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Sage’s eyes widened. “It’s an epidemic.”
“It might become one soon if we don’t stop it.” No pressure, Lorelei. “I appreciate you coming over on such short notice. What do I owe you?”
“Are you kidding? I would’ve dropped anything to see the inside of this place.” She glanced at Renee. “And to help someone in need, of course. I’m only sorry I couldn’t do more.”
“If you hear about anyone else in this situation, will you let me know?”
“Of course. Wow. I hope this doesn’t become the new normal. A town full of comatose people would make this a very dull place.” She hefted the strap of the bag over her shoulder. “Peace out.”
Sage left the bedroom, leaving me alone with Renee and Ray. The ghost stared down at his daughter with a forlorn expression that poked my ribcage.
“Why don’t I text Alicia now and tell her to bring an overnight bag? That way she’ll be here in time for dinner.”
“I would appreciate that, Lorelei. Thank you.”
I started toward the bedroom doorway.
“I know this is your sanctuary and I don’t mean to intrude, but would you mind if I stay with her?”
I thought of Pops and how desperate he would’ve been to remain by my side in times of trouble. “Stay with her as long as you want,” I said.
“If she doesn’t make it,” he began, “I want you to make sure she crosses over. Don’t let her stick around for Alicia. I know she’ll want to.”
I glanced at him over my shoulder. “I won’t let her stay.”
He nodded solemnly. “I knew I could count on you for that.”
“I’m not giving up hope, Ray, and neither should you.”
He hovered beside his daughter. “I won’t. If I abandon hope, then I abandon her.”
Unfortunately, I knew that feeling all too well.
CHAPTER15
“What’s wrong with my mom?” Alicia asked. She’d arrived at the Castle with a duffel bag and her school backpack, no questions asked until now. She sat at the kitchen table with a plate dotted with chicken nuggets and a dollop of ketchup in the center.
I glanced at the plate. “Did you design a summoning circle?”
Alicia beamed proudly. “Yep. That’s the blood.” She pointed to the ketchup. “Do we need to summon someone to help my mom?”
“We’re not summoning anyone,” I said firmly. “We’re trying to help your mom another way. There’s some sort of sleep issue going around that seems to have affected her. For now, it’s best if the two of you stay here.”
Alicia perked up. “Is it a spell like inSleeping BeautyorSnow White? Do we need to find a prince to kiss her? Because Prince Harry lives in America now. I bet he’d come if we asked him.”
“A spell was one theory, but it’s been crossed off the list.”
Alicia nibbled thoughtfully on a nugget. “She’s been really sleepy lately. Even when she sleeps all night without getting up twice to pee, she’s still been tired.”
I cast a sidelong glance at her. “You know how many times she gets up to pee?”
“She complains about it all the time. Believe me, there are some things I’d rather not know.”
“Has she visited anywhere unusual lately? Any places she wouldn’t typically go?”
Alicia shook her head. “Not that I know of, but she doesn’t tell me her schedule, except to say when she’ll be home and what to order for dinner.”
“Has she been working extra hours?”
