Chapter Nine Fonsi #4
“When the barrier between realms fell, spirits could do all sorts of things they wouldn’t normally be able to accomplish.
I even saw someone briefly possessed in front of my very eyes…
how her body transformed. It was… something.
But once my cousin stopped the invasion, things have been more or less back to what I knew.
As far as I can tell, for a ghost to make its presence felt in our world, including possession, they still need to tether themselves to an object.
” Fonsi paused. “Well, unless they managed to fully escape El Intermedio during the Equinox. I only know of one ghost who pulled that off, and he wouldn’t be behind what’s happening with Pastor Samuelson, I assure you. ”
Linda gave him a hard stare, as if she expected him to be more forthcoming with what he’d just revealed. Fonsi said nothing.
“Oooookay,” she said. “I just need to be clear, then… There’s still something else from the supernatural world that could be affecting Mr. Samuelson, even if it’s not a ghost, correct? If that’s the case, can you do some research, see what other possibilities might be out there?”
“Sure.” Fonsi was beginning to understand the type of person he was dealing with. Someone determined, relentless. As if she had question after question lodged in her mind, ready for launch. “I can do research when I’m not running the shop, come up with some theories.”
“Good. I’m going to review the photos I took of Samuelson’s place. If something seems odd, can I send stuff to you, for you to take a look? It’d be great to have a second set of eyes. Everything’s confidential, of course.”
“Yeah… of course. Thanks for the vote of confidence.”
He saw the smallest hint of a smile on Linda’s face.
Approval. “You did good in there,” she said.
“I can tell you’re conscientious, take what you do seriously.
Wish more people in my line of work were like you.
Another tough question: Would you be willing to see Samuelson in person, if I can somehow get you to meet him? ”
“Wow. Uh, yeah, sure.” A chill swept through Fonsi’s frame. He would be brave, like his cousin Gwendolyn. He suddenly had that nauseating I’m in over my head sensation that had consumed him during the Equinox. “Do you really think you can pull that off?”
“To be honest, I don’t. This hasn’t even been released to the press yet, but at least eight more people have succumbed to…
whatever Samuelson has succumbed to. I recognized one of the names, a former client of my agency, which I was saddened to hear.
That’s in addition to the three publicly reported cases.
Reporters are starting to refer to the trio as the Afflicted, going with the term used by law enforcement. ”
“Wow… that sounds apt.” Fonsi let Linda’s revelation sink into his bones. More demon eyes. Something was terribly wrong.
“Yeah, news vultures actually being sensible and measured. I think a lot of ’em are spooked.
The cops have learned their lesson with Samuelson.
They’re not releasing names to the media to avoid mass panic.
I’m doing my best to get the victims’ names.
Really not sure if that’ll make any difference, but I always like to look for patterns, connections.
To get access to the people themselves, I think that’s beyond me.
I just needed to know if you’d be comfortable if it ever got down to that.
We’d all be majorly fucked if you hadn’t handled the business during the Equinox, but I know I’m still asking a lot. ”
“Th-thanks,” Fonsi said. “You really know what went down in New York?”
“I do. Like I said, I speak to Estelle. She filled me in. Told me how much of a hero you were, with your cousin Gwendolyn. How proud she is of you.”
“Ah…” Heat rushed to Fonsi’s cheeks. “So how often, exactly, do you and Estelle speak?”
“Occasionally, when necessary.”
He sensed an edge in Linda’s voice, which probably meant it was time to change the subject. “You seem well-connected here. To be able to walk into a site protected by the police.”
Linda shrugged. “I do all right, I guess. I help people out, they help me out in return.”
“It’s impressive that you’re taking this on. You could leave it to the cops and feds to figure this out for themselves.”
“DC’s not like NY, Fonsi. Doesn’t have the same history, with spiritual practitioners from all over the world who set up shop practically in your face.
When it comes to mystical shit, the district is a quieter town.
A few conjuring folks from the South, sure, but quieter nonetheless.
Everyone’s been holding their breath after the ghost invasion up north, telling themselves that something like that couldn’t happen here.
There’re all sorts of quacks floating around trying to make some cash, saying they’re in the know.
But this is my world.” She shook her head.
“Apologies, our world. I may no longer be a Guardián… I honestly don’t think I ever actually was, but I get it.
I have a gift… I gotta try and help, however I can. ”
“You’ll always be a Guardián, Linda,” Fonsi replied. “What you’ve set up for yourself is tremendous.” Fonsi tried to sound as genuine as possible though he felt like he was talking too much.
“Hmm.” She reached her car, got in. “Appreciate that. I’ll drop you off at your hotel and then I gotta get back to the agency.
I’m also going to send you my assistant’s number in case you ever need to reach me and I’m not available.
And FYI, I’ll be returning with you to New York in the morning. I have business to handle.”