Blackvine Manor Mystery by Wendy Meadows

each drawer, unable to stop herself.
    Keeping her breathing slow and even, Alexis takes stock of what is happening. A spirit is determined to show her the ease with which he is able to take what isn’t his.
    “Fenton,” she whispers though her voice sounds strange.
    Alexis starts to struggle, willing him to leave her body, clenching her fists though an unseen force still moves them. She lurches into the bathroom, facing the mirror in the dark. A man with salt and pepper hair smoothes down the part in their hair before smiling wickedly.
    “Accomplice,” Alexis hears herself whisper.
    Using all her strength, she forces herself to turn on the faucet. Her arms push back as she tries to lean down but finally she wins. Splashing cold water on her face, she cries out triumphantly. The spirit leaves her body and she is left standing in her absent neighbor’s apartment with the water running.
    “Alexis?” a timid voice calls from the door.
    She pats her face dry quickly and meets George at the door, turning on lights as she goes. “Hi, George. What are you doing up so late?”
    “I was sleeping, until my EMF meter went crazy. What are you doing?” He is peering over her shoulder, dressed in striped pajamas and thick socks.
    “Taking care of the Johnsons’ plants.” She catches his cocked eyebrow and realizes there are no plants in the apartment.
    He ruffles his black, curly hair. “At two in the morning?”
    Alexis has a sinking feeling. She didn’t get rid of Fenton’s spirit; he abandoned her to take the blame. If she’s arrested for stealing then she won’t be digging around at Blackvine Manor, seeing and hearing things he might not want her to know. Glancing down, she is horrified to see Mrs. Johnson’s rings decorating each of her fingers. She slips her hands in the front pocket of her sweatshirt before giving George a sheepish look.
    “I guess if anyone would believe me, it’d be you.”

Chapter Nineteen
    “ A LICE , THIS IS THE FRIEND I was telling you about. Alexis, this is Alice Manetti.” George rubs his hands together, excited for the introduction.
    Alice Manetti, the psychic medium, reaches out a hand and gives Alexis a strong shake. The diminutive woman quickly makes herself at home in Alexis’ studio apartment, tossing off her red leather coat and unwrapping an excessively long silk scarf from her neck. Underneath she is wearing a long-sleeved black sweater and black jeans. Silver bangle bracelets and her bright white pixie cut hair flash as she moves around the room.
    “Did George tell you I’ve been here before?” She doesn’t wait for anyone to answer. “Except you are having different experiences than the other woman.”
    Shaking back the silver bangles, Alice takes Alexis’ hands. “You are hearing things and seeing things. For such a new discovery you are accepting it very well.”
    “My mother had similar experiences and I have her sort of diary.” Alexis finds herself opening it up as she looks down into Alice’s bright black eyes.
    “Yes, yes, it’s good to have a reference. Though there is always a gap between pages and practice. We will practice.” She pats Alexis’ hand and pulls her down onto the red sofa.
    Alice begins breathing in deep, audible breaths, encouraging Alexis to join her. They breathe and exhale; Alexis feeling herself focusing until George comes clattering across the room with his video camera.
    “Sorry, don’t mind me.”
    Alice waves a hand at him. “George films some of my client conversations as payment for the séance I performed here. The energy in here is rather different this time.”
    She releases Alexis’ hand and claps her own, holding them up as if they are still reverberating cymbals. Alice then listens, turning her head slowly and deliberately, before clapping again.
    “Yes, yes, we will get to all of that. First, though, you have no ritual. You have no way.” Alice turns her sharp eyes on Alexis again. “You cannot control when