“In my encounters he has always seemed kind of like a gentle giant with no anger regarding what happened to him as a result of the past. At least none that was directed at any of us including Kat.” I’m satisfied with the answer as it lands in the air. It rings true, and while I have fears that I’m incorrect, I mostly trust my gut. “But is there any chance that he could still be possessed?”
“I’d be lying if I said I’d ever dealt with anything quite like this. This isn’t your garden variety ghost. Mary is an anomaly,” Ian demurrs with a frustrated shrug.
“Best guess?” Kayla prods, pushing away the cursed coffee.
“I would guess that it would take all her efforts to just remain inside Kat, eclipsing her personality long term,” he intones warily. “I’m sure you can imagine why I am circumspect.”
“I wonder how long she can keep this up?” I ask, knowing that neither of them will know, but still finding comfort in voicing it, as if the universe could answer me. “Is this what she wants to do? Is this it? Just possess Kat for the rest of her life?”
“I can’t imagine that it is the endgame,” Ian offers, running his hand through his unruly curls. “There has to be more. I don’t care how powerful she is, all paranormal runs on energy, and she cannot inhabit Kat continuously without a source of fuel, and she cannot possibly be appearing in mirrors while possessing someone so thoroughly.”
With a collective nod we rise and make our way back to Kayla’s rental car at the hotel. I spend the ride to Revere texting anyone in my circle of builders who may know where Mario lives. Eventually I have an address to give to Kayla and before long she is pulling up to a humble, single-story home. It’s dingy wooden panels are stained an off white with age, making the bright red door spookier than it ought to be. White oleander further illustrated the drabness of the paint which grew in an unruly swathe, licking up at the jutted box kitchen window.
I look at Kayla briefly and she just snorts. “I know what you're thinking and you can stop right now. I’m coming.”
“We don’t know what we are about to face,” I say carefully.
“My vagina doesn’t render me into helpless maidenhood.” She smiles at me, her eyes thanking me for my concern, even as her words slash at me and I grin back and nod.
We climb out and approach, our feet crackling on the gravel, acting like a sentry announcing our arrival. I shrug and don’t bother to try and be lighter footed as I plod up to the door and rap upon it decisively.
We all stare at each other nervously as we hear a heavy footfall approach and the door swings open. Mario towers there, his face takes us in askance as the silence hangs turgidly over all of us.
“We need to talk about Kat,” I say finally, to which he breathes in deeply and begins to slam the door. I throw my foot out, thankful for my work boots as it stops the violent motion without breaking my toe. “I’m afraid I can’t take no for an answer.”
“Move your fucking foot, man,” he warns, his teeth clenched together. They are white like the oleander that’s invaded his yard, but hopefully not as dangerous. “I don’t have anything to say to you.”
“We know you’re involved with what’s happening,” Ian speaks, his deep voice authoritative as he comes to stand next to me, and the aggressive stance it creates isn’t lost on any of us. “Kat is in danger and unfortunately our avenues of investigation on how to help her have led here. I’m afraid that you’re the last lead we have.”
“You don’t know what you’re talking about,” Mario says, shaking his head with disgust. “You need to leave. There is no need for this to get physical, but it will if you persist.”
“Funny that you don’t threaten to call the cops,” Kayla starts up behind us. “Perhaps you don’t want their attention on you.”
“Kayla, get out of here,” his voice is more tender with her, even if the words aren’t.
“We aren’t leaving,” I say, hoping my voice is as immutable sounding as I feel.
He throws his hands up in exasperation and while I’m watching the movement he quickly launches himself at us. Before I can react, Ian steps to the side and uses Mario’s momentum to catch him from behind, grabbing his arm and pulling it awkwardly backwards until it’s at an unnatural angle in the air. His large fingers are splayed uncomfortably as Ian uses his arms to immobilize him, pulling up as he struggles.
I look around quickly, thinking the police may come whether or not we want them to if any of the neighbors are watching any of this extraordinarily shady looking exchange.
“I can break your arm or we can go inside and chat,” Ian says evenly as he starts to force Mario around towards his open door. “We know about Mary. Help us.”
Mario immediately slackens, his breath quickening. “OK.”
Kayla and I look at each other in surprise. “Are you going to attack us the second he lets go of you?” I ask carefully, leaning down to meet eyes with Mario.
“Nope,” he says simply, voice remarkably earnest, even bent forth in discomfort.
Ian looks at me questioningly and I spread my hands, palms up and shrug, which he takes to be consent to release him. Once free, Mario slowly straightens up to full height, with Ian standing tensley, watching him with keen eyes.
“Come in,” he chuckles, exaggeratedly motioning at the entrance. “Anyone want a beer?”
“Shit, I’ll take one,” Kayla says with a rapid shrug before strutting into the house,
