The Crying Bridge

The Crying Bridge--Chapter 38

 The whole thing was the weirdest thing either of them had ever experienced and it was eerie and a little frightening. Regina, Gail and Benjamin were there strictly in supportive roles and would not be involved unless explicitly instructed by either Louise or Dylan.

The two new psychics sat on a blanket on the ground next to the porch. The rest of the group sat around them but were not allowed to touch them at all and were asked not to speak until asked.

The first thing Del noticed was that the air changed. It became sort of close and heavy. And she felt chilled even though the night was very warm. She glanced at everyone else and noticed they were feeling the changes, too. Everyone was shivering slightly.

Evan sat next to Del and held her hand tightly. He watched Dylan and Louise sitting cross-legged across from one another, hands clasped together, murmuring. He felt like their eyes should be closed or rolled back into their heads but they just looked steadily at one another.

The chill continued and then there was suddenly an electrical, buzzing quality to the air. It wasn't heard so much as felt, like a very vague stinging against the skin. Not painful but not exactly pleasant.

Dylan spoke. "I am searching for Emmett Steinhurst. Emmett, if you are near, we allow you to enter."

Del almost subconsciously moved even closer to Evan. It was just so creepy that she was allowing these people to invite a rapist and murderer into her life. She was suddenly wishing she'd never started all this.

"LOUISE!" Dylan said firmly.

"Yes, Dylan, I've got it," she said calmly. "Only Emmett Steinhurst may enter here. You are not welcome!" She spoke with great authority.

Dylan nodded almost imperceptibly. "I seek only Emmett Steinhurst. If you are near, Emmett, you must come forward. You have no choice. Come now!"

If they had thought Louise spoke with authority, it hardly compared to Dylan's voice. It was clear he was in charge.

Louise gasped, sagging back a bit, almost losing her hold on Dylan's hands but he tightened his grip and sat up straighter, pulling Louise along. "Strong," she whispered. "I'm stronger."

Del heard her speak the name of Jesus and just like that, the chill to the air was gone. It was still charged and close but she felt warm again.

"I have contact with Emmett Steinhurst," Dylan said. "He is here but please know he is not happy about it and is hostile. Emmett Steinhurst, we hold you here and you may not leave until we let you go. We are in control here and you must do as you are asked." Dylan took a breath then looked at Del. "Ask what you like."

Del looked at Evan and he gave her hand a squeeze and a nod. She took a deep breath. "I want to know if he killed Emma and Caleb."

Louise became rigid a moment, groaning softly. "Oh no," she said firmly. "WE are in charge! You will answer. You don't frighten me!"

"This spirit is full of hate and darkness," Dylan said. "He is trying to avoid our questions by threatening us with harm. Emmett, you have no power over us and no power in this place. I once again command you to answer."

Everything was quiet for a moment. Then Dylan nodded. "Yes," he said. Emmett took Emma's life. He says she was a whore and didn't deserve his child."

Del felt suddenly very angry. She let go of Evan's hand and leaned forward. "Was Emma telling the truth about what he did? Did he rape her?"