“You should probably get something done about that. That does not sound healthy.”
“Before our time is finished, you will be one of the spirits captive here, Blissful. Mark my words.”
Footsteps started up the stairs. I didn’t want Kency to see this guy. I didn’t know if she could, but his evilness would scare her to death.
I sneered. “Well if that’s the case, then come and get me.”
The blob reared back to strike. My fingers twitched. I had to plan this just right.
It lashed forward, and I sprinted to the side.
The thing struck the wall and disappeared right as Kency’s head popped into view at the top of the stairs.
“Blissful, what’re you doing on the floor?”
I brushed off my clothes and staggered to my feet. “Investigating. Isn’t this how you do it? Listen for clues in the wood?”
“Very funny.” She folded her arms and rocked back on her heels. “But seriously, you okay?”
“No,” I lied. “But I have a name. Molly Menzel.”
Kency’s brow furrowed. “Thanks. I’ll see what we can find out. You need help?”
“No.” I shook my head. “I’m right behind you.”
When I reached the bottom of the stairs, the guy who liked grits was sitting there waiting. Yes, he had a bowl in his lap. I mean, could he even taste the grits? Seemed like a waste of energy to me.
The spirit smiled. “See, I told you he’d come. He always does.”
I pointed at him. “Buster, we need to talk.”
SEVEN
Icornered the spirit in a back room off the kitchen. Kency had her guys in the basement searching for either more bodies or more evidence, so this room was empty.
The ghost hovered with his back to the wall.
I wagged a finger at him. “Okay. What’s this all about?”
“What’re you asking me for? I’m just a guy who likes to eat grits.”
“Amusing,” I said flatly. “I’m asking you because you’re the only being around here who seems to have any answers.”
He scratched his scalp with the spoon handle. “What sort of answers you looking for?”
“Who is that spirit? Why does it want me? Why is it keeping you and Molly here? Why can’t you leave? Why did it turn into a black blob?”
“Whoa, lady, that’s a lot of questions.”
I glared at him. “That’s only the beginning. I need answers and I need them now.”
The ghost scratched his jaw as he studied me. “That guy really got to you, huh?”
“Yeah, he really got to me.” I kicked the air, wishing it were a rock instead of simply nothing. “What’s your name?”
“Artie.”
“Artie who?”
