Chapter 11
When the lights came back on a few minutes later, Randy found Sherry huddled in a chair, sobbing. Gina was leaning against the wall, her face pale, her eyes large and frightened.
"I take back all the snide comments I ever made about ghosts," Gina said in a feeble voice. "And I'll never knock them again."
"It was an interesting experience," Randy admitted, "but I still think there's an explanation." He patted Sherry reassuringly on the shoulder. "Everything is all right now. Stay with her," he told Gina. "I'm going to cheek on Ava and Groton."
Randy glanced at his watch as he left the library. It was only ten-thirty, and the whole night still lay before them. He was deeply concerned about Sherry. Her superficial nonchalance had crumbled during the nerve-shattering experiences, revealing a frightened girl on the verge of hysteria. He wasn't certain she could survive another few minutes like those they'd just gone through without severe after-effects. Gina had revealed a strong character, however and despite her nervousness, Randy knew she would be all right. As for himself, he had to admit he was shaken. Illusion or not, that thing outside the door...
Randy found the kitchen empty. He called Groton's name a few times and, getting no response, went up the staircase and knocked on Ava's door. She opened it a moment later, wearing a nightgown. As usual, her face was cool and composed.
"Don't tell me you slept through the last few minutes," he said.
"No. I just lay here in bed with the door locked. I told you earlier, it doesn't want me whatever it is it wants Sherry. I damn sure wasn't going to go out in the hall and say hello to it. What did you expect me to do?"
Her defensive reaction made Randy study her face with suspicion. "This ... this thing didn't bang on your door?"
Ava shivered. "It banged on everything, from the sound it made. Sherry's all right, isn't she?"
"Just shaken up seriously. I don't think she can survive another episode like that without a breakdown."
Ava smiled thinly. "She can always leave the house tonight, can't she?"
"She can," Randy said, "but I doubt very much that she will. Sherry is a very stubborn person. Instead of her leaving, I have another suggestion. I want you to stay with her tonight."
Ava's eyebrows raised sharply. "Why me? Why not Gina? In fact, why not you?" she added with a knowing grin.
"Let's just say I have a hunch Sherry will be safe with you. How about it?"
Ava bit her lip. "I can't very well object, can I?"
"Not without sounding as if you'd like to see her come to harm. Incidentally, have you seen Groton?"
"No. He's probably in the basement, if he's just changed fuses. The lights are always going out in this house. The wiring is old and needs fixing."
"One more question, Ava. Where are the bolt-cutters?"
"Bolt-cutters? We don't have any bolt-cutters."
"Groton said you know where they are."
Ava smiled tautly. "Groton isn't always with it to put it mildly. He's quite stupid and confused."
"I see," said Randy, completely unconvinced. "I'll send Sherry up in a minute."
"Pleasant dreams, Doctor," Ava said, closing the door.
Randy descended the staircase slowly and thoughtfully. He was certain Sherry would be safe with Ava. No harm would be-likely to come to one without involving the other. And if his instincts were correct, Ava wasn't about to try something while Randy placed Sherry in her custody.
Hoping that this line of reasoning was sound, Randy entered the library. He told Sherry that he'd arranged to have Ava spend the night with her, and she responded with a lifeless nod of her head. He went over to her and examined her eyes carefully. Their usual bright sparkle was gone, replaced by dull fear.
"Do you have any sleeping pills?" he asked her.
She nodded.
"Take two tonight," he said, "and don't worry. I'm positive nothing more will happen. At least not tonight, anyway. Come on, we'll escort you upstairs."
Randy took one arm and Gina took the other. Together they led her upstairs, her small body shivering all the way. Ava was waiting outside her door.
"Take good care of her," Randy warned Ava. "If anything should happen to her, and not to you ... "
Ava glanced at him sharply, but said nothing. She led Sherry inside her room and shut the door, locking it.
"What makes you so certain she'll be safe with Ava?" Gina asked him. "And that nothing more will happen tonight?"
"On both counts, just say instinct tells me," said Randy. "I think you ought to go to bed, too. And lock your door and place a chair beneath the knob."
Gina's eyes flashed. "Oh no, you don't. If you think I'm going to spend the night by myself after what happened, you'd better see a psychiatrist. I'm going with you and that's final."
Randy sighed, remembering the frenzied activities of the day. More than anything in the world, he needed a good night's sleep. But he had Gina's safety to consider, too.
"All right, Gina. But let me warn you in advance. We're going to sleep, period." Randy stifled a tremendous yawn.
"You poor thing," said Gina, taking his hand and leading him to his door. "You're exhausted. Frankly, I'm pretty tired myself. Besides," she added, opening the door, "you're forgetting my promise not to chase you anymore. I agree that this should be strictly a safety measure."
While Gina locked the door, Randy undressed. A minute later he slid in between the cool, clean sheets, feeling deliciously drowsy. He watched
Gina undress without a twinge of desire. It felt strange to see her loveliness, her high, firm breasts and flawless, creamy skin, without wanting to stroke and caress her. He did feel a strong desire to hold her, though, to revel in her warmth and affection. And when she turned out the lights and crawled into bed beside him, completely naked, he
did just that.
After a minute, Gina spoke, her voice as soft as the rustle of silk.
"Randy? I want you to know something. That promise I made, well, to tell you the truth, I changed my mind. If you like, I'll do all the chasing. In fact, I think I'll start right now. Randy? Randy."
He was already in a deep sleep.