by Alexie Aaron
Audrey sipped her tea, trying to remain calm. As a researcher she was excited by any and all information. The best stuff came from family bibles, but sometimes a journal or diary survived. Those journals, although thought to be less reliable because they tended to be reported events from the eyes of one individual and contained a lot of gossip, had been responsible for a lot of good information in past cases.
“This was wrapped around some old hurricane lights my father had stored in the garage. It’s from the local paper. I thought it might be valuable as a historical record of the area so I preserved it.” She handed the plastic-covered sheet to Audrey.
The headline of Ephraim Ashe Serves Sixty Days for Arson caught Audrey’s eye. She scanned the article. Ephraim Ashe, father of three, husband of the late Elizabeth Procter, was found guilty of burning down the Wallford’s grain exchange after being denied payment for his services.
“Evidently, firebugs ran in the family,” Audrey commented. “Do you think John or his father started the fire in the woods?”
“I have no clue.”
Audrey ran her hand over the timeline she had created after talking with a few of the seniors after the meeting. She found what she was looking for and said, “Evidently, Ephraim Ashe was away in the county lockup when the fire happened, so that alibies him.”
“If Ashe only had three children, who are the other three?” Mary asked. “And what were they doing in the woods making a fire?”
“Maybe the children were cold,” Audrey offered.
“Perhaps, but we’ll never know, will we?” Mary said.
“There is a way for us to find out. This is just supposition mind you,” Audrey cautioned. “Mia has a talent for communicating with ghosts. So far she has only had the briefest of glimpses. The children aren’t strong enough to break through the veil of death but yet haven’t moved on. They are trapped here. We need to communicate with the lost six in order to know what needs to be done. We’re hoping that we can calm down the paranormal activity here by satisfying the Himmel ghosts by releasing the children from the woods,” she confided.
“And to do this you need to dig them up,” Mary said. She got up and took the tea service away. She returned from the kitchen and stood a moment thinking. She clapped her hands together and said, “Go ahead. Try not to destroy the place while you’re at it. I don’t want the county on my case.”
Audrey nodded. “We’ll be professional.”
“Your group seems to go the extra mile. It pleases me to see young people who still believe in working hard,” Mary said. She offered Audrey another cookie.
Audrey declined and mentioned she needed to get back to meet up with Mike over at the school. “We are going to tour the facility. Do you want to come along?”
Mary declined, although Audrey could tell she was pleased with the invitation. “Go ahead, and give those rascals what for when you see them. I was planning on some of those flowers for my husband’s grave.”
“I’ll let them know,” Audrey promised.
~
Mike stood, waiting for the PEEPs vehicles to arrive. When it became apparent that the paranormal activity had stalled in the neighborhood, PEEPs agreed to move the RV and trucks to the Himmel school parking lot. Burt felt in his gut that the school was the hotspot of activity and would be a better place to set up operations. He watched as Mia got out of the truck and directed the big vehicles into position near the building. She next took out a bucket of salt and encircled them.
CRACK!
Mike jumped ten feet in the air. “For heaven’s sake, Murphy you son of a bitch, a simple tap would be enough to announce you.”
Murphy scratched out a halfhearted apology. He enjoyed startling Mike. Mike had been his whipping boy since the beginning. It started with the misunderstanding between the handsome older investigator and Mia. Mia since had assured Murphy that Mike wasn’t a threat, but Murphy had developed a liking for annoying the investigator and never let up.
Mike was well aware of the good-naturedness of the taunting, but it still irritated him.
Mia waved both men over. “Burt wants a meeting before we enter the school,” she said when they arrived. “Sorry about the salt, old man, but those kids are relentless when it comes to pranks,” Mia explained to Murphy.
He nodded but still looked annoyed at the poured barrier.
“Murphy probably taught them all they know,” Mike said as he stepped quickly over the salt line.
Stephen swung his axe towards the retreating man and felt it hit the invisible wall the salt produced. Mia, who was watching him, shook her head trying to look stern. She caught his eye and matched the feigned innocence in his steel blue ones with the mischief in her green ones. They didn’t need to speak for each of them to understand the other.
“I’m going to be brief,” Burt started. “I would like two teams. Mike, Mia and Cid will take the first tour. After, Audrey, Murphy and I will go in. Ted, you’re on com. That’s it.”
The team members looked at each other surprised that Burt was true to his word about a brief meeting.
Mike walked into the RV to comb his hair. Mia helped Cid with the camera and other equipment, but not before breaking the salt line and letting Murphy into the trailer.
“Come on!” Mike yelled. He popped his shaving-cream-covered head out the door. “Mia, heel your ghost would you?”
“Sure. Shame on you, Murph,” she chided, winking at the same time.
Chapter Twelve
The senior on duty for this walkthrough was a sprightly woman in her late sixties named Theresa Wright. “My parents attended this school. They met on the playground. My father claimed that my mother cast a spell on him. She claims he was more interested in what was in her lunch box than in her. They would argue this point for hours but always ended up laughing over other reminiscences. I was lucky to attend this school along with the other three children in our family.”
Mike waited until he was sure Cid had him properly in focus before asking, “What was so special about this school that so many have wanted to be buried here?”
“The teachers and the staff. Many of them were related. Nepotism was a common practice. The school felt, if one Em was trustworthy then the rest were. The Ems made learning fun. They guided us through the Golden Book years of our lives. From building blocks to questioning the universe, the Ems had it covered. You felt safe here and, yes, loved.”
“So this was more of an oasis than a school?” he asked.
The woman’s face lit up. “You could say that. Those who had troubles at home forgot them when they entered the building. It was as if you entered heaven. Sure we had lessons to learn and math problems to solve, but the Ems made it fun.”
“What impact did this type of education have on you?”
“Made me believe I could do anything. I was important.”
“Do you mind if I ask what you do for a living?”
“I’m retired now, but I was a chemical engineer. I designed soda pop flavors,” she said proudly. “Now I split my time between this project and mentoring at a middle school east of here.”
“So you’re carrying on the Ems’ tradition?”
She smiled at the realization. “Yes, sir, I am.”
They ended the interview with Theresa relating a story about being asked to climb the rope in gym class. “I made it halfway up, and it became apparent I wouldn’t be able to finish. The teacher, I believe it was Mr. Michaels, called to me and he asked, ‘Is that all you’ve got, Theresa?’ I answered honestly that I had a little more. I hauled myself up a few more feet and said, ‘Mr. Michaels, I’ve given it my all.’ He replied that it was good enough for him and gave me an A. Through life when I was stuck on a project, I would hear his voice asking, ‘Is that all you’ve got, Theresa?’ and I would work until I gave it my all. He taught me that you didn’t have to solve the problem or finish the climb in order to win. Winning came from doing your best work, giving your best effort and trying for
the gold.”
Mia wished she had been part of this school. Could the Ems have made a difference in her life, or would her ability to look into the spirit world still have set her apart? She pushed her demons away and followed Mike through the halls of the school.
Theresa told them she had a few calls to make and would be outside if they needed her. Mia watched the woman as she walked away. She didn’t look old to Mia; she had the air of an energetic child about her. Could Himmel be influencing the alumni as well as haunting the neighborhood?
“Everything is so small,” Cid commented as he focused the camera on the tiny drinking fountains.
“Kid size,” Mia said bending over, pleased that the fountain still worked. The cool water splashed into her mouth, refreshing her.
“Mia size,” Cid commented.
“I’m not that small,” she said straightening up. “You’re just too tall.”
“Children,” Mike warned. “We have a job to do. Mia, I take it you don’t see anything amiss.”
“To me this looks like an abandoned school. No kids or teachers, nothing. Of course, we are dealing with a different kind of a haunt here,” she admitted.
The sound of a bouncing ball at the end of the hall drew their attention.
“According to the blueprint, the sound is coming from the gymnasium,” Mike whispered for the benefit of the camera.
They moved quickly down the hall and into the wood-floored gym. Mia rounded the corner and spied a lone child bouncing a large rubber ball in the center of the gym. As they entered, the bleachers began opening, sliding out from the walls. Mia saw hundreds of children moving into place and sitting down. She felt the anticipation of the crowd, and sweat began to run down her back.
“Mike,” she warned. “I think they’ve been waiting for us.”
Mike looked at the ball bouncing by itself and felt a twinge in his stomach.
“I think they want us to play,” Mia said.
“I hope it isn’t dodge ball,” he said, touching his nose.
Mia looked at the young man with the ball and asked, “Dodgeball?”
He shook his head no.
“Kickball?” Mia asked.
He nodded.
Mia moved to where she assumed home plate would be and waited. The boy rolled the ball, and Mia took a few steps and kicked it, sending it hard to the center right. She ran to where another child appeared, encouraging her to continue around the bases that only the ghost children could see. She made it to second by the time the ball was retrieved. “You’re up, Dupree,” she said.
Mike took off his suit jacket and loosened his tie. He waited nervously. He was disadvantaged by not being able to see the pitcher, just the ball. The first pitch rolled right by him.
A thunderous pounding came from all sides. Mia looked around and saw the children stamping their approval at the strike with their feet. Cid stooped down and picked up the ball, still managing to continue to film. He rolled it back to where it had come from.
Mike nodded that he was ready, and the ball once again was rolled. He connected with it and sent it to the far left corner. Mia ran to third base and started for home when the ball was tossed back to the pitcher. She walked back to third. Mike held up at second.
Mia touched her ear. “Teddy Bear, we are involved in a game of kickball, and I fear our cameraman is up at bat. Send in team two, please.”
“Anything else, Queen of the Gymnasium?”
“Just luck. We are being tested here. Warn grumpy pants that we are supposed to be having fun here. I feel any grownup attitude will be at our peril, over.”
“Mia, you’re live, and grumpy pants has heard your warning,” Ted said adding, “over.”
Mia winced. She wasn’t scoring any points with Burt lately, and calling him grumpy pants wasn’t going to put her at the top of his list anytime soon.
Cid waited for the right kick and sent the ball flying. Mia ran to home plate. She whipped around and yelled, “Mike, watch out!”
Mike turned just in time to avoid a hurdled kickball. Cid slowed his run at second. Mia picked up the camera and panned the gym. The camera only picked up the shadows of the children. She pulled her eyes away from the viewer and saw the excited faces of the children in the stands.
Audrey ran into the gym followed by Burt. Murphy strolled in and stopped. He was gobsmacked at the amount of spirits assembled in the stands.
“Audrey,” Mia said, getting the investigator’s attention. “I suggest you kick next. You have played kickball before?” Mia asked.
“I’m from Chicago,” Audrey said as if that answered everything. She lined up with the bouncing ball and waited. It rolled, and she kicked a shallow ground ball straight at the pitcher. She was tagged with the ball before she made what she assumed was first base. Mike tagged third and started for home. The first basemen ran for home but missed tagging him crossing the plate by seconds. Cid advanced to third. Audrey dragged her feet as she walked back, angry she was the first out.
“Good try!” Mia called and whistled her approval.
“Indoor voice, baby, indoor voice,” Ted said. “Your whistle is frying my audio.”
“Oops,” Mia said. Not only did she have Ted listening in from her com, but the camera was picking up audio too. “Sorry, my bad.”
Mike walked over and took the camera from her. “Girls,” he said and winked. “Go ahead and coach the team.”
Mia walked over to where first base was. She nodded at Cid.
Burt walked up and took a stance. The ball was rolled, and he kicked it high and center right.
“Hold up, Cid,” she called as she watched the ball being caught. “Touch base and run for it!” she instructed and watched the surprised outfielder send the ball to the pitcher. Cid crossed home plate.
“That’s three runs and two outs,” Mia said directing her voice to the pitcher. The boy nodded smiling. He pointed to the farmer standing at the doorway. “Murphy, it’s your turn.”
Murphy raised his hands.
“What do you mean you don’t know how to play? You kick the ball and run.”
He glared at her.
Mia, sensing her attitude was less than encouraging, walked over to him and said tenderly, “I’m sorry. The spirit of competition has got a hold on me. What you need to do is kick the ball once it’s rolled to you. Then run to me. I’m first base. You’re pretty fast; you’ll make it.”
Murphy balanced his axe on his shoulder and approached the plate. Mia ran to first and waited.
The ball was rolled. Murphy took two steps and willed his foot to be solid. He connected with the ball. It was a line drive kick, nearly taking the pitcher’s head off.
“Come on, old man!” Mia cheered as he took off running.
The center fielder had the ball under control but tripped.
“Run to second. In the center by the pigtailed girl!” Mia shouted.
Murphy made second base before the ball was brought under control. Mia jumped up and down cheering. Audrey, not being able to see anything but Mia’s reaction, clapped her hands.
“Mia, it’s your turn,” Cid shouted getting her attention.
“You go to third base and coach,” she instructed Cid as she prepared herself. “Murph, listen to Cid,” she said, pointing at the investigator.
Murphy was confused, but being a sport, nodded.
Mia moved to home plate. The ball was rolled, and she kicked it just past the pitcher. The second basemen had his hands on the ball. Cid motioned for Murphy to hold. Mia ran towards first base, and the girl with pigtails advanced on her.
“Murphy, run!” Cid called, encouraging the ghost to third base.
Mia overran first base and almost collided with the young girl holding the ball. She dodged around laughing. She had caught Murphy’s progression around third, heading for home plate in her peripheral vision and knew she had to give him time. She twisted around, avoiding the tag by inches. Mia ran back towards first base.
Mu
rphy crossed home plate just before Mia felt the ball bounce off her back.
The stands erupted with the pounding of invisible feet. The pitcher smiled and held up three fingers.
Mia winded but happy walked over to the boy and said, “Your turn at bat.”
He smiled and shook his head.
“Thank you for the game. It was fun,” Mia said. “Can I ask you a question?”
He nodded.
“Why are you all here?”
“Ashe.”
Mia nodded. “John Ashe and the other five?”
The boy nodded again. “Bring home to Himmel,” he said and added, “Soon.”
Mia nodded. “Please leave the neighbors be, and I’ll do my best to find them and bring them here,” she promised.
“Fun?”
“Oh, I think they got your message,” Mia said. “The marbles were a nice touch, scared the crap out of me and Ted,” she commented and lightly punched the arm of the pitcher.
He blushed.
“If there is any message anyone wants to send to loved ones,” Burt announced. “We will be back tomorrow.”
Mia was as surprised as the children at Burt’s offer.
The boy grinned and faded from Mia’s sight. The stands receded into the walls, and the gym was empty with the exception of the ball at Mia’s feet. She touched her ear come and said, “Time to call, Daddy.”
“He’s on his way,” Ted said softly. “Good job. Four runs. I think we’ll have to have a team picture taken with the kickball.
“Yes, that would be a great idea. I’ve never had so much fun outside of, well, you know…”
Ted hummed an understanding before disconnecting.
Chapter Thirteen
Charles Cooper crouched down and ran his gloved hand over what he felt was the keystone of the foundation. He had several students hovering around him taking notes and filming the project. “We hope to find a way to excavate this nineteenth-century dwelling in the hopes of finding the remains of six children, ages four to eleven.” He looked over at his daughter who was clearing the deadwood of berry bushes away from the work site. “Mia, were all the children from one family?”
