A Walk on the Haunted Side (Haunted Tour Guide Mystery Book 2) (9 page)

I grabbed an armful of books and headed over to the stacks to put them away. I always enjoyed this part of the job. It was therapeutic. Sometimes Annie followed along behind me, even though she couldn’t send texts when I left my phone at the reference desk. She wanted me to keep it on me at all times, but it wasn’t possible to check the texts with my arms full anyway, so what was the point?

This time she’d stayed at the front to play with the cat. This left me alone to walk through the stacks. I didn’t mind the alone time. I stopped and placed a book on the shelf and then moved down to the next section.

I’d reached the end of the aisle when I heard footsteps. I paused and listened again to see where the sound was coming from. I wasn’t sure if they were behind me or if someone was getting ready to step around the corner from the other aisle. The footsteps had stopped, so I took a couple more steps. As soon as I did, I heard the sound again. I would have thought that it was just my own footsteps if not for the fact that the sound continued now that I had stopped. I peeked over my shoulder, but I didn’t see anyone. The sound had stopped again. I knew the library was empty expect for the ghost and the cat. The cat had never made noise that loud so I knew that it wasn’t Jane Austen.

Maybe it was Annie? Where was she? I knew I’d left her at the front of the library. If it had been her she probably would have already appeared by now.

“Annie, is that you?” I called out.

Not that she would answer me. She had been right. I should have my phone with me at all times. I wouldn’t tell her though because she would only say she told me so.

Since I didn’t hear the footsteps again, I figured it must just be my imagination. I had a lot going on lately so it wouldn’t be a surprise if any little sound kicked in my imagination.

I moved down the aisle again. I stopped in front of the shelf and placed another couple of books in their correct spots. Oddly enough, I was in the mystery section, not too far from where Hank’s books were filed. I thought about what had just happened again. I needed to get this off my mind. It was nothing, I reminded myself. After all, the library was big, old and scary. As much time as I spent in the graveyard and other spooky locations, I couldn’t understand why this bothered me. Then again, sometimes I had no idea why my thoughts worked the way they did.  

I only had a couple books left, then I could finish up my work and head home. I was looking forward to cooking a nice dinner. Maybe I could relax and take my mind off things. I just hoped the weird presence that had been hanging around my place wasn’t there tonight. It was as if someone was always watching me and I hated that feeling.

Speaking of that feeling, I was kind of having it currently. Maybe not quite as heavy, but that little feeling was there, just around the corner, waiting to appear.

The thought had barely left my mind when the footsteps sounded again. I couldn’t believe this was happening. I needed to hurry and get out of there.

I turned around in the aisle and then walked halfway back down. If I leaned over to the left, I could see part of the reference desk. I wanted to see if Annie was still there. When I leaned over to look, I spotted her at the desk. Jane Austen was batting at Annie’s hand. Seeing her there sent a shiver down my spine. Now I knew for sure that it wasn’t her. Was it the other ghost that had been following me around? It had to be. It wasn’t surprising that the ghost had followed me to work. If it followed me at home then it was no wonder that it would come to the library too.

Maybe it would leave me alone if I found out who the ghost was and what it wanted.

I turned back around and headed the other way down the aisle to file the books. I couldn’t let this spirit get the better of me. As long as it wasn’t an evil spirit, then I would be fine. Of course, I didn’t know it wasn’t evil.

I reached the end of the aisle and turned to my left to go down the next aisle. As soon as I did, I ran right into someone with a smack.

The books fell from my hand and landed on the floor. I let out a gasp and jumped back.

“Are you following me?” Cady asked with a frown.

For a second, I was speechless. Why would I be following her? If anyone was doing the following, it was her. Why was she here now? Obviously she had been the source of the footsteps.

“I’m not following you. Why do you ask?” I said, picking up the books.

I stared at her and wondered if I needed to run. The look on her face was less than pleasant. She looked as if she wanted to smack me. I couldn’t believe she had been sneaking around the library following me like that. How long had she been waiting for me?

“I know you have been following me around,” she said.

She had her fists clenched by her sides as if she was ready to hit me at any moment. Maybe I could use the books as shields against her punches. Or I could smack her on the head with them if she attacked me. I had no idea why she was so angry.

“Like I said, I haven’t been following you. What makes you think that I have been following you?” I asked. I couldn’t wait to hear her explanation for this. “I think it’s the other way around. I think
you
were following
me
.” I crossed my arms in front of my waist.

Her eyes seemed to catch fire with that comment. “I told you to stop following me.”

Maybe I should just walk to the front and leave her fuming back there. “Don’t come in here accusing me of something like that.” I waved my index finger at her.

Now she was making me angry.

She glared at me for a second and then said, “Look, I have been walking around and I hear footsteps and noises.”

“That doesn’t prove anything. Why would you think just because you are hearing things that it was me?” This wasn’t making any sense.

She shook her head in frustration. “Earlier today I heard the footsteps. At first I didn’t see anything, but when I looked back again I saw you on the sidewalk behind me, so I know for a fact you were following me. I saw you with my own eyes.”

“That isn’t true,” I said. “I didn’t even see you today. I think I would remember if I saw you. It must have been a coincidence if I was back there.”

She snorted. “That is highly unlikely.” She stepped close to me so that her face was mere inches from mine. “Now you listen to me. Stay away from me or you will regret it.” She didn’t blink.

I swallowed hard. I had to be tough. I reached out and poked her in the chest. “Don’t threaten me.”

Her eyes widened as if she couldn’t believe I’d had the nerve to do that.

“Believe it,” I said, answering the question that she hadn’t asked.

She stepped back, but didn’t take her eyes off me. My stomach felt sick. I could be dealing with the killer. What was I thinking? I was only making things worse. If she really was the killer, then she could snap at any moment. 

She stared at me and opened her mouth.

“Did you ever stop to think that it could be Sandra following you?” I asked.

“Nice try. Sure, blame her. I didn’t see her behind me.”

“I told you that it was a coincidence. I have to walk on the sidewalk too. They’re there for everyone to use, you know.”

“You think you’re so smart.”

Now I didn’t even know what she was talking about. She was coming unhinged.

I started to walk around her. “If you’ll excuse me, I have to get back to work.”

She leaned closer as I moved past. “Just remember that I won’t put up with this.”

Talk about a bad day at work. Now more than ever I needed to go home and relax.

As I headed toward the front of the library, Cady followed behind me. I really didn’t want to continue this conversation. When I looked toward the reference desk, Annie spotted us. At that moment, my phone went crazy. I knew she had a million questions. How had Annie not seen Cady walk in?

Annie floated over and walked beside Cady. She waved her finger in front of Cady’s face as a warning, but of course Cady had no idea. When I reached the desk, I stopped, but Cady continued toward the exit. Thank goodness. Maybe now she was finally leaving.

She opened the door, but turned slightly to look at me. “Don’t forget what I told you.”

She stepped out of the door.

A strong wind slammed the door shut behind her. I knew that Annie had been responsible for that. I moved over behind the desk and retrieved my phone. Twelve messages. I knew that Annie wanted to know what was going on with Cady.

What was that all about?
the last message said. The last message always appeared first on my phone.

I really didn’t want to worry Annie. But how could I lie to her? Maybe I would just leave out the worst parts.

She would like the part where I’d poked Cady in the chest though. Annie liked it when I stuck up for myself. I was learning more and more how important that was.

I’d just turned off my computer and was ready to leave when Tammy walked in my office. “I’m headed to pick up my little sister. Want to ride along?”

“Sure, I guess so.” I grabbed my purse.

Tammy and I stepped out into the hallway. “Do you think the story about the hex that’s placed on anyone who visits Helmwood House is true?” Tammy asked.

I chuckled. “Where did that question come from? It’s kind of out of the blue, don’t you think? And to answer your question, no, I don’t think the story is true. Do you?”

She stared at me for a second and then laughed. “No, no, of course not.”

Was she being serious? I couldn’t tell.

I peered around for Annie as we walked. “Of course you know I believe in ghosts, but placing hexes on people just isn’t possible.”

“I guess it’s just a coincidence then,” Tammy said.

“What’s a coincidence?”

Tammy sighed and then said, “That Hank was murdered after visiting the house.” 

“Yep, I guess so,” I said. “I went to the house. And nothing bad has happened to me.”

Her faced turned serious. “No, not yet.”

“Don’t say not yet.”

She quirked a sculpted eyebrow. “Then you are worried something could happen?”

“Well, no, I’m not worried… never mind.”

Tammy’s story sounded spooky for around a campfire while toasting marshmallows, but that was as far as it went. There was one thing on my mind though. The ghostly presence had appeared right after I’d visited the house. It couldn’t be a hex, but what was the reason? Maybe I could find out why she had followed me now that I knew what she looked like. But that didn’t explain the male presence that I’d felt.

My phone dinged, so I pulled it out of my pocket and checked the text. Of course I already knew who it was from since I could see her waiting for us at the end of the hall. Apparently, Annie had been listening to our conversation.

You shouldn’t mess around with that house.

“I will be fine,” I said.

“What did Annie say?” Tammy asked.

“She’s just worried about that house.”

“Maybe you should listen to her,” Tammy said.

As we walked toward the front of the library, I said, “You know, I’ve been thinking.”

“Well, it’s about time.” Tammy chuckled.

I frowned. “That’s not funny.”

She waved her hand. “You know what I mean.”

“Seriously though, I could find out more about the haunting of this house if I did a little research.”

“Do you mean by going back there? Are you sure that’s what you’re trying to find out? Is it about the hex?”

“There is no hex.”

Annie sent another message.
Do not go back to that house.

“What will Brannon say?” Tammy asked.

“He’ll probably be excited if I find out more about the house,” I said.

Jane Austen jumped up onto the desk and meowed.

Tammy rubbed the cat’s head. “You’re in luck, ’cause it just so happens I know where you can find out the story. I know a woman who might be able to shed more light.”

I leaned against the counter. “Okay… who is this person?”

“She lives down the road from here. She lived by the house when she was a child. Her name is Mrs. Marie Fredrickson.”

“How old is she now?” I asked.

Tammy shrugged. “I’m not sure. I think her Social Security number is one.”

I shook my head and chuckled. 

I wondered if Mrs. Fredrickson would remember the woman whose ghost I’d met. I had to find out because apparently the ghost wasn’t leaving my house anytime soon. The strange feeling was increasing by the day. So I was kind of in a hurry to get rid of her.

I had a while before the tour. I supposed I could pop by for a visit.

After feeding the cat, I said, “Okay, I’ll go over and see if she’ll talk to me.”

“I bet she will give you lots of information. She doesn’t get out much so she’ll probably love having a guest.”

“You’re probably right. Now I’m looking forward to it. Would you mind dropping me off there before you pick up your sister?” I asked.

“We were going shopping for cleaning supplies for her new apartment. You’re going to miss out on all the fun, but if you really want to go…”

“I’ll take a rain check.”

My phone dinged again.

Just be careful. Since you’re obviously not going to listen to my advice and stay away from that cursed house.

“I promise I will be careful.”

After wrapping up everything at the library, we made the quick drive to the woman’s house. We pulled up in front of the house and Tammy shoved the gear into park. “Here we are.”

I stared at the house. “I remember this place. I heard it was abandoned too.”

Tammy opened her door and got out. “Nope, it’s not abandoned.”

I climbed out of the car. “Did you change your mind and decide to go with me?”

Tammy and I stood on the sidewalk looking at the house. “No, I have to go, remember?”

“Oh, yeah, right. Well, I can handle this myself. Good luck, Tammy.”

She didn’t say anything else as she turned around and got back in her car.

Halfway up the sidewalk, I turned and looked out at the road. Tammy waved as she pulled away from the curb. I looked up at the house again. If I could do haunted tours then surely I could talk to this woman.

I’d barely finished knocking when the large wooden door swung open. The woman poked an umbrella at me. I jumped back.

“What do you want?” she demanded.

So much for her wanting guests.

“Mrs. Fredrickson, I just had some questions for you,” I said breathlessly.

“I don’t want to talk to anyone and I don’t want to answer your questions.”

“I have questions about the house on Potter Road.” I rushed my words.

She lowered the umbrella and stared at me. The woman had gray hair pulled up in a disheveled bun and wore a yellow floral dress. “What do you want to know?”

“Can I come in and ask a few questions?” Did I really want to go inside?

I stepped into the dark space. There was no sound other than my footsteps against the hardwood floor. Now I really wished that Tammy had come inside with me.

“We can sit in the living room if you’d like.”

I was having second thoughts. I’d just as soon stand out on the front porch, but that would probably seem rude. “The living room is fine,” I said.

“Sorry if I scared you, but you never know what kind of crazy might be at your front door,” she said.

“No, I agree. I should have called first.”

“I don’t have a phone.”

Well, this was going nowhere. I might as well just get right to the point.

She patted the sofa. “Sit down.”

I did as I was told and sat on the edge of the sofa, as if that would help me spring up faster in case I needed to run. There was about a fifty-fifty shot that I would have to bolt out of there. This house was almost as spooky as the abandoned one. The wallpaper was peeling from the walls and some of the plaster needed work. I knew how to do some repairs. I wondered if she needed my help.

“You wanted to ask a question?” she said while staring at me.

I cleared my throat. “My friend told me that you know a lot about the old house on Potter Road. The Helmwood place.”

She placed her hands on her lap. “Yes, but that was many years ago. I was just a little girl back then. The woman who owned the place had two small children I played with.”

“That sounds nice.” Nothing spooky about that. “Is there anything else?”

“She didn’t like anyone to come around. She would run the children away.”

“Is that how she got a reputation as a scary witch?” I chuckled.

“She did a lot of strange things. When people went around her, if she didn’t like them, bad things would happen.”

I wondered if this was the ghost that I had seen. Was she still around the house haunting it? That was the only logical explanation for what I’d seen.

“Was her name Helmwood?” I asked.

Mrs. Fredrickson shook her head. “I believe that was her name before she married. Her married name I can’t recall now. You’ll have to forgive me, my memory isn’t what it used to be.”

I nodded. “Of course.”

A frown turned down the corners of her mouth. “There are stories about the house. I was just a child when the woman who lived there died. Anyone who went to the house had bad things happen to them.”

Did she know that she’d just repeated her words? I wouldn’t remind her. She’d already said her memory wasn’t what it used to be.

“I guess that isn’t the case now,” I said. “Bad things don’t happen to people who go to the house.”

She stared at me. “I wouldn’t know about that.”

I didn’t bother to tell her that I had been at the house and nothing had happened to me. Brannon had been to the house too. As far as I knew nothing had happened to him either. Of course we couldn’t say the same about Hank. What was different? That was when it hit me. Hank had been attacked by the spirit. But spirits couldn’t kill people. It was just a coincidence.

“Can you give me an example of some of the things that happened to people?” I asked.

She tapped her fingers against her leg. “Keith Bender went missing.”

That was an interesting story, but it still was just a story that would scare the kids. I’d never heard of this man. I’d have to look into it. “Is there anything else you can tell me?” I asked.

“I don’t think there is anything else. I would advise you not to go to the house, if that’s what you’re planning on.” She scowled.

“Thank you for the warning, but I think it would be fine.”

She glared at me. “You’ll find out the hard way then.”

I didn’t want to find out the hard way or the easy way. I needed to find out if there was any truth to any of this story. “Do you believe in this? That bad things happen to people who go to the house?” I asked.

She shrugged her tiny shoulders. “It’s not for me to decide. I stay away from there, so I don’t have to worry if the story is real. You’d be well advised to do the same.”

She wasn’t going to let that part go. “Okay, I’ll stay away.”

I supposed I didn’t have any reason to go again. Other than getting rid of the ghost that had followed me on my return home. I guessed I couldn’t guarantee that I wouldn’t go back there. Maybe if I went back to the house the ghost would follow me back.

I pushed to my feet. “I really appreciate you taking the time to talk with me.”

Mrs. Fredrickson shuffled over toward me and I continued out of the room into the foyer. I reached the door and hurried out onto the porch before she could stop me. I turned around to face her. “Thank you again.”

I would have to mention to Tammy about offering to help fix up Mrs. Fredrickson’s home. She couldn’t do it herself and the house needed some repairs. I made a mental note to ask.

“Just stay away. The place isn’t safe,” she said.

I nodded. “Yes, I’ll do that.”

I stepped off the porch and down the pathway toward the sidewalk. I had hoped to see Tammy waiting for me. I still didn’t believe what the woman had said. But it did give me some idea who the ghost might be.

Tammy wasn’t anywhere in sight, but then again I had told her that I would call her if I needed a ride. I wasn’t going to do that though. I could walk home. I carried my purse in front of me and hurried my steps. It wasn’t a short walk home, but I would make the most of it.

I took off down the sidewalk. The more I thought about how Sandra had followed me, the more I thought maybe I should call Tammy for that ride. I tried to relax and not worry about it. My mind was playing games with me now. If it wasn’t the ghosts it was that weird woman. I could handle the ghosts much better. They weren’t nearly as scary as Sandra.

Did the police really suspect her as the murderer? Why else would they tell her not to leave town? I supposed it was just a precaution. Same as with Cady.