by Rick Kueber
“Thank you!” I said enthusiastically. “I'm not sure what you have in mind, but I'm pretty positive you can count on us to help you out with the fundraiser.”
While the president of the club and I spoke, the blonde woman took Barb by the arm and whispered into her ear, staring at Katie and Jenn while she did. Barb then motioned to the girls to come and follow her.
Jenn leaned over to me and with a bit of confusion and sarcasm in her voice, said, “We'll be back in a minute... I hope.” and then she and Katie followed Barb and the blonde woman into the stairwell.
“Jenn, Katie, this is Linda.” Barb began the
introductions. “Linda and her husband, Fred, live next door.” “You live in the house with the spire on the corner?” Jenn asked with excitement in her voice, like a child walking by a candy shop, hoping for the chance to enter and pick out a tasty sweet. “Is it haunted too?”
Linda smiled. “I don't know, and I don't wanna know! Barb has already asked me if you guys could check out my home, but I really like it just the way it is... if there is a ghost there I don't want anyone to find it.”
“Awww... that's too bad, it's a beautiful home.” Katie said respectfully. “Well, the reason I wanted to talk to you in private is because I think I might know how to find the last Bettiger, Allison Bettiger. She never married, and lived in my home for many years until we bought it from her about 20 years ago, but I have still tried to keep in contact with her. She was living in a small town just outside of Indianapolis, maybe twenty miles south. As far as I know, she is still there. I can get you a phone number and an address if you want.”
“Yes! That would be fantastic!” Katie exclaimed. “Do you think you could contact her for us? I mean... I don't know how well she would react to a complete stranger calling her out of the blue.” Jenn added, knowing how awkward it can be to try to get anyone to open up about their past.
“Sure, I need to call her anyway. I haven't talked to her in months. I hope she is still doing okay.” Linda agreed. “I'll tell you what, give me a number where I can reach you, and after I talk to her, I will let you know what she said about you calling.”
Jenn agreed and returned to the room where we were all still gathered. While I filled out the paperwork for my Owl's membership, Jenn wrote her phone number and email address on a piece of notebook paper and returned it to Linda.
“I can't thank you enough, Linda. Without your help, we would have run out of avenues to pursue, I'm sure.” said Katie. The crowd of a dozen or so people, including officers, the EVP team, and Del and Barb, casually talked amongst themselves while the girls and I gathered up our laptop and informational folders and prepared to head back to our homes. We shook many hands and were invited to come out to visit anytime we wanted, and were assured by the Heerdinks and the Owl's officers that we would soon be given a date on which we could return for a second investigation.
The rain had come to an end, but the gloom of the evening was overwhelming. There had been such an incredible amount of activity at this place, and most of it only caused more questions and concerns to grow. Many times we had investigated a home or business only to prove that it was not haunted, or to quickly provide proof that the activity they were experiencing was either the spirit of a loved one, or a benign entity that meant no harm and only existed in the same space with no intention of causing any trouble, or of leaving. This was completely different. The mere numbers of spirits that occupied this one place was mind boggling and with Ashley having joined the shadow children and asking for help, we knew this was more than a prove or dis-prove situation. This was what I had coined as a 'Para-Mystery' that we felt compelled to solve.
We wandered quietly through the damp parking lot to our cars and with quiet waves good bye, went off in our own directions. I had a feeling that Jenn and Katie were having similar thoughts to mine...we have found ourselves in the middle of another one of 'those' cases.
Within days of our reveal, I was contacted by Del Heerdink, who invited us back as soon as possible, and passed along a little more information. I had been approached about helping the Owl's with a fund raiser, and was not only open to the idea, but excited to help them out. The idea I had was to host a seminar, with psychic readings, and a ghost tour. There would be a cover charge at the door for anyone who wanted to join us, along with that we would offer up to twenty everyday folks to join us for a few hours at midnight for another investigation. This would hopefully raise some decent funds for the local Owl's Nest, as well as raise awareness of what the EVP Investigations team did. Del and I discussed possible dates, and we had decided that this Friday night would be a great time to have a second investigation, and it might be best to wait two or three weeks before having the fund-raiser, which would give plenty of time for advertising through social media, and the Owl's newsletter.
Chapter 10 A Burning Question
Having us back as soon as possible translated into another investigation on the following weekend. Apparently our discoveries were well received by the officers of The Owl's Nest. There was undeniable proof that something paranormal was happening, or from the point of view of the Owls, they were haunted, and it was a haunting that was shrouded in mystery. The puzzle of the missing history surrounding the family, and why it was missing, was something that everyone involved was eager to learn, and we were devout in our search for answers. I contacted Theo, the team's psychic-medium, and asked him to join us for the investigation Saturday night. Theo knew this invitation was coming, but he was still excited to receive it, and a quick invitation turned into a long conversation about what he already was feeling and seeing that he thought was related to the Owl's Nest. His insights were not only interesting, but also helpful. The words and thoughts that he conveyed not only gave me some information, but a different perspective on things. In order to put the puzzle together, I was going to have to look at things in a new way, and I already understood what fate was bringing into play.
*** The team and I spent our weekdays as usual, and looked forward to the weekend's investigation. It was amusing how some people thought of us as having 'alter egos' as if through the week we were mild mannered everyday folks, but on the weekends, when the sun went down, we transformed into something completely different. We weren't viewed like a superhero who enters and exits a phone booth, and was cheered on by the general public. We were viewed more like Jeckle and Hyde... avoided, misunderstood, and
unapproachable. It was a shame, but it did not discourage us or dull our passion.
*** Most Wednesdays I had my son, and that father and son time in the middle of every week made my life alone, bearable. He and I were the best of friends, and so much alike it was downright eerie. The most difficult moments in my life have always been when I had to say good-bye to him. I missed him from the moment he left my sight until we were reunited. It was always the night after he went back to his mom's house that I would sit, awake and alone, contemplating the value of my life and what purpose it served. The only answer I could ever find was that I was put on this earth to be a father to the most amazing boy in the world, and that was good enough for me.
I had been married to his mother for over ten years, and though it always felt like we were meant to be together, that was not the case. In the years since our divorce I had met many wonderful women, but though I went on numerous dates and even had a few relationships, I could never really find my soul mate. I am very particular in whom I date, but I am also quick to 'fall in love'. Once I am smitten, it is only a matter of time before it is over.
I suppose that was my curse... to repeatedly fall in love, only to repeatedly have my heart broken. I suppose with my unreliable schedule, and my passion for the paranormal, I was just not quite 'relationship material', and though I call it a curse, I believe I find myself single for a reason. Perhaps a hopeless romantic and lonely soul, such as myself, can connect with those distraught and tortured souls who have left the physical world. Perhaps we can sense each other's pain
and anguish. Are we somehow drawn together and connected by our sadness and our regret?
Once my son had gone, it felt like my sun had gone. The rest of the week drug by until the weekend had finally arrived. I had the unexpected surprise of another visit from my son Saturday morning. It wasn't my weekend to have him, but his mom had some things to do and I was more than happy to keep him, in fact I volunteered to keep him anytime she needed or wanted me to. When it was time to say so-long, it wasn't as saddening as usual, and I believe that was because his visit was an unexpected joy, and therefore how could I be sad? So, when we hugged and said our good-byes, though there were the usual tears, there was also a smile. He remained in my thoughts for the rest of the day, and time passed swiftly until it was time to meet up with the team.
Instead of meeting for coffee at the Barnes & Noble before the investigation, we had decided to meet up at The Owl's Nest. It was agreed that we would meet between 11:30 and 11:45. I had arrived early. I strolled through the doors around 11, about an hour before they would close down for our investigation. I perused the bar room, eyeing the ladies, and greeting them with smiles. Approaching the bar, I was suddenly met by Del.
“You want a drink?” he shouted over the music that was playing in the dance hall.
“I wasn't going to, but it's early enough, I think... can I get a Crown and Coke?” I asked.
“Yep... give me a second and I'll bring you one.” He shouted once again, and I nodded in response. I found a tall round table with four bar stools, sitting alone in the corner of the room as if it were patiently waiting for my arrival and had shunned all others who may have chosen it. I sat down with my back to the wall, as I always did, not in fear of someone behind me, but because I loved to watch people, and it also gave me a good vantage point to catch the team as they arrived. A few minutes later Del showed up at my table with the beverage as promised. I reached for my wallet, but he quickly stopped me.
He leaned over close to me so he wouldn't have to yell over the crowd and music. “This one is on me.” He smiled. “Barb and I are running the bingo game downstairs so I can’t stay, but I'll see you as soon as we start to close up.” And with that he waved good-bye and disappeared into the crowd.
I sipped at the drink in front of me, but I drank in the sea of people before me. One by one, I sized them up, imagined who they might be once they left the club, if they were single, married... it was just something I found myself doing in most public places. I didn't judge anyone, or assume I knew anything about them. I was only making up a story in my head of who they might be, if this place were just a scene from a fictional story in my mind.
The sweet syrupy taste of Coke was diluted by the warm burn of the whiskey, as I slowly enjoyed my one drink. Guilt kept knocking on my door, knowing that it was never a good idea to investigate after having anything to drink, or while taking any medications that could alter my perception. My nerves would always answer the knock with its own excuse... just one drink to calm the nerves, and with the numerous spirits here, not to mention that Ashley Sue, I felt justified. I took another drink as I spied the bustling people and my foot kept time with the music.
My drink was all but gone when Jenn and Katie arrived together at 11:40, and just as they sat down at the table, the music went suddenly silent, and the bar tender shouted out “LAST CALL!” It was nearly closing time, and I watched as the patrons and guests prepared to leave, some left in pairs, some hand in hand, while others left alone and tugged at my heart. I could see the loneliness on their faces as they looked around the room for one last chance to make a new friend, or for the spark of a predestined, and doomed, romance. I knew exactly how they felt as those poor souls left the bar room and headed home alone, disappointed again and wondering what was wrong with them, why they couldn't find love and happiness like so many others they had seen leave together that night. It was a cruel and twisted thing, this emotion we call love, and though often times it feels as if it will kill us, we know we can’t live without it. Such is the conundrum for so many goodhearted people. I have learned a few things in this life. I have been taught far too many times, that karma takes her sweet time, life has no loyalty to fairness, and love does not play well with others.
*** We watched as the club emptied out rather quickly until we were the only ones left in the building besides Barb and Del, and a couple of the staff who were cleaning up, and beginning to turn off the lights. Soon the building, for all intents and purposes, would be ours. Theo rushed into the room and made a bee-line for the table we were still sitting at.
“Sorry I'm late. There was a wreck that had traffic tied up.” He apologized. “It's fine, you aren't late. In fact...” I began to think more rationally, “we haven't even brought in any of our equipment. So, in that respect, you are right on time.” I smiled.
“Yep, good point there E-V-...” I cut Jenn off midnickname.
“Hey now!” I smiled. “We better get everything brought in before they lock the doors on us.” Jenn laughed. “Right!” Katie agreed and jumped up, along with Theo, Jenn and I, and the four of us hastily headed to the cars for our equipment cases. In one arm-loaded trip, we had managed to carry in everything we would need for the night. I quickly set up the DVR in the basement, covering the room where we had heard the 'bang', the old boiler room, the large room were we had been rushed by three shadowy specters, and one that covered the upstairs bar and part of the dance hall. The last of the lights were turned off, and only the faint glow of the exit signs lit our way, as we all reassembled in the main bar room. We unpacked the rest of our hand held gear and our next risky undertaking commenced.
Del and Barb were making their rounds, checking the outside doors to assure they were locked and secure, while we made our way down the hallway towards the main entrance, and in the direction of the stairs to the second floor.
*** The twisted old specters searched the second story of the old home for the poor young children, grumbling back and forth at each other for their flagrant inabilities. They drifted from room to room searching for the four young spirits who refused to leave their home. The anger grew and manifested itself in the form of papers flying across the emptiness with the only wind being that which they created in their movement. In a fit rage the three haggard old souls burst through a closed door causing it to open in the physical world.
From the hallway of the first floor, we heard the banging open of a door. Jenn sprung up and darted through the unlocked door and up the stairway in just enough time to see the door slowly swinging to its final resting point. Theo, Katie and I rushed to the foot of the stairs just as Jenn called down to us.
“It's the door to the room here on the left, here. I saw it moving.” The excitement bubbled in her voice. “What do you want? You aren't welcome here.” Theo said to the emptiness, and the three of us gave him a look of bewilderment.
“Who are you talking to, and why aren't they welcome?” I asked out of curiosity as well as necessity. As the team leader, it was my place to know what was going on, and why.
Just then a warm sickening feeling came over Jenn, and Theo's eyes opened wider. I watched as Jenn tried to keep her footing and placing her hand on her stomach, let out an uneasy groan.
Just then, a few bits of old paper and a tattered yellowed ribbon were caught up as if in a sudden gust, lifting and then settling back down on the steps. Theo took a step back and immediately that warm nauseating feeling overcame those of us at the bottom of the stairs. It took us all a moment to regain our senses, and as Jenn started making her way down to us, Theo began his explanation and the answer to my question.
“Three male figures came out of that area to the right.” He pointed to the opposite side from where Jenn had seen the door move. “They were searching for something or someone, and they were not happy. I felt that they did not really belong here, but I believe that they were claiming ownership of this place and didn't want to share it. They rushed down the stairs and passed us.”
&n
bsp; “This sounds like a feud, to me.” I pondered the potential scenarios that could be in play. “Could they be after the Bettiger children? I mean, really, what would be their motivation?”
“Huh...I suppose there could be some connection, but I don't know what it would be.” said Jenn, perplexed by the thought of it all. “I guess we need to do some more research, and by that I mean some serious digging in the dirt.”
“Sounds perfect. I like a little gritty sleuthing.” Katie replied with a wink. “Time to find Allison.”
“Could you tell which way they went, Theo?” I asked. “It was so quick. All I could tell was that they went down the hall that way, but I lost them.” Theo answered back with a slight disappointment in his voice.
“I wonder if that's the same shadows we actually saw downstairs last time?” Jenn interjected. “Could very well be.” I answered back. “Let’s take a quick tour through the upstairs so Theo can get a feel for the layout of the house.”
I began climbing the stairs to meet Jenn. Katie followed close behind, but Theo lagged a bit. When my trio had stopped on the landing we found Theo had stopped on the stairs, and when I pointed my flashlight in his direction, I could see a look of bewilderment on his face.
“This is like deja-vu.” He mumbled to himself, but the sound echoed up the empty stairwell. “I've been here before.” He thought hard and peered left and right trying to place it, and then suddenly, like he was hit with a surge of memories, it came to him, and even caused him to check his footing.
“I know...” His voice trailed off. “This place has changed so much, but this is the stairs in my dream. When Ashley told me to help the children.” He stammered. “I felt like I was being chased... kinda like what just happened... those shadows were chasing the children, or something...I'm almost positive of it.” He continued to climb the stairs, until he reached the top and rejoined us.