Page 70 of Murder Most Haunted
‘The Tin House’: Episode Four
[Spooky intro music fades in and then fades out]
Noah:After reading Dr Theodore Rawlings’ journal, what expert insight can you give us into the physical symptoms presented by Charles and his son William Atherton?
Dr Mortimer:I would be very reluctant to give a diagnosis based on the writings of one person without—
Noah:Rona said the laudanum given to William is a powerful painkiller.
Dr Mortimer:Rona is giving you medical advice now, is she? Right, well. As I said, it would be hard to give a diagnosis... However, I can list the types of ailments that have presenting symptoms similar to those mentioned in the diary.
Noah:Great.
Dr Mortimer [clearing throat]:For example, a stomach virus can cause cramping and sweating of the type described in the visit to Charles Atherton. Certainly, the soiling of the bed would also indicate something to do with the digestive tract. It is also possible that a form of psychotic drug had produced the hallucinations. In William’s case, they could be a sideeffect of the laudanum prescribed for his injury. The man would have been high as a kite.
Noah:What drew you to the White Lady, and to Atherton Hall?
[Long pause]
Dr Mortimer:This trip was Gloria’s idea. I should have put my foot down and refused. She’s been getting more and more obsessed with him since the trial, and I’d hoped this would distract her.
Noah:With Robert?
Dr Mortimer:Not Robert. But I had no idea how bad it had got until we got here and then by the time I realized, it was too late.
Noah:Who are you talking about?
Dr Mortimer:This was a mistake.
[Sound of microphone being removed]
Monday 23 December
Chapter43
It was probably fair to say that Bridie was the only one who slept well that night. However, for Midge, it wasn’t just the excitement of her realization about the key that kept her awake, but the problem of having to share a bed again. When she finally did fall asleep, her dreams were full of Rendell and babies crying. In the morning, she woke up in a cramped foetal position, such had been her effort to leave as much of the mattress to Bridie as possible.
Now, Bridie’s side of the bed was empty, and Midge could hear her in the bathroom.
‘Did you hear any noises last night?’ Midge called through to the toilet.
There was the sound of a tap running. ‘No,’ Bridie’s voice came back through the door. ‘Apart from your snoring and those bloody guns.’
Midge instantly felt a familiar flush of shame at the mention of her snoring.
‘Why, did you?’ Bridie asked.
‘Yes.’
‘What sort of thing?’
‘I don’t know.’ Midge paused. ‘Crying...?’
There was a pause. ‘What, like a person crying?’ said Bridie.
‘More like a baby.’ Midge held her breath.
‘No.’
