“Yep.”
He grabbed me by the shoulders. “I can’t die. I just can’t. I’ve been talking to Hollywood. Hollywood wants me. I can’t give all that up just to die. I can’t!”
One minute Truck was grabbing me and nearly sobbing, the next he was on the ground, his thumb stuck in his mouth. He was sucking away like a baby.
“What happened?” Ruth said.
Alice nudged his foot. “I think he fainted.”
“He did.” I fished in his pockets until I found the keys. “Let’s haul him inside, ladies. We’ve got to get this guy home.”
SIXTEEN
By the time we reached Truck’s house, he was almost awake. I nudged him.
“Wake up, sleeping beauty; we’re at your house.”
Luckily Ruth and Alice both knew where Truck lived. It was an area on the south side of Haunted Hollow, far from Xavier’s place.
Truck’s house was an old plantation style with a big iron gate around it. It was in an older section of town, where all the historic homes were located.
Truck glanced around groggily. “Um. Home?”
“Yes, home. Now let’s go. I have to clean your place so the spirit doesn’t come for you.”
We parked and got out.
Ruth crossed her arms and gave Truck the old stink eye. “Why do you think the spirit said that, Truck Morrow?”
Truck gulped. “I really don’t know.”
“You don’t?” She sidled up close to him. “You really don’t know? No clue? No idea? Not even an inkling?”
Truck glanced at the three of us nervously. He cleared his throat. “No, I don’t. Let’s just get this over with.”
He punched the key in the lock, opened the door and turned off the alarm. He glanced at the box. “Do you have to bring that inside?”
“Yes,” I said sharply. “We need the spirit to do the cleanse properly.” I pulled a stick of sage from the backpack. I need you to stay in here.”
“The kitchen?” Truck looked bewildered. I guess that’s what sucking your thumb when you’re a grown man will do to you. Make you not understand a woman when she speaks. “I can’t come with you?”
I shook my head. “No. I need you to stay away. Make yourself a sandwich. You look pale.”
“But what if the…” His gaze shifted uneasily to the box. “What if the spirit comes for me, attacks me?”
I patted the cardboard. “We’ll have it with us. Now. Are any doors locked? Because we’ve got to work the entire home.”
He shook his head. “No. Nothing.” He raked his fingers down his face. “Please. Just hurry. I’m starting to feel sick.”
I nodded to Alice and Ruth.
“I’ll stay with him,” Alice said. “In case he needs help to the bathroom.”
“Or faints,” I said.
Truck shot me a dirty look.
I hitched a shoulder. “What? You look like a fainter.”
