Haunter 1: The Shadow of the Haunter

15. Down the Slippery Slope

That conference call was like the little push on the small of your back when you're sitting on top of a big tall slide. Before I could catch my breath and process the situation, I was gliding down and there was nothing I could do to stop or at least slow down.

I called Trisha before going to sleep, and I was forced to move the phone away from my ear until she was done with her happy cries and exclamations.

"How long do you need me to stay?"

"Three days?"

"Didn't you say the Haunters are staying five?"

"Yeah, but—"

"Then I'm staying at least six."

"You can't call in sick for six days straight, Trish!"

"Oh, didn't I tell you I quit? Yeah, I was sick and tired of that groper son of a bitch. I have a couple of interviews scheduled, but they're over Zoom, so I don't need to be in town for them."

"Then maybe you can come before them. Let me check with Amy, okay?"

"Yeah!" I moved the phone away again until it was safe for my ears to bring it close again to say goodbye.

The next morning, I had breakfast while I waited for the Collins and explained to them what would happen starting that very Friday, in two oh-so-brief days. Susan grabbed a piece of paper to take notes, so she wouldn't forget anything. Hers and Mike's to-do list grew longer when Amy texted me the things she would be needing. She also wanted me to ask Price about each and every med he and his friend were on. What was she up to?

She thought it would be better if she picked up Trisha to come to the Manor, to invest the ninety-minute drive to explain to my friend the whole situation, and make her promise on three holy books she would behave and keep from upsetting the Blotters.

Susan asked about the diet of our guests and I realized I didn't know what Price and his friend liked. Okay, something more to ask him.

I left her and Mike to work and hurried to the north parlor. "I'm going to the basement," I whispered. "I think I'll be fine by myself."

"Forget it," said the phone app.

"Okay." I shrugged and turned around to walk out. And found Susan frozen right past the doorway, broom, duster and basket of cleaning products in her hands. "It's okay, Susan. Just carry on with your routine."

I stepped out and she stepped back, doing her best to not panic openly. The moment I crossed the kitchen door, I trotted down the steep stairs and all the way past the central pillar to the corner, where I dropped to my knees and raised a hand, palm to the wall in front of me.

"Clap my hand, Kujo," I said, excited, and giggled when I felt a brush of heat against my skin. "Good! That's a way to say hi."

"Hi Fran."

"It's happening, Kujo!" I did my best to keep my voice down. "Amy and Price are coming! A week from now, you're gonna be free!"

The deep growl took me aback, and I heard the shuffle clearly.

"Yeah, I know. But we need him, you see? Amy needs him in order to cut your chain."

"Hate Brandon."

"Of course, I know. What can we do, Kujo? It's the only way to set you free. Please, I need to know you won't try to hurt him."

The next growl wasn't exactly a reassuring answer. I sighed, troubled. Setting him free was what I wanted most, but I wouldn't put anybody in harm's way to achieve it.