“I read in one of those library books that hauntings and possessions or . . . whatever you want to call it,” I added when Melissa opened one eye and looked at me, “usually start with an event. A place. A catalyst. I’m talking about more than the She Shed. I’m talking about whatever the construction unearthed.”

I pulled Everyday Demons—a ridiculous title that made it sound like demons were as ordinary as using a Crock-Pot—out from between the console and the driver’s seat and began to read.

“ ‘Demons do not choose who or where to invade at random. They require a calling or a summons. That can be in the form of another demon, one who has already entered the human realm, ripping a larger hole for them to enter, or in the form of a tragedy. An event that occurs that is so horrific that it leaves a lasting impact on the location. When such an event occurs, it leaves the area vulnerable and more accessible to demonic forces, since they feed off trauma and pain.’ ”

I looked up and then continued.

“ ‘Demons attach themselves to low frequencies, drawn like moths to a flame to anyone who is already feeling darkness. Once a demon has made contact with a person, it will stay with them until drastic measures are taken, usually in the form of an exorcism. But a successful exorcism requires knowledge of who the demon is and why they have come.’ ”

“Whoa,” Jess said.

I turned around and nodded, putting my leg up on the driver’s seat and tucking my knee to my chest. “Logically, we should start there. Remember the movie Poltergeist? Everything happened because they built on a cemetery. Maybe there’s something like that here.”

“Logically,” Melissa repeated pointedly, “we should call the police and Child Protective Services.”

“I still think we need to use the Ouija board,” Jess said.

Melissa shook her head. “I already told you no, so stop asking.” She sighed. “But it does make sense to look into the history of the land. Maybe it will help us find a rational explanation.” She reached for the door. “I have a slow afternoon tomorrow, so I can join you two demon-hunting wonder twins. I have to go back to the office and lead a team meeting on not sending porn emails on company accounts.”

“Killjoy,” Jess said.

CHAPTER
24