The Adept Book 2 The Lodge Of The Lynx by Katherine Kurtz, Deborah Turner Harris Read Free Book Online

back as he spoke, but his use of the word exorcism had already given Peregrine an unpleasant jolt. He looked up sharply and found himself meeting Adam’s amused gaze in the rearview mirror.
    “Don’t worry,” Adam said. “I know I told you we didn’t think it was serious, but Christopher likes to be prepared, as do I. Whatever else we’re going to do today, I doubt very seriously that we’ll be casting out demons by bell, book, and candle. Just keep your eyes open, and be ready to draw anything that comes strongly to mind . . . ”
    Nicholson Street was an area inhabited largely by students from Edinburgh University. Helena Pringle’s flat was located on the second floor of a large, mid-terraced house across from a row of small shops. Christopher led the way up two flights of stairs and knocked briskly on the door at the left-hand side of the landing. Almost at once a girl’s soft voice called hesitantly from the other side of the door.
    “Father Houston?”
    “At your service, m’dear,” Christopher said jauntily. “Brought along some reinforcements as well. If we’re to do a proper investigation, I thought we might as well make a thorough job of it.”
    Helena Pringle opened the door. In person she was plump and fair, with a fresh complexion and lustrous ginger-blond hair. She made an effort to smile as she ushered them through into the sitting room, but Adam was quick to note the shadows of sleeplessness underscoring her wide blue eyes.
    “This is Dr. Adam Sinclair,” Christopher said, performing the introductions. “He’s a psychiatrist—specializes in hypnotherapy. And this is, Mr. Lovat. Between us all, we should be able to sort this thing out.”
    Helena glanced uneasily from Christopher to Adam, standing tall against the light from the sitting room windows. She was nervously twisting her hands together.
    “A psychiatrist?” she murmured. “Does that mean I’m mentally ill?”
    “Not in the least,” Adam said with a reassuring smile. “But from what Christopher has said, I understand that you’ve been having some exceptionally disturbing dreams. It occurred to both of us that it might be useful to look more closely at those dreams, to see if we can find out what’s causing them. With your permission, I thought I might try hypnosis to help you recall details that you might have overlooked.”
    “You want to hypnotize me?” she whispered apprehensively.
    “I assure you, it won’t be anything like what happens in the more lurid late-night horror films,” he said, trying to reassure her enough to elicit a smile. “I’ve never yet bitten a patient on the neck.”
    At her startled look, he smiled gently and continued. “Seriously, the procedure is perfectly safe, and quite clinical. You will always remain in control. My own function is merely that of guide. Christopher will be here the entire time. He can even hold your hand, if you like.”
    Despite an obvious effort not to, Helena did allow a brief, self-conscious smile to flicker on her lips.
    “I-I see,” she murmured. “I suppose I’m being silly, to be so frightened.” Her blue eyes shifted uncertainly to Peregrine, hovering uncomfortably in the background. “Are you a psychiatrist, too?” she asked.
    “No, I—”
    “Mr. Lovat is an artist,” Adam interposed easily. “He’s assisted me before. He has a gift for translating psychic impressions into concrete images. And there’s nothing at all silly about being frightened. But once you understand what’s frightening you, I think you’ll find that you aren’t frightened anymore. Again with your permission, I should like Mr. Lovat to make sketches as you narrate the events in your dreams.”
    “Father Houston?” Helena turned appealingly to Christopher, who gave her an encouraging pat on the shoulder.
    “Wouldn’t have brought them, if I didn’t think they could help,” he told her firmly. “Think you might be willing to give it a try?”
    Helena swallowed hard,