It seems a little coincidental that Rita is back now that Aubrey is gone, but then that would require that Aubrey was down in the basement when the rat girl went missing.
When I’m half way down the stairs, I stop and call out for Mac and Tollison and anyone else who might be down there. Nobody answers so I hurry and lock the window for everyone’s sake, especially mine since I don’t want an uninvited guest at the séance tonight.
I’m a few minutes late getting to the Dirty Dog. A large woman who’s colorfully dressed is pacing at the entrance. She shouts at someone who’s walking inside if she’s Jack Raven. She’s got a thick South Island accent.
“I’m Jack,” I yell from the sidewalk. She throws up her hands. “You must be Ruby.”
“That I am. I was about to give up on you, girl.”
“I’m five minutes late.” I laugh.
“Time is money,” she says.
“Thanks for waiting.”
We get a booth and Ruby unilaterally confirms I’m buying lunch since I kept her waiting. She asks for the interview fee in cash then orders enough for the two of us, though I doubt she plans on sharing.
“What is it you want to know? The attorney’s girl said not to talk about the lawsuit, so don’t be asking me none of that business.”
“I don’t need to know anything about your case. I’m a psychic, and I want to know about the ghost that caused you and your partner to run down those stairs.”
“Seriously? A ghost hunter? Girl, you be messing with me?”
I confirm I’m very serious.
“Most in this here country don’t believe in spirits. My roots are Polynesian. I know the truth about the afterworld. People here are too busy with their phones and video games. Not even the attorney believed me.” She leans in and whispers, “They’re too scared to believe.” Then she leans back in the booth and laughs so loud heads turn. “You not from this country, girl?”
“No, I’m from here. And I’m not kidding you. Tell me what you saw. I’ll believe what you say.”
“Okay, girl. I’ll tell you. Dori and me went up there to clean. When we got off the elevator and go to the rooms, Dori says she heard a man laugh. I was having some fun with her saying she was wishing she had a man waiting for her up there. She was on one end of the floor. I go down to the other end. A few minutes later, I hear her screaming like she’s being murdered.” Ruby shouted murdered, and eyes turned our way again.
“I run straight out into the hall. Dori goes running like the devil himself is after her. That’s when I seen it.” Ruby’s lunch comes and she stops to dig in.
“It who?” I ask when I get tired of waiting.
She wipes her mouth and looks up at me and glares. “The werabana, that’s who. The she-demon.”
“The werabana?”
“Sure it was. I know a werabana when I see one. She was sneaking around and using witches to do her bidding. One made Dori crazy. That woman looked at me like she wanted to kill me. I would go to the police and tell them that, but they’d never believe me. I’m telling you though. She went crazy. Now she doesn’t even remember. That’s the truth.”
“What did the werabana look like?”
“They all look the same– like evil. Like darkness and shadows and death. She come out of the room and cast her eyes on me. They were black holes. I thought I was dead. I ran like I was worse than death itself. That’s when Dori attack me. Nobody believe me even if I told them, but it’s the truth.”
“So was she tall, short, fat, thin? Did she have a face?”
“I tell you already. She was like darkness and shadows—
“And death. So not solid? No face?”
“A shadow. No face. Black holes for eyes that looked right through me.” Ruby finishes her lunch and tells me she has a prior engagement. She’s gone before I have a chance to ask anything else, though I really don’t know what I’d ask.
I’ve never heard of a werabana. I assume it’s some Polynesian entity, and just another name for an earthbound spirit. One who isn’t friendly. It sure doesn’t sound like the spirit of one of the women. And what about the man’s laugh that Dori heard, and her brief bout of insanity? I think all I got for my money was a dark fairy tale.
Before leaving, I ask a few people in the tavern if they know Mac the Night. No one claims they do so I go to the park to look for him. I don’t find him there. I’m thinking he’s in the basement… in some crawl space, laughing at all of us
I spend the rest of the day in the basement and my room getting ready for the séance. Boshears left before letting me know if she plans on attending. It’s a little before eleven when I take the elevator to the lobby.
When I step out, Kyle and Carol are walking in the door. They look too happy about tonight’s event, and I have a sick feeling that their expectations are too high. I give them the fifteen minute spill about what to expect and what not to, along with my warning to take things seriously. Kyle assures me he’s read up on séances and has filled Carol in on all the details. I seriously doubt that.
Alex is at the front desk. He gives me a sheepish smile as I lead them down the hallway. I’ve already told him what we would be doing tonight. He told me it’s a good thing there aren’t any guests in the hotel.
Just as I’m about to unlock the basement door, it opens on its own.
Chapter Thirty Five
§
“How long is this going to take?” are the first words out of Boshears’ mouth. She’s standing on the third step down looking hostile. “This place is disgusting” are her next words. Her attitude is enough to tell her to leave, but for Tollison’s sake I’m glad she came. By the looks on their faces, I don’t think Kyle and Carol agree with me.
“Leave any time you want,” I say.
Boshears glares at me then puts on her business face. After I give quick introductions, she leads the way down the stairs. She’s dressed in overalls and big rubber boots. Her hair is hidden in a cap. She’s trying hard not to touch anything.
I set up the emergency lights I found in the supply room this afternoon and light the lantern. Then I pull out my sage and rock salt. Boshears watches me toss the salt. She wants to know if I plan on sweeping it up. I tell her I don’t.
Despite having spent time down here earlier looking for signs that someone is living in the basement, I’m still looking. I’d burned sage and prayed and talked to Tollison too. He never answered, and I never felt so much as a chill. Seems if he’s still in the hotel, he isn’t confined to the basement. I do think he’s here though. Maybe with regrets about his hotel, the murdered women, his suicide, or maybe something else.
The air feels heavy and irritating. Unfortunately, I think Boshears has something to do with that feeling, but not everything. When I turn around, my little group is sitting at the folding table. Two are looking eager to begin. One is looking angry.
Mojo moves to sit by Boshears. Now she’s looking uncomfortable. I place my smudge stick in a soapstone bowl and put it on the windowsill in the hopes it will deter a late night visitor. Then I sit down to give my final warning before removing my Ouija board from my bag.
“Again, please take this seriously. The spirit world is real.” I look at Boshears. “Suspend disbelieve for a little while. A man, your uncle, took his life a few feet from us. His mind and heart were troubled. In life his spirit was broken. In death, I believe it still is.”
Boshears shivers and her eyes slide to the stairs. “Let’s just get this over with,” she says.
I turn to Kyle who is a little too on the edge of his seat. “I know you came here to get the answer you believe Tollison has about who killed your mother and the others. Please be respectful of his own burdens and pain and loss, none of which apparently ended when he put a bullet in his head.”
Kyle takes a deep breath and leans back. I turn to Carol. “Do you have any questions? Concerns?”
“No. I’m nervous but ready. I can sympathize with the man, but no matter w
hat he experienced, my sister suffered much more. I’m not going to lie and say that I feel more sorry for Tollison than I do for Diana and Kay and Janet. They deserve justice. We all do.”
Kyle voices his agreement. Boshears is still looking at the stairs. I can feel her racing mind and even her raging. I shake my head to clear the sensation and say a prayer for all of us. Words are not going to make this situation any better than it is right now, which isn’t good at all.
“Okay then. Please take a moment to close your eyes, and if you can, say a prayer to whatever god you believe in.”
I listen to the silence and try to get its message. Speak to me and I’ll hear you, I say in my mind. My little group is restless.
“Okay, let’s begin. Relax and place your fingers on the planchette without using too much pressure.” Kyle and Carol do so quickly, Boshears waits until I’m staring at her.
“To the spirit or spirits that reside here, know we are here to assist you. We are here to listen to and understand your truth. We come in peace and light and love in contacting you. We ask that you do the same in joining us.”
I’m watching the window out of the corner of my eye. The smoke from the smudge stick is trailing up the wall. On the other side of the room, one of the lights is pulsating on the stairs’ bottom step. I know it can’t be doing that.
I close my eyes and take a deep breath. “We call forth Abner Tollison, uncle of Ellen Boshears who is here with us now. Abner Tollison, please honor us with your presence by joining our circle and speaking what truth you left unsaid in life. We come to assist you in releasing your burdens and helping you continue your soul’s journey. Please make your presence known to us.”
“What was that?” Boshears yells. She’s pushed her chair back. The others are looking around.
“Relax. Just breathe. Did you feel something?”
“No. Of course not.” She shakes her head and looks down. “I’m sorry. I’m tired is all.”
Kyle and Carol exchange raised eyebrows. Carol glances at the bottom step.
“Please try to stay calm. Focus on what we’re doing, not on what’s going on in the room. We’re all spirits. There’s no reason to be afraid.” Yet anyway. “When you feel fear, pray.”
Boshears shuffles in her chair. I ask the Great Spirit to protect her or at least keep her quiet and still. “Let’s begin again.” I wait for the silence, but again hear Boshears’ racing mind. I can’t make out any of the words. I can’t shut the noise up either.
“Abner Tollison, your niece is here with you now. She wants to make your hotel successful again. I know that is something you want too. She needs your help to do that. She wants to help release you to the light. Please honor us with your presence by joining our circle. Speak the truth that will free you of this world.”
Boshears chuckles, but it doesn’t sound like her. Kyle and Carol are bug-eying her and me and each other. Boshears looks like she’s gone into trance. I say a serious prayer of protection this time.
“Abner Tollison. Are you here with us?”
“You know I am,” Boshears whispers. Her eyes are blank and her voice sounds like gravel.
Carol has pulled away. I motion for her to relax.
“Thank you. Mr. Tollison, we’re here for you. Please let us help you go to the light. Tell us what is holding you here.”
Boshears stands up and goes to the stairs. I think she plans on leaving. I’m about to get up to stop her when she turns and sits on the bottom step. Carol is getting ready to jump out of her skin. “Pray,” I whisper to her.
“Mr. Tollison. It’s time to leave this earth. Your soul must continue its journ—
Boshears’ laugh is so deep and heavy my skin crawls. Carol moves her chair next to mine. Kyle’s looking at her then me then Boshears and back again.
“Please, both of you,” I whisper. “You need to relax. This is what you came for. Let it happen. Neither Tollison or Boshears can harm us.” I think. I hope. I’m totally lying.
“Abner Tollison, you are in spirit now. You are trapped on this earth, and we want to help you move on. To continue your soul’s journey, you need to speak what you left unsaid in life. To free yourself, you must release your hold on this place. We are here to listen and help you go to the—
Boshears is up and pacing. She seems to be talking in a foreign language. I pray to understand the words. Kyle’s got his mouth open and looks ready to take action if necessary. Carol looks ready to bolt. I’m trying to listen to Boshears’ when I hear a slam and feel it too.
Kyle is up looking around. He stops and stares at Boshears who is staring at him. “Tell me who killed my mother,” he whispers. He’s wringing his hands. “You had no right to take that to your grave. Tell me.” He shouts these last words.
Boshears has gone to the other side of the basement. She’s in the corner by the furnace. When she turns around, her eyes are glowing.
Carol screams so loud I jump. She’s up the stairs and out the door. Kyle has found a makeshift weapon and is holding it over his head.
“Stop,” I yell at Kyle. “Put that down or leave.”
He staring at Boshears and not moving. The woman’s eyes are normal again, but she’s still pacing and mumbling. I’m losing control of this situation, if I ever had it.
“Abner Tollison, you are in spirit now. Whatever happened is over. It can’t be undone. Speaking your truth will release you. We are here to listen to what you have to say. Tell us what you took to your grave. Then it is time to go. I’ll help you do that. Just speak to me.”
Boshears stops and folds her arms over her chest. “You’re a haughty old dame, aren’t you now?” Boshears voice is clearly male and very regal.
“You and all the rest of them are nothing but disdainful. What do you know? What did any of them know? This is my hotel, my castle. The maidens are for me to do as I please. The pleasure is all mine, times three.”
Tollison’s last words came out in a hiss. His laugh rumbles through the room. I’m dizzy. Mojo is growling. Kyle has dropped his weapon and is standing with his mouth open. “Kyle, go upstairs and check on Carol. I’ll handle this.”
“No,” he whispers. “I need her, him– to say who killed my mother.”
“He just did.” Kyle jerks his head at me and backs away.
I turn to Boshears. “Perhaps they knew what you really were. What you wish you still could be, but cannot.”
Boshears hisses and paces. I need to get this over with before Tollison does some serious damage to the woman.
“How did you manage to kill all three without them hearing you? How did you manage to leave without a bloody trail behind you?” Boshears is chuckling.
“Why them? Did they offend you? Reject you?” I toss a handful of rock salt at Boshears. She hisses like a wild animal. “Or was it their innocence? Their weakness?” Kyle is motionless and probably shell-shocked.
“Or was it just the thrill of the kill? Isn’t that what you told Bruce Seggren? Did you make him come to the kitchen that night so all would see him? Did you forget about needing to leave his DNA behind? Were you angered by his acquittal?” I’m walking circles around Boshears, tossing insults with rock salt.
“You must have enjoyed the planning. I imagine you wished them a good night when you gave them the keys to their rooms. Did you wait and watch as they got ready for bed? I know you enjoyed chasing the cleaning women down the stairs. I know it thrilled you to visit me in Janet Onha’s room. When you stood at my bedside, were you reliving the moment before you slit her throat?”
Boshears’ pacing has slowed. She’s looking at the floor. I’m praying to all the gods in the universe to shield me from the evil that is Abner Tollison as I speak the truth he will not.
“Did you bring your niece here to destroy her? She doesn’t even know you. And why destroy your hotel? Those are truths only you can speak. I demand that you speak them to me now. Or are you afraid?”
“Silence you wretch. It is my pleasure for
all eternity. I do as I please. A hundred times three.” Boshears’ voice is ominous.
I take two steps back. “In death, you can do nothing. You cannot stay any longer. I won’t allow it. Your time is done—
The basement door opens with a bang. Carol is running down the stairs. She runs straight at Boshears with a long, shiny butcher knife in her hand.
Chapter Thirty Six
§
Before I can scream for Carol to stop, Kyle’s across the room and has the knife out of her hand. I’m relieved for about two seconds. He raises the knife and demands that Boshears tell him why Tollison killed his mother. He looks and sounds insane. Carol staggers backwards and covers her mouth with both hands.
This time I do manage to yell stop. When I turn back to Boshears, she’s lying on the floor. I’m afraid she’s had that heart attack I feared she was on the verge of. I kneel beside her and check. She isn’t dead. I tell Kyle to help me get her upstairs. He’s motionless and still holding the knife. Carol is crying.
“Kyle, Tollison was using her to communicate. She had nothing to do with anything. She didn’t even know the man. Help me get her out of here.”
He shutters and looks at the knife in his hand. I jump up and snatch it away. Boshears is moaning. “Now,” I yell.
We get her up stairs and into her office. Carol is huddled in the corner staring at the woman. Kyle disappears then returns with coffee. Boshears is mumbling an apology about having fallen asleep. She sounds like herself, but she isn’t making eye contact.
“Do you remember what happened?”
She shivers and pulls into herself. “I told you I was tired. The air in the basement.… I need to go home. I knew this would be a waste of time.”
She looks at Carol and Kyle like she’s never seen them before. I try to convince Boshears to stay a few more minutes, but she’s already headed to the door. We follow her to her car. Carol is distracting her with unwanted help while I get Kyle to agree to follow her home.
The Taw Ridge Haunting Page 18
