The Apparition: An Andromache Jones Mystery (Short Story#2) [COMPLETED]

Chapter 8 - The Apparition

The return journey to Steping turned out to be just as difficult as all the other parts of this case.

Mac drove as they had left Jean's car parked outside the haunted house, and Jean was playing up.  Again.  She quite simply didn't want to go back and thus she was trying her hardest to get out of it.

However, Mac wasn't standing for any more nonsense; she had to put her foot down.  At this point in the case there was no other alternative. If Jean wanted the problem fixed so she could remain in the house, it needed to be done.

'But I don't see why we have to.'

'I have explained this already.'

'Then please explain it again.  It makes no sense.  None whatsoever,' Jean snapped.

'To determine what is exactly connecting you to the ghost, you both need to be there.'

'And you're just going to ask it?'

'Do you know what, Jean, I just might,' Mac shouted back.

The rest of the drive took place in silence.  When they arrived back at the house, Mac again parked behind Jean's blue Vauxhall, and immediately got out of the car, and walked around to the passenger door.

'Come on.  OUT.'

'But Miss Jones, I don't think -'

'OUT!'

'The dangers far outweigh - '

'Look, Jean Pottersworth.  You pestered me to take on this case.  I have only done what you asked of me.  Now get out of this car and start walking up that drive,' Mac yelled, her arm outstretched, pointing towards the house.

There was nothing else to say, no other argument that Jean could think of right there and then.  So, however reluctantly, she did exactly as she had been ordered.

Side-by-side, they approached the house.  Mac appraised the outside, but nothing stood out to her.  Her intuition told her, that at that very moment, the house was as silent as the grave.  Amusing choice of words, she thought.

On entering, Jean became very jumpy, very quickly.  Mac could understand that and she felt for her, but in her heart she knew this was the only way to resolve this situation.

'So where do you want us to go?' Jean whispered.

Mac thought for a moment.  'What's on the first floor?  Has anything happened up there?'

'The library is on the first floor.  I had an encounter in there and so did a couple of the workmen.'

'Let's try there first then.'

'Couldn't we pick a room closer to the front door?'

'Jean.  Have you ever heard the saying, sometimes things have to get worse before they can get better?'

'Well, yes, of course, but-'

'Just trust me.  Things will get better.  Eventually.'

Together, arm-in-arm, they ascended the stairs.  It was a beautifully wide staircase, and the steps were gently graduated.  Everything about the house spoke of grandeur and riches.  It was a shame that what should have been such a well-loved home had stood empty and neglected for so long.

When they reached the first floor landing a wide balcony swept above the hallway.  A door stood closed directly opposite them, and the corridor branched out to both the left and the right.  Mac heard Jean take an audibly loud deep breath.