Page 38 of Malice

She rises off the floor and lets out an ear-shattering shriek that sends both Otto and Hudson into my arms. The windows rattle but the items in the air drop to the floor and the thickness in the air eases.

Crash appears beside me. “Impressive. She’s had enough of our guy Chester.”

“Wh-what just happened?” Hudson asks.

“We have some help.”

The room falls completely silent except for the sound of our breathing. The other spirits glance at me as they dissipate, but one of the males hovers in front of me.

She used all her energy to push him back for now. He’s getting stronger.

I nod. “I know.”

Don’t leave the author alone.

“I won’t.”

Hudson clings to me, his body trembling as he clutches my dog. I wrap an arm around him, offering what little comfort I can. I may need to talk to Farnsworth.

I turn to Crash. “Can I ask to see Farnsworth?”

“Sure. He’s not the most open guy, but he might offer something helpful.”

“How do I do that and not leave Hudson?”

“I can guard him. Otto will help too.”

I turn toward Hudson. The fear he feels is all over his face and my heart aches for him. “I’m gonna get some help. More help.”

“You’re not leaving me, right?”

“You won’t be alone. Otto is here and so is my guide. His name is Crash.”

That news doesn’t seem to help. “But I can’t see Crash.”

“He can see you. He’s standing right next to me.”

Crash blows a kiss and Hudson’s breath catches as his hair flutters. “I felt that.”

I nod, smiling as I smooth his hair. “I know this is scary. I get it. You have every right to be afraid, but I’ll only be gone a second.”

Hudson nods, but makes no attempt to release me or move back. His gaze softens though and as his lips part, the urge to kiss him overtakes me. It’s all I can do to stop myself. He seems to be feeling something too as he sways toward me, catching himself at the last minute.

Squeezing his eyes shut, he exhales slowly. “Sorry. I… I feel weird. I don’t know what this is.”

Crash gasps before descending into a giggle. “Oh no. You’ve got yourself a matchmaker.”

“What?”

Hudson tilts his head.

“Not you, Hudson,” I say.

“Do you feel weird too?” he asks.

“One of the house spirits,” Crash explains. “His name is Dalton. He’s a hopeless romantic and he happens to know the two of you share an attraction. He’s manipulating your resistance.”

“Well tell him to stop,” I grit through my teeth. “We don’t have time for that right now.”

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