The Haunting of Highdown Hall by Shani Struthers Page B

couldn’t go to the light. She belonged to the Devil and perhaps always had done – since she had first felt that desire for stardom burn in her belly. All Lytton had done was to facilitate that bond.
    No, she would stay here: in her house, in her room, in the shadows, where it was safe. And if they came back, those wretched people, that man that squatted below, they would regret it. But for now she would rest. Gather her strength. She would need it.

Chapter Eight
     
    “What do you mean, she’s still here? I was given to understand you people were professionals, that you’d rid me of her.”
    “Mr Kierney...” Ruby started to appease, but Theo interrupted.
    “Mr Kierney, we have completed stage one of our investigations and in very many cases, stage one is sufficient. Sometimes, however, spirits dig their heels in, refuse to depart. There can be a number of reasons for this, which aren’t always obvious and so we need to delve further. But believe me when I say our concern is not just for Cynthia’s wellbeing but for yours too. We plan to go away, conduct more research and find out the reason behind her resistance. Armed with this knowledge, we will return to perform another cleansing, endeavouring to achieve a conclusion that is satisfactory for all.”
    Mr Kierney didn’t seem half as inclined to argue with Theo as he was with Ruby.
    “And what am I supposed to do in the meantime?” he muttered, his eyes refusing to meet the old lady’s, his mouth a grim line.
    “I believe you’re sleeping downstairs at the moment,” Theo continued, “and that you feel relatively safe doing so? I suggest you continue in that manner until we return.”
    “Or I could get another team in,” said Mr Kierney, rallying.
    “Indeed you could,” sanctioned Theo, “but Psychic Surveys has made significant progress with your case, whereas another team would have to start from scratch. I believe your best bet is to stick with us, although, of course, it’s your decision entirely.”
    His pallid complexion flushing red with fury, Mr Kierney conceded but not with good grace.
    “I want the entire use of my house!” he thundered. “And I want it soon. One more chance, that’s all I’m prepared to give you and at no extra cost to me.”
    “Mr Kierney, I...” Theo began, a rise in her voice signalling it was time for Ruby to butt back in.
    “One more chance is all we need Mr Kierney, we’re very grateful to you. I intend to devote myself personally to this case, to find out what the problem is, what grounds Cynthia. We’ll be back as soon as possible to try again – later this week or early the week after.”
    “You’d better!” Mr Kierney growled before indicating he’d like them to leave.
    Outside, Corinna turned to Ruby.
    “Bloody idiot! Why didn’t you just tell him to get lost?”
    “First, because it wouldn’t do Cynthia any good, and second, Mr Kierney’s a journalist. If we fail to evict Cynthia, he could use the media to harm our reputation considerably. We’ve spent two years getting people to take Psychic Surveys seriously; we don’t want the work that we do devalued by an arrogant arse like him.”
    At the thought of everything she’d worked so hard for suddenly being under threat, Ruby started to feel emotional and – psychic, sensitive or not – all around her felt it.
    “Mr Kierney said there’s a pub somewhere close?” Cash reached out his hand to rest lightly on Ruby’s shoulder.
    “Yes,” confirmed Ness, “I passed it on my way here, The Rainbow Inn it’s called . Follow me, I’ll lead the way.”
    ***
    A typical Sussex country pub, the taller among them had to duck as they entered The Rainbow Inn, its doorway was so low. Inside, the ceiling, complete with blackened oak beams, was also low. The sense of enclosure, however, ensured an intimate and cosy atmosphere, a respite from the weather. The bar shone like a beacon in the gloom, and on the chalkboard menu a member of staff with