Page 1 of All Hallows' Haunt
CHAPTER1
Everett
Hallow’s Hauntbecame an eerie ghost town at this hour. The rides were quiet, and the scare actors gathered their makeup and costumes for nightfall in preparation for the haunts. I signed onto the Hallow’s Haunt scare team last weekend, before the October dates started. My firstrealposition as an actor. Before, I did small events on inconsistent pay. Hallow’s Haunt opened during the evenings to provide a different experience for riders. If all went well tonight, I’d come back as a permanent member.
Walking through the empty avenues, my boots scuffed over the cobblestone path. Brisk winds blew harder today, ruffling my hair and knocking it into my eyes. A few restaurants on the grounds remained open during the transition. Cobwebs decorated the trees that framed the fast-food Chinese cuisine chain in front of me.
“Everett, my man,” Tony greeted me when I stepped to his window. “What can I get for you tonight?” I connected with him first after I signed on. Following meeting him and hanging out a few times after onboarding, I met Matthew.
Matt’s actually late now; where the hell is he?
“Hey, uh, let’s just do a number four.” I pulled out my wallet and removed my card. “And let’s add a drink to that, please.”
“On me tonight, don’t worry about it.”
“Tony, come on, man. You don’t have to do that for me,” I said, placing the card back in my wallet.
“It’s your first official night, right?” he asked, grabbing a to-go plate and placing food in the wells. “That’s a big deal to me, and I want you to enjoy yourself, so don’t sweat it. I mean, it’s not like it’s gonna hurt the Hallows' pockets.” He laughed at his own joke and wrapped up my food. The drink at the fountain dispenser finished, and he set it at the window.
“Thanks, T. I’ll get you back for it, promise.” I grabbed the bag and cold cup, taking a sip of the crisp carbonated drink.
“There’s no need; I’m not doing it to get something in return. Just enjoy yourself tonight. It’s gonna be wild for the next month and some change.”
“So I hear. Do you like it more than the daytime scene?”
“It’s fun given that I’m mostly inside here, but getting to watch you guys is better than watching toddlers throw up, pre-teens whine about the lines, and parents screaming. At least the screams on haunt nights are pouring dopamine.” He wiped the silver counter down with a terry cloth rag and ran a hand over his apron.
“Yeah, I can understand that. If you get out of the box, find me. I’m at the clown house tonight; maybe we can run through it and hop on some rides before we clock out?” I looked around the empty avenues again and back to him. Copper hair stuck to his forehead despite the cooler temperatures of autumn.
“Sounds like fun. I think I can manage to leave early, maybe around midnight or so. I’ll just text you whenever I can get out.” He put a hand out the window and I tapped mine against his before sliding it away.
“All right, I’ll see ya, Tony!” I called after stepping away. “Thanks for the food!”
The savory smell drifted to me on the way to the warehouse. My costume presented as casual wear, so I could put more time into makeup and submitting to whatever my hair decided we’d do.
I passed by large rides that usually moved cars of screaming attendees and saw the building tucked away behind no-access gates. When I turned the corner off the path, Gretchen sat in her booth.
“Everett, welcome to your first night with us,” she said, unlocking the gate and letting me pass. She was a member of the hiring team and by all accounts of mine, a decent person to be around.
“Hi, Gretch. I’m looking forward to it. It’s always been fun as an attendee, so I’m looking to see how it feels to flip that table.” I started to leave but turned back to her. “Have you seen Matt?”
“Which one?”
“Matt B.,” I replied.
“I believe he came in early. I think they needed assistance with one of the rides. I’d check your dressing area first; the problem should’ve been fixed by now.” She turned her attention back to a book hidden under the counter.
“Thanks!” I continued down the dusty path.
Beams and pipes were stored in the grass. Pallets with wrapped cases filled the spaces between them. The building sat at one story and looked rather boring for a place nightmares emerged from.
I approached the metal door and grabbed the cold doorknob. When I pulled the door open, conversation greeted me as the actors milled about. Most people seemed to be grouped by their main attraction. Wandering through the crowd, I looked for any signs of Matt. A small group of clowns gathered near the wall. I walked up to their large table crowded with bright lamps, mirrors, and special effects face paint.
“Newbie!” one of the more burly guys exclaimed. I wasn’t a scrawny kid by any means, but I didn’t have much bulk on me compared to him. At six-three, I’d definitely benefit from a regular gym membership. His makeup and costume coupled with his size frightened me.
“Hey, that’s me. Um, has anyone seen Matt around?” I asked, running a hand through my hair. For the Halloween season, I bleached the normally dark ends and colored them a deep green to match my regular costume.
“Matt…”
