Paranormal Adventures : First Blood by Writingfundimension |
PREVIOUSLY: A glance to where the wolfhound lay at the foot of the bed revealed the dog looked much the same as his master. Strange that he hasn't moved a muscle or made any sounds. Startled by a tap on his shoulder, Mike whirled. He expected to see one of the other team members, but they were across the room from him. Shrugging it off as a case of nerves, he strode to where Luke jangled a set of keys he'd taken off the wall near the entrance. “Must be twenty keys on that chain. They're not by any chance labeled?" “Seriously? Jenkins Porter's a poster child for paranoia. I doubt he'd leave a trail for someone else to follow.” Holding his hand out, Mike gestured for Luke to toss him the keys. Choosing one, he held it up for the others to see. “This one appears old and well-used. Good place to start.” "Second that." Luke pulled on his wool cap and gloves and was out the door first, followed by Emma, but just as Mia stepped across the doorway's threshold, she grunted and doubled over, lost her footing and fell backwards. “Stay still until we can determine how serious your injuries are, Mia. You've had a nasty fall.” She turned her attention to Mike who was crouched on the other side of Mia. “You were right behind her. Did you see what happened?” “I can answer that question myself.” Mia's voice was weak, but determined. “I felt a blow to my abdomen which knocked the wind out of me and, apparently, caused me to lose my balance.” She attempted to get to her feet, but Emma put out a hand to keep her from rising. “Stop struggling, Mia. You may have a concussion.” Emma pointed through the open door of the cottage. “Let's get her back inside, Mike.” He gathered Mia in his arms, but before he could step inside the cottage, she yelled, “No, I can't go back in there!" “That's not necessary, I tell you. I'm just feeling bruised and a bit fuzzy about what happened after I felt the punch.” Emma's response was quick and firm. “Exactly. I repeat... you might have a concussion. We're not going anywhere near the manor until you're checked out by a professional.” She examined her friend's closed face and had the impression she'd shut a mental door against further psychic intrusion. I know that's how she copes. I'd probably do the same. Mike walked to where the van was parked and waited for Luke to open the door. Emma, who was already inside, rummaged around for one of the blankets they always packed when traveling during the winter months. She located one and handed the edge of it across to Mike. “We need to keep her body warm against the possibility of shock.” "Stop talking about me like I can't hear you," Mia said. "Lacerations of the scalp, no matter how shallow, always bleed a lot. The bandage you placed will take care of that. Furthermore, I am not in shock... just pissed as hell. I underestimated his power.” Emma was confused. “Are you talking about Jenkins Porter?” “No. I believe it was Charles Bellingham.” Mia raised a hand to her forehead. “I recall clearly a terrific pressure in my gut. It felt like a solid punch.” Emma had a strong feeling of deja vu. Often, events taking place in real time seemed to her like she'd seen or done them before. But she had no time to dissect what it meant. A decision needed to be made, and Emma trusted Mike to make the right one. ** "Everyone, please believe me when I tell you I feel...okay," Mia finished weakly. "If you insist that I get medical attention, we could just as easily go back to Bangor." “You know I don't have any insurance, Mike. They'll want to take x-rays and, on top of the Emergency Room charge... I just can't afford that kind of bill right now.” Mike turned in his seat. “Don't worry about the bill. You know I can afford to help you out." “Mia, we're family. It's not your fault people don't want to compensate you for your talents the way they should.” He held up his hand to ward off further argument. “We're going to the hospital and that's that.” He faced to where Luke sat beside him and said, "Bring up the GPA coordinates for the nearest hospital.” ** Once they were outside the perimeter of the estate and en route to Miles Memorial Hospital, Mike willed himself to breathe normally. In the rear view mirror, he could see Emma leaning across the seat to hold Mia's hand, which further calmed him. He pushed the speed limit enough to stay under the radar but still get them to the hospital in less than twenty minutes. Emma accompanied Mia into the examination area while Mike took a seat and looked around for something to read. “I'm going to look for a vending machine,” Luke announced and took off down the hallway. When he returned, it was with two bottles of Coke and potato chips. Though Mike rarely indulged in junk food due to hyperglycemia, he felt the need for something in his stomach to stabilize his blood sugar. Between bites, the two discussed possible courses of action. “We need to get into the mansion tonight,” Luke said. "It's obvious we've already stirred up at least one ghost—time to ramp up the pressure. This could be our best chance at making significant contact." ** “I admit a nap sounds wonderful," Mia interjected. “Considering Jenkins Porter's compromised state and the sheer size of the house and grounds, I think you made the right call,” Mike said. "I'm surprised by the man's willingness to meet with us," Luke added. "I remember reading his account of being alone on some scaffolding when he felt an invisible hand push him from behind, causing him to fall off. The fact that it was only seven feet off the ground at the time is the only reason he wasn't more seriously injured." Mike reached forward and tipped her chin up with his finger. “Plan on me sticking to you like a post-it note for the rest of this investigation. I don't care how powerful Charles Bellingham believes himself to be, I will kick his phantom ass if he attacks you again.”
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