“Let’s start from the beginning then. Why were you there in the first place?” Nash asks.
I invite her over to a small seating area and tell her the story, leaving out the details of where my father and Belinda are. It’s not relevant other than my dad wasn’t here to help like usual.
Nash listens patiently, waiting until I’m done to ask a few questions. “Why lie about where he found her?”
“No fucking clue, but that woman was not in the barn.” I shake my head.
“Seems strange not to admit where he really found her.”
I agree with Nash’s statement, but I don’t have any insight as to why he did it.
“You think he’s abusive?”
“Something was off, and like I said, there was evidence of a struggle in the living room. She’s been pretty clear she doesn’t want my help though, she even said not to tell my dad, and Eugene acted like all he wanted was to see or talk to my dad,” I offer, even though it’s not helpful.
“And when you asked her about the entity today?” Nash urges.
“She acted like it wasn’t possible, but she still half acknowledged there is a spirit in the house. At one point, I thought she was going to say Eugene had something to do with it, and that would have made sense to me. The man leaks magic like a sieve, so I thought maybe he had a connection to the spirit world and sent the ghost after me.”
“Maybe she’s protecting him?” Nash muses.
“Not with the way she looks at him. I think if Percy offered to chew his fingers off, she would let him.”
Nash tilts her head and gives me the side-eye after my statement, but she doesn’t ask me to clarify. “Well, if she’s not going to help, we’ll need to do our own research—county records, obituaries, deeds, anything that will tell us who has lived and died in that house. I’m hoping it’s just a spirit, especially with such small demonstrations of its ability, but it could just be ramping up if it’s something more serious.”
“Gray is the mayor. He can help us get info on the land and such.” I look to him for confirmation, and he nods in response.
“That’s a good place to start. It might be helpful to speak with your dad too. If he has a connection to them, he may know the answers to some of the questions.”
“I won’t be able to reach him until tomorrow. He’s dealing with his own shit right now, unrelated,” I explain.
“We can wait until tomorrow. In the meantime, I bet you have enough space to offer a friend a room?” Nash inquires. Her shoulders are a little high, and the look on her face makes me think she regrets asking as soon as the words are out of her mouth.
“Hex yes! I would offer even if we didn’t have this issue. I hate to pull you into this mess, but I really appreciate your help.” I look over at Felix, hoping that’s okay. He rolls his eyes as if to say I’m nuts for even asking.
“Good, I think it will be helpful to figure out what’s going on here,” Nash replies.
“TRUST ME, YOU CAN DO IT.” VODKA.
“Let’s go over a few things just to make sure we’re all on the same page.” Nash pulls a small velvet bag from her blazer pocket and places it on the table. “First, we don’t talk about or acknowledge the entity in a space where we can be overheard. If it does something to get our attention, just ignore it. Recognition will empower it.”
I know these things, but it’s good information for the guys to hear, and I can use the refresher. It’s hard not to react when something falls or moves right in front of you.
“The salt barrier is a good start, but I brought a few things that are a little stronger.” Nash takes out a slightly larger satchel and unties the little string holding it closed. I can hear things clanging together on the inside. “This will be our safe room,” she says, rising and walking toward the door. “If something happens, we come here.”
Nash crouches near the salt line and places some crystals a few inches away from the barrier. I recognize them after getting a better look when she heads back to her seat. Black tourmaline is good for protection and dispelling any negative energy, while citrine cleanses and blocks negative vibrations, aiding in mental clarity. The last stone is much larger than the others, and it’s been smoothed, allowing me to see right through the crystal clear areas and the milky whiteness of others. But what makes this stone so special are the thick, black needles of tourmaline running throughout the quartz. The clarity of the pure quartz will act as a magnifier for the tourmaline, making its natural properties even stronger.
“The salt will still need to be replaced daily, but the crystals will act as an additional barrier and can remain in place.” Nash retakes her seat, depositing the larger bag on the table and gathering the smaller one into her lap.
“I have the amulets ready to invoke for each of you. Will Broussard be around soon, or should we move ahead without him for now?” Nash passes her gaze over the three of us.
“I can find out.” Felix stands and makes his way swiftly out of the room.
“How’s the team?” I ask Nash. I really want to ask about Flannigan, but I hold off.
“Good. Wuornos is still working to get the kid settled, so we don’t have an active case, hence why I could come so quickly.”
“Well, that worked out nicely for me.” I grin.
