Page 60 of Eldritch

“You didn’t tell us about this at breakfast,” Maria said, her tone almost accusatory. She hadn’t told them about her mother’s call yet.

Sybil glanced at the younger woman. “No. I wasn’t sure I wanted to say anything.”

“Why?” Maria asked.

“Because the ghosts in this house won’t hurt us,” Sybil said.

“How do you know?” Pauline said. “What if they’re evil?”

Letisha snorted. “I thought you didn’t believe in this stuff either.”

“Do you?” Pauline stared at Letisha.

Sybil’s gaze tangled with Doug’s for a moment, and she saw curiosity in his eyes, but no condemnation or skepticism.

Letisha sighed. “Okay, yes. I believe in it. But I don’t see dead people, so it’s easy for me to ignore it sometimes.”

“Wow.” Pauline nodded. “Okay. But that still doesn’t answer the question.” Her gaze went back to Sybil. “Why can’t they hurt us?”

Irritation with Pauline’s questions, which sounded almost accusatory, made Sybil say, “We’ll talk about it later. Right now, we need to make sure this house is secure, and no one can sneak in here. That’s what is important right now.”

“Whatever is happening, the security system will catch anyone who shouldn’t be here. I’d better get busy,” Doug said.

Immediately after, everyone but Letisha and Sybil left to start work.

“I’m going to lie down for a bit,” Letisha said. “These pills are still making me tired.”

Sybil pressed her friend’s shoulder. “No problem. I’ll take care of things.”

Letisha’s eyes seemed cloudy with fatigue. “Thanks. See you later, Doug.”

“Feel better,” he said. After Letisha left, he said, “Want to help me install everything? I’ll show you how it all works.”

* * *

Total installation of all the sensors and cameras moved along fast. Even set up in the attic was quick.

As they came down the stairs into the Great Hall, Doug said, “All that’s left is the cellar. Basement. Whatever you call it.”

Sybil hesitated. She realized she dreaded going down there again.

He turned toward her, concern in his eyes. “Everything okay?”

“Yeah.” She rubbed her arms as a chill danced over her skin. “I haven’t been in the attic or the cellar since you were last with us.”

“Hey at least you got rid of those weird tracks around the house. It looks really clean in here already.”

She laughed, but the sound lacked enthusiasm. “True. I still have no idea what could’ve caused the tracks. Or whatever they are.”

“I think this house has a lot of secrets. All old places do.” He picked up the box that contained what he needed for the cellar. “You still okay to go with me into the cellar?”

It came out before she could stop it. “I don’t think I’d be afraid of going anywhere if you were with me.”

His eyes widened a little, and he cracked a grin.

Heat filled her face. Before he could say anything, she rushed in with, “That sounded...”

Awkward. Hero worship much?

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