cavalry, or you.”
“Chaz? As in ex-boyfriend, YouTube sensation, my shit doesn't stink Chaz?”
“Do you know any other?” Andy replied, popping an onion ring in his mouth.
Theo rolled his eyes as the waitress approached the table. He ordered a diet coke and burger then turned back to Jayme. “So what do we know and what can I do?”
Jayme tugged the case file from her bag and handed it to him. “Gotta get rid of it.”
They finished eating while Theo poured over the file. Jayme finished her fries and piled her plate on top of Andy's empty dishes. Wrapping her hands around her mug she waited to see what Theo had to say.
Pushing his plate away Theo leaned back and closed his eyes. “What's your plan at this point?”
“We're going to the historical society after here to see what we can find out. I'm a bit reluctant to go back to the B&B, but it's not fair to leave Chaz like that. Even if he is an a-hole.”
“Do you think he'll require an exorcism?”
“Possibly. This entity was attached to Dr. Trent's spirit before it latched on to Chaz. I'm thinking it's relatively powerful to do that.”
Theo nodded in agreement and opened his eyes. “I'll call Father George and get him over here to help. No guarantees though this is short notice.”
“I could always call Clarissa, if he's not available.” Jayme murmured, tentatively knowing Theo's feelings about the high priestess.
Theo wrinkled his nose. “Not sure about that she's a little off.”
“Yeah, but she gets results.”
“True.” He sighed, rubbing his eyes again. “All right I'll make my calls on the way to the B&B. The team knows I'm coming.”
“Yeah,” Andy replied with a worried looked. “Their going to be all right there?”
“I think so it seemed pretty focused on me.”
“I'll check in once I get there.” Theo added giving them a reassuring smile and standing. When he reached for his wallet, Jayme held up her hand.
“It's on me. Least I can do for ruining your weekend.”
Theo grinned, “Who said I had anything better to do?”
****
The historical society was located in the Cherry Point Museum an old stone building that looked as though i
t had seen better days. One of the volunteers had brought several file boxes into the small study room for Jayme and Andy. The table was covered with files, papers, pictures, news clippings, and journals. It seemed they had a wealth of information on the history of the building, but nothing that really helped.
Leaning back in her chair, Jayme rubbed her eyes, they ached from trying to read the different handwritten papers.
“Giving up?” Andy asked, from a crossed the table.
“No.” She reached for a small leather journal. As her fingers brushed it a tingle raced up her arm. Curiosity peaked she flipped it open to the first page. Judging from the chicken scratch handwriting it was Dr Trent's. The first few pages seemed to be notes on patients, the treatments and tests on various people. Jayme paused when she saw the name Tessa.
Shoving the book under Andy's nose she asked, “Do you think this is Tessie?”
He scanned the page. “Could be.”
Sighing Jayme ripped a piece of paper from her notebook and marked the page, hoping the volunteer would copy the pages for her. Continuing to leaf through the journal she didn't find anything else of interest. She was just about the put the book aside, when she noticed a passage.
Patient 403: Left on doorstep, name: Tessa, age approximately 13-16 years old. Claims to be possessed by a demon, hears voice, speaks in tongues, and is violent toward other patients as well as staff. Treatments include hydrotherapy, and insulin shock therapy. Should these fail I will proceed with a lobotomy.
The handwriting became unreadable. Jayme scanned the page, at the bottom she could make out the last few lines.
January 06, 1934 time of death 03:00 in the morning, from infection after surgery. Note: Orderlies and nurses claim a black shadow flew from patient mouth at time of death.
Jayme blinked and reread the lines. That was a weird thing for a doctor to note, especially if he didn't believe the patient was possessed. Going back she tried to reread the page.
Unable to decipher anymore of the page, she ripped another scrap of paper and marked it.
“Do you think they'll let us make some copies?”
“Probably, if not we can offer a large donation if they will.” Andy replied, with a grin.
Chapter 5
Dread cramped Jayme's stomach the closer they got to Cherry Point. She didn't want to deal with Chaz, again. Why was it she was able to find a demon case, when only one percent of the cases investigated were that evil?
“You ok?” Andy asked, giving her leg a squeeze.
“Yeah, I just need to ground myself and build up my shields before we get there.”
He nodded, and returned his hand to the steering wheel. Jayme closed her eyes and centered herself, her usual grounding technique wouldn't work while moving. Her fingers absently rubbed the smooth stones of her bracelet. Once centered she pulled her shields up, visualizing a white light creating armor around her. After she was sure there were no chinks in the armor she opened her eyes.
Andy pulled to a stop in the B&B's parking lot. “Ready?” He asked, looking over at her.
“As ready as I'll ever be,” she replied.
Andy killed the engine and they got out. The yard and porch were empty. A heaviness shrouded the whole area. Jayme glanced up and found Chaz standing in the turret room window glaring down at her. Shivering she turned her gaze toward the lake. Dark clouds massed over the blue black water, a wind whipped in from off the choppy waves.
“Looks like it's going to be a long night.” Andy remarked, wrapping an arm around her shoulders.
“Yeah.” Jayme could feel the energy slowly stirring in the heavy air as the storm rolled closer. She was thankful Theo's little white compact sat in the parking lot not to far from where Andy had parked the van. Andy guided her toward the door, inside she hung up her coat and beeline to the dining room.
June looked up from the computer she was working on. “Hey, find anything useful?”
“Sorta, kinda, maybe.” Jayme replied, dropping the copies from the historical society on the table. “You?”
She shrugged, “The stuff from the walk through was amazing, the rest eh.”
“Any idea how they did?” Jayme asked jerking her thumb toward Chaz's group.
June shook her head. “No. They've been really secretive all day.”
Jayme tapped her lips with her finger. “Ok we're going to break to out the board tonight.”
“Really?” June's eyes widened.
“Yeah. Can you have Elliot go grab it from the van?”
“Sure.” June started to stand.
“Oh and how's Chaz been acting?”
“Weird. Nervous. Grumpy. Snapping at everybody. He retreated to his room when Theo got here.”
Jayme sighed, “Ok. Where's Theo?”
“He's in the kitchen with Otis.”
“Thanks, June.” Jayme forced a smile and headed for the kitchen.
Theo sat at the table with Otis, coffee mugs in front of them. His calming energy flowed over her as soon as she entered the room. “Hey, Sweetpea...” His eyes swept over her from head to feet and he frowned. “You need tea.”
Jayme sank down in a chair as Theo poured her a cup of tea. Otis took a sip from his cup then cleared his throat. “How'd it go?”
“Ok. June's got the information we found.”
Otis nodded as Theo placed a mug in front of her. “Father George is busy so I called Clarissa. She'll be here around five.”
“Well at least we have someone coming.” Jayme rubbed her temples, and stared down into the mug at the reddish brown liquid. “What is this?”
“Tea. It's good for you,” Theo replied sitting down a crossed from her. “What's your plan?”
Jayme sighed, “Elliot is getting the board.”
Theo nodded, “good idea. See if we can separate the spirit by drawing it to the board and away from Chaz.”
Outside the wind picked up beating against the house. Otis's phone suddenly rang making them jump, he glanced at the screen. “Hey I gotta take this.” Swiping the screen he stood and left the room.
Theo grinned, watching Otis leave. “His new girlfriend.”
Jayme shook her head. “I didn't know he was involved with anyone.”
“Neither does he, yet.”
“Don't do that to the team,” Jayme said with a frown.
“Hey I didn't do anything, it's just what comes through.”
“Right.” Jayme took a drink from the cup and nearly spit it back out. “Oh that's nasty. I need to tell the other team what I have planned so they can do what they need to get out of my way.” Pushing the chair away from the table she stood.
“Jayme, don't push yourself too hard.”
She nodded and left, heading back to the dining room. As she passed the stairs she heard a voice whisper, “Miss Jayme.”
Jayme paused, “Tessie?”
The young woman hesitantly stepped from the shadows. “Please be careful.” She glanced up the steps, then back to Jayme. “You're friend is in danger.”
“I know, Tessie, I'm doing what I can to save him and the rest of you if I can.”
The girl gave her a weak smile, “I don't want to leave. Their are others who were happy here but hide from the Doctor. He's trapped many souls...” She cocked her head as though hearing something. “I have to go.” Stepping back she faded from sight.
“Wait, Tessie, what do you mean trapped?” Jayme puffed out a frustrated sigh. Ghosts were so freakin cryptic. Shaking her head, she continued into the dining room. Belinda sat in one of the chairs filing her nails while the other members clustered around the equipment. She was surprised to see Chaz standing behind his cameraman.
Sucking in a breath she walked over to Chaz. “Hey, I'd like to do a talking board session in your room. Is that ok?”
“Seriously, a Ouija board, you know how dangerous those things are.” He crossed his arms over his chest.
“No more dangerous than a KII meter or any other thing we u
se to communicate with the spirits. Like any tool, if done right it can be very useful.”
“You know how to use it right?”
“Yes, I do, and Theo is here to help me. I also have someone else coming in to assist.”
Chaz moved closer to her, and the dark aura pulsed around him. “Decided to call in the cavalry, hmm?”
“I'm not afraid to ask for help when I'm in over my head.”
“If you're in over your head couldn't a session bring in more things you can't handle?”
“I know what I'm doing.” Her eyes darted around the room, to see everyone was staring at them.
“Fine, but Lindie sits in and Luca films it.”
“They have to stay out of the way. If they get freaked out I'm sending them out of the room. I can't have negative energy floating around, it'll bring out stuff we don't want to mess with.”
Chaz gave her an evil grin, and in a deep gravely voice that wasn't even close to his own replied, “It's already here.”
Jayme blinked and took a step back, before gathering herself. “Not for long if I have my way.”
“Hey, Jay, come here and listen to this,” Otis called, from behind her.
Glad to get away from Chaz she turned and headed to where Otis sat by the laptop. “Whatcha got?”
“Here.” He handed her a set of headphones, which she slipped over her ears. “Tell me what you hear.”
He hit a button, at first all she heard was static then a low hissing voice. “Bitch... tried to take my souls... I'll take her's.”
Jayme frowned, looking at Otis. He nodded, “You heard it right?”
She nodded slowly her eyes shifting back toward Chaz. This was not good. The entity was in Chaz and pissed off to boot. If her plan didn't work or worse backfired she was going to be in a world of trouble. A swirl of white caught her eye and Jayme turned in time to see Clarissa enter the room, followed by Theo. Pulling off the headphones, Jayme looked at Otis. “Thanks, for showing me.”
“Yup. You might want to be extra careful tonight.”
Laying a hand on his shoulder she glanced toward Clarissa and Theo. “I got back up.”
“Kay.” His phone rang again, and he shook his head looking at the display.
“Make sure you turn that off when we start.” Jayme walked over to Clarissa who was looking over the groups. “I don't think I've ever seen so many people on an investigation.”
“It's a long story.”