"Thank you for the compliment, Father," Maurice said happily. "If you can find useful information from the video, then my investigation this time won't have been in vain."
"You certainly haven't, Mr. Maurice." As a priest of The Church, York acknowledged Maurice's efforts, let go of his hand, and looked at the Peggy Family behind him.
Like previous victims tormented by the supernatural, they were all haggard and pale.
Compared to the three withered children, the single mother, as the head of the household, appeared even more affected; her eyes were bloodshot, her dark circles heavy, and her exhaustion was palpable.
Based on his extensive exorcism experience, this wasn't an act. Even without looking at the Peggy Family's faces, just by looking at this house, he could feel an extreme sense of oppression.
"Ah, Father Yorkes, let me introduce you."
Maurice took it upon himself to act as the bridge and introduced them,
"This is Peggy, Peggy Hodgson."
"Mhm." York nodded and looked at the single mother who was just staring at him, speaking gently.
"Hello, Ms. Peggy. I already have some understanding of what has happened here. Thank you for your perseverance and effort."
As soon as he said this, the single mother named Peggy Hodgson immediately covered her mouth.
She had been staring at York without blinking, but her strong facade instantly crumbled, as if she had found something to lean on, evoking sympathy from those who saw her.
Seeing this, York didn't know what to feel. He sighed in his heart, took off the Cross from around his neck, and in front of everyone, raised his hand to hang it around her neck, saying gently,
"I'm sorry, Ms. Peggy, you seem very exhausted. This Cross should make you feel a bit better."
Peggy clearly hadn't expected York to do this. Seeing everyone watching, she subconsciously grabbed the Cross, looking a bit embarrassed as she forced a smile.
"Father, I..."
But in that instant, whether it was psychological or not, she felt the space that had been so oppressive before become a bit more spacious.
Noticing this, Peggy's hands slightly tightened around the Cross. Staring at the exceptionally robust priest before her, whose eyes seemed to hold encouragement, she composed herself once more and said gratefully,
"Thank you, Father. It's a pleasure to meet you."
"Mhm."
Seeing the single mother regain her composure, York' expression remained unchanged. He stepped aside to let Ed and Drew come forward and introduce themselves one by one.
"Hello, Ms. Peggy. My name is Ed Warren, and this is Drew, my assistant..."
"..."
After the round of introductions, everyone stepped back. York, naturally becoming the leader, looked once more at the house that made him feel oppressed.
"Ms. Peggy, can we go in now?"
"Yes!" Looking at everyone, Peggy nodded.
"Please, come in."
With that, she turned around with her bewildered children and led the way.
York followed with the group.
He really couldn't figure out what The Nun wanted or what she was after, or if this was just a common supernatural incident.
At the same time, as they were about to enter the house, Ed said instinctively,
"Father Yorkes, should we wake Lorraine?"
York shook his head. "No need. Let her wake up on her own, Ed."
Speaking, York glanced back at Maurice, who was also following; he had noticed the file folder in Maurice's hand.
"Mr. Maurice, do you have any other investigation results? If possible, tell me about them as well."
Maurice dutifully handed over the file folder.
"Father Yorkes, these are the investigation results for Bill Wilkins."
Thinking of the name the spirit had blurted out, York took the file folder and opened it while following the Peggy Family.
"Father, there really is a person named Bill Wilkins. He was the first owner of this house."
As he spoke, Maurice seemed to know The Church's entire exorcism process and continued,
"The Peggy Family came from elsewhere and bought this house from an agent two years ago. There is no connection between them."
"I believe everything happening here is real. A girl of only twelve couldn't possibly know the first owner of this house; even her mother didn't know."
Listening to Maurice's incessant chatter, York had already pulled out the first document.
It was Bill Wilkins' personal profile.
Age: 72 years old.
Cause of death: Blindness and massive cerebral hemorrhage; he died while sleeping on the sofa in the corner of the living room.
It also included photos taken by Maurice: the protagonist, Janet, levitating without any help.
Or common photos of things flying around the house.
After a quick glance, it was indeed as Maurice said; there was no connection between the two.
Because not long after Bill Wilkins died, the house was sold by his family. Now in the hands of the Peggy Family, it's already third-hand.
Recalling the interview materials of the Peggy Family, York stopped browsing and tucked away the file folder as he walked.
Actually, according to The Church's procedures, these materials are far from enough and cannot serve as the basis for a supernatural event unless evidence was actually captured, like The Warrens did.
To prevent misjudgments, The Church is actually very strict.
Although he knew the supernatural events here were real, he couldn't simply agree with Maurice's judgment based solely on these materials, as it would mislead Maurice.
Handing the file folder back to the expectant Maurice, York said calmly,
"Thank you for your investigation, Mr. Maurice. As you said, there really is no connection between them. I will take that into consideration."
"Father, it is my honor to be of help to you." Maurice took it excitedly and then stole a glance at Ed.
Ed, who had been like an invisible man letting York take the lead, nodded with a smile of encouragement.
He had always known that Maurice wanted to become a registered external member of The Church.
Having learned the general situation, York and his group officially entered the notorious haunted house under Peggy's welcome.
"Father, this is the place where Bill Wilkins died."
Upon entering, Maurice first pointed to a sofa chair in the corner of the living room.
"Janet always wakes up here."
York looked over; it was a leather rocking sofa that looked quite expensive.
But in his eyes, there was more to this expensive sofa than met the eye. Blood was spreading, and the trace of someone sitting there could be seen—it was very ominous.
He then looked at Peggy.
"Ms. Peggy, where did you buy this?"
Peggy crossed her arms. "It was already in the house. When I bought the house, I bought the furniture too."
"Alright." York scanned the layout of the house and looked toward the second floor connected by the stairs. No amount of touring compared to the main event.
"Ms. Peggy, I'd like to see Janet first."
Peggy pursed her lips, a look of worry appearing on her face.
"Don't worry, I won't do anything. On the contrary, I will ensure Janet's safety."
Noticing Peggy's hesitation, York said gently,
"I just want to ask Janet a few questions. If you want to resolve this and start a new life..."