A Strange There After Page 22

Cora and I both froze, mirroring expressions of shock as the boy placed himself between us. The anger growled at me, hungering for me, whispering to ignore the boy and continue. I trembled with exertion. George turned his cherubic face to me, his expression yearning.

  “Please, don’t hurt her.”

  “She started it,” I bit out through a clenched jaw.

  He ignored me and faced his mama. My body remained tense, ready for Cora to unleash her torture again. If she did something to George, I’d have to save him.

  “Time to let go, Mama.” The twisted figure stilled, and the mangled face relaxed slightly. “I scared. I so alone.”

  A deep moan came from the hovering mass. I watched as she solidified, turning once more into a solid, vibrant woman. Inching slowly to the left, I kept my focus on her, but knelt at Jackson’s side, helping him up. Like the times before, his wounds were already healing.

  “Are you okay?” I whispered.

  “I’ll survive,” he grunted.

  “This ain’t no business of yours, boy,” Cora chided George.

  Her maternal tone sounded completely out of place, more unnatural if that was even possible. George took a tentative step forward, his neck craned up, holding her gaze.

  “It is. ‘Nough people been hurt. I wanna go home.”

  Cora glanced around the yard, her full lips dipping into a frown. “This the only home I know.”

  Another small step closer to her. “I mean our forever home. Heaven. Don’ you wanna be at peace? We can be together.”

  His voice cracked, and it broke my heart. I searched Cora’s face for any sign that he was getting through to her, reaching her on a level I couldn't. Judging by her stony expression, he didn’t. She simply stared at him, her jaw and fists clenching. Then, everything changed. Her face softened, and I wondered what she’d remembered. How powerful was the memory that got through to her? Dropping to her knees, she reached out and hesitated in touching him, as if the simple act terrified her.

  “I’m not sure I can, baby.”

  George latched onto her hand, clinging for dear life, and nuzzled into her palm. From the way his shoulders shook, I knew he must be crying.

  His halting words confirmed it. “You can. We can. Together. I love you, Mama. Don’ make me be alone anymore. No one see me, only Quinn, and you wanna take her away. I sit in dat corner, where they wash dem clothes, waiting for you to come and say we leavin’. Every day for years I wait. Please. Take me someplace warm where we’s can be happy.”

  Moaning again, Cora grabbed George in a fierce embrace and pulled her to him. She buried her face in his neck. A couple seconds later, she raised her head and met my stare, right as a tear slipped from my eye and trailed down my cheek. I made no move to wipe it away, afraid I might pop the bubble, ruining the moment.

  Yet, I spoke to her softly. “Your son misses his mama. As long as I can remember he’s wandered this house...always alone. Sure, Jackson and I befriended him, but we’re not who he wants. Who he needs. He loves you unconditionally. This, right here, right now, is your chance to change things. Only you can end his suffering. Give him a happy ending.”

  She ended their hug, edging back so she could cup his cheeks. They gazed at each other for what felt like ages, silent messages and pleas passing between them. Sadness enveloped me, and I shuddered. I felt Jackson’s fingers link with mine, and I shot him a grateful grin.

  When I looked back at Cora, she was watching me with remorsefulness. Still, I braced myself, convinced it may be a trick.

  “How?”

  Her simple question caught me off guard. I gaped at her until I found my voice. “Let go.”

  A flash of anger obscured her face, but it faded once she glanced at George. Almost immediately, they both began to fade. A bright, white light grew around them. A breeze kicked up, rustling the leaves around us. George leaned in to whisper in Cora’s ear, and she nodded once.

  Like a bolt, he ran over and buried himself in my arms, snuggling close. I couldn’t help it. The feel of his little arms around my neck made me cry.

  “Thanks for bein’ my friend, Quinn,” he whispered.

  I hugged him tighter. “No, thank you, George. I never felt lonely when you were around. Go. Be happy.”

  He separated and eyed me seriously. “You get yours soon. Don’t give up.”

  With a quick smile, he ran back to his mama’s side, and she took her hand in his. Her only farewell to me was a modest nod as they disappeared from sight. As the light dissipated, Jackson drew me to his side, rubbing my shoulder.

  “I can’t believe it was that easy,” I sniffed.

  “Maybe it was just time.”

  I restrained from asking him when it’d be time for him. The answer frightened me a little. The prospect of losing another lifelong companion did not help with my sadness. Jackson and I remained there, staring at the place where they’d vanished for a while. I didn’t trust that it was over, that Cora wouldn’t materialize meaner than ever.

  Not how I would have done it, but well done, love.

  I flinched at the sound of Kalfu’s voice breaking the spell of the moment. Separating from Jackson, I wiped my tears and squared my shoulders. The images of what I’d briefly done to Cora resurfaced, the black energy shooting from my fingers. I stared down at my hands in shock, terrified it’d come out of me. An oily, dirty sensation crept over me, and I wanted to scrub my skin until no trace of it remained.

  The sound of footsteps interrupted us. Jackson pushed me behind him, the protective stance surprising me. Even with Cora’s voluntary departure, he and I remembered what she’d done to us. The alertness did not go away the instant she left. Plus, I hadn’t quite accepted it yet.

  Luckily, it was only our friends.

  Boone reached us first, followed closely by Abby, Catherine and Jason.

  “We heard screaming, all kinds of commotion, but couldn’t see anything,” Abby huffed out, directing her words to a spot two feet to my left as she stuffed her ear buds in. The urge to grin at her was strong. Soon, she wouldn’t need those to talk to me.

  “What happened to you?” Catherine rushed forward, examining the side of Jackson’s face. She spun on me, a rabid animal coiled for a fight. “Stop putting him in danger, Quinn!”

  Jackson tensed at her close scrutiny. Unguarded, concern shone from her eyes as they raked over him, taking in the gash on his cheek and neck.

  “Wait, why is he hurt?” Boone asked.

  “Cora did it,” I said, finally. “She can’t hurt us anymore.”

  Catherine’s gaze sharpened. “Why are you talking about her in past tense?”

  “She’s gone,” Jackson told her, still noticeably shaken by Catherine’s proximity.

  Boone moved around Jackson, staring until I had no choice but to look at him. “You actually went through with it?”

  I nodded.

  “With what?” Catherine demanded.

  “With getting rid of Cora,” Abby answered, leaving out the less savory details, like Kalfu.

  Catherine snorted. “I highly doubt it. I’ve tried myself over the years. It’s not that easy.”

  “She speaks the truth,” Jackson confirmed. “And the boy is gone as well.”

  I watched the realization crawl across her features. Never, in a million years, would I have imagined Catherine looking at me as if I were a danger, the monster. That was how she regarded me now, and I fidgeted.

  “Cora went on her own. George convinced her it was time,” I explained.

  “Doesn’t matter. You’re in more trouble than I thought,” she said pensively. “You struck a deal with him.”

  It wasn’t a question. She knew somehow.

  “What did you expect? You made her like this!” Boone defended.

  “Would someone please tell us what is going on?” Jason’s explosive question reminded us there were two here who couldn’t see or hear ghosts.

  Catherine flashed them a contrite grin. “Your precious Quinn just
sent Cora and that poor little boy off into the light.” She snorted. “All because Kalfu asked her to. Now he’s an even bigger danger without Cora keeping him in check. Your girlfriend just unleashed hell on us. Well, her and her new loa friend.”

  “We’re not friends,” I argued. Then I realized the more I defended Kalfu, the worse my situation looked. A heavy sigh escaped my lips. I couldn’t win.

  Jason paled. “I don’t believe it.”

  “Why are you so quick to doubt? We all have good and bad in us, sexy,” Catherine taunted.

  “Tell him everything, Boone,” I whispered. “He should know how far I’ve gone.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “He deserves to know.”

  Blowing out a resigned breath, Boone turned to Jason and told him everything about the deal I’d struck with Kalfu, of what I’d been asked to do. Catherine retreated, fear growing on her face. She clutched at her throat and kept flashing me frightened glances.

  Jason swore and faced the house, but before he turned, I caught the shock and horror on his face.

  No one said anything for the longest time. As each minute passed, my guilt grew. Suddenly, I was tired, more exhausted than I’d ever been. None of this made any sense anymore. What was I fighting for? How much longer could I cling to my hope and the person I used to be before becoming a spirit?

  The answer terrified me.

  “So how are we going to help her?” Jason asked as he turned back, his face hard as granite.

  “All we can do is keep reminding her of what she has to fight for, regardless of what she’s done,” Boone answered. “If any of us abandon her, all is lost.”

  I shot him a thankful smile, the action empty and wooden, but I appreciated his faith.

  “There has to be something more,” Jason said, turning back around to confront the group. His eyes slid to Catherine. “And we all know what it is.”

  Catherine raised an eyebrow, that annoying trait she could do but I couldn’t. “I hope you aren’t insinuating what I think you are.”

  “It’s time for you to move on, and let Quinn have her life back before it’s too late.”

  Her steely gaze returned to me. “What did he offer in return?”

  Silence stretched out around us, heavy with what I couldn’t admit. Abby and Boone knew that I’d demanded Kalfu rid me of Catherine forever, but saying the words aloud, in front of Jason, filled me with anxiety.

  Catherine gasped then recovered quickly, fixing an expression of disgust on her face. “Your lack of speech isn’t hiding anything, Quinn.”

  Thankfully Boone answered for me. “What did you expect? We’d decided to keep you around? Let you inhabit another body because we love your company?”

  She scooted closer to Jason. “Are you really going to let them get rid of me?”

  “What is she talking about?”

  “Tell him,” I whispered.

  Abby drew closer to me, her arm brushing against mine and giving me comfort along with the static sensation.

  “Quinn asked Kalfu to make banishing Catherine for good part of their deal.” Boone flashed a sarcastic smile at Catherine. “Since Quinn’s fulfilled her end, I’d start packing.”

  “Don’t take any coats. It’s probably really hot where you’re going,” Abby added.

  Catherine’s face lost all color as Jason’s hardened. “That seems a little harsh,” he said.

  “Seriously?” Boone gaped at him. “After everything she's done to Quinn, you’re worried about her welfare?”

  Jason struggled for a reply, and my heart shattered. He didn’t want her to leave. That’s what it all boiled down to.

  With a menacing step toward Boone, Jason snapped, “Who the hell are you to judge me? Not everything is black and white.”

  Boone’s jaw clenched. “Clearly sleeping with her has clouded your judgment.”

  I watched Jason flinch, but he stood his ground. “Mind your own damn business.”

  “Catherine, it is time.”

  We all swiveled at the sound of Jackson’s voice. I’d nearly forgotten he was still here.

  She glared at him. “You can’t sweet talk me into the light. This isn’t one of those interventions. I’m not going anywhere until I have to.”

  “You won’t have a choice,” I told her.

  “Don’t speak to me! You’re a little hypocrite!”

  “Hey, chill out.” Boone stepped in front of her. “The deal’s done, and I get the feeling Kalfu isn’t one to go back on his word. Get used to it.”

  She spun back to face Jason, taking his hand in hers. He didn’t pull away. “You may think you’re getting Quinn back, but she’s made the same deal I did. She let him in. It won’t be the same girl who returns. Not anymore.”

  My throat constricted. She was absolutely right. Worse? I expected Jason so say he didn’t care, tell her to stop lying. He didn’t. He regarded her solemnly.

  “Don’t listen to her, Jason,” Abby warned.

  “Who Quinn comes back as shouldn’t matter. That’s what we’re here for, to help her.”

  “Why are you so invested in this?” Jason half-shouted at Boone.

  Boone got right up in his face. “Because while you’ve been caught up in Catherine, I’ve come to care for Quinn.”

  A bunch of things happened at once. Abby muttered, “Oh, snap.” I gaped. Catherine laughed. And Jason took a swing at Boone’s jaw, a dull crack echoing around us as his knuckles connected. Boone came back with his own punch. Somehow Jason ended up on his back with Catherine at his side. He flinched away from her and jumped to his feet. Fisting his hands, I thought he’d attack again, but instead he turned and stomped into the house. Catherine flashed us all a glare before trotting after him.

  I was frozen in place, afraid if I moved the last few seconds would be real. Boone cared about me? I didn’t even like him. Did I? I studied him out the corner of my eye. He rubbed his jaw, smirking at something Jackson whispered to him.

  “That was...interesting.”

  Glancing at Abby, I desperately wished we could talk like normal friends. I kinda needed her input right now. I mean, what just happened? Boone’s continued involvement always puzzled me, but I never imagined it went beyond professional curiosity. He understood me, though, better than almost anyone. Jeez, was I just that blind?

  “Quinn?”

  The uncertainty in Boone’s voice quieted the butterflies in my stomach. I glanced at him and saw confirmation of his feelings. Crap. Now what do I do?

  “Can I explain?”

  I nodded.

  “Okay. I’ll be inside,” Abby teased joyfully as she sauntered off. After giving Boone an encouraging grin, Jackson followed my friend inside.

  “When did you and Jackson get so close?”

  “You’re avoiding the conversation, Quinn.”

  I kept my eyes diverted, nibbling on my lips.

  “Why does this bother you?” He sounded incredibly nervous which was totally out of character for him.

  “It doesn’t bother me, but there’s Jason and...”

  “What about Jason?” His eyes glinted behind his glasses. “I know you have history, but he doesn’t know you. He doesn’t understand you.”

  His passion took me by surprise. I wasn’t sure how to answer. Heck, I wasn’t sure how I felt period.

  “You can’t just spring this on me and expect me to know what to say.”

  “There’s something between us you can’t deny.”

  “No. I can’t deny it, but—”

  “But what?” He moved closer to me, consuming all my senses. I couldn’t think straight.

  “If I say it out loud I’m doing the same thing Jason did to me. I’d be exactly what Catherine just called me—a hypocrite.”

  “This isn’t the same,” he practically shouted. “This is deeper. Jason is wrong for you, and you know it. You and I? We fit.”

  All denials disappeared, and I slumped, whispering. “I know we do. But I can’t m
ake this decision right now.”

  “Fine, but I’m going to tell you what no one else will. Jason has feelings for Catherine. You have to see it. Somewhere along the way, he’s blurred the lines between you and her.” He reached up, grazing my chin, leaving a charge where his finger touched. “All I see is you. And it’s enough.”

  I shook my head, not sure if I was denying what he said about Jason and Catherine or about him saying me being enough. Boone sighed sadly and walked away. I wanted to call out to him, demand he give me time to sort through what he said, to come to terms with the fact he actually did matter more than I cared to admit. A hot lump formed in my throat, and I had to swallow multiple times to force it down.

  Plenty of drama to worry about later. For some reason, I knew I was going to need my body to deal with this new battle, the battle for my heart. Straightening my spine, I wandered into the house. Please let Kalfu come soon, I prayed.

  Jason was in the kitchen, dabbing at his bloody lip with a wet paper towel. Instinct told me to keep going, but I stopped instead, concentrating on touching his elbow. He jerked his arm and shied away.

  “Quinn?”

  Holding onto my concentration I flicked the lights once, falling back into our primitive way of communicating. It was a good thing all I had was ‘yes’ and ‘no’ because I wasn’t sure what I’d actually say to him if I had the chance.

  “I’m sorry about hitting Boone. The guy just knows how to push my buttons. I’m here for you, Quinn. No one else.”

  It was so similar to what Boone said and confused me more than ever. Instead of furthering the absurd, one-sided conversation, I pivoted and left him alone. As I walked out of the kitchen, I couldn’t help but think it felt like I was walking out of Jason’s life forever.

  Chapter Thirty-Three

  Somewhat dejected, I trudged up the stairs slower and paused outside the door to Catherine’s room. A muffled thump came from the other side and caught my attention. Curious, I stepped through the wood and gaped at the scene before me.

  Catherine flitted frantically around the room, tossing random clothes and shoes into an open suitcase, so focused on her actions she failed to notice me standing there. For the life of me I couldn’t figure out what she was doing. When the realization hit, I spoke up.