She did not seem surprised. Rather, she seemed completely prepared for my reaction. Taking a long, level look at me, she nodded as though seeing what she wanted, and dragged the ancient-looking book in front of her. Blowing dust from the cover, she began.

"This book is an ancient guide to Mediators, translated from the mythologies of the Egyptians. They were well aware of the spiritual world as well as this one, and researched heavily into the field."

I found this a little hard to believe. Ancient Egyptians? From the mythologies? And had she really said that noone had attempted it for two thousand years?

For that matter, what exactly was she suggesting?

I nodded, allowing her to continue.

"It talks of the different spiritual planes, and the way humans can perceive them. As you know, most humans can only see each other, what is known as the mortal plane. Once they pass on, they go either to the higher plane, or the spiritual plane." She cleared her throat. "The spiritual plane is where The One you have met lurks. The higher plane is where the fulfilled spirits go."

I got all this. I lived in the mortal plane, but I could see the spiritual plane. I'm guessing this higher plane is where I exorcized Jesse's whacked-up ex-girlfriend to.

"Although most mortals can see only the spiritual plane, some, such as yourself, can see the mortal, spiritual, and higher planes. Those living in the spiritual plane can see all three planes. As can those in the higher plane.

"It then goes further to talk about travel through planes. Obviously, regular mortals cannot travel to the spiritual or higher plane without undergoing a transformation, dying. Those in the spiritual plane can move freely between the spiritual and higher plane, but can only some times be visible and opaque, solid, in the mortal plane. Those in the higher plane cannot move at all, unless contacted by a medium or mediator." She took a long sip of water, obviously tired from all this talking. My mind was swimming in her words.

"Since those living in the spiritual plane can move to the mortal plane, they do, in fact, exist in the mortal plane. They just do not have the proper form, or 'shell' exhibited by most in the mortal plane, just as mediators do not have the proper 'spirit' exhibited by those in the mortal plane. Therefore, it is possible for one in the spiritual plane to be returned to the mortal plane."

I gasped. The world seemed to slow down. Colours blurred before my vision. Was she saying what I thought she was saying?

"It says here there is a way to bring Jesse back. All you have to do is make it happen."

My mind was numb. Was this really happening? Had Madame Zara really spoken those words? Could Jesse really come back?

"The instructions are simple. All you need is the body of the one you want reborn, or some remnant of it. An anchor to help his soul find the way. The spirit of the one you seek. A reason for them to return. And both your and their own full belief that this is what they want. At midnight on the night of a full moon, you must have all these together, and you must both think of the reason he should join you. And then he will.

"There is only one more thing. You will be the anchor for his soul in the mortal plane. Just make sure The One is well aware of the fact."

She passed me a photocopied sheet, smiling. "I hope you find this all you want it to be. Thanks for the visit, Susannah. Pop by again soon, and bring along anyone you want," she said, winking.

I left in a daze.