Haunted (Michael Bennett 10)

“No.”

Trent asked, “Did somebody die here?”

“Not that I know of.”

Eddie said, “Then why is it called the Ghost House?”

“Because no real-estate agent could sell it, and it remained empty for several summers.”

That brought laughter from Mary Catherine, Seamus, and me, but the kids looked disappointed that there wasn’t any sinister meaning to it. Then Sandy said, “I don’t actually know where the name came from. It started as a rumor, and the name just sort of stuck. I know some homeless people stayed here sometimes, and that probably scared the local kids. But you don’t have anything to worry about with your dad, Mary Catherine, and Gramps around.”

Chrissy, who was sitting right next to Sandy, said, “Why don’t you have any kids?”

Sandy gave her a smile and said, “You’ve got to find the right guy, and I’m telling you that’s not easy to do. I hope to have a child one day. I guess I can’t wait very long. But until then, I hope your dad shares you guys with me just a little bit.”

I had to laugh and say, “Share them with you? Why don’t I leave them with you? They can go to school up here in Maine, and I’ll come visit sometime around Christmas.”

I was prepared to field questions and comments from the crowd when someone knocked on the front door.

Seamus said, “A little late for a visitor.”

I saw the look of concern on Sandy’s face as we both stood at the same time to go to the front door. I motioned for Mary Catherine and the kids to stay where they were. Maybe my little scuffle with Dell Streeter had gotten under my skin more than I realized.

Sandy stood to the side of the door, ready to take action if necessary, when I opened it.

I was surprised by our guest.

It was Sadie, the homeless girl I’d seen at the clambake and around town.

She didn’t look as frail as I remembered. She focused those dark eyes on me and said, “Are you still looking for Tom-Tom Bacon and Tricia?”

“Yes, I am.”

“Then I have something important to show you. Can you drive me?”

Sandy stepped from behind the door and said, “We both can.”

Sadie nodded her head and said, “Good, because there’s some people who’ll be mad I’m telling secrets.”

Chapter 58

I sat in the backseat with Sadie, where I could face her, and turned Sandy into our chauffeur. She knew exactly what I was doing. We’d used the technique effectively back in New York. People were much more willing to talk to you if there wasn’t the barrier of a seat between you.

I studied the girl carefully as we headed to the woods on the other side of town, not far from where Dell Streeter lived.

I said, “Can I ask you a question, Sadie?”

“You want to know why I’m like this?” She jiggled her right leg and right hand. “It’s from a stroke. That’s why I slur my words a little bit, too.”

“Are you getting any kind of treatment?”

“Some. I see a social worker who makes me go to the doctor. She’s nice, but she has no idea what life is like on the streets.”

“When did you have the stroke?”

“Around two years ago, when I was fifteen. Before my mom died.”

I mumbled, “I’m sorry to hear your mom died.”