| General Fiction posted June 28, 2024 | Chapters: |
...37 38 -39- 40... 
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Sandra gathers her crew
A chapter in the book The Unwilling Heir
The Unwilling Heir - Chap 39
by Begin Again
END OF CHAPTER 38
They hurried out of the precinct, Michael trying to appear casual as he scanned the parking lot for Sandra. Spotting her talking on her phone near a yellow cab, he nudged Jack discreetly. "There she is."
They waited until the cab drove off, then followed it at a safe distance, Jack keeping their target in sight while Michael navigated through the city traffic. As they trailed her, Michael's thoughts raced. What was Sandra's connection to the deceased judge? Was she involved in something more sinister than they realized?
Jack glanced at Michael, noticing the determination etched on his face. "Don't get too caught up, kid," he advised quietly. "Keep your focus on the road."
Michael nodded his adrenaline pumping. He was stepping into unfamiliar territory, driven by a mix of curiosity and a desire to uncover the truth about Sandra and her unexpected visit to the judge's office.
The cab pulled over to the curb, and Sandra got out. Michael's mouth dropped open as he watched her enter the building. "I don't believe it. She's going back to the Judge's office."
"You find a place to park. I'll go inside and see what she's up to." Jack climbed out of the car and hurried inside as the elevator doors closed. He watched as it ascended, stopping on the third floor.
Unwilling to wait for the elevator to return, Jack took the stairs. Now, his curiosity was running rampant. "Okay, little lady, what are you up to?"
They waited until the cab drove off, then followed it at a safe distance, Jack keeping their target in sight while Michael navigated through the city traffic. As they trailed her, Michael's thoughts raced. What was Sandra's connection to the deceased judge? Was she involved in something more sinister than they realized?
Jack glanced at Michael, noticing the determination etched on his face. "Don't get too caught up, kid," he advised quietly. "Keep your focus on the road."
Michael nodded his adrenaline pumping. He was stepping into unfamiliar territory, driven by a mix of curiosity and a desire to uncover the truth about Sandra and her unexpected visit to the judge's office.
The cab pulled over to the curb, and Sandra got out. Michael's mouth dropped open as he watched her enter the building. "I don't believe it. She's going back to the Judge's office."
"You find a place to park. I'll go inside and see what she's up to." Jack climbed out of the car and hurried inside as the elevator doors closed. He watched as it ascended, stopping on the third floor.
Unwilling to wait for the elevator to return, Jack took the stairs. Now, his curiosity was running rampant. "Okay, little lady, what are you up to?"
*****
CHAPTER 39
As Sandra exited the elevator, she silently prayed that Patrick would be waiting for her in the judge's office. She felt anxious since he had deserted her last night. He'd been so upbeat about their adventure as they traveled into town, but once here, he'd vanished with no explanation. She also knew that the police were hot on her trail, and she didn't have much time.
She opened the outer office door to the sound of Irish singing. Rolling her eyes, she hurried through the office toward Judge Parker's private office. Patrick was sitting in the desk chair, feet propped on the windowsill, singing at the top of his lungs.
"I'm glad you are so happy. Where have you been?" Sandra glared at him. "You promised me you were going to help."
A mischievous grin played across his lips, and his emerald green eyes twinkled. "An O'Reilly promise is as good as gold, lass."
"This place smells like a brewery, Patrick. And that lipstick on your collar. How do you explain that?"
"I was getting the lay of the land, so to speak, and this darling lady offered to help me."
"I'm sure she did. You were partying with some woman while I sat in jail last night. Thanks for the help." Sandra was irritated, and she wasn't holding back.
"You're quick with the temper this morning, lass. Maybe I oughta explain before you shoot me or something."
"Better make it quick because the cop who arrested me and his boss are on my tail and should be coming through that door momentarily."
"Well then, I'll leave the explaining for later and step into the other room until they arrive." As Patrick moved swiftly across the room, he stopped at the doorway. "I'm sorry you're upset, but I did my job. You'll see."
"It's your hide if we can't get them to help us."
"I'm confident that it will all fall in place once Jack locks eyes on me." With that, Patrick disappeared, leaving Sandra alone in the office, scanning the street below.
Jack's voice bellowed as he cleared the outer office and stood in the doorway. "You're trespassing!" His hand perched on top of his gun. "You mind telling me what you're doing in Judge Parker's office?"
Sandra turned around and looked directly at Jack. "We meet again."
"It's you!" Jack gasped. Weren't you here a while ago, digging for a story? I told you to stay out of here. So did the other cop. Lady, you don't catch on very fast."
"I actually do, Jack, but the Judge said I needed to talk to you." She smiled. "He needs your help."
"Now I know you're missing a few marbles if you expect me to believe my friend, who's been dead for over a year, sent you to get me." Skepticism was etched across Jack's face. "Little lady, you might have put stars in my rookie's eyes, but I'm seeing through you plain as day. What's your scam?"
"It's not a scam, Jack. I know it's hard to believe, but Judge Parker did send me," Sandra insisted.
Jack shook his head, his disbelief evident. "I don't believe in ghosts! So, let's get past it, okay?"
"I was afraid you'd say that." Sandra took a deep breath and called out, "Patrick!"
Patrick appeared, this time in his earthly form. Jack's face went pale, and he stepped back, stammering, "Grandfather? It can't be!" He rubbed his eyes and looked again.
Patrick smiled gently. "It's me, Jack. I'm here because we need your help."
Jack's eyes darted between Sandra and Patrick, his mind struggling to grasp the reality before him. "This is some kind of trick," he muttered, his voice shaking. "Some elaborate hoax."
"No trick, Jack," Patrick said softly. "I know it's hard to accept, but it's true. I'm here because you need to help Sandra. We all do."
Jack shook his head vigorously, backing away. "No. This can't be happening. Grandfather, you died years ago. This isn't real."
Sandra stepped forward, her voice calm but firm. "Jack, I know it's a lot to take in. But we don't have time. There are dangerous men at the mansion right now, planning to steal a treasure. Your grandfather, the judge, and many other good people will be sent into damnation if they accomplish it. This is their only chance for redemption."
Jack's expression shifted from disbelief to concern. "The mansion? Judge Parker's old place? Who's there?"
"Gangsters," Sandra replied. "They're after something valuable hidden in the mansion. They'll get away with it if we don't stop them."
Patrick nodded. "She's telling the truth, Jack. This isn't just about ghosts and mysteries. There are real, dangerous people involved."
At that moment, Michael entered, his expression stern. "What's going on here?"
Jack turned to Michael, his voice barely above a whisper. "It's... it's my grandfather. He's..."
Michael looked at Patrick, his eyes widening. "This can't be real."
Patrick raised his hands in a placating gesture. "I know it's a shock, but we need to focus. There's no time to waste. There are gangsters at the mansion, and we need to stop them."
Jack looked back at Patrick, his eyes filled with fear and confusion. "Grandfather, if this is real — what — what do you want me to do?"
"Sandra can explain the details, but first, I need to set something straight with her. I got a little sidetracked last night," Patrick admitted sheepishly.
"You think!" Sandra shook her head. "I sat in jail, and you wasted your time fooling around."
"Not exactly! I've recruited my old team." Patrick opened the conference room door. "Come on out, guys."
Sandra couldn't believe her eyes. A dozen men of all ages filed out of the conference room. Jack and Michael recognized several of them and waved. Patrick quickly added, "There are more to meet us at the mansion."
Sandra raised an eyebrow. "Where are they going to stay? We can't have them all arriving at the mansion; it will blow our cover."
Patrick nodded. "No, I own a hunting cabin — well, I guess Jack owns it now. It's not too far from Willow Creek. They'll stay there while you put the plan into play, and then we'll round them up." Patrick smiled at Sandra. "A simple 'I'm sorry I doubted you' will suffice."
Sandra laughed. "Okay, you kept your promise. I'm sorry."
Jack took a deep breath, nodding slowly. "I will have to run this past my boss, but you can count on me. I'll leave out the part about the ghosts, though."
Michael poked Jack in the side. "You're going to take me too, right?"
Jack raised an eyebrow but couldn't conceal his smile. "Yeah, I suppose I can take you."
"I hate to interrupt, but Sandra and I are on a deadline. Jack, you and Michael work it out with your boss." Patrick turned to the guys. "You guys get settled in at the hunting lodge. I'll contact you as soon as I can."
Jack moved closer to Patrick. "This isn't some weird joke, is it?"
"No. I'm really here. Though it does feel strange for me, too, since this is the first time I have been able to appear in earthly form outside the mansion."
"Can — can I hug you?"
Patrick held out his arms. "I'd be hurt if you didn't. Come here, boy. It's been a long time."
Grandfather and grandson embraced, and then Patrick stepped away. "I could do that forever, but like I said, we've got a deadline. I'll see you at the mansion."
Michael turned to Sandra, grinning from ear to ear. "I knew there was something special about you from the first time I set eyes on you, but let me tell you, I never expected anything like this."
Sandra smiled back, coyly answering, "Neither did I."
*****
After a night in jail, meeting Jack, Michael, and Patrick's friends, learning from Annie that Les was champing at the bit to learn more, and driving back to Willow Creek, Sandra was exhausted. Her frustration was teetering on the edge of hysteria, which she knew wouldn't be a pretty sight.
She'd been trying to explain to Sheriff Tyler Williams about the activities at the mansion without mentioning ghosts, but so far, it had been a complete failure.
"I find it highly unlikely that gangsters are operating in our quiet town," the sheriff stated firmly, his voice carrying an air of finality.
"Sheriff, I understand your skepticism, but there have been strange occurrences that we cannot explain."
A tap at the door got the Sheriff and Sandra's attention. "Sir, I think you should take a look outside."
He glared at his assistant and snapped, "Mandy, can't you see I am busy?"
"Yes, sir, but an entire news crew rarely shows up in our town. Something must be going on."
He slammed his cup of coffee on the desk. It slopped over the edge and covered the blotter. "Is this how you stir up trouble, Miss —"
"Monroe. Sandra Monroe." Sandra walked to the window with Tyler hot on her heels. "Oh, no — what's he doing here?
Tyler snarled, "Exactly what I would like to know." Turning to Mandy, he yelled, "Get someone out there and find out what they are up to."
A gruff voice answered, "I can help you with that, Sheriff."
Les stepped around Mandy and entered the room, glancing at Sandra with smug confidence. He extended his hand toward the sheriff. "Les Miller, CEO and Chief Editor of Crime Stopper Gazette."
Tyler ignored Les's hand and returned to his desk. "So, you're the one behind this fiasco. Bringing chaos to my town. For what?"
Sandra's anger flared as Les winked in her direction before he spoke, "I pride myself on being on top of the big stories when they unfold, sir. Now, Sandra, she's got her nose to the ground looking for a story, but she's new to the business. On the other hand, I have been in the business for decades, and I can assure you that our sources are reliable. We wouldn't waste our time or yours chasing wild stories."
"It's my story! He wasn't even aware of it until this morning." Sandra glared at her boss. "Ask him for details. What's happening, and who is involved?"
"Sandra, I can see you're upset, but let me handle this."
"I won't! Just because you bailed me out of jail —"
Tyler turned his full attention to Sandra. "You were in jail last night? For what? Breaking and entering?" He chuckled as he tried to imagine Sandra's willowy body climbing a fire escape and committing a crime.
"Yes, actually. I was arrested for trespassing. I needed to meet — umm, get something from Judge Parker's old office."
"The Judge? He owned the mansion at one time. Is that what this is all about? Some hidden treasure?"
"It is — in a way. The Judge sent me to his office to —"
"Lady, you better quit while you're ahead. The judge has been dead for over a year. I don't think he sent you anywhere."
"But he did, and we are wasting time. I'm telling you Frankie Saladino has his entire crew combing the tunnels beneath the mansion, and they are going to steal a fortune in jewels, antiques, paintings.":
"And you want me, a small-town sheriff with two deputies, to face down the mob. You are out of your mind! They can take the whole town if they want."
Trying to get the upper hand over Sandra, Les jumped into the conversation, "My crew will be right behind you, getting every last detail when you take them down. Wouldn't you like to be front-page news?"
"Uh, what I would like is to be alive tomorrow, not lying on some slab in the morgue."
"We've got help coming. You won't be alone. And the Judge —" Sandra stopped, knowing she was about to confirm her status of lunacy if she mentioned the Judge and everyone at the mansion.
"I'll take it from here, Sandra." Her eyes widened as she recognized the voice. In the corner, near the file cabinets, the room was glowing as Judge William Parker and his grandson, Billy, materialized.
The sheriff's eyes widened in disbelief as he stared at the ghostly apparition. "What in the world —" Stepping further back, he gulped, "The notorious Judge Parker and his grandson, Billy?"
Les's over-confident balloon fizzled and deflated as he stared at whatever was happening in the room's far corner. He edged closer to the door. "What kind of hoax is this?"
William chuckled. "I assure you it's no hoax, sir. Being the highly skilled investigator that she is, she wouldn't waste her time on a hoax.
"But — you look like —" Les's saucer-sized eyes darted toward Sandra. "They look like ghosts?"
Sandra shrugged her shoulders and grinned. "That they are. You get used to it after a while. Welcome to my world, Les."
"No — no, I don't think so. This show, or whatever it is, is yours. The crew and I will take the back seat on this one." He turned and rushed out of the office, not glancing back at all.
Noting that time was of the essence, William approached the sheriff slowly. "I understand your skepticism, but I assure you, I am very real — in a ghostly sense. Sandra has been investigating and has uncovered a plot to steal my ill-gotten fortune."
"Are the lights in the cemetery connected in some way?" The sheriff had been aware of torches moving around the cemetery for some time, but being aware and investigating were two different things.
Billy grinned, mischief dancing in his eyes. "Spirits like to roam the graveyard, looking for their relatives. Sometimes, it's a real party."
Sandra hid her smile behind her hand, knowing Billy couldn't resist teasing the sheriff.
Still wide-eyed and shaky, Tyler croaked, "But - what can I do? I can't stand up to the mob."
"You won't be alone. We have plenty of help coming from the city and a good plan. Sandra can explain. I need to get back to the mansion. Are you in?"
Still bewildered, he nodded. "I'm in!"
As Sandra exited the elevator, she silently prayed that Patrick would be waiting for her in the judge's office. She felt anxious since he had deserted her last night. He'd been so upbeat about their adventure as they traveled into town, but once here, he'd vanished with no explanation. She also knew that the police were hot on her trail, and she didn't have much time.
She opened the outer office door to the sound of Irish singing. Rolling her eyes, she hurried through the office toward Judge Parker's private office. Patrick was sitting in the desk chair, feet propped on the windowsill, singing at the top of his lungs.
"I'm glad you are so happy. Where have you been?" Sandra glared at him. "You promised me you were going to help."
A mischievous grin played across his lips, and his emerald green eyes twinkled. "An O'Reilly promise is as good as gold, lass."
"This place smells like a brewery, Patrick. And that lipstick on your collar. How do you explain that?"
"I was getting the lay of the land, so to speak, and this darling lady offered to help me."
"I'm sure she did. You were partying with some woman while I sat in jail last night. Thanks for the help." Sandra was irritated, and she wasn't holding back.
"You're quick with the temper this morning, lass. Maybe I oughta explain before you shoot me or something."
"Better make it quick because the cop who arrested me and his boss are on my tail and should be coming through that door momentarily."
"Well then, I'll leave the explaining for later and step into the other room until they arrive." As Patrick moved swiftly across the room, he stopped at the doorway. "I'm sorry you're upset, but I did my job. You'll see."
"It's your hide if we can't get them to help us."
"I'm confident that it will all fall in place once Jack locks eyes on me." With that, Patrick disappeared, leaving Sandra alone in the office, scanning the street below.
Jack's voice bellowed as he cleared the outer office and stood in the doorway. "You're trespassing!" His hand perched on top of his gun. "You mind telling me what you're doing in Judge Parker's office?"
Sandra turned around and looked directly at Jack. "We meet again."
"It's you!" Jack gasped. Weren't you here a while ago, digging for a story? I told you to stay out of here. So did the other cop. Lady, you don't catch on very fast."
"I actually do, Jack, but the Judge said I needed to talk to you." She smiled. "He needs your help."
"Now I know you're missing a few marbles if you expect me to believe my friend, who's been dead for over a year, sent you to get me." Skepticism was etched across Jack's face. "Little lady, you might have put stars in my rookie's eyes, but I'm seeing through you plain as day. What's your scam?"
"It's not a scam, Jack. I know it's hard to believe, but Judge Parker did send me," Sandra insisted.
Jack shook his head, his disbelief evident. "I don't believe in ghosts! So, let's get past it, okay?"
"I was afraid you'd say that." Sandra took a deep breath and called out, "Patrick!"
Patrick appeared, this time in his earthly form. Jack's face went pale, and he stepped back, stammering, "Grandfather? It can't be!" He rubbed his eyes and looked again.
Patrick smiled gently. "It's me, Jack. I'm here because we need your help."
Jack's eyes darted between Sandra and Patrick, his mind struggling to grasp the reality before him. "This is some kind of trick," he muttered, his voice shaking. "Some elaborate hoax."
"No trick, Jack," Patrick said softly. "I know it's hard to accept, but it's true. I'm here because you need to help Sandra. We all do."
Jack shook his head vigorously, backing away. "No. This can't be happening. Grandfather, you died years ago. This isn't real."
Sandra stepped forward, her voice calm but firm. "Jack, I know it's a lot to take in. But we don't have time. There are dangerous men at the mansion right now, planning to steal a treasure. Your grandfather, the judge, and many other good people will be sent into damnation if they accomplish it. This is their only chance for redemption."
Jack's expression shifted from disbelief to concern. "The mansion? Judge Parker's old place? Who's there?"
"Gangsters," Sandra replied. "They're after something valuable hidden in the mansion. They'll get away with it if we don't stop them."
Patrick nodded. "She's telling the truth, Jack. This isn't just about ghosts and mysteries. There are real, dangerous people involved."
At that moment, Michael entered, his expression stern. "What's going on here?"
Jack turned to Michael, his voice barely above a whisper. "It's... it's my grandfather. He's..."
Michael looked at Patrick, his eyes widening. "This can't be real."
Patrick raised his hands in a placating gesture. "I know it's a shock, but we need to focus. There's no time to waste. There are gangsters at the mansion, and we need to stop them."
Jack looked back at Patrick, his eyes filled with fear and confusion. "Grandfather, if this is real — what — what do you want me to do?"
"Sandra can explain the details, but first, I need to set something straight with her. I got a little sidetracked last night," Patrick admitted sheepishly.
"You think!" Sandra shook her head. "I sat in jail, and you wasted your time fooling around."
"Not exactly! I've recruited my old team." Patrick opened the conference room door. "Come on out, guys."
Sandra couldn't believe her eyes. A dozen men of all ages filed out of the conference room. Jack and Michael recognized several of them and waved. Patrick quickly added, "There are more to meet us at the mansion."
Sandra raised an eyebrow. "Where are they going to stay? We can't have them all arriving at the mansion; it will blow our cover."
Patrick nodded. "No, I own a hunting cabin — well, I guess Jack owns it now. It's not too far from Willow Creek. They'll stay there while you put the plan into play, and then we'll round them up." Patrick smiled at Sandra. "A simple 'I'm sorry I doubted you' will suffice."
Sandra laughed. "Okay, you kept your promise. I'm sorry."
Jack took a deep breath, nodding slowly. "I will have to run this past my boss, but you can count on me. I'll leave out the part about the ghosts, though."
Michael poked Jack in the side. "You're going to take me too, right?"
Jack raised an eyebrow but couldn't conceal his smile. "Yeah, I suppose I can take you."
"I hate to interrupt, but Sandra and I are on a deadline. Jack, you and Michael work it out with your boss." Patrick turned to the guys. "You guys get settled in at the hunting lodge. I'll contact you as soon as I can."
Jack moved closer to Patrick. "This isn't some weird joke, is it?"
"No. I'm really here. Though it does feel strange for me, too, since this is the first time I have been able to appear in earthly form outside the mansion."
"Can — can I hug you?"
Patrick held out his arms. "I'd be hurt if you didn't. Come here, boy. It's been a long time."
Grandfather and grandson embraced, and then Patrick stepped away. "I could do that forever, but like I said, we've got a deadline. I'll see you at the mansion."
Michael turned to Sandra, grinning from ear to ear. "I knew there was something special about you from the first time I set eyes on you, but let me tell you, I never expected anything like this."
Sandra smiled back, coyly answering, "Neither did I."
*****
After a night in jail, meeting Jack, Michael, and Patrick's friends, learning from Annie that Les was champing at the bit to learn more, and driving back to Willow Creek, Sandra was exhausted. Her frustration was teetering on the edge of hysteria, which she knew wouldn't be a pretty sight.
She'd been trying to explain to Sheriff Tyler Williams about the activities at the mansion without mentioning ghosts, but so far, it had been a complete failure.
"I find it highly unlikely that gangsters are operating in our quiet town," the sheriff stated firmly, his voice carrying an air of finality.
"Sheriff, I understand your skepticism, but there have been strange occurrences that we cannot explain."
A tap at the door got the Sheriff and Sandra's attention. "Sir, I think you should take a look outside."
He glared at his assistant and snapped, "Mandy, can't you see I am busy?"
"Yes, sir, but an entire news crew rarely shows up in our town. Something must be going on."
He slammed his cup of coffee on the desk. It slopped over the edge and covered the blotter. "Is this how you stir up trouble, Miss —"
"Monroe. Sandra Monroe." Sandra walked to the window with Tyler hot on her heels. "Oh, no — what's he doing here?
Tyler snarled, "Exactly what I would like to know." Turning to Mandy, he yelled, "Get someone out there and find out what they are up to."
A gruff voice answered, "I can help you with that, Sheriff."
Les stepped around Mandy and entered the room, glancing at Sandra with smug confidence. He extended his hand toward the sheriff. "Les Miller, CEO and Chief Editor of Crime Stopper Gazette."
Tyler ignored Les's hand and returned to his desk. "So, you're the one behind this fiasco. Bringing chaos to my town. For what?"
Sandra's anger flared as Les winked in her direction before he spoke, "I pride myself on being on top of the big stories when they unfold, sir. Now, Sandra, she's got her nose to the ground looking for a story, but she's new to the business. On the other hand, I have been in the business for decades, and I can assure you that our sources are reliable. We wouldn't waste our time or yours chasing wild stories."
"It's my story! He wasn't even aware of it until this morning." Sandra glared at her boss. "Ask him for details. What's happening, and who is involved?"
"Sandra, I can see you're upset, but let me handle this."
"I won't! Just because you bailed me out of jail —"
Tyler turned his full attention to Sandra. "You were in jail last night? For what? Breaking and entering?" He chuckled as he tried to imagine Sandra's willowy body climbing a fire escape and committing a crime.
"Yes, actually. I was arrested for trespassing. I needed to meet — umm, get something from Judge Parker's old office."
"The Judge? He owned the mansion at one time. Is that what this is all about? Some hidden treasure?"
"It is — in a way. The Judge sent me to his office to —"
"Lady, you better quit while you're ahead. The judge has been dead for over a year. I don't think he sent you anywhere."
"But he did, and we are wasting time. I'm telling you Frankie Saladino has his entire crew combing the tunnels beneath the mansion, and they are going to steal a fortune in jewels, antiques, paintings.":
"And you want me, a small-town sheriff with two deputies, to face down the mob. You are out of your mind! They can take the whole town if they want."
Trying to get the upper hand over Sandra, Les jumped into the conversation, "My crew will be right behind you, getting every last detail when you take them down. Wouldn't you like to be front-page news?"
"Uh, what I would like is to be alive tomorrow, not lying on some slab in the morgue."
"We've got help coming. You won't be alone. And the Judge —" Sandra stopped, knowing she was about to confirm her status of lunacy if she mentioned the Judge and everyone at the mansion.
"I'll take it from here, Sandra." Her eyes widened as she recognized the voice. In the corner, near the file cabinets, the room was glowing as Judge William Parker and his grandson, Billy, materialized.
The sheriff's eyes widened in disbelief as he stared at the ghostly apparition. "What in the world —" Stepping further back, he gulped, "The notorious Judge Parker and his grandson, Billy?"
Les's over-confident balloon fizzled and deflated as he stared at whatever was happening in the room's far corner. He edged closer to the door. "What kind of hoax is this?"
William chuckled. "I assure you it's no hoax, sir. Being the highly skilled investigator that she is, she wouldn't waste her time on a hoax.
"But — you look like —" Les's saucer-sized eyes darted toward Sandra. "They look like ghosts?"
Sandra shrugged her shoulders and grinned. "That they are. You get used to it after a while. Welcome to my world, Les."
"No — no, I don't think so. This show, or whatever it is, is yours. The crew and I will take the back seat on this one." He turned and rushed out of the office, not glancing back at all.
Noting that time was of the essence, William approached the sheriff slowly. "I understand your skepticism, but I assure you, I am very real — in a ghostly sense. Sandra has been investigating and has uncovered a plot to steal my ill-gotten fortune."
"Are the lights in the cemetery connected in some way?" The sheriff had been aware of torches moving around the cemetery for some time, but being aware and investigating were two different things.
Billy grinned, mischief dancing in his eyes. "Spirits like to roam the graveyard, looking for their relatives. Sometimes, it's a real party."
Sandra hid her smile behind her hand, knowing Billy couldn't resist teasing the sheriff.
Still wide-eyed and shaky, Tyler croaked, "But - what can I do? I can't stand up to the mob."
"You won't be alone. We have plenty of help coming from the city and a good plan. Sandra can explain. I need to get back to the mansion. Are you in?"
Still bewildered, he nodded. "I'm in!"
Sandra Monroe - fledgling crime investigative reporter
Detective Ryan Hamilton - a ghost
Judge William Parker - the grandfather and ghost
Will Parker - the father and ghost
Judge William Parker (Billy) - the grandson and ghost
Benny Gonzales - The Hitman - a ghost
Lorrie - the housekeeper - a ghost
James Matthews - writer living in the mansion's carriage house - a ghost
Noah Wakefield - deceased
Madeline Wakefield - widow
Tim - Sandra's father and a ghost
Victoria - the ghostly FORMER mistress in the 1800s
Esther - a female ghost from the 1800s, hoping to reclaim what's rightfully hers
Sebastian - once a lover and friend of Victoria's but now a celestial being
Frankie Saladino - mobster boss
Louie Frisella - Frankie's #1 man
Marco - a wanna-be fighting his way up the ranks
Maurice - head of a rival crew
Vinny - a ghost of William's past
Sgt. Patrick O'Rielly - William's friend from the past and a ghost
Jack O'Rielly - police officer and grandson of Patrick (a mortal)
Michael Sullivan - a rookie with the police force (a mortal)
Les Miller - CEO of Crime Stoppers Gazette and Sandra's boss
Annie - Sandra's assistant
Tyler - the local sheriff
Pays
one point
and 2 member cents. Detective Ryan Hamilton - a ghost
Judge William Parker - the grandfather and ghost
Will Parker - the father and ghost
Judge William Parker (Billy) - the grandson and ghost
Benny Gonzales - The Hitman - a ghost
Lorrie - the housekeeper - a ghost
James Matthews - writer living in the mansion's carriage house - a ghost
Noah Wakefield - deceased
Madeline Wakefield - widow
Tim - Sandra's father and a ghost
Victoria - the ghostly FORMER mistress in the 1800s
Esther - a female ghost from the 1800s, hoping to reclaim what's rightfully hers
Sebastian - once a lover and friend of Victoria's but now a celestial being
Frankie Saladino - mobster boss
Louie Frisella - Frankie's #1 man
Marco - a wanna-be fighting his way up the ranks
Maurice - head of a rival crew
Vinny - a ghost of William's past
Sgt. Patrick O'Rielly - William's friend from the past and a ghost
Jack O'Rielly - police officer and grandson of Patrick (a mortal)
Michael Sullivan - a rookie with the police force (a mortal)
Les Miller - CEO of Crime Stoppers Gazette and Sandra's boss
Annie - Sandra's assistant
Tyler - the local sheriff
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