Sara cleared her throat. “Let’s take this case for example. You obtained your information from the internet, right?”
Jane nodded.
“I can only assume you gleaned all the info you could, but still there are many unanswered questions. Like the kids in the Halloween costumes,” Sara said.
“True, but how would you find that information?”
“I would have the person describe the costumes to me,” Jake said. “Go on the internet and see what year they were popular, then log into the NCIC database to look for missing children around that time.”
“What’s the NCIC database?” Jane asked.
“That stands for National Crime Information Center, it’s an FBI database. From there I could find out their names from the missing persons reports and whether or not there was any other information about their case. Like if there were/are any suspects.”
“Wow, you guys do a thorough investigation.” Jane was impressed.
“We want to be able to help spirits move on. To do that we need to know why they’re still here,” Sara said.
“I feel like such an idiot. All we’ve been doing is lighting sage combined with prayer,” Jane said.
Jake laid his hand on Jane’s knee. “Don’t say that. You’re not an idiot, just ill-informed.”
“Thanks. I feel so much better.” Her body’s reaction to the physical contact unnerved Jane. Heat rushed to her cheeks. She turned away and stared at her lap before he noticed the affect he was having on her.
“What the bonehead is trying to say, Jane, is that we have much more experience in this field than you. No one expects you to be an expert. We deal with the bigger, more stubborn cases.”
Jane realized by Sara’s kind words that she mistook Jane’s unease for embarrassment to the implication of Jake’s words.
Okay, let’s go with that. Jane smiled at Sara and decided it was time to change the subject. “I think I know who the girl is on the monitor. Alyssa, the current resident of the house, has been having visions.
“One was the murder of a girl at a concert in the 1960s. Her sister, Courtney, did a Google search.” Jane glanced toward Jake for effect. “She learned from newspaper accounts that a girl went missing from a Doors concert at the Balboa Stadium.”
“I’d say this girl wants her story known,” Sara said.
“She must have been murdered on the property,” Jake added.
“But who was the killer?” Jane asked.
“That is yet to be determined,” Jake said.
“You mean you’re going to solve the case?”
“It’s been known to happen,” Jake said.
“You guys should be cops. I mean, you have a leg up on the rest of the population with your gifts, so why not?”
“Because I already have a full time job, I run a ranch. A lot of people depend on me for their livelihood. Although I do have a great foreman who takes care of the day to day running of things when I’m away, but that’s never for very long.”
“You already know my full time job, three little rascals that would tear the house down if I left them in my husband’s care for too long. Besides, I could never be tied down to a job where politics takes main stage,” Sara said.
“That’s why Luc quit,” Jake added.
“Can you blame him?” Sara said.
“Hell no. He’s right where he belongs now,” Jake said.
“Who’s Luc?” Jane asked.
“Jon-Luc Boudreaux. He’s a good friend of mine. He went into law enforcement, but quit because of the political bullshit. He used his gift to solve cases, but as you can imagine, it didn’t make him many friends. Plus he got tired of all the red tape. He now runs his own PI firm and only takes the cases he chooses,” Jake said.
“Most of which are pro bono,” Sara said.
“Well, people pay him what they can afford,” Jake added.
“That name is familiar,” Jane said.
“When he was with the FBI, his name was linked to some high profile cases which got him in the news,” Jake said.
“That’s not it. Where does he live?” Jane asked.
“New Orleans. Why?” Jake asked.
“Angie!” Jane blurted.
“You know Luc’s fiancé?” Jake asked.
“We’ve met. She’s a friend of a friend, Maddy Anderson from Isabelle Island, Washington.”
“Yup, it’s the same girl. Angie grew up on Isabelle Island,” Jake said.
“Small world,” Sara said.
“Very. I was on the phone with Maddy last year when she told me that Angie had finally met a really great guy in Paris and moved back to the States. But she never mentioned he had a gift,” Jane said.
“He doesn’t advertise. It’s not something he wants everyone to know, as you can imagine,” Sara said.
“You know him too?” Jane asked.
“Well, yeah,” Sara said.
“Of course, being so close to Jake I’m sure you’ve met,” Jane said.
“Actually, we’ve worked together,” Sara said.
“You help him with his PI firm? That’s cool,” Jane said.
“I have. But I know him more from The Thibodeux Foundation,” Sara said.
“Oh, so he’s one of your psychics. I get it now,” Jane said.
“Uh.” Sara looked to Jake.
“He’s actually a medium, but yes, he does work with The Thibodeux Foundation,” Jake clarified.
Jane knew they were holding something back, but she didn’t push it.
“I want to know about these visions you mentioned. Did this Alyssa have any more?” Jake asked.
Jane told him about the Avon lady and the trance where Alyssa tried to kill her.
“It sounds like the demon had possessed her body,” Jake said.
“That’s what we thought too, so we had her removed from the premises until it was safe for her to return,” Jane said.
“Good call,” Jake answered.
“Has anyone talked to her since to see if she’s had any more episodes?” Sara asked.
“Her sister is in constant contact with her and has no news to report yet,” Jane answered.
“That’s great news,” Sara said.
“I’d like to talk to this sister. You said she witnessed the children playing in the hall?” Jake asked.
“Courtney, yes. She’s staying with Danny, our tech guy, for now. She wanted to be part of the investigation. She’s actually been attacked twice in that house,” Jane said.
“You think it’s safe for her to return?” Jake said.
“She’s a pretty tough cookie. I’ve told her it’s her call for now. But ultimately if we decide it’s not safe, she’s agreed to leave without a fight,” Jane answered.
“I for one can’t wait to get into this house. What do you think, Jake, you ready?”
Jake stood. “Bring it on.”
TWENTY-ONE
Jane called Danny to have him and Courtney meet them. As they pulled up to Seacliff Manor, the inside of the house was dark, but they were able to see by outside lights.
“Impressive,” Sara said.
“I’ve seen pictures of the place in its prime and I’ve got to say it’s truly amazing,” Jane said.
“I’d love to see it when it’s finished,” Jake added.
Danny’s van pulled in behind them. Jane made her way to the van to greet them, once he opened his door. “I thought you would have been here already since you live in Pacific Beach,” Jane said.
Danny glanced at Courtney and back at her, looking a little guilty.
“Since I knew it would take you longer coming from North County, I didn’t think we needed to rush,” he said.
In other words they were having sex. Jane shook her head.
“In my defense, I did tell him we should get going,” Courtney added.
Danny stared at her. “But you didn’t exactly force the issue, did you?”
Courtney blushed.
“Have yo
u been waiting long?” Danny asked.
“No, it’s fine. Courtney, do you mind letting us in?”
Courtney slid out of the van. “Of course.” She pulled the keys out of her pocket and led the way to the door.
Jane followed close behind. “Have you spoken to your sister lately?”
“Yes. Alyssa’s doing fine. In fact she’s been catching up on her sleep and says she feels like her old self again.”
Courtney unlocked the front door.
“Oh, good. I was hoping that would happen,” Jane said.
Courtney flipped the switch for the foyer light.
“She’s lucky, this thing could have followed her out of the house,” Sara added.
Courtney’s eyes went wide as she stared at Sara.
“It’s been known to happen,” Sara clarified.
“Courtney, let me introduce Sara Crow and Jake Spaulding. These are the people from The Thibodeux Foundation that are here to help us.” Jane turned to her guests. “This is Danny and Courtney.”
Danny nodded. “Glad you guys could join us.”
“Wouldn’t miss it,” Jake said.
“Do you think you can get rid of this thing?” Courtney asked.
“We have a pretty good track record,” Jake answered.
“Don’t worry. We won’t leave until we do,” Sara said.
Courtney visibly relaxed. “Phew. My sister and her husband have sunk everything they own into this place in an effort to make it a B & B. I’d hate for them to lose it all.”
Sara glanced around. “It would make a fine bed & breakfast.”
“Not if the guests have to fear for their lives,” Courtney added.
“There is that,” Danny said.
“Let’s get started. Danny to the monitors, and Courtney, you can join him.” Jane turned to the others. “Where do you want to start?”
“We’d like to walk through the house and get a feel for it,” Jake answered.
“Do you mind if I tag along?” Jane asked.
“Not at all, in fact it would be most helpful,” Sara said.
“Great. Danny, you want to give us walkie-talkies?”
“On it.” Danny changed the batteries in the two on top of the table and pulled a third out of a bag from under the table and replaced those batteries as well.
“Wow, hands-free just like the cops,” Sara said as she slipped on the shoulder holster. She pushed the talk button. “Testing 1, 2, 3. It works.”
“Everyone check yours before you leave.” Danny handed them each a slim high-powered flashlight. “You can fit these into your pockets when you’re not using them.”
Jane picked up the camera and handed it to Jake. “Do you mind carrying this?”
Jake put it up to his eyes. “Wow, thermal imaging. Y’all have state of the art equipment.”
“We try,” Danny said.
“I’ll carry the digital recorder.” Jane picked it up and checked to make sure it was working.
“What about me?” Sara asked. “I can carry something.”
“I don’t know what to give you. I mean, since Jake gets messages, we don’t need the ghost box or a tape recorder for EVP’s,” Jane said.
“You’re right, it’s probably best I keep my hands free,” Sara said.
“Okay, are you ready?” Jane asked.
“Let’s go,” Jake said.
Jane led the way up the stairs, Sara was behind her and Jake brought up the rear.
“Are you getting anything?”
At the sound of Jake’s voice, Jane stopped and looked back. Sara had her hand on the banister, her eyes were closed and her body arched slightly. “She was pushed right here.”
“Who was?” Jake asked.
“Servant, wearing a uniform. Young girl, mid-twenties.”
It was as if Jake was waiting to see if she had anything more to add, when Sara went quiet. “Did she survive?”
“No. Thrown over the railing to her death.”
“Who killed her?”
“He did. She had a strict Catholic upbringing. She wore a cross around her neck, never took it off. She prayed all the time: morning, noon, and night. He couldn’t manipulate her. It angered him,” Sara said.
“What year is it?”
Sara seemed to be thinking about this. “1930. No, 1932. Fresh off the boat. I keep hearing that phrase over and over again.”
“Where is she from?”
“Ireland. Aunt got her the job.”
“What’s her name?”
Sara acted as if she were listening to someone. “Bronwen. Sweet girl. Everyone loved her.”
A high pitched squeal came from above. A REM-pod was going off. Jane didn’t bother with the walkie since she was within shouting distance. “Where is that coming from, Danny?”
She watched him click the keyboard. “Center tower,” he called back.
Jane turned to Sara and Jake. “That’s the highest point in the house. Time to climb.”
When they reached the top, Jane shut off the device and collapsed on the settee, out of breath. Sara sat next to her, panting. Although he too was winded, Jake stood stock still. Jane opened her mouth to speak, but Sara grabbed her hand and shook her head. They stayed that way for a minute or two, watching Jake as he listened to… whatever. Jane didn’t have a clue.
“Such grief,” he finally said. “So much death. She doesn’t want to carry on, but must for the children’s sake.”
“What’s her name, Jake?” Sara asked.
He was silent a moment. “Bette. No, Bess.”
“How did she die?” Jane asked.
Again he was quiet. “She’s tired, so tired. She’s showing me herself crawling into bed.” He glanced at Jane. “It was her heart. She died of natural causes.”
“Then why is she still here?” Sara asked.
“Protection. It’s all her fault,” Jake answered.
“What’s her fault?” Jane asked.
Silence. Then Jake addressed them. “She’s gone.”
Jane turned the REM-pod back on and stood, Sara followed.
“Danny for Jane. Over.” Came from the walkie-talkie on Jane’s shoulder.
“Go for Jane. Over.”
“You aren’t going to fucking believe this. You need to get down here,” Danny said.
“On our way.” Jane looked at the others and shrugged.
When they finally reached the main floor, Courtney and Danny were not at the monitors.
“Over here,” Danny called from the entrance to the zoo.
It sounded like scuffling across the floor. When Jane came up alongside Courtney, she stopped. “Whoa.”
“I know, huh?” Courtney said.
Sara came walking across the floor. “What?” Then she got a look into the room. “Holy Shittolli. Excuse my Spanish.”
“I’m pretty sure shittolli is Italian,” Jake said bringing up the rear. “Jesus.”
The dead stuffed animals were moving around the room like pieces on a chess board. The grizzly bear slid to the middle and stopped. The hyena glided toward the window. The zebra inched forward. The squirrel sailed across the room as if it were a fast ball.
“Look out, flying squirrel.” Danny ducked and covered his head.
All the animal heads hung upside down.
Danny straightened up and relaxed his arms. “This is some creepy shit, man.”
The owl hooted. Jane turned in time to see it take flight above their heads. The zebra brayed and she nervously eyed it. Then the lion roared.
“That’s jacked up,” Danny said.
Jane stared at the beast and found him glaring at her.
“Seriously,” Courtney said.
Jane noticed Courtney and Danny disappear from her peripheral vision, so she began to retreat.
“Slowly,” Jake said. “Let’s all back up, but keep calm.”
“Son of a bitch.” Danny grabbed his side.
“What’s wrong?” Courtney’s voice came out an octave hi
gher than normal.
“I swear something just bit me!” Danny pulled up his shirt and there it was.
Plain as day.
A set of teeth marks.
Human teeth marks.
So deep they broke the skin.
The lion roared again and drew their attention as he stepped off his platform, heading their way.
“Everyone toward the front door, but do not make any sudden moves,” Jake said.
“Can he really hurt us? I mean, it’s just a ghost. Right?” Courtney asked.
“I don’t want to bet my life on it, do you?” Danny replied.
“I guess not,” Courtney answered.
All this time Sara had not said a word. Suddenly the beast’s head swiveled toward her and he licked his lips. The rest of them were almost out of the house, but Sara simply stood there.
“Sara, get your ass in gear,” Jake said.
“Just get everyone to safety.”
“That would include you. Now move it,” Jake said through clenched teeth.
“I’m coming, don’t worry.”
The lion crept closer.
“I’ll stop worrying the minute we are all safe,” Jake enunciated each word as if he were talking to a child.
Jane heard the door open and chanced a peek over her shoulder. Danny and Courtney were on the stoop. She turned back to Sara. “Come on, Sara, you’re giving me a heart attack.”
“Then you’d best get where you can no longer see me,” Sara said.
Jane stood in the open doorway. Jake glanced at her, then at the lion, and lastly at Sara. He was standing about five feet from Sara when all of a sudden he ran at her, grabbed her around the waist and threw her under his arm like a football as he headed toward the door. Jane stepped out of the way, but her gaze never left the lion as it picked up speed.
To her horror, the lion leapt.
The second Jake cleared the door, Jane jumped back inside the house and grabbed hold of the knob. She watched as the lion flew through the air toward her like a film in slow motion.
TWENTY-TWO
She heard Sara scream as large hands grabbed Jane by the waist and pulled hard. The front door slammed from the power. A giant thud shook the wood before it stilled. Jane found herself wrapped in Jake’s protective embrace.
“Are you all right?” Jake whispered in her ear.
Spirits 04-Spirits of Seacliff Manor Page 14