Page 21 of Deceiver

“Just an educated guess, but I think when you used the spirit board, you invited some extra spirits.”

“What?” He looks at me. “No, I didn’t. I was just talking to my dad.”

“You haven’t been warned about the dangers of opening a portal to the spirit world?”

His cheeks flush red and he nods. “I guess so, but I had the amethyst.” He gazes up again. “What do we do now?”

“I think?—”

I’m not able to finish my sentence as the spirits swirl past me, nearly knocking me back as they head to the living room. I hurry in that direction, followed by Keagan, to find all the action happening in the front room, where the spirits are throwing objects from Keagan’s bookcases onto the floor.

Keagan grabs my arm. “Would a crucifix help in this situation? I have my grandmother’s in a drawer.”

“Afraid not. Besides, this isn’t exactly an exorcism.”

“So then what?”

I need to get him out of here, but normally I have more time to build rapport before things get rough enough to warrant removing the target from their home.

“There are a few options.”

Keagan nods, flinching every time another book slams to the ground.

“I think it would be wise to leave until the Horror and its uninvited guests calm down.”

“Leave?”

“If you have friends or family to stay with, that would be ideal. A hotel is another option.”

He nibbles his bottom lip for a second. “I really don’t. I’ve been on my own for a while now, and hotels around here are kind of pricey. Am I in danger?”

“Hard to say, but I like to err on the side of caution. There’s another option. You could stay with me. I have a guest room.”

His brow crinkles. “That’s nice and all, but I don’t know you.”

“I’m aware. Just providing options.”

He clears his throat. “You’re sure I can’t just stay here?”

As if answering on my behalf, a large book goes flying past Keagan’s head. He flinches, stepping close until he’s nearly pressed up against me.

“Shit.”

“I don’t know yet if things are going to escalate,” I explain. “They may tire out, or they may not. You’ll be safe at my home. It’s big, and you’ll have your privacy. It’s just until I can get in here and really assess what we’re dealing with. One Horror is tough, but a full-on haunted house will take some time to clear.”

Keagan nods, chewing his bottom lip again. Various emotions flicker across his features until he settles on what I consider a determined look.

“Okay. I’ll go with you.”

“Pack a bag with a few things to get by. We’ll go from there.”

Keagan studies me for a second before walking to the stairs, but he pauses at the bottom. “I’m trusting you to help and not hurt me.”

“I know. I could prove my credentials, but I think you’d find that slightly more jarring than just trusting me.”

“I’m not sure that makes me feel better.”

“It wasn’t meant to soothe you. I’m simply speaking the truth.”