Page 30 of The Spirit Key
“You think you’re getting laid, don’t you?” Tim snickered. “Only when I say so.”
I tried to sit up, but he put his hand on my chest to hold me in place.
“Told you, you had your way for far too long. Now we’re going to do things at my pace.”
“For how long?”
He stroked a hand over his chin. “Hm. Let’s see. How long were you gone?”
“No way!” That didn’t sound good at all.
“Five years, two months, thirteen days. I own your ass for that long.”
Own my ass? Well, I had to admit, that part didn’t soundsobad….
“Come on. I need to get you fed. I know you have to be hungry.”
“I am, but….” I didn’t move. “Can we talk first?”
He cocked his head. “Sure. Are you okay? I was only teasing about—”
“No! I mean, I’m fine with that part. We didn’t get to talk about what I saw in the diner.”
“Okay. I wasn’t sure you were ready. I know this stuff freaks you out.”
“It should, but…. Can I tell you about the first time I saw a ghost?”
He laid an arm over my chest. “You can tell me anything and everything. My ears are yours.”
I breathed out. “His name was Jeff….”
The story came out in fits and starts. Small things about Jeff were suddenly clear in my mind. I could picture him, hear his voice, see those freckles. I remembered his infectious laugh as he crashed Superman into the alien we created out of Legos. I also remembered him touching me softly, gently. And though it had been many years, something he said flashed back to me.
I don’t hurt anymore. Thank you for making the pain stop.
“And all this happened when we were kids? Weren’t you scared?”
I shook my head. “I thought he was another kid from the neighborhood. I didn’t question why he was there. I was just happy I had someone to play with. He wasn’t you, but then again, who was?”
Tim’s cheeks actually pinked.
“But when I saw that little girl, another memory came to me. Jeff had marks around his neck, and so did the girl in the diner. They were like the ones we saw on me earlier.”
He peeled the collar of my shirt down and ran his fingers over the bruises. “I’m sorry.”
“Why? You didn’t do it.”
A frown marred his face. “I should have been able to do something.”
“No. You can’t think like that.” I drew in a shuddering breath. “I’m not sure why this one is in you, but the others? I think I’m supposed to see them.”
Tim narrowed his gaze. “What are you saying?”
WhatwasI saying? “I don’t know for sure, but I think they’re drawn to me for some reason.”
“Okay…. Like what?”
“They needed help. Jeff was happy when he had someone to play with him, and once I did, he disappeared. The little girl said she was afraid, the woman with the baby at the train station—”
