The Ghoul Next Door

chapter Thirty-Two

It was the last day of filming and I was thankful for small favors. Thinking about what might happen didn’t give me the warm fuzzies. My behavior had been growing stranger by the minute. I feared the worst. I just wanted it to be finished so that I could get back to my normal life. Even dealing with the ghosts on a daily basis sounded like a welcome reprieve. The more I thought about it, the more I realized that something was definitely affecting me. I just had to figure out what it was. A demon? Black magic? Or both? I felt as if something was pulling at me, willing me to do things that I would have never dreamed about before. Everyone had to notice that I was acting strange.

Now every time the mailman showed up a dread took over and my stomach tumbled. Today was no different. As soon as I watched him approach my house, I spotted the envelope in his hand. It looked different from the regular mail and I’d learned to recognize it right away.

When I stepped out the door onto the porch, he greeted me with a smile. “Good morning, Larue. How are you today?”

I wanted to say lousy, but I wouldn’t burden him with my problems. He knew my mother and I didn’t want any of this to get back to her.

“I’m doing great, Arthur.” I offered a big smile.

“Wonderful, so good to hear. You have a nice day,” he said as he placed the mail in my hand.

Staring back at me was the letter—another letter from her. I couldn’t take my eyes off it. Finally, I remembered to acknowledge Arthur.

“Thank you. You have a great day too.” I waved.

He was so going to tell my mother that something was bothering me. I could expect a call later. I stared at the envelope, and for a split second contemplated not opening it, but realized that I had to know what it said. What more could she say? Why was she still writing to me? But until I knew her motives, I had to continue opening the letters. I didn’t believe that she was just having fun. What if I didn’t open the letter and this was the one time when she finally told me what exactly she wanted from me? I would always wonder if I didn’t read it. She couldn’t keep playing this cat-and-mouse game with me forever. Eventually she’d get sick of it.

I ripped the linen envelope open and, with that, the same rose scent floated up from the letter. I knew for sure that it was from her. My stomach flipped as I pulled the paper from the envelope, unfolded it, and took in a deep breath—the floral smell made my stomach turn.

I was sure the message would be more of the same that I’d come to expect from this woman. Why didn’t she show herself to me and stop being a chicken? If she had something to say, then she could say it to my face instead of sending letters as if it was 1898.

By now you should have received plenty of correspondence from me, so I hope I’ve made my point clear. No hard feelings. I’m sure you’ll find someone else eventually. Sorry if I came off harsh, but you have to know I am serious when I say stay away from Callahan. As long as you stay clear, this is the last letter you will receive from me. If I find out you are still harassing him, you’ll get a visit from me in person.

Best regards,

Ginger

Okay, she had officially arrived in the stalker category. Somebody needed to call the guys with the little nets to come and collect her.

The car horn honked, so I stuffed the letter in my bag and trudged my way down the porch. Only one more time, I reminded myself, and then I could put this investigation behind me.