Mind Over Mask

23. The Howler

Talon slumped in his chair, clearly expecting more than what Angie had to offer.

"You said your ghost friend was there with you, right?" I asked Angie. "At the hospital?"

"Dahlia?" Angie asked. "Yeah, it's worth a-"

"You called?" a beautiful ghost drifted into the room, long hair flowing behind her. Dahlia, I remembered from Angie's earlier introduction. She's smoking!

Angie shot me a glare and mouthed "she's off limits." I could feel my face burning up, but then I remembered my new strategy for warding off mind readers.

I immediately conjured up pornographic images and random inappropriate thoughts, and to my delight, Angie recoiled into her chair. Hah! Stay out of my brain.

I hope she heard that. Gradually, she gave me a tiny nod and then shifted her attention to Dahlia. Angie asked her something under her breath.

"What are you all looking at?" Talon asked, glancing around wildly. Arya smiled and I burst out into laughter. He looked like a lost puppy in his superhero getup. Angie remained deep in conversation with Dahlia.

"So, we all can see ghosts now," I said, gesturing towards Arya, Angie and myself. "Right now, Angie's being all secretive with the ghost who also saw the Mastermind."

Talon's eyes widened. "So can I see them?"

"I'm not really sure," I said. "Angie kind of gave us the ability accidentally. But don't worry — I'll be your translator," I said with a wink. Talon frowned — he hated being reliant on others, especially me. I wasn't used to the responsibility but that doesn't mean I didn't enjoy it.

Angie finally turned to us, placing her hands on her hips.

"So?" I asked, my eyebrows raised. "What were you talking about?"

"Angie was just telling me what I was allowed to tell you," Dahlia said, giggling. Angie's face reddened. "She tells us everything, you know."

"Hmph. What about the Mastermind?"

"His name is Clifford," Dahlia said. "And he was perfectly nice. He gave me company until Angie woke up."

"His wife died in the same car accident," Angie said. "The one I was in."

"Wait..." Arya said slowly. "What do you mean he gave you company, Dahlia?"

"Oh I assumed you all knew," Dahlia said, smiling sheepishly. "Since he has the same powers as Angie."

He can talk to ghosts? I looked at Talon, and relayed all the information to him. He looked at Angie with horror.

"You can control people?" Talon screamed towards Angie. "I let you into my mind!"