A Haunted Walk to Remember Read online

  A HAUNTED WALK TO REMEMBER

  A HAUNTED TOUR GUIDE MYSTERY

  BY ROSE PRESSEY

  All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book or portions thereof in any form, (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of the copyright owner. This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, incidents, places, and brands are the product of the author’s imagination and not to be construed as real. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.

  Index

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  Chapter 31

  About the author

  Chapter 1

  A creaking floorboard. A cold chill descending on the room. The feeling of being watched even though I was all alone. These were all things that I experienced currently. Alone in the middle of a haunted museum, I had easily let the creepy surroundings get the better of me.

  Even more shocking, I owned the haunted museum. What had I been thinking when I decided to buy this place? This was one of the few times I’d actually been alone in the place too. Only five minutes here and already I was experiencing paranormal activity. That shouldn’t be a shock to me, though, considering I was surrounded by items that were reportedly haunted.

  The most disturbing thing at the moment was the creepy doll in the corner of the room. Her long dark hair hung in curls and her round face and big brown eyes looked sweet, but there was something behind that pretty appearance. A spark of something deep within her eyes that let me know she had her attention set on me. I just knew she watched every move I made. Thank goodness she was sealed behind a glass container.

  I thought about covering her up with a sheet, but then that would defeat the whole purpose of having a haunted museum. Ideally, people would be coming in to have a look around at all the haunted items. I wanted them scared. Although we hadn’t opened to customers quite yet, so I suppose covering her for a bit wouldn’t hurt anything.

  Brannon Landon and I had recently hired a curator. Thank goodness she seemed unfazed with the paranormal activity. At least, for the most part, she seemed unruffled. Tomorrow was our first day open for business. At least I already had some experience with dealing with running a business. I owned the haunted walking tour in Devil’s Moon, Kentucky. Recently Brannon and I had purchased this haunted museum in Nashville, which was just a short drive from Devil’s Moon.

  At least Sidney Casper would be here soon and then I wouldn’t be alone. Though I was alone in a lot of haunted locations often, that didn’t make it any easier. Especially since I had that creepy doll staring at me. I tried not to look at her, but I just couldn’t help myself.

  Leaving the room wasn’t an option because I was setting up a display for an item that Brannon had recently acquired. Why wasn’t Brannon here setting it up? That was what I was asking myself now. Okay, he was at work and I had the day off on Sundays. Brannon had a lot of work to catch up on at the Devil’s Moon Police Department. He was a detective there. Part-time, he was a paranormal investigator. That was kind of how we’d met.

  I was a librarian by day at the Bilson Library in Devil’s Moon. The library was a beautiful place and not just because of all the fantastic books inside, but more about that later. Anyway, one day Brannon had come in wanting to investigate the library because, well, of course, the library was haunted. How could I tell a handsome man like him no? His dark hair, dazzling blue eyes, chiseled cheeks, and full lips. I’d been smitten from the start. That hadn’t changed at all in almost a year now.

  People asked when we were going to get engaged. I wasn’t sure about that, but I had to admit I kind of hoped it was soon. Of course, all kinds of questions came to mind when I thought about it. Where we would live? His place or mine? I recently bought an old Victorian mansion. It used to be a funeral home. I know, I know, more creepy stuff. I just couldn’t help myself apparently.

  Anyway, I had fixed the place up quite a bit and I just loved the house. It was my home sweet home. Brannon’s house was nice and all, but it was just, well, kind of boring in comparison. A brick ranch style. It was lovely, but mine? There was just a spark about it that I couldn’t quite describe. The old Victorian had a long wraparound porch, for heaven’s sake. How could I possibly let that go? Besides, Brannon stayed with me a lot now. I never stayed at his place. But I digress. Back to the subject at hand.

  Recently Brannon had discovered a haunted vase from an estate sale. The woman there claimed that it was haunted. When Brannon took it home, he said he started seeing shadows and hearing footsteps. His place had never been haunted. Well, maybe the occasional ghost that came back with him from an investigation, but they usually only stated a day or two until they got bored and then took off to their original haunting location. Now that I thought about it, even the ghosts didn’t like Brannon’s house. Funny, they seemed to stick around my place quite often. That should tell him something. Anyway, I was getting off-topic again.

  I placed the vase in the glass case and stepped back, studying it for a moment. The vase was actually quite beautiful with blue flowers swirling around the white ceramic. Now it would have a permanent place here in the museum. The story behind the vase hadn’t been easy to track down, but somehow Brannon and I had managed.

  Supposedly the vase had belonged to Mrs. Patricia Monroe and she loved it so much that when she passed away, she continued to stick around. To this day the ghost of Mrs. Patricia Monroe haunted the vase. I guess she would have to stick around the haunted museum if she wanted to stay by the vase. So far, I’d seen no sign of her, and I hoped she didn’t make an appearance while I was here by myself. Yes, I’d had plenty of experiences with spirits, but nevertheless, it was always best if it wasn’t two against one. Meaning it was better to have two living people and one ghost, not the other way around. I’d learned that the hard way.

  Once again, the sound of footsteps caught my attention. I paused to see which room they came from this time. Earlier the footsteps had been upstairs. Then they had slowly crept down the stairs. When I went to the foyer to see who might appear, no one was there.

  This time I headed across the floor back to the foyer. Just as I reached the doorway, someone appeared in front of me. I screamed like I was the lead role in a horror movie. This wasn’t a ghost. Sidney stood in front of me. She clutched her chest and appeared momentarily speechless. I’d scared the words right out of her.

  A couple seconds later, Sidney started laughing. “I guess it’s only natural that we’re a bit jumpy in a place like this.”

  “Absolutely,” I said breathlessly. “I’m glad you’re here. Mainly because I don’t like being alone here.”

  Maybe I shouldn’t have said that. It would only be a reminder to her that she wa
s going to be alone here a lot. At least she would have tour-goers soon enough and she wouldn’t be completely by herself. Though were we ever completely alone with all the ghosts around?

  “It’s spooky, but I’m up for the job,” she said.

  I’d liked Sidney from the moment we met. She was cool in my opinion. If anyone could handle the ghosts, I felt comfortable that she could do it. Sidney looked ready for the job too. Her blonde hair was pulled back into a ponytail. She wore jeans, a black sweater, and white sneakers.

  “It’s a good thing,” I said around a laugh.

  “So where do we start?” she asked, clapping her hands together. “I know you have some items you want to get out before the tour starts tomorrow.”

  “I just placed the vase in the glass display case.” I gestured toward the middle of the room. “What do you think?”

  “I think it makes a great focal point piece for the entire collection in here.” She smiled.

  I glanced over to see if the doll was still watching.

  “I think she likes it too,” Sidney said.

  I exchanged a look with her. We laughed.

  “Let me know if she tells you otherwise,” I said.

  “Are the other items upstairs in the storage area?” she asked.

  Just as I was about to answer, a crash sounded from somewhere nearby.

  “That sounded like it was outside,” I said.

  “It sure did,” she added.

  Sidney and I ran across the room to the foyer again. I dashed over to the front door and noticed a package had been left on the top step.

  “That was an awfully loud delivery,” I said.

  “Do you think that was what happened?” Sidney asked as she stepped closer.

  “I’m not sure,” I said. “But I think so.”

  I opened the door and looked out across the area to see if there was any sign of who may have left the package. No one was in sight. A couple cars drove down the street in front of the museum, but that was all the activity. I saw no delivery truck.

  “Maybe they just tossed it onto the porch,” she said.

  “Well, I hope it isn’t fragile.”

  I picked up the box and brought it inside, closing the door behind me.

  “Were you expecting a delivery?” Sidney asked.

  “No, I wasn’t actually. Maybe it’s just office supplies that Brannon ordered. Nothing too exciting.”

  I placed the box down on the table next to the door.

  “Aren’t you going to open it?” Sidney asked.

  I’d already turned my attention back to the room full of haunted items.

  “Oh, I figure it’s nothing important,” I said with a wave of my hand.

  She peered at the box again. Obviously, her curiosity had gotten the best of her.

  “Okay, okay, I’ll open it,” I said with a chuckle.

  I was sure it was nothing, though. Nevertheless, I picked up the box and pulled on the edge of the tape at the corner.

  “This thing is really secure,” I said. “Maybe I should get a knife from the kitchen.”

  “I’ll be right back,” she said as she dashed off toward the back of the house.

  A kitchen at the back of the house was used as a break room for employees and to make snacks for museum visitors. Well, for Sidney since she was our one and only employee as of now. I peeked around the corner to see if the doll was watching. Yep, she was still following me with her eyes. A few seconds later Sidney returned with the large shiny knife in hand.

  “Don’t run with that thing,” I said, sounding like my mother.

  I took the knife from her hand and sliced the tape on top of the box. Sidney stood close, anxiously peering over my shoulder in an attempt to get a glimpse inside the box. Before I had it fully open, I spotted a preview of the contents. Unfortunately, what I actually saw was just packing popcorn and other shipping materials like bubble wrap, paper, etc. So, this thing was fragile after all. Luckily, I heard nothing rattling in the box, so I assumed it hadn’t broken.

  Moving the box flaps back just a bit more, I reached in and pulled out the object, which was still concealed by all the wrapping materials. I started removing the bubble wrap faster. Now I was anxious to see what Brannon had ordered. Finally, I unraveled the plastic and realized that it was another vase.

  “This is strange. Brannon must have ordered another haunted vase,” I said, examining the ceramic container.

  “They send haunted things through the mail?” Sidney asked.

  “Yeah, why not?” I said, shrugging.

  I had to call Brannon and find out what this is all about. Placing the vase gently back in the box, I pulled out my phone. After a couple rings, Brannon answered.

  “How’s it going there?” he asked.

  “Well, pretty good. The doll’s still staring.”

  He laughed. “I think she likes you.”

  “The feeling isn’t mutual. Anyway, I have a question.”

  “Sure, what’s up?” he asked.

  “We just received a delivery here, and I wanted to ask if you ordered another vase,” I said.

  “No, I haven’t ordered anything,” he said.

  “That’s odd,” I said.

  Sidney’s eyes widened as she listened.

  “I just got a delivery of another vase that’s similar to the one that you bought from the estate sale.”

  “Interesting,” he said. “Is there a return address?”

  I examined the box. “There’s no address.”

  “I’m not sure, Rip. Maybe someone sent you a gift,” Brannon said.

  “I suppose. How am I supposed to know if it’s haunted?”

  “It’s probably safe to assume that it’s haunted considering the person likely knows the museum’s full of haunted things,” he said.

  “You’re right. I’ll just sit it aside for now,” I said.

  “I’ll take a look at it when I get a chance.”

  “All right, well, I’ll let you get back to work.” I eyed the vase again.

  “When are you coming back?” Brannon asked.

  “Probably within the next couple hours. We just have to get a few more things out and we’ll be all finished.”

  “Just be safe driving back,” he said. “I miss you. How about dinner tonight?”

  “Sure. Pizza?” I said with hope in my voice.

  Pizza was my favorite. Any pizza. I loved it all.

  “I thought maybe we could go to your favorite place,” Brannon said.

  “Oh, it’s a special occasion?” I asked. “What are we celebrating?”

  The opening of the museum? We’d been so busy that we’d never discussed any kind of private celebration. However, we had a party planned for a future date.

  “The special occasion is that I love you.”

  “All right,” I said, somewhat suspiciously.

  What was Brannon up to?

  “I’ll see you later,” Brannon said in an upbeat tone.

  After ending the call, Sidney said, “What did he say?”

  “It’s not from him. There’s no return address either. I guess someone just sent me a gift,” I said.

  “It’s kind of a creepy gift. Considering this is a place with so many haunted things, I guess that means it’s haunted.”

  “I guess so. We’ll set it aside for the time being until we figure out what to do with it. I’ll take it upstairs and put it in the storage room when we get the other stuff to bring down.”

  “Sounds like a plan,” she said.

  I picked up the box and we headed the old squeaky staircase. Every time I walked up these stairs, I thought back to all the people who had used these stairs over the years. Being almost two hundred years old, it was no wonder the treads groaned with each step. A hint of light shone through the window from the back of the house at the staircase landing. Dust motes danced in the sunbeam.

  I had about ten items I needed to get out before tomorrow’s opening. Just to name a few, an old
jewelry box, a lamp, and a boot from 1909. Yes, just the one boot. I wanted to be here for the opening, but I’d been unable to get off work. One of the biggest days of my life, and I had to miss it. However, I had full confidence that Sidney would be able to handle everything just fine. ***

  A couple hours later, I had said goodbye to Sidney and was now on the road headed back to Devil’s Moon. The haunted items were in the display cases, and with any luck, we were all set for tomorrow. We were due to open at four PM. Depending on how well it went for the first few months, we’d probably start opening earlier than that in the future, but for the first day, it would be four. Like I mentioned earlier, we had a party scheduled in a couple weeks that would be kind of like a celebration of the beginning of our new venture. That, and a party for Sidney being brave enough to take on this job.

  After the hour and a half drive, I pulled into historic downtown Devil’s Moon. A courthouse sat at the center of town square. Various shops and restaurants filled the old buildings lining the main street. Black streetlamps, benches, and intricately detailed iron planters full of red and white geraniums dotted the sidewalks.

  Tammy was at the tavern, so I decided to stop in and say hi before heading home to get ready for my date. Brannon wouldn’t get off work for another hour. I found a parking spot up front and maneuvered my little black Ford in between a white pickup truck and a red Mustang.