Page 21 of Haunting Salem

“True. It won’t be too much longer, and we’ll be back on the road and headed to our next location.” Positive vibes. Positive outlook. We had to keep pushing forward and not dwell. As much as I wanted to have fun in Salem, because, hello, spooky, it was draining emotionally and mentally. I wondered how many other mediums had felt the same way over the years coming there?

“You’re doing great,” Owen added. “I know this is a lot for you, maybe too much, but if anyone can handle this, it’s you, Simone.”

“What if I can’t though?” Pity party for one, coming up. As much excitement as I felt when we arrived, I could feel it all waning. Strange how that happens. Quite peculiar how unseen forces could steal my energy quicker.

“Then we’ll be here to support you and help you any way we can,” Owen replied. “We’re a team and that’s what we’re here for.”

His words encouraged me and bolstered my resolve. “You’re right. I need to happy the hell up. We’re supposed to be on an adventure and I’m being a morose asshole. “Sorry.”

“Don’t be sorry,” Jack said stopping in front of us. “You’re taking on a heavy load here. If you need help, I’ll step in too. That’s why I am here.”

True. It was. But, I didn’t want him to be overwhelmed. I snorted. The whole place has to be overwhelming him, yet he hadn’t taken a sip of alcohol nor had he tried to smoke the dead away. Maybe Jack was conquering his demons after all. “How many more locations do we need to visit tonight?”

Jack grinned. “You’re almost done. You have two more.”

“Perfect,” I said. “Let’s get to it.” The sooner we were done, the quicker I could rest and recharge for the next chapter of this little adventure.

So, this was Mass Hysteria during Halloween... I stared up at the sign over the bar. Fake spiderwebs clung to the wooden planks. A row of candles were spaced out along the banister, their soft light flickered, casting dancing shadows across the walls. Pumpkins were propped up in the corner of the porch and near the door. Off to the side was a stack of hay bales with more gourds, pumpkins, and squash adorning the decorations. There was also a tongue-in-cheek witch sign for storing brooms. It was cute and a fantastic nod to the community. Lucy decided to stay at the hotel and watch a horror movie marathon with Henry, leaving me with Owen, Jack, and Nolan. Not that I minded, I didn't. Kael lingered somewhere, but he also gave us room, which I appreciated, but also felt a little bummed too.

“Well, should we go in?” Jack grabbed the handle on the door.

When we stepped into the space, the atmosphere changed once again. It wasn't the hum of energy from the other night. No, this was more sensual. Those in costume and out writhed and danced in the area where tables once were. The music was a mix of erotic rifts and slow ballads meant to draw people closer together. At the bar, Cian filled orders while two others did the same down from him. The serving staff hustled bringing people drinks and small snacks while patrons loaded up plates at the small buffet.

“You made it,” Zane said, drawing my attention. There was something off about this man. He took seeing Kael in stride and spoke almost like he believed in the paranormal, which, I mean, it’s Salem, but a healthy dose of skepticism would’ve made him less suspicious. In my book, anyway.

“We did,” I agreed. “Thank you again for the invite. You already know Jack from your meeting with Lucy the first day we were here.” They shook hands then, and I introduced Nolan and Owen. “This Nolan and Owen the two other members of our team.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you. This is Jamie, or James if you listen to my sister, Ava.” The woman beside him grinned and rubbed her growing belly.

“The name is ridiculous, and I can’t tell you how many times I’ve told her to stop.” Jamie rolled her eyes. “Welcome to Salem. I heard you’ve had quite the adventure so far.” She was beautiful with her dark auburn hair and brown eyes. Her skin glowed with energy and there was a small hum of energy surrounding her. On her wrist was a small crescent moon and star tattoo that was adorable yet fit her too.

"We are." Last night turned into one freaky mess of an occasion. After we left Proctor's Ledge, it was almost as if we were being followed. At one point, Kael pushed forward with Ember to stymie the activity. But it didn't last long. At the hotel, after we were finished with our intros to the different sites we were going to investigate, a spirit or three could have been more but Ember had been working overtime to keep them at bay, decided to come home with us. Lights flashed on and off so did the television. We heard cries for help and the cold draft of being touched by the dead. I shivered just at the thought of it. "We're not done yet. I have a feeling it'll get more intense tomorrow night."

“Well it is or will be All Hallows Eve,” Jamie said. “Everyone comes out to play then, more so because it’s a full moon.”

I liked her. She had this charm about her. She was sarcastic and funny, but also sweet and understanding. I could see why Zane and Cian would fall in love with her. “Something tells me, they’re never far away.”

“So, what’s up with everyone here,” Owen said. “It’s almost like they’re hypnotized.”

Zane looked at him and then to me. “Do they? I see a bunch of people having fun.”

"Well, of course, they're having fun," Owen replied, "but it's more than that."

Zane leaned in and smirked. "Maybe it's the coming full moon?" His laughter was full-bodied and deep, just like his voice. There was also a wildness about that had me doing a double-take. "I told Jamie about the halos you saw around me and Cian. She's curious how your ability works, I thought if you ladies would like to talk, I could introduce your men to a few important people."

I glanced at Jack and Nolan first then Owen who had a stupid, shocked look on his face. “Oh, they’re not my—”

“Where’s the other guy?” Jamie asked hooking her arm with mine. “Zane said something about a guy named Kael?”

“We’re her men,” Nolan said, correcting Owen, “and we’d be honored to meet your friends. Come on, Owen. Time to learn the ropes.”

Poor dopey Owen, he didn’t know what he was in store for with Nolan and Jack. I returned my attention to Jamie and shrugged. “He comes and goes as he pleases. I’m sure he’ll be here when he’s ready.”

She frowned. “I have to admit, last year at this time, I was having a bit of an issue getting used to the idea that there were other things—beings in this world.” She shook her head then grinned. “Guess that’s what happens when you lose your memory though, right?”

“Well, that sucks,” I muttered. “I don’t know who I’d be without my memories.”

“You’d be surprised,” Jamie said. “So, have you met anyone else in town besides Cian and Zane?”

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