Page 8 of Bear Necessities

I place my hands flat against the gate and indicate he should do the same.As soon as he does, it becomes searing hot to the touch.We both jump back and watch the iron melt away before our eyes.I look up at Bernie, who is studying his palms in amazement.

“They’re not burned.”

“Crazy, right?”I say, gesturing back to the truck.

We continue up the twisted hill until we arrive at Doris's quaint cottage, surrounded by her own personal woods.

When we step out of his truck, the front door opens wide before us.I expect to see the tiny, elderly witch in the doorway, but a Blue Persian cat greets us instead.

“Sterling, I told you to wait!”a sharp voice says from inside the cabin.

“Doris?Is that you?”I call out.

“Enid, dear!Yes, yes.My familiar here thinks he should welcome my guests, even though I told him it was unnecessary.”She responds, coming into the doorframe while waving a scolding finger at the cat.

Sterling turns his nose up in the air and sashays back inside.

“Come in, come in.I see you brought an extremely large man with you.”

“Ma’am,” Bernie greets her, lowering his head so that he can fit through the door.

“Please, come sit down.I have the water on for tea.”

“Tea would be lovely,” I say as the little old woman bustles in the small kitchen next to the sitting area.

Doris pours us both two piping hot cups while eyeing Bernie closely.

“Enid, dear, your boyfriend is very fetching.Handsome fellow.”She says approvingly.

Bernie and I quickly glance at each other and I feel my face set on fire.

“Oh, no Doris.Bernie here is one of the men who hired Golden State Ghost Whisperers.He’s not my boyfriend.”

Doris looks between me and Bernie.

“Oh, not yet then?Okay.”

I don’t know how to respond to that, so I take a sip of my tea and burn my tongue.

The witch sits on the cushioned chair in front of us and clasps her hands together.

“So, you’re dealing with a rather sinister spirit and need my help?”

“Yes, ma’am.My brother and I own a construction company.We are in the middle of building a small hotel on Ravenhart Mountain and some sort of paranormal thing has taken residence up in it.We are very careful to never build on gravesites, so I am at a loss as to why it’s inhabiting the hotel.”

Doris nods thoughtfully.

“Is that something you can help with?”I ask.

“For you, my dear Enid?I will be happy to help.However, I do not travel, so I do not have a vehicle.”

Bernie grins at her and says, “Ma’am, I would be happy to drive you there and then back home.It’s the least I can do.”

Doris looks over at me.

“Does that work, Doris?I will travel with you both ways as well, if you’d like.”

The elderly witch grins and claps her hands together.