To Free a Phantom

by Carrie Pulkinen

  His heart raced as Erica parked at the theater and slid out of her car. His suspicion that she’d try to handle this alone had been spot-on, but he’d been hoping she’d prove him wrong. She scanned the parking lot, probably looking for his Jeep, and tiptoed toward the entrance. He followed, slinging his heavy duffel bag over his shoulder and darting across the street.

  The front door shut behind her, and he let out a breath. She hadn’t seen him. Trent’s Audi pulled into the lot, and his friends approached him as he stepped onto the sidewalk.

  Tina’s brow puckered with anxiety as she hugged him. “I thought we were supposed to meet you at the coffee shop.”

  “Erica’s already here.”

  Trent shook his hand. “What’s the plan?”

  He grabbed the door handle. “She just went in. Lindsay’s supposed to be here to help with the equipment, but we can’t wait for her.”

  “I’m here!” Lindsay scurried toward them from around the corner. “I live two blocks away, so I walked. Sorry I’m late.”

  Gage looked at Trent. “Protect the women at all costs.”

  Trent nodded.

  Tina scoffed. “I don’t need protection.”

  “Me neither,” Lindsay added, though the quiver in her voice didn’t sound convincing.

  The women could act as brave as they wanted. When it came to this ghost, he wasn’t taking any chances. “Erica and Tina can channel, which means the spirit can take them over.” He leveled his gaze on Trent. “She’s already screwed me and tried to kill me. Be prepared.”

  Tina raised her hand. “I vote for screwing.”

  Gage didn’t smile.

  She let out a nervous laugh. “Not the time for jokes. Got it.”

  “Keep her grounded. Skin to skin contact, and don’t let her go.”

  Trent slipped his hand into Tina’s. “No worries there.”

  He handed his bag to Lindsay. “There’s a PILFER device connected to a battery pack and a set of jumper cables. Attach the cables to the mirror in the wing near the curtain. It’s an antique…pewter, oval-shaped. You can’t miss it.”

  Lindsay unzipped the bag and peered inside as she made a whistling sound. “The ghost isn’t going to like that.”

  “The shock should disorient her enough that we can catch her in the energy stream and Erica and Tina can create the portal right on top of her.”

  Tina let out a whimper. “No pressure.”

  This was dangerous. If their plan didn’t work, any one of them could end up dead. He looked at Tina, offering her one last chance to back out. “You don’t have to help.”

  Trent clapped him on the shoulder. “I wouldn’t be alive and standing here if it weren’t for you, man. We’re in this together.”

  Gage nodded. “Good. I’m going to work on keeping Erica grounded. Everyone ready?”

  Lindsay nodded. “As we’ll ever be.”

  He pulled open the door and stepped into the lobby. The door to the auditorium stood closed, so he tip-toed toward it and slowly pulled it open before slipping inside.

  Erica sat in an aisle seat facing the stage. “What are you doing here, Gage? I asked you to stay away from me.” Though she sounded resigned, her voice was her own. Maybe.

  Hopefully.

  He took a few tentative steps toward her. “How’d you know it was me?”

  “Who else would it be?” She didn’t turn around.

  “Where’s Colette?” The door opened, and he held up a hand to stop his friends from getting any closer. They paused a few feet behind him.

  “She’s not showing herself, but she’s here. I can feel her.” She stood and turned to face him. “You shouldn’t…oh.” She cut her gaze over his shoulder and smoothed her hair over the scarred side of her face. “You brought reinforcements.”

  He hesitated, gazing into her red-rimmed eyes, trying to gauge whether he was speaking to the woman he loved or if the ghost already had control of her.

  “Hey, Erica.” Lindsay started toward her, but he caught her by the arm. Erica seemed to be herself, but he wasn’t taking any chances until he was sure.

  “This is Tina and Trent…some friends of mine.” He took another careful step toward her.

  Erica eyed his friends and crossed her arms. “I’m sorry Gage dragged you all the way out here, but you should go. This is between me and Colette.”

  “We want to help,” Lindsay said.

  “I’m just as involved in this as you are. Please, let us help.” Gage reached for her hand, but she stepped away.

  “Do you not remember what I did to you last time you were here?”

  He inched toward her. “That’s why I’m here.”

  “And you thought you’d throw their lives into danger too? Some friend you are.”

  Trent put a hand on Gage’s shoulder. “He saved my soul from a shadow demon. I trust this guy with my life.”

  “Me too,” Tina said.

  Erica turned on her heel and marched toward the stage. “You being here is only going to piss her off.” She stomped up the steps. “If you’ll let me talk to her, I’m sure I can convince her to leave.”

  Gage followed her up the stairs and caught her hand before she could enter the wing. “She’s attached to the mirror. She can’t leave.”

  “It has to be a psychological attachment. She was murdered while gazing into it. If she makes up her mind to be free, she will be.”

  “That’s not how this works. It’s an energy attachment; it will take energy to pull them apart.”

  She yanked her hand from his grasp. “I suppose that’s what your friends are here for?”

  “They’re here to help.” He took her hand again, but she pulled away. Her irrational behavior would spiral out of control if the ghost got a hold of her. She needed to be grounded if she wanted to stand a chance against the spirit. Damn it, she needed him. “Please, Erica. I don’t ask you for much, but give me this. Let me hold your hand. Let me keep you grounded.”

  She opened her mouth as if to protest. Instead, she swallowed hard and slipped her hand back into his. “Thank you.”

  “Where’s the mirror?” Lindsay set the bag on the stage and pulled out the equipment. Tina and Trent stood beside her.

  “It’s there.” Erica pointed at the object in the wing. “But I don’t think she’s in it. I can’t see her.”

  “Oh, my God.” Tina’s eyes widened.

  Trent grabbed her other hand. “Do you see her?”

  “She’s really strong.”

  Erica tried to pull from Gage’s grasp again, but he held her tight. “I can’t see her. Maybe you’re grounding me too much.”

  His heart hammered in his chest. “I doubt that. Lindsay?” He nodded toward the mirror. “Just like I told you.”

  “Got it, boss.” She gave him a mock salute and put the device together, clamping two claws of the jumper cables to the mirror and the other two to the device.

  “This isn’t funny, Colette.” Erica’s voice trembled. “Show yourself to me.”

  “No.” Tina shook her head. “I’m not an actress…No, I don’t want to be.” She sucked in a sharp breath, her body shuddering for a split second before straightening.

  “Now, this is a woman who knows how to get what she wants.” Tina’s voice turned smooth and sultry. All the playfulness drained from her eyes as she turned her steely gaze on Trent.

  Gage tightened his grip on Erica’s hand. “Shit. Hold onto her, man. She’s channeling.”

  Tina flashed a wicked grin. It was the same expression he’d seen on Erica’s face when the ghost had used her to seduce him. “You’re a handsome man, Trent. Are you rich?”

  “Fuck.”

  Her grin widened. “I’d love to.” She twisted a hand from his grasp and grabbed a handful of Trent’s crotch. “Not bad.”

  Erica gasped, clutching Gage’s bicep and drawing him closer to her. “Is that what I looked like? We have to help her.”

  Though the vessel was different, the
mannerisms and expressions were identical. The way Tina moved mimicked the fashion in which Erica had come on to him in the wing. He patted her hand. “They’ve got this.”

  “Tina.” Trent grabbed her hands and pressed both her palms against his face, holding them there as he stared hard into her eyes. “You have to fight this, baby. For me. For us.”

  “Mm-mm.” She shook her head. “I like this one. I think I’m going to keep her.”

  “Tina, please. We’ve been through worse than this. You’re stronger than her.” Confusion clouded Tina’s eyes before she slumped into his arms. “I’ve got you, baby.” He helped her stand. “Are you okay?”

  She rubbed her temple. “I…what just happened?”

  Trent kissed her forehead. “You were channeling.”

  “Damn.”

  “Damn, indeed.” Erica straightened her spine and tried to step away from Gage. “This one’s much easier to control. She’s weak.”

  He took both her hands, turning her toward him and away from the mirror. “Don’t listen to her, Erica. You’re not weak; she’s been grooming you since you were a kid.”

  He chanced a glance over her shoulder at Lindsay. The PILFER was set. All she needed to do was place the crystal by the mirror and set up the other device.

  “You’re not weak, Erica.” Colette used Erica’s voice to mimic him. “I should have killed you the first time.” She yanked from his grasp and whirled toward Lindsay. “What are you doing to my mirror?” Hands extended, she darted toward her, grabbing her by the shirt and pulling her to the floor.

  They tumbled, rolling over each other until Erica came out on top, her knees pinning Lindsay’s arms to the stage. “You’re not getting rid of me.”

  He grabbed the device and switched it on, sliding it into place next to the crystal.

  “Damn, Gage, your girlfriend’s strong.” Lindsay struggled beneath Erica’s weight. “Really strong.”

  “It’s the PILFER machine. She’s only going to get stronger.” He grabbed Erica from behind, lifting her from Lindsay’s chest. “Tina, can you work on a portal?”

  Erica kicked, her foot connecting with the side of Lindsay’s head.

  “Ow.” Lindsay rolled and pushed to her feet.

  “Sorry.” He put Erica down, keeping his arms wrapped around her shoulders. He needed to ground her, and for that, she needed skin-to-skin contact. Her damn long-sleeved shirt blocked him, so he slid his hands down to hers, grasping them tightly. “As soon as we separate the ghost from the mirror she should get trapped in the device’s energy field. We’ll need a portal ASAP before she wiggles her way out.”

  Tina grimaced. “I’ll try. I’ve never made one on my own before.”

  He struggled to keep his hold on Erica’s hands. “Well, she’s out of commission right now, so you’re all we’ve got.”

  “Okay. Okay.” Tina took a deep breath and stared at the crystal.

  Gage hoped to hell she knew what she was doing. This exorcism wasn’t going at all as planned. “Lindsay, flip the switch.”

  “If we turn the PILFER on now, she’ll be electrocuted. You both will.”

  Erica stomped on his foot, sending a sharp pain shooting up through his kneecap. She tore from his grasp and hurled herself into his chest, knocking him to the ground. The air whooshed from his lungs as the back of his head smacked the floor. With her hands wrapped around his neck, she pressed, blocking his airway. Searing pain shot through his temples. He couldn’t breathe.

  Wrapping his arms around her waist, he rolled, throwing her to the floor. “Do it now!”

  “No!” Erica scrambled toward the device.

  Gage caught her by the legs.

  “It won’t turn on.” Lindsay flipped the switch up and down. “The wires came loose.”

  Tina swayed on her feet. “It’s not working.”

  “She’s losing focus, guys,” Trent called. “Hurry it up.”

  Erica flailed beneath Gage, kicking and clawing the floor. Lindsay jiggled the wires. Sparks shot from the device. “Gage…”

  He jumped to his feet, hurdling over Erica, and grabbed the machine. She plowed into him again, knocking him down.

  “Give it to me!” Her shrill voice echoed through the auditorium.

  He turned the dial, charging the instrument. Static electricity built in the air until every hair on his body stood at attention.

  Erica scrambled backward on her knees. “No. Please don’t.”

  “I’m sorry, baby. This is going to hurt.” He flipped the switch.

  Erica convulsed on the floor, her body shuddering as she let out a blood-curdling scream.

  A raging inferno ripped through Erica’s body, seeming to pull her organs through her skin, turning her inside out. She jerked, her muscles involuntarily spasming about as she flopped on the floor. A scream echoed through the room, deafening her to the chaos around her. She covered her ears, but the sound intensified.

  The scream was coming from her.

  The burning, tearing sensation strengthened until death knocked on her door. Then it ceased. In an instant, the burning returned, but now it felt as if the heat came from somewhere outside her body. The strangled scream echoed in her ears, but it didn’t resonate in her throat. With her hands still covering her ears, she curled into a fetal position and squeezed her eyes shut.

  Footsteps. Shouts. Electricity crackling in the air.

  She felt the sensation of being lifted. Her feet making contact with the floor. Being cradled against someone’s chest.

  Gage.

  She pried her lids open. He said something incoherent, his chest vibrating against her cheek as he spoke. More shouting came from behind her. Why was it so hot? And that smell…

  Her stomach turned. The unmistakable scent of fire and cinder assaulted her senses like a tidal wave crashing into her face. She peeled away from Gage’s chest and peered at the debacle that once was her theater.

  Lindsay clutched Gage’s shoulder. Trent stood next to them, his arms wrapped around Tina as she stared wide-eyed at the electric display of sparks showering the stage. Gage’s device sat on the floor, emitting waving beams of crackling, blue light like a giant plasma ball…only no glass sphere existed to hold the electricity inside.

  Instead, the beams stretched upward like angry vines reaching toward to sun, suffocating their trellis as they climbed. Colette writhed within the electric beams, her once-delicate features contorting in anguish and rage.

  Erica’s heart hammered in her chest. Sparks from the electric storm had ignited the curtains, and the fire was spreading, reaching upward to the ceiling, traveling across the curtain rod toward them. Something above them popped. A light bar dropped, getting tangled in a loose wire that stopped its fall.

  Ice flushed through her veins. Memories flooded her mind. Her bedroom. Her mom lifting her from the blazing bed and tossing her out the window. The screams. The agony.

  All these people.

  She gripped Gage’s shirt in her fist. “Fire.” Her raspy whisper barely rose above the noise. “It’s on fire.” She cleared her throat. “You have to leave. Everyone, you have to get out.”

  Gage tightened his arms around her. “We have to cross over the ghost. Can you focus? Can you and Tina create the portal together?”

  “No.”

  “If you don’t cross her over, she’ll be free.” He gripped her shoulders. “Do you understand? She’ll be free to follow you wherever you go. You’ll never be rid of her.”

  Better for her to suffer the wrath of a spirit than to be the cause of any more death. “You have to go.” She’d make the portal. She’d get rid of the ghost or burn to death trying, but she would not allow Gage or any of his friends to stay inside a burning building. If they didn’t make it out…

  “Let’s vanquish the spirit first.”

  “No!” She shoved Gage toward the stairs. “You have to leave. All of you.” She pushed Trent and Tina to the edge of the stage. “The fire. I can’t…please
, you have to leave. Get out. Please!” Her voice cracked with panic. She’d barely survived the guilt of killing her mother. She couldn’t be responsible for killing anyone else.

  “It’s the fire.” Gage ushered his friends off the stage. “She lost her mom to a fire when she was a kid. Get outside; call 911. I’ll take care of her.”

  “Are you sure?” Trent asked.

  “Yeah, man. Go. Get Tina and Lindsay to safety.”

  The flames grew hotter, traveling along the line of curtains like a freight train rushing toward them. Colette’s strangled cries morphed into a maniacal laugh.

  “You have to go too, Gage. I can’t lose you to this.”

  The door thudded shut as the others left. Gage wrapped his arms around her from behind and pressed his lips to her ear. “We’re in this together. I’m not leaving without you.”

  “But…”

  He took her hands. “Focus on the crystal. I know you can do this.”

  She looked toward the stone, but all her eyes would focus on were the raging flames consuming the building. The thick, black smoke billowing across the ceiling like a monster ready to suck their souls from their bodies.

  Her heart sprinted. Her head spun. She tried to imagine the light, but she could hardly breathe with the smolder in the air and the adrenaline coursing through her veins. Sweat rained from her pores. They needed to get out of there. The heat intensified until it felt like her skin would melt from the bone.

  It was a feeling she was all too familiar with.

  Gage’s mouth moved against her ear. “Breathe with me, baby. You can do this.”

  She could. She had to. She inhaled deeply, nearly choking on the tainted air. Relax. She had to get her body under control in order to focus her mind. She allowed her shoulders to droop, her breathing to slow. Focusing on nothing but the crystal, she imagined the light. The portal stretched from the stage, up past the flames, and into the mass of smoke above.