Under_The_Whispering_Door_by_TJ_Klune

Nancy appeared in the doorway. Squat Man and Thin Man crowded
behind her, looking as if they’d rather be anywhere else. Nancy gripped the
strap of her purse tightly, her expression pinched, her breaths light and quick.
She looked exhausted, but determined in ways Wallace hadn’t seen before.
She stepped into the tea shop slowly, biting her lip as if nervous.
Hugo came through the doors, a tray of tea in his hands.
“Hugo,” Desdemona said, looking him up and down. “I was surprised to
receive your invitation, especially after you returned my Ouija board to me
without so much as a note attached to the post. It’s about time you started
appreciating my work. There is more to this world than we can see. It’s
heartening to know you’re beginning to understand that.”
“Desdemona,” Hugo said in greeting, setting the tray down on a table.
“I’ll take your word on that.” He turned to Nancy. “Thank you for coming. I
know it’s a little later than when you’re normally here, but I only want to
help.”
Nancy glanced at the tray of tea before looking back at Hugo. “So you
say.” Her voice was rough and gravelly, as if she wasn’t used to speaking.
Wallace ached at the sound of it. “Desdemona said you invited us here.”
“I did,” Hugo said. “I can’t promise anything will come of it. And even if
it doesn’t, I want you to know that you’re always welcome. Whatever you
need.”
She nodded tightly but didn’t respond.
Squat Man and Thin Man began to set up. Thin Man pulled out a camera, a
newer model as the last one had been broken. He positioned it on the tripod,
pointing it toward where Desdemona would be sitting. Squat Man had the
same device he’d had before, switching it on. It squealed almost
immediately, the lights flashing brightly. He frowned down at it, banging it
against his hand before shaking his head. “I don’t even know why I use this
stupid thing,” he muttered before waving it around the room.
Thin Man pulled the Ouija board from his bag, setting it on the table along
with a new planchette. The last one had burned in the fireplace, becoming
nothing but ash and smoke thanks to Wallace. Next to the Ouija board, he set
down the feather quill and loose sheets of paper.
Desdemona pulled out a chair for Nancy. “Sit here, dear. That way, you’ll
still be in frame but won’t be blocking me.”
“Oh boy,” Nelson muttered as Mei scoffed.