And we’re back on that.
“The ghosts don’t seem too pressed about it.”Yet,I finish in my head. Even if the ghosts aren’t talking to me, I’m sure they’re here. My EMF detector lit up like a Christmas tree when I entered this room, sensing either spirits or electromagnetic fields.
She clicks her tongue. “Lace, I don’t know what you’re trying to accomplish with this YouTube channel?—”
I dip forward with another groan. In one ear and out the other with her, I swear. I cut Meggie off. “A YouTube channel. That’s what I’m trying to accomplish. Making content. Meeting ghosts. Talking to them and helping them feel less lonely.”
Additionally, there’s this competition I’d like to enter. I’ve been successful since my re-entry into this world. Successful enough to have a chance at winning a contest hosted by a minor streaming company. The best entry is awarded a pilot for their own reality paranormal investigation TV show. A show sponsored by a network would give me more resources and better methods to assist the spirits. And I could travel—be the one to leave for once, rather than the one who is left.
Lately, I’ve been visiting more haunts than usual, trying to capture elite footage for my entry. I’ve had moderate success—with a random knock here, a shuffle there, footsteps up the stairs, or flickering lights. During my investigation a few days prior, I even felt a ghost poke me. However, none of these are winners. The big winner would be an apparition, but I’ve never seen one with my own eyes. Sure, I’ve caught shadows on camera, but it’s not enough. Not for this.
“This isn’t going to get her back.”
My attention snaps back to my sister. “She’s not why I do this.” Not the sole reason, anyhow. I close my eyes, dragging a hand down my face. “Was there anything else you needed?”
“Just”—Meggie huffs a sigh—“be safe.”
Honestly, I’m unsure if Meggie is more worried about me getting hurt or getting arrested. Neither have happened. Yet.
“I always am.”
“And call me tomorrow? You spend too much time alone.”
“I like being alone.” Being alone is easier.
“Sure. We’ll go with that.” Her tongue clicks again. “Talk tomorrow, Lace?”
“Yeah. Tomorrow,” I resign.
I set the recorder back up on my phone after the call ends. Refocusing, I stare at the flashlight, ready to try my question once more before moving to another room.
“Is there anyone here with me right now?”
The light flashes once, making me jolt. I nearly yip in excitement, but I keep my cool because, hey, Iama professional.
Despite that, my heart is pounding in my throat. With myvoice forcibly steady, I say, “Hi there. Do you live in this house?”
Near instantly, the light flashes again.
I resist the urge to dance in my seat.Fuck, yes. We have company. “Is it all right that I’m here with you?”
The light flashes again. Just once, thankfully. It hasn’t happened often, but when a ghost is not happy to see me, it’s best I get out of their hair. They can’t hurt anyone living, but they can make things unpleasantly creepy. I’ve been touched a few times by ghosts, but nothing aggressive enough to cause harm.
“Thank you. Now, I was doing some research on your house before I came over and found that a few family members died of carbon monoxide poisoning in 1956. Does that sound familiar to you?”
The light flashes twice.No.
Hmm, well, it’s not uncommon for a ghost to have no recollection of their own death. I’ll move away from that subject.
“That’s all right. I’m sorry if anything I said upset you.”
The light flashes twice again. I’ll assume it means that I didn’t upset them, not that they’re unaccepting of my apology.
“Are you Richard McCall?”
The light flashes twice.
“Alice McCall?” I try.
