by Rose Pressey
She placed the drink down in front of me but didn’t answer. Didn’t she know by now I could read her like a book?
“Why so quiet?”
Tammy sighed and said, “Actually, I think there were no tickets sold for tonight.”
I frowned. “I find that hard to believe.”
“It’s true, you can look at the book.”
“No, I believe you,” I said. “I just am shocked that no one bought tickets for the tour. Especially considering there’s now a new one meeting at the same place. Something fishy is going on in Devil’s Moon.”
“I have to agree. I think something is going on with her.”
“I intend on getting to the bottom of it.” I gulped a big drink.
“Did you tell Brannon about what happened?” Tammy asked.
“We spoke earlier. We’re supposed to meet after the tour. But I guess now that I don’t have a tour I have some free time.”
“I know what you should do with your free time,” she said with a sheepish grin.
“What’s that?” I asked with a raised eyebrow.
“Take the haunted tour.”
I laughed. “Can you imagine her face?”
“I’m being completely serious,” Tammy said. “You should totally be there when she starts the tour. I would love to see her reaction.”
I pondered the thought for a moment. “You know what? You’re right. There’s no reason I shouldn’t confront her.”
“That’s the Ripley I know,” Tammy said with a cackle.
After finishing my Diet Coke, I checked the time on my phone. “I think I have time to get something to eat and come back to the cemetery for her the tour.”
“Yes!” Tammy pumped her fist. “I’m glad you’re going. I wish I could go.”
“I’ll keep you informed the entire time.”
“You’d better,” Tammy said.
“I’ll text you. This is exciting,” I said. “I’m glad I’m doing this. I have to stand up for what I’ve worked hard for.”
“I’m happy that you’re confronting her.”
“We’ll see what happens. It could get ugly.” I picked up my bag and for the door.
“I got your back,” Tammy called out.
I figured I could grab something quickly at the Mammy’s Kitchen. Then possibly swing by the bookstore and find out if Abigail had been in contact with them wanting to bring the tour into the store. I called in an order for a turkey sandwich at the restaurant, not a great dinner, but it would have to do. I’d decided to stop by the bookstore first before picking up my food.
Maybe I would just call the store in case the owner wasn’t there. I didn’t want to make a wasted trip. I had the phone up to my ear when it rang. Moving it away from my head, I saw that the bookstore owner was calling me.
I laughed as I answered the phone. “I was just calling you.”
“I planned on calling you earlier, but I got so busy.”
“Is everything all right?” I asked.
I had a suspicion I knew what the call was about.
“There was a woman here earlier and she wanted me to allow her to bring a tour in here. I asked if she was working with you and she said no.”
“You’re not going to believe this,” I said around a sigh.
I told her all about Abigail and the new tour.
“Well, don’t you worry, I told her no. There isn’t room for two tours in town.”
“Thank you so much. I’m glad you allow me to come into your shop.”
“I can trust you. Plus, you’ve been doing this for a while now. I didn’t even know this woman. Other than when she came in the bookstore the other day looking for books about haunted places.”
“Apparently she has a real interest in haunted places,” I said.
I thanked her again for the information and for not letting Abigail in the bookstore to do the tour. Having Abigail in the shops would certainly put a damper on things. She didn’t know the ghost stories like I did, and she didn’t know the history of Devil’s Moon. She didn’t understand the mystery that flowed up and down every street and in and out of every building.
Before I went to the restaurant to grab the food, I had to talk to Dana. I rushed the rest of the way to the coffee shop, hoping to find Dana before she left for the day. Luckily, the door was still unlocked.
Dana had a broom in her hands. “Oh, I’m sorry, honey, I’ve already closed everything down.”
“Oh, I didn’t come for coffee. Did Abigail come in here and talk to you about doing a haunted tour?” I asked breathlessly.
“Not that I know of,” she said. “Are you having someone else do the tour for you now? If so, please tell me not Abigail.”
“You’re not going to believe this, but Abigail is trying to start a new tour.”
Dana dropped the broom. “I don’t believe it.”
“You asked if someone was here asking about doing a tour inside the coffee shop?” the girl behind the counter asked.
“Yes, that’s right,” I said. “Did you talk to someone?”
“Some blonde girl came in asking if she could come in here to do a haunted tour.”
“What did you tell her?” Dana asked.
The employee shrugged. “I told her that I guessed it would be okay.”
“I’ll take care of it,” Dana said.
“Thank you, Dana,” I said. “I’m headed over there now to take her tour. No one bought tickets for mine.”
Dana narrowed her eyes. “People always take your tour. It’s one of the most popular things in town. Abigail has to be behind the fact that you sold no tickets.”
“That’s what I thought too and I’m about to find out,” I said.
“Just be careful,” Dana said. “I don’t trust her.”
“I’ll let you know what happens.” I waved and headed out the door for the restaurant.
Making a quick stop in the restaurant, I grabbed my food quickly and headed out the door. I’d have to eat on the way. My stomach was so upset though I should’ve just waited and eaten later. The sandwich with melted cheese usually made my mouth water, but not tonight. I ate about half the sandwich and then tucked the other half into my bag for later.
As I approached the tavern, I stopped and peered in the window, looking for any sign of Tammy. I spotted her behind the bar, but she was too busy to look my way. My anxiety grew as I turned the corner. Now that I headed down the alleyway it was almost dark. A sense of dread fell over me. This was my territory, but I didn’t own the place, so I had no right to tell anyone not to come around. After all, my name wasn’t Mrs. Clatterbuck.
Wait until Abigail caught sight of Mrs. Clatterbuck. She might not be so fast to do a tour again. Mrs. Clatterbuck was a lot to take on and she wouldn’t put up with any nonsense from Abigail.
With each step, more dread fell over me. My stomach twisted into a knot and a lump formed in my throat. I sure hoped that I would be able to tell Abigail exactly how I felt. What if I chickened out? I was almost at the end of the alleyway now and unsure of what to expect. Abigail had no idea of the truth behind the haunted stories. How could she possibly give a tour?
The moon struggled to pop out from behind the dark clouds, but I knew it wouldn’t win the battle tonight. Soon a storm would lash out from the clouds. The aroma of the approaching rain mixed with the haunting scent of the damp earth. Hadn’t she checked the weather? I would cancel the tour if it was mine.
As soon as I reached the end of the alleyway and I directed my attention toward the graveyard, I saw her right away. Abigail stood by the gate with her back was facing me, so she had no idea I was even approaching her. I was aware and always heard people walking down the alleyway. That was a rookie mistake. What would she do when a ghost slipped up on her like Mrs. Clatterbuck? This was one time I actually wanted to see Mrs. Clatterbuck.
I continued my walk toward Abigail. What was she looking for? I bet she’d heard something in the graveyard and was now scared. Was i
t bad of me that I chuckled at the thought? Where were the flashlights? She didn’t even have flashlights. Another big mistake. I stood behind her for several moments wondering how long it would take for her to realize I was back here. I cleared my throat and she screamed.
She spun around and clutched her chest. Her eyes widened when she realized it was me. I bet she hadn’t expected that. I wasn’t sure why she wouldn’t because she knew I came here for my tour. Unless she had gotten everyone to think I wasn’t doing a tour and she thought I wouldn’t show up if I had no ticket sales. She hadn’t counted on me showing up for her tour. This haunted tour guide wasn’t born yesterday.
“Ripley,” she said with wide eyes. “What are you doing here?”
I placed my hands on my hips. “More importantly, what are you doing here?”
“Oh.” She laughed nervously. “I guess you know I decided to start my own tour. Nothing like a little healthy competition, right?”
“Yeah, you could say something like that. I think that’s a pretty lousy thing for you to do.”
“It’s nothing against you,” she said, attempting a smile. “I like you, really, I do.”
“Whatever you say. I came for the tour,” I said with a devilish smile.
Her eyes widened. “Oh, well. Yeah, I guess that’s okay.”
“Should I pay for a ticket?”
“Oh, that won’t be necessary,” she said with nervousness dripping from her words.
“Oh, no, I want to pay.” I waved my hand. “How much is the ticket?”
“It’s ten dollars,” she mumbled.
I handed her the cash.
“Thank you,” she said as she stuffed the bills into her pocket.
Seconds later a few people headed down the alleyway. These would’ve been my tour-goers tonight until she’d taken them. This wasn’t over. I would talk to her again after the tour and let her know that I wouldn’t stand by and let her do this. I folded my arms in front of my chest and smirked as I waited for the group to gather around. I had definitely upset her apple cart.
“Welcome to Devil’s Moon Haunted Tour,” she said with a shaky voice. “Tonight, I will guide you through the haunted streets of town.”
She was even ripping off what I said. It was like she had recorded my words.
“We’ll start the tour right here in the graveyard behind us.” She gestured over her shoulder.
The owl hooted from the treetop. Abigail jumped and looked up at the top branches.
“Oh, get out of here, bird,” she yelled and waved her arms.
“He won’t go anywhere,” I said.
“What do you mean?” she asked with a raised eyebrow.
“He won’t go anywhere. I mean, he lives there in the treetop and he won’t leave. Unless you plan on going up there and confronting him.”
She glared at me. “Well, I’ll have some way to get him removed.”
“Oh, no, you won’t. That’s his house. He lives there,” I said.
The tour-goers stood in front of us watching with confusion. I could tell she was extremely angry. Nevertheless, she continued with her talk. Abigail opened up the iron gate and stepped inside, motioning all of us to enter too.
“What about flashlights?” I asked. “It’s awfully dark out here. Someone might trip.”
“I don’t think flashlights are necessary,” Abigail said with a smirk.
I shrugged. “Whatever you say. You’re the host.”
Based on the narrowed eyes and tightened jaw I knew I was really getting to her now. She started reciting word for word the stories that I’d told about the cemetery. As we weaved around the headstones, Abigail walked right into one. She grabbed her leg and screeched.
“Ouch, are you all right?” I asked. “It’s awfully dark in here. You have to be careful, there are a lot of headstones.”
The owl hooted again as if reminding her that we didn’t have flashlights.
“Maybe we’d better stop the cemetery tour and go into town. At least there are more lights there,” I said.
“Yeah, that’s a good idea,” she said while rubbing her leg.
Abigail hopped along toward the gate. The people on the tour looked really confused. I couldn’t blame them, I’d be confused too. We all gathered outside the cemetery gate. What would Abigail do now?
Chapter 11
The group and I followed Abigail as she led us down the alleyway. I was half tempted to pretend to walk into the wall just to make a point that we needed the flashlights. Alas, I let it go. I supposed there would be time for that prank at some point before the tour was over. We arrived at the tavern and I wondered what would happen next. Would she lead us in?
“Next, we’re going to the tavern,” she said with a big smile.
As Abigail held the door open and motioned for everyone to enter, I shook my head. This was such a complete disaster. She scowled at me as I walked by her. I followed the group into the tavern where we stopped before reaching the bar. There were a lot of people in there so it was hard to squeeze in a place for everyone to stand together. Right away Tammy spotted us and waved. Abigail recounted one of the ghost stories, although it was completely wrong.
Before she even finished one story, Tammy turned up the music. Now Abigail was trying to scream the stories. We still couldn’t hear what she was saying over the music. Tammy laughed as she stood behind the counter watching Abigail scream out the haunted tale. Abigail angrily gestured toward the door. I gave Tammy a thumbs-up as I followed the group to the door.
We stood on the sidewalk now. Thunder rumbled in the distance and a streak of lightning flashed across the sky.
“Well, I hadn’t been expecting a storm. I guess it kind of popped up out of nowhere,” Abigail said nervously.
Was someone trying to tell Abigail something?
“Actually, I saw the dark clouds earlier,” I said. “That probably should have been your cue.”
“I saw them too and wondered if the tour would be cancelled,” one of the men said.
“It’s okay.” Abigail chuckled nervously again. “It’ll probably pass, no big deal.”
“No big deal unless we get blasted by a lightning bolt,” I said.
Abigail narrowed her eyes. “That won’t happen.”
As we headed down the sidewalk, pellets of rain fell from the black cloud overhead. Not too bad at first, but with each passing step the rain came down harder. Abigail tried to encourage everyone that things would be fine. However, I was hoping for more rain. I didn’t care that I was getting satisfaction out of this. She deserved it. Although the tour-goers certainly didn’t deserve such a rotten time.
“Don’t worry, we will be out of the rain in no time,” Abigail said with fake enthusiasm.
Tour-goers exchanged disparaging looks. They weren’t happy with being out in the rain. I was just glad this wasn’t my tour. We approached the coffee shop now. This was where Abigail had actually gotten permission. I wondered if Dana would still allow it. As we hurried into the shop out of the rain, Dana stood right in front of the door.
She held her hand up. “Sorry, folks, the shop is closed.”
“But I thought you said I could give a tour here,” Abigail said in a whiny voice.
“I didn’t tell you that,” Dana said.
“Yes, you did,” Abigail snapped.
“No, my employee said you could, but she didn’t get permission from me. Sorry.”
I tried to hold back my laughter, but it was growing hard by the second.
Abigail seethed. “Sorry about that. But we’ll just move on to the next location.”
We trudged down the sideway, we moved away from the coffee shop while the rain pummeled us. Fortunately, we found a place to huddle under a nearby awning. Abigail tried to tell another ghost story about the old brick building behind us. Thunder boomed and drowned out her words. Poor Abigail just couldn’t catch a break tonight.
When that attempt failed, she moved us toward the bookstore. I already
knew what would happen there. The downpour didn’t bother me nearly as much knowing what delight awaited Abigail. When she walked up to the door and tried to open it, of course, it was locked. She yanked on the door several times with no success.
She chuckled. “Sorry about that. I guess I forgot they’re closed.”
One of the tour-goers groaned. Another one whispered, “This sucks.”
Once again, we started down the sidewalk in the pouring rain, getting soaking wet while Abigail recounted a ghost story that I was pretty sure she’d just made up out of nowhere. It definitely wasn’t something that I’d ever told.
“Are you sure about this tour?” one of the women asked as she pushed the wet hair from her face. “Why aren’t we going in any places? I’m getting soaking wet.”
“Me too,” one of the other women said.
“Oh, everything is fine, I promise. We’ll go in one soon.” Abigail splashed into a puddle. “My new shoes are ruined.”
She’d screeched the words before realizing what she’d said. Trying to act as if everything was still fine she plastered another smile on her face. Black mascara ran down her cheeks.
I wasn’t sure where Abigail thought she was taking us now because none of the other places would let us inside either. Most of them had even closed for the day. Nevertheless, it was worth getting soaking wet just to witness all of this.
“Let’s just get out of here,” one of the women said.
“I think that’s a good idea,” the other one said.
“No! Wait. You can’t go,” Abigail said, reaching for their arms but not making contact. “We’re not finished with the tour.”
“It’s pouring down rain and I’m pretty sure we’ll get struck by lightning at any moment,” the brunette said.
“It’s just a little thunderstorm, it’ll pass,” Abigail said.
My laughter could no longer be held back. Abigail glared at me. Apparently, the group wouldn’t listen to another word of Abigail’s though. They turned and hurried away from Abigail as if she might yank them back and force them to listen to her ridiculous stories. I stood there trying to hold back my laughter. What could I say? I was most pleased by what had happened. I couldn’t have asked for a better result.