Restless Spirits

“Oh, we have shelves dedicated to the hotel. Is there something in particular you’re looking for?”

Pierce glanced at Demi, who shrugged and turned down the corners of her mouth.

“Anything about the paranormal events that have taken place.”

“Oh, you’re staying there, right?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“So you must’ve run into something.” She raised a shapely brow.

“We think so,” Demi said.

“Mhmmm.” She nodded and walked around the desk. “Follow me. I have some popular books with well-documented events. Are you two paranormal investigators?”

“No, ma’am. Just curious,” Pierce said.

“Hmph. You know what they say about curiosity. It killed the cat.”

“Did you have something happen there…Mrs. Katherine?” Demi said.

“No, but I’ve lived here my entire life. You hear enough stories, and you know there has to be a grain of truth to it all. Now, I don’t thin

k the entity is evil per se. I just don’t want it trailing me home and wreaking havoc.”

“Has it done that before?” Pierce asked.

“Some say so. I think it might’ve been a convenient scapegoat for a dalliance. He got caught by his wife with his pants down, literally, and said the ghost of the Eagle Inn did it. The worlds rolled off his tongue easier than ‘I’m an adulterer.’”

“Ouch.” Demi winced.

“Exactly.” Katherine turned down an aisle in the center of the library. “This is where we keep the paranormal books, and these two rows are exclusively dedicated to The Eagle Inn. I’ll pick out some of the best ones, in my opinion, and then I’ll leave you two young people to it. If you need anything, I’ll be here for the rest of the day.” She plucked three books of various sizes from the shelves, handed them to Demi. “Happy reading.”

* * * *

“Okay, we’ve been at these for a couple of hours.” Demi shut the book she’d been looking at and turned to face Pierce. “What’s the verdict?”

“My opinion? I think maybe it’s a kid, or a lady in white, because most people seem to think it was a feminine presence.”

“That’s true. Some thought they heard a young woman’s voice.”

“But what would be the violent or tragic situation? You’d think something of that magnitude would be documented.” Demi wrinkled her nose.

“Maybe she suffered in silence?”

“Yeah, that would piss me off more than anything. Never having my story told while I remained trapped in the place that had brought me so much sorrow.” Demi sighed and shook her head.

“You feel sorry for her?”

“Yeah, I mean, the spirit’s never hurt anyone. Scared the shit out of them and tried to get their attention, yes. But maybe she just wants to be heard?” Demi tapped her lips, intrigued.

“What do you think we should do next?” Pierce leaned back in his seat, stretching his arms above his head.

“I don’t know. I guess it’ll depend on the walk-through tonight. Ask questions and see if she answers?”

“Sounds like a plan. In the meantime, I think we should take a break. It’ll be lunchtime soon, and I saw a place I know you’ll love.”

Demi glanced down at the small stack of books and back to Pierce. “I’m game. One more word, and my head might explode.”