The Mysterious Life Of Lorelei Jones

XXIII

“How’s he this strong? This can’t be the same guy from earlier. If it was, why didn’t he use this power to save himself? Did something possess him? No, it still feels like him. His spirit feels the same, so what gives? Lorelei may have unlocked his abilities but not to this extreme. He feels like one of us. Why does he feel like a beacon?” Mortdecai thought.

“Mortdecai! We don’t have much time left, so can we wrap this up? We’re tired of your ****. I can’t let you kill anyone else. So, why don’t you bring out your real body, and we can fight this out like men? ” Joel asked, pulling his hair out of his face. “Better.”

“Does he know my body is close? No, impossible. He’s trying to scare me.” Mortdecai thought.

“Lorelei, how are you scared of this guy? He’s a joke. Very disappointing. Is Mortdecai even your real name? Sounds made up,” Joel says, approaching Mortdecai. “In fact, I don’t think you’re as strong as you say you are. Granted, you are definitely stronger than most who can see spirits. However, you’ve never had to go against someone stronger than you. You’re scared. I can see it. No matter how much you try and hide it behind those shadows. You’re afraid.”

Mortdecai lunges for Joel. His claws stopping inches from Joel’s smiling face. 

“I can kill you. I will kill you, you smug *******. I’ve killed so many already. You’ll be no different,” Mortdecai said.

“Who are you trying to convince? Me or yourself?” Joel asked as he grabbed Mortdecai’s hand and squeezed. Mortdecai let out a howl and dropped to his knees. “Sad, this is just sad. It looks like I got him worked up for nothing.” Joel looked up and noticed the spirits starting to descend. “Um, Lori, you’re up!”

“What the hell do you want me to do?” Lori asked. These spirits are more than she could handle. “I can’t touch them like you can.”

“Yes, you can. Just imagine yourself holding something that’s not there. You can see them, so imagine touching them. It’s really that simple.” Joel squeezes Mortdecai’s hand harder. “See?”

Lorelei felt nervous. “Was it really that simple?”  She thought. Lorelei approached the door when Connor stopped her.

“No! I don’t know what’s gotten into him, but this is crazy! Lori, I don’t want to see you get hurt again. I know you’re strong, but even you have your limits. Thomas, back me up here.” Connor thought.

“He’s right. These spirits are on a whole different level. Mortdecai corrupted them. I feel his presence all over them. Even you being a beacon won’t help. They won’t listen to you.”

“See?”

“However, we don’t have much choice here. If Joel goes down, then we’re on our own. I don’t like our odds if that happens. If you do this, I’ll back you up. I told you I’ll help you. I won’t fail you guys again. Connor, if it makes you feel better, you can hide here. Let us grown-ups handle it,” Thomas said. “I’ll help keep them off you too, Joel!”

“Good man! Con? You down?” Joel asked.

“I hate all of you. Screw it. If I die, I die like a hero,” Connor smiled. “What do you need me to do, Joel?”

“The train is arriving soon. If those people get in here, it’s over. We’ll have way too many spirits on our hands if Mortdecai kills them. Find as many stray spirits as you can and ask them to help you delay the passengers. Can you do that?”

“I can. I think. Everyone ready?” Connor turned to Lori and Thomas. “We got one shot.” They nodded. “Alright! On three.” Connor grasped the door handle. “One two three…Go!”