I pushed for an explanation, but there was none. They suggested that perhaps someone threw a lit cigarette butt over our fence as they walked by, which slowly ignited the fire over a period of time. I found this hard to believe.
I looked at our six-foot wooden fence, and then the site of the fire. The ground was clear, with no cigarette butts in sight. Neil smoked at the other side of the house so he could not have been responsible. It was as if the fire started mid way. I fingered the damp leaves. It did not add up, the fire had taken hold in seconds. I kept my thoughts to myself and thanked them for their visit. They tried to reassure me and said I had nothing to worry about. Nothing to worry about? If only they knew.
The next day Neil spoke to his brother Mark on the phone. I walked into the hall just as he said goodbye. Neil sat on the stairs and stared into space. I stood over him, waiting for him to speak. Silence. I nudged his foot with mine. ‘Neil is you OK?’
Neil turned his head towards me, robotically. I did not like this at all. Lately he had become more withdrawn, and it scared me.
‘Huh? Oh, I’m fine. I was just thinking.’
‘What did Mark say on the phone?’
‘Nothing, he’s just been getting some phone calls, that’s all.’
I climbed the next step on the stairs and sat beside him. I draped my hand over his broad shoulder and gave it a squeeze. ‘C’mon, you can’t keep everything to yourself, what did he say?’
Neil sighed. ‘He’s been getting weird phone calls since it started, but these ones are different, they’re from people trying to sell him stuff.’
‘Well everybody gets those, what’s it got to do with us?’
‘They called Mark, asking to speak to me. He told them it wasn’t my number. They said they had already spoken to me, but I asked them to call them back as I was too upset to talk, due to my house burning down.’
I gasped, trying to take it in. Was it some kind of weird misunderstanding or was the entity orchestrating it all as part of a veiled threat?
Neil continued, ‘Lee’s been getting the same calls.’
‘Who are they? Did he get their details?’
‘That’s the thing, they said they sell life insurance.’
I paused, trying to think of the right words. ‘Neil you can’t shoulder all of this on your own. It’s too much. I know I get scared sometimes, but I can take it. If anything new happens, tell me, then let it go, and don’t dwell on it. No more investigations, let’s just try to live life normally. Keep your feet on the ground and we will be fine.’
Neil patted my hand. ‘OK, I will talk to you in future.’ We rose and he gave me a hug, sealing his promise.
The following week Mike called, his voice breathless with excitement. ‘You’re not going to believe this. Remember that piece of writing you found with D08 on it?’
‘Yes, what about it?’ Neil replied, pressing the speaker button so I could listen in.
Mike continued, ‘I knew I had seen it somewhere before. I went back and looked through my encrypted files from the South Shields case I investigated, and there it was, a picture of an almost identical piece of writing, D08 as written on their doodle board.’
I recalled Mike mentioning the South Shields case previously, and how they received messages on a child’s magnetic doodle board. If both messages were the same, what did it mean?
Mike was still talking. I brought my focus back to the conversation.
‘And the hairs stood up on the back of my neck when I had seen it. This is real proof; the original image has never been published.’
It was pretty amazing by anyone’s standards. ‘Do you know what the writing means?’ Neil asked, fully engaged in the conversation.
‘No mate, but must mean something as it’s been written in both places. Do you realise we could be dealing with the same entity involved in the South Shields case?’ Mike sounded amazed by the possibilities.
‘Well yes…’ Neil began to say as Mike interrupted him with his news.
‘I’ve started writing a book. Yours is the worst case of infestation I’ve ever encountered, you should go to the papers with this.’
I left the room as Neil continued with the conversation. I bit my fingernail, wishing everything paranormal would go away. I turned on the television to distract myself but could not focus on the programme. My thoughts kept creeping back to Mike’s telephone call. I knew there had been similarities in both cases, but this was unexpected. An uncomfortable feeling overcame me as I dwelled on the implications.
The following morning I helped Neil get the children to school. I was working a late shift and did not need to go to work until the afternoon. We returned to the house for a few hours before I got ready. I decided to clear my head and go for a walk. An hour later, I was back at the house. I walked into the kitchen to hear Neil on the phone to Mike. Neil shot me a guilty look as it became apparent he was discussing their next visit. I glared at him as he ended the call.
‘I’m sorry Neil, but I don’t want the investigators here anymore. We need to find another way of dealing with it.’
Neil answered solemnly, ‘It’s all arranged now; they’re coming for two nights in September.’
‘And you didn’t think to ask me? This is my house too, you know,’ I said, overcome with annoyance.
‘I know, but Mike has helped me, and I know you don’t like talking about it.’
‘Neil, you know you can talk to me, but all this… focus… it’s not doing any good, can’t you see that?’
Neil opened his mouth to speak, but I carried on. ‘We need to get back to normal, rather than chasing about after ghosts. You’re a grown man, and you need to put your family first. What if the house went on fire with the children inside, how would you feel then?’
Neil waved his hands in the air. ‘But who else is going to help us? No one, that’s who, nobody else wants to know. At least Mike is trying to help’
‘But it’s not helping, is it? You’re only making it worse and I’m fed up with it.’
‘Huh, you’re fed up? You’ve no idea what it’s been like for me, I need to find out what the hell this thing is,’ Neil said.
I stabbed the air with my finger. ‘You’re playing with fire. What if this thing possesses you? I didn’t sign up for this when I married you.’
Neil’s voice lowered as he said flatly, ‘So you’re going to leave me?’
I realised I had gone too far. A lump rose in my throat, and I replied in a small voice, ‘No of course not, but I’m scared. This thing is ripping our family apart, and I don’t know how to stop it.’
Neil walked towards me and put his hands squarely on my shoulders. ‘Look, I’m sorry I arranged the visit without asking you first. Let them come down this time, and if they can’t help I won’t ask them down anymore.’
I shrugged, not believing his promise. ‘Whatever.’ I turned to walk upstairs as Neil’s voice trailed behind me.
‘Where are you going?’
‘Work.’
‘But you’ve got over an hour yet.’
‘I’m going in early… got some paperwork to take care of,’ I lied. I needed space to think. I climbed the stairs to get changed. It was unlike us to fight, and I hated it. I wondered if it was as a result of the stress we were under, or the negative energy that filled the house. I had nothing against the investigators personally, but nobody really knew what we were dealing with or how to get rid of it.
I walked into our room and sat on the bed. What if Neil did get possessed? What would happen then? Would he end up in some psychiatric unit? Sighing, I rose to prepare myself for work.
###
I spent hours in the local library in my spare time, researching the house and area. It was rich in history, from witchcraft to suicides, but nothing definite could be found. I decided to overcome my embarrassment and speak with my neighbours.
I approached a little thatched cottage across the road from our house. Judging by the structure with its lo
w front door and tiny windows, I guessed it was one of the oldest houses in our area. Unseen dogs barked a warning as I strolled down the short paved drive. I rapped the heavy black doorknocker and heard shuffling inside. W hat on earth am I doing? I thought, glancing towards the road while tempted to run away.
A tall thin lady opened the door; she appeared in her early sixties. She was dressed in linens and had an air of calmness about her. A flicker of recognition crossed her face, which was framed with her light grey hair. I guessed she had lived in the area all her life.
I took a deep breath. ‘Hello, I’m your neighbour, and I’m wondering if you can help me,’ I said, flashing a friendly smile to show I was not completely insane. The woman smiled back. Encouraged, I continued. ‘I know this is going to sound odd…’ Odd? Odd? This is more than odd. ‘I’m having some problems with my house and I was wondering if you know anything about the land on which it is built?’ I said, pointing to my house across the road.
The lady tapped her chin with her fingers in thought. ‘Oh, right. Well, many years ago there had been lots of disagreements over the land but nothing out of the ordinary. Why do you ask?’ she gave me a curious smile.
I squirmed, feeling the heat of embarrassment rise to my face. Oh just spit it out, she thinks you’re crazy now anyway, my inner voice scolded me. ‘I know this is going to sound a bit mad, but our house seems to be haunted,’ I said, wishing the ground would swallow me up.
She looked at me with some amusement. ‘I see. Well apparently the land near the back of your house used to be a witches’ coven years ago. But that’s just rumour. You don’t believe that do you?’
‘After what I’ve seen I would believe anything,’ I replied, looking down at the ground as I shuffled my feet uncomfortably.
‘I’m afraid I don’t know any more than that.’
‘That’s OK, thanks for your help anyway,’ I said, making a hasty retreat while wondering if there was any connection.
I kicked the gravel in front of me as I walked home. Surely if you did enough digging anywhere in the UK you would come up with some unusual events. There was no point in carrying on.
I made dinner, and sat beside Neil at the kitchen table. Alice’s library books sat in front of us ready to be returned when she came home from school. Her library ticket was neatly sandwiched between the books, slightly sticking out. Neil asked me to pass him a drink, and as I did so, he crossed his knife and fork on top of the plate. Neil’s gaze returned to his plate and I heard him gasp in surprise.
Alice’s library ticket was placed upon his gravy and mash, under his knife and fork. Neil pulled the gravy-coated ticket out with his fingers. We both shook our heads and gave a short laugh. There was nothing else we could do. ‘Now that was a good trick!’ I said, quietly impressed. Sometimes all we could do was laugh.
The weather forecast warned showers and I spent the rest of the day tidying up, starting with our en suite bathroom. Cleaning felt good. It stemmed the flow of worrying thoughts that regularly marched through my brain. I polished the sink until it shone and stopped to admire it. Without warning, I felt a pair of eyes bore into my back, and a heavy feeling of despondency filled the room. Slowly, I turned around to see the figure of a little girl staring at me, her large dark eyes unblinking and full of sorrow. Long brown dishevelled hair framed her pale features, and she stood motionlessly with her hands down by her sides. Dressed in a faded pink dress tied at the front, she was a pitying sight. I clutched my hand to my chest, stepping back to grasp the wall for support. As I blinked, the little girl was gone. I stood in silence, catching my breath. What the hell just happened? I walked into the bedroom, cautiously looking around. She was gone. Sympathy filled me. Who was she? Was she trapped? Looking for help? There was no malice in her features. I sat on the bed and spoke softly and gently. ‘I don’t know who you are, but I’d like to help if I can.’ Silence. I took a deep breath. ‘If there is a loving presence that can help this little girl, please do it now.’ I closed my request with a prayer.
Not wanting her image to fade from my memory, I found some paper and sketched a rough picture. She was so different to Alice, my delicate little wisp of a girl. This child had rounder features and was much broader. But why did she choose to show herself to me, and why was she so unkempt?
Neil’s response was immediate. ‘It’s him,’ he said, searching for the phone. ‘I’ll give Mike a ring and tell him.’
I waved my hands in front of me in alarm, ‘No no, don’t tell anyone. It wasn’t him. It was just a little girl. You should have seen her Neil, she didn’t want to hurt anyone.’
‘That’s what he does,’ Neil said firmly. ‘He’s trying to lure you into a false sense of security. I’ve seen him imitate other people. Don’t get sucked in.’
I folded my arms. ‘I wish I didn’t tell you now. I know what I saw Neil, and you’re wrong.’
‘Suit yourself,’ Neil shrugged, ‘I know I’m right.’ He picked up the phone and ignoring my request, punched in Mike’s number.
‘Bloody men,’ I muttered under my breath climbing back up the stairs.
###
A two-night trip in September was to prove fruitful for Mike and his co-investigators, John and Trevor. They arrived at the bus terminal, having come from Newcastle. Neil was waiting, to take them on the last leg of the journey.
He extended his hand to each of them, offering warm handshakes as they got off the coach. Neil escorted them to the car, and Mike removed his rucksack to put it in the boot. It was full of equipment, and he complained the straps were biting into his shoulders.
The mood was light and jovial, and the journey passed quickly. An hour later, they walked into the house. Neil’s friend Chris knocked at the door, unable to resist the opportunity of witnessing activity for himself. Neil invited him many times, but with his philosophical point of view, he dared not believe it was true. Chris was in his thirties, a slim man, his short hair peppered with grey. Neil enjoyed their conversations on the meaning of life, and recent incidents gave them lots to ponder on.
Equipment was set up as Neil and I made dinner. It was the least I could do, given they never took a penny for expenses. Mike walked in as Neil turned off the gas cooker. ‘I’m glad you’re here,’ Neil said, scooping the spaghetti and sauce onto each plate. ‘Things have been tough since you left.’
Mike did not look surprised to hear it. I emailed him prior to his arrival to say Neil was finding it difficult to cope. Mike stood silently as Neil continued.
‘My phone won’t stop ringing. It’s getting on my bloody nerves. Caroline doesn’t like talking about it, but there’s no let up,’ he said as he glanced at me in the corner, listening intently. It was obvious Neil’s nerves were frayed. He blinked overtly as he spoke, and stood as if a heavy weight was on his shoulders. It was painful for me to watch the man I married reduced to such a pitiful state. I left Neil to talk to Mike while I welcomed our neighbor John, a Police Sergeant and colleague, inside. He had visited before and was keen to witness paranormal activity. A jovial man with cropped blonde hair, John was popular with his colleagues and listened to my tales with interest.
Evening drew in, and I turned on the light. It was time to take the children to Clacton. Neil walked to the car with me and opened the car door as the children climbed in. ‘Are you staying with them tonight?’
‘I’m not sure. I don’t know what to do,’ I said, feeling torn between staying and going.
‘It’s up to you love, you can always come back later if you want. Something is bound to happen,’ Neil said.
I touched his arm. ‘No, I don’t want to see anything Neil, I mean I’m worried about leaving you.’ I was trying hard not to argue, but felt consumed with worry.
Neil gave me a smile, which didn’t quite reach his eyes. ‘Don’t worry about me, I’ll be fine. Ring me later if you like.’
I checked the children were strapped into their car seats, then sat in the car and clicked my own seat belt
into place.
‘I’ll stay in Clacton and ring you later,’ I said, starting the engine. As I drove into the night I thought about Neil’s growing fascination with the paranormal. I understood his need for validation, but his health was suffering and he seemed oblivious to the dangers. I drove on autopilot, my stomach churning with worry.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Faced With Evil
The activity began with ominous thudding noises in the loft. It was not the first instance of activity in our loft space. Previously Neil discovered the loft hatch open, and after closing it, seven loud thumps reverberated from the ceiling. Neil relayed the incident to Mike, who set up a ‘trigger object’ of a crucifix on the loft floor near the hatch. He later returned to find it had been moved.
Neil, Lee, Chris, and John split up to inspect the children’s rooms upstairs to investigate some shuffling noises. Neil shook his head, unable to trace the source of the noise. The house descended into peace.
That night the lengthy journey from Newcastle began to take its toll on Mike, Trevor, and their co – investigator John Triplow. Awake since five that morning, they agreed to take a break in the living room.
Our neighbour John stood up. ‘Unfortunately I’ve got to go to work now, thanks for having me.’
Neil followed him out to the hall, ‘Sorry you didn’t get to see anything.’
‘Oh I did actually,’ John said, pulling on his jacket. ‘When I looked into the boys’ room upstairs, I saw a white plastic chair flip over by itself.’
Neil admired John’s calmness and gave him a smile. ‘Oh, well have a good night’s work.’
John grinned as he walked out to his car, ‘Yes will do, good luck.’
Neil, Lee, and Chris went outside for a cigarette break, and later returned to the living room to find their three companions asleep.
‘Will you look at that?’ Lee laughed. ‘They’re all asleep. Should I wake them?’ he asked, approaching Mike Hallowell and John Triplow, who were snoring in unison.
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