Page 54 of The Legend of Lovers Hollow
“Ooh, that does look fun. Let me have a try.” Bertie leans in so close her mouth is almost pressed against the microphone. “The lottery numbers are seven, nine, eleven, twenty-one, forty-three, fifty-twooooo,” she says in a spooky voice.
“You forgot the bonus ball,” I say in amusement.
“Oh.” She returns to the mic again. “Annnnd the bonus ball is twenty-ninnnneeeee…”
I snort. “You’re ridiculous.”
“Okay, everyone, if I can have your attention,” Thad calls out. “We’ll be beginning shortly. Those of you who wish to take part, please take a seat at the table.”
I watch as Thad pulls out a chair at the large round table for Mrs Rose-Smythe to sit first.
“Oh, bloody hell,” Bertie scoffs. “Who invited Daphne?”
“You know her?”
“When she was a girl. She was a stuffy bore even then, not like her mother.” Bertie wiggles her brows. “Her mother was a firecracker. We had a helluva summer the year we both turned eighteen.”
I chuckle. “Good for you. But remember, best behaviour tonight, please.”
She gives an absent wave of her hand and drifts off.
“Are you okay?” Morgan appears beside me, looking concerned. “You’re not feeling sick, are you?”
“No, why?”
“You keep holding your hand to your mouth.” He frowns. “Do you want a glass of water or something? Maybe you should lie down.”
“The only time I’m lying down tonight is when I can be naked with you on top of me.”
His mouth twitches. “I don’t think that’s what they had in mind when they set up the cameras.”
I laugh and shake my head. “I’m fine, Morgan. I was having a word with Bertie.”
“I saw you talking to her, but why the hand?”
“There are just so many cameras and people tonight. I didn’t want anyone to inadvertently catch me talking to thin air.”
He nods. “Good thinking. Maybe we should—oh my god, what is he doing now?” Morgan sighs, and when I follow his line of vision, I see Warren take a seat directly opposite Thad. He looks exhausted, his eyes are red, and he’s trying to stifle a yawn. “He should be in bed.”
“I don’t think it’s his bed he wants to be in,” I mutter as I watch Warren and Thad in some kind of stare-off.
“Christ.” Morgan rubs his forehead. “He always makes the worst decisions when it comes to men.”
“Thad’s such a nice guy.”
“He’s Canadian,” Morgan says dryly.
“Oh, that explains a lot.” I turn my attention back to the table. The Schäfers are seated alongside the Taylor-Joneses, and Amelia is also there with Haru, who seems to have adopted her, much to her obvious amusement. Essie and Martha are also seated. Even though they are fully aware of how haunted the hotel is, they never pass up a chance for drama and mischief. They say it keeps them young.
Cedric and his new friend Victor have opted out, and I have no idea where either of them are. However, I wouldn’t be surprised if Dilys gave them a bottle of brandy and they’ve gone off to Cedric’s apartment to look at his model railway which takes up nearly an entire room. I’d overheard Victor telling Cedric earlier that he’d been a railway guard from when he’d left school all the way up to retirement.
Mr Pennington, never one to pass up fodder for his latest writing project, has also joined in. Morgan and I are not taking part, we’re just here in case anyone needs anything and also to try and keep the resident ghosts under control.
Jules stands off to the side, talking in low, hushed tones with Bez, while Kem and Faiz both stand just outside of the view of the static camera. Kem has a handheld one they’re filming with and Faiz is holding a sound boom, which looks like a big fluffy sausage on a stick.
“Shall we begin?” Mrs Rose-Smythe asks in a ringing voice. “Everyone, please place your hands on the table and join them with the person to either side of you. Once the circle is complete, please don’t break it.” Everyone does as they’re asked, joining hands in one continuous circle. “Please close your eyes and empty your minds.”
“She won’t need to try too hard. Her mind’s always been a bit empty.” Bertie sniggers.