13 Hauntings by Clarice Black

Author:Clarice Black [Black, Clarice]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2017-11-12T07:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER FIFTY-NINE

The Paignton Ghosts

20th December 1983

The party was a big success. Finally, as owner of a big enough place, Sarah had been delighted to host her very first Christmas party. All their friends and family had been invited, and a few neighbours. She had been at work for the past few days getting everything ready, although it hadn’t been smooth sailing, there had been many arguments and bad moods.

Andrew had refused to buy a Christmas tree. Sarah had requested they buy a fake tree for the living room, but Andrew had argued that they had a lovely cherry tree, and could decorate that. Sarah had asked if they’d be opening present under the cherry tree, and Andrew had huffed that she had given him responsibility of the tree and she should not concern herself with it.

They hadn’t spoken for two days after that.

Now, as Sarah brought another round of eggnog out to the back garden, she had to admit Andrew had the right idea. The tree looked magnificent, its sprawling branches decorated with lights and Christmas decorations.

Andrew was busy making sure Celia was well taken care of. The change had been pleasing for Sarah, who could finally stop worrying about her mother and husband getting along. Poppy was supervising the games for the kids, Amber and Katie were rosy cheeked and sparkly eyed, enjoying the endless sugar treats, and Daphne was sitting with her friends on the bench under the tree, with Matthew standing close by.

“Love what you’ve done with the place.”

Mrs. Fitts was lounging on a lawn chair, her bejewelled fingers sparkling in the lights. Sarah smiled automatically, wondering who had invited the neighbourhood busybody. She decided to ignore her unless she found the nosy woman in her linen cupboard again.

“May I help?” It was Matthew, taking the tray from Sarah’s hands. “Please, let me.”

Sarah didn’t mind. She couldn’t help being amused at how hard the poor boy was trying to impress Daphne. Ever since that night in August, Matthew had been a regular fixture around the house. He claimed he stopped by just to make sure nothing paranormal ever occurred again, but Sarah knew better. He was besotted with her eldest daughter, no doubt about it.

Father Hughes sat in a lawn chair near one of the gas heaters they had set up around the garden. His lap was covered by a thick shawl; he had looked old before but now he looked frail. They had never told the details of that horrible night, but Sarah had a feeling it had taken its toll on Father Hughes.

“Doing alright?” she asked him.

“Excellent.” Father Hughes grinned. “I haven’t had such delicious food in years. Now you mustn’t think I’m disparaging my cook. He makes perfectly respectable food, for perfectly respectable priests. But a man needs a bit of spice once in a while even if he is a man of the cloth.”

“I completely understand. Shall I bring you some more eggnog?”

“I had my eyes on the cookies, to be honest.”

Sarah laughed.

“I’ll send some over.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.