“Can’t disagree,” I said.
“Everyone, take a ten-minute break, recharge your batteries,” Merrick commanded.
Nobody argued. We all understood we were heading into the worst part of the exorcism. Only the demon grasped what it had in store for us.
Callie
Naturally, I was worried about the other team, and I nearly ordered Celt to turn around several times. It felt wrong letting them perform the exorcism without backup. I knew they were strong. But it remained a worry, maybe because I enjoyed being in charge.
“Where are we heading tonight?” Celt asked as he drove again.
“We’re going to retrace last night’s steps, and then we’re making our way into Sleepy Hollow Cemetery. We need to discover where the demon is hiding—the Lavender Lady or her minion is the key to that,” I replied.
“That’s why I’ve brought additional items. The demon posturing as the Headless Horseman has to have a base. Should we not be able to locate that, we will be unable to send him back to hell. I think the Lavender Lady will lead us to him. Or I’m hoping so,” Callum said.
“What if we can’t find them?” Chey asked.
“Then, if we haven’t discovered him by the end of the investigation, I’ll inform my church and take advice from them. But considering how many reports of demon activity we’re receiving, I probably won’t be able to stay,” Callum said.
“Yet they spared you for this?” Celt stated, confused.
“Yes, because Callie makes a donation for my time,” Callum replied with a smile. “Even the church needs money!”
“That’s cynical.” Chey chuckled.
“But very true!” Callum teased, and we all laughed before sobering.
“If I become incapacitated, follow Callie’s instructions. She’s been present for several exorcisms and understands the process. Don’t panic, and most definitely don’t run off. That will cause the demon to chase you and give it a chance to inflict harm,” Callum warned.
“Gotya,” Celt replied.
???
The initial stage of the investigation went quickly. We picked up a few random EVPs, but nothing major manifested. If the Hessian were here, he wouldn’t communicate. That was fine; I’d never want to disturb anyone’s peace.
The second part of the evening was a near-disaster. We were wandering the paths, looking for any sign of the Lavender Lady. Although there were five of us, I refused to split into two teams. We’d probably cover more ground, but we only had one Callum, and I knew deep down splitting up was a mistake. As we rounded a mausoleum, I caught a flash of movement. I placed a hand on Sunny’s arm and pointed.
We both strained our eyes, and then we saw it again. A black, hulking figure moving amongst gravestones and mausoleums.
“Damn,” Callum muttered. “I was hoping that creature was stuck in one place.”
“Not so lucky,” I replied.
“Nope. And I don’t see Lavender,” Callum said, staring around. Tonight was overcast, and that made seeing things harder. The gloom seemed denser than earlier this evening, and then I realised… the darkness surrounding the minion was thicker; no light penetrated it. Now I knew what I was searching for, it would be easy to spot the creature.
“There,” Chey murmured and pointed. I looked and saw another flash of Lavender and then she appeared.
Lavender was dancing and twirling on her toes as she sang. Her hair flew out behind her, and her beauty stood out in the moonlight that touched her face. Lavender danced toward her minion, cooing and encouraging it. It moved towards her, and then its head turned suddenly, luckily away from us.
“Go feed!” Lavender called.
The minion raced off through the graves as we crouched low. We didn’t want Lavender to spot us. A scream rang out, and I gripped Sunny as he began to rise.
“That’s an animal,” I said, stopping him.
“Are you sure?” Celt demanded.
“Keep your voices down, yes, I’m certain,” I replied.
