Windkill

Once again, the family moved to the entrance of the valley. This time only the spiritualist and director accompanied them if a person could ignore the cameras circling for a canted look at the proceedings.

The personal interviews were done, Marilyn by far the most talkative of the family, while the rest put a brave face on the adventure they were about to have. A person watching the show was blind if they could not see the separation of the family, how they moved away from the mother and protected the father.

They were committed now, Mark knew. The Ottinger family was going into the valley on the verge of an internal civil war. Dolan was once again certain the ghosts were active. Brock wanted the show to be postponed. Even Anthony, a staunch disbeliever, was having second thoughts about the wisdom of this show.

It could not be better. Mark had to work to keep from smiling; this was going to be the best show they ever produced. It was going to make national news.

Ten minutes of reasoned talking brought Dolan back to his initial promise of teaching a prayer to the victims. Mark could not fault the psychics concerns, but it had nothing to do with a television show.

The family was quiet as they stood before Dolan.

“I want you to know something important,” Dolan spoke in a gentle tone. “In all the time I have been with this show, I have never needed to tell the contestants anything. I have never needed to warn the director. I have never been worried about the welfare of the contestants.” Slowly Dolan walked the line formed by the family and touched them all as he spoke. He patted Marilyn’s shoulder, recoiling slightly. Bob shook his hand, as did Bryon. He gave Cynthia a hug, the perfect gentleman. When he reached Cal, the black man stopped and placed his hands to Cal’s face, his touch hot, clearing away the racing thoughts that nagged at Cal. “Tonight I am worried.”

“You are going into a valley where I have seen the effects of the explosions. I have watched the ghosts perform their last second of life. I have seen their pain and heard their cries.” He let go of Cal. “You need all your strength to survive this night with your mind and soul intact. Forget the everyday worries. Forget any argument you have had with your loved ones. Concentrate on survival.”

With agonizing precision, Dolan rolled the sleeve of his jacket, then shirt up to his elbow. Holding his arm up, they all saw the scar. “Don’t listen to what the fools might say; ghosts can hurt you. If you let them take control of you, they will hurt you. This is my reminder to keep a distance mentally and physically. Don’t be like me and find out the truth the hard way.”

Stepping back, Dolan gained an authoritative air. “We will not give you some mumbo-jumbo incantation to say before going into the valley. The danger is so great that I am giving you a prayer that will help you when the need arises. So, repeat after me…”