Page 26 of The Haunting of the Mountain

“That was fast.” The librarian says. “It usually takes people half an hour just to figure out how to use the machines.” She holds up a thick book in front of her. “Got your book though.”

“Great,” Kyla says in a tone that has me worried.

My hands clench and unclench. I really mucked things up.

“Sorry the Whispering Winds history wasn’t available. It’s due back next week though.”

“I won’t be here,” Kyla says, my heart sinking into my gut.

It’s not like I didn’t already know that. Kyla is like any other tourist in this town, ephemeral. Just passing through.

“I’m only here for a few days. I’m making a podcast with my friend.”

“Wait,” the librarian says, something like recognition flitting across her features. “You’re not Kyla, are you? From Paranormal Partners?”

Kyla seems to lighten up. “I am.”

“I love your podcast!” the librarian squeals. “I’m Sam by the way. I’m so glad you’re here because I have to say, this town is a little strange. It’s great, don’t get me wrong. I’ve only been here a few months but I can’t help but feel like there are some secrets I haven’t been let in on.”

I chuckle. “Been here most of my life and I feel the same.”

Each time I come back to town, I feel like an outsider. There’s always something new. Faces, events, or buildings. The only thing that hasn’t changed much is the mountain.

“Speaking of strange,” Kyla says. “What’s up with the janitor? I want to thank him for giving me this.” She shoves the book onto the counter, and Sam looks at it. “But at the same time… I don’t.”

“Janitor?” Sam asks. “We don’t have a janitor. We have a cleaning crew that comes in after the library closes.”

Kyla glances at me, and I can see the color draining from her face before she turns back around. “Then who gave me this book? He had blue coveralls…Vernon. His name was Vernon. I saw it on his name tag.”

“Ohhhhh,” Samantha says before laughing. “You met Arthur.”

Kyla and I stare blankly at her for a few moments, waiting for her to elaborate.

“He’s a local actor. I met him a few weeks ago, but apparently, he loves dressing up as local figures each Halloween. Vernon used to work here many years ago. And from what I’ve heard, or well, experienced from Arthur’s rendition, he was quite the character.” She leans in, and in a hushed tone. “Arthurreallygets into the character. Accents and mannerisms and all that. A real method actor. I can understand why you might’ve been put off by him.”

Kyla seems to settle, but I’m a little on edge. If I see Arthur, I’m not sure what I’ll do. Act all you want but cornering my girl in the basement like that…

I bite the inside of my mouth. The last thing I need to do is make a scene. I’ve already made Kyla uncomfortable.

“Why Vernon?” Kyla asks. “Seems like an odd choice to be for Halloween.”

“Well,” Sam begins. “I don’t know all of the details, but there were some rumors surrounding him. Maybe Stone could shed some light on them. You’ve been in Whispering Winds longer than me.”

I click my tongue. “Afraid I can’t be of much help. Must’ve been before my time because I haven’t heard anything about him.”

Sam nods. “You should ask Arthur. I think I spotted him over by the apple cider table. The one thing I do know,” she says, leaning in, “is that Vernon died in the fire. Back when this was still a church. He’s buried in the cemetery if you want to check out his grave.”

“I might,” Kyla says. “I haven’t done any EVP sessions yet.”

Samantha almost jumps with glee. “I’ve never done one in my life.”

“They’re pretty boring. A lot of talking to nothing.”

They continue chatting about random paranormal stuff that I only vaguely understand. I don’t mind though. I love seeing Kyla in her element. After dusting off my library card, we head out.

“I want to thank Arthur for lending me his book,” Kyla says as we walk toward the exit. “Do you think you could drop it off for me when I’m gone?”

I try to mask the surge of emotion rushing through me, but it’s hard. I don’t want to think about Kyla not being here.

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