The Wretch Aura

"I've explained you can't phone her. She's gone to the birdcage-"

Jessica paused. Her own heart rate was climbing, her breathing involuntarily quickening. She felt a bead of sweat running down the back of her neck. The old woman had stepped out of her chair, backing away.

"Stop that," Jessica said, her voice firm. She'd managed to keep her voice from trembling.

The sensation didn't fade.

***

Interlude 18