Trace of Evil, page 20
“She said he claims you belong to him.”
I managed an awkward chuckle. “Oh, please.”
“This is serious. Serena’s terrified to call here or have anything to do with us. The ghost or spirit held her foot on the gas pedal at the bend in the road. She couldn’t hit to the brake.”
Cold fingers plucked at my spine. “Oh my God. Can ghosts do that?. How much wine did Serena have to drink?”
“She didn’t finish her glass. Did you forget what happened after she touched that book? She fought with the demon.”
Sam put his arm around my waist as I said, “What am I supposed to do?”
“She said you have to leave here.”
Fear crept through me. Yes, I had a problem in the apartment but… A huge yawn cut off the rest of my answer.
“Hey,” she said. “I discovered an apartment yesterday. It’d be perfect for you. I can find something else. I don’t have to leave this instant.”
Sam squeezed me. “She’s going to my apartment.”
Heather ignored him. “Where’s your laptop? I’ll show it to you.”
I pointed toward the bedroom and another yawn overtook me. Before he could reiterate his claim, she sprinted to the bedroom.
He held my shoulders and pushed his face close to mine. “Listen. You’re coming home with me tonight.”
I was too tired to argue. A shriek from the bedroom snapped me out of my lassitude.
“What’s this?”
He dragged me along to see what had upset Heather. “What’s wrong?”
She stood next to my desk in the loft, a mask of horror on her face. Her finger pointed to something. An almost-memory played in my head—something about the diary.
She gripped the railing and peered at me. In a shaky voice, she said, “This looks like fresh ink.”
Sam sprinted up there in seconds. “Let me see that.”
Two accusatory stares bore down on me. He spoke first. “What’s with the new writing?”
An uncomfortable memory surfaced. “I…I forgot. I was going to tell you about it.”
He looked down at me and arched an eyebrow. “Who wrote it?”
I shook my head. “No idea.”
He stared at me for so long, I blurted out, “Maybe Tom snuck in and wrote it to frighten me.”
Sam’s eyes widened into an incredulous stare. “That’s your answer? Tom tried to scare you? This entry bears an uncanny resemblance to the rest of the writing in the diary. Is he a good forger?”
I was becoming perturbed and wanted them both to go. With a shrug, I glared at him. “No idea.” Another mammoth yawn attacked me. “I’d like to go to bed now.”
Heather’s face lost all its color. “It’s the ghost.”
Sam banged his hands against the metal rail. “This has gone too far. We’re getting out of here now.”
I shivered. The room cooled off. I needed to rest for a bit. I ignored the noise in the loft and lay down on the bed.
I was snatched from my comfy pillow and shaken. The jarring motion scared me enough that I opened my eyes.
Sam’s concerned face reassured me. “Come on, honey. Wake up.”
I blinked. “What? I am awake.”
I didn’t understand the stormy expression in his eyes as he said, “Let’s go.”
“Where are you taking her?” Heather asked.
“To my apartment. This place is unhealthy.”
I sidled around him and headed for my comfy bed. I ignored him when he yelled my name. Why wouldn’t he let me rest?
He pulled me to my feet and turned to Heather. “Help her gather clothes for a couple of days.”
“What kind of clothes?” she asked.
“Nothing fancy. She doesn’t have to go to work.”
Work? My foggy brain focused for a minute. Oh, hell. I didn’t have a job anymore.
Sam hustled me to his truck. The last thing I remember is trying to sit on the steps and him urging me up or maybe carrying me.
When I came to, I noticed we’d passed the college. “Where are we going?”
“My place.”
Most of the maple trees and a few bushes had begun to display colors. . I rubbed my arms and grumbled, “It’s cold.”
“It’s almost October.” He might as well have said, “Where have you been for the past few weeks?”
We drove by a cemetery when he glanced at my hands. “What do you have there?” Before I could answer, he yelled, “Is that the diary?”
I cringed at his tone. “I don’t remember taking it. Wasn’t it in the loft?”
He snatched the diary and threw it to the floor.
We were on the downside of a steep hill. He ran his hand through his hair. “Jesus, we’ve got to get rid of that damn book.”
A second later, he let out a roar and grabbed the wheel. The truck swerved across the road toward a tree. Sam’s muscles bulged as he fought to regain control. He pushed back against the seat, jamming his foot on the brake.
I screamed. My gaze was drawn to the book. Pulses of fury rippled from it. The ghost was angry that we’d rejected his diary. He’d kill us. I reacted on impulse and picked it up. The truck came to a sudden stop. The view through the windshield made my heart hammer. Dark ribs of bark filled the glass. Another few feet, and we’d have been wrapped around it.
I bent over, fighting a bout of nausea. My hands, clutching the book, wouldn’t stop shaking. Sam sat there, fingers glued around the wheel. The sound of strained breathing filled the silence. When he turned to me, the horror on his face twisted into anger. I leaned away from him, afraid he was upset with me, but his wrath was directed at the diary on my lap.
When he spoke, though, his voice held alarm. “What kind of demonic book do you have?”
We sat there for seconds…or was it minutes? The blast of a horn brought us back to the present. The truck sat at an angle to the side of the road and blocked part of the right lane. “You need help?” a guy yelled to us.
Sam waved at him. “Thanks. We’re good.” He switched gears and backed onto the road.
I forced myself to breathe. Sam still had a death grip on the wheel. My fingers ached from clutching the book. Then my insides cramped as if squeezed by a cold fist. He gained control of the truck the moment I’d retrieved the hellish tome. The diary wanted me. Oh, God.
He peeled one of his hands off the wheel to hold mine. His squeeze communicated his commitment to stick by me.
Chapter Twenty-Five
The terrible truth I’d refused to accept hit me. Elias was part of his diary, and they were both dangerous. “Sam?”
“Yeah?”
“That’s what must have happened to Serena. Elias drove her off the road.”
“Let’s not talk about that now,” he said with a meaningful glance at the book.
I stared at what looked like an innocent object in my lap. What could we do? I had to get rid of this source of evil, but how? A germ of an idea formed. I’d take the book back, deposit it in the loft, and we’d get away without it. Then we’d be able to discuss solutions or find a person who might be able to help.
With an effort, I managed to keep the fear from my voice. “Would you bring me back to the apartment?”
“What!”
“I forgot to pack my toothbrush.”
He was ready to argue when I nudged him and darted my gaze back and forth to the book. He shot me a puzzled look but played along and reversed the truck.
The minute I walked through the door, the book warmed in my hands. I had a colossal urge to throw it out the window. The action would be pointless. Whatever spirit inhabited the book was powerful. I didn’t dare anger the vindictive specter anymore. Since I’d found the book in the loft, I brought it back there. Halfway down the stairs, my vision blurred, and I thought I might faint. I clutched the rail and tottered to the bed.
Sam was beside me, ready to help. “Are you okay?”
“Sort of dizzy. Maybe I’ll rest.”
“Not a good idea.” He helped me up, and we walked into the kitchen. “How about a cup of tea?”
Too tired to answer, I rested my head on his shoulder.
Then, he took a right and guided me out the door to the hall.
I had trouble trying to walk. By the time we got outside, he was carrying me. I fought to stay awake as he put me into the truck and took off. Right before I lost consciousness, he uttered some pretty colorful swear words.
I awoke to the tiny glow from the dashboard and darkness on either side of the truck. Ahead twin beams of light gobbled up the road. I yawned. “Where are we?”
“On Route 128, headed to Gloucester. It’s a good thing you’re awake because I don’t have your sister’s address.”
“My sister?”
“Yup.”
I tried to understand.“We’re going to Kir’s?”
“Yup.”
I shook my head in confusion. “Why there?”
“First, how are you doing?”
I shrugged. “I’m a little confused.”
“Are you still tired?”
“No. Did I sleep all the way here?”
“Pretty much. You fell asleep when we left the house. I carried you to the truck. You’ve been out since.”
“What is it with me?”
“You’re sure you aren’t tired?”
I faced him, emphasizing each of my words. “I…am…fine. Not…tired…at…all!”
He favored me with one of his exasperating grins. “Okay. I guess it’s safe to tell you.”
If he didn’t hurry and explain, I’d smack him. “What do you mean, safe?”
“Do you remember when the truck headed for the tree?”
“Oh, God. I do remember. The diary.” My insides churned, and I looked at the floor where I’d thrown it.
“It’s okay, honey. The book is at your apartment. I made sure you didn’t have it when we left. I’d rather not discuss anything until we’re off this dark highway. I don’t want to take a chance of anything happening here.”
I sucked in a breath and whispered, “How can you be sure?”
“Judging by the fact you’re conscious and alert, I’d say we’re safe. I want to pull into town first to be certain. Which exit should I take?”
I scanned the dark highway to get my bearings. “Okay. Take the exit after the bridge at the rotary. Why did you choose my sister’s?”
“I’ll explain everything when we stop. Is there a place nearby where we can talk before we get there?”
I gave him directions to a restaurant where he parked the car. I’m sure he noticed my bewilderment, because he held out his arms. “Come here, sweetheart.”
I scooted up, and he maneuvered me across the console onto his lap. He held me so tight, it made me nervous. When I pulled back, he said, “I’ve been so worried about you.”
I loved the comfort of his warm embrace, his spicy scent, but I was ready to explode if I didn’t get a few answers. I rested against his chest for another minute. “Okay, what’s the story? Why are we going to Kir’s?”
He released me after a very thorough kiss. “You remember going to your apartment after I lost control of the truck?”
“Yes, I wanted to get rid of the book and get away from there to talk. I didn’t dare say anything in case the entity attacked again.”
“After we got back to your place, your eyes kept closing. I’m pretty sure there’s nothing wrong with the gas or anything else in that place. Your exhaustion is part of the ghost, entity, or whatever’s plan to keep you under control. He puts you in a kind of trance. A way to keep you compliant. The night at Heather’s, when I couldn’t get through to you, scared the shit out of me.” He placed another kiss on my lips. “After you fell asleep tonight, I wanted to get you far away from him. I prayed he wouldn’t attack the truck again. I guess he can’t hurt you the way he did Serena. I’m lucky you were in the truck with me. I’m sure he considers me a rival and hates my guts. Anyway, I remembered you said your sister lived in Gloucester and hoped it would be far enough away. It must be, because you’re wide awake, released from his influence.”
I’d begun to shiver, and he tucked me back into his warmth. His voice shook. “I was afraid I might lose you.”
Our roles had shifted—I’d become the comforter. “I’m okay. We’re okay.” I melted into him as our lips met again.
I wished we could stay like this forever, pretending Elias didn’t exist, but he did, and we needed to get to Kirsten’s. “I’d better call my sister to tell her to expect us.”
He kissed me and unwrapped his arms. I hated to leave his warmth.
“I know Kirsten won’t mind if we arrive unannounced,” I said. “She’s been dying to meet you. Her husband, Rick, is a great guy, and Izzy should be in bed by now. It’ll be a good time to talk. I’ll give her a heads up.”
He trailed the back of his hand along my cheek. I cupped his fingers in mine and planted a kiss on his palm.
I dug out my phone and directed Siri to call Kirsten. When she answered, I said, “Hi, Sis. How are you?”
“I’m fine. How’s everything in Salem?”
“Um, well, I need a favor,” I said.
The sound of Kir’s voice was comforting. “Sure. Something wrong?”
That was an understatement I thought. “Would you mind if Sam and I came over?” I twisted in my seat.Right now?”
“What do you mean right now?” She sounded a little nervous when she said, “Where are you?”
“About a mile away.”
I pulled the phone away from my ear when she yelled, “What! Has Tom done something?”.
“No, no,” I said. “Nothing to do with Tom. This time I’m running away from a ghost.”
Sam was hungry. We’d missed dinner. “Let’s stop at a pizza place. I’ll order a couple of large pies.”
While he ordered the food, I called Kirsten to explain why we’d be later than anticipated.
“Oh, no. Don’t be foolish. I can fix you both dinner,” she said.
“Sam would never impose. You’ll like him. He’s the best.” Then I whispered, “I think I’m in love.”
“I’m sure I’ll love him too.” In a more serious tone, she added, “As long as he treats you right.”
I chuckled. “No worries. Thanks for always being there for me. I love you.”
“Oh, honey, I love you too. Hurry up and get here.”
Inside the pizza parlor, I inhaled the delicious smells, and my stomach gurgled; I was hungry.
When we got back in the car, he caressed my cheek. “You think you’re in love?”
Heat scorched my face. He’d heard me.
He rubbed his thumb across my lower lip. “I guess I am too.” His kiss erased all my doubts. We’d survive this together.
We arrived at Kirsten’s house laden with food. The door opened before we knocked, and my sister crushed me in a bone-breaking hug. She did the same to Sam—which wasn’t easy with the pizza boxes. Rick, behind her, said, “Come in, come in. It’s cold out there.”
We followed her into the kitchen, where Sam unloaded the food. Rick brought out plates and napkins, then my sister began her interrogation. “What did you mean by a ghost?’
“Wait a minute. Let me have a bite and get my head together. This story will take a while.” I dragged a piece of hot, gooey pizza onto a plate and satisfied my angry tummy with a huge bite. Rick poured me a beer.
I took a big swig and sat back to begin the tale. “You remember the night I hurt my toe?”
“Oh, Lord. You carried on about it forever.”
“Cuz it hurt,” I said.
“Okay, okay. Moving on?”
“That’s when I found the diary.” I took another bite of pizza and wiped sauce from my mouth. “You remember how nosy I am.”
Kirsten smirked at Sam. “She’s terrible.”
“I tried to pry open the lock and managed to cut myself.” I looked at the fading scar. “Anyway, the diary belonged to the man who built the original house, which is my bedroom.”
Rick peered at me as if I had two heads. “Your bedroom is a house?”
“No. Yes.”
Sam described the renovation around the original cottage, and I continued, explaining about the nightmares, strange noises, and the fact Heather insisted Elias haunted the apartment. With that last, I pivoted to Kirsten. “At the time, I thought she was being dramatic.
She nodded and spun her hand in a circular motion for me to go on.
“Heather came up with the idea to have a psychic party at her place. Then I’d bring the diary and ask the medium for help.”
Sam rolled his eyes. “That worked out well.”
I gave him my version of a quelling look. At the same time, I caught sight of one of Izzy’s toys on the counter. I swallowed and sat back. I had to tell them. “The worst part is…I’m sure the ghost pushed Izzy the day she fell at my place.”
My sister clutched her chest. Rick planted both hands on the table and leaped out of his seat. A piece of dark blond hair fell across his forehead as he said, “You let her go into a haunted bedroom?”
I didn’t blame him for his anger. I’d want to kill anyone who placed Izzy in peril. “No. If I had any inkling my apartment harbored a dangerous entity, I never would have let her in.”
Kirsten came to my defense with a ferocious glare at her husband. “Dani would never have let Izzy play there with a ghost.”
He looked down and scooped another slice of pizza. “Sorry.”
When Sam explained what happened at the psychic party, I interrupted, “I don’t remember it all.”
“Because you were in some kind of trance.” He turned to Kirsten. “When she was out of it, she said, ‘Don’t let him get me.’”
My sister let out a shriek. “Why didn’t you tell me this?”
“Because you’d react like you are now, and I didn’t want to believe anything supernatural was at work.” I shrugged. “Even when Serena told me the spirit wanted me, I attributed her words to the night’s drama.”
“You never told me she said that.” Sam’s voice vibrated with anger.
