The Haunted Inn (Haunted House Ghost Story): The Hauntings of Kingston

by Michelle Dorey

  Tim let out a loud belch and stood. Turning to the chair he gave an effusive bow. “Thanks for coming out, Baxter. Sorry you didn’t make the cut.”

  He wandered into the kitchen to stand watching Brad slather four pieces of bread with peanut butter. Aside from the music from the stereo system, the house was quiet. The lights in the kitchen and dining room were steady, glowing soft white. “I’ve got the feeling that’s all the spooky stuff we’ll see tonight. I guess he didn’t like us making fun of him.”

  Brad slapped two slice together and handed one over. “The opposite of fear is humour.”

  “The resident Psych major speaks.” Tim smiled and took a big bite of the sandwich.

  “Jerk. What I mean is, we can control this thing. Honestly, the thought of spooky shit happening every night while we’re trying to get this place ready for guests is exhausting. We need our sleep. When it’s just us, we taunt it into submission. When we have guests, we show some respect and entice Baxter out.”

  Tim gulped the bite of food down and grinned. He turned to look up at the ceiling and dining room. “Hear that, Baxter? None of your nonsense tonight! We’ll let you know when we need you, okay? Until then, dial the ghost shit way down.”

  Nothing happened. He turned to Brad and grinned. “Just call me ghost whisperer.”

  Chapter 23

  Tim

  Day 7

  The next day dawned with overcast grey skies and the temperature had dropped a few degrees. Tim found himself actually pulling the duvet over his body and snuggling in. The sounds of birds chirping outside and the smell of bacon wakened him more and more with each breath.

  He sat up and tossed the covers back, slipping his feet into his sandals and standing straight to stretch the warm loose muscles to life. Amazing what a good night’s sleep could do to improve your outlook and energy level, even after downing so many beers the night before.

  After stopping in the bathroom he trudged slowly down the stairs and into the kitchen. Brad was whistling some nameless tune, flipping pieces of bacon over. When he turned to face him, there was a sly grin on his face. “Guess we showed Baxter who’s boss, didn’t we?”

  Tim stepped over to the counter and poured a cup of coffee. “Sure did! I just hope we weren’t too hard on him and chased him off. We still need the old skuzzball.”

  “Maybe not. Remember, we’ll still have the chute and Carly playing ghost. It might be more like our original plan to create the haunted experience. And, if it means we get a decent night’s sleep and control everything, that’s probably a good thing.”

  Tim took a sip of coffee watching Brad lay the crispy bacon on a paper towel to soak up the grease. His mouth pulled to the side and he sighed. Hard to believe, but he’d actually miss Baxter, if the ghost had moved on to God knows where old ghosts go. It hadn’t been much of a challenge to put him in his place. Just like any bully, he crumpled when someone stood up to him.

  He took a deep breath. “Speaking of which, I think today’s a good day to finish installing the chute. If the two of us work at it, we should be able to get it done.” He looked around the kitchen. “We’re going to need it, especially if Baxter has split.”

  Brad nodded and nibbled at a piece of bacon. “When’s Carly coming out?”

  Tim smiled picturing her. He still couldn’t get over how much he liked her, and her just a waitress—but a sexy, smart one. “I talked to her last night. She’s coming out around dinner time.” He held the coffee mug in both hands, leaning his butt against the counter.

  “Great. We’ll be able to test it tonight then.” Brad finished his coffee and then turned to rinse his mug. “After that nonsense with Baxter, I’d rather not depend on him to entertain the guests. Things were pretty quiet overnight.”

  Tim nodded and plopped some bacon into his mouth. Yeah, maybe too quiet? Had Baxter moved on to another plane as these ghost fans claimed was possible? Not exactly slipping silently away...more like being laughed out of the room. They’d have to wait and see.

  At any rate, getting a good night’s sleep had its advantages. He felt like he could finish the chute and then start working on the electronics to make doors slam shut with the push of a button.

  Brad set his dishes in the dishwasher and casually wandered from the kitchen, calling over his shoulder, “I’ll get started upstairs.” He stopped and turned to face Tim. “When are you setting up the website? I’d like to have some guests lined up before I hand in my notice at work.”

  Tim gave a short wave of his hand. “The website won’t take much time. I want to do some trial runs after we get the chute and electronics finished. That way we can take videos and post them on the site.”

  “Yeah, you’re right. I’m getting ahead of ourselves, I guess.” Brad grinned and looked around the room. “You know? I think the house is starting to feel like home. I wonder if the old bastard is really gone now?”

  Tim let out a guffaw. “Yeah! Exorcism with beer and heavy metal music! Who woulda’ thunk it!”

  ***

  Later that day, Tim stepped out of the bathroom feeling like a new man. Actually more like his corporate self, the clam digger shorts replaced with cotton trousers, the T shirt for a button down shirt, but he refused to compromise on the sandals. He whistled a tune as he walked down the stairs to join Brad. The cell phone in his shirt pocket vibrated and he scooped it out.

  “RUNNING LATE. JUST LEAVING WITH THE PIZZA NOW.”

  His sighed. He was anxious to show her their work and even test it out. Plus he was starving. He walked into the kitchen and looked over at Brad. “Carly will be here any minute.”

  Brad had showered all the dust and grime from their work installing the chute but he still wore torn, but clean blue jeans. Despite the casual way he leaned against the counter, his face was worried. “Do you think we went too far last night? I mean, here we are, the place is supposed to be haunted and we’ve scared the ghost away?”

  “No worries. I’ve got the proof right here for the website.” Tim took an envelope from a shelf over the sink and dumped the contents onto the counter. There were five memory cards scattered like poker chips. “It’s all here, date and time stamped. From the couple nights before we moved in to last night. The first night we stayed here, is the best, with Tony and Liz running out and the three of us finding the dead mouse. I took a few pics of the happy face.”

  At the sound of a car horn, Tim turned and walked to the front door. A wide grin spread on his face at the flash of car headlights and the banging car door. At last and not a minute too soon. He was starved.

  A half hour later the pizza and half a bottle of wine was gone. Tim turned to Carly while Brad cleaned up, grabbing plates and glasses and stacking them into the dishwasher. “I can’t wait to show you the trap door and chute. Honestly, you can’t tell it’s even there.”

  He stood up and reached for her hand, dragging her from her perch on the counter. “C’mon.”

  “I don’t know about this. I’m not a big fan of closed spaces. I thought I’d have a bit longer to get used to the idea.” Her voice was just a bit whiney, and her feet moved like molasses.

  “It’ll be fine. Brad and I both tested it. Think we’d let you try something we weren’t completely sure was safe? Think of it like jumping into a mound of hay. Seriously, just a second or two and you’re at the bottom.” He turned and grinned to reassure her. What was wrong with her that she was getting cold feet on this? It had been part of the plan from the get go.

  She stood beside him looking at the trap door. “You did a good job disguising it. I wouldn’t know it was there if I didn’t know you’d spent the day installing it.”

  He bent over and pushed on the door, so that it disappeared inside leaving a semi circle of darkness above the brighter shade of the plastic tubing.

  “It’s actually kind of fun.” Brad stepped over to them and grinned. “Just hold your breath and enjoy the thrill! It’s like a carnival ride.”

  “I don
’t know.” Her teeth bit down on her lower lip and she stepped back. “Can’t we do this in the morning? Maybe the first time should be in the daylight. This place is too creepy at night.”

  Tim looked over at Brad, both of them on the same train of thought. There was no need to go into what they’d gone through with Baxter last night. Actually the thought of relating it to someone sober and who hadn’t been there was a little embarrassing. They taunted a ghost? Who would ever believe it?

  “Look, there’s nothing to it. Let me show you. I’ll go first.” Brad stepped closer and gripped the side of the opening, sliding his body into the tube. “Geronimo!” He disappeared down the tube with a whoosh.

  Carly bent over trying to see into the dark tube.

  “C’mon Carly! I’ll catch you.” Brad’s voice boomed up through the opening.

  Carly’s nose wrinkled and she gazed over at Tim. “Do I have to?”

  Tim scowled at her. “At some point you’re going to have to. The first time is the worst. Look, I’ll go next. I’ll be down there when you come through.” He swung his legs into the opening and grinned before letting his fingers leave the frame surrounding the hole.

  It was easy and quick, the smooth surface of the chute hugging his body lightly. Near the bottom, the chute levelled out to slow the descent. He popped out and smiled at Brad. They both yelled up the chute. “Your turn, Carly!”

  “We’ll be right here to catch you!”

  Brad looked over at him and rolled his eyes.

  A rustle sounded hollowly above them and then her shout. “Here I come!”

  A blood curdling scream pierced the silence.

  Tim’s breath caught in his throat. The scream stopped as abruptly as it had started. He bent over looking up the tube. The sole of her sandals came into view, followed by her thighs, the bright sundress bunched high. She slowed to a halt.

  What the hell? He reached in to grab her foot. “Carly?” He pulled her body forward until her legs flopped out the end of the chute. Her eyes were wide and there was no sign of life. “CARLY!”

  “Gotcha!” Her eyes crinkled and peals of laughter filled the room. Her hands lifted to grip the edge of the chute and pull herself forward. “Actually, you were right. It’s kind of fun.”

  Brad and Tim exchanged a dark look silently.

  Carly grinned and tapped his chest. “What? Did you think that the ghost got me? C’mon. It was funny!” She stepped between them. “Let’s go up and finish the bottle of wine.” She turned and her heels followed a smooth flash of thigh as she sprinted up the steps.

  “Quite the sense of humour.” Brad rolled his eyes before turning to follow her up to the main floor. With a hand on the stair rail, he turned and added, “But... it was kinda funny!” Shaking his head, he continued up the stairs.

  Tim’s legs felt like rubber as he headed to the stairs. When Carly’s motionless body appeared, he was positive it was Baxter’s revenge for the night before; they had pushed him too hard and he was paying back. What were they thinking? That entity drove not one, but two men to slaughter their families, right?

  “No! Those men were crazy!” he said out loud. Putting one foot on the stairs he slowly gazed around the room. “Screw you, Baxter,” he said in a low voice before ascending.

  When he emerged in the hallway, Carly was there with a big grin on her face and holding the Ouija board in her hands.

  “Let’s try this out. When I wanted to the other night, Tony went all ape shit about it. Let’s see if that ghost Baxter will respond.” Her eyes were bright and cheeks flushed. Tim was stunned to realize this was turning her on!

  He looked over at Brad. They were both thinking the same thing. Was Baxter still there, after last night? Brad shrugged.

  Tim stepped forward and took the board from her. “Okay, let’s give it a go.” He looked over to Brad. “We’re probably going to get a lot of use out of it when we have paying guests, right? So we may as well have a run through with it beforehand.” He turned back to Carly. “You know how this works?”

  “Well yeah...duh...of course, I do! What kid hasn’t played with one of these?” She looked away from Tim and spoke in a low voice. “I did have an experience once that was kind of spooky.” She looked from one to the other and then continued. “One night me and two of my friends were playing with one of these and we started to communicate with a spirit that said it was my dead grandfather.” She rubbed the surface of the board. “He passed away before I was born.” Still staring at the board, she said, “As a test, I asked him what was his middle name and he spelled it out.” She looked up from the board to Tim and Brad. “He spelled out Alphonsus.”

  “That’s an odd name,” said Brad.

  Carly nodded. “Yeah. I was about ten years old. I had never heard of that name before that night, so I wrote it down.” She looked up at the ceiling of the room. “When I asked my mother about it, she told me that yeah, his middle name was Alphonsus.”

  “Well, you probably just heard it at some time or another and it was in your sub-conscious,” said Brad.

  Carly gave a quick grin while shaking her head. “Maybe. But I don’t think so. I didn’t even know ‘Alphonsus’ was a name until I spoke to my mother. If I had heard it before I wouldn’t have been surprised, right?”

  “Well, it sure isn’t a name I would want to have.” Brad started to head towards the kitchen. “You guys ready to try this?”

  “No, No. Not in there! Let’s try it in the parlour. It’s a pretty creepy spot. I’ll bet that’s where the ghost hangs out mostly. I’ll grab a couple of candles and we’ll set it up.” Carly pointed to the living room and made a mad dash to the kitchen for the candles and the wine.

  When she was gone Tim turned to Brad. “You don’t really believe this stuff do you?” Part of him wanted Brad to say no but another part was anxious to see if the house was still haunted. All day, everything had been quiet. Too quiet.

  Brad shrugged his shoulders and turned to wander into the parlour. He pulled the coffee table to the centre of the room, and threw some cushions onto the floor around it. “Maybe this will be fun. I’m not sure if it works or not but Tony was sure freaked out about it. So, there might be something to it.”

  Carly’s appeared a few moments later carrying a wooden tray with the wine, glasses and candles spread out on its surface. She set the candles around the room before setting the tray down on the floor.

  Tim spread the board on the coffee table and she giggled as she topped up their glasses. “Get the lights Brad, will you?” Her eyes were bright with anticipation. “This is kind of cool, don’t you think?”

  Tim didn’t know what to think. He lowered onto a cushion and gestured for her to pass him a glass of wine. As he took a sip, he looked at both of them over the rim of the glass. If Baxter was still a non-paying resident of the house, he needed some liquid courage. Was it to be a repeat of the previous evening?

  Carly cleared her throat and placed her fingertips on the triangular planchette. “C’mon Tim, Brad. Follow my lead.”

  Tim’s hands rose to barely brush against the top of the small, wooden platform. From the corner of his eye, he saw Brad grin and then his fingertips joined the others, resting on the planchette. It was odd but it seemed like the planchette was vibrating under his fingers. Tim took a deep breath and squared his shoulders. “Is there a spirit in this room?”

  Carly’s eyes flickered from one corner of the room to the next.

  The vibration under Tim’s fingers increased but the triangle stayed in the same place, not even a hint that it was going to slide to the ‘yes’ or the ‘no’ position.

  “I can sense a presence in the room. Are you unable to communicate?” Carly looked deadly serious.

  Tim had to bite his lower lip to keep from laughing. If Baxter was unable to communicate, how would he be able to answer? Dumb question.

  The planchette seemed to fly to the word ‘No’ on the board. Tim’s eyes opened wider and his breath hitc
hed in his throat. No? No what?

  “What is your name?” Carly’s voice was barely above a whisper, as she strained forward, hovering over the board.

  The planchette began to circle in the centre of the board. It was going so fast that Tim’s fingers fluttered off the surface and he forced himself to connect again. He glanced over at Carly and Brad. Were they moving it? He shivered, noticing for the first time that the air had suddenly gotten colder. Shadows danced on the walls from the flickering candles.

  “Is there something you wish to tell us?” Again, Carly sounded awestruck.

  The planchette immediately slid to the letter ‘S’. It paused and then in sequence slid quickly to ‘O’, ‘P’ and ‘H’.

  Tim’s brows drew together. The planchette once more began to move. His fingers barely managed to keep contact with the small triangle and even Brad’s fingers hovered above it a few times. “I’ and then an ‘E’.

  The hair on the back of his neck tingled coldly and his mouth went suddenly dry. ‘SOPHIE’?

  “What the...” Brad’s eyes were wide when he looked over at Tim.

  The planchette flew off the board and landed across the room, clattering against the hardwood. Tim flinched at the crash and his eyes flashed over to Brad and Carly. They looked as freaked out as him. There was no way either of them had sent the small triangle shooting off the board.

  “Enough! This is bullshit!” Brad got to his feet and stormed out of the room.

  Tim’s heart was hammering like a piston in his chest. He looked over at Carly. “Did you do that?”

  For a moment she looked like an owl, her eyes wide, shaking her head from side to side. “No!” She edged closer to him and her hand clutched his shoulder. “Remember how the cabinets... and the water faucets were open the morning that Sophie was here? There’s something about her that makes things get even weirder around here.”

  Brad stomped back into the room and glared at them, and then around the room with a look of pure venom. He tossed back the rest of the wine in his glass and poured another. Fear battled with anger in his face. His other hand rose and he scooped the crucifix from the neck of his shirt. “Hey Baxter! Nice parlour trick. What do you do for an encore?”