Page 43 of The Haunting
“Sleep,” he commanded.
I yawned in response.
Jacques repeated his command, and I did as he ordered. I fell into a deep sleep.
Vladimir
I shifted back, as did Emmaline, as we stared at the destruction of the Washington Manor or Inn, whichever you wanted to call it. Emmaline shifted at my side, too, and we glanced between the sleeping huddle and Jacques and Eden.
“Your powers won’t work on me,” I stated.
“No, nor yours on me,” Jacques replied.
“They’ve seen too much,” I said, turning to look at the sleeping mortals.
“Easily forgotten. The four of us can ensure that,” Jacques drawled, and I nodded. We certainly could.
Clio
“Good morning!” I exclaimed as I entered the dining room.
“Hey! How did you sleep? Any ghostie-ghoulies?” Phoe called out from the breakfast bar, where a cooked breakfast waited for us.
I handed a plate to Chance and grabbed one for myself.
“We heard some chains and screeches, and also a howl. What about you?” I asked with a huge grin.
“There were footsteps in the bedroom. And our wardrobe opened and closed,” Phoe said excitedly.
“Wow, really?” I turned wide eyes on her, and Phoe nodded.
“Didn’t we, Drake? And Drake spent a good hour trying to find a microphone or speaker to explain it. He didn’t!” Phoe squealed.
“No kidding?” Kate said from behind.
“Did you hear anything?” I asked.
“Apart from James snoring?” Kate teased, and James scowled as we laughed. The other couples grinned as they overheard the comment.
From what I’d gathered, the two couples we’d ended up here with were friends touring the USA from England. The other couple also hailed from England but were visiting alone. They’d tended to keep to themselves, although four of them did draw curious glances with their choice of clothing.
“Have to admit, I kinda missed your fright night, Phoe. Maybe next year… put one on?” Calamity suggested while filling his plate with food.
“Yeah, we didn’t get the scares this year,” Nanci said, and we laughed.
“Okay. No more visiting a haunted hotel on Halloween!” Phoe chuckled and held her hands up.
I grinned at her and shrugged. “We need to be terrified on Halloween, not tucked up in a cosy bed!”
“Done!” Phoe promised as groans rose all around me.
Emmaline
Jacques, Eden, Vladimir, and I had worked our magic. Everyone thought they’d stayed at a haunted hotel they’d discovered after several road closures. None remembered the evening’s events, and all woke in their beds after the four of us put everything right again. The holes in the walls couldn’t be repaired, but we claimed it was part of the decor and experience.
As far as they all recalled, there’d been some spooky happenings but nothing major. They’d get back on the road today, none the wiser about what had happened. Jacques had used his blood to heal any injuries, including those Phoenix had suffered, and they were all incredibly healthy.
They’d had a good meal last night and had some haunting. Now, after a great breakfast, we’d say goodbye. Nobody would ever know any different. And Jacques and Eden would keepmine and Vladimir’s secret—and vice versa. That was the way of life!
