There's an Invisible Man Sleeping in My Bed

Chapter 40

            “Well, I’m impressed you’ve agreed to work with him. I’d have thought you’d have thrown a fit,” Ruth said, looking across her kitchen table at Liam.

            He crossed his arms over his chest, gaze flickering to the “empty” chair on the other side of Thalia. “We decided on a temporary truce. It lasts at least until the Builders have been dealt with. After that… And, well, Thalia trusts him, and he really seems to want to protect her. Which is the only reason I haven’t sent him packing.”

            Colt snorted. “I have far more experience than any of you in fighting, defending others, and intrigue, boy. As for Thalia, I have no intention of allowing any kind of harm to fall upon her. From anyone.”

            Thalia sighed as she watched William turn to glare at Colt. “Enough you two. Fighting won’t get us anywhere, and wastes time we’re supposed to be using to our advantage. We’re supposed to be discussing our plans.”

            “Yeah, well until the brat gets home, we can’t go into full specifics. I don’t want to have to repeat myself,” Ruth said.

            “I know, but I can’t help worry that every second we waste is a second the Builders are using to move against us. We know they’re an old organization, but we don’t actually know what their reach and membership’s like. If they’re a small group, then we’ll probably have a much easier time.”

            “Depending on their membership. If they have many high-powered individuals as members…” Colt said.

            William rolled his eyes. “God, no need to be so negative. I can’t imagine anyone with power would actually believe in crap like magic powers and ghosts.”

            “Says the boy talking to an invisible man.”

            “You-”

            “Both of you, enough!” Thalia said, staring down Will and attempting to do the same to Colt. It was a lot harder since she didn’t know where his eyes were, nor could she tell if he’d look away.

            After several seconds, she heard a quiet “Sorry,” come from Colt. Will followed suit a moment later, eyes on the swirl of the table’s wood grain. Thalia nodded sharply, her arms crossed over her chest.

            The sound of the door opening had all four of them turning to look at the kitchen doorway. In minutes, a small figure entered, staring at them. “Well, something’s obviously happened,” Anna said.

            Ruth nodded. “You’re going to want to sit down for this.”

            “I can see that at least no one’s been hurt. That’s good,” the girl said, dropping her backpack to the ground as she took the nearer of the two visibly empty chairs.

Thalia was glad. She didn’t think Ruth’s first introduction to Colt should be because she sat on him. She cleared her throat. “We have something you really need to know. From there, we’re going to discuss strategy. If you’re still up for helping us.”

Anna smiled. “Of course. What is it?”

“The spirit, the one the Builders are looking for, he’s real.”

“It’s true,” Ruth said hurriedly, eyes on her sister. “I’ve seen undeniable proof. And he’s not hanging around Liam, but Thalia. It’s probably one of the reasons the Builders thought it was Liam in the first place.”

Anna’s gaze went to William, who nodded. “Yeah, he’s really real. Even if I wish he wasn’t, I can’t deny the invisible bastard.”

“Will! Language,” Thalia snapped, before turning back to Anna. “Sorry about that. You believe us, don’t you?”

There was no sound in the kitchen for several moments as Anna’s hazel eyes remained blank and steady. Finally, she nodded. “Yes. I had believed in the spirit’s existence long before now. I have been conducting research for empirical proof, even before I started helping you guys with the Builders.”

“Not that your ghost traps actually worked,” Ruth said.

Anna glared. “They would have, eventually.”

“Yeah, ‘cause none of your plans ever blow up in your face.”

Thalia sighed. “Please, don’t you two start too.”

The sisters harrumphed in unison, forcing Thalia to hide a smile. They were more alike than either would ever admit. Anna was the first to turn back and meet her eyes. “So, will the spirit be joining us today?”

Thalia couldn’t help glancing at the fifth chair, even though it looked empty. “Ummm… He’s actually already here.”

Anna followed her gaze to the chair, one eyebrow raised.

“Hello. I have to say, from the way Thalia described you, I was picturing someone older,” Colt said.

“So it is you, Colt. I’d thought it must be, but then again, I had no idea it was possible to survive this long without a body. However did you manage that?”