What would you do if you could talk to ghosts?
Alex was born with demonic abilities unheard of, even in the supernatural world. He can talk to ghosts, walk through walls, he can even fly. His powers have allowed him to help others, living and dead.
Now Alex is at a crossroads in his life. Newly married, he no longer wishes to work at his dead-end job forever. Cindy, his wife, gives him the best idea for a unique person who regularly converses with demons and the dead.
Alex is going to start his own business.
From the Damned and Cursed Series
What Do The Readers Say?
I really love this world that Glenn Bullion has built. We have great characters that have different books but can come together into one mega throw down....it's like the Justice League or Avengers.
That being said this book focuses on Alex and his start in a business that uses his unique abilities to help people and maybe make a little cheddar on the side.
Pieman Pearce
Amazon Review
I cannot say enough about how much I have enjoyed this entire series.
This review is not for fans and readers of the series as they need no encouragement to buy this latest book in the series. This is for the those that reached this page and looking to see if it might be a good read.
T.W. Barton
Amazon Review
I realize that, someday, Glenn Bullion will write a stinker, but that's not today. Demons LLC is the seventh book in his Damned & Cursed series, and it's another ripper of a read.
H. Bala
Amazon Review
Care for a sample? Or maybe some trivia?
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Chapter 1
βRecalculatingβ¦in a quarter mile, turn right onto Desoto Road.β
Alex Teague liked to think he was a calm, laid back guy.Β He had experiences he was quite sure no one else in his age bracket could lay claim to.Β Even other citizens of the supernatural world looked at him with awe and wonder.Β He could see ghosts.Β He could walk through walls.Β Demons, while potentially life-threating to others, were a mere nuisance to him.Β A pair of wings shot out of his back whenever he wanted, and ruined many shirts.Β Those wings were strong enough to lift Alexβs frame and take him through the sky.
Heβd fought vampires.Β Half-witches.Β Humans running around with crossbows, with good aim.
Not only did he deal with the trials of the supernatural world, he liked to think he thrived.Β No challenge was too great for him.Β Anything that a human, ghost, or demon could throw at him, he could handle.
But he couldnβt handle the smartphone sitting on the passengerβs seat in his truck.
A demonic groan almost escaped from Alexβs throat.Β Thirty minutes ago, he was content to merely curse to himself as the smartphone talked and talked.Β Now he was engaged in a heated argument.
βIβve just been past there.Β Itβs a Royal Farms.Β I donβt think my destination is a damn Royal Farmsββ
βYour destination is on the left.β
βIt is not!Β You just said turn right! Β You stupid son of aββ
βRecalculatingβ¦.β
Alex gripped the steering wheel so tightly he thought heβd rip it from the column.Β It was a good thing his demonic powers didnβt grant superhuman strength, or there was a chance heβd do just that.
He turned into the parking lot of the Royal Farms, what the smartphone thought was his destination a moment prior.Β Leaving the engine running, he leaned back to collect himself.Β The smartphone stared at him from the passengerβs seat.Β He could almost hear it mocking him.
The wonderful piece of technology was his wife Cindyβs idea.Β The way she presented it, everything made perfect sense.Β Cindy was tired of not being able to talk with him when she wanted to, even if it was a simple text message.Β Heβd be able to search the Internet for information.Β The phone came with a pen, so he could take notes.Β It had a camera.Β It was an amazing gadget for the type of side business Alex engaged in.
It was also possessed, if Alex guessed correctly.
He grabbed the phone and turned it over in his hands, almost expecting it to yell at him.Β It took him several minutes to pop the cover off the back, remove the battery, reinsert it, and power on the phone.Β A beautiful animation danced on the screen.Β Harmonious music played.Β A home screen came into being, with icons and apps aplenty.
The only question was if the phone would guide him.Β Did he exorcise the device?
βChrist,β he complained to himself.Β βI hate technology.β
Alex had a friend named Jack with an adopted daughter.Β A nine-year-old girl named Tiffany.Β That nine-year-old girl was capable of making a smartphone sing, if she wanted it to.Β She stored all her music, photos, everything in her short little life, in her phone.Β Alex couldnβt even make his give him proper directions.
Turning to his left, he spotted a woman watching him from several parking spaces away.Β Apparently sheβd been watching him since heβd arrived.Β She was an attractive woman, leaning against her car with her arms crossed, a crooked smile on her face.Β Alex could only imagine how much of a fool he was making of himself for all to see.
βIs everything okay?β she asked.
βUh, yeah.βΒ He smiled sheepishly as he held up the phone.Β βJust, uhβ¦my phone sucks.β
The woman laughed.Β βItβs funny, isnβt it?Β I think my kidβs smarter than me.Β I think she put a phone in her mouth before her thumb.β
Alex laughed politely.Β Another woman left the store and joined the stranger.Β They climbed in the car together.Β The stranger waved as they drove away, and he returned the gesture. Β Killing the engine, he decided a quick pit stop was exactly what he needed.Β Heβd already been on the road ninety minutes, and he was already late.Β The sun had nearly set, and it wouldnβt take long for afternoon to turn to dusk, and dusk to turn to evening.Β Still, the last thing he wanted was to show up to a side job thirsty, needing to use the bathroom, and irritated.Β A stop at the convenience store would solve at least two out of three.
The store was nearly empty.Β Four employees in blue shirts were scattered about, trying to pass the time.Β A man waited for a sandwich, while another browsed through the ice cream.Β Alex drank in the normal scene.Β Heβd come to terms with what he was, and the world he lived in.Β One of his best friends was a vampire.Β His sister Alicia was dating a witch.Β The world was full of the supernatural, and most humans werenβt even aware.
Thatβs why Alex loved the normal.Β Sometimes the monotony of his day job drove him crazy, but driving a forklift, going to a movie, watching Cindy bend over as she attempted to bake something in the oven, these things were sheer bliss.
Normal was good.
Alex glanced around the convenience store as he stood at the bathroom door.Β He wanted to enjoy the moment.Β Sheer, unadulterated normal.Β Soon, that wouldnβt be the case.Β He wasnβt sure how the night would end.Β However, he did know when he arrived at his side job there was a good chance normal would suddenly be gone.
He washed his hands and looked himself over in the mirror.Β It was rare, but there were times Alexβs temper got the better of him, especially when he was hanging out in the not-normal world.Β His facial features sometimes changed when this happened, and not for the better.Β This led to him not being the biggest fan of mirrors.Β He didnβt like looking at his own reflection, as he was afraid he wouldnβt see what he expected.
The guy that looked back at him through the mirror was normal enough.Β Heβd changed clothes before leaving the warehouse, prompting the guys to joke about how he was going on a secret date.Β Jeans replaced sweatpants, a collared shirt replaced an old, ratty tee shirt.Β He never thought heβd win a modeling contract, but somehow heβd convinced the most beautiful woman in the world to take her clothes off for him.Β She even let him slip a ring on her finger, so he couldnβt be all bad.Β He was certainly presentable enough to knock on a strangerβs door.
After buying a water, he opened the tailgate on his truck and sat in the back.Β He watched the people come and go, giving him a look as they went.Β Alex must have had that out-of-town air about him.Β Or he simply looked as lost as he felt.
He glanced at the phone once again as he climbed behind the wheel.Β Perhaps the magical reboot of the phone fixed the GPS, and heβd be on his way once again.Β There was also the possibility heβd drive in circles all night.
Sighing in defeat, he picked up the phone and dialed a number.Β At least that was one thing he knew how to do.
Despite waking up next to her, despite being married, her sweet voice always brought on a smile, always made his heart beat just a little harder.Β Corny, sappy, he was aware.Β But it was the truth.
βHey, sexy,β Cindy greeted.
βWhatβs up, baby-doll.β
He could almost see her cringing on the other end of the phone.Β She hated the nickname.
βI see you only have the nuts to call me that when youβre in another state.β
βIβm a smart guy.Β What are you up to?β
βJust watching TV.Β Leese is over.Β Sheβs actually making dinner tonight.Β You want us to save you something?β
It was Alexβs turn to cringe.Β Alicia, or Leese to everyone else, was known for many things.Β Very gorgeous, blond hair, tan skin, had that classic beach model look.Β She was also compassionate, kind, caring, loved to smile and laugh, adored animals.Β However, Alex grew up with her.Β Her skills in the kitchen were lacking.
βNo, Iβll stop and get something on the way home.Β And tell Kevin heβs not allowed in the kitchen anymore.β
They shared a laugh.Β The last time Kevin, Aliciaβs witch boyfriend, stepped foot into their kitchen he accidentally created a magical fog that spanned three houses.Β A simple home-cooked meal turned into a night out on the lawn.
βDonβt worry, heβs not here,β Cindy said.Β βItβs just us girls.Β Whatβs happening over there?β
βUh, Iβm still on the road.Β Almost there now.Β Just wanted to stop for a drink before I got there.β
βYou got lost, didnβt you?β
Alex didnβt hesitate.Β There was no need to, not with Cindy.
βYup.β
She chuckled in his ear.Β He held the phone at a distance, to give his eardrums a break, as he shook his head.Β Cindy shared the information with Alicia, who in turned cackled just as loudly.
It was one of the drawbacks of marrying someone heβd known since they was five.Β Cindy had only been his wife a short time, but that didnβt matter.Β There were no secrets between them, even if they wanted there to be.Β There were no surprise parties, no unspoken feelings.Β Cindy knew what Alex was thinking from a simple look, mere body language.Β Alex could do the same with her, and sheβd punch him in the shoulder whenever he correctly guessed she had a bad day at work.
He rolled his eyes as they continued to laugh.Β There was no sense lying to her about being lost.Β She just knew him too well.
βAh, sorry,β she said.Β βWe were laughing at something on TV.β
βOh, Iβm sure you were.β
βDid you use the GPS?β
βYeah, I did.Β And itβs trying to send me to China.β
βDid you reboot the phone?β
βYeah, before I stopped at the store.Β But now Iβm afraid itβs going to send me to Australia instead.β
βHold on.Β Let me look it up here, and you can write it down.β
Alex waited patiently while he listened to Cindy moving about the house.Β She shouted at Alicia to get her feet off the sofa.Β Eventually, he could hear her fingers typing away in the home office.
βOkay, write this down.β
βHold on, let me get a pencil.β
βWrite it down using the phone.β
A smile touched his lips.Β He wanted to play, just for a moment.
βBut Iβm using the phone.β
βYou can take notes on the phone and talk at the same time.β
βWonβt that break it?β
βSweetie, if you make me drive out thereββ
βIβm kidding.Β Hold on.Β Do you feel the little stylus in my hand?Β Iβm writing it down.β
He jotted the notes as neat as the smartphone would allow.Β This was what he needed.Β Simple directions.Β Left at this street.Β Right at that street.Β No recalculating or rerouting.
βOkay, you good?β she asked.
βYeah.Β What would I do without you?β
βYou wouldnβt have survived kindergarten.Β You think youβll be long?β
βI shouldnβt be.Β Iβll drive back as fast as I can.β
βJust be safe.Β If you get here early enough, maybe there will be a surprise waiting.β
Alicia responded in the background with a single word.
βGross!β
Alex smiled.Β Assuming the side job ended with little drama, there was no other way heβd rather end the night.
βI like the sound of that.Β Let me get going, so I can get home, and get going again.β
βOooh.Β I like how you think.Β Iβll see you soon, sexy.β
They said their goodbyes.Β Alex followed Cindyβs notes, and low and behold, turned down the street he was looking for within ten minutes.
It was nearly a two-hour drive just to get across the border between Maryland and Pennsylvania, and arrive at his destination.Β A seemingly normal, everyday street in a small Pennsylvania suburb.Β First Avenue.Β Alex smiled to himself as he slowly drove, glancing at the houses and looking for numbers above the doors.Β How many tales of the supernatural started on First Avenue?
He had to circle the block once, as parking was a challenge all by itself.Β Luck was on his side.Β A group of teenagers ran from a house, laughing and shouting at each other.Β They piled into a Honda Civic and drove off, in a mad rush to get somewhere.Β Alex slipped into their spot.Β He was directly across the street from the location of his latest side job.Β 714 First Avenue.
βYouβve now arrived at your destination,β Alex said, mimicking his best smartphone accent.
He didnβt get out of the truck right away.Β Taking deep breaths, he wanted to inhale the scent of normal just a little longer.Β His nerves were starting to dance, even though he could honestly say he had some experience now.
The hairs standing on the back of his neck werenβt helping matters.
It wasnβt only the supernatural details that were making his stomach bubble, but the human side as well.Β There was a family inside 714 First Avenue.Β A husband, wife, and a son and daughter, if Alex remembered the voicemail correctly.Β Beside that family was something they couldnβt deal with on a normal level.Β Normal was beyond them now.Β Alex would go in, solve the problem, and then heβd leave, collecting a check on the way out.Β That was also an issue he wasnβt completely comfortable with yet.Β He wanted to help any family he could, but it was a job.Β He needed money.
Alex studied the neighborhood.Β He was stalling for time; he was aware of this.Β But he did marvel at the scenery.Β Halloween was only a few days away, and the front yards reflected that.Β Pumpkins, leaves, scary decorations, all littered the houses.Β People drove past, parking in their driveways, getting the mail, waving at neighbors.Β A young boy, probably fifteen or so, sat on the street corner by himself.Β He made eye contact with Alex once, who simply smiled in return.
He laughed to himself.Β It was never like in the movies.Β The most haunted places werenβt huge, deteriorating mansions, cut off from the rest of the world.Β They werenβt surrounded by large, iron gates that creaked eerily when they opened.Β Sometimes, the scariest places were in the middle of the block, and had a driveway.Β Even after a simple stroll through the living room, the average person wouldnβt think anything was wrong.
Luckily, Alex was far from average.
Sighing aloud, he grabbed his smartphone and looked for the recording app.Β The phone chimed in response as it loaded.Β He searched the neighborhood to make sure no one watched him.Β It was Cindyβs idea for him to document any job he went on.Β It was a good idea, as were all of Cindyβs ideas, but he didnβt feel comfortable recording his voice.Β The only person watching him was the boy on the corner, who was suddenly standing up and looking in his direction.
βOkay, itβs five minutes past six oβclock at night.Β Iβve just arrived at 714 First Avenue.βΒ He paused to study the house.Β βThe place looks normal enough.Β Looks like they donβt celebrate Halloween, but I guess if theyβre having supernatural issues, I canβt blame them.Β I donβt see anything obviously weird going on.Β Butβ¦I do sense something.βΒ Alex noticed the boy approaching on the sidewalk.Β He didnβt think anything of it.Β βWhat it is, and whether itβs in the house or not, I donβt know yet.β
He stopped the recording as the boy drew closer.Β His life was odd enough without a passerby listening to the unusual things he told his phone.
The boy continued to stare as he walked, making Alex uncomfortable.Β He gave a half-smile and a polite nod, hoping the acknowledgment would make the boy look away.
Alex was taken aback when the boy stopped next to the truck, right next to the passengerβs window.Β Looking behind him, he looked to see if there was a naked woman or monster he was unaware of.Β Seeing neither, Alex turned back.
Now that he stood closer, Alex could see more detail about the boy.Β His guess of fifteen was probably very close.Β Tall, light brown hair, dull green eyes.Β A pair of jeans and a long-sleeved gray shirt with a picture of an alienβs head on it.Β He seemed a little frail; his clothes hung loosely.Β If he ran the down the sidewalk there was a good chance his jeans would slide off.
He stared at Alex through the glass, an intense look of curiosity on his face.
βYeah?β Alex called.Β The boy jumped back as Alex rolled down the window.Β βDo you need something?Β Is everything okay?β
The boy literally jumped a step back.Β His jaw hung low as his lips moved up and down.Β Almost ten seconds passed before he was able to speak.
βYouβ¦you can see me?β
Alex finally understood.Β He could sense the presence of ghosts and demons easily.Β It was a part of who he was.Β But knowing who those ghosts were out in the world was a different story.Β To him, they looked like everyone else.Β Only the obvious ones stood out, like a man or woman wearing sixteenth century clothing.
He nodded.Β βYeah, I can see you.β
The boy was still hesitant.Β βNot like a busted TV or something, all blurry, but actually see me?β
Alex moved his hands up and down, gesturing to the boyβs feet and head.Β He wasnβt sure how else to make his point.
βYes.Β I can actually see you.β
The boy couldnβt keep the smile off his face.Β βHoly shit!Β This is unreal!Β Waitβ¦you are alive, right?β
βIβm alive.βΒ He knocked on the dashboard to hopefully help illustrate.Β βUnless ghosts have learned how to drive.β
βDamn!Β This is pretty awesome!β
The boy turned to one side, lifted a leg up, and slid through the passengerβs side door.Β Alex shifted uncomfortably as the uninvited guest settled in next to him.
βWhoa,β Alex said.Β βActually, Iβm kind of working hereββ
βIβve seen psychics before, but not like you.Β Most of them are so generic.Β They just run around going I sense a presence here.Β There was one that actually saw me, I think, for like two seconds.Β But that was it.Β After that, nothing.Β She was cute, though.Β Butβ¦man, me and you, weβre really having a conversation.β
Alex rolled his eyes as he glanced out the window to the house.
βYeah.Β Weβre really having a conversation.Β Listen, Iβd love to talk, butββ
βWere you born psychic?Β Or was it something that came along when you grew up?β
Alex tried to be annoyed, but couldnβt.Β The boy was chatty, maybe irritating, but Alex already liked him.Β His friendliness was catching.
βI was bitten by a genetically altered ghost.β
The boyβs brow furrowed in confusion.Β He moved his lips, repeating the words, and Alex laughed quietly.
βOh!β he said.Β βYou talking about Spider-man?Β I saw the latest in the theater.Β I guess it wasnβt bad, but not something Iβd pay for.Β If I couldnβt just walk inside any theater I wanted, I wouldnβt have even bothered.Β Just last week I sawββ
βWhoa!β Alex said, holding a hand up.Β He took a breath to gather his composure, something heβd wish the passenger would do.Β It was a shame ghosts didnβt breathe.Β βMy nameβs Alex.Β You got a name?β
βAh, sorry.Β I know Iβm running my mouth.Β Itβs just been a while since Iβve talked to anyone, and the first time since dying that Iβve talked to a live person.Β Iβm Nathan, but everyone calls me Nate.Β Or, they used to call me Nate.β
βNice to meet you, Nate.Β I donβt mean to cut you off, but Iβm actually in the middleβ¦.β
Alex trailed off as the opportunity in front of him smacked him across the face.Β How many times would he be able to interview a ghost before a case?
βGo on,β Nate pressed.Β βIn the middle of what?β
βSay, you donβt happen to be haunting any of these houses, are you?β
Nate scowled as he shook his head.Β βNah, man.Β I donβt usually go into any houses.Β Thatβs like a violation of privacy, ya know?Β Even if I did, I donβt have enough hate and anger, or even sadness to generate the energy to move anything around.β
Alex nodded thoughtfully.Β He wasnβt sure how long Nate had been a ghost, but he knew enough about the basic mechanics of a haunting.Β It wasnβt difficult for a ghost to haunt a house, as long as they had the proper motivation.
Nate continued to speak as Alex watched the house.
βThere is one thing that I do though,β he said.Β βThereβs this gorgeous woman that jogs every morning.Β Lives on the last house on the block.Β I guess the weatherβs still pretty good.Β Itβs not like I can feel it.Β Anyway, she runs in these little tight black shorts and a tank top.Β Red hair flopping all around.Β If a lawyer cornered me, Iβd admit I follow her on her little jogs.β
βYeah, the weather hasnβt turned yet,β Alex said.Β βA little warm for fall.βΒ He shook his head and faced Nate as his words sunk in.Β βWait, you wonβt go into any houses, but youβll stalk a woman?β
βWhoa, I wouldnβt call it stalking.Β I just exercise with her.Β Thatβs all.βΒ Nate gestured out the window.Β βAnd weβd better be quiet.Β That guy over there is giving you a goofy look.β
Alex turned to see a man walking his dog, his eyes locked on the truck.Β Grabbing his phone innocently, Alex watched the man and dog continue down the street.Β Alex was used to the odd glances.Β There were times it seemed he talked to ghosts more than people.
βLet me see if I can guess,β Nate said.Β βYouβre here to investigate that house over there.β
βAnd why would you say that?β Alex said, arching an eyebrow.
βThereβs been a lot of people going in and out of there over the past few weeks.Β People bringing in all kinds of crap.Β I think I even saw a priest or something go in.β
βHave you heard or saw anything elseβ¦weird?β
Nate nodded.Β βIβve definitely heard some freaky noises, and I wasnβt going to poke my head in, if you know what I mean.β
Alex turned and studied the house once again.
βSo, what do you think?β Nate asked.Β βA trapped soul, reliving a murder?β
Alex was impressed with Nateβs knowledge.Β Violent murders sometimes left a spirit unable to move on, trapped around their own death.Β There were times they didnβt even know they were dead.
βMaybe.Β I donβt know.β
βSo, what do you do?Β You go in there and talk to the ghosts?Β Like youβre talking to me?β
Alex shrugged.Β βAnd sometimes more.β
Nate smiled and rubbed his hands together.Β βI think I have to see this.β
βNo.Β Cβmon, man.Β Give me a break.β
Nate frowned, the disappointment obvious in his eyes.Β βWhat do you mean?β
βI do this for money.Β Itβs like a side job for me.Β So, I have to be professional.Β Let me go in there and be professional.β
Nate took the rejection in stride.Β βAlright, man.Β But I am going to stay out here and watch.β
βThatβll work.β
Alex gathered his phone and made sure all the apps heβd need were ready.Β Nate gave him a thumbs-up.Β Alexβs hand was on the door handle when suddenly a van pulled up and parked in the middle of the street.Β Three people climbed out and stood still, watching the house.Β An older man, and another younger man and woman, not too much younger than Alex.Β They were close enough to hear their conversation.
βIs this the house?β
The younger man checked his phone.Β β714.Β This is it.β
The woman scanned the neighborhood.Β βParking isnβt great, is it?β
βTroy,β the older man said.Β βGive me two minutes to say hello, and start unloading.Β Thereβs parking on the next street over.β
Troy gave a salute.Β βYou got it, boss.β
βDonβt call me boss.β
The older man walked up the sidewalk as Troy opened the rear door of the van.Β He pulled a camera mounted on a tripod and set it on the ground.Β In the distance, the older man spoke with someone at the front door.
βAh, damn,β Alex muttered.Β βYouβve got to be kidding me.β
βWhatβs wrong?β Nate asked.Β βYou know these guys?β
βNot at all.β
Troy and the young woman continued their conversation.
βHey, Amy,β he said.Β βYou know, these cameras arenβt all that heavy.Β It wouldnβt kill you to carry one.β
Amy gestured to the lovely dress she wore.Β It was a pretty turquoise, stopping at the knees.Β Her one-inch heels matched.Β A very well put-together woman.Β She couldnβt have been a year or two older than Alicia.
βThe last time I helped you move anything, I had to bend over.Β You looked up my dress.β
Troy ran a hand through his dark hair, and a coy smile crossed his face.
βWell, if it makes you feel any better, I didnβt see anything.β
Troy unloaded the van while Amy stared at the house.Β Alex shook his head and rested it against the seat in frustration.
βI canβt believe this.β
βWhatβs going on?β Nate asked.Β For some unknown reason, he was whispering.Β βAnother of those ghost-hunting teams you see on TV?Β I hate to say it, but they look a lot more professional than you.β
βAnd why is that?Β Because they have a pretty lady and a bunch of cameras?β
βWellβ¦yeah.β
Alex laughed, to try to keep from getting angry.Β Cindy always offered to come with him, and he would always decline.Β They shared everything, but sheβd seen enough in their life.Β There was no need to provide fuel for more nightmares.
βMaybe I will start bringing Cindy along with me.β
βWhoβs Cindy?Β Is she hot?Β Does she have a sister, preferably one whoβs died?β
Alex narrowed his gaze at Nate.
βSorry,β Nate said.Β βJust trying to lighten the mood.β
Alex listened once again to the conversation outside his truck.
βSo,β Troy said.Β βDo you really think this house is haunted?β
Amy sighed and put her hands on her hips.
βI wouldnβt get my hopes up.Β What were our last two houses?Β Swelling pipes, andββ
βRaccoons in the attic,β Troy finished for her.Β βDonβt remind me.Β One of the little bastards bit me.β
βMr. Donovan must think something is here, though.Β Right?Β He wouldnβt bring us out here otherwise.β
βYeah.βΒ Troy lowered his head, his anxiety showing.Β βUh, Amy, listen.Β If this doesnβt go all nightββ
βNo.Β I will not go out with you.β
βYou donβt even know what I was going to say.β
βOf course I did,β she said, laughing.Β βIβm psychic, remember?β
Alex huffed.Β βThis just keeps getting better and better.β
βWhatβs the problem, man?β
βI thought it would just be me.β
βSoβ¦itβs not just you.Β So what?β
βThe things I do, I justββ
He jumped when there was a knock at the window.Β The attractive psychic, Amy, waved shyly and offered a smile.
βHi, there,β she said.
Alex turned to see if she was addressing someone behind him.Β Nate, perhaps?Β Her eyes were focused on him as she made the motion to roll down his window.Β He did so, his gaze never leaving hers.
βYeah?β
βHi,β she said again, awkwardly.Β βUhβ¦are you going to be here a while?Β Parking on this street sucks.Β My friend over there wanted me to ask you.β
βNo, I didnβt,β Troy called.Β βShe said she didnβt want to walk a block back to the van.β
Alex laughed.Β βIβll be here another minute or so, then Iβm gone.β
βThank you so much,β Amy said, reaching in to touch his arm.Β βWe really appreciate it.β
βNo problem.β
He rolled up the window as Amy turned to talk to Troy.Β He could feel Nateβs eyes boring into the back of his head.
βYouβre leaving?β Nate asked.Β βYou just got here.β
βObviously, they donβt need me now, do they?β
βDamn, man, you quit easy.Β Youβre just going to leave?Β I meanβ¦so they got a lot of hardware, and a real pretty psychic lady, and the guy on the porch up there whoβs a lot older and probably a lot more experienced.β
βThanks, Nate.β
βIf for nothing else, stay and get that chickβs phone number.Β I think she digs you.β
Alex held up his hand to show off his ring.Β βIβm married.β
βDamn!Β Youβre way young to be married, arenβt you?βΒ He held up a hand.Β βEven better.Β Get to know her, and tell her you know this cool guy named Nate.β
A chuckle escaped from Alex, against his will.Β Troy and Amy heard him and gave him an odd look.Β Alex took in the house one more time.Β Troy continued to unload gear and set it on the sidewalk while Amy helped.Β Mr. Donovan spoke with who Alex assumed was the head of the household on the porch, the father.Β Mr. Donovan kept a hand on his shoulder in a comforting manner.
βI want to help,β Alex said.Β βAnd Iβd like to get paid, but this isnβt going to work.Β It was nice meeting you, Nate.β
βWow,β Nate said, shaking his head.Β βAlright, man.Β Hopefully Iβll see you around.β
Nate slid out and stood on the sidewalk.Β Alex started the truck and shifted in his seat, trying to get comfortable as he fastened his seatbelt.Β He turned to give the house one last look, doing his best to fight the guilt that was creeping in.Β He didnβt like leaving a family in need.Β He also certainly didnβt enjoy leaving easy money on the table.Β But working alongside another team wouldnβt end well.Β Too many questions would pop up, ones Alex didnβt like answering.Β Even the strongest psychics couldnβt have a full conversation with a ghost.Β There were limits as to how much a human could peer into the spirit world.
Alex had no such limits.
Before pulling out onto the street, he saw something that caught his eye.Β A boy, no more than ten years old, stood at one of the windows on the second floor, possibly a bedroom.Β He held the curtain back, looking out at the world before him.Β His eyes and posture haunted Alex.Β Such sadness, such defeat.Β The boy was terrified.Β It looked like he hadnβt smiled in weeks, or slept for that matter.
The boy looked at Alex.Β His eyes almost begged for help.
Alex shook his head to clear his mind and focused on the road ahead.Β He stopped at the end of the block and prepared to turn left.Β Now that he knew where he was going, it shouldnβt have taken any longer than ninety minutes to get home.Β There would still be a little night left.Β He could relax and watch TV with Cindy, eat a simple dinner.Β Maybe, with a little luck and a few moves, he could move their night from the couch to the bedroom.
He took another left, sighing.Β Envisioning Cindyβs beautiful eyes and gorgeous skin, he allowed himself a small smile as he spoke to himself.Β He knew exactly what he was doing.
βMaybe tomorrow night, baby,β he said.
Two more lefts, and the circle around the block was complete.Β The van still hadnβt moved.Β Troy was in the middle of climbing behind the wheel, while Amy guarded the gear on the sidewalk.Β Alex slid in next to him and parked in the same spot.
Troy rolled down his window and leaned across the seat.
βHey,β he said, frustration in his voice.Β βI thought you said you were leaving?β
βTurns out I forgot to do something.βΒ Alex pointed down the street to a car pulling away.Β βLooks like youβre in luck, though.Β A spot opened up.β
βAh, cool,β Troy said.Β He put the van in gear.Β βLooks like we both got lucky.β
Alex smirked.Β βYeah.Β Lucky.β
Troy pulled away, leaving Amy alone with the gear.Β Alex gave himself one last look in the rear-view mirror.Β He wasnβt vain by any means, but wanted to look his best for a client.Β Clients recommended him to other potential clients, and a bright smile sometimes went a long way.
βYou handsome demon, you,β he joked.
He shut the door behind him, remembering to bring his phone.Β Looking over the hood of the truck, Nate stood on the sidewalk with his arms crossed.Β He wore an amused, almost smug grin.
βWow,β Nate said.Β βThat was the fastest trip Iβve ever seen.β
βShut up,β Alex joked.Β βStay out here, alright?β
βYou got it.Β Iβll keep an eye on things on the outside for you.Β Like a lookout.Β Should we have like a signal or something, if you need me to come busting in?β
βYou donβt need to do all that, justβ¦.βΒ Alex lowered his head, deciding it was pointless to argue with him.Β βNo signal needed.β
βAlright, man.Β Iβll be right here.Β Unless that woman comes out jogging again.Β I might be gone for a while after that.β
Alex crossed the street.Β The look of confusion on Amyβs face told him sheβd watched his conversation.Β He wondered what kind of psychic she was.Β Did she get glimpses into the spirit world?Β Was her field in psychometry, basically ESP through touch?Β Alex imagined many guys lining up, willing to be touched by her.Β Maybe she was a medium.
Alex smiled and gave a polite nod as he approached.
βHi.Β Iβm Alex.β
Amy returned the smile, her cheeks turning red.
βAmy.Β Amy Devereux.β
They shook hands.Β Amy didnβt twitch or go into any kind of psychic trance.Β So much for psychometry.
βSo,β Alex said.Β His eyes traveled along the hardware sitting on the sidewalk.Β He didnβt know what any of it was.Β He was certain that even though some of the gear looked like cameras, they were far more than that.Β βIt looks like weβre both here to do the same thing.β
Amyβs eyes lit up.Β βYouβre a paranormal investigator, too?β
βSomething like it.Β Donβt worry.Β I wonβt get in your way.βΒ It was tempting to add So stay out of mine.
Laughing, Amy waved dismissively.Β βOh, Iβm not worried about that.βΒ She looked him up and down, nearly making him squirm.Β βWhereβs all your gear?β
βOh,β Alex said, reaching for his phone.Β βMy wife made me get this.Β Iβm not too crazy about it, but Iβm figuring it out.Β Camera, pen, voice recorder.Β I have to admit, it does have its uses.Β But I have to wonder about the GPS thing.β
Amy was taken aback.Β βNo EMF?Β Infrared?Β EVP?β
She was speaking Greek to him, but Alex did understand EVP.Β Electronic Voice Phenomenon.Β The art of recording a one-sided conversation, and hoping a spirit would respond.
Alex shook his head.Β βNah.Β Iβm more simple.Β I just like to talk to them.β
Amy said nothing.Β She stared at him, her mouth open and eyes wide.Β Alex couldnβt tell if it was lust written across her face, or she thought he was a crackpot.Β When the silence turned awkward, he smiled and nodded toward the house.
βWell, Iβd better go introduce myself.β
Alex didnβt need to be officially psychic to sense Amy staring at him.Β Putting her out of his mind, he waved as he approached the porch.Β Mr. Donovan was still talking to the head of the household.Β Their conversation turned to a whisper, then completely stopped as he drew near.
The cold chill down his spine grew worse with every step.
βHello,β Alex said, taking the two steps and joining them.
The man on the left eyed Alex carefully.
βAre youβ¦Alex?β
A small weight lifted.Β At least they didnβt forget he was coming.
βI am, sir.Β Alex Teague.Β Iβm sorry about the time.Β I would have been here sooner, but I have to admit, I got a little lost getting here.β
βDonβt worry about it.Β Weβre just glad your here.Β Iβm Jason.Β Jason Felder.Β My wife and kids are inside.Β Listen, I have to prepare youββ
Alex held up a hand.Β βNo, please.Β Actually, donβt prepare me.Β Iβd rather work cold.β
Mr. Donovan laughed quietly.Β βYou sound just like Amy.Β Iβm Professor Donovan.Β I teach at the local university.Β And, when I can, I like to try to help people withβ¦unusual problems, like Jason has here.Β Itβs good to meet you.Β Jason told me you were coming.β
Alex raised an eyebrow.Β It would have been nice to have had that same courtesy.
βHereβs my card,β Donovan offered.
He accepted the card and shoved it in his pocket, feeling like an amateur that he didnβt have one to offer in return.Β The next time he talked to Cindy, that would be the first thing he brought up.Β Business cards.
He regarded both men.Β Donovan was in his sixties, and had a grandfatherly air about him.Β All he needed was a red coat, and he could have passed for Santa Claus.Β He wore a button-down shirt and dress pants, looking like heβd just stepped out of the classroom.
Jason had definitely seen better days.Β Huge, black circles hung under his eyes.Β Somewhere in his forties, he had the look of a man who worked hard for a living.Β Well-built, stocky.Β There was no smile, no joy in his face.Β Alex imagined some time had gone by since he last laughed.
Jason put his hands in his pockets, looking lost.
βSoβ¦what now?Β Do you want to go inside?β
βSure,β Donovan answered.Β βWe can introduce my team to your family, set up some equipment.Β They wonβt mind being interviewed, will they?β
Jason huffed.Β βYou probably wonβt get anything from my daughter, but my wife and son wonβt mind.β
βGood enough.βΒ Donovan gestured to the door.Β βShall we?β
Alex held up a finger, looking at Jason.
βUh, sirββ
βPlease.Β Call me Jason.Β Iβm not ninety years old.β
βOkay, Jason.Β Before we go insideββ
βAh!β Jason said, remembering.
Guilt and relief clawed at Alex as Jason fished an envelope out of his pocket, and handed it over.Β Alex wouldnβt open it, even if Donovan wasnβt watching with a look of disdain.Β Alex assumed it was the first half of his agreed upon fee.Β Five hundred dollars.Β Five hundred on arrival, five hundred on removal of the presence.Β The terms were clear and precise, and Alex thought the price was fair.Β Jason certainly didnβt hesitate when they discussed it on the phone.
His hand shook as he slipped the envelope in his back pocket, and not from the cold chill coursing through him.Β The guilt continued to attack.Β He tried to remember what Cindy always told him.Β Firemen and policemen certainly didnβt feel guilty when they cashed their paychecks.Β He was performing a service.Β For that service, he should be paid.
Could the Felder family afford a thousand dollars?Β Was that payment strapping them in any way?Β Was he taking food out of their mouths?
Alex shook away the thoughts and took a deep breath.Β Donovan still watched him carefully with his hand on the door.Β The three men traded looks, and Jason took the lead to open the door to his home.
The blast of air felt like it came from the arctic as Alex stepped inside.Β The living room was neat, tidy.Β Pictures of Jason and his family lined the walls.Β A large TV that Alex envied was mounted on the wall.Β There was no wall between the living room and dining room.Β Alex liked the look.Β He could see clear into the kitchen, as Jasonβs wife loaded a dishwasher.
βDonna,β Jason called.Β βOur company is here.β
Donna Felder closed the dishwasher and approached.Β Like Jason, she had the appearance of a woman that was living with a stress that would not go away.Β Her long brown hair had a streak of gray on the right side.Β Her cheeks were sunken, her frame frail.Β Alex imagined that wasnβt her normal appearance.
βHi.Β Thank you for coming.βΒ
She shook Donovanβs hand, and then Alexβs.Β As she touched Alex, her face crumpled and tears began to flow.Β She broke down, and reached out to him.Β He hugged her, and the fact that he was charging this terrorized family whispered to him once again.
βIβm so sorry,β she said.Β βItβs just thatβ¦this whole thing has been hard on my family.β
βDonβt worry,β Donovan said.Β βWeβll do all we can.β
Alexβs brow furrowed.Β That wasnβt very comforting.
There were loud, stomping steps above them from the second floor.Β Everyone looked to the stairs to their right, and a teenage girl popped her head around the corner.Β She resembled her mother, with the exception of the tiny stud stuck on the side of her nose.
βHey Mom,β she called.Β βIs dinner ready yet?β
βI just put it in the oven,β Donna said.Β βItβll be a while.βΒ Her eyes went big.Β βWhere is your brother?β
βHeβs in his room.β
βKimberly!Β How many times have I said it now?Β I donβt want you and Keith wandering around the house by yourselves!β
βWeβre not wandering, Mom.Β Weβre in our rooms.Β Weβre fifteen feet apart.β
βStay in his room with him.β
Kimberly rolled her eyes.Β βIβm a little too old to be hanging out in my brotherβs room.β
βKimberlyββ
βFine, fine.Β Iβll babysit the little crybaby.Β Relax.β
She disappeared from view.Β Alex kept his eyes on the empty stairs leading up.Β Part of his procedure was to tour any house, and the upstairs was as good a start as any.
There was a quick knock at the front door, followed by Troy slowing poking his head in.Β Amyβs perfume drifted in behind him.
βHey, everybody,β Troy said.Β βIs it okay if we come in?β
βOf course,β Donna said.Β Jason opened the door for them.
Troy and Amy stepped inside, miscellaneous equipment under each arm.Β Everyone exchanged names, shook hands, smiled when they could.Β At the end of the meet and greet, Troy looked at Alex with confusion.
βHey,β he said.Β βWerenβt you the guy in the truck out there?β
βThatβs me.β
βOkay,β Donovan said, addressing everyone.Β βTroy, if you donβt mind, would you start setting up?Β Amy can help, until weβre ready to walk the house.Β Jason, Donna, Iβd like to ask you both some questions.β
Donovan was obviously a take-charge kind of guy.Β Troy and Amy set their equipment down, with Amy giving Alex another look.Β Donovan led Jason and Donna to the dining room as he pulled out a notepad and pen.Β Alex was left alone.Β He wondered with Donovanβs personality, and the fancy equipment around them, if anyone would even notice he was there.
βIβll be upstairs,β Alex said, suddenly feeling small.Β No one heard him.Β βJustβ¦you know.Β Doing my thing.β
He shook his head as he ascended to the second floor.Β It was tempting to return the money in his back pocket, and head home.Β Doing the work he did was complicated enough without additional people watching him, and cameras recording him.
The second floor hallway was just as cold as the first floor.Β The hallway was long and narrow, with a painting or two scattered about.Β A small table sat outside an open door, holding three decorative vases.
Alex pulled out his phone.Β Sighing, he turned on the recorder.Β He hoped whatever was in the house would reveal itself soon.Β There was nothing that made him feel more foolish than talking to himself all night.
βThe house is freezing.Β Thereβs something here for sure.Β The upstairs is cold, like the downstairs.Β Note to self.Β Bring a jacket on these little jobs.β
He poked his head into the first room he saw.Β A young boy, presumably Keith, sat on the edge of his bed, his back to the door.Β For a brief moment, Alex thought he was looking at a ghost.Β Then he noticed the video game playing on the TV in the corner, along with Keith casting a full shadow across the bed.Β Ghosts sometimes popped up at the strangest times, Nate being a good example.
βHey, there,β Alex said.Β βYou mind if I stop in for a second?β
Keith shrugged his shoulders in an exaggerated manner, which Alex took as an invitation.Β Alex studied the room, and didnβt notice anything of interest.Β Clothes on the floor, a backpack in the corner.Β There were picture frames along the dresser, all of them face down.
βPictures of my Mom and Dad, and Kim,β Keith said.
Alex glanced at Keith.Β The young boy was watching him carefully.
βYou donβt like them?β Alex said, trying to make a joke.Β βDonβt want to see them?β
He shook his head.Β βNo.Β The ghost keeps knocking them over.β
Keith died in his game, as some kind of death-music played.Β Instead of starting over, he simply stared at the continue screen, his fingers hovering aimlessly over the buttons.Β It was almost as if he was looking past the TV.
Alex sat on the bed next to him.
βAre you going to get rid of the ghost?β
The direct question caught him by surprise.
βYeah.Β If thereβs a ghost, Iβll get rid of it.β
Keith didnβt like being doubted.Β βItβs a ghost.β
βWhy do you say that?β
Keith ignored the question and looked at Alexβs phone, still in his hand.
βWas that you talking out in the hall?β
βYeah.Β My wifeβs always telling me I need to be documenting this stuff, jotting everything down.Β To be honest, I feel like a tool talking into this thing.β
Alex achieved his simple goal, which was just to coax a smile out of Keith.Β It didnβt last long, but it was nice while it lasted.Β Keith pointed at the phone.
βCan I tell you a story?β
Alex hesitated a moment.Β Any quotes or testimonies from a child should probably be in the presence of a parent.Β But if it brought a moment of joy, even relief of some kind, Alex wouldnβt say no.Β He could always erase it later, if the parents objected.
He pressed record and handed the phone over.Β Keith gripped it with both hands.
βUh, Iβm Keith.Β Keith Felder.βΒ He looked up at Alex.Β βIs that okay?β
Alex laughed.Β βYou say whatever you want.β
Keith cleared his throat.
βWe can hear the ghost at night.Β Sometimes itβs loud footsteps, or banging on the walls.Β It knocks pictures over all the time and throws them around.Β Sometimes I can hear voices, but I canβt figure out what theyβre saying.Β Theyβre actually in my room, talking, so maybe itβs more than one.βΒ Tears welled up in his eyes, and Alex questioned the decision to let him record.Β βMom fell down the stairs the other day.Β She says the ghost pushed her.Β Some holy guy from our church came over last week.Β He tried to get rid of the ghost, but he ran out when pictures started falling off the walls.βΒ Keithβs hands were shaking.Β βMom doesnβt want us in the house by ourselves.Β Ummβ¦I think thatβs it.β
Alex took the phone and stopped the recording.Β He put a hand on Keithβs shoulder.
βThat was good.Β Maybe when this is all over, I could use an assistant.β
Another small, quick smile.
βYouβre nice.Β Not like the guy from church that was here.Β He thought we were crazy.Β I could tell he didnβt believe Mom, but I know he did when he ran to his car.β
Alex laughed.Β βYeah.Β Iβll bet his shoes were on fire.β
βDo you believe thereβs a ghost here?β
He didnβt hesitate.
βYeah.Β Definitely.Β The fun part is finding it and making it leave.β
βHow can you tell?β
βI sense things,β Alex said, deciding to keep the rest of his supernatural pedigree to himself.Β He rose to his feet and gave Keith a smile.Β βSo trust me, I believe you.β
That seemed to relax the boy somewhat, as if believing was half the battle.Β If only that were true.
He left Keith in his room as he started another game.Β Quiet music came from the bedroom next to Keithβs.Β Alex peered in to see Kimberly lying on her stomach on her bed, her back to the door.Β Her bare feet flitted back and forth aimlessly as she poked at an iPhone.Β Alex laughed to himself at the sight.Β He didnβt even want a phone, and it seemed the modern-day teenager couldnβt live without one.
Kimberly noticed Alexβs shadow on the wall, and let out a disgusted sigh.
βMom, I told you.Β Keith is fine.Β Heβs playing his stupid gameββ
The surprise was apparent when she flipped over and sat upright.Β
βSorry,β Alex said.Β βDidnβt mean to scare you.β
She smiled and rolled her head sarcastically.Β He could see that patented teenage rebellion out in full force.Β Every statement would be combative.
βYouβre hardly scary,β Kimberly said.Β βSo, youβre another ghost guy?Β Here to save us all from the terrible horrors?β
βSomething like that.Β I was hoping to check out your room real quick.β
βWell, you canβt.Β Now go away.β
Alex didnβt miss a beat.Β βYou got it.β
He didnβt need her attitude.Β He certainly didnβt need her help in any way.Β Supernatural work was unpleasant enough, and the last thing he needed was to deal with a bratty teenager.Β She had to eat sometime, and heβd walk through her room then.
Alex was a step away from the door when he heard her voice.
βWait.β
Looking back inside, Kimberlyβs face had softened.Β She nervously ran her fingers through her hair and stared at the floor.
βIβmβ¦Iβm sorry,β she said.Β Alex wondered if sheβd ever used those words before.Β βI swearβ¦Iβm not usually such a bitch.β
Alex took her apology as an invitation.Β He stepped into her room.
βNo problem.Β I know itβs probably been a rough timeβ¦.β
His words trailed off as the wave of cold attacked him.
βHoly Jesus,β he muttered.
Stepping from the hall into Kimberlyβs bedroom felt like walking into a snowstorm with no clothes.Β It was a deep cold.Β Alex wrapped his arms around himself, and looked for his own frosty breath as he exhaled.Β There was none, and he could only assume Kimberlyβs room, along with the rest of the house, was well-heated.Β Kimberly pushed the acceptable limit for what constituted skimpy clothing, an argument he had with Alicia many times.Β Kimberly wore no socks, a pair of black shorts that showed way too much leg, and a spaghetti-strap shirt.Β The girl definitely wasnβt cold.
βHello, goosebumps,β Alex whispered, rubbing his arms.Β βIt looks like we meet once more.β
βHuh?β Kimberly said.Β βAre you okay?β
βOh yeah,β Alex said, glancing around the room.Β βJust fine.β
It was obvious heβd found his first hot spot, or rather freezing cold spot, in the house.Β He made a mental note to revisit Kimberlyβs room again in private.Β There was nothing out of the ordinary he could see.Β A computer in the corner.Β Pictures of friends on a desk.Β A small TV on a table.Β A typical teenβs room.
Kimberly leaned forward, genuinely concerned.Β βYou look like youβre freezing.β
He laughed at the understatement.Β Why did his supernatural sense have to involve cold?Β When an otherworldly entity or spirit was nearby, why couldnβt a mushroom pizza fall out of the sky?Β Heβd get the message all the same.
βSo, is it Kim or Kimberly?β
βKim,β she said, smiling just a little.Β βIβm only Kimberly when Momβs pissed.β
βKim,β he repeated, and extended his hand.Β βPleased to meet you.β
They shook hands, and the warmth of her hand felt good, even if for a moment.
βYour brother says youβve got a ghost running around.β
She rolled her eyes and crossed her legs.Β βOh, please.β
βYou donβt think you do?β
βYeah, we definitely do.Β But itβs not as bad as theyβre saying it is.Β Itβs not so bad that I have to watch my baby brother all the time, like they want me to.Β Hell, me telling my friends at school that my house is haunted is the only reason theyβll come over.β
Alex was intrigued.Β He leaned against the wall near the door.
βTell me more.β
Kim rested her hands on her knees and sat up straight.
βIt makes noise.Β Itβll knock over a picture.Β Thatβs it.Β Voices, footsteps, whatever else, I havenβt heard any of that.Β Itβs not like I take a shower and feel like someone is watching me, like a perv.Β The ghost here isnβt going to hurt us.β
βReally?Β Keith just told me your mother was pushedββ
βShe fell, she wasnβt pushed.Β Our mom falls over her own feet walking up the stairs.Β Sheβs clumsy, and she knows it.β
Kim was defensive, almost angry.Β Alex was speechless.Β He didnβt consider himself a grizzled, seasoned investigator, but he did have experience.Β Heβd never been in a situation where a family agreed they had a ghost, but argued over the intentions of said ghost.
There were voices outside the room.Β Alex recognized Amy as she walked up the stairs.
βI donβt always get a clear picture of what I see in my head,β Amy said.Β βSometimes itβs not clear at all, more like an impression.β
βAmyβs touring the house,β Alex said.Β βI kind of wanted to see this.β
Kim wasnβt interested in the least.Β She flipped back to her stomach while grabbing her iPod, a rather impressive maneuver.
βGo ahead.β
Alex reentered the hallway, and although it was still cold, it felt like a sauna compared to Kimβs room.Β Amy was slowly rising into view on the stairs ahead.Β Donna was a step behind her.Β Alex could tell from Amyβs annoyed expression that sheβd rather walk the house alone, like him.Β He had to admit he was irritated at being lost in the shuffle amongst Donovanβs team, but there were advantages, like a bit more privacy.Β Besides, forgotten or not, he still had five hundred dollars in his back pocket.
He just had to do his job to make the other five hundred.
βHow long have you been able to sense ghosts?β Donna asked.
βSince I was six.Β I used to think I was going crazyββ
Amy stopped suddenly when she reached the top of the stairs.Β She locked eyes with Alex.Β Donna bumped into her and grabbed her shoulder.Β Alex watched with confusion.Β He even turned to see if something was happening behind him.
βSorry,β Donna said.Β βIs everythingβ?β
βShh!β
Amy gripped the railing, as if standing were difficult.Β Alex rushed forward, but she stilled him by raising her palm.
βNo,β Amy said.Β βIβm okay.β
Donna glanced back and forth between Alex and Amy.Β βWhatβs going on?β
Amy looked up.Β βIβ¦.βΒ A dramatic pause.Β A stern, serious expression.Β βI sense a presence here,β she said, literally echoing Nateβs words from earlier.
The chuckle escaped.Β Alex almost didnβt believe it was coming from him.Β He watched in horror as the chuckle invaded both Donna and Amyβs ears.Β They both glared at him, and he could feel the daggers from their eyeballs running along his flesh.Β His cheeks burned.Β All he could do was smile apologetically.
βIβm sorry,β Donna said.Β βIs something funny about all of this?β
βNo, maβam,β Alex said, lowering his eyes.Β βItβs just thatβ¦the way Amy said itβ¦.βΒ Alex stopped talking, deciding nothing he could say would help.Β βUh, never mind.Β Just pretend Iβm not even here.β
βWeβll do just that,β Donna said.Β She touched Amyβs arm and nodded toward the opposite end of the hallway.Β βLetβs go, Amy.Β Our master bedroom is down this way.Β Do you want to start there?β
βSure.β
They both made sure to give Alex one last stab with their eyes before disappearing into the bedroom.Β He brought a hand to his head out of frustration.Β A quiet, feminine laugh came out behind him.Β He turned to see Kim, leaning in her bedroom doorway.
βReal smooth,β she said, laughing and mock clapping.
He smiled, just to mask his embarrassment.Β At least someone was enjoying his humiliation.
βThat could have went better,β he admitted.
He walked back downstairs.Β The front door was calling his name.Β He just wanted to get away, maybe walk the outside of the house.Β Sometimes the area around a house was just as haunted as the inside.Β He could gather his thoughts, let Donovan and his crew set up, and maybe talk to Jason and Donna later, after Donna had cooled down.
His hand was on the knob to the door when he noticed Jason and Donovan, sitting at the dining room table.Β Troy was standing behind a camera in the corner while at the same time staring at a phone.Β Alex heard the tail end of Donovan speaking.
ββplease start at the beginning.β
Jason took a breath and sipped at a glass of water.Β Donovan waited patiently.
βWell, it started about three months ago, I guess.β
Alex sighed.Β He wanted to get away, but more than that, he wanted to hear what Jason had to say.Β He shared much of his story over the phone, but Alex wouldnβt pass up the chance to hear it again, to catch any important details.
He sat on the couch, well out of range of Troyβs camera, and pulled out his phone and pen.
βIt started out with the pictures.Β Weβd come home and some of them would just be on the floor, or knocked face down.Β We ignored it.Β What else can you do, right?Β But then the noises started happening at night.Β Loud, and I mean loud, footsteps.Β Then Donna got pushed down the stairs.Β After that, we started calling people.Β No oneβs been able to help so far.β
βHas anyone actually seen anything?β
βDonna thinks she saw a cloud of black smoke late one night when she was going to the bathroom.Β But I havenβt seen anything.Β The kids havenβt, either.β
Donovan signaled for Troy to stop the camera.Β Alex looked at his messy notes on the phone.Β The details were scarce, but the cold attacking Alex told him the Felders were experiencing something for sure.
βUh, Jason,β Alex said, rising to his feet.Β Everyone looked in his direction.Β βDo you mind if I ask some questions, too?β
He intended the question for both Jason and Donovan.Β Jason nodded, whereas Donovanβs expression hinted at the exact opposite of his words.
βOf course,β Donovan said.Β βNo problem at all.β
βHow long have you owned the house?β
βI grew up here,β Jason said.Β βMy parents sold it to me when they moved out of state.Β So, Iβve been here most of my life.β
Alex didnβt expect that.Β A most unusual answer, and one that raised more questions.
βAnd the activity youβve been experiencing these past three months, there was nothing before that?Β In all your years here?β
βNo, never.β
Alex took notes, as well as Donovan.Β For a moment, it felt like they were working together.
βAny recent home renovations?β Alex asked.Β βAny major demolition or construction?β
βWellβ¦.βΒ Jason struggled to think.Β βWe put in a new shower upstairs.β
Alex wrote it down, but doubted a new shower would stir up a long-dormant spirit.
βHas your family visited any place odd lately?Β A haunted prison?Β An old graveyard?Β Strange question, I know.β
βNo.Β Not at all.Β We havenβt taken a vacation together in a couple of years.β
Alex felt like he was grasping at straws.Β Something wasnβt adding up.
βAnyone ever murdered here?β he asked.Β The question came out more callous than he meant.Β βOr any other slow, painful death?β
βNo!β Jason said.Β βUntil recently, this was just a normal, simple house.β
The dining room was quiet as the awkward silence stretched, but Alex wasnβt paying attention.Β He continued to stare at his notes.
Normal, simple houses didnβt typically just develop supernatural problems.
In the end, he supposed that didnβt matter.Β He wasnβt hired to unearth the history of the Felder home.Β He was hired to chase away the bad spooks.Β It was similar to the amazing piece of technology he held in his hand.Β Sometimes, his phone had problems.Β He didnβt know where theyβd come from, or even what exactly the problem was.Β But Cindy would take the phone and pull out the battery, rebooting it.
As odd of a case as the Felder house was turning out to be, maybe the home just needed a reboot.
There were footsteps and muffled voices behind him, coming down the stairs.
ββlovely family.β
βThank you very much.Β This whole thing has been hard on them, but theyβre troopers.Β Iβm so proud of them.β
Donna and Amy glared at Alex, but thankfully said nothing.Β Donovan approached Amy and put a hand on her shoulder.
βAnything?β
She shook her head.Β βNothing for certain.Β Just a brief flash here and there.β
βOkay.βΒ He patted her shoulder, and Alex could see they were close.Β Donovan turned to address Jason and Donna.Β βIf you donβt mind, weβd like to prep the house.Β Cameras and microphones in every room.Β Weβll take EMF readings, room temperature, all standard stuff.Β All we need is some proof that something is here, and then we canββ
βWhoa,β Amy said.
Everyone in the dining room went quiet.Β Amy peered into the kitchen doorway.Β Donna was checking the lasagna in the oven, and noticed Amyβs gaze.Β She quickly joined her husband in the dining room, taking his hand in hers.Β Troy backed up near Alex in the living room, pointing his camera ahead.
βWhatβs wrong?β Donna asked.Β βDo you see something?β
Donovan placed a hand on Amyβs back as she took the lead.
βAmy?Β Talk to me.β
βItβs like a black fog,β she said.Β βDonna was standing right by it.Β You guys donβt see it?β
βWe donβt see anything.β
Alex peered around Jasonβs shoulder to get a peek into the kitchen.Β Amy had dropped to one knee, like she was staring into a childβs eyes.Β First Donna, and now Amy, had seen the black fog.Β Alex was curious as to what his own senses would interpret it as.
He saw nothing.
At first, he thought heβd just missed it.Β Being in the back of the group, heβd reacted too slowly, and whatever Amy had seen was long gone.
Then she talked to it.
βHi,β Amy said.Β βMy nameβs Amy.β
βCareful,β Donovan said.Β βMaybe you shouldnβt speak to it.β
Alex leaned close to Troy.Β βWhatβs she talking to?β
βShhh,β Troy said.Β βAmy sees things the rest of us canβt.β
Alex continued to watch Amy speak to thin air.Β He was surprised that he didnβt see anything at all.Β He knew he was unique.Β With all his unusual powers, he wasnβt sure the word psychic actually applied to him.Β Still, if Amy saw a black fog, certainly he should have seen something as well.
The truth, so simple and pure, smacked him across the face.Β He couldnβt believe it didnβt come to him sooner.
βHoly shit,β he muttered.Β βSheβs a fake.β
Troy lowered the camera and stared at Alex.Β Alex thought he was quiet, but wasnβt quiet enough.Β Troyβs mouth opened and closed as he searched for words.
βW-What did you say?β
Alex purposely kept his voice low.Β βI said, sheβs a fake.Β Amy isnβt really psychic.β
Troy said nothing.Β He didnβt look surprised, more like someone who got caught with their hand in the cookie jar.
βYou knew about this?β Alex asked, although Troyβs eyes gave him the answer.
Troy grabbed Alex by the wrist and tried to lead him away.Β Alex didnβt consider himself a violent person, but the last thing heβd tolerate was anyone putting their hands on him.Β He shook free easily and flashed Troy a look that suggested, quite simply, not to do that again.Β Troy, to his credit, held up his hands in a show of peace.
βMr. Donovan,β Troy called.Β βThe batteryβs running out in my camera, and I forgot a few things.Β Alex and I are going to head to the van.β
Donovan didnβt even turn around.
βFine, fine.β
βActually, we could really use your help.β
Whether it was the preposterous idea of Donovan carrying equipment, or the tone in Troyβs voice, the elder man turned around.Β All he did was lock eyes with Troy before standing upright next to Amy.
βItβs okay,β Amy said.Β βWhatever it was, itβs gone now. Β I donβt see it anymore.β
βYeah, I bet you donβt,β Alex said under his breath.
Alex and Troy crossed the living room, with Donovan ten feet behind.Β They left the house, but didnβt walk toward the van.Β Alex enjoyed the warmth of the outside.Β Troy stopped in the middle of the yard, with Donovan finally catching up.
βYou knew about her, didnβt you?β Alex asked.
A voice rang out across the street.
βYo, Alex!β Nate called.Β βYou need me over there?β
βIβm alright, thanks,β Alex said, waving.
Donovan and Troy glanced at each other in confusion.
βWhatβs going on here?β Donovan asked.
Troy shook his head.Β βHe knows.β
βKnows what?β
Alex pointed to the house.
βI know Amy isnβt psychic.Β So, everyone knows about this.Β Iβll bet the Felders donβt know.β
βKeep your voice down,β Donovan said.Β He took a deep breath.Β βYes, of course we know about Amy.Β She may not be psychic, but sheβs still a very valuable part of our team.Β I handpicked her, along with Troy and a few others, when I started researching the paranormal.β
βYou picked a fake psychic on purpose?β
Donovan laughed, once again resembling Santa Claus.Β βWell, my first choice would have been a real psychic, but they donβt exactly fall off trees.Β Amy is the next best thing.Β Sheβs a psychology major at our college.β
Alex searched their faces, looking for a clue.Β Confusion was written all over his face.
βA lot of people wonβt even let us in their homes without a psychic,β Donovan explained.Β βThey watch too much damn TV, and think a psychic can solve anything.Β So, Amy plays the part.Β Sheβs great at reading people, watching them, helping them keep calm.β
βHer looks donβt hurt, either,β Troy added.
βTroyβ¦.β
He held up his hands in self-defense.Β βIβm serious!Β Iβm not trying to be a jerk or anything, but it helps.Β She comes in and does her thing, keeps things chill and relaxed while I set up our gear, and Mr. Donovan gets statements.Β I hate to sound this way, but the fact that sheβs hot goes a long way to keeping things under control.β
βUnreal,β Alex said.Β βSex sells, even with paranormal investigation.β
βLetβs make a deal,β Donovan said.Β βYou keep this to yourself, and we wonβt tell them youβre a con-man.β
Alex was more stunned than angry.
βExcuse me?Β Con-man?β
βWhat was in that envelope Jason gave you?Β Are you actually charging for being here?β
βArenβt you?β Alex said with a shrug.
βWhat could we possibly charge for?β Donovan said, struggling to keep his voice even.Β βWeβre trying to help this family.β
βI am, too.Β And the arrangement I made with the Felders is none of your businessββ
βHow old are you, Alex?Β You barely look older than Troy.Β You have no equipment of any kind.Β How do you plan on gathering any evidence?Β Please donβt tell me you told the Felders youβre actually psychic.β
Alex rolled his eyes.Β He wasnβt going to argue with Donovan any longer.Β He simply wanted to do his job, and go home.
βDeal,β he said.Β βIβll keep my mouth shut, and you wonβt tell them about my nasty conning ways.Β Weβll keep our distance, and try to figure out whatβs going on in there.β
βYouβre getting ahead of yourself.Β Again, we havenβt even begun to collect evidenceββ
βSomethingβs in there,β Alex interrupted.Β He was already to the front door. Β βI just donβt know what yet.β
Donovan said nothing.Β He didnβt need to.Β The doubt and contempt in his eyes were apparent.Β Troy, however, didnβt look quite as convinced.
-
John Walley on Facebook
October 6, 2014 @ 11:30 am
Most would think he is a crack, others a scam. Very few would think he was serious. Also, some of his clients would not be happy with some of the answers they would get.
Mike
April 15, 2015 @ 3:38 pm
I beg to differ John, I think today there would be scores of people who would love to try the services of Demon LLC!!
.
Glenn Bullion
October 6, 2014 @ 12:01 pm
This does come up, in fact. π Part of the novel is how difficult going into business for himself is.
Jim
October 7, 2014 @ 2:04 am
I’m looking forward to it.
Kelly Daniels Embelton on Facebook
October 7, 2014 @ 6:08 am
I’m definitely looking forward to this new chapter in Alex’s life. I realize he will have hardships in his new career; it can’t be all sunshine and rainbows.
Brian
October 10, 2014 @ 10:24 am
Any idea on eta?
skip walls
October 16, 2014 @ 4:20 pm
Glenn,
love ur work Oct 16,2014 when is the next book out?
David
October 18, 2014 @ 12:09 pm
The question is, is he going to be in the phone book?
Nate
October 19, 2014 @ 5:11 pm
Please get this out soon! Lol love everything you’ve done and just did my sixth reread of them all from Alex to the last with Marie.
Mike
April 15, 2015 @ 3:33 pm
I agree , I love every book in the Damned & Kursed series I can’t wait for Demon LLC (I read the excerpt provided an it was a killer so far bring it on!!); for that matter, as well as that soon to be new one on Victoria after!! Here’s a question too might there be a book dedicated to Wolfie-Marie as well??
JΓΌrgen
October 20, 2014 @ 5:08 am
second the eta question π
Lachlan
October 20, 2014 @ 6:33 am
Honestly one of my favorite authors, loved everything he has published thus far and can’t wait for the next installment. Any ETA for Demons LLC??
K. Mathis
October 22, 2014 @ 5:57 pm
I can already tell, that this one is going to be a fun ride. I love this character. Can. Not. WAIT!!
write on, write on. (that last bit sounded better in my head…)
Dominque
October 23, 2014 @ 1:15 pm
Can’t wait to read this!!
Martin
November 17, 2014 @ 6:33 pm
Hello! It sound great! how is the write going?!
Good work with the other books! keep going!
Glenn Bullion
November 20, 2014 @ 11:49 am
Whoa! I just noticed that “Damned and Cursed” is missing from the top!
Kelly Daniels Embelton on Facebook
November 21, 2014 @ 6:05 am
I’m unable to read more than three pages. I keep getting an advertisement for the Kindle Fire app that won’t go away when viewing on my phone. I’ll try on my laptop later.
Matt Joseph on Facebook
November 21, 2014 @ 6:45 am
I’m buying whatever you write!! However I could only read a couple pages then advertisement. π Just like a hot chick. Always teasing.
Lisa Watts
November 21, 2014 @ 7:56 am
Great beginning. Absolutely can’t wait to read more. Keep up the great work!!!
Glenn Bullion
November 21, 2014 @ 8:44 am
Hmm, I’ll test on a mobile device later. I always use Scribd for my samples, but I have had issues with them lately. On my computer, it works fine. If they are pushing ads to mobile devices, I’ll come up with something else.
larry
November 21, 2014 @ 4:14 pm
Observations:
I realize that you’re beginning with a back-story for those who come into the book cold, but the first paragraph wasn’t much of a “hook” — perhaps a stronger initial paragraph, with your current opening as a 2nd paragraph, or beginning with the “Recalculating”, shifting the back-story down a bit. Also, a bit too “Young Adult”, given that you’ve already developed Alex’s character.
(You) tend towards a first person POV narrative for detail and description — the story didn’t “feel” like Alex until the telephone conversation with Cindy. I see that Alex has kept his shyness & innocence, along with his fear of exposure while attempting to maintain normalcy (re. His attempt to leave when the other “ghost hunters” show up).
As you mentioned, this is still “rough”, but I did notice things like the following sentence, from when Alex arrives at the scene & observes the neighborhood:
“People drove past, parking in their driveways, getting the mail, waving at neighbors.”
If you want a “current scene”, change the drove to driving. If a general “mood” of the neighborhood, then “parked, got, and waved”…
In general, a very good beginning — halfway through what I assume was the first chapter, I was into the story, and by the end was looking for more. You seem to have recaptured the “Alex” that we know from previous books, though it’s too early in (this) story to determine if he’s grown and “hardened” from his experiences…
Glenn Bullion
November 24, 2014 @ 8:08 am
Those first few paragraphs are always the toughest. π Thanks for checking it out.
Oh, what do you mean by “Young Adult”? I”m trying to “skip” around that as much as possible, but I realize that in writing about twenty-year-olds, that won’t always be easy.
larry
December 2, 2014 @ 2:40 pm
Sorry for the delay in my reply…
The “YA” I referred to was the language used for the back-story overview within the first several paragraphs, which has the “feel” of a story meant for a more youthful audience…
I tend to avoid interfering with a writer’s creative style (he says, as he continues!). If I were writing, I’d begin with the “recalculating” to draw a reader immediately into the story, and insert the back-story before the “He turned into the parking lot” paragraph, using Alex’s self deprecating ironic humor. Something like “‘then fate hit me squarely in the back in the form of bat wings, fortunately without the ears, though sonar would have been helpful at times…”.
Glenn Bullion
December 4, 2014 @ 7:42 am
I like your ideas for moving things around. In fact, I usually try to consciously begin a novel with dialog. I feel I’m better at dialog than straight narrative.
larry
December 4, 2014 @ 4:59 pm
A broad topic. I’d agree that dialog is one of your strengths, but what type of dialog?
Take the opening chapter of “Witch’s Kurse”, which I thought well done. Though primarily from Nathan’s POV, you “slip perspective” between “Nathan” and “Jane” to describe the scene An “internal narrative”, if you will, distinctly separate from an “internal dialog” which can be used to develop character depth, or “communicative dialog” which moves the scene along.
Pure narrative, i.e. “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times” — better at setting the broad stage for major changes in location or time.
An occasional ramble into another medium is useful. If you were writing as a stage play (or script), your “tools” would be much more distinct — physical scenery, backstage narration, conversational dialog to move the scene along, and solo scenes for internal dialog/turmoil.
Jim
November 21, 2014 @ 4:44 pm
My poor brain is far too impatient for cliffhangers. I’m looking forward to the completed work.
Jon
November 21, 2014 @ 4:50 pm
It worked fine on a Mobil for me with scribd. I have to say the intro felt a bit awkward, rushed even. You hit your stride after page 3 though and were back to awesome by the end. Sounds like another great story. Alex is a great character even has his own personal supporting cast, nailed a home run on that one, and a good next story in your series. My only advice is to mix in the first few paragraphs of info a little more. It almost didn’t sound like you because of the cadence. You did a slick job putting Kevin in and his kitchen issues, and the demonic growl statement could be a good place for some relocation. Good luck, I’ll certainly be buying and reading day one. Keep up the awesome work, you are keeping a crowded genre fresh with original stories.
Glenn Bullion
November 24, 2014 @ 8:09 am
Hmm. I’ll have to figure out a way to spread the beginning info out a bit more, take away the rushed feeling.
Martin
November 21, 2014 @ 7:21 pm
No, I must NOT read it, if i do i will suffer till the book is out!
damn is like have an um..letz say, awesome food, in front of you but you can only have a tiny bite.
=(
Darin
November 23, 2014 @ 10:21 pm
I read all the pages…. I am for this book to be out. Everything read really well. Looking forward to your next work!
heather
December 26, 2014 @ 6:34 pm
If Alex is in it, I’ll read it! Can’t wait for the full version.
Glenn Bullion
December 29, 2014 @ 11:08 am
Yeah, this is pretty much all Alex. There are a few appearances from the others, but this is definitely an Alex novel. There are a few new characters that may or may not appear again. π
Seve
January 5, 2015 @ 7:34 pm
God dang it Glenn you and your amazing books with your side appearances from the other characters and your constant need to add new ones which we will fall in love with and your freaking cliff hangers. But in all seriousness love this short sample can’t wait to read this but as a tradition I have I am going to reread a all your other books related to this series.
Oscar
January 15, 2015 @ 3:18 am
I do have a question… Will you ever bring Mason back from MindSlide? That was a great book to read.
K. Mathis
March 31, 2015 @ 4:06 pm
Okay…I know I just wrote a comment. But that was just before I read your first chapter, and it ws like a dash of ice water to the face when I got to the end and there was no more. I thought to myself : Oh. No. He. Didn’t !
You’re a sore disappointment to an elderly gent, Glen me boyo. Cuttin’ a man off mid stream like that…(sigh)…But it seems as if I was right in my first post. This is gonna be a REAL good’un. Can’t wait.
So then, when can I expect to see it?
Glenn Bullion
April 1, 2015 @ 9:31 am
Over halfway done editing now (editing is SO much faster). Maybe another week before that’s done?
Interesting things happen during editing. I found I’ve used some exact identical phrases from previous chapters, but you don’t really notice during the spaced out writing process. When you read back, it all comes together, and I’m like “Oh, I’ve already written this.” So then I have to change things somewhat. π
Hopefully this novel is well received. It’s not a “grand threat” novel. Alex isn’t fighting off evil forces trying to take over the world (that will come later I’m sure). He’s simply trying to start a business and work what “should” be a simple case. The cool thing I like about these characters is that they can carry many scenes without having to have world-ending action. It’s fun, for me at least, just to write a conversation between a vampire and a witch at a party.
Gage
May 22, 2015 @ 12:52 pm
I bought the book just after midnight and just finished. I gotta say I loved it, and couldn’t put it down. The web site was a nice touch, I laughed when I saw Jack trolling Alex and managing a dig at Kevin to.
Glenn Bullion
May 22, 2015 @ 1:42 pm
I was wondering if readers would find the site. π Just an extra bit of fun that I’ll work on over time.
Brent
July 2, 2015 @ 12:33 am
Love the books mate! Keep up the good work..
Jack is my favorite by far…