Free Tanners Dell: Darkly Disturbing Occult Horror by Sarah England Page A

this place did used to be a prison, Becky, and maybe Ruby knew that and was trying it on? Or maybe she’s trying to spook the other patients, I don’t know.”
    “Or she could really be clairvoyant? I knew she was suffering with something!”
    “Well, I can’t see Dr Hardy swallowing that one, can you? Anyway, Ruby’s calmed down a bit now she’s seen Celeste, so whatever Celeste did was all good.”
    “Yes, I think Celeste should be allowed to visit again. We don’t have to tell Isaac she’s a medium or he’ll be the one to freak. I just think we should do whatever helps her, don’t you? Claire will agree with me, I know she will. Anyway, apparently it’s quite common for people with DID to be psychic. Did you know that?”
    Uncomfortably aware that the other people on the bus had gone quiet; Becky dropped her voice to a whisper. “I can’t really talk. Was there anything else?”
    “Yes. Emily said Ruby had mentioned a satanic baptism, that ‘she’ would be thirteen soon; and that ‘he’ knows but they’ve paralysed him – although she didn’t say who.”
    “Pardon? Do you think she means Callum? Oh my God! Paralysed?”
    “Don’t go freaking on me! We’re talking Ruby here!”
    “Sorry Noel, but I’m afraid I believe in Ruby. She’s not been wrong yet.”
    “Oh, I wish I hadn’t told you now, I really do. I’m up to my neck in it here.”
    “Is everything else okay?” she asked, trying to keep her voice steady.
    “Only just – we’re hanging by a thread. So how is he? Callum?”
    “Still unconscious. He was talking when he was picked up but now he’s just out for the count and he’s not even sedated.”
    “He’ll come round. It’s only been a couple of days and he was missing for a week! He’s in the best place. Try to keep calm, Becks. What are you doing now?”
    “I’m on my way to Woodsend,” she hissed, with her hand partly over her mouth. “They’ve stopped the investigation and I want to see what I’m up against.”
    “Oh my good God! Do you really think that’s wise? What do you think you’ll achieve doing that? Look at what’s happened to everyone who’s been there and one of them a big hairy-arsed detective! I don’t believe I’m hearing this, Becky.”
    “I’m just going to return Celeste’s call, and then have a look round while I’m out that way. I want the case re-opened and I want to find Alice.”
    “Closed the case? I didn’t know that. Are you serious?”
    “Listen, Noel, I’ll call you later. I promise I won’t do anything other than have a walk around. I want to be back here before it gets dark anyway. I’m not leaving Callum overnight.”
    “I’m not happy about this.”
    “No, neither am I. But there really is only me left and if I don’t do something this will go on and on. Anyway, I really can’t talk here so I’ll ring you when I’m on the bus back, okay? Then you’ll know I’m safe.”
    She ended the call, then rang Celeste.
    “No!” Celeste shrieked. “You mustn’t go on your own.” She sounded out of breath. “Just a minute, love, I’m walking up to the front door. I’ve been to see Ruby like you said. Look, Becky, listen to me – don’t go on your own. Don’t go near that old mill in Bridesmoor, and do you hear me, don’t go talking to the Deans either. You don’t know what you’re dealing with. ”
    “Actually, I think I do.”
    “Who’s the pretty lady in hospital? White skin? Blonde hair? Kay?”
    “Erm…blimey…it could be Kristy Silver. Why?”
    “She needs your help. Badly. Urgently. There’s a link here, I’m sure. The nurse in charge there – I think you know her?”
    Taken aback, Becky nodded. “Um, Nora, yes.”
    “Where are you now?”
    “On the bus. I’m getting off at The Druid Inn. Why?”
    “Oh no, you mustn’t. Look Becky, I live in Cloudside. You’ll pass it on your way. Please, trust me – get off a stop early and come to see me instead. At least hear me out first,