Page 67 of Real Fake Hauntings

We all glanced down at the worn piece of dark wood.

The worn piece of dark wood did not move.

“The great druid is not here to do parlor tricks,” Dorsey said, possibly because her elemental air magic wasn’t strong enough to move tables.

Had she killed Crane during some kind of air mage beef?

But why take the blood? To sell it? Dorsey was definitely the opportunistic type, but why would she go through all the premeditation of getting a copy of my keys and learning the alarm code? No, it didn’t make sense.

“Can we ask questions now?” Jim asked.

“You may each ask one question,” Dorsey conceded.

Jim licked his lips. “Does the great druid know where Wesley left the key to the trunk with the revolutionary costumes?”

We all blinked at him.

“His house is a mess, total hoarder. We’re never going to find it at this rate,” Jim added in a defensive tone.

We all swirled toward Dorsey.

Dorsey closed her eyes for a few moments, her mouth moving silently, then stared at Jim. “The great druid says to call a locksmith.”

Jim tsked and muttered something about expenses.

“Next?” Dorsey asked, ignoring him.

“Oh, oh, me please,” Miriam begged.

“Go ahead, child.”

“Does the great druid know if my dormitory is haunted? Sometimes I feel like there’s a presence there.”

After a few moments of silent conversation with herself, Dorsey nodded gravely. “The great druid says you are perceptive. A spirit roams the halls of your dormitory, indeed, but do not fear it. It simply craves the presence of other students and will look after you.”

“See? I told you it was friendly,” Leah said.

“You’re right. I’m sorry,” Miriam answered, contrite. “It’s just so creepy.”

“Great druid,” Leah said eagerly. “Will I get the manager position at work?”

Dorsey tilted her head, as if she was hearing something only she could hear. The candlelight flickered wildly again, and Leah bit hard on her lip, her eyes wide.

“The great druid says there is no doubt your career will flourish going forward.”

“Told you,” Miriam whispered.

“He says…” Dorsey continued. “He says your grandfather is watching over you.”

Leah perked up. “Grandpa?”

“Yes.”

Leah looked at the ceiling. “Thank you, Grandpa!”

“Does the great druid know who’s up to mischief this Halloween?” I asked before Dorsey started fake-channeling the woman’s grandfather. That hit a bit too close to home.

Dorsey pursed her lips before answering. “The great druid says All Hallows’ Eve attracts all sorts of spirits—the benign ones and the evil ones.” Her mouth stretched into a thin smile. “He says some people attract the worst of them, and tells you to be careful, for dark forces have attached themselves to you and will attempt to devour your soul come the morrow.”

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