TBC Publishing Pride Month Flash Fiction Challenge, 24 of 30
Title: Ghostly Evictions, or ‘Help Me To Move On’
Author: R. Scott Tyler
Genre: Mystery
Word count (500 max): 463
Casper’s new business cards arrived, and he was excited. “Casper Robinson, Paranormal Investigations,” they read.
“Cool, I love the font and glossy print,” said his friend, Mac.
“I already put them up in the library and the coffee shop,” Casper replied. “If we’re going to dig through dumps, we might as well get paid,” he continued. “In fact, I got a text asking to meet and discuss a possible job later.”
“Really? Where?” Mac replied.
“You know that old house on 12th and Walnut that just sold? That one. I assume it’s the new owner, but I’m not sure. I guess I’ll find out soon,” Casper answered.
Sure enough, Casper was greeted by the new owner that afternoon.
“Hi, Casper, I’m Simon. I bought the old mansion on Walnut?” Simon introduced himself.
“Nice to meet you, Simon. What made you contact me?” Casper asked.
As it turned out, Simon was new to town, loved flipping houses, and fell for the lot and style of the old mansion, buying it sight unseen before he even arrived. The seller was very honest with him and disclosed the amount of work that needed to be done. It hadn’t dissuaded him.
At the closing, just before final signatures, the seller said, “Did I mention that some of the neighbors have said that strange things happen around the house? Funny happenings in the yard and sometimes lights in the house?”
“Eh, kids,” Simon replied as he signed the final document. “I’ll get some cameras and make friends. I was a kid once,” he laughed.
“So you see, Casper, I wasn’t ready for what I learned in the library about the house’s history,” Simon said.
“And that was?” Casper asked.
“There was a murder there in the 1920s. A single man owned the house and often hosted parties, during which all kinds of shady behavior took place. According to the newspaper, anyway,” Simon answered.
“I think they meant he was gay, and the neighbors didn’t like his guests,” Simon said, gesturing that he didn’t know.
“So, you want me to investigate and see what I come up with? Inside the house?” Casper tried to confirm.
“Yes, and if there is still something in the house, find out if it’s malevolent or if you can get it to move on, some way,” Simon answered, again with the helpless gesture.
“I’ll do it!” Casper exclaimed, having no idea how he’d do it or even exactly what ‘it’ would entail. But if it was a chance to put a 100-year-old gay spirit to rest, he had to try.
After his meeting, he called Mac. “Put together your bag for an overnight at the old mansion, I’ve got a job to convince an old, gay ghost to vacate the property!” he told him.
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The Death card. Bringer of definite endings and new beginnings.
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