OLD MAN MALONE RETURNS

by Marianne Spitzer

  She crossed her arms and glared at him. Kellie and Drew looked at their plates and ate slowly. Hunter, wanting to sink into the floor, nodded and tried to smile at Taylor.

  “Okay, we’ll stay. I love you, Taylor, and that is the only reason I want you out of here. We’ll stay if you promise to marry me.”

  “I promise.” She rushed around the table to meet Hunter halfway.

  They were in each other’s arms in an instant. Taylor’s tears were running down her face. Kellie’s tears dropped off her cheeks onto her plate. When Taylor cried, Kellie cried and vice versa. They had met over twenty years ago the day Taylor moved in next door to Kellie. They were instant friends the moment they met. Within a week, their dads had to build a gate in the fence between their yards. They had found Taylor stuck at the fence top trying to climb into Kellie’s yard. The two became inseparable.

  Austern cleared the dinner plates and brought warm apple pie with ice cream for dessert. Drew turned on the easy listening music station. He hummed along with the music hoping it would ease the tension in the house.

  Drew brought a piece of paper from the library and wrote a message which he passed around for everyone to read discretely. Each friend read, nodded, and passed it to the person next to them.

  From now on if we discuss any strategy concerning Frederick or his ghost, we do it outside or away from here.

  Drew tossed the paper into the roaring fire in the parlor fireplace. He stood there watching until it had completely burned. He then put on his jacket, walked outside and down the street for about a half block. He phoned Cole to let him know what was happening. He asked him not to discuss things at home. Cole agreed it was the best thing to do under the circumstances. Drew then called Detective Stellion.

  The detective listened. The information would be added to his report. They could discuss it the following day when he and one of his officers were there to check the house for listening devices. He reminded Drew to be sure the security system was on and to call the company to do a check of the system to be sure it hasn’t been tampered with. Drew agreed and broke off the call.

  After Drew walked back into the house, he and Hunter decided to watch sports in the library. The girls discussed last minute wedding plans in the parlor. They heard the grandfather clock strike midnight and decided they all needed sleep. Taylor was frightened by the day’s events and followed Hunter to his room.

  Rufus followed Kellie to her room. Drew stopped him from climbing on the bed. Kellie practically fell into bed. When Drew leaned over to kiss her goodnight, she was already asleep. He muttered, “The old man is even messing with my love life.” He could hear Rufus snoring.

  ########

  It was dark and quiet in the house at three o’clock. Kellie woke, thinking she was coming down with a cold. She was groggy and half asleep. She realized she wasn’t feeling stuffy. Something was covering her mouth. She ripped at what was covering her mouth. The thrashing woke Drew. He turned a light on in time to see the terror on Kellie’s face as she pulled a piece of duct tape off her mouth. He jumped out of bed. He checked the hall, turned on the hall light, and ran back into their room. Kellie had turned on the bedside table lamp. No one was in their room except Kellie and him.

  “Are you okay? Are you hurt anywhere?”

  “No,” she mumbled through tears.

  Drew’s frantic running in the hall woke Taylor and Hunter. The commotion brought them into Kellie and Drew’s room.

  “What’s happening?” Taylor’s eyes showing fear.

  “Taylor, stay with her. Hunter, help me look.”

  Hunter and Drew checked the entire second floor. Emma’s old room had been completely emptied and cleaned after her betrayal. She had been best friends with Taylor and Kellie until she conspired to take Kellie’s inheritance. The door was bolted shut from the outside. Taylor’s room was untouched, and the third bedroom on the north side of the house was also locked.

  Drew unlocked the door. No one had come down or gone up the hidden stairs that were in the back of the bedroom’s closet. They were part of the hidden stairway that connected the attic to the wine cellar.

  The motion activated camera they had installed last fall recorded their movements but no one else’s. After catching the intruder the year before, Drew never thought they’d need them again. He was glad now they were there. No one had been in the room or used the stairs.

  Hunter knew no one had been in his room, and Cole’s room appeared untouched as did the nursery. The elevator was on the second floor. They would have heard it if it had been used. They returned to Kellie and Drew’s room. Hunter looked at Drew and shrugged.

  “Did you find anything?” Kellie asked.

  “Not on this floor.”

  A sleepy Austern, aroused by the noise, appeared at the door wearing his plaid flannel pajamas. “What’s wrong?”

  “Did you hear anything downstairs in the last twenty minutes?” Drew asked.

  “No, sir, I would have investigated if I had.”

  “I’ll be right back.” Drew bolted out of the room and was back in a few minutes. “I checked the security system, and it seems to be intact. No intruders. I checked, and none of the cameras recorded anything.”

  “Ghosts don’t show up on cameras,” Kellie said rubbing her face where the duct tape had pulled at her skin. “Well, do they? I always heard they don’t unless you’re a ghost hunter using specialized equipment, and I’m not ready to hire one yet.”

  “Let’s try to get some sleep. Your Uncle Mike will be here tomorrow. Maybe he can come up with an answer. I think we need the police more than ghost hunters.”

  Hunter and Taylor said goodnight and started to leave the room when Taylor looked back at Kellie. “Door open and hall light on?”

  “You got it.”

  They both smiled. It had been a tradition when they were scared as long as either could remember.

  All four slept fitfully but rose to the smell of coffee and biscuits at nine o’clock. It smelled like a normal Sunday morning.

  Drew said, “I think Mrs. Decker’s back.” He smiled looking forward to a good breakfast.

  ########

  Detective Stellion arrived with two officers a little before ten. He explained the house was big, and he didn’t want to take all day to discover if the house had any listening devices or microphones hidden in the walls. Since all four young people claimed the sounds they heard came from inside the walls, he needed to be thorough. Austern, Mrs. Casey and Hope all agreed an investigation was vital. They believed the walls were haunted.

  “Okay,” Mike said. “All of you are fairly certain you have a ghost, but I have yet to hear of a ghost placing duct tape over someone’s mouth. I’m concerned about your safety, Kellie. I believe you have a human intruder that is getting in here somehow. Drew, did you call the security company?”

  “Yes, sir. Even though it’s a weekend, they’re sending someone out this afternoon. I believe they’re concerned that their security was breached.”

  “They’re the best security company in the area. They’re coming because it’s their system, and someone got in. Are you sure they didn’t use the tunnel? You also checked the security tapes?”

  “Yes, the tapes were blank, and the tunnel door was locked from the inside, and there are only two keys. Unless they can pick a dead bolt and then lock it without a key on their way out, they didn’t get in that way. Austern and Kellie always have their keys with them.”

  “Someone’s getting in here. We’ll find out who and why.” Mike roamed the room checking window locks for any signs of a break-in. He didn’t find as much as a scratch or loose paint chip. He checked their security system. Drew showed him the bolts they had put on the doors leading to the secret stairs and tunnel. He double checked all the door locks including those in the south wing.

  “Uncle Mike,” Kellie said. “Whoever it is doesn’t show up on any of our security cameras. Why? It must be a ghost. How could it be a person?”r />
  “There are very sophisticated devices available that can cause your system to be disabled for a period of time without your knowledge. They can be ordered on-line or purchased in top-of-the-line spyware stores. They are extremely expensive and used in covert operations or when high ranking officials or business people are kidnapped. This is Malone Springs. Your grandfather may have been rich and evil, but even he wasn’t capable of an operation of that size.”

  “Then it’s his ghost?” She bit her lip and tried to hide tears.

  “Everyone is saying ghost because of what happened at the cemetery. If he were a ghost, why would he need to break out of his grave? Why not float out?”

  Drew chuckled, and Kellie glared at him. She was serious. She knew the old man must be a ghost. Drew wouldn’t believe completely, although it was his initial theory.

  The two officers walked into the parlor. They told Mike they didn’t find any listening devices or hidden microphones. All the house phones and cell phones were clean.

  Cole and Andrea arrived as the officers were finishing. The officers checked their cell phones. They were also clean. Cole was relieved. Andrea looked around at the walls and ceilings. She whispered to Cole, “He could be anywhere since he’s a ghost.”

  “Everything checks out. No one is listening to you.”

  Kellie said, “Okay, then no human is listening. It has to be a ghost.” She strode to the opposite side of the room and turned on her heel. “When I threatened to burn down the house, an inhuman voice screamed. Someone or something heard me.”

  “The only option left is someone with a portable device, but they would have to be close to the house. You might want to hire a security guard or two for night watches at least until we figure this out. During the day, they wouldn’t be able to get close enough without being seen. Also, report any strange vehicles you see parked on the street or that drive back and forth. I’ll be sure patrol makes a few extra runs up the street each shift. I think that’ll keep anyone away until we find more information.”

  “Thanks, Uncle Mike,” Kellie sighed. She hoped he would find some positive proof one way or the other. “If you can’t rule out a ghost, then I’m going to do my best to protect us from ghosts.”

  “Kellie, please don’t get carried away. One last thing. I received the coroner’s report, and Ken died from the bullet as the coroner first suspected. It went through his kidney and damaged an artery. He never had a chance.”

  Kellie fought back her emotions and listened. “Also, the coroner and Mr. Torberry are arguing over the lining of the casket. The coroner wants to have it checked to see if there ever was a body in the casket, and Mr. Torberry thinks the grave has been defiled enough. In the meantime, the grave remains covered but open.”

  “What’s that have to do with me?” Kellie asked.

  “Kellie, I know you don’t want to have anything to do with this, but if you, as Frederick’s legal relative, would call Mr. Torberry and ask him to release what the coroner needs, it would help. The coroner said he wouldn’t need the lining long, and Mr. Torberry could fill in the grave the same day.”

  “I don’t want to have anything to do with this, but I’ll call him. Maybe it’ll help to find an answer. If the liner shows no one was buried, then what?”

  “Then we have another mystery and another investigation. Thanks for being so helpful.”

  “No problem. You seem to be working this case extra hard.”

  “You’re my goddaughter. I’m going to watch over you and Taylor as if you’re my own. The two of you are very important to Rita and me. Remember that.”

  “We will, Uncle Mike,” Taylor chimed in. “I can’t wait to see Aunt Rita at the wedding.”

  “Rita’s counting the days.” Mike waved as he left with the two officers.

  “So now what? Ghost or no ghost, what do we do?” Kellie sunk back in her chair.

  Drew said, “Send Mrs. Decker home. After the security firm finishes checking out the system, we’re going to the Pizza Pub for pizza and beer. Tonight I’ll be designated driver, and you can have some fun, Kellie. You need to unwind. Monday morning you call Mr. Torberry, and by Monday afternoon we’ll have more answers. Maybe he did fake his own death.”

  Everyone agreed the Pizza Pub was a great idea.

  ########

  The figure in black lay in his dark space, happy that everyone was leaving for a few hours. His room was small and dark, exactly the way he enjoyed it. Their chattering was getting on his nerves. He was tired of listening to all their plans on how they would rid him from their lives. He knew they never could. He would win. He smiled as he began his next plan of attack. He decided to torment Kellie next.

  Chapter Five

  It was an exciting week for everyone at the Malone mansion. Kellie loved all her classes. Being a grad student gave her a wider choice of courses, and she signed up for two private student study groups. Drew had been offered a part-time job with the county counseling teen-aged drug abusers. Working with teens had been his dream job.

  Hunter and Taylor were nervous and excited, going over every last detail with only a week before their wedding. Taylor was sure something would go wrong. Hunter smiled at her each time, trying to calm her worries. When she began to worry the wedding planner would forget and not show up, he threw his hands up. “Taylor, you’re going to drive us all crazy before Saturday.” Her tears changed his attitude and he hugged her.

  Cole surprised everyone when he announced he was moving in with Andrea. He stated it casually in the middle of a group conversation.

  Drew said, “Are you sure you want to make a move that big? You’ve only been dating for nine months.”

  “We’re not children, and we love each other. We know a wedding is a ways off since we need to save a little and plan a lot, but we thought we might get married in eighteen months. If she can put up living with me for over a year, our marriage will be bliss.”

  “I didn’t realize you two were so serious.” Drew was standing by the fireplace. He leaned against the marble and listened intently.

  “It didn’t take me long to realize what I felt for Andrea was so strong and different from what I ever felt for Emma. I realized it was love. I can’t imagine going a day without seeing or talking to her. I want us to have a family together.” Cole leaned back and stretched his legs confident in his decision.

  “Boy, you have it bad.” Drew shook his head and chuckled.

  “I think it’s sweet. They’re a nice couple, and anyone can tell she loves him by the way she looks at him,” Kellie added smiling at Cole.

  “I agree,” said Taylor. “You can also tell by the way he looks at her. When are you moving out?”

  “After your wedding. This week is going to be busy enough without an added job of moving my stuff. Andrea agrees.”

  “Whoa,” Kellie said. “This is going to be a big change. Even though Taylor and Hunter will be in the south wing, it’s like they’re in their own place. Cole will be living with Andrea. We’ll be alone, Drew. Do you think it’ll be too quiet?” She winked.

  “I’m not sure. A year ago we all wondered if it would be too loud living together. This house is big enough for the six of us and more. It’ll be a change, but we’ll manage.” He winked back.

  “Hey, I won’t be moving to another country. We’ll see each other. I’ll be in town.” He stood and walked toward the dining room licking his lips. “Mmm, we expect to be invited to a lot of Mrs. Decker’s delicious meals. You won’t even miss me.”

  ########

  They decided to go out as a group and have fun before everyone’s life changed. They chose their favorite place. They had been going to the Pizza Pub since college. The guys were able to eat more pizza than anyone else in the place, but their consumption of beer had moderated. Their conversation was light hearted, and a lot of laughter could be heard coming from their favorite corner booth.

  Kellie smiled, “Remember when Cole and Hunter couldn’t walk down the s
tairs to their old apartment? This is an improvement.”

  Cole commented, “I’m Andrea’s designated driver tonight. That’s a switch.” Cole drove Andrea home, and no one expected to see him until the following afternoon.

  Hunter and Drew checked the security cameras when they arrived home. None had been activated except by Austern doing a few chores before retiring around nine o’clock. Drew doubled checked the alarm system. The house was as secure as it could be. The four friends sat in the parlor talking until the fire died down. Drew made sure it was out, and they called it a night.

  A little after five, Kellie tried to roll over and felt something tug at her wrist. She was alarmed that her wrist felt shackled. She grabbed for Drew, waking him, and screaming for light. He turned on the light, and what they saw shocked them both. Kellie’s wrist was tied to the bed post by a plastic zip tie. Fear tightened her throat, her heart began to race, her mind was trying to comprehend what was happening, and she couldn’t bear to look at her wrist. It wasn’t tight enough to cut off her circulation but snug enough to keep her from pulling her wrist free. Drew found a pair of cuticle scissors in the bathroom and cut it off.

  He also called out loud for Hunter and Taylor. He woke them out of a sound sleep and they stumbled down the hall toward Drew’s room. Before Taylor reached Kellie’s room, she was gasping for air as she tried to slow her heart. Horror had woken her again. She was unaware of what was wrong, but she knew the old man was to blame. He was after each of them. Which one would he kill first?

  Kellie’s eyes searched the room for some type of clue. She pressed herself as tightly as she could to the headboard keeping her back safe. Her eyes grew larger with each glance around the room. She watched Drew checking the windows. Taylor and Hunter hurried into the room. One look at Kellie and Taylor’s fear grew. Both girls were horrified that Kellie was tied to her bed by someone or something. They sat in the middle of Kellie’s bed and fought tears.