Witching Time (The Wild Hunt #14) - Yasmine Galenorn Page 0,47

They went out of their way to be careful, and they have very strict standards on patient care.”

“I need the information for a friend, but yes, it’s a similar situation to the one you went through with Jacob. Shadow Oaks Safe Haven? Thank you. Meanwhile, why don’t you text me some times that you’re free during the next couple of weeks and we’ll meet for lunch and catch up.”

“I’d like that,” Ronita said. “I’ll let you go now—I can sense your worry. But I’ll text you a few dates and we’ll play catch-up.”

Relieved, I ended the call and then pulled up a browser and, using the VOX software, searched on Shadow Oaks Safe Haven. Sure enough, they were still in business and had a five-star rating on Yan-to, an internet rating service for businesses. I turned back to Rain.

“I may have found the help you need. It’s a sanatorium of sorts. They helped an acquaintance of mine years ago—her husband was possessed. They’ve got a high rating for services.” I texted her the website and she brought it up.

“Do they work with humans?” she asked.

“It looks like it,” I said, scanning the site. “While they specialize in caring for Cryptos who are unable to care for themselves due to magical issues, they also take on cases where someone’s been hit by a hex or a curse…or someone who’s been possessed. And they have qualified experts on hand who can often help remove the affliction. Ronita had to commit her husband. They managed to exorcise the spirit and he’s home and happy now.”

Rain burst into tears. “I can’t believe it’s come to this.” She caught her breath, then sighed. “I suppose this is the best answer. I certainly can’t take care of her. But, Raven, how can this have happened? How come we didn’t notice that she was possessed before this?”

“You did, actually. But it sounds like you just thought Marigold was changing. What reason would you have to think she was possessed? It wasn’t like she was spinning her head and spewing vomit like in The Exorcist. She was just…gruffer and a little more snide and…”

“Yeah, and distant. I thought maybe she was falling out of love with me, to be honest.” Rain was weeping in earnest now. “I was afraid to say anything because I didn’t want to hear her say that she wanted a divorce.”

“Oh, Rain,” I said, pulling her in for a hug. “I’m so sorry. Why don’t you call them? Until we can figure out what’s going on, she needs care that you can’t give her.”

“Will you help me make the call?” Rain asked.

I nodded. “Come sit at our booth. Llew’s almost sold out his goods and it will be easier with both of us there for support.”

We headed back over to the booth.

Llew was all for the idea. “If they need to know the technicalities, put me on the phone and I can help somewhat. I don’t know what’s possessing her, but I know the lingo to use.”

Rain called Shadow Oaks and between her and Llew, they explained what was going on. After a few minutes, she hung up. “They’re sending an ambulance. I’d like to clear the fairgrounds. I don’t want anybody to see them come in. Can you help me?”

“Yes, we can. Do you have a loudspeaker?”

“Over there,” Rain said, pointing to a jerry-built PA system.

I picked up the microphone and cleared my throat. “Will everyone please exit the fairgrounds. There’s a minor emergency—everyone is safe, don’t worry, but we need to close the fair down right now.”

Rain cleared her throat. “Tell them if they show their ticket from today, they can return for free tomorrow night.”

“I wouldn’t make promises you don’t know if you can keep,” I said to her. “You don’t know what’s going to be happening tomorrow night.”

Rain sighed. “All right. I’ll trust your judgment.”

I asked Llew to run on up to the house and wait with Marigold. “Ask Kipa to come back here while you’re at it, please.”

He took off. Meanwhile, Evie and Dray approached us, both looking wan and worried.

“Kipa wouldn’t let us stay with Mom,” Evie said. “What’s happening?”

“We need to clear the fairgrounds. Don’t worry, please. Just ask everyone to leave.” I motioned to some of the stragglers. “Ask them to check back later in the week to see if you’re able to reopen.”

Dray jumped to it, dragging Evie with him. They cleared out everybody, including the vendors, and fifteen minutes later, the fair was closed.