09 - Return Of The Witch by Dana E Donovan

Author:Dana E Donovan [Donovan, Dana E]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 16

Brittany dropped us off out front of Carlos’ house and told us where we could find the key to let ourselves in.

“Really?” I said. “Under the welcome mat? Isn’t that a bit obvious?”

She laughed. “Yes, but you have to remember, we’re talking about Carlos. It’s never that simple.”

“What do you mean?”

“The key isn’t for the door. It’s for a lockbox hidden behind the doorbell.”

I hooked a doubtful smirk. “You’re joking, right?”

She smiled back. “If you ring the bell twice the button will unlatch and allow you to swing it up out of the way, revealing a small lockbox. Insert the key into the keyhole and turn it clockwise. A digital keypad will eject. Punch in the number, one-two-seven followed by the pound sign and the front door will open.

“One-two-seven?”

“Yeah, it’s his birthday, January 27th.”

“Okay, that sounds easy enough.”

Ursula and I started getting out of the car, when Brittany stopped us. “Oh, and Lilith?”

I turned back. “Yes?”

“If that doesn’t work, just try the doorknob. He almost never locks it.”

“Nice,” I said, smiling. “That’s good to know.”

We waited until she reached the end of the drive before ascending the front steps to the double mahogany doors.

I had only been to Carlos’ house once before, only then Carlos didn’t own it. At that time, it belonged to a woman named Valerie Spencer.

Valerie was a member of Doctor Lieberman’s workshop, a group consisting of individuals with aptitudes that transcended all dimensions of the paranormal. Of course, I was in that group as well. Unfortunately, what went on there eventually spilled way outside the realm of academic studies, ultimately costing many in the group, including Valerie, their lives. The house, therefore, had always held a dark invitation for me.

Carlos became familiar with the place while working on a case with Tony that centered on the workshop. Its grandiose floor plan, marble embellishments and Mediterranean architecture appealed to his inner flamboyant side. I suppose that’s the reason he bought the house after winning millions in the Massachusetts State Lottery.

It’s funny how a house can represent one thing for one person and something entirely different for another. I think Tony shared my distain for the home. He’d gone to Carlos’ house-warming party without me, but then never went back again. I think his memories of those old days, like mine, were too difficult to reconcile. For me, they still are.

Ursula and I took a quick tour of the place to see what touches Carlos had put on it to make it his own. The answer, to my surprise, was apparently none. As far as I could tell, except for the name change on the mailbox, it was still very much Valerie’s home. From the exquisite wall paintings and lush live greenery to the fine Venezuelan artifacts, it appeared that Carlos hadn’t changed a thing.

“I don’t like this,” I said, leading Ursula past the grand foyer and through the library toward the media room. “It even smells like her.”

“Who?” she asked.

“The previous owner. I swear, I think her ghost must roam the halls here.

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