Whispering Hearts by Cassandra Chandler Page A

is still a very scary thought,” Elsa said. “Being surrounded by people you can’t see.”
    She wasn’t kidding. Garrett would make a dozen more of those poppet things. Hell, he’d make Rachel a dress out of them.
    â€œWhat can we do to help?” Elsa asked.
    Garrett listened with keen interest.
    Rachel wiped her face dry with the back of her hand and seemed to melt into Garrett’s chest, her tension flowing out of her. He hoped she couldn’t feel his heart beating, fast and urgent.
    â€œJust knowing you believe me—knowing I’m not the only one with a gift—really helps. Thank you.”
    â€œOf course. I still wish there was more we could do.”
    â€œDon’t worry about me.”
    â€œI do not wish to add to an already tense subject,” Dante said, “but I must inquire… Is Elsa safe when she travels? If there are spirits about that she might encounter while outside her physical form, some of whom may be dangerous, I would rather we know and address the situation.”
    â€œI’ve never heard of people running into ghosts during astral journeys,” Rachel said. “Maybe they’re on a different wavelength or something. The bigger issue is protecting your body while you’re journeying.”
    â€œI always make sure I’m in a locked room when I travel and I’m the only one with a key.”
    Rachel’s brow knit together and she cast a glance at Garrett that was not reassuring. “I meant protect your body from possession. Florida is filled with spirits. An unoccupied body is easy pickings for any coherent ghost. They just step right in. If a spirit’s personality is strong enough, they can even possess occupied bodies.”
    Garrett felt a chill shoot down his spine. How many times had Elsa left her body unattended, flirting with disaster without even realizing it?
    â€œThat is a most alarming bit of information,” Dante said. “What can we do to protect her?”
    â€œFirst you stay calm,” Garrett said. “Stress won’t help with your recovery.”
    â€œShe just needs to refrain from traveling,” Rachel said. “Until I can make a talisman to protect her.”
    â€œYou know how to do that?” Elsa asked.
    â€œI have a pretty good idea. I’ll research it more to be sure. I’ll need materials, but I’ll take care of it. Don’t worry. You just focus on taking care of Dante.”
    â€œThank you,” Dante said.
    â€œYes, thanks. And thank you for telling us, Rachel. I know how hard it can be to open up about these things. But secrets between friends aren’t a good idea. Not like these.”
    Rachel nodded. “I’m starting to see that. You guys take care, okay?”
    â€œYou too.”
    Rachel disconnected the call and immediately dialed another number. She didn’t put the phone on speaker, but lifted it to her ear instead.
    â€œHey, Jazz. Yeah. Yeah, I know. Yes, I should have called sooner. I’ve been distracted.”
    Rachel rose to her knees, which took her out of Garrett’s arms. He tried to hide his disappointment. She was focused enough on her call that she didn’t seem to notice.
    â€œI need your help. I’m going to text you a list of things I need from Bookwyrm. Yes, the hippie bookstore you like. Yes, I’ve been there. Well, I never mentioned it because… Look, I’ll explain when you bring me the things on the list.” She rolled her eyes at Garrett and shook her head. “Can you bring it to Garrett’s house this afternoon? I’m staying with him for a while. Yes, I left my mother’s house.”
    Garrett could hear Jazz’s enthusiastic response from two feet away. Rachel moved the phone from her ear. She sighed when she started listening to Jazz again.
    â€œI know, I should have done it sooner. I’ll explain everything when you get here. Okay. Thanks!