Page 32 of Haunting Salem

8

“This is the last hour,”Henry said, as we stopped in front of The House of Seven Gables. “You’ll split your time between here and the Witch House. They’re not far apart and you’ll be able to interact more with those watching on the stream. The scene out in front of Proctor’s Ledge has generated a lot of content, so if you’d like to a minute to answer questions, that would be a great opening for the stream.”

“Sure,” I replied. “I’d love to.” Though there wasn’t much I could say about it. I mean, who’d believe death took a soul because they were trying to curse us?

Henry handed me a tablet and showed me all of the Twitter comments and questions. “You can either pick out your favorites to answer live or you can respond to some of them in a comment.”

"Wait... There are over twenty thousand comments. How am I supposed to pick?" I scrolled through the replies to the original Adventure Channel post. Some were comments others were genuine questions, while a few were calling the whole show fake. I didn't care about them. Some people couldn't be convinced anything beyond what they saw, was real. It was like their brain shut down.

“Yes, more on YouTube right now too. You’re a hit, Simone. I knew we were going to have a successful show on our hands when we watched the Cecil Hotel pilot.” Henry grinned. “I don’t want to freak you out, or anything, but the President of AC is watching along with us tonight and he is enthralled. I see a bonus in your future.”

While I was super stoked about the information Henry shared with me, I wasn’t doing this for the money. I wanted to show people there was another reality out there. Where spirits, intelligent or residual existed. “Thank you, Henry. Thank you so much.”

“Why do I feel like there is a but coming?” He cocked a brow.

"Oh, there isn't." I chuckled. "I'm not worried about the money part, I'm glad everyone is enjoying the broadcast. I'm honored to have this platform to share my story and the stories of those who don't have a voice anymore, as well."

“You’re welcome, Simone. Now, figure out how you want to answer the questions and we’ll be ready to go live one last time.” Henry squeezed my shoulder before walking away.

Jack approached then. “Wow, a bonus huh?” He gave me a cheeky grin. “I suppose you’ll be leaving all of us beggars behind.”

I gave him a playful shove. “Shut up. I’m sure all of us will be getting it not just me.” I rolled my eyes. “Help me find a couple of good questions.”

Jack snickered then took the tablet away from me. He whistled low. “How do they expect you to choose?”

“Good question, hence, why I asked you to help me.”

“Well, there is one about the figure and Gaspar. Maybe that one?” Jack glanced at me. “There’s another one about the Paul family too. Since we didn’t get much time at their spot, we could answer those if you want?”

"Sure. Sounds good. I bet we'll be answering questions even into the next week." Jack showed me the questions he believed were suitable for us to answer then we turned them over to Chase's team for the Q&A. By then, Lucy had joined us as had Owen. While Nolan was with Henry over at our control center keeping up with all the cameras we'd placed at the different locations.

It was officially time to start.

"Welcome to the late-night stream of the Simone Hadley Files," Chase said. "Now, before we get started, there have been over twenty-thousand questions and comments on Twitter and over fifteen thousand on YouTube as well. So, we've picked a few for Simone to answer for us. Ready?" He glanced in my direction.

“As always,” I replied.

“This question comes from @BattyMom22346; Who was the woman in the street near Proctor’s Ledge and what happened after she appeared.”

"That's a complicated question to give a simple answer to," I answered. "So, I am going to do my best and give a short but informative response. I didn't get her name; however, she was one of the original women hanged for witchcraft. I have guardians and guides, and when they believe someone is getting too close to me or can hurt me, they react. Anyway, she was repeating the curse she'd been saying as the trapdoor opened and she perished. My guardian did what he does, protects me."

“So, we witnessed a supernatural fight?” Chase prodded.

“Um, not necessarily. It’s like when we put up protection around an area. He does the same only his is more spiritual—literally. I am sure, he also helped her crossover so her torture would end finally. Because no one should have to continue to relive their most horrifying experiences, especially their deaths.”

“Compassionate release, then?” Chase asked.

“Yes,” I agreed. “It might have seemed malevolent, but it wasn’t.”Liar, liar, I chided myself.

“Excellent,” Chase said. “This second question comes from @Sunnybuns; You gave a little background on Elizabeth Paul family; can you tell us how long it was before she was found?”

Macabre for sure. But, the curiosity was there as morbid as it was. “So, Elizabeth died hours after the confirmation of her husband’s death and her children being brought to the morgue. Her body however wasn’t found for a few days. Friends and family became concerned for her welfare when no arrangements were made for the burials of her children or her husband. She also wasn’t answering her door, nor was she answer her phone. By day three, the Sheriff went out to her home to do a welfare check. From there, they began the search. One of the volunteers found her a couple of hours into their investigation.”

“This story is so tragic,” Chase said. “My heart goes out to her family. I can’t even imagine.”

“I feel the same. She is at peace though, her spirit isn’t trapped and if she had been, I would have done everything in my ability, to release her,” I said.

“Some people commented on the markings on the tree where you visited. Is there anything the locals should be worried about?”

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