Beth reluctantly followed instructions, then Dhanya rolled back her head and chanted, ʺWandering spirit, grace us with your presence. You have seen what we cannot see, have heard what we cannot hear. We humbly ask of you—ʺ

ʺThis sounds like church,ʺ Kelsey interrupted. ʺWeʹre going to end up with the Virgin Mary.ʺ ʺActually,ʺ Beth said, ʺbefore starting, we should all say a prayer for our protection.ʺ ʺA prayer to who, Beth?ʺ Kelsey replied. ʺThat angel statue between your and Ivyʹs bed?ʺ

ʺI donʹt pray to statues,ʺ Beth responded sharply, then added in a gentler voice, ʺto whichever angel or guardian you want.ʺ

ʺIf s not necessary,ʺ Dhanya insisted. ʺWeʹre sitting in a circle — that will protect us.ʺ Beth pursed her lips and shook her head. When she closed her eyes as if praying, Ivy silently said her own prayer. Ivy told herself that Kelsey7 s obvious disbelief would prohibit anything beyond the five senses from occurring, but she was starting to have misgivings.

ʺPlace your middle and index fingers on the planchette,ʺ Dhanya told them.

ʺSpirit, we are inviting you to join us tonight. We have many questions for you and welcome your insights. Please let us know you are present.ʺ To the others she said, ʺWe will wait quietly.ʺ They waited. And waited. Ivy could hear Kelsey tapping her foot under the table.

ʺAll right,ʺ Dhanya said. ʺWe will move the planchette in a slow circle around the board. That helps the spirit gather the energy needed to communicate.ʺ They moved the triangular piece in a clockwise motion, skirting the alphabet and numbers. ʺNot too fast, Kelsey,ʺ Dhanya said. Around and around they went, with circles as smooth and steady as the foghornʹs moan. Suddenly the planchette stopped. It felt as if it had caught on something. Ivy glanced up at the same time as Beth, Dhanya, and Kelsey did. Their eyes met above the board.