Page 16 of Feathered Web

Charles Crichton was an older gentleman—a true gentleman—who worked in the Garrison Library. He was tall, fit, and in his seventies. A recent widower, Charles came over to dinner on a regular basis, and we’d spend the evening talking about the history of the town.

“Of course,” I said. “Well, if we’re right and they’re planning to use Penelope to trap the spirits so they can make money off of that, then we shouldn’t have to worry that they’re going to try to destroy her.”

“True, but whatever they do to her, it could forever change her. We can’t bank on having lots of time,” Kerris said.

As we headed back to Moonshadow Bay, it occurred to me that we’d learned a lot for one afternoon and we at least had a fighting chance.

By the time we made it back to Moonshadow Bay, I’d put in a call to Charles and he was waiting for us at the library. We meandered through the stacks, heading toward the second floor where Charles had his office.

We reached his door at three o’clock, and I knocked lightly, then opened it.

Charles was sitting behind his desk. “January,” he said, standing. “I’m delighted to see you. And Rowan, you as well.”

We shook hands and I introduced Kerris. “Kerris is the spirit shaman of Whisper Hollow,” I said. “We have a confidential request, and it’s vital that whatever we say remain private.”

“Pleased to meet you. I’ve never talked to a spirit shaman before,” he said with a nod, looking as stately as ever. “I give you my word, ladies. Please, sit down.”

As we took chairs around his desk, he cleared his desktop computer and brought up a browser, though it looked to be an internal one used by the library staff, because I’d never seen it before.

“What can I do for you?” he asked.

“We need information on the Wildcat Cove Pest House. We think there’s something shady going on there.” We told him what had happened.

“Can you see what you can find out about the mausoleums in the cemetery? Also, can you find out who the Broadman Group is made of? Apparently they own it now,” I added.

Charles was strong with the search engines. He had been teaching me tricks and tips on how to find the information I needed, but I still couldn’t match him when it came to digging out historical information.

“Give me just a moment,” he said. He tapped away at the keys, his fingers still swift and sure on the keys. A few moments later, he looked up. “The group who owns the Pest House—the Broadman Group? The ‘group’ is made up of two men, and both are members of the Covenant of Chaos. Also, and this probably plays into matters, too, the Broadman Group is known for presenting events. They sponsor all sorts of presentations through the year, from Bellingham down to Everett. They’re successful at what they do—a lot of good reviews.”

I asked, “Are they going to do a haunted house soon?”

“Yes—they’re advertising tickets to a haunted house tour starting next week, at the Pest House.” Charles frowned. “They guarantee manifestations and they plan on running these tours year ’round.”

“Then there’s another reason they kidnapped Penelope. If they’re controlling her, she can command the ghosts to do whatever they want. That’s despicable.” I shook my head. “Ten to one, the Hounds saw the opportunity to rid Whisper Hollow of the Gatekeeper and simultaneously make allies with the Covenant of Chaos by providing them with a moneymaking opportunity. Who are the men who run the Broadman Group?”

“Cleese Jenkins and Wily Shelton. And I think you’re right,” Charles said. “The pair have made a lot of money over the years, and this will just increase their wealth.” He held up one hand. “Let me check on something.” He went back to the computer and a moment later, looked up. “Ghost hunting groups all over the area are talking about the event, and they are starting to line up tours to come visit the Wildcat Cove Pest House.”

“Crap,” I said. “We can’t let this happen. For one thing, Whisper Hollow needs Penelope. For another, I hate seeing ghosts being exploited. Agnes—the spirit I talked to earlier—said something about being part of a sideshow and how much she dreaded it.”

“What are you going to do?” Charles asked.

I glanced at Rowan and Kerris. “We’ll have to figure that out. When does the event begin?”

“Friday. You have tomorrow and Thursday before it’s going to get very crowded there.” Charles frowned. “I wish I could help.”

“You just did,” I said. “You gave us the most valuable thing we needed—information, and timing. Thank you.” I gave him a quick hug and we headed out.

CHAPTER SEVEN

We gathered in my living room that evening—Rowan and Tarvish, Kerris and Bryan, and Killian and me. Xi and Klaus bounced through the room and Kerris caught Xi up and gave her a snuggle.

“I have three Maine Coons,” she said. “Agent H., Gabby, and Daphne. They’re doing really well for their ages—they’re all eleven now. They’re littermates.”

“Cats make the world a better place,” Tarvish said. “We have four kittens?—”

“You have four kittens,” Rowan said, laughing.

“You love them and you know it.” Tarvish leaned over and kissed her. It still seemed odd to see a demon kissing my grandmother, but I’d mostly gotten used to it.

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