Condemned by Christopher Renna (iphone ebook reader txt) 📕

Conner responded with a shrug, but Trevor jumped to his feet. "We can go downstairs and workout. No basketball and no gym class all week. We can't get lazy and soft."

Upstairs, the three rifled through Conner's dresser for shorts and T-shirts. Then they headed to the basement to lift weights.

*   *   *

Lou and Stella had decided the best course of action was to let Father O'Leary tell his story from start to finish. If they allowed him to speak without distraction or interruption, he'd likely share a more fully formed story. Whenever needed, they'd press him to continue or steer his narrative back on track.

Father O'Leary had walked into Stella's suite with a cheerful smile and a composition book that documented his time with Jared. As he recited the details of his experience, he periodically glanced at the pages but only briefly as if to be certain that no detail was omitted during his recollection.

He delivered the comprehensive narrative with measured discipline and authority. His story of Jared unfolded like a novel, in three acts: the initial counseling, the possession, and then the exorcism.

Because it was Lou's first investigation involving genuine demonic possession, he listened closely to the priest's account. Once the topic of possession was introduced, he listened with swelling intrigue.  When Father O'Leary finally detailed the ten days of exorcism, Lou consumed the priest's words with dread and fascination, then with awe and horror.

Dave and Walter had each set up cameras to document the interview. Aside from filming at the Smiths' house, the two were confident that they had all the footage needed to construct a riveting pilot episode. At the conclusion of Father O'Leary's interview, the two men immediately sat side by side and planned their work.

Lou firmly shook the priest's hand. "Thank you so much for your time and candor. This was an extraordinary opportunity for all of us to hear your story and the details of Jared's possession."

"Yes, thank you," Stella echoed. "It was a fascinating story that you shared with us. I can't express how valuable your participation is to us."

Smiling faintly, Father O'Leary replied, "I was reluctant to talk, but it was the decision of the church that persuaded me. And Mr. Smith's permission afforded me the opportunity to share Jared's experience with you. It's the hope of all of us that his tribulation and death will provide enlightenment."

"I think it will," said Lou.

Stella held Father O'Leary's coat as he slipped his arms through the sleeves. She said, "Like you, we deal with subjects that not everyone believes in. But we present the truth to the best of our ability."

"Faith," the father said, "is not only how we live life, but how we view the world. Sometimes people find it difficult to grasp absolute truth. But without truth, faith is a well that runs dry."

Lou nodded as though he agreed, but he needed more time to mentally replay Father O'Leary's words to determine if he understood the message. "Before you go," he said, "would you mind giving us your thoughts on what happened at the school yesterday?"

"I've been told that the school has been inspected for a variety of possible sources of the outbreak. I believe an additional inspection is taking place today as well."

"A mandatory checklist of possibilities, I assume."

"I'm inclined to believe they won't discover the source."

Stella said, "Lou and I think it was mass hysteria brought on by the rumors."

Father O'Leary appeared to bite his tongue before speaking. Then he replied, "Pareidolia. I think the talk of the devil was so intense that the fear was ingrained in the kids' minds. All it took was for one kid to react to that fear, then the next reacted to the first and so on. All based on the fear that the devil was close."

Lou scratched at his lower lip. "You don't believe something was truly there?"

"No. The kids said they saw the devil. If they'd said the name of the demon that possessed Jared, that would be cause for concern." He wrapped a scarlet scarf around his neck and tightened the strap of his black, double-breasted long coat. "The young are more resilient than most adults. Soon enough, yesterday's incident will be but a memory."

"What about Adam, Conner, and Trevor?" Lou asked.

"This is your investigation," the Father said. "I trust you to make your own judgment about that. If you and Stella would like my assistance, I'd be more than happy to help. Just let me know."

Lou's shoulders raised with an intake of breath that he held. I don't know how they're gonna handle it. Then he exhaled with a nod. "I think we'll be reaching out to you."

"Like I said, just let me know."

"Thanks again," Stella said. "We'll be in touch. And please feel free to contact us if needed."

"I will." Father O'Leary offered a parting smile and turned toward the door. "Enjoy your Thanksgiving."

"Thank you. Same to you."

Lou grabbed his coat. "I'll walk you down."

Father O'Leary flicked his hand in parting at Walter and Dave. "Take care. Enjoy your holidays. God bless."

After wishing Father O'Leary well, Lou strolled through the parking lot as he smoked. He reflected on Father O'Leary's freakish story. The evaluation of a depressed and angry teenaged boy. The banging on the floor of the bedroom as if something beneath the floorboards wanted to communicate—or escape. The cold spots in the house that felt like stepping into a walk-in freezer. The scent of sulfur that traveled from one area of the house to another. The sound of squealing pigs that seemed to be more of a scare tactic. All the introductory details that would certainly entice the interest of a paranormal show viewer.

The additional details were slightly more unsavory, however. The wounds Jared suffered when he scratched words into his skin. The slaps and punches he endured by unseen forces. The shadowy figure that stood in the corner. The deep voice speaking French and Spanish