Page 95 of Specters & Spotlights

Nick leaned in. “So it’s like a ghost with a mission? A super-ghost?” He frowned. “Was it ever a person? Or can it just shape-shift into something scary—like, say, your ex at a cast party?” He cast a glance toward Elise, before adding: “Asking for a friend.”

Cici let out a wry chuckle. “Specter lore isn’t exactly peer-reviewed, Nick. Some sources say they come from real souls that are plucked from the afterlife, others say they’re born from energy and emotion, kind of like a magical tantrum with teeth. And yes, some people think they can mimic familiar faces to get under your skin.”

She met Elise’s eyes through the screen. “What matters is: if this thing is connected to your past, even symbolically, that’s not a coincidence. And if it’s following you? That’s bad news.”

Elise swallowed, her hands pausing for the first time. The curler she was holding suddenly felt heavier than it should have. “Okay… what do I do?”

Nick continued watching her, his usual smirk replaced with quiet concern.

Cici leaned forward in her chair. “We’re going old school. College dorm witchcraft level.”

Elise groaned. “Oh god. Is this a rosemary-bath situation?”

“You bet. Soak tonight. Salt in your pockets, and carry a charm bag. Got any garlic? Wear it. Do not skip the iron—loop that nail from your warding kit onto a necklace. And throw that rose quartz on for good measure. You’re going full amulet-core.”

Kevin let out a theatrical shudder. “You’re about to smell like an Italian deli and a crystal shop had a baby.”

Elise made a face. “Sorry, Kevin.”

He gave her a sly grin. “I mean, I’ll support you. From over there. With a breeze.”

Cici chuckled. “This won’t fix things, but it’ll help mask your energy and keep the thing from getting too fixated—at least until I can figure out how to kick its ass properly. Give me a day or two.”

Elise nodded. “Copy that. Maximum garlic. Moderate panic.” Then her eyes narrowed, a new thread of dread pulling taut. “Wait—Cici. Can specters, like… take someone? Could Ellen’s vanishing be connected to this thing?”

Cici’s expression shifted immediately. “Yikes. That’s a terrifying theory.” She rubbed her temple. “I really hope not—but I’ll dig around. Add that to the growing ‘existential dread’ pile.”

The worry must have shown on Elise’s face, because Cici leaned in and deliberately softened her tone. “Okay, enough of the doom and gloom. Let’s talk about something more fun. Has your Mr. Darcy made his move yet?”

Elise groaned and rolled her eyes. “Seriously? You too?”

“Oh we’re talking about this,” Nick said, swooping into frame behind her. “You should’ve seen them tonight. The lingering glances? The tension? We’ve got an unofficial betting pool backstage on how long they’re going to draw out this whole will-they-won’t-they slow burn.”

Cici grinned through the screen. “My money’s on Graham cracking first.”

Elise muttered something under her breath and focused on sliding the last curl into place. She placed the finished wig into the dryer, ignoring their voices as best she could, but the faintest smile played at the corner of her mouth.

As she rejoined the conversation, she found Nick and Cici mid-giggle, the kind that only came when two people were fully aligned in the joy of matchmaking.

“I leave for two minutes and you form a coalition,” she muttered, shaking her head with a small smile.

“I prefer the term romantic task force,” Cici replied cheerfully. “Oh! Before I go—someone wanted to say goodbye.”

She scooped a small tabby kitten onto her lap and lifted its paw toward the screen. “Say bye, Lillith!” she said in a sing-song voice as the kitten blinked slowly.

Nick cooed. Elise rolled her eyes fondly.

“Call me if things get weird again,” Cici added, her voice softening. “And seriously—get some sleep if you can.”

“I’ll try,” Elise promised.

With that, the screen went dark. Elise tucked the phone in her pocket and started gathering her things.

Nick stood, stretching. “Well, that was informative and emotionally fulfilling. Time for margaritas?”

Elise stood too, grabbing her bag. “Please. If I don’t get salt and lime in the next fifteen minutes, I’ll start communing with spirits in a very different way.”

As they turned to leave, Elise paused and glanced toward the back corner of the green room. “Thanks for keeping watch, Kev.”