Bellamy nodded.
“How?” Jude asked. “If we know how he’s doing it, we might be able to break the hold he has on all of you.”
“I don’t know. I wish I did. All I want to do is leave this place once and for all and find Magnolia Anne and my family. Do you know how to make that happen?” Bellamy looked hopeful.
“I’m not sure,” Everly said. “Mimi Bertha, do you know how to break Bellamy and the others away from the warden?”
“What we need to learn is how the warden is keeping the souls here. Bellamy said that when he died, he tried to run into the light but the warden stopped him. Did you hear him whisper an incantation or did he somehow trick you into staying?”
“No, I didn’t hear anything like that and never agreed to remain here. I’ve tried to escape several times, but I haven’t been able to break free.”
“We have to go now.” Everly stood up. “I promise we’ll be back to help you and the others. Please don’t tell any of the other spirits that we were here or what we’re planning. If the warden finds out, he’ll figure out how to stop us.”
“I understand. Thank you, Everly.”
“You’re welcome. I’ll see you soon.” Everly walked out of the cell. She took Ronan and Jude’s hands. “Let’s go home.”
“We’ll see you soon, honey! Toodles!” Bertha and Crow vanished.
“Are you ready?” Everly asked.
“More than ready,” Ronan agreed. As he spoke, he felt his senses start to grey out. It was the same feeling he experienced when they were getting ready to spirit walk. Ronan relaxed and let Everly take the wheel. He knew his daughter would get him and Jude home safely.
12
Tennyson
Tennyson’s nerves were shot. It had been nearly a half an hour since Everly, Ronan, and Jude had begun the spirit walk. He’d spent the time pacing around the house, while Cope sat quietly in a chair across from his husband.
“They’re coming back!” Cope said.
Ten ran back to his side. His eyes were on Everly as her eyelids started to flutter. Ronan and Jude’s were doing the same thing.
“Dad?” Everly asked, sounding groggy.
“I’m here.” Ten knelt in front of his daughter. “Are you okay? Can you see and hear me okay?”
Everly nodded. “I’m okay, but feel worn out. Can I have a soda?”
“Sure.” Ten headed for the kitchen, as Ronan began to stir.
“Everly?” Ronan sat up slowly, rubbing his eyes.
Ten grabbed a can of Coke and three paper cups. He brough them back to the living room. Jude was awake and looking around the room as if he were seeing it for the first time. Ten cracked the can and poured out the soda. “Are you all okay? Are you in pain or anything?”
Ronan shook his head. “Aside from feeling tuckered out. I’m okay.” He reached for the paper cup and downed the contents in one swallow. “I wouldn’t say no eggs and bacon.”
“Me too!” Jude said. “Scrambled with some toast.
“I’ll start cooking,” Cope said. He got up from his seat and headed into the kitchen.
“So, you did it. All three of you astral projected yourself into the prison?” Ten knew Everly and Jude would be able to do it, but hadn’t been so sure about Ronan.
“Yeah, when we got to the prison, Bertha and Crow were waiting for us.” Ronan rubbed his eyes. “I actually walked through doors and prison bars. Craziest thing I’ve ever done in my entire life.”
“Same here, with the exception of Spring Break 2010. Those boys in Miami were freaks!” Jude snorted and started to laugh.
“Eggs are ready,” Cope called from the kitchen. “I’ll bring them to you. Hope you don’t mind that I reheated cold bacon from this morning.” Cope brought two plates into the living room. He handed one to Everly and offered the second to Jude.
