“I’m listening.”
“I went to see a medium a few weeks ago, before everything started. I tried to connect with my dad because I had questions.”
“Questions?”
“Do you know anything about him?”
“I received a briefing.”
I rub my hands together. “So you know how he died and why?”
Wilder nods. “I know what was written in the news about him.”
“Yeah, so obviously it’s pretty freaking disturbing to find out your dad might be a serial killer.” Just saying the words makes my body heat with embarrassment. “I wanted to know if it was true. I want to know if it could be inside me.”
“What do you mean?”
“Whatever caused him to do it, if he did, I want to know if those tendencies are in me too. So I can do something about it.”
“I see. Were you able to make contact?”
“I didn’t think so. The medium had to shut things down pretty quickly. She said there was a barrage of spirits trying to get through.” I drag my hand through my hair. “Honestly, I wasn’t even sure I believed in this stuff for a long time. My grandparents were religious and told me stuff like that was from the devil, but I had a friend a few years ago who was really into tarot cards and spiritual stuff, and he made me a believer. That’s why I went to see the medium.”
Wilder nods, but doesn’t say anything.
“Did I bring this on myself?”
“Hard to say. Spirits will find a way to get through, so it’s possible your father’s soul slipped in another way.”
I exhale slowly. “You’re sure it’s him?”
“I’m sure the soul escaped the Below. I’ll have to engage to see if it’s actually this one or not.”
Nodding, I sit back on the couch. “I don’t know why he would though. I haven’t seen him since I was seventeen. He’s been in and out of jail, moved around the country, and was pretty absent most of my life. Why now?”
“That’s the question. Maybe he has regrets, or maybe…” Wilder pauses, and his expression turns deadly serious. “Maybe he has some unfinished business.”
“That sounds ominous.”
“It was meant to. What I need from you, Keagan, is information and your trust. I’m here to help you and get the Horror back to the Below, but I’ll need your help to do it.”
Biting my bottom lip, I consider his words. “What if he doesn’t want to hurt me?”
“Doesn’t matter. He can’t stay here.”
A loud thump comes from above us. Wilder glances up at the ceiling.
“What was that?” he asks.
“That happens a few times a day. I think it’s in the attic, but every time I go up to investigate, it’s empty and quiet.”
“It usually takes time for a spirit to fully manifest. It could be the Horror trying its powers.” Wilder puts his hand on my knee. “Try to detach the connection from your father. His humanity isn’t attached to the soul anymore, just the core essence of who he was.”
“What does that mean?”
“The traits that make us human leave us in death. He can no longer love, or use reason or restraint. Whatever mission the Horror is on will be its only focus, but I’m here to get it back in the Below. I’m the best at this job. You can count on me.”
I search his eyes for a moment, then chuckle. “I should be questioning my sanity and yours at this point. Everything you’re saying should sound ridiculous, but I already know it’s not. This is really happening, isn’t it?”
