They walked her over the ballroom’s balcony
Dana said, “He said it happened here.”
There was no sign of struggle. No blood. No homicide.
Anna really didn’t need this stress right now. “Where’s Justin?”
“Outside,” Parkman said. “He said he had GoPro footage, but the file was corrupted.”
“What? Why was he filming?” Anna asked.
Parkman shrugged.
Dana said, “I think he was ghost hunting.”
Anna tilted her head, confused.
Dana said, “We get calls about the young guys busting into condemned properties and trying to capture a spirit on camera. Most of the time, they scare themselves silly.”
Anna sighed. Justin, what am I going to do with you?
Dressed in their pajamas, the couple stepped out of their room. The grey-haired man kept his hand around the twenty-something-year-old’s waist.
“What’s going on?” the man asked.
Dana replied, “We’ll be right with you, sir.”
The man nodded. His woman yawned.
Parkman said, “Just in case your son’s claims are true, we’re going to have to interview your guests.”
“Is that really necessary?” Anna asked.
“For your safety, yes,” Parkman said.
Anna asked, “Can you do it tomorrow?”
“I’m afraid not,” Parkman replied.
Dana added. “We’d like the guest list from you. If a woman is missing like your son described, we need to know about it.”
Parkman said, “We’d check the security cameras, but it appears you haven’t installed them.”
Annoyed, Anna led them to the lobby and gave them the guest list.
Justin sat on the curb outside.
It was going to be a long night.
20
Amenities
“Thank you for staying,” Anna said to another disgruntled guest.
The businessman heaved his luggage out of the lobby.
Anna plopped down her seat, a heavy frown set on her tired face. The incident last night sent half of her guests elsewhere. Most of the extended-stay visitors remained, but it was still a noticeable stain on the hotel’s reputation. She expected to read bad online reviews over the next few days. With the winter months nearing, she didn’t imagine many people would drive north. She thought about rebranding the entire motel. It would kill the historical charms that she delighted in but would hopefully replenish her clientele list. The idea sickened Anna.
Justin entered via the stairs. His work polo was tucked into his slacks. His unwashed long hair rested on his shoulders. He approached, wearing his typical blank expression.
Anna glanced around the lobby, making sure it was empty. It was only the two of them.
Justin stopped at the counter. “What do you need me to do today?”
“No apology?” Anna asked.
“For what?”
“Last night, you idiot,” Anna seethed.
Justin broke eye contact and ground his teeth.
Anna said, “We lost a lot of money because of that stunt. After the whole skeleton and Lance thing, I’m surprised we still have a business.”
“I thought someone died,” Justin explained.
“Who, Justin? Who? All of our guests were accounted for,” Anna said. “There wasn’t any evidence.”
“It must’ve been—” Justin stopped himself.
“Been what?”
Justin spoke quietly. “I’m telling you. There is something very wrong happening here.”
Anna wanted to slap him. She kept a lid on her emotions. “I want you to take that GoPro, recorder, and all that other junk you bought and return it today.”
“But—”
“Justin, it's over,” Anna interrupted. “You’re going to work and you’re going to study for when we enroll you in the online classes next year. No more late nights, no more buying stuff on my credit card, and no more car.”
“That’s a load of crap,” Justin bickered.
“Until you earn your keep around here, you’re grounded,” Anna said.
Justin balled his fists. His face flushed red. “You can’t do that. I’m not a kid.”
“Then stop acting like one,” Anna replied.
Justin shut up.
Anna grabbed a list of recently-vacated rooms. “Start with these.”
Justin yanked the list from her hand. “How will I take back the GoPro if I can’t use the Sorento?”
“Figure something out,” Anna said.
Justin stormed out of the lobby.
“Teenagers,” Anna mumbled.
That evening, Anna sent out invitations to the last remaining guests, offering them discounted drinks at the bar. Much to her surprise, every one of them accepted. Yes, even the priest.
She set Justin in charge of the front desk while she managed the bar.
Anna wore a tight white blouse, skinny black slacks, and low heels. Her hair was put up in a bun. She wiped the bar top. One by one, the guests funneled inside.
The first was Agent Cameron. He sat at the far corner of the bar, allowing him the best vantage point of everyone who entered and exited. He wore a collared shirt, dark jeans, and leather boots. His hair was recently cut, making him exceptionally dashing tonight. He set his iPad on the table and asked for a beer.
Anna brought him a Yingling and placed it on a little napkin. “The window turned out nice.”
Cameron smiled. “I’m glad you liked it. And thank you. It was a pain in the butt to fit.”
“I should be the one thanking you,” Anna said. “It's nice to have a man around who knows how to fix things.”
“Where would you be without me?” Cameron asked, a wry smile on his handsome face as he took a sip.
“Lost and confused, probably,” Anna flirted. “Your drinks are on the house by the way.”
“I won’t say no to that,” Cameron replied.
“Just for tonight,” Anna said.
Cameron said, “I’ll make sure to get my fill.”
Anna returned to the bar, a little pep in her step. It had been a long time since she bartended.
The impeccably-dressed Andrew Warren arrived holding a rolled newspaper under his arm. The older gentleman took a seat at the middle table. He ordered an orange mimosa.
Anna apologized for the disturbance last night.
Mr. Warren said, “You don’t need to worry about me. I’m up early around that time. Anyway. Hey, have you had the chance to meet my granddaughters?”
“I’m afraid not,” Anna said.
“Hmm. I suppose that makes sense. Your son was working at the front desk at the time. Anyway, they are two lovely young girls.”
“How old are they?”
“Seven and ten, and, boy, are they smart,” Mr. Warren said. “Their mother has them both taking piano lessons.”
“That’s wonderful,” Anna said politely.
Mr. Warren leaned and spoke softly. “Between you and me, it’s a little much for girls their age, but they are adapting. Do you have girls?”
“Just my two sons,” Anna said.
“Yes, I had a son once, too,” Mr. Warren said. “We don’t talk much anymore.”
“I’m sorry.”
“You’ve done nothing wrong. It’s that I wasn’t around enough,” Mr. Warren said. “I have a lot of good memories in this place, but it consumed much of my time.”
For the first time, Anna noticed the Freemason signature square and compass on the old man’s ring. Anna smiled. “I’m sure you know all the secrets, huh?”
“Only a few,” Mr. Warren replied slyly.
“My eldest son seems to think the place is haunted,” Anna joked.
Mr. Warren replied, “There are many things we don’t understand about this world and the one after.”
Anna digested his ominous remark. She put up a mental wall. “But ghosts though?”
Mr. Warren said, “N
othing is out of the realm of possibilities.”
Anna didn’t like his seriousness regarding the topic.
Mr. Warren smiled kindly at her. “I’ll take that drink now.”
The next guest entered and Anna had little knowledge about him. He was a tall, lumbering man. His neck was slightly hunched and his broad shoulders gave him a box-like appearance. Thin bristling hairs sprouted from his shaven head. He had a lazy eye and wore a mechanic’s jumpsuit, grease stains and all. His name tag read Fritz. He never entered the hotel through the lobby, and rarely left his room when he was around. Sometimes, she’d hear classical music playing loudly through his door. Fritz sat at the bar and ordered a gin and coke. He drank with his head slightly down in a posture that didn’t invite conversation.
Roughly thirty minutes later, the couple arrived. The grey-haired man and his young companion were joined at the hip like always. She giggled at a quiet joke he said into her ear. They were both dressed casually. The spunky girl had blonde hair and the lithe body of a ballet dancer. The man was of average height but also toned. He’d started to grow a grey beard and had a long nose that seemed unusual for his attractive face. His silver hair was brushed back. He had a lively grin and a joyful countenance. They sat three stools away from Fritz.
Anna told them about the half-off drinks and listed her suggestions.
“What would you like?” the man asked his lady.
“Hmm. Something fruity,” the girl replied.
The man ordered her an appletini and observed the bar. “You should keep this open more often.”
“I’m currently looking for a replacement bartender,” Anna admitted.
The girl said, “You should get someone with a curled mustache. I think it would add to the whole theme of the place.”
Anna chuckled. “I’ll look into it.”
“I’m Rosy, by the way.” The girl reached her hand across the bar.
Anna shook her supple hand. “Anna.”
“Christophe,” the man introduced himself.
“I’m glad to have you here,” Anna said. “I hope you’ve enjoyed your stay so far.”
Christophe said, “It’s been an adventure. Sebring has so many hidden shops and undiscovered landmarks. Every day we find something new. Tell her about the lighthouse, Rosy?”
“It's gorgeous,” Rosy said. “There are these little paddle boats all around the beach you can rent.”
Christophe added, “Sometimes they leave them overnight. Rosy and I have made a few trips over to the island.”
Rosy said to him, “Don’t tell her all our little secrets.”
Christophe kissed her. “She won’t tell anyone. I’m sure she has some of her own.”
Rosy eagerly waited for Anna to say something profound. Anna didn’t have anything to add.
She asked Christophe. “So, what brings you all the way to Sebring?”
“Christophe loves to travel,” Rosy interjected.
He agreed. “There are so many hidden gems all across the East Coast. Every chance I get, I make a trip somewhere new. This is my first time to Sebring actually.”
Rosy said, “We discovered it by accident. I’m glad to see you’re starting to promote Club Blue more. It's such a special place.”
Christophe said, “I agree, but its lack of promotion is what gives its appeal. You don’t want the place to become commercial, do you?”
Anna said, “If I can get the right clientele, I’d be more than happy to keep hidden.”
Christophe said, “I like your honesty.”
Anna mixed their drinks. “So how did you two meet?”
Rosy and Christophe looked into each other’s eyes.
“You want to tell her?” Rosy asked him.
“I’ll let do you the honors,” Christophe said.
Rosy said to Anna. “Christophe is my dance instructor.”
Now things make sense, Anna thought.
Christophe said, “I own a small studio in upstate New York. Rosy is one of my better students.”
“Just one of your better students?” Rosy fished for a compliment.
Christophe denied her. “Well, there are certain areas you could improve.”
Rosy’s self-confidence was shot down.
“But,” Christophe said, bring hope back to her face. “With a little more practice, you’ll be the next Anna Pavlova.”
Confidence restored, Rosy pecked him on the cheek.
Christophe spoke to Anna. “Anyway, I’ve been meaning to get the studio more funding, but I’m afraid of it becoming too big. I won’t have as much time to spend with my students. After all, so much learning comes from private practice.”
Rosy said, “That’s how Christophe and I got so close. I’m going to help him run the studio after I finish my Liberal Arts degree.”
“Oh, you’re in college?” Anna asked.
“I know. I look much older,” Rosy said. “There’s always a younger, pretty girl I have to compete with, but Christophe has my back.”
The dance instructor sipped his drink.
Anna felt like she was talking to living clichés. Part of her felt bad for the girl. Her dipsy personality got her paired up with a man double her age.
The Catholic priest entered next. He awkwardly stood at the entranceway, unsure if he should proceed. He wore his priestly garb and collar. After a moment of hesitation, he found a seat in the middle of the bar.
The sleep-deprived author David Hunt and his fifteen-year-old daughter quietly entered after him and sat at a booth in the back. David shut his tired eyes. He wore a twine jacket, t-shirt, and jeans. Raven was clad in black. She had straight black hair as well. Anna didn’t notice them.
She approached the priest. His hands were folded on the table. His face lit up when he saw her. “Anna. How are you?”
“Wonderful, Stephen, and yourself?”
“Joyful,” Stephen replied happily. “I’ve been having a great day.”
“The clergy is not harassing you to come back?” Anna joked. The moment the words left her mouth, she was hit with remorse.
Her remark saddened Stephen. “I, uh, should probably be forthright about what happened between me and the clergy.”
Anna listened, uneasy about what she was about to hear.
Stephen said, “See, I’ve spent my whole life learning the proper practices, reciting liturgies and shepherding a large body of believers. It was a good lot. I had everything I ever wanted. But I didn’t feel anything. I was an empty cup. You ever feel that way?”
“Sometimes. What did you do?” Anna asked.
“I started digging into Scripture. I fasted. I prayed. I wept for too many nights. And, suddenly, as fast as a flash of lightning, I heard the Lord speak to me just as we are now.”
“Wow,” Anna said, keeping her doubts hidden.
“Yes,” Stephen said, a spark of life in his eyes. “Phenomenal. The scripture opened up to me like never before. I understood the Holy Spirit, and I saw the hypocrisy of my brethren. I thought the pomp and circumstance was a way to honor God, but it was a veil keeping us from knowing Him, truly knowing Him. My whole existence was about tradition and formula. Yet, I’d finally found intimacy with Father God. No, wait, better said, he found me.” Stephen smiled ear to ear. “I took this revelation to my mentors, thinking they’d all see the truth and we’d move into celebration and reformulation, but instead, they ridiculed me. I was branded a heretic. A villain of the church. They excommunicated me, and stripped me of my title and church.”
Anna felt uncomfortable talking about religion. She wasn’t sure what to say. God and faith had never been a part of her life. She prayed when the going got bad but was never sure to what god or force.
Stephen said, “That’s a long story. I’m sorry to bore you.”
“I’m always happy to hear about my guests,” Anna replied.
Stephen said, “I have much to say then.”
Anna smiled awkwardly. “First, let me get you a drink.”<
br />
“Water is perfectly fine,” the priest replied.
Anna returned to the bar.
Cameron joined the couple at the bar. They chatted about their travels. Mr. Warren invited Fritz to join him. Fritz did so. The two men didn’t speak much. Fritz seemed especially uncomfortable. The priest observed them. He was jolly after sharing his story. Anna may not believe all his God-talk, but he may have good advice for handling her children. Perhaps he could help straighten out Justin. Anna could hope.
As the hour waned, the power cut off and all the guests fell silent.
21
Slasher
Justin stood perfectly still in the darkness.
His forearms rested on the lobby’s cold counter.
Not even the faintest bit of moonlight escaped through the glass entrance doors and windows. His heart raced. He felt something coming toward him.
His phone buzzed.
He answered.
“Are you okay?” Anna asked from the other end.
“Fine,” Justin said.
“I think a fuse may have blown. Can you check the basement?”
Justin despised that idea. “Let’s wait outside until it returns.”
“Justin, I’m serious,” his mom commanded.
“Ugh, can’t Asher do it?”
“…No. Call me when you get it back on.” Anna hung up.
Justin groaned.
He turned his cellphone flashlight on. He grumbled about how stupid this was and wished he had time to put on his GoPro.
He pressed the elevator button. It didn’t work either. The outage must’ve affected everything in the hotel. He entered the stairwell and shined his light down the gap between the stair sets.
Justin shivered briefly for no reason. He took one step at a time.
He continued his descent. He blinked, seeing the woman in green appear in front of him. Blood poured from her neck. Her eyes were cocked and partly rolled back. Her legs were bowed. The vision ended in a flash.
Justin shook his head rapidly. He whispered, “It’s not real. It’s not real.”
He’d taken the coward’s way out last night. He swore he saw a woman die, but the evidence was against him. Part of him believed he was insane. Another part believed McKenzie’s testimony. Maybe we’re both crazy, Justin thought. He continued to the bottom of the stairs and unlocked the door to the basement corridor.
The Haunting at Sebring Hotel (A Riveting Haunted House Mystery Series Book 13) Page 13
