Ghost Whispers

Ghost Whispers

By Michelle Moklebust

Ghost Whispers

Michelle Moklebust

Smashwords Edition

Copyright © 2012 Michelle Moklebust

all rights reserved

Smashwords Edition License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be resold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to the Smashwords site and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

This novel is a work of fiction. Names, characters and places are figments of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, either living or deceased is entirely coincidental. The author holds all rights to this work. It is illegal to reproduce this novel without expressed consent from the author herself.

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Table of Contents

Title Page

Copyright

Dedication

Prologue

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-one

Chapter Twenty-two

Chapter Twenty-three

Chapter Twenty-four

Chapter Twenty-five

Chapter Twenty-six

Chapter Twenty-seven

Chapter Twenty-eight

Chapter Twenty-nine

Chapter Thirty

Chapter Thirty-one

Chapter Thirty-two

Chapter Thirty-three

Chapter Thirty-four

Chapter Thirty-five

Epilogue

About the Author

Acknowledgments

Credits

Prologue

Sitting at a corner table in her favorite coffee shop, Cuppa Joe’s, Alexis tore a lined page from the notebook and crumpled it. A growing pile littered the scarred table top. The poem wasn’t working. The first verse was done. So was the second. She sighed. I just need to get through this bogus assignment so I can pass this stupid class, she thought, gritting her teeth. Rereading it for what had to be the twenty-seventh time didn’t help. Nothing worked. Stupid assignment. Why did a photo major have to write poetry anyway?

She looked up and glanced around the dimly lit coffee shop’s interior. Someone was watching. Not in a let’s-see-who’s-here way, but intentionally. Steadily. Mouthing the pen, she willed her twisted features smooth so she’d look relaxed. Her eyes skated around the dim interior. People didn’t stare at her. Not with interest. She was the girl behind the lens, not in the shot. Putting her cell phone to her ear she pretended to speak to someone instead of the dial tone while scanning for the voyeur.

A tall guy with dark hair, wearing only a T-shirt despite the chill temperatures outside, walked away from a table. He stopped at a trash can and headed for the door. He never looked her way, but she couldn’t tear her eyes from his form. His smooth gait fascinated her. Once through the door, the darkness swallowed him.

Scowling, she looked back at the paper taunting her from among the discarded drafts. She had nothing. Why pretend otherwise? Shaking her head, she tossed everything into the black messenger bag that went everywhere with her. Draining the last of her mocha, she stomped toward the door.

Hardly any traffic drove by the mostly empty parking lot although it wasn’t quite ten yet. That was unusual. Searching the area for interlopers, she unlocked the car door and slipped inside, poking the lock button. Whoever had been watching wasn’t now, so she could go directly home without worrying that someone was following. Of course, she could have just as easily imagined someone was keeping an eye on her. The lengths she would go to to avoid schoolwork she didn’t want to do knew no bounds. Maybe paranoia was the new procrastination.

Chapter One

Dr. Walla kept them late again, but Milena stayed with her, which surprised Alexis. Today’s topic had been the house in Amityville, the one the books had been written about. How long ago did that happen? she wondered. Jason, the Teaching Assistant, moved across the rows of seats as he passed out the tan papers that had been sitting on the table next to Dr. Walla’s laptop since class started.

Finally, Milena, her best friend, muttered. She ran an impatient hand through her wild, currently red, mane and shifted in the hard plastic seat. Now we can go.

Let’s just get the papers. Vanessa said it’s easy extra credit. Vanessa, their other roommate, was a dance major like Milena. The pair had met during auditions for the Fall Festival. They hit it off and Vanessa moved in in December. So far things were working out.

Like you need extra credit. Milena opened her designer bag and fished out a pack of sugar-free gum. Sometimes Alexis believed Milena could support the gum industry single-handedly. She declined with a shake of her head when her friend held the pink box toward her.

Jason took his time getting to them. The lecture hall was one of the larger ones on campus. The layout always made Alexis feel like she was sitting in a balcony at some Broadway theater, their seats were so high up. When he finally made it to the top of the stairs, he set two packets before them. Eyes fastened on Milena’s heart shaped face, he smiled shyly. They’d been in class for about eight weeks, flirting for about six. Alexis thought it was time the pair got together. If he didn’t ask Milena out, she was going to set them up.

Milena folded her papers and cracked her gum, smiling at him. A strange light entered his eyes. If he hadn’t looked back before turning around, he probably would have fallen down the steps.

Alexis read the handouts slowly so they could flirt some more. A clip art Victorian farmhouse that resembled a bed and breakfast sat amid cartoon tombstones. The professor was leading a ghost hunt at the old Kittridge house, about seven miles from school. An overnight trip, parental consent required for anyone under eighteen, and space was limited, although the first two hours were open to anyone who wanted to attend.

Milena rolled her eyes and blew bubbles while Alexis hastily filled out the necessary forms and scribbled her signature on the line. You know I can’t go, Milena said, a note of irritation coloring her voice.

Their mothers had been best friends; they’d known each other since their diaper days. Milena’s mother had been an in-demand model who traveled a lot so Milena practically lived with Alexis and her mother growing up. They were closer than sisters. I know it’s not your thing. It’s okay. Despite what people say, we’re not joined at the hips.

I wonder if Jason’s going. She sounded distracted.

Ask him, Alexis chirped, closing the pen and dropping it into her bag. Milena’s cheeks flushed a delicate pink in response. As her best gal pal, Alexis pretended not to notice. Dr. Walla acknowledged the papers Alexis dropped next to the podium with a nod. Let’s go.

Milena cut the engine of the Mercedes and turned to face her. Her usually bright blue eyes made it clear she was unhappy with Alexis’ decision to attend the ghost hunt.

Blowing a copper-colored corkscrew out of her eye Alexis said, I’ll call if I need to bail. Pulling her phone out, she held it up for her friend’s inspection. See. Plenty of bars.

Milena pursed her lips and sighed. Her friend didn’t understand, and Alexis couldn’t explain why she continued to be interested in all things paranormal. After a momentary internal debate Alexis wasn’t privy to, Milena grinned and kissed her cheek. Her friend’s eyes sparkled beneath the dome light. The least you can do is fill your address book.

A small crowd milled around the front yard; some of the attendees loitered on the porch. Alexis expected her friend to roll her eyes. Instead, Milena leaned forward and said, Look at all these guys! Maybe I should change my major. Scanning the throng, Alexis silently agreed. The majority of them were definitely ogle-worthy. A few not so much, but she wasn’t there to meet men. Milena’s gaze returned to her face. You have your mission.

Gravel crunched under the tires as Milena backed down the driveway. Alexis watched the car roll away, her sleeping bag and backpack leaning against her ankle. She reached into the canvas bag for the digital point and shoot she always carried. Before she’d finally broken down and bought the slim Nikon, disposable cameras had accompanied her everywhere. The digital was much more convenient.

The house loomed ahead, its white exterior and gingerbread trim newly painted. The lawn was patchy and the planters empty. At least someone tries to maintain it, she thought. A light burned in the downstairs windows to the right of the front door. Keeping her eyes on the entrance, Alexis tried not to think of the chill March air, ignoring the visible puffs accompanying each exhalation. She looked at the other participants. Most of them were holding their jackets closed and stomping their feet in an attempt to keep warm. She couldn’t blame them, it was freezing, but what was allegedly inside made her so much more uncomfortable than the cold.

Bending, Alexis grabbed her stuff. If she didn’t go in as soon as the door opened, she’d probably call Milena for a ride home. Not an option, she silently reprimanded. Shouldering her backpack she was glad Milena hadn’t helped pack; without her friend’s assistance, luggage always weighed less.

The front door swung inward and people rushed forward, eager to get inside where it was warm. The backpack slipped. A masculine hand snatched it from the air before it plopped into a pile of slush. Thanks, she said, knocking into her gear’s savior as someone stampeded toward the door. A gentle hand steadied her. Sorry ‘bout that, she said quietly.

Not a problem. He looked toward the house. Bigger turnout than I expected.

If we come for even an hour, Dr. Walla is giving us extra credit. I guess a lot of people don’t expect to do well on the next assignment. Alexis accepted her backpack from him and slung it over her shoulder. Squinting, she tried to think of something to say. Nothing came to mind. We should go in. Are you in the class? You look familiar.

He smiled down at her. Let’s wait for the rush to subside.

He had at least a foot on her, which put him around six foot three. The breeze lifted his dark hair off his collar and sent wisps of her own into her face. Eyes so light they look gold met hers. He was really cute. I’m Alexis. I take it you’re here for the overnight? She gestured at his rolled up blanket, proud that her hand wasn’t shaking like her insides.

If you two would join us, we could conserve the heat, Dr. Walla announced from the door frame.

Her new friend invited her to proceed with a large hand. His fingers were long. Elegant. The movement was graceful. So unlike the rest of the guys in class.

She tromped up the short staircase; the middle step creaked. The foyer was large and could have been a room in its own right. A coat rack stood in the corner near the door, laden with coats and hoodies. Since there were no available hooks, Alexis kept her ski jacket. It might make a good pillow.

They followed the graying professor into a formal living room furnished with period appointments and antiques. Most of the others were sitting. Alexis chose a spot near an ottoman; her unnamed companion joined her. He was even better looking than she’d noticed outside. His features looked like a sculptor had created them. Maybe I should try to fill the address book, she thought, smiling.

Noticing her expression, he leaned toward her. What’s going on? he whispered. His voice was deep, the tone reminding her of silk.

It couldn’t hurt to flirt. She looked at him from under her lashes, like she’d seen Milena do when she was interested in someone. His full lips tipped up at the ends in response. I just realized I didn’t catch your name.

Phillip, he answered confidently, offering her his hand. She studied his face, allowing herself the pleasure of lingering. This was so out of character, and she felt the blush creep up her cheeks. He was beautiful. He had cheekbones any model, male or female, would kill for. His straight nose provided a midpoint in the perfect symmetry of his face. Accepting the proffered hand, she noticed how cool his pale skin was, as if he hadn’t had enough time to warm up yet.

His palm engulfed hers. So how many of them do you think are going to leave? he asked in a conspiratorial whisper. Alexis shrugged.

Dr. Walla launched into the lecture portion of the evening, recounting the house’s history. Phillip released her hand. Oddly disappointed, she grew hyperaware of him sitting next to her. She couldn’t keep her eyes from straying to his profile. As a result, she missed most of the story, but the professor had glossed over the house’s history in class. Phillip’s lips pressed together, like he was trying to suppress a smile. Stop! she silently hissed. If he caught her sneaking glances, she’d die.

The lecture lasted about two hours. When they broke for a snack two-thirds of the attendees departed, having earned their extra points and then some. Eleven remained, including Jason, Dr. Walla, Phillip, and herself. A couple of the hangers-on, Carmichael and Desiree, were part of the local Goth scene; she vaguely remembered seeing them in class. Vanessa and a girl named Amy sat on the sofa. Two other classmates, Jaz and Darick stayed, as did Dr. Walla’s niece Katie.

Well, Dr. Walla began. Isn’t this a cozy group? Underneath his turtleneck and corduroy slacks, the normally composed professor appeared nervous. With a trim figure and soft-spoken approach to delivering a presentation, he was a perennial favorite among students and there were often waiting lists for his classes.

He cleared his throat and nodded at Jason, who seemed jumpy. If these two, the only experienced ghost hunters in the group, were this apprehensive, what did that mean for the rest of them? Maybe she should have stayed home. If the instructors’ demeanors were any indication, anything could, and probably would, go wrong tonight.

Dr. Walla pointed to the equipment and explained each piece’s purpose then asked Jason to distribute radios and cameras as he laid out the plan. First, a quick tour and then setting the stationary sensors. Once lights out was called, teams would go room to room with the handheld equipment, including video and digital cameras, audio recorders and EMF detectors.

This room will serve as command central, Dr. Walla said as he wrote names on a portable whiteboard Alexis hadn’t noticed earlier. Jason will salt the windows and entrances. Please take care not to break the lines when your team returns from its foray. Salt the windows and doors? What haunted this place?

What am I doing here? she wondered. The room felt too small to accommodate their group. She needed to move, but that would lead to questions she’d rather avoid. Remaining silent and seated, Alexis clenched her fists atop her thighs. The only pieces of equipment she recognized were the cameras and the laptops. The rest was intimidating. Why hadn’t she left when she had the chance?

Hey, a soft, confident voice said into her ear. Looking up, she locked gazes with Phillip and immediately forgot her trepidation. You okay?

No, she thought. Stupidly, she’d ignored the stories that were supposed to guide her actions and form her expectations of the night. She didn’t really know anyone. She didn’t know anything about how haunted this place was. Expecting the worst would befall them, her heart hammered against her sternum. Maybe the ghosts didn’t want them there. If they didn’t, what would they do? Just a little nervous, she admitted lightly but without conviction. Maybe he wouldn’t notice.

Take a deep breath. Don’t worry about the machines. Just follow Walla’s instructions. He winked and she smiled despite her rising anxiety. He looked completely unfazed.

You’ve done this before, Alexis stated.

His mouth quirked up in a crooked half smile that made him look closer to seventeen than twenty. A long time ago. Come on. We’ve got the upstairs nursery.

Alexis made an effort not to gape. Something about the baby’s room had struck her when Walla’d been talking earlier. It was a hot spot or something. Silently groaning, she chided herself for not paying better attention.

After climbing two sets of stairs, they turned left. At the end of the narrow hall a doorway stood open. More period furniture filled the room, which wasn’t as big as it needed to be to accommodate all of it. It’s chilly in here, she commented as they took readings.

Once he told the digital voice recorder the location and time, Phillip reiterated the nursery’s history highlights. He held the device toward the center of the room and invited whoever might be there to make themselves known. Something brushed by her and a child giggled. Whipping around, Alexis tried to locate the source of the laughter. No one. A ball rolled off a shelf and bounced. Phillip asked if someone there wanted to play. She didn’t speak; she really didn’t want to know. Another giggle floated to her ears. Phillip’s broad back was to her as he investigated something he found interesting. Did you hear that? she asked softly.

It’s what we’re here for, right? He sounded like he was smiling. What kind of answer is that, she thought, slightly miffed.

Something wound its way around her shins. She jumped. What was that? Scanning the room, she backed into a dresser, knocking over priceless antiques. Once she confirmed nothing was broken, Alexis closed her eyes. Breathing evenly, she tried to calm her nerves.

The mental pep talk designed to help her relax was interrupted by someone tapping her on the shoulder. Phillip was completely in view and there was no one else in the room. Pressing her lips together, she tried to slow her accelerating breathing. Another feather touch brushed along her forearm. She jumped back. A music box began tinkling.

Phillip, preoccupied with a crawl space door he’d found behind a nightstand, seemed completely oblivious of her situation and the various noises. The side of the white crib dropped unexpectedly and Alexis barely stifled a scream. Given his current position on the floor, there was no way it was him.

She had to get out of there. Her chest clenched, compressing her lungs, and her pulse thundered in her ears. Inhaling through her nose, she stepped forward and tripped over a pull toy that mysteriously appeared in her path. She hit the floorboards, and the thud finally caught Phillip’s attention. He set his flashlight on the floor.

Strong arms encircled her sprawled form and lifted her as if she weighed nothing, then gently set her on her feet. Her fingers rested on his upper arms as she regained her balance. The thin sweater he wore was very soft, his muscles hard. Her insides quaked, threatening to shake her into a million pieces. Phillip continued supporting her, amber eyes scanning her face. You’re trembling. He didn’t sound concerned; he sounded pleased. What kind of psycho was he? Everything’s set. We should go.

Not sure what the appropriate response was, she nodded. Muffled voices echoed around her, filling the room. He didn’t seem to notice, and that bothered her.

When he withdrew his arms, the voices grew louder, more insistent. She stumbled. He caught her easily despite having retreated across the room to perform a final check on some piece of equipment. When he touched her again, the voices receded. He ushered her through the hall and down the stairs. The voices didn’t follow. Phillip’s hand remained on her back the entire trek back to the command center.

Chapter Two

Lights blazed in the parlor. Walla, Katie, Vanessa, and Jason bustled about, looking entirely comfortable and competent. There’s sandwiches, Vanessa said with a warm smile, her high ponytail swinging when she turned back to the machines. She adjusted some switch and several dials on the console.

Something popped in the fireplace. Alexis flinched, unable to hide her startled reaction. Vanessa eyed her curiously. Something happened up there, didn’t it? Vanessa asked. Alexis started to answer. Vanessa shoved an audio recorder into her hand, interrupting her. Now tell me.

Alexis obediently recounted every sound and sensation she’d encountered. Vanessa smiled. I knew it, she said triumphantly before moving off to join her cousin.

Phillip appeared next to her, a plate piled with food in his hands. See. This is why people should stay for these things. The good food comes out when the work starts. He handed her a bag of chips and a soda to go with the turkey sandwich and fruit salad. Hope I picked the right stuff.

Her stomach growled and Alexis cringed. With a self-conscious smile, she accepted the meal with shaking hands. Taking a bite she chewed slowly, very aware that he was watching. Swallowing, she averted her gaze and tried to count the little black seeds in the kiwifruit slice topping the grapes, berries, and pineapple. Aren’t you eating?

Maybe later, he said politely. He eased himself down, and they sat side by side on the floor near the coffee table, not speaking. A moment later, Phillip’s head whipped toward the hallway. Be right back.

Vanessa swooped into his spot. And then there were nine.

Alexis gulped Coke. Huh?

Jaz tripped on the cellar stairs. Darick took her for x-rays.

Tripped or got pushed? Alexis wondered, remembering the things that had touched her upstairs. She could still feel the invisible hands and hear childish laughter. A shudder that began at her crown swept down her body, exiting through her toes. She let out a shaky breath.

Vanessa didn’t seem to notice. So, she began lightly, dark eyes dancing. Who is he?

He who? As if she didn’t know who her friend meant. He’d made quite an impression, but Alexis didn’t want her to know. Not yet. Maybe not ever. It wasn’t like she’d ever see him again after the performance upstairs. Plus, a guy that gorgeous had to have an equally stunning girlfriend somewhere. How could someone as plain as her compete? Even if, by some miracle, there wasn’t a steady significant other waiting at home, she screamed average: average height, average build. Her eyes were hazel green, nothing at all like his captivating tiger eyes. Her best feature, her copper-colored hair, was a tangled mess most days and could only be tamed by hours in the bathroom with gallons of products. She had other things to do during the day so it was usually pulled back so it wouldn’t poke her in the eyes. Even if Phillip was available, why would he pick her?

A hint of interest shone in Vanessa’s eyes. Come on. Spill.

Feeling awkward, Alexis shrugged. What if he came back and caught her talking about him? She’d die of embarrassment. Nothing to tell. His name’s Phillip. We met on the front lawn.

Really? Her tone said she thought Alexis was holding out on her.

Really. Nothing exciting. She shrugged. He’s a nice guy. She speared a piece of pineapple.

You guys were upstairs a long time. Vanessa flashed a knowing grin.

She wished she had something to tell, but she wasn’t going make stuff up. Vanessa had already heard about the ghosts, or whatever they were. Alexis sipped some soda to moisten her mouth. Her friend settled back on the cushion she’d dragged onto the floor; Vanessa’s eyes watched her expectantly. Alexis sighed. She had to tell her something. We set the sensors and tried to make contact. I tripped and he helped me up. You know the rest. She gestured at an imaginary recorder with the half-empty plate.

Vanessa’s eyes widened. You really haven’t noticed how he looks at you? Or how he searches for you when he’s across the room? He’s been doing it since you guys got here.

You’re seeing things. There was no way he was doing any of that. Alexis stopped chewing and stared at the half-eaten food on her plate.

She didn’t feel right. Her skin felt too tight, as if it had shrunk. Her ears rang. If she ate another bite, it was going to come back up. Dropping the remnants of the sandwich onto the plate, she looked around the room. Everyone was eating and chatting as though nothing was wrong. A low buzzing filled her brain, like an angry swarm. The plate shook so much that she put it down. She didn’t want to mess up the floor.

Vanessa’s dark eyes narrowed as she scrutinized her face. Taking a slow, deep breath Alexis forced her face blank. Vanessa wasn’t buying it. What? Her friend’s tone was urgent. Concerned. On the bright side, they weren’t talking about Phillip anymore. If Alexis hadn’t been feeling squashed in her own body, she would have been relieved. Come on. Vanessa’s hand closed around Alexis’ wrist.

Vanessa dragged her toward command central. No one noticed, they were focused on the readouts. Alexis’ head swam, and she swayed on her feet. Somewhere behind them, something crackled and popped. The machines began whistling and buzzing. Needles danced across the many unfamiliar gauges. Jason and Dr. Walla’s hands flew across the equipment, twisting dials and flicking toggle switches.

Feeling insubstantial, Alexis watched Desiree and Carmichael rush into the room, looking even paler than earlier. They skidded to a halt near Dr. Walla. Everyone crowded around the displays. We’ve made contact, Jason said excitedly. Alexis swayed. The buzzing in her brain increased and she felt nauseous. She swiped a hand across her forehead; it came away moist.

Get out. Get out. GET OUT! an unfamiliar, accented voice repeated, the volume increasing with each utterance. The words sounded like the speaker was standing to her right. Fighting through the new pounding in her brain, Alexis slowly scanned the room to determine who’d joined them. Stepping back from the cluster of people around the machines, she grabbed the back of the couch, dropping her forehead to rest on her hands.

Feeling as if she was going to pass out, she raised her eyes while keeping her head down. Phillip stepped into the parlor from the kitchen. He seemed unhurried, but his eyes swept the room until they met hers. A few long strides brought him to her side, although she’d lost track of his progress. When he suddenly appeared next to her, Alexis recoiled.

Get out! Get out! GET OUT! the voice continued yelling in her ear. Clapping her hands over her ears, she stumbled to the side, away from Phillip. A pair of unseen hands hit her in the back. She fell forward. Phillip caught her. Looking over her shoulder, he bared perfect teeth, a silent pantomime of an angry cat’s hiss. Speaking rapidly in a language she didn’t know, he drew her into his arms. Feeling better, she looked up to thank him. Too-large pupils rimmed by halos of red glared over her head at something she wasn’t sure was there. Closing her eyes, she tried to rein in her runaway imagination.

Alexis? He gazed down from his lofty height with gentle golden eyes that held her rapt. Better? His voice was richer, deeper, than only an hour ago. And it was currently the best thing she’d ever heard.

The angry disembodied voice had fallen silent. She nodded and watched Dr. Walla and everyone clustered so tightly around the machines, which were still going crazy. None of them had been disturbed by the weird encounter.

Phillip led her to the knot of people. No one seemed to notice their arrival. We need to talk, he said, almost too softly to hear.

Alexis met his gaze. About what?

He frowned and shook his head. I didn’t say anything. A trace of a smile turned his lips up at the corners.

They stared at the needles, many of which had jumped and remained pinned in the red zones. She didn’t need machines to tell her the place was haunted. The spirits had apparently noticed her and decided to glom onto her energy. Phillip’s arm around her shoulder kept their words at bay, like he had some special kind of ghost blocking power. She sighed, relieved by the newfound silence in her head. She never wanted him to let go.

It had been a long time since she first heard dead people. She should have known a genuine haunting would undo her hard-won control. Years worth of willing her brain to stay quiet when there were ghosts around had come undone in