Chapter 7: The Price of Courage

After sending the Bells to the hospital for some rest, Savannah’s ready to drag me to Miami.

I’m on edge. There’s an old saying: “Money talks, and fear walks.” In other words, cash gives you guts—and guts are what keep you alive in this line of work. Exorcisms run on energy and nerve. With Hollywood in a slump, I haven’t had a real job in months—I’m in no shape for a big-league haunting.

Last month, trying to save a buck, I bought discount ritual gear online—not only did it flop, but I nearly got killed, roasted by ghosts in Silver Hollow.

Savannah gives me a look. “Seriously? In this economy, you’re still shy about making money?”

I shrug. “When I learned this stuff, I swore not to use spells for profit, so…”

She rolls her eyes and tosses a contract my way: “Miami Horror: The Missing Bride”—a script commission for $150,000. “Sign and I’ll wire you $25,000 up front.”

I’m floored.

Savannah adds, “I’m bringing you to Miami for research and scriptwriting. In your spare time, help out—so you’re not breaking your oath, right?”

I nod, still stunned.

Ding—my phone buzzes: $25,000 received.

I stare at the screen, jaw dropped—I haven’t had that much in my account in years!

Relief hits me like a hot shower after a week in the wild. My energy snaps back, courage bubbling up, and my old spark returns. I grin at Savannah. “Let’s not waste time—let’s get to Miami and get to work!”