Page 116 of The Haunting of Lockton

Fuck. I drove faster.

When I made it to Redwood and parked, I leapt from the car, slammed the door, and jogged toward the entrance. It was a freaking miracle I hadn’t been pulled over for speeding. A woman stood behind the main counter and greeted me, and I ran past her without stopping, calling over my shoulder that my friends were staying in a room. I headed for the grand staircase and clomped up the steps, ignoring the burn in my sides and thighs. It was the fastest I’d moved in god only knew how long.

Reaching their room, I rapped my knuckles on the door. “Skyler?”

The door opened, and I was tugged against his chest moments later. There was a shake in his body as he stayed like that, arms tight around my waist and face hidden in the crease of my neck.

“It’s okay,” I murmured into his hair, wrapping my arms around him too. Whether it was true or not, I didn’t know, but saying it felt right. “Where’s Julian?”

“Sleeping,” he mumbled against my neck. “Fuck, Paxton. I was so scared.”

Knowing him, it took a lot for him to admit that. He didn’t easily show his emotions or let anyone see that vulnerable side of him. But he was showingme.

I kissed the side of his head before grabbing his chin and tipping his face up. The corners of his eyes were pink, as though he’d been crying. And damn if that didn’t cause a massive ache in my heart. “Tell me again what happened.”

He nodded and reached behind him to close the door of their room. “Let’s go to the parlor. Don’t wanna wake him up.”

His hand slipped into mine as he led me down the hall.

The owners had respected the mansion’s history and design when renovating, and the parlor was no exception. The stone fireplace, wall sconces, and paintings were all originals, just withsome TLC. The furniture had been replaced but was still era appropriate, blending in flawlessly with the original design.

Skyler led me to the love seat beside the fireplace and sat, gently tugging me down beside him. He hadn’t released me since opening the door, clearly needing the physical contact. So when he overturned my hand and traced the lines on my palm with the tip of his finger, I let him. His brow creased.

“You were right,” he whispered. “Owen was Roy’s lover. He confirmed it today. Roy’s death is what pushed him over the edge.”

He then started from the beginning, telling me about the cell door slamming shut and finding Owen standing in the corner of the room. When he described Owen’s bloody appearance, his voice shook. The visual disturbed me too, but I did my best to hide it.

I listened as he recounted their conversation and what Owen revealed to them. Samuel Howard had told Owen about Roy’s death, and later, once Owen went on a rampage through the asylum, the doctor tossed him back into solitary and shot him in the head.

“Jesus,” I said, my stomach turning.

“That’s when I opened my stupid fucking mouth and said that Samuel Howard’s ghost is still at Lockton too,” Skyler continued, tightening the hold on my hand. His other hand rested on the cushion beside him, his fingers tapping to whatever rhythm was in his head. Did it help calm him when he did that? “Owen lunged at me, and that’s when Jules grabbed him.”

“And there was a bright light?”

He nodded. “Whatever Jules did chased him away before he could hurt me.”

“I’m glad you’re okay.” Now, I was the one who squeezedhima little tighter. Something then occurred to me. “Roy said hesensed Julian’s light. A light all of them could feel. Do you think that’s what he was talking about? Like maybe your brother’s gift is more than being able to sense ghosts but repel bad ones too?”

Surprise flickered across Skyler’s face. “Shit. Maybe. I don’t know.” He unlinked our fingers and sat forward, scrubbing both hands over his face. “All I know is I never wanna see him like that again. Doing what we do… it always takes a toll on him. Being around ghosts and tapping into his power or whatever to sense them, it wears him down. Drains his energy. But it’s never been like this.” A small sound tore through his throat. “I thought he was dead.”

I smoothed my hand along his spine, trying to comfort him.

“I was rushing him to the ER when he finally came to,” Skyler said, still covering his face with his hands. “He said he was fine and just needed to sleep. So we came here, and he’s been in bed ever since. I debated on calling Taylor but didn’t know what I’d even say. Jules could use a friend though, I think. Someone who isn’t his overbearing brother.”

“You’re not overbearing. You just care about him.” I continued rubbing his back. He seemed to like it because he leaned more toward me and took a deep breath—relaxing.

“I should check on him.”

The two of us left the parlor and returned to the room. Julian had woken and was trying to sit up when we walked through the door.

“Hey, take it easy.” Skyler rushed to his side. “If you need something, let me get it.”

“Relax, Sky. I’m not on my deathbed.” Julian’s voice cracked when he spoke. His face had some color but was still pale. “What time is it?”

“Almost four.” Skyler smoothed Julian’s bangs aside. “You hungry?”

Julian nodded and rubbed at his eyes.