“She has the gift,” Madame said grimly.

“Gift? What gift?” Anna demanded. “Elizabeth, what’s going on? Do you want me to take you home?”

“I don’t want to do this,” Elizabeth said weakly.

“But you must,” Persephone said. “You can’t just leave us not knowing what you’ve seen.”

“But I haven’t seen anything yet, not really. I don’t even want to!” Elizabeth said, tears running down her face.

“Then we will help you,” Madame said. “Bring her into the séance room.”

“But she doesn’t want to,” Anna protested.

“No, I don’t,” Elizabeth confirmed.

“You can’t leave us in ignorance,” Madame said. “You can’t leave us unprotected.”

“I wasn’t able to protect Mr. Miller,” Elizabeth said.

“Because you didn’t tell him the truth,” Madame replied.

“But you told me not to!”

“I was wrong. You have this gift for a reason. You must use it.”

Elizabeth sighed her defeat. “All right, but don’t blame me if I frighten you.”

“You have already frightened us,” Persephone said, glancing anxiously at Madame Ophelia.

“I didn’t mean to,” Elizabeth said sadly.

“Come along,” Madame Ophelia said. “Let us not waste any more time.”

Anna kept a tight grip on Elizabeth’s arm as they moved into the séance room. Madame’s usual ornate chair was gone, probably packed up to be moved on to their next stop, but the other chairs were still tucked neatly beneath the table.

“Persephone, close the door. Sit down, everyone. We’ll summon the spirits.”

“You want me to sit in?” Anna asked uncertainly.

“Yes, please stay,” Elizabeth begged. “I don’t know what might happen and I’ll feel safer if you’re with me.”

Anna was apparently terrified now, but she took a seat beside Elizabeth. Persephone adjusted the lighting and removed the extra chairs so just four were left. The others sat down and she took the empty one, although it was obvious from her stiffness that she hated doing so. There was no need for the ritual writing of questions since Madame would not be answering any today. She didn’t even have her headset on.

“Close your eyes and focus,” Madame said. “Help Mrs. Bates summon her spirit guide.”

They all laid their hands on the table and Madame began to hum. After a few moments, Elizabeth joined her. Everything seemed peaceful for several minutes and then Elizabeth jerked in her chair.

“What is it?” Anna asked in a terrified whisper.

“Shhhh,” Madame said. “Spirit, can you hear us?”

“Yes,” Elizabeth answered in her spirit voice. “I hear you. Shame on you! Shame!”

Persephone gasped, but Madame remained calm. “Who are you?”

“I see you,” Elizabeth’s spirit said. “I know what you have done. You have lied and cheated the innocent.”

“Who is she talking about?” Anna asked, her whisper a little louder this time.

“Maaddddaaammm,” the spirit said, drawing out the syllables ominously, “you have sinned.”