Page 25 of The Haunting of Lockton

Skyler shrugged on a jacket. “You said you had breakfast plans, which is why we met for lunch instead.”

“Oh. It wasn’t a date, but it went well, thank you.”

Alan had looked so happy as we’d strolled through the trees earlier that morning. He’d even started whistling. He didn’t do that much these days. Not since my mom passed. He’d loved her too.

“Cool. Well, Lockton awaits.” Skyler ran his teeth over his bottom lip. Whether intentional or not, the action certainly got my blood pumping. “You sure you’re up for it?”

It. Good freaking lord, a million different things “it” could be popped into my head, ninety-nine percent of them involving Skyler flat on his back as I fucked him senseless. Total fantasy fuel. Because I wasn’t bold enough to actually do any of those million different things.

“Of course,” I answered. “I may not be the greatest showman, but guiding people through haunted places is sort of my specialty.”

Skyler’s smile widened. “I can’t wait to see you in action.”

Lockton sat on the outskirts of town, surrounded by dense forest and not much else. The closest house was Redwood, but unless you hiked directly through the woods, there was only one access road to reach the asylum.

Skyler sang to the classic rock song on the radio as he drove. His voice had a slight rasp that was soothing on the otherwise quiet drive. Julian sat in the passenger’s seat and scrolled through his phone, while I sat in the back. I preferred it that way. Less pressure to talk and not as exposed. Well, that was until I glanced up at the center mirror and found Skyler’s gray eyes watching me. They flickered back to the road, but not before sending my heart fluttering.

“You said in the interview you’ve witnessed several things at Lockton?” Skyler glanced at me in the mirror again.

“Yes,” I responded. Strange enough though, I hadn’t seen the spirits in the same way I saw Alan. The ones at Lockton hadnever fully materialized or carried on conversation. Either not strong enough to do so or too tormented to have the mind for it.

“Do you think we’ll find anything there?” he asked.

“I guess that depends.”

“On?”

I met his gaze in the mirror. “Whether the spirits want you to.”

About ten minutes later, the road narrowed and transitioned from pavement to dirt. Trees lined both sides, the branches and leaves so thick very little light could penetrate. Then, the path opened up to a clearing. And Lockton Asylum greeted us.

“Jesus,” Skyler muttered, leaning forward in his seat to gape at it. “This place is massive.”

The off-white brick building was three stories tall and surrounded by countless trees. A security fence wrapped around to the back of it, though large sections had been cut and hung loose. Vines grew up the building on one side, as if nature had decided to reclaim the space. People regularly tended to the property to keep it up to safety codes and allow for visitors, but it was still very much an abandoned property.

Skyler parked on the gravel path circling a courtyard. “Is parking here okay?”

“Yes, it’s fine.”

We unbuckled our seat belts and got out of the SUV. Dead grass crunched under our feet with each step forward. Well, for two of us. Julian hadn’t moved.

“Jules?” Skyler asked over his shoulder. “You good?”

“Y-Yeah. I’m okay. Just…” Julian stared at the building and lifted a hand to rub the center of his chest. “I know what Taylor meant by it feeling so heavy here. I feel it too.” He shook his head before looking at me. “Is it all right if I record the walk-through?”

“Sure.” I had expected for them to. It was part of their show, after all. As he brought up his phone, I averted my gaze to the sky. “Certain wings are off-limits during the tours. Mainly because of the upkeep and possible safety hazards, as well as not enough eyes to ensure guests don’t wander off on their own, but I’ve been given the green light to show you wherever you want to go.”

“Damn. I feel special.” Skyler grinned. “Where to first?”

“Well. The place is too big to fully explore in one evening,” I said. “All the patient rooms, labs, the medical ward, and recreational areas. There’s also the basement and cell block, where those sent to solitary were kept.”

“Let’s start on the first floor for now,” Julian said.

“Sure. I’ll give you the history of the rooms we visit and discuss some of the spirits alleged to haunt it. We can go up to the second floor after that if there’s time. Does that work for you guys?”

Julian nodded from behind his raised phone. “That will help us get a good idea of where to place cameras when we come back for the investigation. Areas with the most activity.”

“Do you have a camera crew to help?” I asked.