The Good Sisters

by Helen Phifer

  The girls began to giggle and ran off back to Kate’s comfy bed and their tablets.

  ‘Sorry, you don’t have to help. Tell me if I’m being bossy, won’t you?’

  ‘I love it and you’re not being bossy. It’s nice to have someone telling me what to do again. I’ve missed it. I always did enjoy being henpecked.’

  He winked at her and ran off towards the stairs. Kate took off after him, giggling like a teenager. This time as she reached the top of the stairs nothing happened and she breathed a sigh of relief. Within thirty minutes Ollie had put the lampshade up and assembled the lights, whilst Kate had taken the plastic off the mattresses and duvets and made the beds up.

  It was a big room with its own bathroom. What she would have given for a room this size when she’d been growing up. Her parents had lived in a tiny two up two down, terraced house. Her bedroom hadn’t even been big enough to hold a wardrobe, but she’d loved it there. It was small, but the house was always spotless and smelt of homemade baking or cooking. They may not have had much money, but her mum made sure they never went hungry. They always had cakes and biscuits she’d freshly bake twice a week; her friends had always loved playing at her house because there were always fairy cakes or shortbread biscuits for them to eat.

  Kate missed her mum, who was now in a home because her Alzheimer’s had got so bad she was a danger to herself and her dad, who still lived in the house on his own – or so she’d thought until she’d gone around one day for a visit and found him snuggled up on the sofa with her mum’s best friend Joan. Kate had left, mortified that her dad would do that to her mum. She hadn’t spoken to him since. Not that she didn’t want to – it was more the fact that her life had turned to shit and she was embarrassed to face him. She’d been so quick to judge him when really it had been none of her business. Why should he spend the rest of his life alone and mourning for the woman who didn’t even remember his name?

  Then Kate had got arrested for drunk driving and the shame had made her unable to face him. She’d taken the moral high ground with him for what? When she’d managed to lose everything in the space of a week. She made up her mind to go and visit both her mum and dad. She knew her mum wouldn’t remember her, but she owed it to her. She also hoped her dad would forgive her for being such a selfish cow.

  ***

  Ollie nudged her in the side. ‘Hello, earth to planet Kate. Is anybody in there?’

  She looked at him, blushing. ‘Sorry, memories. It’s funny how they come flooding back at the most random moments, when you’re not expecting them.’

  ‘I know how that feels – tell me about it. I’ll be fixing a broken roof tile and remember snippets from the days before Ellen got so poorly. It’s like watching someone else’s life play out before my own eyes. Then I’ll snap out of it feeling like my heart’s been wrenched from my chest and cursing God for taking her away.’

  He stopped talking, worrying he’d upset Kate, but she crossed the room towards him and hugged him. He hugged her back and heard Ellen’s voice whisper in his ear: She needs you, but you need her more. Ollie turned, convinced his wife was standing right behind him. The empty space made his heart ache and he wondered for the hundredth time if he was doing the right thing. Was he getting too involved with Kate?

  ‘Are you okay?’

  He turned to face her. The concern etched across her face erased the doubts. He did need her; he didn’t want to be lonely for the rest of his life.

  ‘Yes, I’m fine. Sorry I thought I heard something. I guess I’m getting as jumpy as you are.’

  He winked and he didn’t miss the blush, which began to creep up her neck.

  ‘Should I go home tonight and let you and the girls have some time together? You have some catching up to do.’

  Horror filled her eyes.

  ‘I’d rather you didn’t. I wouldn’t be able to settle. Today’s been amazing and both girls seem to have accepted you with no questions asked. I’d really like it if you stayed, but if you need a bit of space I also understand. It can be a bit overwhelming having to listen to three females chattering non-stop.’ She lowered her voice. ‘I can’t stop thinking about that woman’s head. It gives me the creeps – the thought of it being hidden away behind that panel since the 1930s. Do you think the girls will be safe up there on their own?’

  Ollie knew what she meant. It had been in the back of his mind all day. Whenever there was a lull in the conversation he kept replaying the image of the withered, mummified head. He wanted to know what had happened to her and who had put it there. Tomorrow he would see if he could do some digging and get some answers, starting with the police. They said they thought they knew who she was. Or the priest Kate had mentioned might have some local knowledge or records.

  ‘I can think of nothing more I’d like than to stay in this gorgeous house with three beautiful ladies. As long as you don’t snore. You wore me out last night so I wouldn’t have heard you if you had. And yes, I think they’ll be safe. They’re not too far away. We can leave the door open so we can hear them – and that is about the only room that hasn’t been furnished with crosses.’

  ‘I hope you’re right. I’d never forgive myself if anything happened to scare the girls. Come on, you, our work is done here. Anyway, you could build the beds for me in the morning and then they’re sorted out. I’d really appreciate it.’

  He groaned, but smiled and led her by the hand towards the stairs. They went downstairs. Ollie headed into the kitchen to clear up the mess and wash up, whilst Kate went in to get her daughters.

  ‘Right then, should we take your overnight bags upstairs and you can have a look at your room? See if it meets your approval. Ollie said he’ll put the bed frames up tomorrow so you’ll be more comfy.’

  Summer and Autumn both climbed off the bed. Grabbing their cases they followed Kate upstairs. Both of them shouted, ‘Goodnight, Ollie!’ in unison and he yelled back, ‘Night!’ He came to the kitchen door and smiled at Kate. Despite having Martin for a dad they were good kids.

  ***

  Kate led them upstairs, her heart beating too fast. She was worried in case there were any more strange incidents, but they reached the girls’ room without so much as a breeze passing by them. Both girls squealed at the sight of their makeshift beds, running and jumping on them.

  ‘Thanks, Mum, it’s great. I can’t believe we have our own toilet as well.’

  Autumn ran over and threw her arms around Kate’s waist, squeezing tight. She ran back to her bed. Summer ran over and did exactly the same thing, hugging her mum tight, then jumped back onto her bed.

  ‘I’ll leave you to get undressed and clean your teeth. If you need anything shout. I think I’ll hear you from here. Leave the lamp on if it’s all a bit strange. Sometimes it feels weird sleeping in another house and room, but I’m not far away. I’ll come and tuck you in soon.’

  She left them with a huge smile on her face and for the second time that day blinked back tears. This time they were tears of joy. She’d missed them so much it had been a physical pain inside her chest. She didn’t know what she would do when Martin came to collect them. The house would feel so empty. At least she had Ollie now though to keep her company.

  There was a dull ache in her arms, which was accompanied by a burning sensation. As soon as she got to the bottom of the stairs, she rolled a sleeve back to check they weren’t bleeding again. The bandages were still white, thank God. She wanted them to start healing up. The kitchen was sparkling, all the pots were put away and the worktops were wiped clean.

  ‘You are pretty perfect for a man. Do you have any faults?’

  ‘Nope, it’s true – I am indeed a perfect specimen of the male species. Well if you discount the love of rugby, lager and James Bond films.’

  ‘I like rugby and James Bond – not too keen on lager although a couple of days ago I would have drunk it if there was nothing else.’

  ‘Ah sorry, Kate, I didn’t think. How are you doing on that front?
’

  ‘I’m okay I think. My hands are a bit shaky. I’m also scared I might be imagining things. Not to mention the thirst I have in the back of my throat that I don’t think a cold glass of water could satisfy, but I’m managing, just. Thank you.’

  ‘Well in that case you are a pretty amazing specimen of a woman as well. I’m very proud of you.’

  She sat down. ‘The girls love their room. I can’t believe they’re here, in this house, and to think that a couple of days ago I apparently wanted to end it all. Thank you for coming back to check on me. If it wasn’t for you I could be lying in a mortuary fridge right now instead of being here. I can never repay you, Ollie.’

  He crossed the room and bent down to kiss her. ‘You don’t need to repay me; I’m just glad that I did come back. I think that you and me make a pretty good team. Are you going to ring that detective tomorrow and see if they have any news for you? I can’t stop thinking about that poor woman. It’s barbaric to think someone could murder a nun and do that to her. It makes you wonder what happened, doesn’t it?’

  Kate shuddered. ‘It makes my skin crawl thinking about it, but yes I will call.’ A thought slammed into her mind. What if it was the nun who was walking around at night and putting the crosses back on the wall? That made perfect sense. Why was she obsessed with the crosses? Did she think her killer was still lurking around? If they hadn’t stopped whoever it was the first time around, it didn’t seem like there was much point in still putting them up. Or was she trying to protect Kate? She shivered as a cold chill ran down her spine. Trying to protect her from what?

  Trust her to buy the house of her dreams along with its resident ghosts and murder victims. She wondered once more if her daughters would be safe upstairs alone. She couldn’t really tell them she’d changed her mind and they had to sleep with her and Ollie. Surely they would be okay; if the house was haunted by the nun, who could possibly be some relation to Kate. She had been a woman of God – a good person. She wouldn’t want to harm anyone, especially children; she might have been wandering around up there looking for her head. Oh God! The thought of a headless nun wandering around her house freaked her out even more.

  ***

  Ollie, who was busy making two mugs of coffee, turned around to pass her one and paused. She looked terrified.

  ‘Kate, what’s the matter? This is the third time today you’ve gone all quiet and the colour has drained from your face. Something’s wrong. Is it me?’

  She shook her head. ‘No, don’t be daft. I can’t help thinking. Oh God this is going to sound nuts, but I promise I’m not. I’ve been putting it down to not having any alcohol; it’s not that though. Yes I’m dying for a cold glass of wine, but having my family and you around is worth more than that.’

  ‘What is it then?’

  ‘Do you really believe in ghosts?’

  It hadn’t been what he’d expected her to say at all. He didn’t know what to say. He’d like to say no and laugh it off. He thought back to last night and just before when he’d heard Ellen’s voice whispering in his ear, as clear as if she’d been standing right next to him.

  ‘I, erm, I don’t know to be honest. It’s not something I’ve ever considered before I met you and began working in this house. So much has happened that I find hard to brush off. Do you?’

  ‘Yes, I believe I do. It’s not something I’ve ever given much thought to either if I’m honest. There’s definitely something going on with this house though. Those footsteps I’ve heard when I’ve been on my own; they weren’t heavy thudding steps. They were light as if it was a woman moving around up there. And what about the crosses? I can’t count how many times I’ve taken them down or got Ethan to take them down yet they still keep appearing. Then there’s the voices and strange smells, the scratching. What if the woman whose head they found yesterday is still here, looking for her head?’

  Ollie felt every hair on the back of his neck stand on end. He didn’t know what to say. He felt as if the atmosphere in the kitchen had changed. Kate turned around as if she was expecting to see one of the girls standing behind her. There was no one there. He looked down to see the skin on his arms had broken out in goose bumps. The air felt electric.

  She turned back to him and whispered, ‘Can you feel it? There’s someone in here with us. I’m sure of it.’

  A loud bang from upstairs startled them both and Kate took off running, closely followed by Ollie. They took the stairs two at a time and she threw the girls’ bedroom door open. Both of them were lying on the mattresses they had pushed together, earphones in and watching a film on their tablets. Autumn looked up and smiled. Kate didn’t want to scare her. Ollie went to check the en suite then turned, sticking his thumb up at Kate.

  ‘What’s up, Mum?’

  ‘Nothing. I heard a bang and thought one of you had fallen over. I was just checking you were both okay.’

  ‘Well it wasn’t us and yes we’re fine.’

  ‘Good, that’s good. Right then I’ll leave you to it.’ She crossed the room, bending down and kissing them both on the forehead.

  ‘Night. Don’t forget: if you need me shout.’

  Autumn already had her earphones back in. She looked at them both and stuck her thumb up. Ollie backed out of the room and Kate followed him.

  ***

  ‘Where did that come from?’ Kate asked.

  ‘I don’t know. I don’t really want to go looking either. My heart’s beating that bloody fast I think I’m having a cardiac arrest.’

  Kate began to giggle. ‘My hero, you’re supposed to be the tough one and you’re a quivering wreck.’

  ‘Why don’t we check the cameras?’

  ‘I forgot all about those. Yes that’s a good idea – sort of. I’m not sure if I want to see what it was.’

  ‘Well it could have been a draught. This house is still not fully airtight. Why don’t we go downstairs and think about it? What I really want to do is get into your bed and hide under the duvet.’

  Tears began to roll down her face. As worried as she was about the banging and footsteps, she couldn’t get the image of him hiding under the duvet out of her mind.

  ‘Do you think the girls are really okay up here on their own? I don’t want to leave them if something is wandering around up here.’

  ‘They don’t seem remotely bothered. You could leave your bedroom door open so we can hear them if they shout out for you in the night.’

  She nodded. ‘Come on, I think you’re right. We’re letting our imaginations run away with us. All this talk of spooky stuff is enough to make anyone jumpy.’

  She went back downstairs with Ollie close behind her. They both went to check the front and back doors were locked. Satisfied, Kate led the way back into the kitchen.

  ‘Now what? Do we watch the camera footage or just go to bed and watch a film on your iPad?’

  There was no hesitation from Ollie. ‘Go to bed and watch a film. We know the house is secure and if we watched the footage and saw a headless nun wandering around I think it might just kill me off.’

  She agreed with him. Whatever it was she didn’t think she wanted to find out. As long as it didn’t scare her girls or her too much she could live and let live.

  6 January 1933

  Crosby and Father Patrick both arrived back at the convent within minutes of each other. The first thing they noticed was how black it was inside. There were no lights shining out into the darkness from the house. They looked at each other and said, ‘Agnes.’ Crosby felt his heart sink. He was never going to forgive himself if he went into that building and found her lifeless body. Shit on a stick what had they been thinking? Leaving her all alone in there when there was a murderer picking off nuns and killing them in the most horrific ways known to man. Patrick looked uncomfortable.

  Crosby nodded. ‘Whatever has happened inside I need to use the telephone to call for more officers to come and assist me. Now it’s up to you, Father, but I get the distinct impression somethi
ng horrible may have happened to Sister Agnes in our absence. The question is: do we go inside to see if she needs our help or do we turn around and go back to the village to get some backup?’

  Patrick shrugged. He knew the answer, but he just didn’t want to speak the words out loud. Instead he whispered, ‘What if she needs our help? We can’t turn our backs on her now.’

  Crosby nodded, cursing under his breath. He was glad the vicar had some backbone, but at the same time he had wanted him to insist on going back to the village to get some more officers. He looked at the vicar, who was clutching a bottle of holy water in one hand and a Bible in the other; then he walked up the steps to the house hoping that Patrick wasn’t about to run out on him. He heard Patrick’s footsteps behind him. He knew the front door would be open. Whoever or whatever it was wanted them to come into the house and find Agnes.

  Pulling out his wooden truncheon because it gave him some measure of comfort, he pushed the heavy oak door with it. The creak it gave sounded ominous even to him who didn’t believe in any of this hocus-pocus stuff. Well he hadn’t until today and now he wasn’t so sure. The first thing he noticed when he stepped inside the darkened house was the smell. It was so strong it made him gag. It smelt like rotting meat tinged with the coppery smell of blood. His stomach lurched and he heard the vicar whisper, ‘Dear God almighty, what is that stench? Oh Lord protect us from whatever it is we are about to encounter.’ The fear made the vicar’s voice tremble.

  A voice inside Crosby’s own head was telling him to turn around and leave right this minute. It was too late and there was nothing he could do. ‘Save yourself,’ a woman’s voice whispered in his ear, and he could have sworn it was Agnes. He turned to the right to see if she was standing there, but it was just him and Patrick – who had his Bible clenched to his chest, his lips moving in silent prayer. Crosby prayed that God was listening to him.

  The house was so bloody big he didn’t know where to start. He stretched out his fingers, feeling along the wall for a light switch. They had no other means of seeing where they were going. He just hoped the lights were working. Finally his fingers brushed the freezing metal switch and he flicked it down, bathing the hall in light. Everything looked the same as it had less than an hour ago. He nodded at the priest who gave him a half smile. His fingers gripping the wooden handle of his truncheon as tightly as they could he shouted, ‘Agnes, are you okay? Where are you?’