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A nice long soak with lots of bubbles?

Yes, actually, and a glass of wine. I’ve been told I carry tension in my back, so trying to relax a bit more.

If anyone deserves a bit of self-care, it’s you, Jemima.

Thanks. And still nope.

Damn.

LOL See you later.

She sent a smiling face emoji.

The rush of tingling cold hit him again, and he watched as a string of emojis appeared – all of them inappropriate and nothing he’d send, especially not to Mia. He had the strong impression she wouldn’t appreciate peaches or splashy aubergines. He quickly deleted them, and replaced the message.

Looking forward to seeing you later.

Me too.

Unless you want help scrubbing your back?

The message appeared in a blur of letters and had sent before his hands had stopped shaking. ‘What the hell?’

Nah, I can manage thanks.

Fair enough

He cursed as he sent the reply to Mia. If whatever it was that was taking control of his phone had blown his chance with Mia, he’d steal one of Phe’s books and work out how to bind whatever it was to something truly terrible… like the toilet plunger.

Besides, I’m still looking forward to longer.

He sent the reply quickly, and was careful to lock his phone, and that seemed to work, but he kept it in his hand where he could see it as he stomped out to the main room.

‘Something wrong?’ Rayenne asked.

‘I can’t believe I’m about to say this, but I think my phone might be possessed.’

‘What?’

‘It started typing and sending messages.’

‘That’s very unusual.’

Mist sighed. He’s early. Joy of joys.

‘Who is?’

‘We call him Frank. He’s a poltergeist. He sort of lives here.’

‘Lives here?’

‘Resides might be a better term,’ Rayenne added. ‘As he’s well and truly dead.’

‘Is he dangerous?’ Aiden asked.

Only if you like peace and quiet and order. Mist sniffed. He rearranges things. And tries to be helpful.

‘He and his friends usually don’t arrive until later in September – when we start getting the pumpkins out,’ Ophelia added. ‘They really like pumpkins.’