“Callum,” Hugo said.
“Stay back, foul creature,” Callum bellowed, holding his bible up and a silver cross. The minion stopped and cocked its head before moving to the side. The Lavender Lady continued in the opposite direction, and we ended up back-to-back.
“Not quite what I had in mind,” Connor quipped as they circled us.
“What’s stopping them from attacking?” Phil asked.
“Way to go, dude. Let’s not put that idea in their head,” I retorted, and Phil winced.
“They’re not attacking because they’re afraid. They’re unsure how strong our faith is,” Callum said.
“So we’re at a standoff?” I demanded.
“Yup. Whatever you do, don’t break the circle,” Callum ordered.
“Got no intention of that,” Connor said.
The Lavender Lady approached. Up close, she was even more beautiful and no less deadly. There was an expression in her eyes, though, that made my skin crawl. She opened her mouth, and those sharp teeth glinted for a moment before a smile hid them.
“Come,”she intoned.
“Not fuckin’ likely,” I retorted.
Her eyes flashed, and she smiled again.“Walk with me.”
“What are you? A succubus? Cambion? What?” Callum demanded, keeping his cross and bible high.
“Female,”she teased, throwing her head back and laughing.
“You’re not human!” Callum retorted.
“Love me,”she whispered and circled us. I noted she left no footsteps and pointed down for Phil to film.
“Begone, evil spirit! Your wicked wiles will not work on these men!” Callum bellowed, and she dropped to a crouch and snarled.
“Incoming!” Harry announced over the radio.
“Where?” I demanded, swivelling my head.
“Hugo’s side,” Harry said.
I shuffled around, careful not to break the salt lines, and gaped. Walking in our direction was another ghost.
“We’re gonna need help,” I radioed Harry.
“Michelle won’t arrive for an hour and a half. Merrick and Ashford are getting ready,” Harry replied.
The newest spirit strode towards us. And I squinted. By her side walked a large dog, and she held its collar in one hand. The hound was so big that she didn’t have to bend to it. Ice-blue eyes stared as the dog focused on us and whined. That whine caused an immediate reaction.
The Lavender Lady shrieked angrily, and the creature backed away.
The Woman in Black wore a long black dress, easily from the eighteen hundreds, and a veil over her face. A shawl covered her shoulders, and her hair was tied back in a neat bun. I couldn’t make out her features, but I felt she was young.
She paused by a gravestone and regarded the scene calmly.
The dog remained placidly by her side, which was at odds with the Lavender Lady’s and creature’s reactions.
“Leave,”the voice floated through the air.
