06 Hauntin' After Midnight

by Rose Pressey

  I still didn’t believe he was being honest. Though maybe she hadn’t mentioned the note. That still didn’t explain why he would be following Erin.

  Scott stood a little straighter and puffed out his small chest. “You know, you ask a lot of questions. Maybe I should be asking you some questions that the police obviously won’t ask. Why were you at Katrina’s that night? You just happen to come along and find her murdered? Must be nice to be dating the detective investigating the murder. He can cover for you, can’t he?”

  “I think you need to leave now,” Tammy said.

  “Why? Are you going to call the police? Go right ahead.” He marched around me ad headed across the library.

  We hurried behind him. I wanted to make sure he actually left the building. I couldn’t believe that he had accused me of murder. When he reached the door, he turned and glared at me. I had a feeling I’d be seeing him again.

  “What was that all about?” Tammy asked.

  I blew the hair out of my eyes. “Do you honestly think he believes I had something to do with her murder?”

  “Not only does he think you had something to do with it, he thinks you did it.” Tammy frowned.

  “This is bad.” I checked the text from Annie.

  What if he’s just trying to convince the police you are guilty when in reality he is guilty?

  “I like that idea much better, but it’s still bad,” I said.

  I showed the text to Tammy and she nodded.

  “Try not to let it worry you,” Tammy said.

  Chapter 23

  The sound of footsteps woke me from my deep sleep. At first I thought I’d been dreaming, but now that I was wide awake and heard the sound again, I knew it was real. I froze in the bed with the covers pulled up to my chin. What if the killer had broken into my apartment? How would the murderer have gotten in? I reached for my phone, but it slipped from my hand and landed with a thud on the floor. The footsteps stopped. The person had heard the phone drop. My heart rate went up.

  I had to get the phone. Now I would have to get up and find it. I peered down, but didn’t see it. The thing must have landed under the nightstand. I hoped that it didn’t go under the bed. I slipped out from under the covers and onto the floor. I stuck my hand beneath the nightstand to retrieve the phone, but it was still out of reach. Just then I heard the click of the door.

  Someone had entered the room. Had the killer now come for me? I eased up and peered over the side of the bed. Only my head was visible. The door was definitely open, but no one was in the room with me. Well, at least not that I could see. A ghost? Maybe the spirit was still invisible to the human eye. What was going on here?

  I had to get up and check the entire apartment now. Easing up from the side of the bed, I tried to steady my nerves. Shaking legs made it hard to walk. I shoved my feet into the fuzzy slippers at the side of the bed and inched across the room. I’d been distracted and forgot about the places on the floor that squeaked when I stepped across them. Now the intruder would know that I was up and moving through the apartment. It was too late to do anything about it now. I made it to my bedroom door and paused.

  I peeked my head out into the hallway. I peered to the left and to the right. No one was in sight. Thank goodness. Now what should I do? I had to look through the rest of the house. I put one foot forward out of the door, as if someone might grab me as soon as I did. My heart beat faster. Inching out from the safety of my bedroom, I headed toward the living room. Peeking around the side of the door I had expected to see something, but again there was no one there. The search wasn’t over though. I still had to look around in the dining room and kitchen.

  It seemed like such a long distance from one room to the next. It was as if as long as I had a door to shield me I would be okay, but if I had to walk across the room without cover I would be too vulnerable. I sucked in a deep breath and then released it. This was my house and I wouldn’t allow a ghost to scare me from my own home. A killer? That was a different scenario. The killer would make me run from the house.

  Goosebumps appeared on my arms. The room had to be at least twenty degrees cooler than the rest of the house. Out of the corner of my eye I caught movement. A misty form disappeared around the corner and into the kitchen. I rushed over to the entrance to the kitchen expecting to catch the spirit, but it was gone. Had it been the ghost of the woman? She’d now followed me home. That was unsettling to know that she could appear in my house any time she wanted. I hurried over to the back window and peered down into the backyard.

  She wasn’t out there either. Had she gone back to the house on Edman Street? I stared out the window for a moment. It didn’t feel as if I was alone. Not exactly as if someone was in the room with me, but it felt more as if someone was outside staring back at me. I wouldn’t be able to see them because it was so dark out there. Could they see me? There was a faint glow from the nightlight that I left on in the kitchen. I might as well go back to bed. The ghost had achieved what she’d come for. All she wanted was to scare me and I still wasn’t sure why.

  I’d just settled down under the covers again when another noise came from the hallway. Light footsteps again. The ghost was just playing games with me and I needed to get my rest.

  “Okay, that’s enough,” I said. “The first time was scary, but I’m not afraid now, so there’s no need for you to continue playing this game with me.”

  Of course the ghost didn’t answer, but I had to say it. I was still a little scared even though I said I wasn’t. I mean, I didn't know what this ghost wanted. After being pushed, her intentions could be to do the same again or even worse, so obviously that was scary. No matter how many good ghosts I came into contact with there was always the bad ones that would leave me fearful for what they might do.

  The footsteps continued and I remained in bed listening, waiting for pacing to stop. It was as if someone was pacing out there. What were they doing out there? I had to go take a look again. Maybe the spirit would go away this time when I went out there.

  I eased out of bed and shoved my feet into my slippers again. One more time I tiptoed across the floor, trying to miss the spots that I knew made loud squeaks. I didn’t want this ghost to know that I was trying to find it. If the spirit wanted to be tricky and sneak up on me, then I would do the same. Two could play that game.

  Once I reached the door I stopped and then slid over to the side so I could stick my head out. I peeked to the left and then to the right. This was so frustrating because I didn’t see anything, not that I expected to see a full-bodied apparition every time. Actually, I was glad that I didn’t because again, she could be a bad one. A misty form or black shadow? I didn’t want to see any of that. I just wanted to go back to bed and rest peacefully until time to go to work. Not that I had much time left to rest anyway. I might as well get ready for work now and have an early breakfast.

  The footsteps had stopped and I was ready to give up and go back to bed when I saw something out of the corner of my eye. Now I had to go out there and check it out. Releasing a deep breath, I stepped into the hallway, moving just a little bit to the right so that I could see into the living room. I saw the ghostly form go around the corner and then head into my dining room. So there was a ghost in the house after all. She wasn’t fully formed, but I knew that she was there. If I hurried maybe I could catch up with her. I dashed across the hallway and into the room where she’d gone.

  “Hello, who’s here?” I called out, hoping that the ghost would appear and acknowledge me or give me a message.

  If that was what she was here for. Please don’t let it be a bad message. Footsteps came from in the dining room now so I ran over there.

  When I stepped into the dining room I was stunned to see Annie. She didn’t see me since her back was facing me, but I knew it was her. She was more than just a misty form now. She had turned into her usual apparition, as solid as any living person now.

  “What are you doing here, Annie?” I asked.
/>   Of course she couldn’t answer without a way to talk to me.

  “Hold on. I’ll be right back.”

  I ran into the bedroom and retrieved my phone. Once I reached the dining room again it immediately alerted me for a text message.

  She spun around to face me. Oh, there you are. I’ve been looking for you.

  “I was in the bedroom,” I said.

  Oh, I suppose I got a little turned around.

  I guess being a ghost gets confusing. I still didn’t know what she was doing here.

  “Is everything okay?” I asked.

  I saw the ghost again at the library and I wanted to come get you right away.

  “What was the ghost doing? Is Jane Austen okay?” I reached for my shoes.

  Was I really going to the library in my pajamas?

  Yes, she is fine. You should go to the library though. Is there a way to get rid of the ghost? Annie paced across the room.

  I’d never seen her this upset. I laced up my sneakers and grabbed a jacket. I hoped no one saw me. Other than the police officer who would be escorting me. Now I would have to explain why I was headed to the library in the middle of the night.

  “What did the ghost say?” I asked.

  That’s the thing she doesn’t say anything. Why doesn’t she talk? She sent the message via my phone.

  “I don’t know, Annie. It’s not like she has nothing to say. She obviously told me about the book. Why doesn’t she tell me what’s happening at that house?”

  You tell her that she either talks or leaves the library for good.

  “That sounds good, but making it happen is an entirely different thing.” I headed for the door.

  Are you going to the library?

  “Yes, but the police will have to come with me.”

  I wish they could arrest the ghost.

  I laughed. “Me too, Annie, me too.”

  I eased the door open, looking for the cop.

  The officer immediately walked over. “Is something wrong?”

  “I need to go to the library. I forgot something.” I pulled the door closed behind me and locked it.

  What would the cop say if he knew Annie was standing right next to him? He followed me down the hallway and outside. The night was chilly so I pulled my jacket up closer around my neck.

  “Would you like me to drive you?” he asked.

  I figured he just didn’t want to walk over to the library.

  “Sure, that would be great. Thanks.” I climbed into the passenger seat.

  Annie was now in the back seat. It looked as if he had arrested the ghost. A minute later and we had pulled up in front of the library. The place looked even scarier at night. There were no lights, only a sliver of the moon casting a faint glow across the area.

  “I’ll go in with you,” he said as he shoved the car into park.

  “That won’t be necessary,” I said.

  The officer settled on waiting by the door outside while I went inside. I told him I just needed to get a couple of books. I opened the door and stepped inside, turning on the lights. It was so scary in the dark. It was quiet too. I had expected that, but there was no ghosts yet, which I hadn’t expected. Thank goodness though. I really just wanted this to be over with.

  I turned around, but Annie wasn’t there. “Where did you go?”

  Jane Austen was nowhere in sight either. It seemed as if everyone was hiding from me now.

  “Are you sure the ghost was here?” I asked even though Annie wasn’t around to answer me.

  I was hoping she could pop up again because right now I wanted companionship. For all I knew she was waiting outside with the officer.

  Something was drawing me upstairs, but I was leery about going up there again after what had happened. I guess I could go to the bottom of the steps and that would be safe, as long as I didn’t go to the top. I crossed the library right into the hallway that let upstairs. Once there I stopped at the bottom of the stairs and peered up.

  “Anyone up there?” I called out. “If you’re here you need to talk to me.”

  The ghost hadn’t talked the past, so what made me think she would now? She was a ghost of few words. I needed her to tell me more, but if she was going to be violent then this would be a different situation. The pull to go upstairs were still strong, but I had to resist.

  A noise sounded from somewhere behind me and turned around. I looked over to the entrance that lead into the main part of the library. Just then someone appeared in front of me. I screamed out, jumping back several steps. That was when I realized it was only Annie.

  I clutched my chest. “You scared me.”

  Annie just stared at me. Then my phone dinged for another text message.

  Sorry.

  “That’s okay, I’m just a little on edge. I don’t see the ghost anywhere,” I said.

  Maybe she’s gone now. Annie sent another message. But she’ll return. She always does.

  Annie seemed adamant about getting rid of the ghost, but I didn’t know what to do. I didn’t want to let this ghost bully Annie either.

  A sound came from behind us. I spun around and looked to the top of the stairs. That was when I saw the ghost standing right there looking at me. She didn’t have a friendly expression either. Her eyes narrowed and a frown was on her face. If she thought I was coming up there so that she could toss me to the bottom then she was dead wrong.

  “What do you want?” I asked.

  She lifted her arm up and pointed, but I had no idea what she was pointing at. I looked over my shoulder and Annie was gone. I guess she wasn’t sticking around to find out what the ghost wanted. Thanks a lot Annie. I needed help right now. I would’ve been happy even if the cat came to help me out. At least I knew the officer was right outside the door if I needed him

  The ghost started moving down the steps. It was as if she was walking, but also floating down at the same time. She was moving closer to me and I didn’t like the way she was looking at me. I felt she was ready to push me again. I wanted to avoid some kind of confrontation. I started moving backwards to get away from her. I was now in the main part of the library and she was still coming toward me.

  “You need to stop right there,” I said, pointing at her.

  I continued to move backwards and she didn’t follow my commands as she continued her approach. I bumped into the shelf. She had me cornered. I had the recorder in my hand.

  “Why don’t you talk to this and tell me what you want,” I said.

  I suppose she didn’t like the idea of talking into the recorder because all of a sudden she was able to pick up a book on the shelf and toss it toward me. It made contact with my hand and knocked the recorder right out of my hand. It fell across the floor. I stood there staring for moment with my mouth open. I was shocked at what she had done.

  “Why are you so angry?” I asked as I reached over and grabbed the recorder.

  I kept my eyes on her the entire time so that she didn’t move forward and try to attack me.

  “If you have so much strength then why wouldn’t you talk to me?”

  If she had enough energy to move things then she could talk too.

  “No need to be nasty,” I said.

  I pushed the button to make the recorder play, but unfortunately since it fell on the ground it was now broken.

  “Look what you did,” I said.

  Not that she would be remorseful. Instead she still seemed angry with me.

  “You broke my recorder.” I waved it through the air, as if she even cared.

  We couldn’t stand here and stare at each other like this all night. The officer would wonder what I was doing. I still didn’t see Annie either.

  “You have to tell me what you want. You need to leave the library. Annie doesn’t want you here. She was here first, so you have to leave,” I said.

  The ghost stared at me. The main door rattled and I spun around.

  “Is everything okay in there?” The officer opened the door an
d peered around.

  He must have heard the noise.

  I forced a smile. “Yes, I’m fine.”

  He quirked an eyebrow. His stare stayed on me much longer than I wanted.

  “I’m almost finished,” I said, holding up my index finger.

  When I turned around again the ghost was gone. At least she hadn’t thrown another book at me. I rushed around the library, looking for Annie and Jane Austen. Apparently they were hiding. I would have to leave without saying goodbye. I had a feeling that the ghost would leave them alone for the rest of the night. But tomorrow was a different story.

  Chapter 24

  I hadn’t been expecting a phone call from Erin. She was the last person I’d thought would want to talk with me. Maybe if she’d shown up at the library unannounced I wouldn’t be surprised, but she seemed so friendly on the call that I was suspicious right away.

  “What can I do for you?” I asked.

  “Well, I wanted to talk to you. It’s kind of important,” she said.

  “All right. I’m listening.”

  “No, this needs to be done in person,” she said.

  I didn’t like the sound of that.

  “It’s just that I’m not good at communicating over the phone and I haven’t been going out much lately, since Scott is following me, you know.”

  “I certainly understand that, but I’m not sure that I’ll have a chance to come by.”

  She probably knew I was lying, but I couldn’t help but be suspicious of her motives.

  “It’s just that this has to do with the murder and I really want to talk to you about it.”

  She knew how to get to me. Now I had to know what she wanted.

  “Okay, I can come over after work. I can’t come any sooner than that.”

  “Thank you,” she said. “I really appreciate it, and I’m staying at the Red Rose Bed-and-Breakfast.”

  “I know exactly where it is. I’ll be there soon,” I said.

  As soon as I clicked off the call, Tammy asked, “What was that all about?”