Read Tortured Souls (The Orion Circle) for Free Online Page B

somewhere deep down he really did. He did mean it.”
    More tears fall and I’m unable to continue the story. Logan squeezes my hand, trying to offer comfort. When I look into his eyes, they contain such sorrow and a flicker of anger. Just knowing he was affected in such a way by my story fills me with warmth. It feels so good to have someone listen and not judge, not immediately call for a straightjacket.
    “Your wall is crumbling, Kacie,” Michelle says, her voice ringing in the quiet room. “We can teach you how to control your abilities so they don’t overwhelm you. You need to learn control before the dam bursts.”
    “Is that acceptable, Kacie?” Mr. Kincaid asks, “Will you allow us to help you with your abilities?”
    “I’m sick and tired of running and hiding from my abilities,” I say, somehow finding a well of courage within my heart. “I’d like to learn how to live with this, maybe even find a way to help people with it.”
    “All those in favor of initiating Kacie into the Orion Circle?” Mrs. Kincaid asks the group. ‘Ayes’ resound around the table. “Opposed?” Her question is met with silence. “Welcome to the group, Kacie,” she says with a brilliant smile. “We’ll continue the meeting now and introduce you to everyone later. Rebecca, I believe it’s your turn.”
    The brunette girl beside me shuffles through her notes, separating several from the pile and passing them to Mrs. Kincaid. Her brown hair is pulled back into a messy ponytail. She pushes her glasses back up the bridge of her nose before speaking.
    “Carl and I performed an investigation last weekend at the new bed and breakfast in the Queen Anne District. The owners were ecstatic to have us visit. They’re currently hyping their inn as one of the most haunted in Texas. We set up the equipment, did EVP sessions in every room and did client interviews. After careful review of the video and EVPs we have absolutely nothing, zip, nada.”
    She rises from her chair, placing her palms on the table. A bundle of nervous energy, she makes my pulse leap. After slapping the table she stalks over to the sitting area and grabs a leather messenger bag. The contents spill onto the table, papers flying everywhere.
    “The owners had an amazing amount of stories for such a brief ownership of the place. My research indicated they bought the place two years ago and took over a year to renovate. So they’ve only had guests for a few months. These were all written by Mrs. Anders. I haven’t read more than a few. There’s enough here for a series of novels, and they read like a script for a paranormal movie. They refused to provide any past guest info, stating privacy as the excuse. Our take is that it’s a complete sham. Not haunted in any way, shape or form. Before submitting the final report to HQ I’d like a medium to do a walkthrough.”
    “This is a good opportunity for you, Kacie,” Mrs. Kincaid says. “Logan, I’d like you to take this assignment along with Kacie. Call and make the arrangements with the owners for one night this weekend. Full written report by next Monday—don’t slough the report off on Kacie. Though I think my concern may be misplaced,” she adds with an innocent look on her face.
    “Daniel, your update on the chupacabra,” Mr. Kincaid prompts.
    I know Daniel, he’s in drama with me, though I had no idea he was into this kind of thing. Then the words sink in and I let out a small gasp. Chupacabra? Surely this must be a joke!
    “We investigate all manner of supernatural activity and encounters, Kacie. There is so much more out there than meets the eye,” Mr. Kincaid says.
    He must have noticed my utter disbelief. Daniel snorts before dropping his papers on the table.
    “Well, this one was a case of mistaken identity,” Daniel says, shrugging in what appears to be disappointment. He runs a hand through his short, messy black hair before continuing. “It turned out to be a cross between a pit