Page 28 of Haunting Salem

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We tookour places near where the hanging tree was once located and from there, we would make our way down to Proctor’s Ledge. In 2019 the town of Salem finally made the area where so many were thrown after death, a memorial. I suspect the neighbors who bought their property near Gallows Hill, didn’t necessarily expect all the attention their little plot of land and home would garner after all these years. As it was, the younger members of their families stood at the fence line, bundled up, with their phones out watching us. I only hoped they’d enjoy the show.

I waved at them before turning to face the camera to begin again. Jack was behind me and Owen to my right. Nolan was at our command center watching all of the cameras still recording at the different locations. I don’t know exactly what we caught beyond the initial responses, but I hope it was keeping everyone entertained.

“So, Simone,” Chase said, as we went live once more. “What can you tell us about this spot.”

“This is where people died.” I shrugged. “This site marks the end of their journey.” I began to walk the area we’d been afforded to investigation, taking everyone closer to where the original hangings occurred. “Imagine being shackled and carted up to a big sturdy tree; your life all but over. You know you’re innocent of all the charges, but no one will listen. As you get closer to your final destination before dying, the people of Salem have gathered. They’re hurling insults at you and raging about you being a witch. You’re scared, obviously, but you’re angry too. Some of the accused witches were defiant in the end. Giles Corey specifically said, as he was being crushed to death, “more weight.” A knowing smile tugged at my lips. “He also cursed the town of Salem by saying, “Damn you! I curse you and Salem.” Rebecca Nurse was quoted as saying; “Oh Lord, help me. It is false. I am clear. For my life now lies in your hands...” the same thing Mrs. Paul wrote in her last letter before she took her life in the wooded area down the hill from us.

"Speaking of curses, do you believe in them?" Chase asked as we stopped at the clearing in the middle of Gallows Hill park.

“I do. Words said in anger or grief carry weight. Do I believe the whole of Salem has been cursed for their abhorrent actions? I do. Can the curses be broken? Yes. I think Salem has come a long way in over three hundred years. The memorial helps. The act of publicly stating for the record no one in Salem was ever a witch, to begin with, puts souls to rest too. However, even though it was a case of mass hysteria that caused the trials, it does a disservice to those who died."

Chase tilted his head. “How so.”

"It rationalizes the act and takes the blame off of where it belongs—on the people who lied." I shrugged. "There is nothing written about the main accuser Elizabeth after the trials came to an end. Unlike today, when someone is caught perjuring themselves they can be charged and convicted if proved to be lying. Back then, people disappeared. There isn't or hasn't been any justice for those who died. Sure, the courts deemed them all innocent later, but they're still dead."

“Shouldn’t someone have questioned the trials when these people died, instead of surviving their punishment?” Though Chase was an asshole of epic proportions, he asked all the right questions which I was grateful for.

“I think there were people who did question the validity of the trials and questioned why, if they were witches, did they die. I think the situation was a vortex of chaos and punching through to show people the whole thing—accusations and trial—was a farce, and those doing the accusing were faking it, would have also caused them to be accused of witchcraft too. So, they kept their mouths shut and probably prayed for the souls of those wrongfully suspected.”

The trees rustled behind us and the soft mutterings of activity drew my attention. Ember stood in the middle of the field. His gaze locked on where trees once stood. Beneath my feet, the terrain changed. Tall hardwood and pulp trees reached toward the sky. The air was chilly and the kiss of fall hung on the breeze. Wheels of an old wooden cart pulled by horse squeaked while the clop of hooves trotted over the dead leaves and clumps of hard dirt. I glanced up and squinted as the sun burned bright, high in the sky, but did nothing to ease the bone-cold sensation taking root in my body.

I’d done this before, I think. Maybe in the canyon. But, I couldn’t push past the barrier blocking my mind to remember. The chains surrounding those memories were so strong, I feared I’d never get past them, so instead, I focused on what I was seeing. Ember or Kael had transported me to one of the many hangings during the trials. Two women sat in the back of the wagon. Their hands had been tied along with their ankles. I snorted. If they were witches, real witches, they wouldn't have been tied for very long. They could have escaped. But, my thoughts were rational, back then, those who feared these women and men were not.

“What do you see, Simone?” Jack murmured, drawing me back slightly to the living.

“We’re experiencing one of the hangings,” I whispered. “There is so much violence and venom being spewed at these innocent people. It’s almost unbearable. They all know they’re about to meet their maker. I believe some are content in the fact the truth will set them all free, but there is also that anger I was talking about. They don’t want to die. They have no reason to die.”

Their fear of death and dread threatened to swallow me up. The muscles of my stomach knotted with anxiety and sorrow. They were all alone out there. I turned away, unable to take the vileness of the act. Their anger and resentment became mine. I worried if I spoke at that moment, I would lash out at everyone. I needed to step back for a second and gain control over myself. Kale was at my side then. He didn’t show himself to the others as he wrapped his arm around me infusing me with his strength.

Thanks, I needed that.

He gazed down at me and gave me a wry grin.This is a little intense, huh?

Yeah, more so than even the cemetery.I figured this would be a hot spot though.

He chuckled softly warming me with the sound.It’s hot all right.

“What’s that over there?” Owen pointed to a grouping of trees where a bright white orb appeared, steadily standing there, watching us as we observed them.

Time to get back to work.

“Hello,” I called out and motioned for our small crew to follow us. “We’re not here to hurt you, but if you want to speak to us, we’d certainly be appreciative. You should be able to tell your story.”

“What’s your name, if you don’t mind me asking?” Owen said, catching up to me. “I’m Owen. This is Simone, she’s pretty amazing. Behind us are Jack and Lucy. We’re mean you no harm.”

The ball of light pulsed with energy floating in the same spot between the trees.Lost...The word floated through my mind.

“We can help you, if you’d like,” I replied, stopping a good bit from the spirit. I had to remember not to push.

They’re a child...Ember’s voice was clear in my mind.An orphan it would appear. The little girl says she’s seen you before at the library.

The girl with ringlet ponytails and a teddy bear. “We’ve seen her before it appears.” I looked over my shoulder at Jack. You can’t see her true form, but she is the little girl from the library.”

Jack stepped forward and narrowed his eyes. His gasp of surprise had me smiling. “She is.”

“Where are my manners,” I said, kneeling in the cold, wet grass. “There, now we’re at eye level. What’s your name, sweet girl?”

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