by Rose Pressey
I let out a deep breath. “I suppose you’re right.”
“I’m almost there now,” he said. “Are you sure no one else is around? Maybe you should go back to the tavern.”
“Yeah, I’ll head there now,” I said.
I looked in the graveyard one last time, making sure that the knife was still there. I wasn’t sure if I was just too far away or if it was actually gone. A cold chill ran down my spine thinking that maybe it had disappeared.
Chapter 20
A presence came from behind me. When I turned around I realized why Mr. Owl had been quiet. Mrs. Clatterbuck was standing right behind me again.
“Why must you sneak up on me like that?” I asked.
“Why must you come in my graveyard?” she asked.
“Touché,” I said.
Mrs. Clatterbuck’s attention fell on my necklace. She frowned even more than she already was. I didn’t think that was possible.
“Where did you get that necklace?” she asked. “I want it. Give it to me.”
“What?”
“I want that necklace.”
“You can’t have the necklace,” I said.
“But I want the necklace.”
“You can’t have the necklace,” I repeated.
I couldn’t believe I was standing in a graveyard arguing with a ghost.
“If you give me the necklace I’ll leave you alone.”
I raised an eyebrow. “For how long? Forever?”
She chuckled. I thought that was the first time I’d ever heard her laugh.
“That’s not possible,” she said.
Tell me about it. I knew it was impossible for her to leave me alone forever. But no one could blame a girl for asking.
“I can leave you alone for two weeks.”
I laughed. “No deal. I can give you a necklace just like this if you leave me alone for two months.”
That seemed like a pretty good bargain. I was willing to negotiate. Before Mrs. Clatterbuck had a chance to respond to my offer, the tour group arrived. She turned and stared at them. This time the group didn’t seem to notice her. Maybe she was losing her touch. Mrs. Clatterbuck placed her hands on her hips. I knew she was unhappy about this.
“I’ll be back,” she said and then disappeared into thin air.
How did she do that? I doubted she would let me in on that little secret. I turned my attention back to the people arriving for the tour. Four women probably in their fifties walked toward me. They were laughing and looked like they were having a good time already. Now I didn’t have the heart to cancel the tour. Brannon would be unhappy with me.
I hoped the women didn’t scare easily because I had a feeling that something strange was going to happen tonight. I hoped that it wasn’t bad. Paranormal activity was one thing, but anything evil was bad on a whole different level.
Finally, the ladies noticed me and waved as they headed toward the graveyard.
“Welcome to Devil’s Moon Haunted Tour,” I said with a wave of my hand. “I’ll be guiding you through the haunted streets tonight.”
I had a hard time focusing on words. Something was breaking my concentration. They stared at me. I was silent for a moment.
“I’m sorry. Here’s your flashlights,” I said, handing them out.
“Are you all right?” one of the women asked.
“Oh, I’m fine,” I said.
“Are you sure? You have a bit of a glow about you.”
What did she mean by that?
“I suppose it’s just from the flashlight though,” she said.
“Yes, probably that and the moonlight,” I said with a smile.
The owl hooted again. The women looked up at the treetop, a bit shocked at the interruption. I still couldn’t shake the strange feeling. I hoped I wasn’t coming down with something. Nevertheless, the tour had to go on. Soon enough it would be over and I could get some rest.
I pushed the thought to the back of my mind and started the tour. I told the women the stories about the haunted graveyard as I guided them around the tombstones. I hoped Mrs. Clatterbuck didn’t show up again demanding my necklace. I wouldn’t put it past her at all.
“So is one of the graves for the ghost who lives here?” one of the women asked.
“No one knows for sure. But I can only assume that yes, she’s here somewhere,” I said.
A sound came from somewhere nearby. We spun around and shone the flashlights in the general area.
“What was that?” one of the women asked.
“It could’ve been a cat,” one of the other women said. “I thought I saw one earlier.”
“Could’ve been a cat, could’ve been a ghost,” I said. “Okay, ladies, let’s go to the tavern. I want to tell you the spooky things that have happened there.”
The women talked amongst themselves as we headed down the alleyway. I still had that strange feeling. I wasn’t sure how to describe it, but I guessed I just didn’t feel like myself. Maybe I was catching a cold.
My footsteps didn’t seem to be my own as I walked down the cobblestone street. I felt as if I’d done this before, which obviously I had many times, but this time when I looked down at my feet I saw a dress. Even though I wasn’t wearing a dress. I was wearing my usual pants and my comfy sneakers, but I saw a dress and black shoes.
I closed my eyes for a moment. When I opened them again, my pants and shoes were there. I really was losing it. I supposed I was just using my imagination too much tonight. Perhaps I’d get a drink of water at the tavern. Just in case I was coming down with something.
I guided the tour group into the tavern.
“This place was built in 1757,” I said. “There have been a lot of people in this building over the years. And sometimes bad things have happened. Like the man who shot up an upstairs room.”
“Is there a ghost here?” one of the women asked.
“I’m not sure.” I wiped my forehead. Was it hotter than usual in here?
“Your face looks strange again,” she said. “You took on a completely different look.”
The room started to spin just a bit and I felt dizzy. I glanced over and Tammy was watching me. She frowned and moved out from behind the bar. She headed my way. I grabbed hold of one of the chairs to help steady myself.
“I’m fine. I just probably didn’t eat enough today.”
“Maybe we should discontinue the tour,” one of the women said. “Why don’t you have a seat?”
“No, I’m fine, really,” I said, still holding onto the back of the chair.
Tammy hurried over to us. “Is everything all right?”
“I think she got a little dizzy,” one of the women said. “She won’t sit down though.”
“Oh, I’m fine,” I said.
Tammy stared at me. “You don’t look fine. As a matter of fact, you have a strange look on your face.”
Why did everyone keep saying that?
“Even your eyes look different. Do you have a fever?” She held her hand up to my forehead. “You’re kind of clammy.”
“Maybe I just need something to drink,” I said.
“I’ll go get you a bottle of water,” Tammy said as she rushed away.
I sat down in the chair, hoping that this would only last for a few more minutes. What if the feeling didn’t go away? Then I’d have to end the tour tonight.
Tammy came back over with the water. “Here you go, Rip.”
“Thank you,” I said and then took a drink.
“Are you feeling better now?” one of the women asked.
I nodded. “Yes, much better now. Thank you.”
I pushed to my feet.
“Where do you think you’re going?” Tammy asked.
“We haven’t finished the tour.”
“I don’t think that’s a good idea,” Tammy said.
“I’m fine now, I promise. If not, then I promise I’ll stop the tour.”
“Maybe you really shouldn’t continue,” one of the women sa
id.
“Yes, we can come back some other time,” the other woman said.
“No need for that,” I said with a smile.
The women followed me to the door. Tammy stood in the middle of the room with a scowl. She was unhappy, which made me feel bad. I’d make it up to her.
“Next I’ll take you to the restaurant that’s supposedly haunted by a woman waiting for her husband to come home from the Civil War. She stands at the top room looking out the window watching for his arrival.”
The women smiled as we stepped into the restaurant. The restaurant was mostly empty, so I guided them around the tables to the staircase that led up to that tiny little room. Once at the top of the stairs, I led the women across the small space. We stood by the window and that was when I got a flash of the outside surroundings. Everything looked different though, with carriages parked out front instead of cars. And lanterns. Nothing looked as it was in the current day.
“I’ve been told that he’ll be home soon now, and that the war is over,” I said.
“Excuse me?” the woman next to me asked.
Finally I realized something had gone wrong.
“Sorry. What was I saying?” I asked.
“You said you heard he’ll be home soon,” the woman said. “Who is he?”
“Maybe I do need to end the tour. I’m very sorry. I can give you all a rain check or I’ll refund your money.”
“We’d love to come another time when you’re feeling better.”
“That’ll be fine,” I said.
They followed me down the staircase. After they gave me the flashlights, I headed back toward the tavern. Tammy saw me right away when I walked through the tavern door.
She raced over. “I knew you shouldn’t do the tour. Do you have a cold? Do you have a stomach bug?”
“I’m not sure what’s happening. I keep getting these flashes of things as maybe they would have been years ago.”
“That’s weird. Maybe you just need rest.”
“Yeah, I guess I should get home and go to bed. I have a grilled cheese and tomato soup waiting for me.”
“I don’t think it’s a good idea for you to walk home,” she said.
“You’re working and you can’t drive me home.”
“I’m sure Brannon will be able to take you home.”
“He’s working too. He has too many things going on right now.”
“There’s no way you’re walking home alone. I won’t stand for it, so I won’t take no for an answer. Don’t even think about it.” She waved her finger.
I held my hand up. “All right, I won’t do it. For once I won’t be stubborn and I’ll listen to you.”
“Thank goodness. It’s probably the first time,” Tammy said.
In hardly any time Brannon arrived. His hair looked a bit tousled and I knew that was because he’d been running his hand through his hair. He always did that when he was stressed.
He rushed over to the table. “What’s wrong?”
“I think I just need to rest,” I said.
He looked at Tammy and she shrugged.
“Come on, I’ll take you home,” he said.
“Okay, I have that grilled cheese and tomato soup.”
“She must be delusional,” Tammy said. “I think it might be a fever.”
Brannon escorted me toward the door. We walked over to his car and he opened the car door and I got in. At least I wasn’t having any more of those visions at the moment. I guessed I felt somewhat better. Maybe the weird feeling would go away now.
Brannon climbed behind the steering wheel. “Tell me what’s going on.”
I explained to him about everything that had happened so far.
“Do you think it’s one of the ghosts trying to communicate with you?” Brannon asked.
“I suppose it could be,” I said. “But who the ghost is, I’m not sure. It’s awfully strange. Nothing like this has happened before.”
We arrived back home. Brannon walked me to the front door.
“How about you just go straight to bed and I’ll bring you that grilled cheese and soup you talked about,” Brannon said as he pushed the hair from my eyes.
I chuckled. “I’m fine, Brannon. I can get it on my own. You have to go back to work.”
“They won’t miss me for a few minutes.”
“All right, if you say so,” I said.
I climbed the stairs to my room and slipped into my pajamas. Once I was under the covers Brannon came up with the tray full of food. He smiled, looking more handsome than ever.
“Thank you so much. You’re so sweet.”
“I have to take care of my girl,” he said.
His phone rang. When he answered, I knew right away that they needed him.
As soon as I ended the call, I said, “I’m fine now.”
“Are you sure?” he asked with a frown.
“I’m positive. I have my soup.”
“You’ll call me if you need me?”
“Absolutely. I called you this time.” I grinned.
“No, you didn’t. Tammy called,” Brannon said.
“Right. Well, I’ll call next time.”
He leaned down and kissed me. “You’d better call me.”
I waved as he walked out the door.
After eating half the sandwich and soup, I thought I would feel better but that weird feeling came over me again. I got out of bed. I didn’t even change out of my pajamas. I walked right down the stairs and out the front door. Things kind of went in and out mentally. The next thing I knew I was standing in front of the restaurant again, the one where I’d just been earlier with the tour.
It was closed now so I couldn’t get inside, even though I tried the front door to see if it was unlocked. I stood there and stared in the window for quite some time. And I wasn’t sure why. Thunder rattled again. I looked up and saw a flash of lightning fork across the sky. I needed to get home, but I saw my reflection in the window. And I didn’t look like myself. I knew who I looked like.
I wasn’t alone now. Jessie had walked up beside me at the window. I turned and faced her.
“What are you doing here?” she asked.
“I’m not sure,” I said.
“It’s getting ready to rain, honey, and you’re in your pajamas. And no shoes.”
I looked down at my feet.
“Oh, yeah, I guess I forgot.” A drop of rain hit my foot.
“Are you sure you’re all right?” she asked, touching my arm.
I’d been asked that a lot tonight.
“I’m fine. I think I should head home.” I gestured.
“That’s probably a good idea. Can I give you a ride? I was just going home as well. I made another stop at the bookstore. I’m afraid I am totally addicted. I just read too much, I suppose.”
“I’m not sure that’s possible,” I said. “Reading too much, that is. Anyway, thanks for the offer, but I’ll be fine to walk home.”
“But with no shoes? What if you step on something?”
“It’s not that far,” I said. “Thanks again, Jessie.”
Chapter 21
I started back down the sidewalk, trying to wrap my mind around why this was happening. The reflection in the window had been the woman ghost. Was my mind playing tricks on me or was she somehow projecting that image? Had she taken over part of my body? Was that possible? I had no idea.
More rain started to fall now. And the lightning had moved closer. Thunder rumbled. I’d never liked being out during a storm. It was all right when I was in the safety of my home, but now I was terrified that I’d be struck by lightning. I quickened my step, but I was still feeling lightheaded. Maybe I should’ve taken that ride home.
Was I imagining things again or was I really hearing the clip-clop of horses’ hooves coming down the street? We had a carriage ride around town, but he wouldn’t be out in this type of weather. Soon I sensed a presence beside me. When I looked to the right I spotted the carriage. It had pulled to a
stop next to me. For a moment it was as if I was frozen there on the sidewalk. I turned my attention to the driver.
“What are you doing out in the rain? You’ll catch a cold,” he said.
He was dressed in clothing not from this time period. I studied his face and recognized him.
“Are you listening to me? Don’t be mad. Get in the carriage, please.”
He told me not to be mad, but I was mad at him and I wasn’t sure why. I didn’t know him other than seeing him in the photos. He’d also been at the library staring at me in the computer screen.
“I know you want me to get in the carriage with you, but I’m sorry, I can’t do that,” I said.
“You have to,” he said.
I wanted to tell him to leave, but the words didn’t come out.
He started to get out of the carriage as if he was going to make me get in. Maybe I should get out of there. I turned to run away, but then someone called out my name. When I glanced back I spotted Jessie. She pulled her car up along the curb. The carriage was gone.
“Ripley, why don’t you let me drive you home? The storm is getting worse. I heard there’s a tornado warning.”
“A warning?” I asked, glancing around for the carriage, but it was nowhere in sight.
That was really freaky. How could he have gotten away so soon? Now a ghost horse was actually appearing to me too.
Jessie got out of her car and walked over to me. “I simply insist that you let me drive you home. I won’t take no for an answer. So go ahead and get in, okay?”
I nodded. “Yeah, all right, I’ll go with you.”
I moved down the sidewalk and toward the back of the car so that I could get in the passenger side. Footsteps came from behind me, but before I had a chance to turn around and see who was there, something hit me on the back of the head. Pain shot through me. Everything went black as I hit the ground.
*
When I opened one eye, everything was fuzzy. I opened the other eye, trying to focus, but everything was still blurry. I blinked a few times and things started to fill in a bit. I was in a room now and not on the street. It was someone’s living room. How had the person got me here?
