Psychiatrist Haleigh Hugo thinks he’s found the perfect setting for his experimental treatment plan -- an isolated home in the middle of a small lake in the high Sierras. Dr. Hugo’s office mate and life partner, Guy Sanford, is unconvinced that the benefits of the treatment plan outweigh the risks, but soon gives in to the charm and boundless enthusiasm of his lover.<br><br>Dr. Hugo’s subjects are six female patients who have failed to make what he considers significant progress in one-to-one therapy. They all share something in common: grief over the loss of a loved one, a psychological barrier that prevents them from moving on. Hilary Colbert lost her life partner to a serious illness; Jennie Travers no longer trusts her unfaithful husband; Meeda O’Connell’s infant son died in his crib; Vera Field wakes from a coma to learn her father has committed a senseless crime: Sarah/April Preston no longer knows who she is and suffers from a loss of identity; and Emily West has psychic abilities yet longs for a normal human existence.<br><br>The six patients, overseen by Dr. Hugo and Dr. Sanford, descend on Devonshire, a simple mountain home on the lake for a weekend of intense therapy. Yet within the walls of the home lies a terrible and painful secret that haunts anyone who comes near.

Too Long Among the Dead

“I think it’s clear why Jennie’s in the mix,” Guy said. “Who have we missed?” He addressed this last question to Emily.


“Me,” Emily said. “I don’t know why I’ve been included.” She looked over at Hal. “Do you?”


“I think it’s time for a break,” Hal said. Then he looked over at Lansing. “Coffee on?” 28: The History of Devonshire Revealed


“So, the connection is children,” Emily said. “I’m surprised I didn’t pick up on it.” She was standing in a corner of the living room talking to Guy while the others were busy in the kitchen, fixing their coffee, or munching on snacks Lansing set out earlier. “Meeda saw a child, and I as well. Or a vision of one, small, pale, sickly.”


“In the corridor upstairs, third floor, in the kitchen…wait, no, not the child, that would be the man in the tweed cap and overalls. I can tell he’s a friendly spirit, as we spiritualists or whatever in the hell I am, call it.”


Guy took a swallow of his coffee and encouraged her to go on.


Chapter 42