We shared a laugh.
Jenny started staring at something behind me. I turned my head to see what she saw. I could only see trees and shadows.
“Jenny? What's up?”
“What is that back there?”
Dave turned around too. “That's just an old house. All tore up. No one lives there.”
Cindy shook her head. “What are you talking about? I don't see anything.”
“It's there. Look just above the tree line. You can see part of the roof.”
He was right. I'm sure it was easier to see during the day. But I could see what looked to be a roof through the tops of the trees.
“Holy shit,” Jenny said. “Is that the McEllen house?”
Tina frowned. “The what?”
“I heard there was supposed to be an old house in the woods somewhere that was haunted.”
Cindy looked at me. I didn't say a word, but I had a sinking feeling I knew where this was all leading.
Dave shook his head. “Nah. I went there with some buddies last time I was here during the day. There's nothing in there. Creepy though, I'll say that. But nothing jumped out at me.”
“How was it creepy?”
“Just was. There were books and shit all over the ground. There were still plates on the dining room table. It was freaky.”
“What happened there?” Tina asked.
I tried not to groan.
“Supposedly the McEllens lived there and some people tried to rob their house. They were a rich family. All of them were killed. That was like twenty years ago.”
Jenny's face lit up. “Let's check it out?”
Dave shrugged. “Sure. I've got a flashlight or two behind the seats. But there's nothing up there.”
“Tina? You in?”
She pointed at Dave. “You'd better hold my hand.”
“I'll do more than hold your hand.”
“Cindy?”
She didn't hesitate. “No. I'll pass.”
“You're no fun. Alex?”
I shook my head. “Not a good idea, guys. If that house is haunted, you don't want to go anywhere near it.”
“You watch too many movies. Haunted houses aren't real,” Jenny said.
“I was in a haunted house once. Scariest thing that ever happened to me.”
I didn't elaborate. I saw Cindy get ready to say something, probably back me up. But I shot her a look that told her otherwise. I didn't want everyone to think she was crazy along with me.
“Oh, come on. Like Dave said, there's nothing up there. I just want to see it. We're not gonna go inside and call up the dead or anything.”
They started to leave. I stared at Cindy and shook my head.
I didn't want to go at all. Five-year-old memories rushed back to me. Tammy's freezing house. Watching Richard raise a knife repeatedly over his head and thrust it into his wife. That creepy, genderless voice that cost me many nights sleep. The look on Tammy's face after she was struck by an invisible hand.
But these were my friends. Dave was probably right. There was nothing there. But if somehow, some way, my friends got hurt, I would never forgive myself.
“Wait up.”
Cindy looked at me. “Alex.”
I could read her face. She was only concerned for me.
“But I'm not feeling too good,” I added. “Is it alright if we make it quick?”
Jenny was excited. “Yeah, we won't stay long. It'll be fun though. Like a haunted house ride at the theme park.”
Cindy took a breath. “I'm right behind you.”
“Cindy-”
“You said the next haunted house we'd hit together.”
I grinned. I'm surprised she remembered that.
Dave knew the way, so he led us. Everyone chatted quietly as we hiked through the woods, like we'd disturb someone if we weren't quiet. Cindy casually fell back next to me in the back of the group.
“What are we doing?” she asked. “This is just stupid.”
“I know. But it's probably nothing. And someone needs to keep an eye on everyone.”
“Don't you step six inches away from me.”
“You wuss.”
“I mean you. I'm watching out for you.”
I was touched. “Thanks.”
Chapter 7
It took us about five minutes to reach the house. Nature had started to claim it a long time ago. Trees and bushes nearly surrounded the place. Some even grew into the windows, where there was no glass. The front door hung on by a single hinge. It looked like it came right out of a horror movie. Dave was right. It definitely had a creepy vibe to it. But any old house is creepy to me.
“Wow! Isn't it awesome?” Jenny said.
“So a family died in here?” Tina asked.
“Supposedly,” Dave answered.
Cindy and I kept quiet.
“We going inside?”
“Yes! Man I should have brought my camera.”
We slowly walked up the grown-over path and to the front door. The smell was the first thing I noticed. It smelled like a musty old basement, just the scent of age.
There was a couch turned over on its side in the living room. I couldn't help but wonder if that happened during the family's last night alive, assuming all of that was true. The carpet was soaked with rain water from a leaky roof. We made squishy noises as we filed into the living room.
I'm sure they noticed more than I did. Like the paintings that were ruined and still hanging on the walls. Were they just random paintings, or pictures of the house's old owners? A stairwell that was missing a few steps led to a second floor. I could make out the dining room and see the table Dave talked about.
I grew very cold. I had trouble concentrating.
Jenny waved one of Dave's flashlights around.
“Wow. This shit fascinates me. This is like walking through history right here.”
Tina didn't look impressed. “Yeah. Smelly, dirty history.”
“Come on, Tina. Isn't the mystery cool? I mean, what happened here? Who lived here? What were they like?” She picked up a piece of paper from the ground. It nearly fell apart in her hand. “This is a bill from the eighties!”
“Christ. They could have at least paid their bills,” Dave said.
Jenny shot him a look. “Let's look around.”
The next stop was the dining room. I could feel goosebumps all over me. Cindy was nearly stuck on me. She walked right with me, but just far enough not to touch and bother each other.
I froze when we went into the dining room. My eyes fell on the corner of the room. Dave, Tina, and Jenny spread out and looked around. The lantern and flashlights threw shadows everywhere.
“You were right, Dave. Damn, I bet this mush on the table is old food. That's just crazy. I wonder what happened here.”
“It's definitely got the eerie thing going,” Dave said. “I was actually disappointed the first time I came here. I was hoping a chair would move or something. But there's no ghosts here or anything.”
“Yes there is.”
Everyone looked at me. I kept my eyes locked on the corner. There was something there, just like in Tammy's kitchen, standing there watching us.
Cindy grabbed my arm.
“What are you talking about?” Tina asked.
“There's something there.”
Dave moved near the corner and held up his lantern. “You mean right here?”
“Yeah.”
“Come on, man. That's not funny,” Jenny said. The smile disappeared from her face.
I frowned. I wish I knew how I knew. But I can't explain it. All I could see was a dark corner. But I could feel a set of eyes watching us.
Strangely though, I wasn't afraid like I was five years ago.
“I don't think it's evil or anything. Just...curious.”
“Alex. Come on. Stop that shit. Don't be a dick.”
It was quiet for a moment. Dave, Tina, and Jenny all traded looks. Jenny shook her head, obviously a little mad a
t me.
“Come on guys, let's go check out the upstairs. Alex can play down here with his ghost.”
Cindy opened her mouth to defend me while our friends walked back to the living room. I grabbed her hand and shook my head. The further away the three of them were, the better. I wish Cindy wasn't with me either, but she was too stubborn. I looked at her as we heard their footsteps going upstairs.
“They'll never believe me anyway.”
“Well, I do.”
Suddenly a man stepped out of the corner. He was nicely dressed with a shirt and tie. Starting to go bald a little.
“You can see me?”
I flinched. I stood in front of Cindy.
“You can see me, can't you?”
It took me another moment to find my voice. “I-I couldn't see you till just now. But I knew you were there.”
Cindy gripped my arm a little tighter. “Alex? What's going on?”
I didn't answer. The new arrival had my complete attention.
“Wow,” he said with a smile. “I've had a lot of visitors over the years. Thrill-seekers, homeless people looking for a place to stay, but none have ever been able to see me.”
I didn't respond. I was too stunned.
He started to walk through the dining room table. I backed up another step. He emerged and stood in front of me.
“Wow, who's this young lady with you? She's cute.”
He reached out to touch Cindy. I put a hand on his chest and shoved him back. Cindy jumped next to me and got behind me slightly.
“Don't touch her.”
The man didn't look angry, but surprised.
“You pushed me?”
“Well, don't go reaching for my friend.”
He ignored me. “You...can reach into where I am? I wonder if that means-”
He reached out and grabbed my arm. His hands were warm and coarse. He pulled me forward until I braced myself with a foot on the floor.
“Hey!”
I heard Cindy suck in a breath behind me.
“Alex!”
“Yeah, Cindy. I'm okay.”
“Where are you?”
I turned around. “Huh? Right here.”
I reached out to grab her shoulder. My fingers sank into her clothes, like they were made of water. I pulled them back quickly. She turned and kept calling my name. Her face was full of panic.
I imagine mine was the same.
I looked at my hands.
“Guys! Alex is gone!”
There was a herd of footsteps upstairs followed by the gang running through the living room and staring at Cindy from the doorway.
“Cindy? What's going on?”
“Alex. He just disappeared.”
“Uh, guys? I'm right here.”
“Come on, Cindy. Not you too. No games, okay?”
“This isn't a fucking game! He was right here,” she said, gesturing with her hands. “I was holding onto him. Then he just vanished!”
The three of them looked at each other. The girls looked nervous, but Dave only shrugged.
“Well, let's look for him. We'll split up.”
“Split up? Are you kidding me? In this creepy ass place?”
Jenny stared at Tina. Cindy looked scared, but determined.
“We need to find Alex. Jenny and I will go upstairs. You two start down here.”
Jenny didn't move. Cindy had to grab her hand and pull her away. I heard them walk upstairs. Dave and Tina went back to the living room, then went through the front door to look outside.
I walked to the dining room table and tried to touch it. My hand went right through it. I actually pushed my arm through up to the elbow. It felt like when my arm went through Richard, all those years ago, like sticking my arm in a bucket of water. It was effortless to move my arm around, but I could still feel the table around me.
I pulled my arm out and stared at the man. He stared back at me, looking stunned himself.
“Amazing,” he said. “Who are you?”
“How about who the hell are you?” I said.
“Oh, I'm sorry. Manners. I'm George McEllen.”
McEllen.
“You used to live here.”
“Yeah, till those bastards came and took everything. My family, my life. All gone in five minutes.”
I felt sad for him. The look in his eye said it all. He looked at the table.
“We were eating right here. They came in through the back door. Shot my daughter Pam first. Then Sharon, my wife. Then me. All for the famous McEllen fortune they heard about.”
“I'm so sorry.”
George smiled solemnly and nodded.
“Why are you still here?” I asked.
“I wasn't. I felt someone in our home. I wanted to see who it was.”
“You...can feel things from the other side?”
He looked confused. “Other side?”
“You know. When you die.”
He smiled. “It's a little hard to explain. But you'll find out one day. Everyone does.”
I didn't say anything. He continued.
“I think the question is what's up with you? I've seen a lot of people come through here. Even psychics come through, looking for the fortune. And they can sense things, I won't lie. But talk to me and touch me? That's a new one. You are alive, right?”
It was a joke. I had trouble laughing.
“Well, I'm gonna leave now. It was nice meeting you. Certainly an experience. And that's saying a lot, since I've been dead who knows how long.”
“Wait.” I pushed my hand through the table one more time. “How do I stop doing this?”
He shrugged. “You got me there, son. I'm sure you'll figure it out. Oh, one more thing before I leave. There's a cabin not too far from here. Check out under the stove. I want you and your friends to have what's there. Call it a reward for such an interesting night.”
I was so confused and scared. But I wanted to talk to George a while longer.
“Wait!”
It was too late. He walked back into the corner like it was a doorway. He vanished into thin air.
I heard Dave and Tina arguing in the living room.
“I'm telling you, Tina. This isn't a damn joke. Hell, this was all Jenny's idea!”
“This just seems like something you'd do. You and Alex, to get a laugh.”
“Oh, get a grip. I was upstairs with you. You see how freaked out Cindy is? You think that's a joke?”
I walked into the living room. I didn't expect them to see me. But when my foot squished on the carpet Dave looked up.
“Alex! Holy shit, man!”
Tina poked her head near the stairwell. “Cindy! Jen! He's down here!”
I was real again. I didn't move. My jaw just hung open. I heard footsteps upstairs. Cindy and Jenny trotted down. Cindy nearly ran. She ran forward and hugged me. Even though I knew they could see me, I half-expected Cindy to walk right through me. I was thankful that she didn't. I wrapped my arms around her, not wanting to let go. No demons, no reliving a murder. But I'll never forget the first time I pushed my arm through a solid object.
“Hey,” Jenny said. “That wasn't cool.”
Tina nodded. “Yeah. We were really worried.”
I searched everyone's faces. They really thought I played some kind of joke on them.
I wouldn't try to convince them otherwise. But I wouldn't lie, either.
“Can we leave?” I asked.
“Yeah. Let's get the hell out of here.”
We filed out of the house. Cindy kept a hand on my shoulder for a while before letting it fall. I gave the house one final look as it got smaller.
Goodbye, George McEllen.
I remembered his last words.
Check out under the stove.
No one said much to me as we packed up our little party. I guess they were actually mad at me for pranking them. Dave set the grill in the back of the truck. Tina walked around and threw empty cans into a bag. I stole a look at the cabin.<
br />
“Hey guys. Come with me for a sec.”
I led the way to the bare cabin. I wondered if this belonged to George and his family as well when they were alive. I felt like we were trespassing. I knew once we left I'd never come back.
But George wanted us to have something.
“Dave, help me move this stove.”
He looked at everyone, then shrugged. He handed the lantern over to Tina.
The floor of the cabin was wooden planks. But as we dragged the heavy stove we could see two sets of hinges close to the wall.
“A trap door?” Jenny said. Her explorer enthusiasm was returning. “That's cool!”
“How did you know that was there?”
I didn't answer Tina. There weren't handles of any kind, but we could see the door itself. It was about two feet by two feet. Dave had to stab his pocket knife into the door to be able to lift it.
There was a hole dug in the dirt, about a foot deep. Sitting there, hidden away for over twenty years, was a brown burlap sack.
“Holy shit!” Dave said.
I lifted it out. Everyone was quiet as we carried it back to the truck. I emptied it on the lowered tailgate.
Money. Stacks of wrapped money, all neatly marked. I couldn't tell how much was there just by looking, but I'm sure it was more than I had in my bank account at the time.
None of us spoke. We just stood there and stared at it. Cindy was the first one to find her voice.
“Damn,” was all she could say.
“Can...we keep that?” Tina asked.
Dave grabbed a stack and looked it at. It was marked ten thousand. Ten thousand dollars in one little stack of money. I'd seen that in the movies, but never for real. He started dividing the stacks.
“Guys, I don't really think we should keep this,” Cindy said. She actually took a step back, like she was looking at something horrible. “I mean, this isn't ours.”
“Actually, we can keep it,” I said.
“What do you mean?”
I didn't want to say it, because I knew the looks I'd get. But there was nothing else I could say.
“George said he wanted us to have this. George McEllen.”
I wasn't wrong.
Tina frowned. “George McEllen? The guy who was killed here?”
“Oh come on, Alex. You want us to believe you can talk to ghosts?” Jenny said. Her tone said it all. She was irritated and annoyed.
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