Once.
Thank god.Four members of a family of six died that tragic night—the parents, Richard and Alice, and two of their children, Richard Jr., otherwise known as Richie, and Robert. Kid ghosts are…a lot. Too much, even. My heart crumbles when I find them, and it’s so hard to leave them alone when I do eventually have to leave.
“Alice,” I confirm gently. “It’s lovely to meet you. You have a nice home.”
I’m lying through my teeth. White paint is peeling from the window frames, the floors are uneven and likely riddled with termites, and the walls have questionable stains covering them that are hopefully smoke and water damage. It’s been vacant since 1956. Reports of unstable electricity, near-constant cold drafts, odd noises, and bad smells have been successful at keeping any potential residents away. I’d wager a guess and say Alice here is the source of that.
“Is there anyone else with you, Alice?”
The light flashes twice. She’s alone.
I frown. One thing I have been unable to figure out in this business is how to help spirits move on. Not my expertise, unfortunately. I can find them and communicate with them, like how I am now, but I’m not a medium or a psychic, so the flashlight acts as my translator. There’s a possibility I’ll be able to pick up on a voice once I watch and listen to my recordings, but that may be the best I get.
Out of every investigation I’ve done, I’ve only heard one voice in real time. However, it was indiscernible until I listened to my audio footage later. They said, “Go.” Or maybe, “Whoa.” Or, “Low.” Or potentially, “Yo.”
I continue my conversation with the spirit. “That’s too bad. I’m sorry you’re alone, Alice. I was wondering if you?—”
The light flashes.
Hmm. Is she saying thank you?
“Sorry, Alice, I’m not sure what you’re saying yes to.”
The light flashes once again. Is she tapping it by accident?
“Sorry, I really am not sure?—”
The light flashes again. I wonder…
“Are you saying someone elseishere?”
One flash.
“Who? Your husband?”
Two flashes.
My breath hitches. “One of your children?”
Two flashes.
“A friend?”
Two flashes.
Well, that’s not creepy. Okay. Maybe she misinterpreted the wordfriend?
“Someone nice?”
Two flashes.
I force myself to take a deep breath. “Someone not so nice?”
One flash.
Shit. “Alice, should I leave?”
Nothing.
