Under_The_Whispering_Door_by_TJ_Klune

each other. Do you understand? There is nothing to fear. We aren’t here to
harm you. If you would prefer the pen, give me a sign.”
The planchette didn’t move. Neither did the pen.
“It’s okay,” Desdemona said to Nancy. “It takes a little time.” She raised
her voice again. “I am here with Nancy Donovan. She believes the spirit of
her daughter, Lea Donovan, resides in this place, for reasons I’m still not
quite clear on, but no matter. If Lea Donovan is here, we need to hear from
her. If there are any other spirits, we ask that you step aside and allow Lea
her moment to say what she must.”
“Are you sure about this?” Nelson asked quietly.
“Yes,” Wallace said. “We wait.”
For the next hour, Desdemona tried all manner of questions, some sweet
and coaxing, others more forceful and demanding. Nothing changed. The
planchette remained still.
Desdemona grew frustrated, Thin Man covering up a yawn with the back
of his hand as Squat Man carried the spirit box around the room, the machine
silent.
Eventually, Desdemona sat back in her chair with a sigh. “I’m sorry,” she
muttered, glaring down at the Ouija board. “I really thought something would
happen.” She forced a smile. “It doesn’t always work. They can be a fickle
thing, spirits. They only do what they want when they want.”
Nancy nodded, though Wallace could see how hurt she was by it. He
ached at the pain radiating from her, silently begging her to hold on just a
little bit longer.
Nancy didn’t move as Thin Man and Squat Man packed away the Ouija
board and the camera. Desdemona spoke quietly to Nancy, holding her hands,
telling her that she couldn’t give up, that they’d try again as soon as they
could. “Give it time,” she said quietly. “We’ll figure it out.”
Nancy nodded, expression slack and blank.
She rose from her chair as the others headed for the door, holding her
purse against her chest like a shield. Thin Man and Squat Man left without
looking back. Desdemona paused at the doorway, glancing at Hugo. “You
know there’s something here.”
Hugo didn’t respond.
“Come, dear,” Desdemona said to Nancy. “You can follow us back into
town, so we know you’re safe.”