Chapter Twenty-four

In the morning, Sonya and Cleo sync house routines as Cleo excitedly readies her studio. Sonya works on client sites, then visits the studio, where Cleo has organized supplies and begun vivid mermaid illustrations that impress Sonya. They plan dinner, and Sonya texts Trey, who schedules a separate night with Owen.

That evening, Cleo cooks ham and potato soup while Sonya bakes beer bread. Friendly disturbances appear: Clover plays music, doors open and close, cabinets stand open, and Yoda’s ball bounces as if thrown by an unseen playmate. They watch a movie; Yoda later sleeps with his ball stored by an invisible hand.

At 3 a.m., a clock chimes as Sonya sleepwalks; Cleo rouses her, and the music ceases when they reach the music room. The painting’s wedding rings remain in place. Sonya doubts Hester caused her prior mirror vision, questioning the motive. They return to bed, the house settling quiet.

In the morning, Sonya resumes work. Yoda plays fetch with the unseen spirit and receives a treat after performing a new trick, hinting at a child ghost. Outside, Sonya spots dolphins, but a black, humanlike-screeching bird dives from the Gold Room window; Cleo briefly smells sulfur. Shaken, they conclude the entity tried to frighten, and Sonya warns Cleo to avoid the room.

Sonya books Corrine for a Ryder Sports photo pitch emphasizing real locals over models. That evening Trey arrives with flowers for Cleo, who serves excellent chicken and dumplings. Sonya outlines the photo plan, recruiting Trey for baseball shots and naming other community members for biking, weights, football, and kids’ basketball, then prepares to show Trey progress on the Doyle website.