The Investigators, Inc. Spider House Mystery. Chapter 3. Ghosts and Beatings.

Jennifer went over to the “ghost”, standing right in the same spot. “Hey, look!” she exclaimed, “I’m standing inside the ghost!” The “ghost” again warned us to leave and then disappeared. Jennifer was laughing now, and the girls just looked at each other. “You don’t need to worry about that ghost,” I told them, “it is not a real ghost.”

“How do you know that?” asked Harley. “We have studied ghosts a lot,” said Jennifer, “and this was just a projection, a hologram.” “Wow!” exclaimed Summer, “Do you actually get paid for that?” “Yes, we do,” I said, “it’s an interesting type job.” “I think it would be scary,” said Harley, “not something I would want to do.”

“Have you ever met a real ghost?” asked Summer. “Yes, we have,” said Jennifer looking over at me and smiling, “and they have been very nice too, except for one.” “That is so cool!” said Summer, “Real ghost hunters. But why would someone try to scare us with this fake ghost?”

“Yeah, I would like to know that too,” said Harley, “someone must be wanting to scare me away from my house, but why?” “Good question Harley,” I said, “let’s look around some more.” We looked all through the house but never had any more ghostly encounters. Someone wants this old house, but why is a puzzle. The house is old, but in excellent condition and filled with antiques of all kinds.

However, I can’t imagine that it would be worth much on this small island. Still, someone must want it or why try to scare Harley away from the house? But why did no one want it while Harley’s grandmother owned it? Apparently Harley had contacted a realtor and he told her the house would be impossible to sell, but then 2 days later he told her that a man was interested in buying the house and offered to pay $10,000 cash for it.

Harley just laughed and told him the price is $200,000. She said the realtor was shocked when she said that and told her she should accept the man’s offer. I told Harley she did the right thing and if anyone comes around again, to let us know, we would be happy to help her. “No,” she said, “I don’t want you getting hurt.”

“Some guys showed up after Harley said no to that offer and they beat her,” said Summer, “but Harley won’t tell the police.” “The police won’t do anything,” Harley said with tears, “they only do what Irene tells them.” “Yeah, that’s true,” said Summer quietly, “she owns most of this island in one way or another.” “What about Miss Hanson?” I asked.

“H, how did you know about her?” asked Summer, shaking a bit, “she’s our landlady.” “I heard Greg mention her name,” I said. “Greg works for her and for Irene,” said Harley, “he’ll get himself killed if they find out.” The girls were very subdued in their talking during the last part and we were now at the building where they lived.

“Be careful around Irene,” said Summer, “she appears nice on the outside, but inside she’s cold and cruel. She’s watching you 4 and those other people too.” Then the girls ran inside. “They told me that they’re 21,” said Jennifer, “but I don’t believe it, I wouldn’t be surprised if they were under 18. They are holding back on something too, but it has nothing to do with that old house.

I think they are in trouble, I sensed danger once they got inside that building. I wish they would allow us to help them more.” “Yes, I wish they would too,” I said, “but we can hardly force ourselves on them. We will try to talk with them again tomorrow, maybe the other girls could try, Cynthia is probably closer to their age anyway.”

“Yes, that might be an idea,” said Jennifer. It was getting dark quickly now but we didn’t have much further to go. “I am sensing trouble now,” I said, “but it’s far away and I can’t place it.” “I’m sensing danger the same way,” said Jennifer, “and I can’t place it either.” However, that feeling went away by the time we arrived back at the hotel.

We went directly to our room and to bed. About 3am there was a knock at our door. Misty had her gun out quickly and Angel went to open the door. She opened the door quickly and a woman’s body fell inside the room. Jennifer ran over to her while Angel and Misty went into the hall. “No one out there Steve,” said Misty, “and no one was on the stairs or elevator.”

“It’s Summer and she sure has been beaten,” said Jennifer. “Please…help…Harley…basement,” said Summer, slowly. “We’ll get her,” I said, “Angel, Misty, Kitty, Milena, Dawn and Melanie, you come with me, everyone else in our room.” We left right away, running most of the way to the girl’s flat. The main door was locked but I was angry right now, so I used my “abilities” to blast open the door.

We first went to the girls flat but Harley wasn’t there. Then a woman appeared behind us with a shotgun and yelled at us to leave. “Where is Harley?” I asked firmly. “How should I know,” she yelled, “I don’t babysit those kids, now, get out!” Angel turned and walked toward her and the woman tried to shoot, but nothing happened.

Angel then took the gun from her and handed it to Dawn. “Now, we try again,” said Angel, “where is Harley, and you better answer correctly this time.” “She ran off soon after getting home,” she said, “I do not tolerate those kids staying out late like that so I slapped her and she ran off.” Angel looked at me. “Wrong answer,” I said.

Angel gave her a hard backhanded slap, causing her lip to bleed. “She did run off!” she exclaimed again. “Then you won’t mind if we look through this place of yours to see if what you say is true,” I said, “and we will start with the basement.” “There is no basement!” she screamed, “now get out of here!” “Bring her along,” I said and I went downstairs and found a locked door.

I opened it quickly and went down to the basement. Misty and Dawn came with me, but I turned around and went back up to the kitchen. I sent Milena and Melanie up to Harley’s room to find a robe for her, and they did so right away. I then went over to Miss Hanson who stood there smirking at me. I then gave her a backhanded slap of my own, only I used my fist and she fell to the floor. We were soon heading back to the hotel with Harley…

To Be Continued.

©2025 Steve McLeod.