“Don’t knock it until you try it,” Edward said. “Now, who is trying to distract themselves from communing with the other side, me or you?”
“Double touché,” William said, turning his attention back to the board before him. “All right. Let’s get this over with.”
“I’ll take the lead. All you need to do is rest thebackof your fingers on the bottom of the glass. Preferably the lightest touch of your fingernails. That way, by lightly resting your nails, it will be impossible to manipulate the planchet. You can’t blame me if it moves, and vice versa. But you mustnottake your fingers off until we close the communication. Simple guidelines, but they’re important to follow.”
“Aye, aye, captain.”
“Captain? I like that.” Edward peaked a single brow, clearly amused by William’s use of words. “Okay, are you ready?”
William swallowed hard, finding his arm heavier as he lifted it into position. “Only if you’re sure this is safe.”
“I can say a little prayer beforehand if you prefer.”
“Knock your socks off,” William said, resting the back of his index and middle finger upon the overturned glass, just as instructed. Edward copied.
As their fingers brushed, a pleasant shiver coursed up William’s arm. He couldn’t help but think about how close the night had made them. Not only the part about communicating with spirits, but the fact Edward had undressed William, dressed him again and all without batting an eyelash.
Edward cleared his throat and bowed his head. His deep voice fell into pace as he recited a prayer. It filled every corner of quiet room. William did his best to listen respectfully, all the while sensing that Hanbury was coming alive as if it was repulsed by Edward’s words or recognised them. Beyond Robert’s bedroom, the walls groaned, and old pipes sang to life. Creaks and groans felt almost normal to William now, that he preferred the noise of the manor to its silence.
“Coincidence?” William asked, those pleasant shivers turning to cold trembles. “I think not.”
“Old houses talk,” Edward said. “We haven’t even started yet.”
“Then let’s get started before I chicken out.”
Edward rolled his shoulder and clicked his neck, all without taking his fingers from the planchet. “We need to build energy. Follow what I do.”
They began guiding the glass in circles around the centre of the board. It was actually harder than William imagined it would be, considering his nails did the majority of the pushing. It took considerable effort to keep up with Edward’s assured and well-practised movements. William didn’t realise that he was more focused on watching Edward than the board until Edward caught his stare.
“Focus on the board, your intentions.Notme.”
Embarrassed at being caught out, William decided it was better to close his eyes. That way, he’d eliminate the very real,verydistracting presence of the man before him. It turned out that closing his eyes didn’t help. All it did was make the subtle touch of their fingers tenfold in feeling.
Edward’s guidance stopped, and the planchet remained motionless in the middle of the board. “Is there anyone with us tonight?”
William felt the need to hold his breath. He didn’t want to miss anything, not even the slightest movements. They waited a few seconds, offering Hanbury the respect of their silence, waiting for something to answer.
The upside-down glass didn’t move.
“Let me rephrase that for you,” Edward said, clearing his voice. “Weknowsomeone is here with us tonight, so… I don’t know… reveal yourselves.”
“Isn’t it best we stick to yes or no questions?” William added.
“Why?” Edward whispered over the board. “Are ghosts simple after they die?”
William’s eyes flared wide. “Also, best not to offend them before we’ve barely got started.”
“Coming from the man who was just outside digging up a grave? If anyone is offended by what has been happening, it is me.” Edward winked, his lips turned up at the corners. “Now, focus.”
If Hanbury really was haunted, William had a few choice words to say to the ghosts. Starting with fuck and ending with you. But, in case this wasn’t all some ridiculous fantasy, he wasn’t prepared to piss off anything listening.
Edward hid his smirk well, looked up to the shadows surrounding them, and spoke again. “If someone is with us, please move the glass you see in the middle of the board.”
William narrowed his attention on the glass, and still, it didn’t move. “Still nothing.”
“Shh,” Edward hushed. “Patience.”
It went on like this for a while. Edward asking questions, the glass refusing to move, the manor still. William saw the hope leave Edward’s eyes, and the tiredness set in. They’d been at it for close to an hour before the sky beyond the manor was lightning with the arrival of morning, and William’s arse was so numb he couldn’t feel his legs.
