Conga Line of the Dead

Chapter 6 : Manor Trouble or screwing with the locals for fun & profit

The police cars were parked in a neat row before the huge gate and driveway that led up to the old Truman mansion. The officers stood around, all were armed but no more than usual, but it was plain to see that whatever was going on it was not good.

Peter had dressed as fast as he could so he, Ashley, Troy and Toke could see for themselves that the Truman mansion was being guarded, and were surprised to see the scene when they arrived.

Peter parked his car across the street from the scene and they all walked over to the site with Ashley stomping out ahead of them leading the way.

An officer walked up to stop Ashley, Peter noticed him as Officer Dow, and held out a hand for the two to stop and not come closer.

"That's close enough, there's nothing to see here folks." he replied all business as usual.

Ashley shook her head, "I am Ashley Truman officer." she told the older man as if that sentence alone would part the red seas.

Dow stood where he was, unmoved by the mention of the name. "I know who you are and I'm sorry but you have to go back."

The younger Truman seemed offended by this, "I am the daughter of Margie Truman. I use to live here for God's sake."

The officer still stood, not impressed at all as an old woman walked up behind him, a wrinkled old finger pointed at Peter and Ashley. Even in the daylight Peter decided that Margie Truman still looked dead.

"That is the man officer," she replied angrily, "Arrest him."

Dow chuckled, "Ma'am, this isn't the movies; you can't arrest someone if they haven't done anything wrong."

But Mrs. Truman wasn't going to give up that easily. "Oh yes he has, he has brainwashed my daughter in an attempt to try and lead her around on some sort of supernatural ghost hunt that he has made up in his own head in an attempt to extort money from me."

"I couldn't make this shit up if I wanted to lady." Peter replied, taking no offense to the old womans ramblings. "But I have to admit that your plan does sound like a good idea."

Her eyes narrowed at him, "Don't play stupid with me. You know this whole story is lies that you've fed her." she accused him as Dow stood between the bitter old woman and the confused young man like a towering human shield.

"Calm down Mrs. Truman." the officer warned.

"I will once you arrest him." she snapped back.

"Mother, Peter hasn't done anything wrong." Ashley replied, deciding that this was as good a time as any to take control of this situation. "Now stop making a scene." she felt this would calm her mother down, no such luck. "Or at least a bigger one than you already have."

The old woman's gaze went from Peter to her daughter and back again, "So it's Peter is it? On a first mane buddy/buddy basis are we? If you want to involve yourself with him so be it." then to the officer with a flip of her hand, "Arrest them both."

"Mam, I told you already...." Dow began.

"Are we allowed past or not?" Peter asked, knowing this would get them away from this confrontation.

"No you are not." Margie replied smartly from behind the officer.

Dow spoke up, "This house and its surrounding land has been cordoned off and is under surveillance for the rest of the night. Any persons caught in that area will be arrested, to include family members, per Mrs. Truman."

Margie stood beside the officer with her arms folded across her breast, a stupid smile on her face.

Toke summed up what they were all thinking at that moment, "You old bitch."