Chapter 37: Escape

Chapter 37: Escape

Leave this place as soon as you can if you wish to avoid trouble, Miles states after coming up to Mr. Beachs residence. The ghost baby seems to have taken a peculiar interest in Coral, an interest that only grows with time. When I first encountered it, the ghost domain was out of its reach. Now, it shows clear signs of mastering that skill. Its impossible to predict what it will learn next. A shiver of dread passed over him at what this implied, Once it reaches full maturity, the degree of horror it could inflict is simply unpredictable.

Visibly shaken, Mr. Beach inquired, What are you exactly, Miles? A human or a ghost?

I cant say for certain, replied Miles. Perhaps Im human, or maybe Im a ghost. I myself am unsure. But thats not whats important. Right now, my ability to protect you is all that should matter. We should not waste time debating this.

Right, we must leave this place. Ill gather some necessities, said Mr. Beach, nodding quickly in agreement.

Mrs. Ocean, still recovering from her shock, asked, Is that creature dead? Will it return?

Miles looked at her gravely. Its not dead, and theres a substantial likelihood that it will return.

What? Why didnt you kill it? Mrs. Ocean cried out, upset. You were hired to handle this ghost! You let it escape, so whats our next course of action? If you cant kill it, were not paying you. How do we know you didnt deliberately let it go?

Look, just because Coral and I share the same classroom doesnt mean our personal relationship interferes with my job. Are you attempting to avoid payment? Miles stared at her pointedly.

Do you think you deserve to be paid despite failing to solve the problem? Is half a million an amount you think can be casually given? Mrs. Ocean snapped back.

Youre mistaken. The agreed sum isnt half a million, its a full million, Miles clarified.

Who told you it was a million? I heard my husband say the agreed price was half a million, Mrs. Ocean retorted.

Rubbing his forehead, Miles sank onto the couch. All this is giving me a headache. Im a man of principles. If you want to dispute this, theres little I can do. Im not well-educated or worldly. I certainly cant match wits with shrewd people like you. Perhaps we can consider my services a gratuitous favor for Coral.

He quickly changed the topic. By the way, Mrs. Ocean, whats your favorite flower?

She looked puzzled. Jasmine. But why do you ask?

So I know what flowers to bring the next time I visit a grave, Miles replied lightly. If you run into that ghost again, youll have to deal with it yourself. With your harsh words, you might be able to convince the ghost baby not to harm you. I should be going now. I hope you can make it out of this building later.

With those words, he stood, preparing to leave. He was curious whether Corals mother valued money more than life, but he didnt have the time to stay and argue.nove(l)bi(n.)com

Miles, I I apologize, Coral murmured, regaining some of her poise and gently pulling on his hand in the car.

No need for apologies. Im here for the pay, Miles assured her.

Thank you, Coral responded, gratitude resonating in her voice.

As he maneuvered the vehicle, Mr. Beach queried, Where should we head to now, young man?

Any place will suffice, as long as its a considerable distance from that building. Even if the entity wishes to track us down, itll take some time, Miles responded.

Would relocating overseas enable us to evade the ghost? Mrs. Ocean questioned from the backseat.

And what if you fail to escape? Miles countered. Do you assume supernatural occurrences are non-existent overseas? They are, in fact, more severe than here. Unlike here, theres no dedicated agency managing such events there. One has to rely on private services. Therefore, tackling such a situation overseas would cost at least a few million dollars as a starting rate. You can verify this with your contacts if you dont trust me, Mr. Beach. I wasnt spinning tales when we spoke over the phone.

Can you address the issue with the handprints on Corals neck? Mrs. Ocean asked, cautious to not antagonize the young man further. The money had already been transferred, and if Miles took offense and declined to assist, their family would be in jeopardy.

Miles hesitated before responding, I can only strive to discern the cause. If its beyond my capabilities, theres little I can do. In that case, Corals fate will be left to chance.

He swiftly retrieved his GPS-enabled phone and dialed his operator, Rain. By handling Corals case, he could gain deeper insights into managing formidable ghosts, which would be advantageous for him in the future.

Rain answered promptly, Miles, is that you?

Yes, its me, Miles confirmed. Are you operators always on standby? Can I reach you at any time?

We offer dedicated services. Each ghost tamer is assigned one handler. Im your exclusive operator, and my sole duty is to facilitate communication with you, Rain replied, maintaining her professional demeanor.

Alright, lets not get caught up in such trivialities, Miles interrupted.

? Rain was momentarily caught off guard.

Im in a bit of a bind, Miles proceeded, Ill apprise you of the details, and perhaps you can offer some guidance.