The Room of Arches
Page 9
She nodded. “Thanks.”
“I’ll take care of her,” Laura offered and I watched as her arms wound over Christine’s shoulder. Laura’s earlier prickly attitude had somewhat diminished. I understood. She was protecting her friend, just like Olivia protected me.
“If you ever need me, you know just to call.”
“Thank you again.”
We walked away in the early hours of the morning and drove back home. I stayed with Olivia, taking up half her bed and most of the blankets. I tossed and turned most of the night, unable to get the images from my mind. When I woke I was groggy and miserable, but as soon as I caught a whiff of the coffee, I was up and plodding down to the kitchen.
Olivia looked up when I entered. “Thought you might need this.” She handed me a cup.
“Thanks.” I took the offered cup and took a sip. The liquid ran through me and for a moment I closed my eyes. “I do. But how about you? This can’t be easy for you either.”
“It’s not and I think I’m going to suffer from some sleepless nights too.”
I dropped my head. “I’m sorry I dragged you into this. I should never have put you in that position.”
“Peyton, stop beating yourself up. You’ve come a long way but you’re still finding your feet. I know you needed some backup and I was happy to be there.”
I smiled. “Thank you.”
“You know you did a good job.”
My eyes flicked open. “Is that a compliment?” I felt a smile tug my lips.
“Yes. And don't say it like that. I always compliment you.”
“On my amazing abilities to answer the phone at the office.”
“I'm serious, Peyton. I know I said you shouldn’t have got involved but that was all about self-preservation. Going against what I asked you to do . . .”
I winced as she paused.
“Was the best thing you could have done. You were there for Christine, to help her. Who else would have listened? And you know something else?”
“What?”
“I’m proud of you.”
“Proud?” I almost choked on my coffee.
“Setting down the drink is one thing, but this, accepting your ability, your gift even in the face of adversity, that’s something else. Without you, those women would never have been found.”
I shrugged as I dropped my head but my face was bright red. Here was Olivia, throwing out the compliments left, right, and centre and I wasn’t quite sure how to deal with it. “Just doing my job.”
“I was thinking about that,” she started, leaning back against the counter. My brow raised as I took another sip of coffee. “Maybe it should be your job.”
“What?”
“Doing this. Ghost hunting. You’re good at it, Peyton.”
“Are you serious?”
“Think about it. You’ve not only helped Christine, but those six women whose families would have never had closure. Because of you, Tom is in a jail cell and I’m guessing he won’t be coming out for a long time. And that’s just one. There was Adele, the manor house. Maybe there’s so much more out there for you.”
I took another sip of coffee as Olivia’s words filtered through my mind. Maybe I would.
About the Author
Alice lives and works in the North East of England with her partner and slightly ferocious cats! She writes all manner of fiction with a tendency to lean towards the dark side. Most of her work is rooted in darkness, her inspiration coming from a macabre selection of reads as well as the dreams that frequent her sleep.
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Other Books in The Soul Seekers:
The Leak of Madness
The Darkness Within
The Parliament House
THE PARLIAMENT HOUSE
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