Back in Stella's suite, Lou eagerly peered over Dave's and Walter's shoulders at their work in progress. On film, Father O'Leary appeared distinguished, and he sounded honorable as he spoke. His presence would only amplify the pilot episode's integrity.
"Looks good," Lou said.
"Better than good," Dave replied. "Honest. We've got great stuff to work with. And with the footage at the house later today . . . the network will be tripping over themselves to sign us."
Lou jutted a thumbs-up between the two and then joined Stella in the sitting area. "What do you think?"
"It's a horrible and heartbreaking story."
He lowered his chin. "What should we do about the boys?"
"Obviously, we need to tell them the details of Father O'Leary's interview."
"I was thinking we should show them some of the footage. Let them hear the priest's words for themselves."
She clasped her hands and fidgeted with her wedding ring. "Yes. That's probably the best choice."
Glancing at his watch, he said, "We have two hours until we meet the guy with the key. I can call them over now."
"That's fine. We can order lunch from room service."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, it's fine. Please, call them. I think they should watch the footage here."
"Okay." He swiped his phone from the coffee table. "What about Jared's house? Are you going?"
She eyed him with an incredulous squint. "Are you kidding? Of course I am. Why wouldn't I?"
"I wasn't sure." He chuckled at her facial expression and then looked at his phone. "I had to ask."
"After what Father O'Leary told us, I'm just as curious as everyone to see what's etched into the floor under Jared's bed."
* * *
Conner sat with his hands casually situated on the crown of his head. In the driver's seat, Trevor rested his forearms on the steering wheel. Adam slouched in the back seat, his knees raised and feet on the seat. Silently, they stared straight ahead at the hotel as if each dreaded being the first to speak. What did the priest say that was so important that Lou thought they should watch the video? The question festered like a small open wound begging for attention in order to properly heal.
Once the heat inside the car fogged the windshield's view of the hotel, Conner glanced at his buddies. "Are you guys ready?"
"Uh, huh," Trevor muttered.
Adam wedged himself between the two front seats. "I'm nervous. And kinda scared."
"It's okay." Conner nibbled on his thumb. "Me too."
Trevor swiped his hand across the thin film of moisture on the windshield, then turned off the engine. "Lou said it was important."
"We wanted to hear what the priest had to say,” Conner said. “Now we finally get to."
Trevor twisted his body to the side. "Whatever we find out, we're in this together. No matter what, we'll help each other through this."
He gripped the back of Adam's neck, bringing their heads together. Conner leaned in to meet them. It was reminiscent of their typical huddle before every big game, where silent connection provided encouragement and support.
"Brothers," Trevor said.
Adam and Conner repeated the sentiment. Then they separated and got out of the car.
Conner shook Lou's hand as he entered Stella's suite, shrugging off his coat while he said hello to Dave and Walter with a slight head nod. As he approached the sofa, Stella appeared from the kitchenette.
"The food's here," she said, gesturing to the dining table. "I think we should eat before we watch the footage. We can tell you about Father O'Leary's interview and answer any questions you might have."
Dave and Walter had to be coaxed from their makeshift studio at the corner desk. Because the table sat six, Lou situated an armchair between Stella and Conner. Once everyone was seated and the food was handed out, a hush fell over the group.
Naturally, Adam pinched a few fries from his plate and was the first to eat.
Stella smiled in an obvious attempt to brighten the mood. "Well, the three of you made it easy by ordering the same turkey club sandwich."
Conner couldn't muster an immediate response. It was as if his parents had sat him and his brother down to tell them bad news. He simply returned a half-hearted smile as he pulled the toothpick from each portion of his sandwich.
She removed the bacon from her salad. "How do you guys—"
"What did the priest say?" Adam asked.
Trevor emitted a muffled chuckle, and Conner smirked at Adam's bluntness. Their buddy's direct approach to the issue at hand instantly removed the unease that had sat at the table like an unwanted guest.
Lou dipped a golden-brown chicken strip into honey mustard. "Okay. So, let's talk about the case. We basically have the full story about Jared, save the trip to the house. Are there specific details the three of you would like to hear?"
Conner straightened his posture. "Um. What's the footage that you want us to watch?"
Chewing, Lou replied, "The Father's recollection of the exorcism." He swallowed, then pressed a napkin to his lips. "It's important."
"Important how?" Trevor asked. "Important to us three?"
Lou nodded. "I think it'll make sense when you see it."
"Yes," Stella said. "We thought it would be best if you viewed the footage with us. Not when it airs on television."
Adam asked, "Is it bad?"
"Well, I don't know if I'd say it was bad." She glanced at Lou. "I'm not sure what I would consider it. But it involves you. Therefore, you should see it for yourselves."
Lou agreed. "For now, let's eat. And if you guys would like hear details about the case, we're more than happy to share them with you. And if you have any questions, hopefully we can answer them."
"Now that you've interviewed the priest," Conner said, "you can tell us about Lake Bantam. I mean, that's where it all started, right?"
"Yeah, that's where it started."
"Because of that man."
"Yeah."
"He cursed Jared or whatever, right?"
Clasped hands against her chin, Stella said,
