And there I ascended, up, up, and away in the glass elevator to the top floor to Aphrodite Oshun's apartment. My escort did not join me but pointed to the door and returned to the bottom floor. I took in the scenery. Being this close to the beautiful artwork on the ceiling was breathtaking.

I was met at the door by a very young and beautiful woman dressed in white. I followed her into the apartment and there she was. The niece from the last painting. Older, but still Asian. She too was in all white. The light shone through her dress as she greeted me. A sheer fabric. I looked away and commented on the drapes.

"I was expecting Ms. Aphrodite Oshun," I said.

"Well, I am Mr. Prolongo. This is my niece, Lola."

"Is that so. I did not find any evidence of a spirit, Ms. Oshun. Sorry to disappoint you."

"Oh, no worries, Mr. Prolongo."

"I looked around and spoke to as many people as I could, but it appears they all disappeared. The best I can do is tell ya I got a creepy feeling in the pool room. Other than that. Zip."

"I'm guessing bad timing. Everyone is getting ready for the event in the Multipurpose room in a few minutes."

"Well, I'm not going to charge you since I found nothing. I did fill up in the picnic area. That was quite the spread. Seeing you all have a pressing engagement, I will see myself out."

"Don't go just yet, Mr. Prolongo. We have time to—get to know each other better." She glided across the room to the door and locked it. The younger lady made her way to the bar. "Please have a seat and join me for a drink. Will bourbon do?"

Who am I to throw away an opportunity at the good stuff. Seeing we were in the penthouse, I am safe to assume this was going to be delicious. "I can stay for a drink." The younger brought us the drinks and settled in beside me. They made a little Prolongo sandwich and they both were famished.

The bourbon was premium and wonderful. So was the company. We laughed and joked and the sandwich shrank. She was on me like white on rice. I stood and excused myself. Aphrodite prowled toward me. Lola the younger flanked me. They backed me into a corner. My heart was pounding. They made no sounds but their lips moved in sync to some unheard spell. Aphrodite's lips inched toward mine. I was stuck and mesmerized. The spell had nearly had a foothold when I came to my senses. I ducked out and made my apologies and tried to leave.

"Oh, Mr. Prolongo. You are a better specimen than I was led to believe. Before you go, may I ask for a moment of your time? I promise to pay you in full for your services."

"None of that funny business. Promise?"

"Mr. Prolongo. I will keep my hands where you can see them at all times. Lola, the thurible, if you will. Mr. Prolongo, my niece will anoint you with the incense—it is merely a test. As you can see, the smoke is red, but if and only if it were to change to white. Well. Let's see."

The young lady, Lola, came at me swinging the brass canister. It smelled like my evening tea of Earl Grey. She murmured a small incantation I could not decipher. The red smoke engulfed me and all eyes were on me. Then a smile like one of those cats that can disappear bloomed on her lips. The smoke was white.

"Oh, Mr. Prolongo. You are meant for great things. I will need your services further."

"Paid in full. Yes?"

"Oh, you will get yours, Mr. Prolongo. Lola, the other thurible. Now the blue smoke. Breathe in deep for me, please."

Lola prepared the other brass canister and came toward me. Blue smoke billowed as she swung it around. I breathed in deep as directed. The room started to spin. Colors dim. I stumbled to the door. I fumbled the lock. Hands. Melting. Feet? I was floating in a sea of confusion. Lights replaced with illuminance. Black. I was undone.