“I need you to promise me something.”
“Anything, Dad!”
“Be patient with your Dad tonight. He’s not used to doing things like this and he might need a little extra help.”
“I promise I’ll run behind him until he gets the hang of it.”
Ten laughed. “That’s my girl.”
“Okay, Uncle Jude. I’m ready to go!”
“Cope’s going to help us relax so that we can be ready to ghost dance. Let’s all have a seat together.” Jude led Everly to the sofa. Ronan sat on the other side of her.
Everly took Ronan’s hand. “Daddy, Mimi Bertha and Crow are gonna be with us.”
Hearing that Crow was going to be there made Ronan relax. He knew how strong Jude’s elder was and that he’d do anything to keep them all safe. “Thank you for telling me.”
“Before we start,” Cope said. “You all need a code word. If things get to intense or scary and you want to come back, say granola.”
“Granola?” Everly shot Cope a questioning look.
“You are off to speak with a spirit who died long before granola was even invented. It’s not a word that’s likely to come up in conversation.”
“I love granola, mixed with yogurt and fresh berries.” Ronan smacked his lips.
“Ronan, focus!” Ten said. “The last thing we need is for your spirit to go tumbling out into space and getting lost.”
“Are you sure you don’t want to rethink that?” Jude asked with a snicker.
“I’m ready to go,” Everly said, taking Ronan and Jude’s hands.
“Keep our little miss safe, Jude.”
“Always,” Jude promised.
“How about I keep you two chuckleheads safe?” Everly rolled her eyes.
“Close your eyes,” Cope said, in a soft voice. “Relax your minds and bodies, as you feel yourself start to drift off. Feel the tension slowly drain from your limbs.”
Ronan pictured his body relaxing as Cope spoke. He wasn’t much for meditating, but had to admit, this felt nice. Just sort of floating away with no one asking for a drink of water or fighting over the last Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup.
“Daddy!” Everly said, giving Ronan’s shoulder a shake. We’re here.”
“We’re where?” Ronan asked, his eyes still closed.
“At the Navy prison. Open your eyes.”
A shiver of fear ripped through Ronan’s body. He found himself not wanting to open his eyes, afraid of what he’d see.
“Come on, handsome. I’ve got you,” a familiar voice said.
Ronan opened his eyes to see Bertha Craig standing in front of him. He took an unsteady step forward, and Bertha reached out to steady him. Ronan pulled her into a hug. “I’m so glad you’re here. This place was creepy in day light. It’s even worse now.”
“Let’s do what we came for and get the hell out of here.” Bertha knelt and hugged Everly.
Turning around, Ronan saw Jude speaking with Crow. He’d only met Jude’s elder once or twice in the past and was always impressed with the Navajo warrior.
“It’s this way,” Everly said, pointing toward Cellblock A.
