I see his gaze shift to Persephone, who is looking out the hospital window.
“Can you see her?” I whisper.
His chin dips. “A new hitchhiker?”
Mediumship often travels in families. I believe I got mine from him, even though he’s not a magnet for wandering spirits like I am. “Apparently, I have a new spirit guide.”
“Your dad’s a real looker,” Persephone says.
Dad grins and I grit my teeth. That’s all I need—her hitting on my father.
Tala and Hale glance toward the window, following our gazes. “Who is it?” Tala asks.
“Her name’s Persephone,” I tell Ronan’s mother. “Just ignore her.”
Seph makes an obscene gesture at me. Just my luck, I get to train the new gal. She’s about as spiritual as my big toe.
“I had another visit from him,” I tell all of them. “He was at my cabin when I woke this morning. I was hoping I could drag him here and find a way to anchor him in his body, but as soon as he tried to go out the front door, he disappeared again.”
“I just don’t understand why this is happening,” Tala says, tears in her eyes. There are purplish bruises under them, and I know she didn’t sleep last night. She’s sitting next to Ronan, holding his hand, almost identical to how she was before we left. With her other, she reaches out and takes mine.
Ronan’s family is always affectionate. I guess mine is, too, although physical touch from someone outside my sisters and father still throws me for a loop. Until Ronan, I haven’t had anyone hug me, kiss me, or hold my hand.
I never attended school after second grade, my mother and father homeschooling me. I had to learn from a young age the difference between the living and dead, but those first few, where everyone from teachers to students carried various ghosts with them, was overwhelming.
When it came out that I saw ghosts, the teachers feared me, the kids made fun of me, and most thought I was missing a screw or two. The names I was called left a lasting impression on me, and even though I’m long past worrying about any of that now, there are times I wonder if living like a hermit has created as much of a problem for me as the actual gift of mediumship.
I squeeze Tala’s hand, feeling several of her own spirit guides and loved ones hovering near her. I put up my shields, then think better of it.
“Your aunt is here,” I tell her. “I sense she was like a mother to you.”
Tala’s eyes go wide. “Aunt Margie?”
“She’s wearing an apron and spraying air freshener. She doesn’t like the smell of the hospital.”
Tala releases my hand, putting her fingers to her mouth. “Why is she here?”
“To lend support. She wants you to know she’s always with you and you can call on her when you need her. She says you still have the feathers; does that mean anything to you?”
Tala laughs. “She used to tell me birds were my spirit totem. Everywhere I went, I’d find feathers. They’re my lucky charm, a talisman, and I have them all over my home.”
“Well, whenever you look at them, you’ll know she’s nearby. She says she likes to blow on them once in a while to make them ruffle.”
Another amazed chuckle from Tala. “I wondered who was doing that. She’s such a character.”
Persephone has moved closer to me, watching and listening.
“Perhaps it’d be a good idea to ask these spirits to look for Ronan’s,” she suggests.
“That’s what I was thinking,” I tell her, and Tala looks at me funny.
I glance at Aunt Margie and the others gathered around. “I know there are multiple levels of the afterlife, but if there’s anything you can do on your side to help us, we’d appreciate it. We need to get him back in his body as soon as possible.”
Tala turns, as if searching for those I’m speaking to. “Aunt Margie, please help my son.”
With that, the spirits leave. Shade disappears as well.
I pat Tala on the shoulder. “They’re gone. Maybe we’ll get lucky and they’ll be able to bring Ronan to us.”
She grabs my arm and gives it a little shake. “You have such an amazing gift. Thank you.”
I try to embrace it like a gift, but it’s challenging at times. Just like at school. I’ve been accused of black magick, necromancy, speaking with demons, you name it. In reality, it’s a beautiful thing, connecting with those who have crossed over. I wish everyone could see their loved ones and speak to them. “I do what I can,” I tell her; my automatic response.
Spring’s ringtone sounds and I answer, cringing when I remember I forgot to tell my sisters I was leaving. Some might find our sisterly relationship codependent. We live within a few feet of each other, work together day in and day out, we share pretty much everything from clothes and shoes to thoughts and ideas. Sometimes, it’s too much for me, and I will put up my shields, not only to the spirit world, but to them. Not because they annoy me, but I have so many people chattering at me all the time, I just need a few minutes of absolute peace and quiet. “Hello?”
“My contact in Salem has what you need—bark, leaves, and flowers,” Spring’s cheery voice announces. “She also has an idea about how we can use it to draw Ronan’s spirit to the hospital room and figure out how to get him in his body.”
“That’s great.” Except for the fact Salem is over a hundred miles away. With the roads as bad as they are, we could spend hours getting there and back. I guess, however, it’s the best I can do. “Give me her address.”
“We’ll be there in five minutes.”
“You’re picking me up?”
“Road trip. We’re going with you.”
Sisters. I’m blessed to have three who always have my back. Each is a best friend, and the fact they won’t let me take off alone speaks of the deep inner connection we have.
“You’re all amazing, and I love you. I’ll be ready.”
8
The last time my sisters and I took a road trip was…
I can’t remember.
When I first got my license, all four of us would pile into my car—at that time an old Chevy—and head up and down the coast. Those days were more carefree. We had far fewer responsibilities, and were truly coming in to our powers.
As I get into the Conjure shop van, Autumn is driving with Summer in front. Spring is in the middle seat with Mama Nightengale. I’m really happy to see her, and not Seph’s imitation.
Behind them, Cinders, Summer’s phoenix familiar, is in his cage. Sirius lies next to it. Hoax is pacing, throwing out curses. As I climb in, Shade comes with me, as does Persephone.
“Who’s minding the store?” I ask.
“Hopper and Storm,” Spring says. “Things are so slow with the weather, and I’m sure they can handle it. We’ll still have tons of online orders to fill later.”
I sit next to Mama Nightingale. “You’re coming with us?”
“Randy can handle my place, and like your sister said, things are slow. I came by for black salt, heard about what was goin’ down and decided to join you. I want some of this bark.”
I pull off my gloves and hat. Shade jumps into my lap and begins cleaning a paw. “Any word from Tristan about the assailant?” I ask Spring.
She shakes her head. “So far, nothing. He doesn’t show up on any of the video footage.”
Autumn pulls out and we head north. Persephone hovers in the back, and Mama Nightengale shoots a questioning look over her shoulder. I wonder if she can see her. The question is answered when the Voodoo expert leans close and murmurs under her breath. “What’s with the look she’s sporting?”
“She’s Endora from the Bewitched TV show.”
I have to hand it to Mama Nightengale, she doesn’t even blink. “I thought she seemed familiar. Can’t get her to move on?”
If only. “She’s not an earthbound spirit, unfortunately. Otherwise, I’d have been happy to.”
Persephone tsks. “You know, I’m getting the feeling I’m unwanted.”
Summer turns to me and Mama. Spring leans forward to glance across our guest at me as well. Neither can see or hear Seph, but they’re used to me dealing with spirits. “Do we have a hitchhiker?” Spring whispers.
I fill them in. “New spirit guide.”
Autumn catches my eye in the rearview. “You have a new one? Did you ask for that?”
“I most certainly did not, but yes, apparently I’ve got her, anyway.”
“What about Coyote?” Summer asks, scanning behind me, as if she can see Seph.
“He’s still around.”
“Cool,” Spring says, nodding. “What’s this new one like?”
The label that comes to mind is not something I should say out loud. “Unhelpful,” I offer instead.
Persephone smacks the back of my head. Since she’s a spirit, all it does is ruffle my hair. “You are entirely ungrateful.”
“Yes, I am,” I agree. “You really should find a different medium to help.”
I ignore her outraged reply and speak to Spring. “So, tell me about this herb. How does is help call a spirit to you?”
“I’ve never used it, but Bambi tells me it’s similar to the vines you and Dad use in that ayahuasca drink you make for your spirit journeys. It’s a plant, that has a slightly hallucinogenic property.”
Ayahuasca vines steeped in water with other plants cause some pretty wild trips. If this is similar, I’m confused as to how it’ll help bring Ronan’s spirit to us, rather than take us into the spirit world. “And how is that going to help?”
“Bambi says she’ll give us the directions on how to use it.”
“What kind of name is that?” Persephone asks from behind me.
I ignore her, even though I have to admit, the same question ran through my mind, too.
The drive seems to take forever, the sky darkening with clouds. Mama Nightengale tells us a story about one of her experiences when she was younger. Her family is deeply steeped in Voodoo, and her mother and aunt still practice in the heart of New Orleans. It’s an interesting story, but I catch myself every few minutes, reaching out to Ronan, waiting impatiently for Tala’s relatives to tell me something.
We arrive at Salem’s Lot, Bambi’s store, around lunch. Everyone bails out, except the familiars, and I take in the palm reading sign flashing in one window and the decorated Christmas tree in another.
Inside, the mix of witchy products and commercial Christian products continues. There are cauldrons, tarot cards, amulets and jewelry, mixed in with prayer beads, rosaries, statues of Mother Mary and plenty of Christmas décor.
The store is pretty much empty, and Bambi appears from the back through a set of hanging beads. She’s short and round, wearing a triple moon t-shirt over a long black turtleneck. Her skirt has three tiers, gold threads running through it. Black stockings and shoes complete the outfit, and her black hair is parted directly in the center and hangs in two ponytails over her ears.
“Hey, witchling,” she says to Spring, and they embrace. “Blessed be.”
Summer looks at a crystal display, Autumn takes out her phone and texts Quinn. Seph floats near a collection of angel statues. Spring and Bambi continue to exchange light conversation before the latter goes behind the counter and grabs a bag.
“This is all I’ve got,” she says, and I move closer to accept it. “There’s bark to steep and drink to help with various ailments. There are also dried leaves, which can be used for making poultices. The flowers are for tinctures, but in a case like yours, simply lay them around the body.”
“Thank you,” I tell her as she rings up the purchase. “So all we do is place flowers around Ronan’s body and that will bring his spirit back?”
“I imagine you can do a sort of séance to open communication.” She places my money in the register. “Be sure you have plenty of the plant on and around him, and use any talismans of his to connect directly with his energy. Then do your spell.”
She heads toward the door, flipping her open sign to close. “I hate to rush you, my witchy friends, but there’s a storm coming. I’m closing early to pick up my son from the babysitter.”
On the way back to Raven Falls, the snow starts. By the time we reach Conjure, it’s blizzard conditions. The parking lot is empty save for one vehicle. Inside the shop, we find Hopper and Storm closing up, and Prue and Kaan, our newest magickal friends, waiting for us.
As a group, we head to the kitchen, Hopper locking the front door and turning off the showroom lights.
Shaking snow from my crazy ringlets, I toss the mimosa on the big kitchen table. “I’m glad you two are here,” I say to Kaan and Prue. “I’m a little rusty on séances, but Mama Nightengale will assist us in calling the spirit in. The challenge is getting it back into his body.” I look at Kaan, our resident necromancer. “We’re dealing with stuff far beyond my skill set. I need your help with this.”
He runs a hand over his face. “I was afraid you were going to say that.”
Prue looks between me and him. “Can it wait? There’s something I need to talk to you all about in regard to the book of the dead.”
The book is an ancient tribal story pertaining to the demon we have imprisoned. Prue has lived for centuries, and once was part of a tribe that disappeared. They weren’t her original family, but she learned their language while she lived with them before the demon wiped them out. She’s been studying a copy of the book that I made from the original, which is in a museum in Eugene, trying to ascertain if the tribe had any insight into how to get rid of our demon, who is called the master.
“Can you tell us on the way to the hospital?” I ask. “I know it’s storming, but time is of the essence, and I’ve already spent most of the day not able to do anything for Ronan.”
“I’ll stay,” Autumn volunteers. “Prue and I can discuss what she found while you guys go.”
“No,” Mama Nightengale pipes in. “I believe all four Whitethorne sisters need to be present.”
“She’s right,” Persephone says from behind me, startling me. “The four of you are strongest when you work together.”
Prue waves a hand in the air, oblivious to what Persephone has said, but agreeing with her nevertheless. “The sister bond is always your best bet. We can ride with you, and I’ll tell you what I’ve found.”
Prue has told us there’s a prophecy about the four of us saving the world. Right now, as we grab the talismans and other things we’ll need, all I’m worried about is saving Ronan.
9
My mother used to say, “If you do what you’ve always done, you’ll get what you’ve always got.” Meaning, if you want a different outcome, you have to step from your comfort zone and try something different.
I’ve never performed a séance, because I’ve never needed to since my connection to spirit is like a giant spider web with me in the center. If there’s someone on the other side I need to talk to, I give a little tug on the silky thread attached to that spirit and they appear.
With Ronan, I’ve exhausted that silky thread. I’ve sent other spirits to look for him. I’ve queried everyone I know, and no one has a good alternative.
The blizzard is in full force by the time we arrive and we barely all fit in the elevator to go to the ICU floor. Once there, as we pass the nurses’ station, an elderly woman behind the desk looks at us over the top of her glasses, asking, “Where do you think you’re all going?”
Crud. I forgot there’s a limit to the number of visitors allowed in any room.
“We’re here to see Ronan Walkingstick,” Spring says with her usual cheer. My sisters and I are not familiar with hospital procedures. We rarely get sick, and if we do, we use our own natural healing abilities, along with Spring’s herbal concoctions to heal ourselves.
The nurse shakes her head, still staring at us. “While Mr. Walkingstick is getting better, he’s still not allowed to have more than three people at a time. The rest of you can wait down the hall. Take turns.”
“He’s bett
er? That’s good news.” I lean on the counter and give her a smile. “Is it possible we could all go in? We’ll keep it brief, but with the storm coming, we need to get home before we’re snowed in.”
She lowers her reading glasses and pins me with a hard stare. “Hospital policy says…”
I raise my hands before she can go on. “Okay. No problem.”
I motion for everyone to follow me to the waiting room she noted, shaking my head at the questioning looks they give me. In the small, shabby, space, we huddle together.
“What do we do now?” Kaan asks.
“I’m putting an invisibility spell on you,” I tell him.
Spring has Hoax hidden under her coat. Cinders and Sirius are still in the van. Shade circles my ankles. Everyone nods, and I close my eyes and say the spell I use frequently.
“Though they look
They will not see.
Magic of mine
Grant us all invisibility.”
Within seconds, a cloak of magick shields everyone except Autumn, then she and I walk down the hallway past the nurse, who continues to watch us intently. We stop at the door to Ronan’s room, and behind us comes our group of sisters and friends.
The nurse doesn’t see them and I give her a smile as I hold the door open. Dad is at the window. Tala next to Ronan, looking like she hasn’t moved in the hours I’ve been gone. Hale is near the bed as well, pacing back and forth.
After everyone is inside, I close the door on Persephone, but she simply walks through it, huffing indignantly.
With a wave of my hand, I remove the spell, and hellos and nods are exchanged. Most of the monitors have been removed from Ronan’s body. His eyes are closed but Tala is smiling.
“The swelling’s gone,” she says.
Hope bubbles in my heart. “That’s incredible.” Maybe I won’t have to do the séance. Ronan’s spirit is already back in his body. “Has he gained consciousness yet?”
Her smile falters and she shakes her head. “They stopped giving him the sedation medication but he hasn’t woken yet. The doctors don’t understand why.”
Of Spirits and Superstition Page 5
