Cozy Mystery Ghost Story Collection: The Complete Shannon Porter Mystery Series

by Haley Harper

  Shannon’s eyes were growing heavy, but she just couldn’t stop reading. Her vivid imagination was ablaze with images of highwaymen and black stallions. If she had been looking for inspiration for her book, this was surely going to be the place. She read on:

  “On a stormy, blustery night the fair Lady Caldwell and her lover donned their usual masquerade and headed into the countryside. The farmer had heard reports of an extremely wealthy businessman coming to the village to investigate the possibilities of setting up commerce there. Determined that he would be the first and only highwayman to reach the carriage, he and Lady Caldwell set out at early dusk and lay in wait. The inclement weather was a bit troublesome, as the roads were muddy and the horses were having some trouble. Lady Caldwell in particular struggled with the poor terrain. The farmer knew that the usual quick getaway that he had mastered would be impeded by this situation. Nonetheless, the carried on. But this was to be Lady Caldwell’s last ride. The guards riding with this carriage were well armed, not something they usually encountered. She was shot as she rode away, making it only to the entrance of the mansion’s secret passage. Her body was discovered there the next day. No one knows what became of her lover, as he was never seen again. Some say he simply disappeared into the countryside to avoid capture. To this day, it is reported that Lady Caldwell’s ghost haunts the grounds of Buldrew Mansion on many a stormy night. Ghost experts say she is trying desperately to get back into the mansion where she can confess her sins and die with a clear conscience. They say her spirit can not rest until she makes it inside once more. There have also been reports of a dark ghostly figure astride a black horse being spotted around the mansion at dusk. So visitors beware. The Buldrew mansion may offer up much more than a cozy fireplace and a comfortable bed!”

  Another jolt of the plane brought Shannon back to the present day. Looking up she realized passengers were shuffling about in their seats gathering possessions together. The latest thump she had heard was the plane beginning its descent. The first leg of her journey was over. In just a short while she would reach her final destination.

  Chapter 4

  She closed the book and tucked it back into her bag. She couldn’t wait to get to the mansion and start to work. Just then a voice over the speaker announced a perfect landing into Heathrow, the pilot reporting the night to be clear and warm. Well no ghosts tonight then, she thought to herself. Melissa had gathered her belongings and though her seatbelt was fastened, she seemed to be sitting on the edge of her seat. “You look ready to get out of here,” Shannon laughed.

  “Oh I am,” Melissa replied. “I am so ready! I didn’t want to bother you when you were reading, but I wanted to give you this. It’s another book about the history of the area. I’ve read it cover to cover so I’d love for you to have it.”

  “Thank you so much,” Shannon replied, taking the book. “I can return it to you before we leave the mansion.”

  “Sure,” Melissa agreed. “That’d be great.” They discussed transportation plans to the mansion. Shannon’s editor had arranged for an acquaintance to meet her and take her to the mansion. Melissa had arranged a rental car as she hoped to do some exploring of the area during her stay. They said their goodbyes, agreeing to meet the next morning for breakfast.

  Shannon waited impatiently in line to clear customs, all the while peering through the sliding glass doors to see if she could recognize the person who was meeting her. Her editor had described her as a tall slim redhead with glasses, most likely wearing hippy style clothes and sporting a full tattoo painting on her right arm. Shannon glanced around while she waited, remembering his description and wondering what kind of person she was going to get hooked up with. Finally she hit the front of the line, and after answering the usual questions, her passport was stamped and she was waved through the gate. She headed for the baggage claim area, keeping her eyes peeled for any unusual looking redheads. Her back was turned and she was grabbing for her suitcase just before it went through the opening for a second spin on the carousel.

  “Shannon Porter,” a deep voice announced. “I’d recognize you anywhere.” Shannon jumped and did an about face that caused her to miss her suitcase as it rolled on by. She turned in the direction of the voice as a very tall, very excited redhead with wavy hair falling nearly to her waist came barreling towards her. She was easily six inches taller than Shannon and at least ten times louder. With her was a very tall and handsome man in a gray suit with a rather sheepish look on his face. “No doubt a wee bit embarrassed by the company he keeps,” Shannon thought. Shannon kept an eye on the couple as they approached from the corner of her eye as she waited for the escaping suitcase. Snatching it early in its ride this time, she dragged it from the carousel and waited for the red head to get to her before she spoke.

  “Hi,” she said when the woman was next to her. “I am Shannon, and you must be Maureen.”

  “At your service,” the other woman said with an exaggerated bow. “Maureen O’Mally to be exact. And this is my friend detective Jake Monroe. Turns out after I agreed to come meet you, my car battery died. Jake was kind enough to drive me over. I’m so glad to meet you. Our mutual friend has told me so much about you; I would have known you anywhere.” Their mutual friend was Dexter Bellamy, president of Hastings House Publishing.

  “Are you a writer as well?” Shannon asked.

  “I am,” Maureen replied; “although presently in between books and taking a bit of a holiday. I live here in London, and do some editing for Hastings when I’m not working on a project of my own. Dexter calls me in every now and then when he gets a bit overwhelmed. Come on, let’s get your stuff in the car and get you settled at the mansion. Then if you’d like we can grab a bite to eat in the pub in town.”

  “Thank you,” Shannon said with genuine feeling. In spite of her rather wild look, and loud voice, Shannon felt an instant liking for Maureen. Her detective friend was much quieter and not too hard on the eyes either. Shannon wondered if they were maybe a little bit more than just friends.

  “The offer of a ride and the idea of getting settled are great, but I am really bushed from the flight and would prefer to just crash for the rest of the night. Maybe we can meet up again tomorrow?”

  “No problem, Maureen replied. I totally understand. Like I said, I’m taking a bit of time off, so if you decide you’d like some company anytime, for dinner, breakfast, tea or if you want a guided tour around the city, I’m your girl. I’ll give you my card and you can call me anytime.”

  “Thank you so much, Shannon said once again, sliding the card into the front pocket of her computer bag without reading it. I’ll be sure to do that.” The ride to the mansion was filled with friendly chatter mostly about the area and the mansion itself. As much as she was enjoying their company, all Shannon really wanted to do was curl up on something comfortable and close her eyes for a while.

  “Well here we are,” Jake announced pulling into the roundabout of a long laneway. “Your mansion awaits. Just let me get your case from the trunk.”

  “Thanks again,” Shannon said with a weary sigh. “We’ll talk again soon.” With that she turned to wheel her suitcase through the massive wooden doors of Buldrew Mansion.

  A very prim and proper looking gentleman stood behind the counter set up in the lobby. He was tall and skinny with a long pointed nose, reminding Shannon of Iccabod Crane in the cartoon version of Sleepy Hollow. He nodded his head and smiled when she gave him her name.

  “Ah, yes, Miss Porter. We have been looking forward to your arrival. Let me see, I think we have you registered in the Lilac Room. Yes, here is your key. If you could just wait one second, I’ll summon a man to help you with your luggage.”

  “Oh, that won’t be necessary,” Shannon jumped in quickly. “I just have this one case and bag. If you could just direct me to the room, I can manage on my own.” A slight frown wrinkled the man’s thin face. He wasn’t accustomed to guests not allowing him to do his job properly. He started to pro
test, but thought better of it when he saw three more of the nights guests all arriving at the same time.

  “Very well then,” he complied. “If you follow this hallway to the end and turn right, the Lilac room is the first door on your left. There is a bronze placard on the door so you’ll know you have the right room.” Shannon thanked him and headed off, eager to get settled and call Mitch. She had promised to call him as soon as she arrived. Shannon glanced at her watch. It was now 7:20 here in Croydon, on the outskirts of London, so it would be about mid afternoon at home in Auburn Hills, Virginia. She wasn’t sure if Mitch would be home, but if not, she would leave a message. He would want to know that she had arrived safe and sound.

  Her room was as easy to find as the gentleman had said and she was inside quickly. She didn’t take any extra time to look around the mansion. There would be plenty of time for that tomorrow. She slid her computer bag off her shoulder and set it on the bed. She hoisted her suitcase up as well and then plunked herself down on the soft mattress. The Lilac Room was painted a pale shade of mauve and the curtains and bedspread were a darker lavender print. The bed was a massive four poster and the array of plump looking pillows almost shouted for her to come and lay her head on them. “Maybe just for a minute,” she said to herself.

  When she opened her eyes again, the first purple fingers of dawn were poking at the curtains. Shannon jumped off the bed and dug into her computer bag for her cell phone. Mitch was going to be so worried. A quick look at her phone showed that she had three missed calls. She scrolled down to Mitch’s number and dialed, not bothering to listen to his messages or check the time.

  “It’s about time,” said a rather grumpy Mitch. “I’ve been worried sick about you.”

  “I know. I’m so sorry. I was so tired after I got here I just collapsed on the bed and slept until just now. But I’m fine. It was a good flight, a bit of turbulence when we went through a thunderstorm but nothing serious. I’m here all in one piece, rested now and ready to get started.” Mitch’s voice softened a bit.

  “Good, I’m glad you’re there and settled. I’m just heading into a meeting so we’ll chat later. I’ll be done here by four. Let’s see that will be about nine there. Will you be able to call me then?” Shannon agreed, apologizing again for not calling sooner.

  “Miss you already,” she added. “Talk to you tonight. Bye.” A little voice was telling her that Mitch was still a little peeved. Oh well, she thought. He’s just going to have to get over it. Shannon laid back against the fluffy pillows once more and listened to the sounds of the mansion waking up. She could hear footsteps outside her door and the rattling of pots and pans in the kitchen. Buldrew mansion was run more like a bed and breakfast than a hotel. Authentic home cooked meals and beverages were included in your stay and served in the mansion dining room. Shannon couldn’t wait to meet the other guests and take a tour.

  Chapter 5

  The dining room of Buldrew Mansion was cozy and warm. A large stone fireplace occupied one complete end wall and although it was quite warm outside, a small fire had been lit. Weather in England is always damp and the fire was used to chase the chills away. The focal point of the room was a long sturdy table designed to seat at least twelve, but it was set with only seven places. It wasn’t a fragile antique but a solid, chunky piece that looked as though it had withstood many a family feast. The chairs were heavy and had been reupholstered in soft wine velvet. Two monster chandeliers of wrought iron and cracked glass hung over the table and basked the room in a golden glow. Shannon counted four guests already seated, her companion from the plane being one of them. The chair next to Melissa was empty and Shannon pulled it out and sat down. “We meet again,” she smiled.

  “Yes we do,” Melissa returned the smile. “If the food matches the décor we are in for some fine eating,” she laughed.

  “I can’t wait,” Shannon said. “I think it was my stomach growling that woke me up so early. That wasn’t much of a meal we had on the plane!” The women laughed and turned in unison as two more guests entered the dining room and sat down. Following them, came a matronly looking woman who Shannon recognized as the manager of the mansion. She was almost as round as she was tall, with silver hair pulled back in a bun. Reading glasses hung on a chain around her neck and bobbed around the top of her ample bosom as she waddled toward the table. Her smile was broad and genuine, and her blue eyes twinkled with interest and curiosity. She stood at the head of the table and introduced herself as Violet Chadwick.

  “I’d like to welcome all of you to Buldrew Mansion. We are honored to have each and every one of you with us for the week. As you probably have read, the mansion only books eight guests at a time. We like to maintain a homey, family type of atmosphere. One of our guests, however, has asked to remain undisturbed for his stay, so he will not be joining us for meals or activities. As for the rest of you, I hope you will introduce yourselves to each other and mingle a bit after the meal. Breakfast service will begin shortly, followed by a guided tour of the mansion for those who are interested.” With that, she turned and left the dining room.

  Conversations started up as soon as she finished her little speech and it wasn’t more than a few minutes before three young women in typical maid attire came around with carafes of coffee, tea and orange juice. Shannon noticed a fourth maid fussing about with the serving dishes on the sideboard. She didn’t appear to be helping the others to serve, and she seemed very nervous or uncertain of herself. Shannon watched her for a bit and then returned her attention to the meal and the conversations at the table. When she looked over to the corner again, the maid was gone.

  Breakfast was a feast of eggs, bacon, potatoes, sausages, porridge, scones and fruit. Shannon seriously doubted that she would be able to walk afterwards. But she wasn’t about to miss the tour of the mansion. Melissa edged up beside her while they waited for the guide. “This is so exciting. As you can probably tell, I haven’t travelled very much, and never on my own. You’ll have to just forgive my exuberance.”

  Shannon laughed. “Nothing to forgive,” she said. “I love your enthusiasm. I’m excited to be here too. I have travelled quite a bit for my work but this is my first trip to England.” Before they could say more, a very handsomely dressed gentleman appeared at the front of the room. He introduced himself as Frederick Thomas and welcomed them to the mansion. He explained a bit of the history of Buldrew Mansion, confirming those descriptions that Shannon had read in her travel guides. As he ended his speech, a very frazzled woman in what Shannon supposed was housekeeper attire flew into the room ahead of the three maids she had seen previously and started directing them to clear the tables.

  “The table must be cleared straight away,” she said waving her arms as she spoke. “The housekeeping staff has to get in here to tidy and sweep. Go go!” she continued. “No lollygagging about when there’s work to be done.” The guests all looked at her in amusement. Her hair was pulled back in a bun but tendrils had escaped and stuck out in every direction. Her cheeks were flushed and her eyes tiny and darted around the room like some kind of bird. She spoke so fast in a kind of local slang that Shannon could barely make out what she was saying. The maids had no problem however and they bustled about obviously trying to get their work done and get out of her way. For a moment even Frederick, their tour guide was stopped dead in his tracks. Once he gathered his wits again, he introduced her as Mrs. Pritchard, head of housekeeping. That was all he said before he headed towards the door to get the tour started.

  The Parlor was first on their trip, and Frederick described the furnishings and art in great detail. Then came the ballroom. It was huge and bare of furnishings except for several settees positioned around the perimeter of the room. Its focal point was the majestic crystal chandelier that hung in the centre of the room.

  From there they visited the kitchen, the summer kitchen and last but not least, the library. Floor to ceiling bookshelves lined every wall and a massive mahogany desk sat under a large w
indow overlooking the gardens. One entire wall was another stone fireplace, similar to the one in the dining room. Four large leather chairs were positioned near the fireplace beckoning any reader in the group to come sit for a while. Frederick finished the first part of his spiel and then invited the guests to wander on their own to study the fine collection of books that the mansion had acquired over the years. He asked the guests that they not leave the room, as there was a special feature of the library that he wanted to show them before the end of the tour.

  He excused himself politely and said he would return in a few moments. Shannon was truly impressed by the books on display. There were quite a number of rare first editions and she wondered why the owners would allow the guests to even touch them, let alone take them to their rooms. She supposed it instilled a sense of trust and welcome that bode well for return business and positive word of mouth advertising. As was somehow naturally expected in a library, the guest milled about, chatting in hushed whispers. It was no wonder that they all jumped at the sound of a loud gong resonating through the quiet room. All eyes turned towards the double wooden doors as they slowly creaked open.

  Every one of the guests gasped in surprise as a tall masked man entered the room brandishing a period pistol. “This is a robbery,” he announced in a deep, bellowing voice. “I demand that each of you stand and deliver to me all worldly goods that you carry on your person. Do not mistake my politeness for weakness. I will take actions as necessary to obtain my goals. It is a matter of your money or your life.”

  Mouths gaped and eyes grew wide as he delivered his speech. Then, before anyone could speak, a second masked man appeared in the doorway. This man was much smaller, both in height and weight, but wore the exact same breeches, long coat and mask and was also waving a pistol in the air. In a voice that seemed forced, the second masked man called out for everyone to remain calm.