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

Emily took Guy’s hand as they were leaving. “He’s seen them.”


“The man and the boy. How could he not, coming and going over the years as he just confessed? Devonshire is part of his life, his family. And he’s part of theirs.”


Guy thought about it a second. “I don’t know. I’m just not sure I believe in the supernatural aspect of the house.”


“Hospital. Think of all the souls who’ve lived here, died, and crossed over.”


Guy wasn’t convinced, but he listened.


“I’ve just thought of something. Maybe this explains my presence here among the group.” Emily took his arm and pulled him into a corner for privacy. “I know this sounds…hate to use the forbidden C word—crazy.” She laughed. “Thought I was going to say something else, didn’t you?”


“Go on.” Guy was far from a joking mood.


“The man in my vision. He’s lonely. Anyone with an ounce of sensitivity can see that, and the little boy, too. They’ve been waiting so long for—”


Chapter 44