Page 66 of Terminal Voyage

"Then there will be no one to respond."

"So, if we don't get a response, you’re gonna finally let this Kate thing go?”

"Yes. I'm tired of playing games.”

"I see that." Vanessa paused. "You've changed. You have a different aura."

"Let's just say today gave me a certain amount of clarity."

"Maybe you should kill someone more often," she teased.

I opened an eye and gave her another look. "Close your eyes."

"I think I like the new Teagan.”

“Shh!”

Vanessa finally settled, and we sat there for a moment in silence. I took a deep breath, then exhaled and said, "Kate, if you are with us, make your presence known.”

Vanessa and I waited in stillness for a response. There was nothing but the sound of the ocean outside and the gentle swaying of the ship underway.

"Kate, if you are present, give us a sign. We are here to help you. What do you want us to know? What are you warning me about?"

Vanessa giggled.

I peeled open an eye and shushed her again.

“Sorry.”

"It's not going to work if you don't take this seriously," I said.

"I am taking it seriously.” Vanessa paused, cleared her throat, then said, "Okay, for real this time. Try again.”

I focused my mind, cleared out all my thoughts, and visualized Kate. I tried to feel her presence in the room. "Kate, if you are with us, give us a sign."

The room was quiet for a moment

That silence was shattered when the window fell open.

My heart leapt into my throat.

It startled the two of us. Our eyes flicked open, and we looked at the portlight that had come undone.

Vanessa and I shared an ominous glance.

"You must not have secured it properly. The wind blew it open. That's all."

I climbed off the bed, moved to the portlight, and secured it. This time, I double checked it to make sure. Then I climbed back onto the bed.

That's when the candle blew out.

We both shrieked.

Then Vanessa burst into laughter.

I fumbled for my lighter, struck it up, and re-lit the candle. When I looked back at Vanessa, she was gone.

Kate sat in her place.