Read Online Nine Letters Long by J.C. Burke - Free Book Online

Someone isn’t speaking the truth.
    When Victoria returns with the coffee, Evie tries to catch her eye. But Victoria isn’t looking at Evie. She’s busy explaining what they’ll do.
    â€˜When the needle points to “YES”, then we may ask questions, but not before that. I will start the call and Evie will take over when Caz is present.’
    Ingy stands behind Nora’s chair. Nora’s nails tap each letter on the board.
    â€˜Humph. I don’t understand why we have to use this board,’ Nora mutters. ‘We never had to before. If this girl is so good, why can’t she just speak to her?’
    â€˜Because this is what Evie was doing when Caz spoke to her,’ Victoria explains. ‘So this is the method we should use.’
    Nora clicks her tongue. ‘I don’t know what a young girl would be doing playing with one of these, anyway.’
    Victoria ignores the comment. ‘Well, let’s see what happens.’
    Ingy kisses Nora on the head. ‘I’ll be waiting in the car.’
    â€˜Dear Ingy,’ Nora says as he closes the door. ‘He is my angel.’
    Back at the table, Victoria takes a match out of the box. ‘Evie, are you ready?’
    Evie wants to say, ‘No. I don’t like her. She shouldn’t be here.’ But she doesn’t.
    Victoria lights the candles. The wicks crackle as the match connects. The smell of sulphur mixed with the scent of Nora’s perfume drifts around them. Outside, the noise of the traffic seems to fade and disappear. The only sound is Victoria’s voice asking those at the table to link hands.
    Nora takes Evie’s left hand and grips it tightly, her nails pinching into the skin of her palm.
    â€˜Protect those that sit at this table,’ Victoria begins. ‘Guard them and keep them safe. We ask that this calling is safe and harmonious for all. We ask that you speak with us. That you come to us freely and with good will.’
    The group sits in silence. Evie is conscious of the air moaning in her throat.
    â€˜Our beloved daughter Caz,’ Victoria calls. ‘We summon you with the power of love and ask that you join us in our circle.’
    Victoria unlinks her hands, placing her finger on the heart-shaped pointer. Nora and Evie follow.
    â€˜We wait for you, dear Caz. With patience and good will.’
    Heads are lowered. Fingers sit on the pointer. They wait.
    It’s Nora’s perfume, but clean and sweet this time, that Evie smells. But how can it be Nora’s? It’s fresh and light like a florist’s in the morning. Evie’s eyes scan the room as she draws it in, the hairs in her nose tickling and twitching.
    It passes down her throat and into her chest, dissolving the weight that burdens her lungs. In – out, in – out; at last the air flows freely. In – out, in – out. The thoughts that lingered above her are now absorbed with each breath she takes. Message received. Now Evie understands. Caz is here. But she is hiding.
    Victoria calls to the spirit world again. ‘If you would, commune with us, dear Caz. Feel free to move among us. You are safe within our circle.’
    They wait. Nothing.
    â€˜This is ridiculous.’ Nora’s teeth are clenched. ‘Ridiculous using this board. Don’t waste my time. I won’t be going until I speak to my Caz!’
    â€˜Nora, please,’ Victoria says. ‘You must be quiet.’
    â€˜Hhhmph.’
    â€˜All help me circle the board with the needle,’ Victoria commands. ‘This may be needed to start things off.’
    Around and around the board their fingers move the planchette. ‘Beloved Caz, you are safe with us. Your mother is here. She wishes to hear you. To know you are at peace.’ Victoria nods to Nora.
    â€˜Come, my darling,’ Nora croons. ‘Come. Nu int’eleg . Nu int’eleg. Why will you not speak to Mamma.’
    Above Nora’s head,