Trouble at Thunder Mountain Read online

  Uncle Joe held up his hand for silence. “Listen, the mortgage, the taxes, and the insurance are tapping into my savings. I can’t keep up two mortgages and pay for your cousin’s tuition.”

  My cousin, Liam attended medical school.

  “What if we chip in?” Ava asked. “I’m sure between the three of us, we can help you.”

  “Speak for yourself, everything I make goes back into Beans and Greens.” Laney glowered at Ava.

  Sadly, I shook my head. “I don’t have money. Ghost hunting isn’t paying the bills.” I really wasn’t sure how long I’d have a job at Third Eye if Mandy and Jason reunited as a loving couple.

  “That’s why I need to sell the house,” Uncle Joe lowered his head, avoiding eye contact and stared at the apple on the placemat.

  “I don’t know. We’ll figure something out.” He ran his hand over his face as if to wipe away any grief that might be revealed.

  Grief-stricken silence hung in the air. No one dared speak. No one dared wanted to be the first to say Nana was dead. No one wanted to say that she would never return. Time to move on.

  Uncle Joe inhaled and let out a deep breath. “We don’t have to sell it today. But, we need to decide what to do in a couple of weeks.”

  A reprieve for two more weeks until we had to decide how we would deal with Nana’s disappearance. I’d been clinging to the hope that she would return. I had to discover what happened to her. This blank wall of nothingness I received when I tried to seek her out with my abilities had to change. Time to shift things. I opened and closed my fists. My instincts suggested the Blood Collector’s involvement. I had to find Nana.

  “I have to get to work. I’ll talk to you later, Joe.” Mom grabbed her purse, computer bag, and headed out the door.

  We all remained quite as we listened to Mom’s car’s tires crunched on the gravel as she backed out the driveway.

  “How’s she doing?” Uncle Joe motioned his head in the direction of the door.

  “Not good,” I said.

  “Ava gave Dad a thousand dollars, so he and Taffy could move back.” Laney leaned back in her chair, draped her arm over the back and stared at Ava.

  Ava avoided eye contact and stared down at the kitchen table and moved her apple-patterned placemat around. We’d had those same placemats since I’d been in middle school.

  Uncle Joe scowled. “I wondered what started it all. He asked me for three thousand dollars.’

  “Did you give to him?” I asked.

  Uncle Joe shook his head. “You don’t give Edwin money.”

  Ava’s face turned bright red. “Sidney, a friend of mine, saw you at the Thunder Mountain Park, yesterday. What were you doing?”

  Nice distraction, sis. But it won’t work.

  “Investigating.” I turned to Uncle Joe. “What can you tell me about the death of George Abernathy ten years ago at Thunder Mountain Park?”

  Uncle Joe frowned. “Ruled an accident. George Abernathy died in the company’s polar bear mascot suit. We found bits of the suit, but the coroner’s final conclusion various wild creatures had dined . . . you can guess the rest.”

  Ava and Laney made faces.

  I ran my hand through my hair, snagging a knot. “That could explain his aggressiveness.”

  “I heard about an incident last weekend at Thunder Mountain. Someone was hurt on Bear Falls Trail, and strange squirrel behaviors were reported. What happened?” Uncle Joe asked.

  “I think George Abernathy is haunting the park, and he may be connected with the Blood Collector.”

  Uncle Joe gave a low whistle. “What will you do?”

  “I don’t know.”

  Ava leaned forward. “When I was at the park last week working on landscaping with Camille Green around the Visitor’s Center, a cold presence wrapped itself around me. I swear some of the mums I had planted in a display had frost on their tips, Someone whispered in my ear, “Hey, honey.”

  “Sounds like George,” I said.

  “A tree limb fell down behind me. I jumped and looked up. Funny thing, I could’ve sworn a group of squirrels had stopped the branch from falling on top of my head. As if they saved me.”

  Teresa mentioned fairies in the park. The squirrels could be connected to them. I wondered if I could speak with the squirrels or the fairies. They might know something about George.

  Laney’s mouth dropped open. “You think the squirrels saved you.”

  Ava nodded.

  “It may not be as crazy as you think. I saw squirrels on top of Rudolph’s statue last night,” I said. Another connection between the spirit world and Thunder Mountain Park.

  I plunked my coffee down on the counter. “I need to get dressed.”

  Ava shifted in her chair.” “Where are you going?”

  “To talk to a ghost about fairies.”

  Chapter Five

  As drove around the town square, searching for a parking spot, I observed the Crooked Spoons Coffee Shop, people rushed in and out to fuel up for their work day. I would need another cup of coffee after my conversation with Rudolph. I raised my head up to the sky as dark clouds gathered in the distance. Gold leaves clung to the oak trees along the square, the first heralds of autumn.

  I parked my truck, stuffed my arms into my sweater, then zipped it up and strode over to Rudolph’s statue. No squirrels or crows this morning. A chill hung in the air, and I shivered, missing the warmer temperatures of Florida and the milder climate of Los Angeles.

  A shimmering Rudolph stepped out of his statue. “Good morning, Sidney.”

  From Birdie’s Restaurant, I caught a whiff of Southern breakfast including sausage, hash browns, and eggs. My stomach growled, reminding me I hadn’t eaten.

  “Good morning, Rudolph.”

  “I must express my surprise to see you this early in the morning, especially after such a late night.” Rudolph sat down on the bench and crossed his left leg over his right. He hovered an inch above the bench board. He narrowed his eyes. “Have you done something different with your hair?”

  “It’s a new style.” Suddenly, conscious of my hair, I patted my topknot. I’d fix it later at Third Eye. I wiped the morning dew off the bench and sat down. “I want to know about the fairies in Cloverville.”

  Rudolph cleared his throat and gazed up at the sky, where the dark clouds gathered. “What has happened?”

  “I think the fairies are protecting people from George the ghost, and I think the squirrels in Thunder Mountain Park are in co-hoots with the fairies.” A cold breeze blew through the trees on the square. The leaves rustled as if answering an unknown summons. Three crows flew overhead and cawed to one another as they settled on the roof of Chapman Realty. That was where Leanne from my writer’s group worked.

  Rudolph twiddled his thumbs as if contemplating his next words. “The fairies in Thunder Park are associated with settlers who came here to begin new lives.”

  “Weren’t native nature Spirits already here?” I asked.

  “Yes.” Rudolph pursed his lips as if holding back more words. His shimmer dimmed.

  I’d learned to wait to let Rudolph collect his thoughts. However, I had to dig deep for patience. “Did they get along?”

  “Sadly, no. The older elementals and spirits faded away as the New World spirits and fairies took over.” He sighed as if the memories weighed heavily upon him.

  “How sad.” Sadness like a massive weight landed in the pit of my stomach and my hunger dissipated. “How do I contact a fairy?

  Rudolph shook his head. “You don't contact the fairies. They contact you.”

  “They need to send me an invitation pronto.” I leaned forward and reached for my messenger bag. “I wish Nana had taught me more.” Removing the magically disguised Book of Shadows, I opened it and flipped through. “The pages are blank, again. It’s so frustrating.”

  Rudolph arched an eyebrow. “Elizabeth always had a reason for everything she did. The Book of Shadows may not want you to know; how
ever, it will reveal what you need to know when the time is right.”

  I closed the book, hoping it would provide a step-by-step guide on how to contact fairies. Better yet, a step-by-step guide on how to deal with ghosts. “The Blood Collector grows stronger. I need guidance and a sudden upload of information on how to handle George.”

  I placed the Book of Shadows back into my messenger bag. “Tonight is the full moon hike. I had hoped to speak to a fairy before then and gain insight about George. ” I turned to Rudolph forcing cheeriness into my voice, “Who knows? Maybe they’ll contact me, especially if George is bringing negative energy to the park.”

  Rudolph nodded, his silver luminosity a bit brighter. “Yes, I do believe they will. We must discuss other matters.”

  “What?” I hoped it wasn’t another ghost.

  “Promise me you will be careful around that young lady named Mandy from last night. I detected a troubled soul within her, and I fear she may harm you.” Rudolph adjusted the sleeves of his coat. “Those with troubled souls in life can become ghosts when their life is over.”

  Touched by Rudolph’s concern, and maybe a little worried myself about Mandy’s behavior, too. I almost reached out to pat him reassuringly on the shoulder like I did my Uncle Joe, but Rudolph was a ghost, my hand would go right through him. “She is Jason’s ex-fiancé. She may have stalker tendencies, and the inability to handle rejection, but I don’t think she’ll harm me. I mean Jason had been engaged to her, so Mandy had to have some redeeming values.”

  Rudolph floated up from the bench. “Nevertheless, use caution around her.” He smiled mischievously. “You do have a protector. Dr. Hawthorne has taken a liking to you.”

  I rolled my eyes. “He's my professor. He's also a vampire over two hundred years old, and not my type.”

  “He was fond of your grandmother, too.” Rudolph grinned.

  I made a cutting motion with my hand. “That’s weird on so many levels.” I needed to redirect this conversation. “Uncle Joe wants to sell Nana’s house. I have to find out what happened to Nana before proceeds. Have you recently picked up any vibes?”

  Rudolph’s outline began to fade as the sun rose higher until only his head remained, reminding me of the Cheshire Cat from Alice In Wonderland. “Sidney, are you prepared for the worst? Are you prepared for the news that your grandmother might be dead?”

  Despair almost suffocated my hope I kept deep within me that Nana still lived, or existed on a different plane, unable to contact me. I blinked back tears. “I have to know.”

  Rudolph gave me a sad smile. “Alas, I have perceived nothing about Elizabeth. I will be here for you no matter what happens.”

  “Thank you.” I looked up at the mass of gray clouds gathering like harbingers of doom. We’d have rain, today. Would the park cancel the full moon hike? “I have to get to work.”

  “If any fairies send me a message, I will send them your way.” Rudolph faded away.

  That had been a depressing visit. About to stroll over to Crooked Spoons, one of Mandy’s friends stumbled out of the coffee shop. She wore large dark sunglasses, which covered her face. I recognized the recovering-from-a-hangover look because I used the same technique in Los Angeles.

  I pivoted on my Converse tennis shoes and marched over to my truck. I’d drive through McDonald’s for a coffee and a biscuit. It would be worth the carbs.

  At Hunsinger’s Automotive, I arrived five minutes early. When I walked inside, silence greeted me. No Jason. I checked in the waiting room. Empty.

  Mr. Hunsinger walked in from the tire side of the shop, and then pointed upstairs. “He’s working on his latest video.”

  I hurried upstairs into the Third Eye office. Jason, Cyrus, and Todd huddled around the computer monitor.

  “Good morning,” I said.

  Todd waved and winked at me. Sometimes, I think he liked me. Hard to read the vibes.

  “What happened to your hair?” Cyrus squinted as if trying to figure out what I had on top of my head.

  Heat crawled up my neck. “I had an early morning meeting.”

  “Conditioner is your friend,” Cyrus pointed at his spiked hair.

  “Must have took a butt ton of hair products to style it.” I grinned.

  Cyrus scowled.

  “Good morning. How are you?” Jason didn’t look up.

  Peeved, he didn’t acknowledge me or even look up from the monitor, I didn’t answer his question. I strolled over to my desk and lowered my messenger bag. What was his deal?

  We worked, together. That was it. He seemed a little more relaxed, so unlike yesterday after his encounter with Mandy. I decided not to tell him, Cyrus, or Todd about my encounter last night with her at Crooked Spoons. Let it go.

  “Are you ready for the hike tonight?” I asked.

  “We’re preparing the camera equipment because we’re filming, tonight, and uploading another video, tomorrow. Our hits and subscribers are climbing by the hour.” Jason’s eyes brightened as they scan the contents on the computer monitor.

  “Everyone loved your blog post,” Cyrus said.

  “Awesome.” Pleased, I raised my fist up in the air and did a mental victory dance.

  The office door opened, and a blonde head appeared around the corner. “Hello.”

  I grabbed the edge of my plywood desk to steady myself. Mandy. I’d almost rather face the Blood Collector or George than her this morning.

  She held a cardboard carryout tray filled with Crooked Spoons coffee cups. “I thought my paranormal investigation crew would like some coffee to start the day,” she said in an irritating sing-song voice.

  I inhaled hazelnut goodness, but I refused to act interested.

  She gave a cup of coffee to Cyrus. “Thanks.” He watched open-mouthed as Mandy strolled over to Jason and Todd.

  “Here you go, Todd.” She smiled as if she made a coffee run the new normal. “I hope you have great filming today. Loved the video on Emma Bailey.”

  Todd accepted the coffee, but a confused expression crossed his face.

  “What are you doing here, Mandy?” Jason’s nostrils flared.

  “I brought you coffee because I thought you could use it. She held out the last cup to him.

  Don’t take it. It could have poison. Or by accepting that cup of coffee, it would be a downward spiral of allowing Mandy back into your life. Another kind of poison.

  Jason accepted the cup, and his fingers brushed against Mandy’s, and their eyes locked with one another, an intimate glance between two people, who knew each other well. “Did you bring any for Sidney?” He asked.

  Turning to me, Mandy placed her hand against her cheeks. “I didn't know you'd be here.”

  I waved. “No problem.”

  “I guess you had a lot of coffee last night, didn’t you? I can't believe that handsome and suave Englishman is your professor. I thought students weren’t allowed to date their students, but he definitely had the hots for you. I saw the way he looked at you when he walked you to your truck.” Mandy sat on the edge of Jason’s desk.

  Jason’s eyes narrowed. “You’re dating Dr. Hawthorne?”

  Did I detect a note of jealousy? What right did Jason have to be jealous? Not when he made sexy bedroom eyes with his ex-fiancé.

  I fake smiled and tilted my head. “No. We met for coffee with other students because we’re forming a writing group.” I wanted to take that cup of coffee and pour it out and stuff the cup in her mouth to shut Mandy up.

  “Is it a study group of two?” She winked at Jason. “Remember our late coffee dates. We needed the caffeine to keep us energized because of our other physical activities.”

  I didn’t want to hear his answer. “It’s a group of five writers.”

  “That is so great, Sidney,” Todd held up his cup.

  “Awesome.” Cyrus nodded.

  “Thanks.”

  “What do you write?” Mandy asked. “Emo poetry?”

  “No. I write screenplays. That’s wh
at I studied out at UCLA.”

  “You lived in California?” She sounded impressed.

  Nothing about me attending UCLA, but Mandy was impressed by the fact I lived in California. How I wished I could say I wrote the Zombietown series, but I couldn’t. Camden, I hope you get your comeuppances on some many levels. Karma. Camden. Karma.

  “Yes. In Los Angeles,” I flashed a smug satisfying smile.

  “What are you doing back in Georgia?” She sneered.

  “Family.”

  “Oh yeah, your Nana went missing. I heard about that. Did they ever find her?”

  “Mandy. It’s time for you to go.” Jason stood up, walked over, and guided her by the shoulder to the door.

  “You’re walking me to my car. How sweet.” Mandy tucked her arm through his.

  She waved. “Enjoy your coffee.” Mandy turned her glacier blue eyes on me. “I hope they find your Nana.”

  When she and Jason left the room, Cyrus and Todd threw their cups of coffee into the trash.

  “She’s a bitch,” Todd said. “She’s wasn’t always like that.” He shook his head. “One time, she was a really sweet girl.”

  “She might have put poison in that cup, so I’m not drinking it,” Cyrus scowled.

  At least, Cyrus and I could agree Mandy could’ve put poison in the coffee.

  “Don’t any attention to what she said,” Todd rose from his chair.

  “I’m not, but I agree she’s a bitch.”

  “That-a-girl.” Cyrus grabbed his jacket. “We have to photograph a school event. “We’ll see you at the park for the full moon walk.”

  “You got it.”

  They left the office, leaving me alone.

  I remembered Rudolph’s warning about Mandy. Not only did I have to worry about a psycho ghost, but I had to worry about a psycho ex-fiancée.

  At closing, I checked the weather on the computer. Fifty degrees and clear. The gathering storm clouds had traveled onto Atlanta, where a huge storm made evening traffic a hot mess.

  I’d brought my hiking boots and a flannel shirt and changed into them. I’d probably drive thru a fast food place and meet up with the guys at the park. Laney was in Atlanta working at a concert venue. She’d attended at a lot of the Panda Monster concerts, lately. Something was up with little sis. She and I needed to talk about a certain bass player in the band.