The Venetian Job

by Sally Gould

  'Was this your home when you died?'

  'Yes.'

  'When did you die?

  '1945.'

  'How old were you then?' I asked.

  'Fourteen.'

  The look of pain on his face told me he was still upset about dying when he did. Ghosts were all the same. Most people go into the Light as soon as they die. Well, their bodies don't, just their spirits. That's what Grandpa George said spirits should do. Some spirits go to their own funerals, which is okay because they still have some time after the funeral before the Light disappears. Grandpa George reckons when a spirit goes into the Light it meets up with the spirits of the people they loved who have already crossed over. 'Why didn't you go into the Light?' I said.

  He frowned. 'It was my choice. When you die, you have the choice to stay or to go into the Light.'

  I took a step toward him. 'Okay, but don't suck out any of our energy. You have to get your energy from people outside.' Ghosts are pure energy and can only exist by taking energy from people. If they take too much energy, the person gets sick. But most ghosts don't do that (so they reckon) and, usually, it's just a bit draining for people who live with a ghost, like being around someone who whines all the time. Ghosts can't give a person their energy, like a happy fun person does when you hang round them.

  'Adam, I always obey the rules that Earthbound Spirits are supposed to obey. Every morning, I go out and I extract small amounts of energy from many people.'

  'Good,' I said. 'You keep doing that. If anyone in our house gets sick, I'll have to tell my Grandpa George.'

  'That won't be necessary.' He folded his arms. 'Now, there are two urgent matters concerning the house that must be fixed. The chime of the new doorbell gets on my nerves—'

  'You don't have nerves!'

  'And there is a water pipe that knocks when the tap over the laundry sink is turned on too hard.'

  'Call a plumber,' I politely suggested. Soon Mom and Dad would wonder what I was doing.

  He huffed before he continued in a strict tone, 'Now, Adam, these are The Rules of my house.'

  I went to argue, but he talked over me.

  '1. The dog must stay outside, because it smells.

  '2. The dog must not bark. A barking dog is most unpleasant.

  '3. No running up and down the hallway. You may run outside.

  '4. No banging doors. It's easier to close a door than to bang it.

  '5. No yelling, screaming or squealing.

  'Loud noise goes right through me and upsets my vibration. Those are The Rules, and you must obey them.'

  'What?' I stared straight into his eyes and took another step closer, which forced him to float back. 'Look, Edward Lawrence, this is our house now. If you don't like dogs or noise, you should move into a museum.'

  'Adam, I was born in this house. I might not own Woodlands, but I am the spiritual guardian.'

  I gasped, unable to believe what he'd said. 'Spiritual guardian!'

  'Yes.'

  I could hear the removal guys bringing stuff in. I couldn't talk to this ghost for much longer. 'I bet our house has changed since you were alive.'

  'Yes, actually, it has changed.' He pointed to the front of the house. 'The outside is original, but the inside has been renovated many times. In my day there was only one bathroom, the kitchen had a wood stove and the laundry had a copper for washing and a hand wringer. The room adjoining the dining room was the drawing room. My father held informal meetings in there. The room opposite, where the morning sun comes in, was my mother's reading and sewing room.'

  'Ancient history,' I declared as I realized this ghost was so attached to Woodlands he was practically super glued to the bricks. Child ghosts weren't usually attached to their houses, but for some reason this ghost was different. He'd be tough to get rid of. Grandpa George had gone back to Ireland for good, so he couldn't help me.

  As if he could read my mind, he leant forward and said to me, 'Adam, already I can see that it'd be difficult for me to put up with someone who can see me in my own home. I'll give you and your family time to find another house to move into. You can stay here for now ... as long as you follow my Rules.'

  I began to argue but Dad called out from the other end of the house. 'Adam, come and help!'

  'Not in a million years,' I said to the ghost of Edward Lawrence before I turned my back on him and left the room.

  As I headed down the hallway, I realized the home from heaven had been too good to be true. I'd have to get rid of this stubborn ghost all by myself. But an uneasy feeling swept through me. I'd never got rid of a ghost, because Grandpa George had always been there to do it for me. At least Grandpa George had left me with the things I'd need. Still, I felt unsure. Never could I remember Grandpa George getting rid of a ghost like him. One who was so confident and sure of himself, like a person who knew exactly what he wanted and how to get it. A chill went up my spine as I noticed Emily on the grass out the back. She was squealing at the top of her voice while she ran around in circles taking in all that space.

  To buy Dead Scary please go to my Smashwords author page:

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  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  Sally Gould loved books from a young age, but never considered writing them. While she was busy getting up to the mischief that teenagers get up to, she forgot about books all together. Then total insanity took hold and she became a corporate lawyer. Fortunately, she had two sons and they inspired her to write stories for children. Of course, her oldest son is responsible, logical, studious, considerate, grateful and even makes his bed. The youngest one is only interested in having fun - lots of it. And, except for his teachers, he makes everyone laugh. Their antics have inspired many of Sally's stories. Sally lives in Melbourne, Australia with her family and two dogs - Pebbles, who is sensible, and Jade, who just wants to have fun.

  Connect with Sally:

  Website: www.sallygould.com.au

  Email: sally@sallygould.com.au

  Smashwords Author Page: www.smashwords.com/profile/view/sallygould

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