by Rose Pressey
I reminded myself not to panic because the demon would feed on my fear. However, that was easier said than done. I was in full panic mode now. A burst of mocking laughter rang out across the library. The sound sent cold chills rippling across my skin. The demon obviously had a lot of power. I probably wouldn’t be able to outrun it, but I’d give it my best shot. How long could I run without looking back though? I was doomed. Fear flowed through my body like a gushing river.
“What do you want?” I yelled as I rounded the corner of one of the stacks.
What did the demon want with me? My soul? The thing was chasing me. How would I get away? I ran up and down the stacks trying to get my chance at escaping. I felt like a mouse trying to find its way out of a maze.
Maybe by some luck someone would show up at the library and save me. Yeah, that probably wouldn’t happen. Someway or somehow, I had to get myself out of this terrifying situation. I thought about running back to my office and locking the door, but I soon realized that the demon would just float right through the door and come after me there. Was there any way to get away from this thing?
“I command you to leave me alone,” I said breathlessly.
Not surprisingly, it didn’t listen to me. Hissing noises came from behind me. My legs seemed to move slower than I thought possible, but I figured that was just the panic making me feel that way.
By some miracle, I made it to the end of the stack, turned to my right, and raced toward the main area of the library. Without even looking over my shoulder, I knew the demon was clipping at my heels. At least the exit doors were in sight now. However, I had to slow down enough to actually open the door. That was when the demon would get me. It had to be done though. I had to take my chances.
With my heart pounding, I glanced over my shoulder. The demon was gone. What? This had to be a trick. I wouldn’t bother looking around to see where it had gone. Nope. I just wanted out the door.
I grabbed for the door handle and yanked it open. Racing through, I pulled it shut behind me, as if that would stop the thing that had been chasing me. Unfortunately, I had to turn around and lock the door behind me. With a shaky hand, I shoved the key into the lock and secured the door. Whew. Thank heavens I’d gotten out of there safely. Now I never knew when the demon might make another appearance.
Chapter 27
Roxanne’s house sat at the end of a cul-de-sac. At least this was the address that I’d found for her. I hadn’t told her that I was stopping by for a visit—not that it was supposed to be a secret, but it had been an impulse decision for me. I thought I’d swing by and ask for more information about Haley. There had to be some clue as to why she had been with this mystery guy and why he’d decided to hit her with his car.
The small red-brick house sat among other identical homes. The only difference was the bright green shutters, as if the house waved at anyone walking by to take notice that this house was different from the rest. After parking on the street, I walked up the sidewalk and then to the front porch. The screen door was closed, but the main door was wide open.
“Hello?” I called out.
No one answered. I pushed the doorbell and waited. She still didn’t come to the door. Maybe I had the wrong address after all. The small green mailbox on the wall next to the door had the last name Hinson written across the front. This had to be the right place. I glanced around to see if anyone was nearby. Not a soul was in sight. I figured it would be odd for Roxanne to leave the door open if she wasn’t home. What if something was wrong?
“Roxanne? It’s Ripley Van Raden,” I said.
I glanced back one more time and then opened the screen door. It wasn’t locked, which made this even more perplexing. I stepped just inside the foyer. There was no sound in the house. Everything looked completely normal, as in there was no overturned furniture or other signs of a burglary. Just to the right was the living room-dining room combination. Beyond that I spotted the kitchen. I hated to just walk into her house, but I wanted to make sure she wasn’t in need of my help.
After just a few steps into the living room, I spotted a smartphone on the coffee table. Surely Roxanne wouldn’t leave without her phone. I reached down and picked it up. I touched the screen and it lit up. The photo that she had as the background on her phone took me off guard. It was a photo of a room. I thought for sure I’d seen that room before. It was one of the rooms at the abandoned school. I recognized the old chalkboard on the wall. Why would she have this on her phone?
A voicemail had been left on her phone. It was absolutely none of my business. What if it was something about Roxanne though? No, I couldn’t listen. I placed the phone back on the table and headed into the kitchen. The back door was closed. I peeked out the window. No sign of Roxanne in the backyard either.
I moved back into the living room and then down the hall toward the bedrooms. The more I moved through the house the more nervous I became. With my heart thumping harder, I opened the bedroom door. With the bed made, nothing seemed out of place. Where was Roxanne? Now I felt like I had to check that message on her phone. Otherwise I would leave here wondering if she was okay and if there was something I could have done to help her.
I made my way back to the living room and retrieved the phone from the coffee table. Roxanne would discover that someone had listened to her messages. However, if it helped her then it was totally worth it. Thank goodness she didn’t have her phone password-protected. She might change that after she found out what I’d done. If nothing was wrong though there would be no reason to ever tell her what I’d done. I touched the screen to get the message and then held the phone up to my ear.
“Ms. Hinson, this is National Life Insurance Company. I’m calling in regard to the policy for Haley Aleman. We can’t do a payout to you for the policy until we receive the death certificate. I’ll be in touch.”
Wow. Roxanne had had life insurance on her friend? That was clearly a motive for murder. However, Roxanne and Haley were friends. Plus, Roxanne hadn’t been around when Haley was hit. At least not that I knew of anyway. I wasn’t sure what was going on here, but it was time for me to get out of here before Roxanne caught me.
I rushed back to my car and climbed behind the wheel. There was still no sign of Roxanne. At this point though I felt that was a good thing. I headed for the library, more confused than ever. I’d tell Brannon about this, but still it was no proof that Roxanne was involved in Haley’s death in any way.
At least I felt somewhat better now that I was back at the library. I had settled at my desk and tried to work, but thoughts about Haley were stuck in my mind. Brannon had given me the list of cars that matched the one I’d seen. Now I had to research and try to narrow down which one could possibly be the killer’s vehicle. I searched through addresses, but that really gave me nothing specific. There was absolutely nothing that narrowed it down for me. One name in particular kind of sounded familiar, but then again, maybe not. David D. Darren. Why did that sound familiar? Maybe I’d think of some other way to narrow it down. Driving by each location was out of the question.
As I sat in my office, I received a call from Darren Damon of Paranormal Monthly. I’d forgotten all about his request for me to be featured in the magazine. Wait. That was why the name sounded familiar. Darren’s first name was the same as the last name of one of the vehicle owners on the list. Just a coincidence, I suppose.
“Just wanted to check and see if you’re interested in doing the magazine,” Darren said. “I have the perfect location for a photo shoot.”
“A photo shoot?” I asked.
“Yes, we can get some great photos of you.”
I’d known they’d want photos, but I hated having my picture taken. I hadn’t even asked the library board about this yet.
“We really need an answer.” His voice seemed a bit more agitated now.
If that was how he felt, then I would just have to turn down the offer.
“I have a lot of things going on right now and I can�
�t make a decision on this just yet,” I said.
“Well, it was a great opportunity. I thought maybe we could do the photo shoot tonight.”
“Tonight?” I didn’t even hide the shock in my tone. “I’m afraid I can’t do anything so soon.”
“It’s your loss. There’s still time if you change your mind,” he said.
“I’ll let you know,” I said.
He didn’t respond. When I looked at my phone’s screen, I realized that the call had ended. Maybe it was for the best. His demeanor had certainly changed. The call had left me with an uneasy feeling. What was his hurry? Why had he wanted me to meet him tonight?
A short time later Dana called and gave me the number for the psychic, so obviously I called her immediately to see if I could get a meeting. I didn’t tell Dana about what Haley had said. The last thing I wanted to do was scare her even more. She’d feel bad if she knew something had followed her. She didn’t mention any activity taking place, so maybe everything was fine. Perhaps the bad spirit had left on its own. Yeah, that was unlikely, but I could hope.
“Is this Tina?” I asked when the woman answered.
“Tina Collette, psychic medium,” she said in a confident tone.
“I received your number from Dana at the coffee shop in Devil’s Moon,” I said.
“Oh,” she said.
What was that supposed to mean?
“How can I help you?” she asked.
“I wondered if you have an available appointment? I’d like to see you as soon as possible.”
“You have a psychic emergency?” she asked with a chuckle.
“You could say that, yes,” I said.
She was a bit odd. Now I wondered if I really wanted to talk to her at all. Yes, I had to follow through with this. Maybe she’d give me some information about the murdered woman.
“I suppose I have some time this evening. How about five?” she asked.
“Perfect,” I said.
I scheduled a meeting with her later this evening. I had never heard of her and I wasn’t sure about her psychic abilities. After I ended the call an uneasy feeling settled in. I supposed I was just nervous about meeting the woman. Maybe if I got a chance I would call and ask a few people I knew about her. She lived in the next town over, so I planned on going there right before the tour. If I left work early, I would be able to make it and get back in time for the tour. Tammy said that it was fine with her and that she could handle everything at the library if I left a little early.
I didn’t think much about my evening appointment for the rest of the morning. I had a lunch meeting at twelve. Coincidentally the meeting was at my favorite restaurant, so I was looking forward to that.
“I’ll be back in an hour,” I said as I headed for the door.
Tammy waved. “Have fun.”
I headed down the sidewalk toward the restaurant. That was when the thoughts set in. The walk gave me time to think. The meeting with the strange psychic, the murder, the ghost, and the man in the car that had almost hit us—all these thoughts whirled like a storm in my mind. I had too much time to think of these things right now.
When I neared the intersection where the accident occurred, nervousness took over my whole body. I glanced around expecting to see Haley appear. She was nowhere in sight. I wasn’t sure why she kept popping in and out like that. I hurried my steps and moved away from the intersection. Thank goodness I finally reached the restaurant, though it felt strange coming here without Brannon. I wished I was here for a romantic dinner with him instead of a boring business meeting with the library board. I loved the library with all my heart, but the board members’ conversations made me want to take a nap right there on top of the table.
When I stepped inside the restaurant the hostess greeted me right away.
“Right this way,” she said, motioning toward the front of the restaurant.
I’d barely been seated when I spotted the car out the window. It was definitely the car that had almost hit us. I was positive. There was no need to call Brannon. The car had driven down the street in front of the restaurant at a fast speed. It would likely be long gone by the time Brannon arrived.
I was distracted for the whole meeting. My attention was turned to the window and the street just beyond. I couldn’t stop wondering if the car would come back. Now that the meeting was over, I had to walk back to work. And the whole trip I’d be on the lookout for the car. As I headed back toward the library, I sent Brannon a text.
I think I saw that car when I was at the lunch meeting.
What? Why didn’t you text me?
I knew the car would be gone by the time you got here. I glanced around as I typed.
Where are you now?
Going back to the library.
Be careful. I should come give you a ride.
That’s not necessary. I can see the building now. I looked both ways before crossing the street. Not that I wouldn’t normally do this, but now I was even more alert.
If you’re sure, but I’m still concerned. I’ll stop by soon.
I knew he worried, but right now I felt that everything was fine. I was a bit uneasy of course.
Once at the library, things were quiet, meaning no signs of ghosts, strange men in cars, or any other sinister event. I kept busy with my work because I knew I had to leave early. I wanted to make sure I got everything done before I needed to leave. Once the clock hit four-thirty, I headed for the door.
“Be careful at that place. You don’t know anything about this woman,” Tammy said as she walked me to the door.
I knew she was anxious. That was the only reason she would walk me to the door.
“I promise I will be careful. I’m sure Dana wouldn’t send me there if anything was bad,” I said.
Tammy sighed. “I guess.”
“I’ll text you as soon as I’m finished.” I hugged her.
“If you don’t, I’ll call Brannon.”
“I know you will,” I said with a wave.
I jumped in my car and headed for Tina’s house. She worked out of her home. The drive to the next town over from Devil’s Moon took about thirty minutes. Even though I’d been there before, the town was larger than Devil’s Moon and I just hoped that I didn’t get lost. I didn’t have a lot of extra time, so one mistake would make me late. Of course, I kept my eye out for that car. No sign of it, thank goodness. Plus, Haley hadn’t returned either. I’d thought maybe she would show up and talk to the psychic like she had when we’d used the Ouija board.
About five minutes later, I arrived in town and drove straight to Tina’s street. That was easy enough. I counted down the house numbers until I arrived at the number she’d given. I hoped this was the right place. It would be awkward to walk up to a stranger’s door and ask for a psychic. I rolled to a stop in front of the small white house.
I sat there for a few seconds and looked around at the surrounding scene. It looked like a quaint little street in any small town. A yellow Volkswagen Bug was parked in the driveway. Nothing spooky to worry about.
A couple seconds later, I got out of the car. I only had a few minutes to spare, but I’d made it on time. I glanced around as I headed toward the door. It felt as if someone was watching me. After peering around to see if I was being watched, I turned my attention back toward her house.
Was Tina watching me from inside? Probably. Maybe she thought I was the weird one. Tammy had been worried about her, but the psychic could be wondering if I was someone with bad intentions. Then again, maybe no one had bad intentions and I should just wipe those thoughts out of my head.
Once in front of the faded black door, I used the knocker to announce that I’d arrived. Only about two seconds passed until the door opened. Just as I’d suspected, she probably had been nearby watching me.
The petite brunette eyed me up and down. “You must be my five-thirty appointment.”
I nodded. “That’s me.”
Why was I acting so bashful, like she mig
ht bite me if I gave the wrong answer?
She opened the door wider and motioned for me to come inside. “Please come inside.”
Now Tammy’s words echoed through my mind. I eased into the house. Would Tina notice that I was uneasy? When I got a look at the inside of her house, weird was an understatement. If Tammy had been with me, she would have turned and run for the car. If I had been wise, I probably would have done the same. Instead I followed the woman further into the house. Tina had mannequins in the house dressed in spooky costumes—black and red capes, werewolves, vampires, and witches.
“Do you also run a Halloween shop?” I asked.
“No,” she said matter-of-factly.
Did she not realize how odd her décor looked?
“You can have a seat wherever you’d like.” She motioned toward the sofa.
It really depended on where she sat. I was now suspicious of her just like Tammy had been. As a matter of fact, Tammy wouldn’t believe this when I told her. Maybe I could sneak some photos as proof. Why hadn’t Dana mentioned this little quirk before sending me here? I eased down on the edge of the sofa—the side closest to the door, just in case.
“What would you like? A palm reading? A psychic reading with the tarot cards?” She stared at me, waiting for an answer.
I just wanted to know if the murdered girl had been here. Also, I’d perhaps like to know if the psychic medium might be a killer. This place had seriously creeped me out. Now I felt as if I had to take one of the options she mentioned.
“I suppose the tarot cards would be fine,” I said with a lack of confidence in my voice.
If I gave her my hand to hold, she might not let go if I needed to run. Yes, the tarot cards were a better option.
“How long have you been doing this?” I asked.
“Just a few months.” She stood and walked across the room.
I didn’t take my eyes off her.
She stood at the desk and pulled stuff from the drawers. “I misplaced my favorite cards again. Why can I never find them? I bet the spirits hid them again.”
