His eyes narrowed noticing the car parked below. Gwen stood there, her butt resting against her car, no longer on the phone but making no attempt to join them either. “Hmph.” That confirmed her unease with being in the house—one more point in its favour.
He turned from the window to follow Tim’s foot prints in the dust on the floor and cringed when he felt something brushing his cheek. With a sigh he raised his hand to clear the cobwebs away.
The floor was no longer dark hardwood but plain pine boards and the walls were a gray, stained plaster. It might have once been used for storage or even a playroom for the kids but now the bleak interior was home to spiders and mice.
Tim spun on his heels to face him, a smudge of dirt on the sleeve of his white shirt, while his hands brushed together quickly. “This will do for us, up here. You take the room on the other side and I can take this one.” He looked around at the walls and sniffed, exhaling slowly. “It needs work—”
“Master of the understatement...” Brad wandered to the far end of the room and rubbed a spot on the window to see out. The lake seemed alive in the sparkling sunlight. Well, that was one positive thing. At least there was a window in a room that had all the charm and dimensions of a bowling alley.
“This will be control central. We’ll install hidden cameras in the hallways and common areas downstairs and monitor everything from up here. That way, we’ll know when we need a ghostly appearance, or a door to slam shut. And cold spots, that’s a must as well. Direct the flow of air from an AC into areas that are spooky.” Tim stood straight and put his hands in the back pockets of his jeans. “I think this is perfect for us.”
Brad inhaled deeply and his cheeks billowed before exhaling slowly and nodding “It’s a lot of work. We’ll have three months to have it ready for October. I would expect that to be the best time to launch.” He scratched his head and looked down at the floor. “Not a lot of time...?”
“That’s loads of time. We’re both due for vacation and we can do a lot of the work—well, the painting and cleaning. Maybe we can put in some trap doors and electronic gizmos—we’ll probably have to hire that kind of stuff out, though. Plus my Dad will probably want to help. He’s got plenty of time before ski season opens.”
Brad’s chest was light, leading the way out of the room. This was becoming more and more possible. They had enough money and they weren’t afraid to work up a sweat. They could do this!
Behind him, Tim continued a running monologue. “If we’re one of the few who’ve even bothered to come this far, to actually view the place, we have to low-ball the price. They’re asking two, eighty-five? I say we try for two fifty...maybe even two forty. She said it’s an estate sale. It’s not like they’ve got money tied up in it or anything.”
Brad nodded and continued to the other side. The door to what would be his room, was stuck and he had to shove his shoulder against it to get it to open. It let go suddenly and he almost fell into the room.
Oh my God! He jerked back and froze. There, in front of the blurry window was a ancient rocking chair. His breath caught in his throat, heart pounding hard. The rocking chair was moving, swaying back and forth!
Behind him Tim stopped in mid-sentence. Brad could feel his friend’s breath, warm and moist on his neck. They both stared as the rocker continued to seesaw back and forth, neither of them daring to breathe.
Brad blinked repeatedly when the rocker’s movement finally slowed, then stopped. He took a deep breath, while his mind scrambled for any sort of logical explanation. Keeping his eyes on the chair, he said quietly to Tim, “Did you see that?”
“Oh yeah.”
“You think me shoving the door open caused that to happen?”
“Nope.”
“What the hell is it doing up here anyway? Every single room in the house is empty!” Brad hissed.
“Beats me,” Tim whispered back.
“And why is it set up right at the window? If you were sitting in it, you could watch the whole outside of this building!” Brad was barely moving his lips.
“Why are we whispering!” Tim said with a laugh. “Two things.”
“Oh?”
“Yeah, first of all, that chair is really, really freaky.”
“No kidding. What’s number two?”
“I’m sure glad this is your room.”
Brad turned and shoved at Tim’s shoulder. “Tell you what. You take this room and I’ll take the other. Even rationality has its limits. I’d never sleep a wink in here.”
“Wimp.” Tim grinned. “I’ve got the feeling that we’ll be using that rocker again. It scared the shit out of you. Just wait till our guests see it rocking all on its own.”
Chapter 6
Tim
“Brad? Tim? Yoohoo!”
At Gwen’s high pitched yell, Tim jerked back, startled.
He gave his head a shake. The movement of the rocker could be explained by any number of reasons probably, but so what? The rocking chair just added another layer to the ambiance, totally eerie. Exactly what they wanted.
“We should go down. Gwen’s waiting and we still have the basement and garage to check out. C’mon Brad.” Tim turned and raced down the narrow set of stairs.
“We’re on our way, Gwen,” he hollered when they got down the attic stairs. When he reached the head of the second set of stairs Gwen’s pinched face peered up at him. Her nerves and jumpiness were plain to see, in the way she held her hands tight together, the fingers rolling constantly over one another.
“Where’s Brad? Is he okay?” Her gaze darted past him and she stepped forward.
“He’s coming. Did you know they left an old rocking chair in the attic room?” His feet were a fast staccato, thudding on the stairs, but the smile on his face faded when he reached the bottom step.
Gwen’s mouth gaped open and her eyes darted under a furrowed brow. “I don’t remember seeing that when I listed the place. That’s odd. My boss came with me to help with the measuring. I’ll ask him if he remembers it.”
At the sound of Brad’s footsteps coming slowly down the steps, Tim turned and smiled. “No matter.” He tried to read the expression on his friend’s face. That whole episode with the chair really rattled Brad. Ha ha ha.
Tim put his hand on Gwen’s shoulder and flashed another brilliant smile. “It was probably there but hey, it was a year ago, right? We’d better see the basement. Lead on MacDuff.”
Gwen managed a tight lipped smile that looked more like a grimace. She led the way down the hallway to the back of the house, bypassing the parlour and the library.
At a narrow, scarred door she stopped and turned the knob. Tim was right behind her. He hadn’t noticed the door earlier, but then again, he’d been focussed on getting the back door open. Her hand rose and the dark opening became lit with a yellowish glow when she hit the light switch at the top of the steps.
His lips stiffened into a scowl. As bad as the cobwebs were in the attic, it was nothing to the silken sheets fluttering in the basement stairwell. He hated cobwebs; they were gross and the idea of them getting in his hair... with spider eggs... it was disgusting.
Gwen plucked an envelope from her purse and began sweeping her hand forward, clearing a path as she stepped gingerly down the steps. Following her down, the air was cool, but it was also sour in his nostrils, with an aroma of decay. When his foot landed at the bottom, he looked down at the packed dirt floor. Yuck. It was slimy and damp.
He glanced over his shoulder, glad to see Brad following him down. The really creepy thing about this house was the basement. Who knew what bugs and vermin infested the place? His arms crossed over his chest and his fingers scratched absently. Ghosts, goblins and spooks were imaginary. Spiders, mice and centipedes were real.
Gwen was halfway across the large empty space, shining a small penlight on a dusty, metal panel. “This is the electrical service. It had been updated to accommodate modern appliances.” She pointed to a heavy-duty, wall plug and board
s neatly lined up on the dirt floor under it. “This is where the laundry is.”
“No fucking way!” The words popped out before Tim could censor them. He glanced at Gwen and muttered, “Sorry.” But there was no way he’d ever come down to this dungeon to wash his clothes. He felt dirty just being down there, breathing the damp, mouldy air.
His brain kick started to a new thought and he looked at Gwen. “It’s going to cost a lot to change this and set the laundry in the kitchen.”
“Yes, well...all of the improvements you need to do will be reflected in what you offer. That is, if you still want to buy it. There are two other houses to look at today. One of them may be a better fit for you guys.” She followed Brad over to where he stood staring at a huge metal object. A monstrous box, it had large tin pipes sticking out all over it, snaking throughout the basement ceiling.
Seeing his quizzical look, she said, “The furnace is old, but it works. We call these octopuses. They’re ancient but reliable even if they’re not the most energy efficient.”
Tim’s sigh underscored the fact that he’d just brought the offering price down to two hundred thirty, in his mind. Actually, before they got that far, they would have to get an inspection and ballpark on the cost of replacing this beast.
Brad drifted away to another dark hulking object tucked tight to the wall across from the furnace. It was covered with a rotten, old piece of cloth that he gingerly lifted up. A musical note reverberated in the room. “What’s a piano doing down here?”
Gwen blew a sigh through puffed cheeks. “Who knows? Can you imagine trying to get it up those stairs? If you don’t want it, we can ask the owners to break it down and remove it.”
Tim smiled to himself. It actually added to the creep factor in the house. A bonus if they bought it.
There was lots of work to be done in the house, but after the washer and dryer were set up on the main level the worst would be over. This place was the one. He felt it in his bones.
He jumped and his squeak was girlish when a mouse poked its nose out of a hole in the wall next to his head.
Add fumigator to the list.
He hurried back up the stairs, ignoring Brad’s taunt and mimic of his squeal. His shoulders shuddered and he exhaled loudly. Fine by him. Let Brad be the one to go down there to change fuses and check on the furnace.
Taking the lead again, Gwen led them outside. Across the driveway was a wooden building with a broad metal door at the front. Tim’s jaw tightened as he took in the building from the gray metal roof to the dark wooden walls. He wasn’t sure if he’d ever want to park his car in that place. It might fall down any minute.
This time he let Brad follow Gwen, while he took up the rear position going through the heavy wooden door. He got a slight whiff of engine oil and grease, but his eyebrows rose seeing how clean and tidy the large room was. Heavy, wooden, beams crossed in struts that supported the roof like a cathedral. Near the back of the building, a ladder was perched against a platform above the main room.
He nodded and walked over to it, testing his foot on the first rung. It was solid enough. He climbed up and peeked into the dark space. A few boxes and tools were scattered as well as the rounded arch of the hull of a cedar canoe. Great. They could use that, being on the lake. And, they’d need a place for the lawn mower and tools. This place would do for that.
He climbed back down and brushed his shirt and pants off. “So that’s the buildings. Let’s see the land and the shore. “
When they emerged once more into the bright, summer day, he shielded his eyes, staring to the end of the property. The property line was defined by a low, wooden fence, that ran along in a straight line, overgrown with wild grapevine in places.
Gwen took the spot between them, walking slowly over the lawn, now turned to a field with tall grass and bright yellow and blue wild flowers poking through. At the left side of the property a row of stately trees and bushes edged the opposite side like a bookend.
Gwen pointed to the trees and turned to flash a smile at each of them. “There’s a pretty stream over there that flows down to the lake. When I first saw it, I thought what a cool spot to sit and read a book.”
Tim looked over to where she pointed. What the...? His eyebrows drew together, and he squinted trying to see. There had been something there. There it was again! He was able to make out a slight whisper of white flitting behind the lush green foliage. He blinked and it was gone; there were only the trees and bushes now.
He looked over at Brad but there was no sign his friend had seen it. Brad just looked ahead as he walked beside Gwen. Sure, it probably was just some trick of the sunlight and a breeze moving the leaves. Of course that had to be it. But hopefully it had been more. It was more; he knew what he saw. But if he was wrong, they’d create the effect. It was a good one.
They continued on and stepped into the copse of trees, the only sound breaking the stillness of the air was the gurgle and splash of water, cascading over stones.
Tim glanced around, searching for any sign of white, a piece of fabric or paper that had been swept along from the main road and onto the property. But there was only the shaded spots the green leaves cast, highlighted in the dappled sunlight.
The stream wound gently down to the lake, the clear water following the groove created by years of spring run-off, rain and, of course, the underground spring miles away. It was peaceful and beautiful, especially when the blue vista of the lake opened up.
Tim walked along the shore line and his shoulders rolled forward for a moment. A shiver scuttled up his spine and he turned his head to peer at the attic room.
They were being watched. Right now. From the attic!
He smiled. Maybe it was silly nonsense thinking that someone was watching him. But if he felt this way—they were really onto a winner.
Chapter 7
Brad
A week later...
Brad raised his glass and clinked it against Tim’s. “To us and our success with the Haunted Inn.” He took a long sip of champagne, feeling the bubbles tickle his nostrils.
Across the table, Tim emptied the glass and set it down with a bang. He grinned, shaking his head from side to side, staring at the set of papers in front of him. He picked up the accepted offer Gwen had dropped off and said, “I still can hardly believe it. We picked it up for a song. We practically stole it. It was too easy for words.”
“Hey!” Brad grabbed the bottle of champagne and topped their glasses up. “Not all that easy. Remember the first guy who’d done the inspection—McGready. I thought he’d have a heart attack when he went into that front bedroom.”
Tim let out a guffaw of laughter, slapping the table with his palm. “Oh my God, yes! After he made the sign of the cross, he almost broke his neck flying down the stairs to get the hell out of there.”
Brad sat back picturing the retired builder, his watery blue eyes darting everywhere, looking over his shoulder constantly. “But at least he tried. Not like the first guy we called.” Brad looked up at the ceiling. “What was his name?”
“Alder. Alan Alder.”
Brad snapped his fingers. “Yeah, that’s right! That guy was weird. He was all interested at first, then when I told him the address, he said ‘No way, Jose,’ and hung up!”
Tim sat back in his chair. “Ka—ching” Rubbing his fingers across his thumb. “The place has got a rep already. Thank God we found that Comstock guy. He was a bit steep in price but pretty thorough...and not easily spooked.”
Brad was silent for a few moments, his fingers toying with the rim of his glass. “I told Sophie about the house when I saw her yesterday. Not about the history—the murder suicide— just that we found a place that will work for us.” He looked up at Tim. “She wants to see it.”
Tim sighed. When he answered, his face was tight. “Not yet. Promise me, you’ll wait until we’ve signed all the papers next week, and actually own the place.” He took another long swallow of the champagne and let out a sma
ll burp. “Look Brad, I know you really like her, but you’ve only been going out with her for a few months.” He took a deep breath and blew it slowly from puffed cheeks. “Hey, you probably think I’m biased because I think she’s a little weird. Maybe I am. But I’m also your best friend. This project could make us set for life. It’s too important to us to risk any second thoughts on your part.”
Brad sadly shook his head as he stared across the table at his friend. Tim just didn’t like Sophie, that was all there was to it. They were like oil and water together and there were times when he felt like he walked a tight rope between them.
If Tim knew how strongly she’d come out against him being involved in the supernatural, Tim would be pissed. On the other hand, if Sophie had any inkling of the ghastly history of the house, she’d have a conniption fit.
Brad smiled and shook his head. “I won’t get cold feet. The money we stand to make with this...that’s my number one concern.”
He met Tim’s sceptical glare, head on. “You think I’m whipped, don’t you?” He snorted and picked up his glass, holding it before him. “You’ll see. Sure, I really like her, but this is my life. If she’s ever going to be more than just a girlfriend, there are some things she’ll have to accept.”
“Yeah right.” Tim laughed. “You’re trying to sound like me and there can only be one of me. They broke the mold.”
“Thank God.” Brad rolled his eyes, but Tim continued on.
“After we close the deal. Bring her out as often as you want. Hell, give her a mop and bucket and tell her to go to town with it, cleaning. But she doesn’t get to see it before we own the joint. She’d hate the place, get all ‘spooky sensitive’ and shit and probably try to talk you out of it.”
Brad’s arms crossed over his chest and he took a deep breath. It was no use talking to Tim about this. Definitely not worth any kind of falling out, not on the cusp of a big business venture. He forced a smile and looked over at his friend. “When’s your Dad coming to see it?”
The Haunted Inn (Haunted House Ghost Story): The Hauntings of Kingston Page 4