Page 58 of Ghost in the Night

“Let’s check the next room,” I say finally. It’s the room that faces Calhoun Square, where I took the picture, wheremost of the windowpanes are missing. “This was where I saw the ghost,” I say, staring out into the dark empty square, the large trees blocking most of the streetlights. Everything looks covered in shadows. I think of all the ancestors buried underneath the brick walkways, benches, and lawns, wondering if they’re watching us. Are they mad or do they need our help?

The meter whistles a sound at yellow.

“Okay, let’s do this,” I say, breaking out of my trance and pulling out my camera.

Myah grabs the dowsing rods, holding one in each hand. She straightens her back and takes a deep breath, mumbling some words, like a prayer.

I set my phone down to voice record. “We might not hear him, but this might pick up something. Whatever sounds we catch will help.”

“Got it,” she says, turning off her flashlight.

“Okay. You call to him and I’ll start taking pictures.”

Myah agrees, seeming nervous, but rolls her shoulders back and starts.

“Spirits, hear me,” she says in a dramatic voice. “Spirits, hear me!”

I stare at her and she frowns.

“What?”

“Girl. Be so for real right now.”

She sighs. “Okay, okay. Ummm … is there anyone with us right now?”

The rods don’t move.

“Is anyone with us?” Myah asks again. And again. Nothing.

“These things ain’t working,” she grumbles.

“Keep trying. Or … maybe just talk to Mr. Truman.”

Myah swallows hard and nods. “Okay. Mr. Truman, are you with us? Tim Truman?”

I hold my breath, waiting. No answer.

I grab Robby’s robot tank and the controller monitor. Robby had hooked up the thermal meter so it could sense temperature spots in the room. The monitor clicks to life, but the robot doesn’t move. I tap a few buttons and suck my teeth.

“Dang. Is anyone here?” Myah asks.

The rods swing and we gasp.

Myah smiles wide, her face brightening. “Okay, okay. So, is this Mr. Truman?”

The rods swing again, back and forth, then point to the door.

I gasp. “Hey! I think he wants us to follow.”

This is it. This is really it!

“Go,” I whisper.

Myah steps cautiously into the hall, following the swinging rods. She walks right next door into the windowless room.

“Harmony,” Myah cries, voice quivering.

“Coming!” I shout, grabbing my bag and the robot and running after her. I quickly turn on both flashlights, facing them up to the ceiling, which lights up the whole place.