Trouble at Thunder Mountain

by M J Waverly

  “I’m the special sister, now.” Laney stood and removed a dish towel from a drawer.

  Ava faced me. “Are they canceling the festival?”

  “I’m talking to Teresa Duncan later on today. I hope they do.”

  Uncle Joe shook his head. “I’d doubt it. The Commissioners want to bring more tourists to Cloverville. Knowing the money-hungry bastards, they’ll monopolize on the ghost hauntings.”

  We all remained silent.

  I hadn’t checked the Book of Shadows for information about the sigils I’d seen I the cave last night. I’d fallen asleep last night as soon as I’d arrived home. My body still ached from the intense hiking. At least, it was intense hiking for me. Walking a mile equaled a marathon.

  “I researched George Abernathy’s death like you asked.” Uncle Joe rose, walked over to the kitchen door, and picked up a briefcase.

  Laney turned from me to Uncle Joe to me. “Becoming quite the detective of cold cases aren’t you?”

  “Not by choice, it comes with the abilities.” I pulled a chair out and sat down. “I’m hoping this will help with George. Did you know after he died, he claimed the wildlife dragged him into the woods and he was eaten by a bear.”

  “That’s gross.” Ava wrinkled her nose.

  Uncle Joe slid the lock and the latches opened with a loud snick. He removed a file folder and removed a piece of paper.

  “According to the case detective, George had been hiking on Bear Falls Trail. He was doing promotions for his company, and he wore the Iceberg polar bear mascot costume. Unseasonably cold and very windy that day.”

  Uncle Joe removed another sheet of paper from the file. “His wife, Barbara a.k.a Babs Abernathy worked at the office that day. So, according to the detective, witnesses placed Barbara with her friend, Natasha Thornton at the time of death. Conclusion. Barbara had an alibi.”

  I traced with my finger the outline of the apple on the placemat.

  Uncle Joe continued reading. “According to several eyewitnesses, it suddenly grew colder. The wind lifted George off Bear Falls Trail and tossed over the cliff as if by an invisible force.”

  I swallowed. “That doesn’t sound like an accidental death. Sounds like a supernatural murder. Is that it?”

  Uncle Joe removed from the folder, another piece of paper and handed it to me. “This is a list of the witnesses from Thunder Mountain Park. I made a copy for you. Some of these folks might. . .”

  “Have magical abilities,” I said.

  He nodded.

  “Warrants investigation.” I read the first few names. Camilla Green, Dr. Ingrid Smith, and Teresa Duncan. “Who inherited George’s company?”

  “His wife, Babs Abernathy. Originally from Long Island, New York, she married George two years before his death in Las Vegas. She had been a cocktail waitress at the Circus Circus casino. He met her during an outdoor product convention. They claim it was love at first sight according to their friends,” Uncle Joe answered.

  “Interesting. I will need to speak with Babs Abernathy. George could be visiting her in the hopes of renewing their eternal vows.”

  “Don’t go alone.” Worry clouded Ava’s eyes. “My friend, Camilla Green told me dark magic users are gathering in Thunder Mountain Park.”

  Heat rushed to my face, remembering my dream from the other night. I looked up at my sister, and then down at the list of names. Camilla Green. “How do you know Camilla Green?”

  Ava blinked. “She’s a master gardener, and she knows a lot about herbs. She reminds me of Nana. She has her powers, but more in alignment with nature.”

  “How does she know about the dark magic users?” I asked. Funny, how Ava had mentioned this to me.

  Ava shrugged. “She’s well-known in Cloverville, but be careful at Thunder Mountain Park.” Her brows drew together like they always did when my sister worried.

  I’d ask Kylantha or Ranger Sophie, her alter ego about Camilla Green. See what I could find out from the nature network. If Camilla was a master gardener, and well-known in the Cloverville magical community, then she would have met the fairies in the area.

  “I won’t. I’ll take Jason with me if he can leave Mandy’s side,” I said.

  “Ouch. Somebody is not happy with a certain Jason Hunsinger.” Laney locked eyes with me.

  Uncle Joe gave a low whistle. Ava stared at me with a surprised expression. “I thought you were only friends. It was only about business.”

  “We’re only friends,” I snapped. “That sounds bitchy, doesn’t it?”

  “No. Takes a witch to handle a bitch,” Laney shrugged. “When it comes down to business, somedays you have to put on your bitchy panties to get things handled.”

  “True enough. I need to get ready and wash my hair.”

  Back in my bedroom, I pulled out my Book of Shadows from inside my messenger bag

  Snowball materialized next to me.

  I opened the photo on my phone of the sigils from the cave last night. “Can you help me with these?” I held up the phone showing today’s date next to my Book of Shadows.

  The numbers and letter swirled in upon themselves.

  My heart pounded.

  Be careful. Ancient, evil magic used by a group called the Nightstalkers.

  “Nightstalkers?” Sounded like something from a horror movie or a heavy metal rock group. Note to self. I might use that in a horror movie. I continued reading.

  They used ancient symbols of evil to create dark magic and curses. They are followers of the Blood Collector. It is not good to study the sigils too long because those that use it can track you.

  Damn! I didn’t want to be tracked. Would they be able to track my cell phone? I opened my photos and studied them. A slight shiver kind of like a splinter getting into your finger tingled within. I hit delete on my phone. The pictures were gone. I didn’t want any dark magic, Blood Collector magic on my phone. I turned back to the Book of Shadows.

  “How do I stop the Nightstalkers? They’ve enchanted a ghost to do their bidding.”

  The book glowed with gold light, reminding me of sunshine streaming through green trees on a summer day.

  Call upon the light within.

  That’s too cryptic. I had called upon the light within to stop the Blood Collector, but I’d had problems. It could be similar to what I had done to stop George at the park last night with my telekinesis, but it hadn’t lasted long. I could’ve sworn Kylantha had boosted my power.

  “I need more information.” I glared down at the book, reminding me of arguments I’d had with Nana.

  You’re not ready.

  “What do you mean I’m not ready?”

  You’re not ready. Trust the power within you, and those around you to stop the evil. Your power will be revealed when you’re capable.

  Frustration roiled through me like a boiling pot of water. I wanted to pick up the book and squeeze it until it gave me logical answers with clear, concise directions. I closed it and pushed it into my messenger bag.

  Snowball materialized on my bed, and her loud purring soothed away my tension. I held open my messenger bag. “Do you want to go with me?” I could use her calming influence if I had to deal with Mandy.

  The cat swatted at the strap and then plopped down her side and faded out, but she continued to purr.

  “Fine.”

  I glanced at the clock. Nine o’clock. I had to get ready for work.

  At Hunsinger Automotive, I parked my truck next to Jason’s van on the side of the building. The sun shone brightly. I recalled the advice the Book of Shadows had given me. Call upon the light.

  I turned my face to the sky and pretended to be a solar panel absorbing the light to recharge my batteries, so I’d be ready for next encounter with the Blood Collector or his followers, the Nightstalkers. I had summoned the sigils I’d seen in my Book of Shadows, the ones that had created a rope of light and had bound George. So, maybe on a subconscious level magical things were cooking.

 
I couldn’t wait to update Jason on what I had learned about the witnesses to George’s death and what the Book of Shadows had revealed about the sigils. Another image popped into my mind. Long-Sleeved Guy, he had hidden his face using his baseball cap, but he’d had tattooed sigils on his arm. I’d glimpsed them when the sleeves of his shirt rose up. He had to be connected with George’s behavior.

  Another thing. Teresa had neglected to mention she’d spoken to George before the full moon hike. I’d talk to her today. Now, I’d have to ask how Mandy was doing. Hopefully, she’d been released from the hospital and sent home.

  Inside the Hunsinger Automotive, I rushed up the stairs. Low murmurs and bits conversation of followed by soft giggles emerged from inside the office.

  I froze as my fingers lingered over the doorknob. I nudged it to open an inch so I could see inside. Behind Jason’s Mandy sat very close to Jason, almost in his lap, both laughed as if sharing a private joke.

  As if sensing my presence, Jason looked up, the huge grin disappearing and his eyes widening as if he’d been caught . . . Cheating.

  Mandy eyed me as if I was covered in ectoplasm. Or sewage. Take your pick. “It’s you.” She sniffed.

  “Good Morning.” I managed a smile. Or attempted a gracious facial expression while inwardly seething on the inside. I had taken an Improv class at UCLA, so I called upon all the skills I learned to get me through this next few minutes. “How are you feeling?” I spoke in my most syrupy Southern accent that I used out in California whenever I met someone I didn’t like. You know that Bless-Your-Heart thing.

  Mandy shrugged. “I’ve been better.

  Jason avoided eye contact with me, and then cleared his throat. “She’s waiting for her mother. Mandy was just released from the hospital.”

  Her hair pulled back in a ponytail made Mandy seem younger, and her perfectly applied make-up presented an innocence personae. I glanced down at her huge leather unknown-to-me-designer purse. Must have an entire cosmetic department hidden within to pull off this look.

  “Scary experience last night.” I would attempt to be social because I needed this job until I could find another one.

  “Yes. The wind. So weird. The branch swerved one way, and then it landed on me.” Mandy turned away from me and focused on Jason.

  “Wind can be a fickle thing. Thunder Mountain has its own ecosystem,” I said.

  “What do you mean?” Mandy scrunched her face.

  “It can create its own internal weather system. I didn’t want to explain basic weather to Mandy. “Where are Cyrus and Todd?”

  “They were booked for a publicity shoot for the new Haunted House, which is inside the old Chapman house on Wickersham Drive.” Jason stacked some papers and tossed them into a mesh basket. “Their photography business is really picking up, so much so, they’re having to cut back on filming for Third Eye.”

  “I don’t know why they would use Cyrust and Todd. Mandy shook her head. “I heard a company from Los Angeles bought the old Chapman house. Why wouldn’t they hire someone from Los Angeles?”

  That branch hadn’t hit her too hard. She still had the same sour and insulting personality. What did Jason ever see in her? Not for me to judge. I dated Camden Lawrence. In hindsight, we gain wisdom. However, Jason seemed to have forgotten whatever he learned after his breakup with Mandy.

  “I’m heading downstairs to work on some paperwork.” I’d seen a large number of auto parts invoices, and it would keep me away from these two. “I have a question to ask you about one of the dealers.” I gestured downstairs. I really wanted to have a private conversation with Jason about the sigils, the list of witnesses to George’s death, who were my prime suspects, and the Nightstalkers.”

  “Show me. I’ll be right back, Mandy.” Jason stood.

  “Don’t take too long.” She made a pouty face.

  Jason followed me down the stairs and outside. We stood next to his van. I didn’t want any of the automotive shop employees or Jason’s dad overhearing our conversation.

  “Mandy can’t go with us if we’re interviewing Teresa Duncan, today. I discovered a lot of new information, and there is a lot more happening in the park other than George.”

  Jason scowled. “What happened last night?”

  I lowered my voice. “I spoke with the fairy or protective elemental guardian of the park last night.”

  “You what? You didn’t mention that last night.” His eyes widened and he backed up.

  “You were too preoccupied.” I gestured in an upward movement with my hands. I was rather he hadn’t asked me more about the fairy.

  “It’s not my fault.” He stared as if daring to say anything about Mandy.

  “Whatever.” I’d seen him kiss Mandy back at the picnic table, yesterday, and this morning they’d been all cozy. This was a business relationship. Jason could date whomever he wanted.

  “Mandy was injured. I wouldn’t have left you in the hospital alone after a branch pummeled your head. And by the way, thanks for saving her.”

  I ignored his thanks. We had George to handle. “Kylantha showed me the cave some kind of magical ritual had been performed, and I discovered these strange ancient sigils. According to my research, they’re ancient evil symbols used by a group called the Nightstalkers.” I wasn’t revealing my source.

  Jason blinked, and his expression went blank. “Who is Kylantha?”

  “The fairy,” I said between clenched teeth. Irritation flowed through me. I’d had it with Jason, Mandy, my father, the ghosts, everybody. It seemed as if I was the only person putting the clues together about George Abernathy and Thunder Mountain Park.

  “Kylantha showed me the cave. I took a couple of photos of sigils in the cave. I held up my cell phone.

  Jason frowned. “What symbols?”

  I’d forgotten I’d erased them from my phone. “They were shaped like the sigils sort of geometric runes connected by circles and swerving lines. Some were ornate. Others simple in design.”

  “Why did you erase them?” Jason exhaled.

  “I didn’t feel comfortable with the sigils on the phone. I didn’t want to be connected with something evil. Just my intuition.”

  Jason nodded. “Always good to listen to your intuition.”

  “Right now, let’s focus on the park. Teresa talked to George before the full moon hike last night. According to Kylantha, George was a calm spirit who enjoyed being in the park, but once this ritual or spell in the cave was performed by the Nightstalkers, George became angry and evil

  Jason bit his bottom lip.

  “Uncle Joe gave me a list of witnesses who saw George fall to his death ten years ago at the Thunder Mountain. People reported a strange wind blew that day. Witnesses said it was as if something invisible had picked up George and tossed him over the cliff.”

  “This wasn’t an accidental death,” Jason agreed.

  Our gazes locked with one another as a cold chill traveled down my spine. “A supernatural murder.”

  “Who’s on the list?” Jason leaned back against the building and crossed his arms across his chest. Dark circles rimmed his eyes, reminding me of the raccoons I’d seen last night.

  “Teresa Duncan. Dr. Ingrid Smith, Camilla Green, and a guy. Uncle Joe will find his name as soon as possible. ” Jason rubbed his chin and leaned against his green van. “We know Teresa Duncan and Dr. Ingrid Smith. I haven’t heard of the other Camilla Green.

  I stood toed the ground with my tennis shoe. The mid-morning sun felt good as its warmth sank into my face and the exposed skin on my arms. The Book of Shadows told me to call upon the light. Hopefully, taking in some extra Vitamin D would help. “I want to interview George’s wife, Babs Abernathy. George could be haunting her.”

  “I want to see the sigils on the cave and meet this fairy, Kylantha.”

  “I think that can be arranged. We might have to send a message via raccoon or squirrel,” I said. “And then I want to interview Babs Abernathy.”

  Jas
on pointed at a white Lexus pulling into the parking lot. “There’s Mandy’s mom. Will you tell Mandy her mother is here. Dad is signaling I need to come help behind the counter with customers.”

  I turned. Mr. Hunsinger gestured toward the store while talking to a customer in the parking lot.

  “Yes.” I would be glad to be rid of her.

  When I opened the door to the Third Eye office, I found Mandy reading my Book of Shadows, which fortunately retained its day planner appearance. A mixture of anger and shock merged as I snatched the book from her manicured claws. “What are you doing?”

  Chapter Ten

  A red-faced Mandy stepped away from my desk. “I loved your day planner, and I hoped you wouldn’t mind if I checked it out to see how you had it set up.”

  “I do mind.” Heat burned in my fingers as my power revved up. I twitched my index finger, and the office door slammed against the wall with a loud bang.

  Mandy placed her hand on her chest. “Oh my. I do believe there are ghosts in this office.”

  “Your mother is waiting for you downstairs.”I pointed at the door. “Time for you to leave before I send the ghosts after you.”

  “I don’t believe in ghosts.” Mandy grabbed her designer bag. I followed her to the door as heat pooled in my palms. She placed her hand on the knob, and then looked over her shoulder. "You should know Jason is mine, and he will never leave me."

  It’d been a bad morning, and I couldn't remain silent. "Jason deserves someone who can love him for himself, and not someone who will manipulate and use him.”

  Mandy huffed, pivoted, and then left, slamming the door behind her.

  I glanced down at the Book of Shadows and opened it to today’s date. The elegant script formed. Words spoken in anger can harm and open a pathway to the darkness. You’re learning.

  “Did Mandy see anything?” I asked.

  No. That one has zero magical skills.

  Apparently, not learning enough that you’ll help me with the sigils. George, or the Blood Collector.” The words faded and then the pages became blank.

  I went to my desk, sat down, and leaned my head into my hands. What a morning! First Dad’s shenanigans about us wanting to financially contribute to his house. Now, Mandy declaring Jason belonged to her. A scolding from Nana’s Book of Shadows. What else could happen? Don’t even put that in question form because the Universe would be like, well, let’s see.