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Poltergeist: Coven, #9
Poltergeist: Coven, #9
Poltergeist: Coven, #9
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Poltergeist: Coven, #9

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You never know what will follow you home.

 

While touring a fixer-upper they're considering buying, Samantha and Steven both have bad feelings about the house. Samantha, who is seven months pregnant, feels a wave of energy come over her as Steven and the realtor go down to the look at the basement without her. Deciding to pass on the abandoned house, Samantha and Steven later return home without a second thought about the house.

 

Meanwhile, Kathy has been busy planning Samantha's baby shower with Steven's mother. It's not until Steven points out Samantha's odd behavior that Kathy begins to notice it too. As the baby shower looms nearer, Kathy is determined to figure out what's going on with her sister before Samantha is the center of attention in front of everyone.

 

When Kathy and Steven consult a medium about what might be going on, they learn that Samantha is very likely possessed by a poltergeist. And with her growing baby in her belly, the evil spirit may prove impossible to exorcise.

 

Poltergeist is the ninth book in the Coven series, which serves as a prequel to the Under the Moon series.

LanguageEnglish
PublisherDN Publishing
Release dateAug 8, 2022
ISBN9781945336270
Poltergeist: Coven, #9

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    Book preview

    Poltergeist - David Neth

    1

    - OCTOBER 1934 -

    Henry Powell sat on a bench at the playground in Gridley Park across from his school. The crunchy leaves blew across the grass as passersby tucked their hands deeper into their coats against the chilly breeze.

    The joy of that after school feeling was lost on Henry. He had been given strict instructions to come right home after school let out, but still he lingered. As he watched groups of other kids, he swung his feet on the bench and thought about how he would rather be anywhere but home.

    He wasn’t welcome there.

    He didn’t want to stay in school, either. Many of the friends he had started grammar school with had left to go work for their families. Henry had only managed to stay in school because his grandfather had left them their house when he died, and it was fully paid for since he was the one who had built it. No need for Henry to work to bring money home for the family. At least, that’s what his mother argued whenever his father tried to bring up the topic.

    After several minutes of sitting on the park bench, he decided he couldn’t put off going home any longer. If it got much later, his father would be waiting and would know that he didn’t come right home. With a deep sigh, he got to his feet and proceeded down the street toward home.

    When Henry finally made it back, he sat on the front steps of his house. Even before he entered, he could hear his parents arguing inside.

    …you let the kid do whatever he wants! his father shouted. He needs to learn discipline!

    He needs to be a kid! his mother shouted back. "What are you doing? That’s my mother’s—Ivan!"

    Glass shattered.

    Do you know how much that cost? she asked. It’s irreplaceable!

    Go make your kid work like everyone else’s kids and maybe then we can afford to buy another!

    You only broke it because it was mine! What if I had poured your booze down the drain? Or broken your rocker?

    You wouldn’t dare!

    Henry could hear the distinct sounds of his father hitting his mother. Of her collapsing to the floor. The silence was worse than the arguing. At least if they were arguing, he wasn’t hitting her. Not usually, at least.

    Rising to his feet, Henry rushed inside. Sure enough, his mother lay on the floor, cradling her cheek while his father stood over her, watching her struggle.

    And where the hell have you been, boy? his father asked him. School let out half an hour ago! Did that stupid little head of yours get lost?

    No, Henry said quietly.

    Then what took you so long? Suddenly, Henry was face-to-face with the full force of his father’s rage. He had been here before—several times, actually.

    Henry stammered. He wanted to tell his father to go away. To leave him and his mother alone and never talk to them again. But he couldn’t. His father wasn’t going anywhere. And even if he did, there was no way they could survive. His father was the only one who worked in the household. He brought home the money that they used to go to the market. He paid the bills that kept them in their house. He earned enough so that Henry didn’t have to go to work himself.

    Before Henry could respond to his father, his mother stepped in between them, putting her son behind her.

    Leave him alone, she said. Let the boy have some peace and quiet in this house for once in his life!

    Henry watched as his father studied the two of them. There wasn’t a trace of love in his eyes. Only obligation. He was stuck with these people and he certainly wasn’t happy about it. Henry felt the same way about him.

    Finally, he turned and stalked off to the front door. I’m going to the bar.

    Both mother and son watched as he left. Neither of them dared move until he was out of sight.

    Are you okay? Henry asked his mother.

    She waved it off. Nothing that some ice can’t fix. She dropped to her knees and took his face in her hands, offering a sad smile even as she winced at the pain. What about you, sweetie? How are you? How was your day?

    Henry shrugged. When’s he coming back?

    His mother shook her head. I don’t know, dear. Probably not for a while, which means it’s you and me for dinner. I was thinking about making spaghetti. I know it’s your favorite. What do you think about that?

    Henry’s mind was still on his father. He cast a look toward the front door and said, I’m scared.

    His mother’s face drooped to a frown as she pulled him in for a tight hug. I know, honey. But I’ll always protect you. Remember that.

    Henry smiled and kissed his mother on the cheek—the side that wasn’t rapidly swelling.

    What do you say after dinner we listen to some music and relax in the living room before bed? she suggested. Just the two of us. We’ll have fun together.

    Henry nodded and grinned for his mother’s benefit. Okay.

    As his mother went into the kitchen to fix their food, Henry stood in picture window and hoped that his father would stay gone. It was a hope he knew would never come.

    2

    - OCTOBER 1989 -

    Kathy checked her watch as she waited for her second bus to arrive. She had just gotten out of work and was meeting Steven’s mother at her house to finalize plans for Samantha’s baby shower in two days.

    Tucking her hands deeper into her pockets, Kathy braced herself against the wind. It was almost the end of October so the weather had turned. She hadn’t noticed how cold it had gotten because she had been in the warm office all day.

    Dr. Newberg had hired her to take over for Trisha as a receptionist back in June. So far she enjoyed having the steady paycheck and a reason to leave the house each day that didn’t result in even more work needing to be done when she came home. But, she could already feel that the nine-to-five routine was weighing on her.

    The second bus arrived and Kathy stepped on, dropping her fare in before taking her seat. She sat near the front. The bus ride wouldn’t be long—if the weather wasn’t so cold, she would’ve just walked the rest of the way after getting off at the first stop. As it was, her newfound financial security allowed her to take an extra bus ride if it meant staying warmer for a few more minutes.

    By time Kathy arrived at Mary’s house, she had already braced herself for overly friendly smiles, subtle jabs, and an argumentative tone. She knew the drill because they had met a couple times already. Just like Samantha and Steven’s wedding earlier that year, Mary wanted to have a huge elegant party. Kathy knew her sister would only want something small and intimate, possibly even at someone’s house.

    Kathy! Hello dear! Come on in. Mary waved her in with a smile. Kathy was grateful to get out of the damp, chilly air.

    How’ve you been? Kathy pulled off her coat and added it to the closet by the door.

    Just lovely, dear, she said quickly before jumping right into her first crisis of the meeting. I’ve been thinking about the schedule we’ve committed to for Saturday. She led Kathy inside with an arm around her. At the table, there were already papers and invitations and menus that the two of them had gone over extensively during previous visits.

    Did the caterers confirm?

    Oh yes, that’s all taken care of. Mary took a seat at the table and reached for her reading glasses. And we’ve already had everyone RSVP, so we’ll have a full house at the golf club.

    The shower was going to be at the Lawrence Park Golf Club, since Mary’s brother was a member and was able to get them the reservation for a discount. The cost was still kind of steep for Kathy’s budget, but she agreed in order to appease Mary. Sometimes it was better to do that than to waste the energy arguing your point.

    So what’s the issue then? Kathy took the seat beside her.

    Well, with the brunch, the opening of the gifts, and taking pictures, I’m not sure how many of these games of yours we’ll be able to get to.

    You’re saying you don’t think we’ll be able to do them at all? Kathy had already narrowed down the list of games to only three. And she tried to only list ones that would fit in with Mary’s standards. Oh, and something that Samantha would enjoy. Funny how through all of this planning, the person they were celebrating sometimes had been forgotten.

    Mary rocked her head back and forth, studying the schedule in front of her. We’ll have to see if there’s time.

    I’d like to make time for them.

    She chuckled. "Oh honey, you can’t schedule fun."

    "Well, we need to give our guests something to do, Kathy said. I’m sure Sam isn’t going to want everyone gawking at her all day."

    Mary rolled her eyes. Yes, I’m well aware of her stance on people touching her belly.

    Kathy decided to let it slide. That had been a whole separate argument between Samantha and Mary, who thought it was appropriate to rub Samantha’s stomach without warning whenever they saw each other.

    I think the games will be the perfect distraction so that Samantha doesn’t have to swat away hands the whole time, Kathy said. We’re doing this for her. I want her to enjoy it.

    Mary huffed. Well okay then. I suppose we can cut the photos a little short, but that still only gives us twenty minutes.

    Kathy took the schedule from Mary and reached for a nearby pen. Okay. Well, we can get rid of dessert time. We can just serve them at the same time as the rest of brunch and let people take what they want. That’ll save us another half an hour, which leaves almost a full hour for the games. She passed it back to Mary, who looked under her glasses at it.

    Yes, well, I suppose that could work. But you’re going to have to call the caterer to tell them about the change!

    Not a problem. I think it’ll be a lot of fun!

    Oh, I do too, Mary said with the first genuine smile Kathy had seen that day. I just hope that everyone dresses appropriately. Make sure you wear something nice, dear. Do you have anything that’ll work?

    Biting her tongue, Kathy said, Yes, I have several options to choose from.

    Mary looked her up and down. You have been dressing more grown-up lately.

    I’m working at a doctor’s office now.

    That’s right. I think Samantha mentioned that the last time we all had dinner. You dropped out of college for it?

    Kathy flashed a smile in an effort to hold in her anger at her sister. Not for this job, no. But yes, I’m no longer in school.

    Samantha hadn’t been happy that Kathy had dropped out of college. Kathy thought that blow would be softened by the fact that she had a job at the doctor’s office lined up, but Samantha still wanted her sister to follow the plan. Kathy didn’t think that Samantha would take their disagreement out to other people, though. Least of all, Mary.

    Anyway, Mary said, I think it’ll be a splendid day. A nice, formal event that we can remember fondly later.

    Not too formal, Kathy reminded her.

    "Yes, yes. I remember their wedding at the fire hall. She made a face. And thank you for asking me to plan it with you, dear. I’ve very much enjoyed being a part of it."

    Kathy had only asked her because Steven thought it would be nice to include his mother. And Kathy didn’t disagree, but working with Mary took patience. She was just grateful that the baby shower was almost here and gone so that she could be done working so closely with Mary.

    You’re very welcome, Kathy said with a smile. "Is there anything else you wanted to discuss?

    I think we’ve thought of everything, Mary said. Remember to call the caterer and notify them of the change with the desserts.

    Yes, I will. Looking again at her watch, Kathy rose to her feet. I have to get going. I have a date.

    Oh? Will we be planning another baby shower soon? After the wedding, of course.

    Kathy laughed nervously. Not exactly. This is just the first date. I’ve only met the guy once. So we’ll see how tonight goes.

    Just remember not to do anything stupid, dear.

    3

    The house smelled musty and dank. Like an old garage. Every floorboard creaked, except the ones that had rotted through. There were some beautiful leaded windows on the first floor, but many other windows had been boarded up throughout the years. In several corners there were piles of leaves and garbage, indicating that the house hadn’t been completely sealed from critters and squatters.

    This is… Samantha paused, one hand on her belly as she looked around and searched for the word to use.

    It needs a lot of work, Steven said pointedly.

    Well yes, their realtor, Rupert, said with a nod of his head. But you said you were looking for a fixer-upper.

    "I guess I just didn’t realize it would need this much…um…fixing-up." Samantha was still in awe at how dilapidated this house was. It looked beautiful outside. A little rough, but

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