Ghostly Gathering by H. P. Mallory

Author:H. P. Mallory [Mallory, H. P.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2021-08-07T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eight

Judging by the surprised expression on his face, I think the remaining wad of bills we handed the driver was adequate compensation for his unflagging cooperation. He tipped his hat to us as he clambered back into his trusty vehicle and took off, the exhaust spluttering out behind him in a stream of white clouds. I watched the back of the cab somewhat forlornly, but also with a fair amount of relief. My body ached when I remembered all the places and things we’d done today. My stomach, long past the point of hunger, had been relegated to a constant state of nausea. The cold, anxious sweat I’d been living in for the last two-and-a-half days did not mix well with the fabric of my dress and my mouth tasted sour and felt dry.

Part of me was eager to get back to something familiar. I wanted a long, hot shower and some mind-numbing television. But as I looked sideways at Drake’s dark, serious face, a deep sadness overtook all the other emotions of discomfort. My other life—my real life—seemed more like a figment of my imagination. Standing on the vibrant streets of 1910 New York, the world we intended to return to seemed drastically different, and much more like a half remembered dream.

“I guess it’s time,” I said to Drake. His mouth was pressed into a thin line, and he didn’t say anything, but merely nodded.

“So what do we do?” I asked, suddenly realizing that despite all of our careful preparations, we hadn’t spent enough time discussing our journey back.

We’d been warned the longer we spent in the past, the harder it would be on me physically. That much was certainly true. I never felt more drained. I could barely find the strength to swallow anymore. I struggled to remember exactly what Christopher and Lovie had said before we left, but my mind failed to recall the conversation. It was like trying to remember a scent from your childhood that always lingers just beyond your grasp. I only wanted to sleep. My eyelids drooped but I forced them open and ignored my dry eyes when they protested.

I didn’t know how it would work, but I knew that I still had the potion in my clutch… For a moment, I legitimately feared my heart would stop. My drooping eyelids snapped open. All other thoughts vacated my brain and a sinking panic paralyzed me. I tugged hopelessly at the pockets of my dress.

The clutch was gone!

A dry tickle slowly crept up my throat and I had to put my hand on Drake’s strong chest for balance.

“What? Mon chaton, what is it?” Drake instantly spotted the change, possibly by the widening of my eyes. He took my elbow and guided me into the café we were standing in front of. It was small and non-descript, but I could barely take in any details. I sat down on the seat nearest the door and tried to steady my breathing. When was the last time I saw it or held it?

“Peyton, what’s wrong?” he asked with a heightened intensity.

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