06 Hauntin' After Midnight

by Rose Pressey

  I nodded. “I hope they arrest the killer soon. I think all of Devil’s Moon wants that.”

  At least she wasn’t pointing a finger at me like the rest of town. Not yet at least. Maybe she was setting me up for that, pretending to be friendly so she could let me have it. I wouldn’t bring up the fact that I was technically considered a suspect too. Though she had probably already figured that much out. She seemed like a smart woman.

  “There is something I wanted to discuss with you.”

  Oh, here it came. This was when she would accuse me of murdering her aunt. I steadied myself for what was about to come.

  “You see, now that Katrina is gone…” She looked down at her shoes again for a moment and then back to me. “Well, the house is mine now. She told me you were interested in buying the house. I tried to convince her to sell to you, but she was determined to tear the place down. She thought it was evil and needed to go. Or someone had convinced her of that.”

  “Yes, I’m aware,” I said.

  “Well, I guess what I’m trying to say is that I’m willing to sell the house if you’d like to buy it.” Her eyes fixed on me.

  I glanced at Tammy. Her eyes were wide. I knew she’d been listening to the entire conversation. That would look strange if I immediately bought the house.

  “Of course it will take a bit before I can legally sell it to you,” Erin said.

  I supposed I was speechless because I just stared at her.

  After a few more seconds, I said, “It’s a great offer, but I’m not sure I can accept that.”

  She frowned for a moment and then plastered a fake smile on her face. “Well, let me know.”

  She handed me a card. Erin Kohl, realtor. Well that explained a lot. The more I found out the more I suspected her. She turned and walked out the library. Tammy was standing beside me now. For a moment we didn’t speak. Then we looked at each other.

  “What do you think about that?” Tammy asked.

  “I think she may have killed her aunt. Maybe she saw a house that could be sold for cash but instead her aunt wanted to tear it down. The land would be worth a lot less without the house on it. So Erin got rid of Katrina knowing that she would inherit the house and then be able to sell it to me.”

  Tammy nodded. “That makes sense to me, but now you have to prove it.”

  “I can tell Brannon that Erin has a motive. She basically confessed by asking me to buy the house like that. The sad part is I want to take her up on the offer. I wonder who would get the house if she goes to prison?” I tapped my fingers against the counter.

  “Good question.”

  “Would it be auctioned?” I waved my hands. “This is terrible. We should be finding the killer not discussing real estate.”

  Tammy nodded. “Right, but it looks as if you’ve found the killer.”

  “I haven’t a clue yet, so it might be too soon to claim the case is solved.”

  Chapter 5

  After the tour tonight I headed back over to the house on Edman Street. Brannon would wonder why I’d come back over here. Surely he knew the answer to that. Of course he would tell me to stop trying to solve the case and let him do his job. He had a point. After all, he didn’t try to tell me how to run the library. Though this was important. I had to work on this and I figured he could use all the help he could get.

  Darkness had settled around me and clouds were moving in again just like the night of the murder. Rain would lash out from the sky soon. The smell of the spring storm stirred in the air. The wind stirred the nearby tree branches. It was as if they were warning me to stay away. I wouldn’t listen though. I had to see for myself. The house came into view and my stomach did a flip. Erin’s offer to sell the house played in my mind. Then the scene of police cars with flashing lights came flooding back. I thought about finding Katrina near the rose bush at the side of the house.

  I stopped on the sidewalk in front of the house. The crime scene tape remained around the place. It looked like a set from a scary movie. I studied the façade. Yes, I loved the house, but what had Katrina really experienced in the house? Was it really haunted like she thought? The door slamming had been loud and I couldn’t explain that. Now that I was here I wondered, just exactly did I hope to accomplish? I lifted the police tape and moved under it. I glanced back to see if anyone was watching me. There were other houses of similar styles around, but no one was outside, not at this time of night with a storm on the way.

  Moving closer to the front porch, I wondered if the door was open. Did I have the nerve to look inside the house? What if something happened? Maybe going in there alone wasn’t a wise idea. Nevertheless, I walked up the stairs and to the front door. I looked over my shoulder once again to see if anyone had spotted me. If they were watching I couldn’t see them. What if someone called the police? I hadn’t thought of that.

  I needed to get out of sight. What if they thought I was the killer coming back to the scene of the crime? I hurried across the porch and grabbed the door knob. Had they dusted for fingerprints already? Of course they had, right? Besides, I had been there the night before the murder, so it was likely that my fingerprints would be here. I was just being too paranoid.

  I twisted the knob, but it didn’t budge. Too bad the door was locked. Maybe that was for the best. Yes, that was definitely for the best. What if the back door was open? If the front door was locked then the back door had to be too. Nonetheless, I felt the need to check. I should just go home, but I didn’t.

  I rushed down the steps and turned to my right. If I’d gone to the left I would have had to pass right by where I’d found Katrina. I didn’t want to deal with that right now. Moving around the side of the house in the dark made me look guilty of something. To think that the killer had been back here sent a chill down my spine. Had the killer been hiding waiting for Katrina?

  The back of the house was much darker. There were a number of trees, a perfect spot for someone to hide. I moved by the back porch to the door and tried the knob. Of course it was locked too. At least I had tried. Now I was wondering exactly why I’d come here. I stood in the back yard for a moment. I studied the surroundings, trying to figure out where the killer had attacked Katrina. Did it matter though? They had obviously left no clues.

  Why had Katrina been in the back yard? If she wanted to get rid of the house I figured she’d stay away as much as possible. I inched over to the other side of the house. I peeked around the side, as if just seeing the scene would make it all come back to life. I supposed in a way it did because a flash of her lifeless body ran through my mind again. I stared at the sight for a few seconds. Blinking, I snapped out of it. I needed to get out of there. Then something caught my attention. It was white and stuffed behind the holly bush next to the house. I tiptoed over to the landscaping.

  I reached down and pulled the piece of paper from the branches. It looked as if the wind had blown it there. Plus, it had gotten wet from the rain the night before. I shone the flashlight on the paper. I hated to illuminate the area and draw attention to myself, but I wanted to know what this paper was about. I hoped that no one would notice me. I unfolded the paper and read.

  How dare you treat my son that way? I hope you know you can’t get away with this. I’ll be waiting for you.

  The note was even signed. Melinda Middlesome. Who was Melinda? The note was addressed to Katrina. How had the police not seen this? I had to tell Brannon about it. I wasn’t sure who Melinda was, but it sounded as if she had a real problem with Katrina. Was the note to Katrina? It had to be. As I turned around to go back around the other side of the house, a loud noise banged from somewhere nearby. It actually sounded as if it came from inside the house. I froze as I stood close to the house so that maybe I could remain out of sight.

  The doors were locked and no one was supposed to be inside. Was it the ghost? I wasn’t going to hang around to find out. I ran around the back of the house and to the other side. I didn’t want to go down the side where I’d foun
d Katrina. Halfway across the side of the house a dark shadow ran right in front of me. I gasped and stumbled forward. Somehow I managed to remain upright.

  Where had that come from? It was in the shape of a person, but they had been completely blacked out, like a shadow. I knew it had to have come from the house. Was that what Katrina had seen? What if the spirit had something to do with her murder? Thank goodness I made it to the front of the house. The shadow didn’t appear again, but I wanted to get out of there. The note was tight in my hand. Once on the sidewalk I peered back at the house. The shadow was nowhere in sight. I hoped it stayed that way. How would I explain to Brannon that I’d gone back to the house and found the note?

  Thunder rumbled and drops of rain started to fall. I picked up my pace. The diner was the closest thing open. Luckily, I was getting close because I was getting soaked. No one even looked my way as I rushed into the diner. The permanent smell of burgers and fries lingered in the air. A long counter was at the center of the space. It curved around and reached all the way to the back of the room. The rest of the diner was full of tables and booths. The floor was black and white tiles. I tried to shake off some of the rain. At this time of night there was hardly anyone there. I went straight over to the booth at the window. It was the spot where I always sat because of the great view of the street.

  I slipped onto the seat. Somehow I’d managed to keep the note from getting even wetter. Unfolding the paper, I studied the words again.

  A woman laughed. “What’s written on that note must be interesting.”

  I jumped and the note flew out of my hand and onto the floor. I’d been so engrossed in it that I hadn’t noticed the waitress approach. The waitress reached down and snapped it up. Unfortunately, she read it as she picked it up.

  She frowned. “Do you know Melinda Middlesome?”

  “No,” I said, shaking my head.

  Lucky for me she handed the note back to me.

  “Well, she’s right there.” The waitress turned and pointed behind her.

  I followed her moving finger and spotted a woman walking out the door. She wore a dark coat with the collar pulled up close around her neck. It wasn’t even cold out. Was she trying to conceal her identity?

  “Is that her?” I asked.

  The waitress nodded. “Yes, that’s Melinda.”

  I had to go after her. Jumping up from the table, I ran over to the door. Melinda was already walking down the sidewalk. I hurried after her, although I wasn’t sure what I would do. Would I confront her with the note? What if she was the killer? That could be dangerous. I wanted to tell Brannon, but I hadn’t gotten the chance to call before I’d found Melinda. It was as if fate had stepped in.

  The woman hadn’t even looked back to notice that I was behind her. My anxiety was high as I contemplated what to do. I had to act quickly before she got into a car or went into another building. This might be my only chance.

  Once I was right up behind her I called out, “Excuse me.”

  The rain was falling harder now. Melinda had an umbrella and I didn’t, so I was getting soaked. Either she didn’t hear me or she was ignoring me. Why would she do that? She had no idea who I was or that I had this note. I hoped that the waitress wasn’t wrong. What if this wasn’t Melinda and I was following this woman for no reason? She would think I was crazy and getting ready to attack her. She might even turn around and mace me in the face. Who knew being a librarian and haunted tour guide could be so dangerous?

  I called out to the woman. This time though I used her name. “Melinda!” That worked because the woman looked over her shoulder. I hurried closer so that she would know that I was really talking to her. This could be dangerous. Brannon would say that I should call him.

  “Melinda, can I talk to you for a moment?”

  She furrowed her brow and stared at me. “Who are you?”

  “My name is Ripley Van Raden.”

  She gave me another confused look.

  “I wanted to speak with you about the note you left Katrina.” I pulled out the paper and flashed it at her.

  In one swift movement she grabbed the note from my hand and took off running. For a moment shock had blocked my words. I couldn’t believe what had happened. At least now I knew for sure she had written the note to Katrina.

  “Hey, come back here.” I ran after her.

  As I splashed through puddles, water pounded against my skin. Unfortunately, Melinda took off across the street. A car passed and I had to wait. That gave her time to get further away from me. As I crossed the street, Melinda jumped into a black car. Just as I ran down the sidewalk toward her she started the engine and then took off. The car taillights faded into the darkness.

  I stopped running and tried to catch my breath. Rain fell in a steady rhythm against the ground. Lightning flashed across the sky followed closely by more rumbling thunder. How would I explain this to Brannon? I’d had a note and now I didn’t. Nevertheless, right now I just needed to get out of the rain before I was struck by lightning.

  I hurried down the sidewalk in the opposite direction from where Melinda had driven. I’d go home and call Brannon right away. I supposed it was the creepiness of the whole situation, but it felt as if I wasn’t alone walking down that sidewalk. Though I was the only one crazy enough to be out at this time of night in the rain. My place came into view and I raced up the path toward the front door as if something was chasing me.

  Chapter 6

  Brannon said he’d be over right away. I’d only been home long enough to change out of my wet clothes when a knock came at the door. I’d changed into my pajamas with the little ghosts on them. At least now I was dry and warm. When I answered the door Brannon immediately embraced me in a hug. Next he kissed me on the lips.

  “What happened?” he asked.

  “We should have a seat.” I gestured.

  “That bad?” Brannon moved across the room to the sofa.

  I’d started a fire so the room was cozy. I sat next to him and took his hands in mine.

  He looked me in the eyes. “You went back to the house, didn’t you?”

  I supposed there was no way of denying it. “Yes, but I found something.”

  I thought if I told him about the note right away he wouldn’t be too upset with me. He’d be too focused on the note to tell me to stay out of the investigation. This was serious. He’d thank me later for finding a clue.

  “What did you find?” he asked.

  I’d known he’d be curious.

  “And where did you find it?”

  “This is going to be an interesting story,” I said with a forced smile.

  “Aren’t all of your stories interesting?” he asked.

  I liked to think my stories were interesting, but I digressed.

  “Anyway, I found a note addressed to Katrina. It was from a woman named Melinda Middlesome and she was threatening Katrina.”

  “What exactly did it say? Where’s the note?”

  I knew he’d ask for it. Avoiding the question about the note’s location, I told Brannon exactly what the note said.

  “Do you have this note?” he asked again.

  “Well, this is where the story gets really interesting,” I said.

  He quirked an eyebrow. “I’m listening.”

  “I took off for the diner, right? It was as if fate stepped in. Melinda was there at the diner.”

  He stared at me. “She was at the diner? What are the odds?”

  “I know, right? Can you believe it?”

  “How do you know it was her?” he asked.

  “The waitress saw the note and then pointed out Melinda.” I waved my hand. “Anyway, to the point. I ran out of the diner after Melinda. When I caught up to her she confronted me and took the note. She ran away with it.”

  Brannon continued to stare at me in disbelief. I knew he didn’t believe my story. “So you’re saying you don’t have the note now?”

  “Exactly, I don’t have the note, but that’s
just a small snag in the investigation. I think you need to talk with this Melinda person and ask her a few questions.”

  He quirked an eyebrow. “Oh, I’ll definitely check it out.”

  Before we could discuss this further a knock sounded at my door. We exchanged a look.

  “Who could that be?” I asked.

  No one I knew would come to my house at this time of night. Perhaps it was Tammy, although she would have called first. Now my stomach twisted into a knot. I wondered what terrible thing had happened and who was at the door. Maybe it was a ghost paying me a visit.

  Brannon stood from the sofa and headed toward the door. I followed along behind him. When he stopped in front of the door I almost smacked into his back. He peeked out through the peephole.

  “Who’s there?” I whispered.

  “I don’t see anyone. Stay right there.” He motioned and then unlocked the door.

  My anxiety increased as he twisted the knob. He opened the door, but thank goodness no one jumped in at us. With his hand on his gun, Brannon eased out into the hallway as if stalking prey. I peeked out and watched as he walked over to the staircase and peered down.

  “No one there,” he said.

  Maybe it really was a ghost after all. He stepped back into the apartment.

  “Maybe we just imagined it,” I said.

  “It could have been a sound of the house settling or something,” he said.

  I shrugged. “I guess.”

  We’d barely made it back across the room when the sound of knocking rattled the door again. This time Brannon pulled out his gun. When he went to the door he eased it open, as if he was prepared to shoot. Of course I was beginning to suspect paranormal activity. This time there was someone at the door.

  Erin backed up and held her hands up. Her eyes were huge. “I’m sorry.”

  How had Erin even found out where I lived?

  Brannon put his gun away. “Sorry about that. We thought someone was playing games.”

  Her brows pinched together. “What do you mean?”