Lost Souls

Chapter 4

"Delphine Shaun," the dark eyed woman said, looking down at Esmeralda. "Matriarch of the Shaun family. Who and what are you people? And this better lead to an antiquate explanation of why I don't have my evening produce."

"Rene Gradilla, Psychic. I work out of the shop on 2nd street," Rene explained, seeming unfazed by Delphine's intimidating nature.

"Which shop on 2nd street?" Delphine spat with disgust.

"The Silver Moon," Rene answered immediately.

"I've heard good things," Delphine responded with a half nod.

"I'm glad to know I'm upholding its reputation."

Delphine didn't respond to Rene and instead turned her eyes onto Esmeralda.

"I'm a ghost," Esmeralda choked out the words like a knot in the back of her throat.

"I know," Delphine hissed. "I'm a witch and the head of my coven, trust that I can recognize a spirit when I see one."

"My name is Esmeralda Covarrubias!" She pushed the words out before they could get caught between thought and voice. "I knew Bethany back home."

"Ah." Delphine said plainly. "You're the girl Bethany and Johnathan have been trying to summon. From Hell, correct?"

"Yes, Ma'am," Bethany answered with quick speed.

"Impressive," Delphine said. She didn't sound impressed but Esmeralda thought maybe this woman didn't show any positive emotions. "I was beginning to think you didn't have it in you. But this shows promise."

"I also banished a demon," Bethany said, kind of quiet.

"A demon?" Delphine said, perking up. "What kind?"

"No idea," Bethany said. "But that's why I didn't get to run the errands. I was attacked."

"I think this being has been causing trouble in this town recently," Rene said. "I've felt its presence here long before today."

"I suppose that is an acceptable enough reason to forgive the incompetence," the woman said. "Follow me." Delphine turned away from the three girls and walked towards the house. She raised a hand at the large grey wooden door with silver filigree and it opened with a swift invisible push. She passed through and it slammed shut when the girls passed the threshold behind her.

Their home looked old and Victorian. Not that Esmeralda was an expert on Victorian décor, but she felt comfortable giving the title to the large tacky furniture with patterns that assaulted the eyes.

She led the girls into an opened area filled with potted plants growing herbs and flowers. The walls were made up of tall sparkling windows. Delphine instructed the trio to sit on a small brown loveseat. Delphine stood in front of them like a General examining the enemy. "Do you expect me to do something about this demon?"

"Um..." Bethany seemed stunned. "I'm the last person to suggest running into supernatural struggles."

"I'm inclined to agree with you, in part," Delphine said. "You should be concerned with our family's supernatural affairs but not the affairs of demons."

"But this thing is hurting people," Esmeralda said.

"Hurting spirits," Rene corrected.

"And what does that have to do with us?" Delphine shot back immediately.

"Isn't it your duty as witches?" Esmeralda asked.

"My duty is to myself and my family," Delphine told her. "I'm not sure how much you know about our family, but I need to prepare my grandchildren for the most definitive trial of their lives."