Restless Spirits

“I told you—” Pierce turned around and paused. “What the hell is that?”

The spirit grinned evilly. She held out her hand and curled it into a fist.

Pierce cried out and clutched his chest, falling to his knees.

“What are you doing? Stop it.” She clutched the towel, looking around for anything to ward the spirit off. Remembering her bath salts, she lunged toward the plastic bottle lying on its side next to the tub.

The bottle shot across the room. Pain exploded in her head. She brought her hands to her ears and screamed. Pressure built on her chest like bricks being stacked one by one. We can’t end this way.

“No, I won’t let you do this! You should never have left the inn,” a female voice said from above them. The pressure eased. Demi glanced up and gasped. Surrounded by a golden glow, Bronwyn stood between her and the mystery ghost.

Demi glanced over at Pierce and sent a silent prayer to heaven. Color had returned to his face, and his breathing was regular. He glanced over, and their gazes locked. Are you okay? she mouthed.

Yes, he mouthed back.

“For years you kept me trapped in the hotel, and I protected the people best I could. Now it’s time for you to go where you belong,” Bronwyn declared.

“You’re not strong enough, never have been. I’m going to kill them, keep them, and it’ll be all your fault.” The older woman cackled. The sound curdled Demi’s stomach.

“Not this time,” Bronwyn said. The glow that surrounded her grew brighter and began to pulse. “I have help now.”

The light turned into a cerulean blue, and another entity appeared. A man stood in an old-time navy uniform. After all this time, the woman and her lost love had finally been united. They moved forward, grabbing one of the woman’s wrists. Bronwyn turned to look at them.

“Linda will bother you no more. I owe you at least this much for my freedom.”

“T-this is your love, William?” Demi said.

“Yes, he waited for me.” She smiled. “Your time is here now. Cherish every moment of it.” Bronwyn said, “The two of you are meant to be together. Don’t let anything make you lose sight of that. It’s why Linda targeted you. Sometimes when a traumatic death occurs, spirits refuse to cross over, turn bitter, and pit themselves against one another. Parting lovers became Linda’s specialty after her own murdered her. For years, she’s existed to cause discord and torment.” Bronwyn sighed. “We must go now and take her somewhere she can no longer hurt others.”

A brilliant burst of colorful light went off like a fireworks display, and the ghosts disappeared.

“Holy shit,” Pierce said.

“Yeah, agreed.”

“Did that really just happen?” Pierce said.

“Yes, believe me now?” Vindicated and shaken, she glared at him.

“Baby, I promise I will never doubt you again.” He rested his forehead against hers, and they stood for a moment, gathering themselves. “You’re a once-in-a-lifetime shot at happiness. I’m never giving that up.”

“Oh yeah?” she asked, softening. His words helped repair the damage done by his doubt.

“I don’t know why I was so determined not to believe you. I knew how upset it made you.” He shook his head.

“Maybe she was influencing you—Linda?”

He shuddered. “Maybe. Let’s get out of here.”

They entered the bedroom, and her numb limbs began to thaw. “Who was she? I wonder,” Demi said.

“I’m not sure. But if you want, we can find out together.” He sank to the bed, pulling her onto his lap. “Demi, I love you. I can’t go another minute without telling you that.” His words filled her with euphoria. The high set in fast and spread through her body, filling her with warmth and happiness. A goofy smiled curved the corners of her lips up.

“I love you too, Pierce.”

The relief in his eyes made her laugh. “Worried I wasn’t going to say it back?”

“A little.”