Page 36 of Dead Calm
“I understand what you’re saying, but how do I help Henry to rest in peace after all this time?” Holbrook looked broken hearted.
“I can help with that,” Everly said. The white light appeared behind Holbrook.
Tennyson could see dozens of Union soldiers standing guard, waiting for their lost compatriot to join them. “If we release Henry, will he go into the light?”
“I’m not sure,” Cope said. “Speak to him, Mr. Holbrook. Tell Henry what he needs to do in order to find his rest.” He picked up the bottle, which continued to twitch and move.
“Henry, this is Papa. Your temper must cease. It is time we leave this cursed place and find peace. Let me take you to paradise.”
As Holbrook spoke, the bottle stilled in Cope’s hand. He unscrewed the cap and dumped the sand and shells onto the beach. The spell fell out with it. Cope picked it up.
Henry materialized beside his father. He was dressed in his Union blue uniform, looking impossibly young. His hands were balled into fists as his sides. “The light doesn’t want me. It never did. It appeared for others but not for me.”
“You had unresolved anger that needed to be dealt with,” Tennyson said. “I promise the light is here for you now. Your regiment is waiting for you to join them.” Ten pointed behind the soldier.
Henry turned to look at them and gasped. “How is this possible?”
“With love,” Everly said. “I can feel how much you love your Papa.”
Henry wrapped his arms around his father and hugged him. “I’m sorry I hurt so many people.”
“We forgive you, Henry. Go be happy with your friends. Let your soul fly free.” Everly smiled at the spirit.
“Thank you,” Davidson said, leading his son into the light.
“Holy shit!” Fitz grabbed onto Jude. “Is that what happens every time you help spirits? I saw the light. Theactuallight.” He sounded stunned.
Everly giggled. “Yup.” She reached for his hand. “Let’s get back inside and dry off, Uncle Fitz, I’ll tell you all about what happened.”
Nodding, Fitz walked away with Everly.
“Speaking of going inside and drying off,” Ronan said, looking out over the ocean. “It looks like this storm is strengthening. I know we said we’d leave tomorrow, but I’m thinking today would be better.”
“Me too,” Jude agreed. “We’ll get the kids from Jace and get packing. We can stop for lunch when we hit Providence. I’ll feel much better when we’re away from the ocean, and this place.”
Ten couldn’t argue with that rationale. “There’s one more thing I need to do. I’ll be up in a minute.”
Jude nodded and took Cope’s hand. Both men headed for the hotel.
“What’s the one more thing you need to do?” Ronan asked.
“Walt,” Ten said. “After the spirit left your body, you said it wasn’t Walt who’d possessed you. I think he’s still here. I can’t leave until I make sure he’s at rest.”
“Make it fast.” Ronan grinned and pressed a kiss to Ten’s temple.
“Walt? Are you here? Henry’s gone. He can’t hurt you anymore. Please come to me.” Ten turned around in a slow circle hoping to see the young spirit.
“I’m here.” A young man dressed in torn pants, suspenders and a shirt which once had been white, but now was black with dirt. “Henry forced me to do dreadful things to Vivienne. I didn’t want to kill her, but I wasn’t able to stop him.”
“Henry’s been stopped for good, now. It’s time for you to crossover. Find your family and some well-deserved peace.” As Ten spoke, the light reappeared.
“Thank you, Tennyson.” Walt turned toward the light. “Vivienne?” He ran toward her, lifting her off the ground.
The last thing Ten heard was Vivienne’s musical laughter. He took Ronan’s hand. “Let’s get the hell out of Dodge.”
“You don’t have to tell me twice.” Ronan grabbed Ten’s hand and ran toward the hotel.
Tennyson felt light as a feather, as if he could fly. He’d sent three spirits to their eternal rest. It didn’t get much better than that. All of his jumbled emotions faded away as he and Ronan ran toward the warmth of the hotel.
