"Thank you for your compliment, Father," Morris said happily. "If you could find useful information from the video, then my investigation wasn't in vain."
"You certainly haven't wasted your effort, Mr. Morris." As a priest of the church, York affirmed Morris's work, releasing his hand and looking toward the Peggy family behind him.
Like previous victims tormented by the paranormal, they all looked haggard and pale. Compared to the already exhausted three children, the single mother, who was the head of the household, appeared even more so, with red eyes and heavy dark circles, clearly overwhelmed with fatigue.
With his extensive experience in exorcism, York could tell this wasn't an act. Even without looking at the Peggy family's faces, just the house itself gave off an extreme sense of oppression.
"Ah, Father York, let me introduce you."
Morris took it upon himself to act as a bridge, introducing,
"This is Peggy, Peggy Hodgson."
"Mm." York nodded, looking at the single mother who was just staring at him, and said gently,
"Hello, Mrs. Peggy, I'm aware of what has happened here. Thank you for your perseverance and effort."
At these words, the single mother named Peggy Hodgson immediately covered her mouth.
Initially, she was just staring at York, not blinking an eye, but now her previously strong expression instantly fell, as if she had found someone to rely on, invoking sympathy from those who saw her.
Seeing this, York didn't know quite how to feel, sighed in his heart, and took off the cross around his neck, hanging it around her neck under everyone's gaze, saying gently,
"I'm sorry, Mrs. Peggy, you seem very tired. This cross should make you feel a bit better."
Peggy was clearly not expecting York to do this. Seeing everyone looking, she instinctively grabbed the cross, a bit embarrassed, and managed a weak smile.
"Father, I..."
But in that moment, whether it was psychological or not, she felt the previously oppressive space around her become a bit more spacious.
Noticing this, Peggy's hands tightened slightly around the cross, looking up at the imposing father with encouragement in his eyes, she gathered her spirits again, gratefully saying,
"Thank you, Father. I'm glad to meet you."
"Mm."
Seeing the single mother gather her courage again, York's expression remained unchanged, stepping aside to let Ed and Drew come forward to introduce themselves.
"Hello, Mrs. Peggy, my name is Ed Warren, and this is Drew, my assistant..."
After a round of introductions, everyone naturally stepped back, allowing York, who had naturally taken the lead, to turn his attention back to the oppressive house.
"Mrs. Peggy, may we enter now?"
"Mm!" Peggy nodded at everyone.
"Please, come in."
Saying this, she led the way with her bewildered children in tow.
York and his companions followed.
He couldn't understand what the nun wanted to do, or what she wanted, or if this was just a regular paranormal event.
At the same time, about to enter the house, Ed instinctively asked,
"Father York, should we wake up Lorraine?"
York shook his head, "No need, let her sleep naturally, Ed."
Saying this, York looked back at Morris, who was following. He had noticed the file folder in Morris's hand.
"Mr. Morris, do you have any other investigation results? If so, please share them with me."
Morris handed over the folder willingly.
"Father York, these are the investigation results for Bill Wilkins."
Thinking of the name the spirit revealed, York took the folder, opening it while following the Peggy family inside.
"Father, there was indeed a person named Bill Wilkins. He was the first owner of this house."
Morris seemed to know the church's exorcism process well and continued,
"The Peggy family moved here from another place and bought this house from a realtor two years ago. There's no connection between them,
I believe everything that happened here is real. A twelve-year-old girl couldn't possibly know about the house's first owner, not even her mother knew."
Listening to Morris's rambling, York had already pulled out the first document.
It was Bill Wilkins's personal information.
Age: 72.
Cause of death: Blindness and cerebral hemorrhage, fell into a coma on the living room couch and died there.
There were also photos taken by Morris: protagonist Janet levitating without any help, or objects flying around the house, typical phenomena.
After a brief look, as Morris said, there indeed was no connection between these events.
Because not long after Bill Wilkins's death, the house was sold by his family. By the time it reached the Peggy family, it was third-hand.
Remembering the interview information about the Peggy family, York stopped browsing, folding the folder as he walked.
According to the church's process, this information was far from sufficient as evidence of a paranormal event unless, like the Warrens, real evidence was captured.
To prevent misjudgment, the church was actually very strict.
Although he knew the paranormal event here was real, he couldn't merely rely on these documents to agree with Morris's judgment, as it might mislead Morris.
Handing the folder back to an expectant Morris, York said calmly,
"Thank you for your investigation, Mr. Morris. As you said, there's indeed no connection between them, and I'll take this into consideration."
"Father, it's an honor to be of help to you," Morris said excitedly, then sneakily looked at Ed.
Ed, acting as if invisible, allowing York to take the lead, smiled and nodded in encouragement.
He had always known Morris wanted to become a registered member of the church.
Having understood the situation, York and his group formally entered the notorious haunted house, welcomed by Peggy.
"Father, this is where Bill Wilkins died."
Upon entering, Morris immediately pointed to a couch in the corner of the living room.
"Janet always wakes up here."
York looked over; it was a leather swivel couch that seemed expensive.
But in his eyes, this pricey couch was another world entirely, with blood spreading and the visible imprint of someone sitting, very ominous.
So, he turned to Peggy.
"Mrs. Peggy, where did you get this?"
Peggy hugged her arms, "It came with the house. When I bought this house, I also bought the furniture."
"Okay." York scanned the house's layout, looking towards the stairs to the second floor. No matter the tour, the main event was elsewhere.
"Mrs. Peggy, I'd like to see Janet first."
Peggy pursed her lips, showing a worried expression.
"Don't worry, I won't do anything. On the contrary, I'll ensure Janet's safety."
Noticing Peggy's hesitation, York said gently,
"I just want to ask Janet a few questions. If you want to solve this issue and start a new life..."
___________________
(Support with power stones, comments or reviews)
If you guys enjoy this story, In support me on Patreon and get access to +200 advance Chapters
Read Ahead
Patreon.com/INNIT