Restless Spirits by Shyla Colt Read Free Book Online Page A

growled.
    “I did. It was a gut feeling.” She shook her head. “I can’t really explain it. Either way she’s gone now. Can’t you tell?”
    “No. And I don’t like how fast you got attached to her.” He sighed. “Do you know how terrified I was when I woke up and found you gone? I thought she possessed you and had you off doing God knows what.”
    “Possession is actually very rare.”
    “Uh-huh, that’s what the small percent who end up possessed tell themselves.” Pierce rolled his eyes.
    “We’ll contain the energy in the locket to make sure she’s at peace, and then we’ll be 100 percent sure it’s over. I’ve seen it with a lot of haunted-items collectors. They encase the object in certain materials to keep the energy in check and the haunting spirit at peace.”
    He ground his teeth. “Tell me what we need to do.”

Chapter Six
    Pierce held the necklace swaddled in cloth out in front of him like a snake ready to turn and sink its fangs in. What began as a fun trip had taken a dark turn when they found more than they expected. Demi thought she’d helped the ghost. He wasn’t so sure. The feeling of eyes watching him persisted even now. His hair stood up on the back of his neck, and he fought the urge to look around. When they’d reviewed the footage the next morning, he’d been stunned. The apparition appeared as clear as day. The EVPs were equally incredible. They could hear the words “Bronwyn Brown” as clear as day. Research confirmed Demi’s theory. They needed to bind the locket’s energy and seal it tight or destroy it. A long talk with management had brought them to this moment. They were meeting with a local priest who’d bind the energy with a powerful blessing, and then the locket would be placed beneath a glass dome, where it’d be displayed in the hotel, an homage to the woman with so many unrealized dreams.
    “It’s not going to bite you,” Demi said. The teasing lilt to her words made him frown.
    “I’m not so sure.”
    “Why won’t you let this go?” She sighed.
    “Because it was too cut-and-dried. I’ve seen enough horror movies to know that’s how they lull you into a false sense of security.”
    “Oh, come on.” She threw her hands up in the air.
    “This isn’t like the show, Demi. We’re in way over our heads.”
    “Which is why we’re passing it on to a higher power, literally.”
    They reached the manager’s office and were ushered in by Gennifer.
    “Please join us. We’re so excited about the things you uncovered and the mystery you solved. We’ve taken the liberty of checking records, and there was a Bronwyn Brown who lived and worked here in the mid eighteen hundreds. The death announcement of her fiancé was also found.” The salt-and-pepper haired petite woman in a sharp navy-blue dress vibrated with excitement. Her blue eyes sparkled, and a wide smile crossed her round face, showing off laugh lines around her mouth and eyes.
    “We’re just happy she’ll be put to rest,” Demi said, taking the lead as Pierce tried his best not to show his irritation. Am I the only one around her with a healthy dose of concern? She’s not a pet project. She’s a ghost who’s been around for a long time.
    “I believe she’d like being remembered and having her story told.” Gennifer placed a hand on her chest and sighed. “It’s sad yet so romantic. She never loved again.”
    Demi shifted her weight and remained silent. He could see the unease in the tense set of her shoulders and the dulled sparkle in her eyes. She’s thinking about her parents . He wanted to wring Gennifer’s neck as his hard work was taken down brick by brick. The past few days, he’d gotten her to step outside of her comfort zone and feel something more than friendship. If Demi freaked now, he’d never get a second shot.
    “Well, here’s the necklace.” He thrust the cloth-wrapped bundle, and a weight lifted off his shoulders. It’s all yours now, Gennifer.
    “Thank