by Rose Pressey
Hank’s biggest fan Sandra marched over toward us. We all paused and stared at her. Sandra had her eyes on Melissa though. Melissa stepped back a little when she spotted Sandra.
“You are causing a scene.” Sandra poked Melissa in the chest with her finger.
Melissa’s eyes widened in shock. She stepped forward, but I knew that she really wanted to hide behind someone. “I am here to speak with Hank and I don’t think it’s any of your business.”
“This woman asked you to leave.” Sandra pointed toward me. “So that means that you need to leave.”
The crowd watched in silence as if this was some kind of theater routine.
Melissa stared at Sandra. I was pretty sure that if Melissa didn’t agree to leave that Sandra would try to throw her out. Whether she could do it I didn’t know. My bet was on yes.
Where was Tammy? I glanced around and saw her standing with the others with her mouth open in shock. This situation was out of control. When had I lost control? Oh yeah, I’d never had control. This was the kind of thing that Mrs. Agnew would say made me unqualified for the job. Though she had been the one to hire me. It wasn’t my fault if she had had a change of heart.
Sandra was giving Melissa a look that said, Either you leave on your own or I take you out. Melissa seemed to be very stubborn though and I wasn’t sure she was receiving that message.
“Melissa, I will talk with you after the book signing,” Hank said in a calm voice.
She looked at him. “Are you serious?”
He nodded. “Yes, I will call you as soon as I can.”
After another few tense seconds, Melissa shook her head. “Okay, you’d better call me.”
She looked at me, then glared at Cady and Sandra. At least Melissa didn’t seem to be holding it against me. She turned around and stomped out of the library.
“I’m sorry about that. I had no idea she would do that.” Hank looked as if he wanted to hide under the table.
“That’s okay.” I straightened my shirt and motioned for everyone to get back to business. “Please, let’s continue.”
Cady stood beside Hank. “Yes, it’s all over now, so we can get back to business.”
Sandra didn’t say anything, she just went back to standing in the line. People cleared the way. I was surprised that they didn’t just let her move to the front. The other woman who was in front of her didn’t say a word the whole time.
Just then Tammy moved beside me. She frowned. “Wow, it feels like a funeral in here. I thought that woman might pull out a gun or something.”
“My life flashed before my eyes for a second,” I said.
Tammy blew the hair out of her eyes. “Her crazy was showing and she needed to tuck it back in.”
“Well, it’s a whole lot to tuck.”
Tammy looked out across the library. “Maybe the rest of the evening will be uneventful.”
I sighed. “I hope so. It couldn’t get any worse, right?”
Tammy shrugged. “Never say never.”
I was just glad the current situation had ended without a fight.
“Would you please stop pushing me?” the woman in front of Sandra snapped.
Uh-oh. More trouble was on the horizon. I’d spoken too soon.
Sandra rolled her eyes. “I didn’t push you.”
“You most certainly did push me,” the woman retorted. “Keep your hands to yourself.”
Tammy and I exchanged a look. I can only imagine that the scene looked like it was out of control. I suppose that was because it was out of control. Soon people would be throwing punches and throwing chairs. If they touched the books I would freak out.
I started to move closer to the bickering women. I wasn’t sure what I would do though. Sandra looked like she could flick me out of her way as if she was swatting a fly. Before I even reached the women, things escalated from squabbling to a full-fledged boxing match. Or more like a hair-pulling slapping match.
“Ladies, please,” I yelled.
Hank jumped up and tried to come between the women. Sandra accidentally elbowed him in the mouth. So now he was down for the count. Tammy jumped in the middle of the women, but quickly moved out of the way when she was slapped.
“I am not dealing with this.” Tammy pulled out her cell phone. “I’m calling the police.”
This was going to have to involve the police. Just like Tammy, I didn’t want to get in the middle of a punch.
Cady was standing far back watching the action like she was at a sporting event. All she needed was a bucket of popcorn.
Finally a police officer entered the library and I released a sigh of relief. Maybe now things would settle down. No one seemed to listen to me. I’d expected to see Brannon and was a little disappointed that he wasn’t the responding officer.
“Just don’t hurt any of the books,” I called out.
Of course I didn’t want anyone to get hurt either. After this scene, I was ready to kick everyone out of the library. I didn’t think anyone could blame me if I did.
“Let go of my hair,” the woman yelled at Sandra.
The officer hurried over to the two women and yanked them apart. They had been pulling each other’s hair. Their faces were red and they were still clawing at each other.
If the head of the library board came in right now I would definitely lose my job. This was the library and people were supposed to be quiet, for heaven’s sakes. Had they completely lost their minds? The officer guided the woman out the main door of the library.
“Take your hands off me,” Sandra screeched on her way out.
She glared at me as if this was somehow my fault. Hank had returned to signing books as if nothing had ever happened. I guessed the show must go on.
Chapter 4
“Thank goodness that is over.” Tammy brushed her hair out of her eyes.
Annie sent me a text. I agree. That was terrifying.
“Are you okay?” I asked.
Tammy touched her face where she’d been slapped. “I’m fine. They were strong.”
Cady finally came over. “Hank is almost finished and we’ll be leaving.”
“I’m sorry for what happened,” I said.
“I told you she would do something. Sandra is nothing but trouble.” Cady shook her head and walked away.
I picked up a couple chairs that had been toppled over. I knew the library board would get wind of this. I just hoped I didn’t lose my job. No one else might want the job, but I did. What would Annie do without me?
Once everyone had cleared out of the library, Hank walked over as if nothing out of the ordinary had happened.
“Anything interesting in town?” He shoved his hands in his pockets.
His assistant just shrugged her shoulders. She had her tote bag packed and was looking at the door longingly. I knew she couldn’t wait to get out of Devil’s Moon.
“Well, if you’re looking for something to eat, we have a really great little diner. There are some nice shops in town too,” I said.
Hank folded his arms in front of his chest. “I was looking for something a little more unique. Maybe off the beaten path.”
I cleared my throat. “I do offer a haunted tour through town.” I wasn’t sure if he was into that kind of thing. Hank wrote mysteries so he might like the spookiness though.
His face lit up. “Really? That sounds interesting.”
I couldn’t tell by his expression, but I thought he was being sincere. “I just take a small group of people to different locations around town and tell them the haunted history of each place.”
“When is this?” Hank asked.
I looked at the clock. “In about an hour and a half.”
“Do I need to purchase a ticket?”
I waved my hand. “Oh, you don’t have to pay. I’d love to have you take the tour.”
“No, I insist on paying. Do I need to buy the tickets at the tour?” he asked.
I gestured over my shoulder. “Actually, I have some tickets with me.”
“We’ll take two.” He looked to Cady.
She scowled, but didn’t say no either.
After grabbing a couple tickets from my purse, I handed them to Hank. He gave the tickets to Cady and said, “Cady, can you pay her?”
Cady sighed and marched toward the door. “I don’t have enough cash in my bag. I’ll get it from the car. I’ll be right back,” she said over her shoulder.
Once she’d walked out the door, Hank said, “There was this old house I spotted in town. What do you know about it?”
“Which old house is that?” I asked. “There are a lot of them in town.”
“It’s just as you’re heading out of town on this road. It’s covered by trees and brush.”
My eyes widened. “The Helmwood House.”
“So you do know the place?” Excitement filled his voice.
“I think everyone in town knows the place,” I said.
Just then Cady marched back in. She shoved a few crumpled bills toward me.
“Thank you,” I said.
“So tell me more about the house,” Hank said.
Cady sighed. “Are you talking about that house again?”
He ignored her and asked, “What can you tell me about it?”
“Helmwood House hasn’t been lived in for a long time. There are rumors about the place.” I laughed, but the memory of that strange presence came back.
He stood a little straighter. “What kind of rumors?”
I looked around as if someone would hear me. “So the story goes a witch used to live there. Anyone who goes to the house will be cursed.”
“Really?” He quirked an eyebrow. “So who’s been cursed?”
I laughed again. “I hope no one, because I was just at the house. So far nothing has happened to me.”
Hank pointed at me. “We should go there now.”
I gestured toward my chest. “We? As in you and me?”
“Sure, why not?” He smiled.
Cady stepped forward and threw her hands up. “I’m afraid that’s not a good idea.”
Her reaction didn’t go over well with Hank. He glared at her and stepped around her.
I looked at the clock again. “Well, I do have the ghost tour. But I guess if it’s a quick trip we could go now.”
I wondered what Brannon would say if I took the author there. It was a dangerous place and I knew he didn’t like the idea of me going there alone. But he wouldn’t have to know anything about it. He hadn’t known about my other trip, so what was one more time? Somehow I’d known I’d end up back at that house. We would be in and out without anyone knowing.
“You’re interested in old houses or hauntings?” I asked.
“I thought it might give me inspiration for my next book. What do you say?”
I glanced around for Tammy. She was walking toward us, so I knew I had to wrap up this conversation.
Hank clapped his hands together. “Great. Should we meet you there?”
I smiled. “Great. I’m looking forward to it.”
“Cady and I will see you soon,” he said.
Cady stood there with her arms crossed in front of her chest. I knew by her stance that she wasn’t pleased with our plans. I wasn’t entirely sure why. What did she care if he went? Was it because she didn’t want to go? I was sure Hank wouldn’t make her if she didn’t want to.
Cady tapped at her phone’s screen. “Okay, we need to get food before this big adventure.”
Hank stuck out his hand. “Thank you again for the book signing.”
Tammy had walked up.
“It was our pleasure,” I said.
Hank and Cady left. It had been a whirlwind the whole time they’d been here.
“Did he mention the fight?” Tammy asked.
I shook my head. “Not a word. Thank goodness. Now just to make sure Mrs. Agnew doesn’t find out.”
“I’m off to work. Do you want to come with me?” Tammy asked.
Apparently she hadn’t overheard my conversation with Hank. She wouldn’t be happy if she discovered our plans.
“I have a few other things to do before the tour, but I’ll see you soon,” I said.
Her eyebrow rose. “Okay. I’ll see you soon.”
Once Tammy had walked out the door, I peeked around the corner. “Annie, where are you? You’ve been hiding all day.”
Just then Annie appeared. She looked as clear as any living person. Her ghostly form was dressed in an ivory-colored Victorian lace dress. Her gray hair was pulled up high, with little ringlets falling against her round cheeks.
I had my phone in my hand when she sent a text.
Are they gone?
“Yes, everyone is gone now,” I said.
I heard your plans. You shouldn’t go.
“I’ll just show him around. It will be fine.”
I placed more water in Jane’s dish and filled her other dish with food. She jumped down from the chair where she’d been sleeping and inspected the dish.
“You ladies have a nice evening. I’ll see you in the morning.”
Don’t say I didn’t warn you.
I brushed off her concern. Annie would see that everything was fine and stop worrying so much.
It was time to close up the library for the evening. I hadn’t been this stressed since the time we’d had a crime scene at the library. Of course that was worse than now, but this was stressful too. I shut off the lights and said goodbye to Annie. I knew she was happy to have the peace and quiet.
My work day wasn’t over when I locked the library’s doors. I still had to do my haunted tour around town. I looked forward to it though, so even though I was tired I was up for the tour. In a way it was relaxing and I never tired of telling the stories about haunted Devil’s Moon. I was always trying to collect new stories. Almost everyone in town had a story. It was my job to share those stories. Maybe I’d collect a couple new ones tonight.
I stepped out into the evening air. It was chilly, so I pulled my sweater a little closer to my body. The house was within walking distance of the library, but it still was a good distance. Night was coming quickly over Devil’s Moon. I hoped we got out of there before it was completely black out.
Chapter 5
I pulled up in front of the house, still unsure if this was a good idea. It was too late to turn back now though because Hank was already there and had spotted me.
I shoved my car into park and cut the engine. Hank and Cady stood outside his car. She had that same frown on her face, letting me know she still thought this was a bad idea. I was almost ready to agree with her. I got out of the car and walked over to join them.
“Glad you made it.” Hank smiled.
“Are you ready to go inside?” I gestured.
He could have just gone in without me, but I supposed since I was the official guide for everything creepy in town, he thought I was needed to lead him though the old place. I didn’t even know much about the house other than what Tammy had told me. That was all rumor as far as I knew.
“We should get this over with,” Cady said, motioning for us to follow her up the stairs.
I guessed she wasn’t afraid to go in the house after all. She just wanted to get out of Devil’s Moon.
“We should look around outside first.” Hank peered up at the house.
Cady had already almost made it to the front door. She released a sigh and then walked back down the stairs.
“I guess there’s not much to look at out here,” I offered, trying to help her out.
Hank stepped around to the side of the porch and I followed him. Cady stayed back at the porch.
“I’ll wait here,” she said.
We made our way through the tall grass at the side of the house. I watched every step for holes in the ground, snakes, or booby traps. The scent from the nearby pine tree drifted across the wind. The branches rustled and for a moment I thought something might be hiding behind the limbs. It was probably a stray cat. The last rays of sunset
filtered through a thin layer of clouds.
“Has all the paranormal activity been inside or are there things that happen on the property as well?” Hank paused at the side of the house.
“I’m not sure. I’ve never heard any mention of things outside.” I wrapped my arms around myself to fight off the chill.
“Interesting.” He peered up at the tall house. “It sure is rundown.”
I placed my hands above my eyes, shielding them from the setting sun. “Yes, it needs work.”
“Any plans for fixing it up?” he asked.
“Not that I know of. I’m not sure who even owns this place.”
“Maybe I’ll buy the place and fix it up.” He laughed.
I looked over at him, but he didn’t look at me. Was he being serious?
“I didn’t know your ex-wife lives in Devil’s Moon.” I hoped I wasn’t getting too personal.
He groaned. “Yes, she moved here recently. I think she’s dating someone from here. I don’t ask many questions. I didn’t want to come, but Cady insisted that we should. No offense. It’s just that I didn’t want to run into my ex. I like Devil’s Moon.”
That was odd. Cady had acted as if she didn’t want to be in Devil’s Moon. So why would she encourage Hank to come here?
“That’s okay. I understand,” I said.
He pointed toward the front of the house. “Okay, well, I guess we should take a look inside before Cady gets too impatient with me.”
It was already too late for that.
I nodded. “Okay. Let’s go.”
I walked back around the house and he followed me. Cady was on her cell phone when we reached the front again.
As soon as Cady spotted us, she hung up. “Are you ready now?” she asked in a frustrated tone.
Hank ignored her. She climbed the stairs and Hank and I followed her. When Cady reached the door she paused and stepped out of the way. Apparently she wasn’t brave enough to be the first to go inside.
Hank stepped forward and opened the door. He poked his head in. “Is anyone home?” he called out.
Of course there was no answer. He stepped in and then held the door for us. We stood in the foyer. What should we do now? Did they want a tour of the place? My skin prickled when I thought about my last visit. I didn’t know if it was me just being paranoid or if the spirit was hiding somewhere watching us.