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conceded.  “Yeah.  Strange.  But, rumours build up into legends, all over a bit of nonsense.  If this is what you want, so be it, but keep it short.’
    Calmer now, Nathan sat down again in the button-backed leather chair, ‘You can’t tell Father to keep it short.  You know what the solicitor said, generations of Rhonans have fled the damn place –last one stayed a week – we’re not allowed to sell it – no-one will rent it.’
    Douglas glowered, punching one fist into the palm of his other hand. He knew he should meet Nathan some of the way.  They’d spent the last eighteen months renovating the Manor House. The castle would have to wait.  With the gardens, small animal farm and some exotic animals to add interest to the park, it took over two million pounds.  A terraced row of newly built luxury cottages along with semi detached and detached houses providing accommodation for the upper management positions took another million.  However, the fully fitted chrome kitchens, the wood floors and minimalist design with lower than average rents did not tempt the local people to apply for the vacant positions. ‘Damn stupid nonsense. Get it over with if that’s what you want. Don’t expect me to believe in all this hocus pocus.’
    The priest glowered at Douglas. ‘This is blasphemous. You are insulting the Holy Roman Catholic Rites.   Have ye no idea of what you’re dealing with man?’
    Douglas looked at Nathan’s face, drained of his usual high colour. He realized this was not really about the ghost; it was the future of the hotel.  His voice grated, like gravel over tin, ‘Well as long as you don’t think I’m taking part?’
    Father O’Reilly stepped away from the fireplace interrupting, “Ye have to – you’re the oldest Rhonan blood – to be sure the spirits may obey you , if you’re lucky, but not your young brother.  Now I shall be explaining all the blessed objects we will be using in the Holy Ritual. Then you will be cleansed before we start.’
    Douglas jerked his lip into a grimace.  ‘Surely you don’t think I need to be exorcised?’

 
     
     
                                  
    CHAPTER 6

RHONAN MANOR
THE EXORCISM
                        
    Father O’Reilly narrowed his rheumy eyes at Douglas then took a quick swig from the whisky bottle.  ‘No, but ye’ll need to be purified man. To be sure, you’re no saint –blaspheming the sacred rites.’
    Shedding his shabby jacket, the priest unclipped the battered leather suitcase taking out a black tunic and white surplice and alb enriched with gold and purple stripes.  Placing a cloth over the small table, he picked up two sturdy candlesticks, into which he placed candles previously blessed on the church altar.   As he donned the white alb, the rich gold and purple stripes contrasting with his black tunic, he conceded.  ‘It’s only a mild form of exorcism.  To be sure, the place is infested with – think of what has happened here over the centuries –famine – suicides.’  
    ‘With respect Father –superstition.’ 
    The priest kissed the maniple, embroidered with early Christian symbols of the fish, ship and the Great Shepherd.  ‘Your disbelief may hinder the exorcism. Keep your blasphemous comments to yourself.   If you want to open this hotel, you’d best be pleasing the villagers.’  As he crossed the maniple over his chest, he muttered, ‘There’s no way they’ll set foot in the place until it’s cleansed.’      
    Douglas sighed – impurity – demons – ghostly attacks, what next?       
    Father O’Reilly placed the exorcised sacraments on the low mahogany table before holding up a large silver crucifix.  ‘We must venerate the cross.  Keep your eyes on this crucifix at all times. Do not be distracted.  Now let us pray.  Through the death of our Lord Jesus Christ, we defeat Satan. Demons and devils cannot hurt us.  We fear not