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CHAPTER
TWENTY-FOUR
RULE # 191: IF YOU FIND A NECRONOMICON, DO NOT OPEN IT!
We are not entirely certain this grimoire actually exists. Frankly, we hope it does not. But if you happen to encounter a suspiciously ancient tome bearing the name, please exercise extreme caution and, if possible, flee the area immediately.
From HP Lovecraft to the Evil Dead franchise, virtually every known representation of people coming in contact with this gruesome Book of the Dead ends badly. Not “Oops, I spilled tea on the carpet” badly. Think more along the lines of “Unimaginable horrors have entered this world from another” badly.
In other words, get the hell away from it.
We understand the temptation. Ancient forbidden book? Strange and mysterious symbols? Hidden knowledge beyond our imagining? Sure, it sounds intriguing. Maybe even alluring.
Remember, you are a Spirit Extraction Specialist, not a librarian for the damned. Don’t even think about reading it. And for heaven’s sake, do not bring it home.
For further information, see Rule #222: What Not to Bring Home from a Haunting.
––ExorSquad Employee Safety Manual and Operational Guidelines (Revised Edition)
Callum
After we get done talking with Beau’s mum, we look up Owen Grant, now known as Nigel Townsend, on the website for the homeless center where he works and call to confirm he is in the office today.
“I think we should keep our cover story as close to the truth as possible,” I say as we make our way through Soho holding hands. “We’ll keep the supernatural side of it quiet, of course, but we’ll tell him we’re looking into an old case involving a fire at the Midnight Vault.”
Beau’s eyes widen. “Not beating around the bush, huh. Doesn’t that seem a little bit dicey? He might decide to give us the boot straight away.”
“That’s possible, but I want to see his reaction when we bring it up without any warning. Surprising him with the information can reveal a lot. Besides, reopening the case is really going to come down to the Fire Brigade contact that Liz reached out to. Even if Owe—I mean Nigel divulges anything at this time, it won’t hold up in a court of law.”
Beau squeezes my hand as we walk.
“I hear what you’re saying, but how do you feel about that? I mean, once they reopen the investigation, which I’m confident will happen, it’ll be out of our hands.”
“It’ll be turned over to the proper officials, who’ll pursue many of the avenues we already have. All we’ve done is provide a reason to do so. It’ll be up to them to regather the evidence in a way that makes it hold up in court. That’s partly why I’m willing to gamble more with Nigel and lay our cards on the table.”
Beau looks at me curiously. “Why else?”
Trust Beau to see I may have another reason for my approach. I collect my thoughts for a moment. “If he was involved, he was a minor at the time, which affects legal culpability. He might have been coerced or pressured into doing something, which would be hard to disprove now if he chooses to claim it.”
“But if he was the one who entered the building and rescued Gloria and possibly some other people, that suggests that he was maybe trying to help,” Beau offers.
“That’s possible, yes. But what really stands out to me is that he not only changed his name, but he’s also been working with nonprofit organizations serving those in need in the area for nearly thirty years.”
Beau lets out a quiet squeal. “Ah! You’re thinking that he’s chosen this career as some kind of penance or something.”
I shrug. “I can’t say for sure, but there are a variety of reasons people go into that line of work, and penance is certainly one of them.”
“Maybe he found religion?”
“Possible. But my gut instinct doesn’t buy that.”
“Why not?”
“Remember how Gloria still has nightmares about that night and had survivor’s guilt for a very long time?”
“You think Nigel might be haunted by what happened too?”
“I’d think so. If he saw that building go up in flames, I’m sure it must have been traumatizing unless he’s a fucking sociopath. I’m pretty certain he was there, though, and he may know who was responsible for the fire if he wasn’t.”
