Chapter 12: No Other Way

A task so dangerous isn’t easy to find someone for. Lisa searched everywhere and finally found me through a real estate agent. At first, I was suspicious—it sounded too supernatural. I wasn’t afraid of a ghostly lover, but I was worried Lisa and Megan were scammers.

The world’s full of folks looking for a quick buck. I’d been burned before—guys claiming their house was haunted just to get a discount on the closing costs, or teens playing pranks on old truckers.

But when I met them, I couldn’t bear to refuse. Lisa looked utterly desperate, just as I had been when I went everywhere begging for money for my wife’s treatment. When she saw me, it was as if she’d finally grabbed the last straw. She hadn’t even spoken before dropping to her knees. I hurried to help her up, but she clung to my arm.

Her grip was fierce, her nails digging into my jacket sleeve. “Mr. Lang, please. I’m begging you—my girl’s all I’ve got left.”

I glanced at Megan—she hadn’t had a good night’s sleep in a long time. She tried to help her mother up, but had no strength left.

How deep is a parent’s love. I have a daughter myself.

For a moment, I saw my own daughter’s face reflected in Megan’s. That’s what tipped me.

“I’ll take the job,” I said, flicking away my cigarette. “Whether it works or not, I’ll go with you.”

Lisa broke down crying, thanking me over and over. Megan just nodded, silent, eyes brimming with a hope so fragile I almost looked away.