Purgatech: Jess' Horror

Chapter 9

Jess and the other trial users spent the rest of the first day settling into their rooms. She would have felt better having Erica in the same room as her, but at least she was just next door. And besides, it's not like there were rules about slumber parties.

After getting most of her clothes packed away in the vintage dresser near the door, Jess headed down the hall. The others had congregated in a small sitting area. Vintage lamps and ornate furniture clustered around gorgeous oak tables. Each team member had been given a welcome package with a print-out detailing the rules of the trial. Along with that, there was a small booklet for each of the gadgets they would be testing.

Lisa and Dylan came into the room behind them.

"I trust everyone is comfortable in their new accommodations?" Dylan said.

"This ain't exactly the Ritz but it'll do," Rob said.

"It is an old house, that's true," Dylan said, "but we chose this location to house our offices for a reason. Now, does anyone know the history of the Ridgely Estate?"

Jess knew the answer to that question but she didn't say anything. She knew Erica wouldn't care but she didn't want any of the others to feel like she was sucking up to Dylan.

"This house has been standing on these grounds since the early 1800's. Since that time, there have been many reports of unexplainable phenomenal occurring in the house. Does anyone know why?"

Grace lifted her hand up in the air. "Could it be because someone died here?"

"That's good. And you're right. It has been said that a number of poor souls passed away here, including the lady of the manor." Lisa smiled at her as she reached over and patted her on the arm. "It looks like someone has been doing her research. That's good, Mrs. Williams."

"Call me Grace, dear."

Erica turned and smiled at Jess, mouthing the words 'so cute'. Jess nodded. It made her a little nostalgic to see Grace in the group. She hadn't said more than a few words to her at their orientation session, but she reminded Jess so much of Gram that it almost felt like Gram was there with her.

"That's a great answer, and it's very true," Dylan said. "But there is another reason. Back when the Ridgely family was scouting for land, it is reported that they were looking for something very specific. Does anyone know what that is?"

"Oil," Rob blurted out.

"What's that now?" Dylan said, frowning at him.

"Prob'ly lookin' for deposits of oil. Black gold. Deep deposits to get filthy rich off of."

"That's an interesting guess, Rob, but no. That isn't it. Anyone else?"

Neither Jess nor Erica said anything and the big dude, who still hadn't offered his name yet, was silent.

"Well, as legend goes, Patrick Ridgely was a big believer in supernatural occurrences. It has been said that he believed in paranormal hot spots or portals. That there were places in the world that are more susceptible to paranormal activity. He believed that in these places, the veil between our world and the "other" world is thin, which is why people see things in certain places."

"And that's why he built the house here?" Jess asked. "Because he thought this was one of those places?"

"Exactly," Dylan said, pointing at her.

"But why? Why would he want to build his house in a place like that?"

"Some said it wasn't Patrick Ridgely but his wife, Sarah, who insisted he build here. According to the lore, Sarah and Patrick had trouble conceiving a child. It took them many years, but finally they had a baby. A beautiful baby girl named Lily."