Chapter 36
CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX
In the parlor, they rearranged the furniture, situating the round table in the center of the room and fetching the dining room chairs to sit around it, with the exception of Tina’s, who would be monitoring everything from a distance.
That way, if anything showed up on the thermal cam, she could let them know via walkie-talkie.
Nigel and Oscar retrieved the candles from the tower room and positioned them on the much smaller table in the parlor.
As they worked, Nigel was keenly aware of the mirror at his back.
Should they try to include it in some fashion?
As much as he hated to admit it, Zeek or Adrienne’s expertise would be useful right now, given they frequently worked with mirrors.
Chris set up a night vision camera in one corner and the thermal cam in another, angling them both to catch the mirror. “Do you want me to film this with the shoulder cam?” they asked Oscar. “You should have enough people in the circle for energy, right?”
“There’s barely enough space for five of us around the table, assuming Ethan’s going to join in,” Nigel pointed out.
Oscar eyed the table and nodded. “One less chair will keep us from practically sitting in each other’s laps. Go for it, Chris.”
Once everything was in place, the sun was near the horizon, so Oscar went to let the others know they were ready. As the shadows lengthened, then merged into undifferentiated night, he returned with Lawson, Montague, and Ethan in tow.
“Are you ready for this?” Oscar asked, glancing first to Lawson, then Montague.
“We owe it to Robin.” But Lawson’s words lacked her usual confidence.
Montague took her hand and squeezed it. “It’s almost over, Ruthie. One more thing, and then Robin is at rest and we can put all of this behind us, once and for all.”
Nigel ended up sitting more or less across from Oscar, with Dr. Lawson to his left and Ethan to his right. Montague was on Dr. Lawson’s other side, flanking Oscar along with Ethan.
“Are we ready?” Oscar asked. “Then let’s shut off our lights.”
Shadows rushed in around them, held back only by the flickering candle flames. The furniture in the corner of Nigel’s vision transformed into hulking shapes, ready to fly across the room or…
“Join hands,” Oscar instructed. Dr. Lawson’s fingers closed tight around his. Ethan’s hand was sweaty, either from the heat or because he was frightened underneath his composed exterior.
Or because he’d been up to more than just looking at paintings and furniture when Nigel caught him earlier.
What was it Oscar had said about paranoia, and the fact Ethan wasn’t used to ghosts and spirits like they were? Ashamed, Nigel tried to put the incident out of his mind and focus on the here and now.
The old mirror reflected slivers of their faces illuminated by the unsteady candlelight.
Oscar took a deep breath and closed his eyes.
“We are here tonight to speak with the spirit of Robin Sawyer,” he said.
“Robin, you’re welcome to join us. No other spirits may enter this space.
Draw on the energy of the circle if you need to do so.
Robin, if you’re here, let us know with a knock. ”
Did something move in the mirror? Nigel squinted at it but couldn’t tell. After what seemed like several minutes, there came a soft rap that didn’t sound like the house settling.
“Robin, is that you?” Montague asked. “Listen to me—you need to move on!”
Dr. Lawson shot her a frown.
Oscar cleared his throat. “If your intent be peaceful, you may speak through me. You may not take over my body, only use it to communicate.”
Nothing happened.
Oscar’s brows drew together in confusion, though he didn’t open his eyes. “Robin Sawyer, if your intent be peaceful, you may speak through me. You may not take over my body, only use it to communicate.”
Something moved in the mirror.
Nigel’s gaze snapped to it, and he let out an involuntary gasp.
The woman now inhabiting its silvery surface was more a play of shadow and light than a solid figure, but he could make out the same long hair and delicate features he’d seen in the interview tapes.
She seemed to float behind Oscar, her gaze trained on Montague.
Dr. Lawson’s fingers spasmed on Nigel’s. “Robin!”
Ms. Montague stared back at the ghost in the mirror, her mouth sagging open. An expression of horror passed over her face, as if seeing the spirit of someone she’d loved was worse than she’d expected. “You…you have to leave…” she said, but her voice lacked all of its usual strength.
Robin lifted one hand toward her.
“Ms. Montague!” Ethan tore his hand from Nigel’s grip, chair flying back as he leapt to his feet.
Robin vanished the instant the circle was broken. The entire house groaned—then wind whipped through the room, blowing out the candles and plunging them into darkness.