The Oracle Series: Volumes 1-3

by Cynthia D. Witherspoon

  “Eva, you’re killing me. We’ve got to go.”

  I wanted to laugh at Elliot’s impatience, but decided against it. I dabbed on the lipstick, making sure to smack my lips together loud enough so he could hear me as I walked into the room. Elliot was still on the edge of my bed with his head in his hands.

  “Hey,” I closed the distance between us in less than a second. “You ok?”

  “Fine.” His voice was muffled as he rubbed his face. “Slowly turning to dust here, but otherwise, I’m fine. You done?”

  “Done.” I took a step back as he stood. Elliot studied me until I was the one fidgeting. “What?”

  When he didn’t answer, I crossed my arms over my chest. “If you don’t say something, I’m going back into the bathroom and locking the door. This wasn’t my idea, Eli. Besides, you only gave me two days.”

  “You look fantastic.” Elliot grinned as he took my hand to spin me around. “I’m just surprised. You clean up good.”

  “Well. I clean up well.” I grumbled. “You’re just saying that so we can get going already.”

  Elliot handed me my purse with a laugh. “Let’s go. I don’t want to be late. You can play in the bathroom later.”

  The hotel Theia Productions had put us up in was one of the fanciest places I’d ever been to. As we walked out into the lobby, bright L.A. sunshine beamed down on us from the open skylights. Living Barbies and buffed up Kens dressed in burgundy hotel uniforms greeted anyone who crossed their paths. It was beautiful. But I couldn’t find it in my heart to enjoy the beauty of the surroundings. My stomach had returned to its knot-like state. I knew why. It wasn’t because of the meeting.

  I was sure this was the end. Things were changing for Elliot. No matter what he said about me tagging along with him, this was his deal. His meeting.

  His future. One I was sure would be taking place without me in it.

  A valet was pulling up as we came through the lobby doors in a silver convertible. I know nothing about cars, but I knew this one was impressive. Sleek and shiny despite being parked under the entry way. I was so sure it’s owner would come bounding out behind me that I fell in step behind Elliot to get out of the way. You can imagine my surprise when the valet handed the keys over to my companion.

  “Sinclair dropped it off for you this morning, sir. He said to tell you hello.”

  “Sinclair?” I couldn’t stop myself from staring at Elliot as he tipped the valet and gave him his thanks. “Who is Sinclair? An intern for your dad?”

  “House manager.” Elliot mumbled as he opened the passenger door. “Ready to go?”

  “Your daddy has a house manager?” I dropped my purse onto the floorboard as I slid into the seat he offered me. “What’s a house manager? Is that like a butler or something?”

  His only response was to close the door. I watched as he came over to the driver’s side and decided to drop it. I knew from experience Elliot didn’t like to talk about his life in California, though God only knew why. So I turned my attention to the city scenery as he pulled out into the street.

  Elliot returned to good spirits two turns and ten minutes of fighting L.A. traffic later. He turned down the radio and glanced over in my direction.

  “Still scared?”

  “Petrified.” I shifted in the seat so that I could face him. “I know we’ve avoided it, but what can I expect? What should I say?”

  “Say what you want.” He shrugged. “You’ve already got the job if you want it, Eva. We’re only here to work out the details.”

  “Ok. That doesn’t help me.” I found a tiny thread on my suit jacket and tugged. “What did you tell them about me?”

  I didn’t miss the flush rising at the tip of his ears. He cleared his throat and changed lanes to make another turn before I got my response.

  “I told them the truth.” Elliot kept his eyes on the road. “I told them you studied History at UGA, so you’re a great researcher. And I told them how great you are with new technology.”

  “Why’s that important?”

  “Come on, Eva, you know how these shows work.” Elliot shook his head. “Research is crucial to understand what you’re dealing with. Not to mention how much audiences love to hear about the gory details.”

  “Yeah, yeah. I get that part.” I released the thread and dropped my hand. I’d unravel the whole damn thing with my luck. “But the technology?”

  “The paranormal field relies on technology. It helps us hunt out the spirits and document their existence.”

  “So we’re back to that again?” I shook my head. “Eli, you know ghosts don’t actually exist right? I know you like to think so, but that doesn’t make them real.”

  “We’ll find out soon enough.”

  “You never did answer my question.” I tilted my head to study his profile. “What did you say that made them want to fly me out to L.A.?”

  The blush was back. I managed to keep my eyes on him until he gave up and sighed.

  “Fine. I told them how attractive you are. Pretty blonde girls going to dark scary places make for good television.”

  “So you only want me because of my looks.” I raised an eyebrow, but made no other moves to look away from him.

  “No.” Elliot stopped at a red light and stared at me. “How could you even say that? I think you’re smart. You can handle yourself. And you’re not scared of anything. It has nothing to do with your looks.”

  “Uh huh.” I grinned. “You think I’m pretty.”

  Elliot turned his attention back to the red light, flicking on the turn signal in the process. “We’re here. Can you pass me the badge in the glove compartment?”

  “You’re changing the subject.”

  I was still grinning as I retrieved the badge for him. He was right. We were here. Elliot maneuvered the convertible into the underground garage of an impressive high rise, stopping only to show the badge with his picture on it to the security guard stationed at the entrance. Within minutes, we were parked and walking inside.

  “You’ll do great. I know you will.” Elliot tucked my hand in the crook of his arm. “You can be a real charmer when you want to be.”

  “You still think I’m pretty.” I teased as we came to a stop in front of the elevator. I pressed the button and the doors opened immediately. As we stepped inside, Elliot reached out to choose the floor we were going to.

  “Keep this professional please. I don’t want them to get the wrong impression of you.” Elliot moved to give the other passengers room. I didn’t realize how close he was behind me until I felt his breath against my ear as he whispered.

  “But yes, I do. I always have.”

  I shivered despite myself as the elevator began to rise. I chastised myself in silence for the happiness I felt. There was nothing between me and Elliot other than our friendship. I knew this. Besides, I had to be careful. My fears of him leaving me for better things were still very prevalent. They were at the forefront of my mind when the elevator slid to a halt and the other three got out. When the doors closed again, I turned to Elliot.

  “Eli.” I swallowed the lump in my throat. I wanted to tell him what I was afraid of. I needed to tell him. I couldn’t understand why this was so hard. But the words wouldn’t come as those damned doors opened again.

  “We’re here.” He put his hand at the base of my back and led me out into the hallway. I wanted to grab him. Tell him everything going through my head at that singular moment, but I didn’t. Instead, I let him lead me through the lobby to the receptionist’s desk that dominated the far wall.

  “Misty!” Elliot exclaimed at the pixie woman who was more interested in her Facebook page than us. She flipped around in her chair with a smile so big, it lit up her entire face. “Where’ve you been hiding?”

  “Turks and Caicos, darling. It’s the only place to go when escaping L.A. these days.” She slid out from around the desk and threw herself into Elliot’s arms for a hug. “You’ve come back home! It’s so good to
see you!”

  “Misty, this is Eva McRayne.” Elliot disentangled himself and turned to me. I bit my lip as I nodded at the woman. “We’re here to see Connor.”

  “Oh, of course you are. The entire office has been talking about the return of the prodigal son.”

  “Does she even know what that means?” I hissed against Elliot’s arm as she returned to her side of the wooden desk and started chatting into the phone.

  “Play nice.” He nudged me in the ribs to keep me quiet. “She’s been here forever.”

  I tried to keep my face neutral, but it was hard. The image of that harpy throwing herself at Elliot was playing on repeat in the back of my mind, but I was adding things to it. Satisfying images like how I could have jerked her off of him.

  Elliot leaned against the desk until the harpy put down the phone. She was simpering like a puppy for my friend’s attention. “Connor said to come on in. He’s in Conference Room Four.”

  “Thanks Misty.” Elliot awarded her with another smile before returning his hand to my back. “This way, Eva.”

  Elliot led us through an impressive maze of cubicles until we reached a thick wooden door. He stopped, took a deep breath, and knocked.

  “Come in.”

  A man’s voice filtered through. I had the desire to grab Elliot. Beg him to return to Georgia with me where our lives were simple. I wanted him back in the place where I’d met him. Come to know him.

  It was much too late for such protests. Elliot opened the door to the meeting room where his future would change forever.

  I could do nothing more than follow.

  Chapter Three

  Connor Garrison reminded me of every sleazy salesperson to ever appear in a Georgia car ad. He was all oiled hair and slick smile as he bounded around a large conference table with his hand outstretched in Elliot’s direction.

  “Elliot! So glad you could make it. Welcome home, son.” He shook Elliot’s hand and clapped him on the back. “We’ve been waiting for this day to come for a long time now.”

  “Have you?” Elliot dropped the man’s hand as two other men approached. “I don’t realize my homecoming was so imminent.”

  “Of course it was.” Connor’s smile grew even wider. “No one escapes L.A. forever.”

  Elliot stepped aside and let me step forward. “Connor Garrison, meet Eva McRayne. Eva, this is Connor.”

  “Pleasure.” I murmured as the little man turned his unfortunate attentions to me. He reached out to take hold of my arms instead of shaking my hands. I only interrupted when he started to turn me around. “Excuse me, but what are you doing?”

  “You’re right, Elliot. She’s fantastic.” Connor stepped away from us and nodded. “Small. Blonde. Athletic. She’ll do nicely.”

  Before I could ask if he wanted to check my teeth and measure my waist, one of the other guys in the room piped up.

  “Elliot, Eva. Would you like some water? Coffee?” The man waved from behind Connor. “We might be here for awhile.”

  “No, I’m good, Joey.” Elliot visibly relaxed. “So are we ready to get this started?”

  “Indeed we are.” Connor ushered us all over to the conference table. They all took seats across from us, and I started to feel outnumbered. Once we were seated, Connor took the liberty of introducing me to the other two men at the table.

  “Ms. McRayne, it is truly a pleasure to meet you.” He cleared his throat. “I want to introduce you to Joey Lawson and Bryan Trotter. Joey will be your cameraman. Bryan is a member of the Theia Productions’ legal team. He’s here to go over the contracts with you.”

  I nodded my hellos as Connor took out two separate folders. He placed one in front of me and the other in front of Elliot.

  “Your father’s lawyers have already looked these over.” Connor leaned back in his chair. “All you need to do is sign.”

  “Wait a minute.” I opened the folder to find a document that could rival a small manuscript. “I want to know what’s in this before I commit anything.”

  “Very well.” Connor sighed and came forward again. “You may read the legalese if you wish, but this contract is good for one season of twenty-two episodes. We’ll readdress any further seasons if the show takes off. All this just states that we will pay you ten thousand dollars an episode, plus the cost of your travel and living arrangements. There is a bonus percentage clause written in to encourage you to do all you can to boost the ratings. In return, you agree to go to the locations we send you to or attend any promotional events we deem appropriate.”

  “That’s it?” I tried to keep my demeanor professional. As if I negotiated contracts worth thousands of dollars every day. I think I succeeded on the outside. On the inside? I was squealing as I calculated up the amount of money I’d make. It was more than I could ever hope for at an office in Georgia. “What about any protections we might need?”

  “I’m sorry?” The little man looked confused as he folded his hands together on the table. “If you’re asking about the health insurance, I’m sure one of our human resources personal will be glad to answer any questions you may have regarding the benefits.”

  “No.” I shook my head. “That’s not what I mean. I’m assuming the locations you are going to be sending us to are going to be dilapidated. I’m also assuming we are going to be filming at night. What happens if one of us gets hurt? What protections are you going to put in place to make sure that doesn’t happen?”

  Elliot nodded and I could tell he was pleased with my question. Connor paused as if he were considering his response as he began tapping his fingers on the table.

  “Unfortunately, Ms. McRayne, there’s not much we can do about the conditions of the locations other than to chose ones that won’t pose a serious hazard to Elliot’s team. In the unlikely event that something does happen, your medical expenses will be completely covered.”

  “How can you be so sure?” I gestured down at the manifesto they called a contract. “Is it listed in here?’

  “I’m sure it is.” Connor waved his hand. “But remember, please. We must do all we can to make this show a success, even if that means sending you into some horrible places.. Otherwise, the time you spend with us will be a complete waste.”

  “Ms. McRayne, if I may,” Bryan spoke up. “I’ll be more than happy to go over these documents with you line by line if it will ease your mind.”

  “Alright.” I thumbed through the pages where the print seemed to grow smaller and smaller. “I’m ready when you are.”

  The lawyer opened his own folder and began to dictate which passage he was explaining. Elliot followed along like a chap. Me? Even though it was my idea for Bryan Trotter to go through everything we needed to know, my eyes started to glaze over after the third page. Elliot even nudged me a few times to make sure I was still following along, but after only twenty minutes, I was ready to sign my life away if it meant the lawyer would stop talking.

  I knew there were perks. I knew I needed the money. And I had a vague idea of what I was getting into. I mean, who hasn’t tuned into a ghost hunting episode or two? But my decision wasn’t based solely on the benefits. As Bryan went on and on, I tried to envision not seeing Elliot every day. I tried to imagine what it would be like to hear him only through phone calls which would fade over time as he lived his life and I lived mine.

  I couldn’t do it.

  So when the lawyer across from us looked up to signal he was finished, I reached into my purse.

  “Very well.” I took out a pen and uncapped it. “The only amendment I would like to see to this contract is for us to be able to choose where we go.”

  “Is that your only condition?” Connor glanced up from the wood grain of the table. “The ability to choose your location?”

  “Yes.” I tapped the pen against the arm of my chair. “I’m sure you have a team of professionals to do the promotional stuff. I just want a choice in which lion’s den you plan on throwing us into.”

  “That seems ve
ry,” The producer was at a loss of words for a moment but his slick smile was back as he responded. “Very reasonable. Bryan, if you will.”

  The lawyer who had bored me into a stupor jumped up and retrieved the folders before us. He was gone before I realized it.

  Connor broke the silence which had fallen over the room. “Do you have any other questions? Elliot, you’ve been very quiet.”

  “I’ve got nothing to say.” My companion shrugged. “I’ve seen the paperwork before. I’m here only to make sure Eva is happy with the arrangements we’ve agreed upon.”

  “I do, actually.” I leaned back in my chair, confident after getting my way with the amendment Bryan was no doubt rushing to add to our contracts. “As you both know, I have no experience in television. Where in the world do we start?”

  “Ah, yes. The beginning is always the most tedious part.” Connor stood and began to pace his side of the table. “For you, my dear, it will be an immersion into the world of the paranormal. You and Elliot will have two weeks to get settled in. Then you will be flying out to New York to attend this year’s International Paranormal Convention. I want the two of you to learn all you can about the latest theories and techniques. All things ghost hunting. If you are not an expert, I want you to be able to sound as if you are.”

  The little man rubbed his hands together as he continued. “You will need to do anything you are capable of to make this show go above and beyond. The field’s getting crowded. You two have got to find a way to stand out.”

  “I’m sure you’ve got plans on that already.”

  “We’re working on it.” Connor nodded to Bryan who had returned to the room. “Those are details for another time. For now, I need your signatures. Fill out all the forms and if you have any questions, feel free to ask Bryan here.”

  “You’re staying?” Elliot looked up from the papers before him.