Paranormal Inc.

By Sally McLean

Laura Kerrigan needs a writer with credibility. John Garner is a writer who just needs a job - even if it means working for a magazine about the paranormal. Together they will investigate the strange world of UFOs, ghosts, and all manner of strange phenomena. What could possibly go wrong?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sally McLean
• Release date: Jan 20, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215330425

Sally McLean

Writer and chronic procrastinator.

Book preview

PARANORMAL INC.

Copyright 2017 Sally McLean

Published by Sally McLean at Smashwords

Smashwords Edition License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your enjoyment only, then please return to Smashwords.com or your favorite retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

CONTENTS.

A New Beginning

The House In The Fog

Bad Girls

The Masterpiece

Harbinger

Black Sheep

The Grey Lady

Dream Stalker

The Silencers

Puppetry Of The Dead

Signs And Portents

Is This The End

Other Works By The Author

A New Beginning.

The white wisps of cloud passed swiftly across the glaring full moon. A blood-curdling cry echoed in the darkness. The monster took a final sniff at its latest kill and scurried off back into the shadows.

∙∙∙

The man dropped his empty glass onto the bar and motioned to the bartender to pour him another.

Don’t you think you’ve had enough buddy? the bartender asked.

I pissed away my career, none of so-called friend will return my calls and I haven’t landed face down in a pool of my own vomit yet, he thought, bitterly. To the bartender he simply said, "No, I haven’t had enough, buddy."

Reluctantly the bartender complied, sizing the guy up in case he had to throw him out before the end of the evening.

So what line of work are you in?

The man looked over to his left to see a young black man staring at him over a half empty bottle of beer.

What’s it to you? the man snapped and gulped down his drink.

Just curious the young black man replied. I’m Jason Smith.

Well Jason Smith, I’m a reporter. Used to be a pretty darn good one too.

So what happened?

Never learned how to mind my business, he replied. You’d do well to do the same.

Jason ignored the implied threat and took another swallow of his beer. He left a tip on the bar, got up and walked over to the man. I think I might be in a position to help you Mr. Garner.

How do you know my name? he asked.

He put his hand inside his jacket, pulled out a business card and put it on the bar next to the man’s empty glass. If you’re interested just drop by.

He watched the young man leave and then picked up the card. It was plain, save for a neatly typed address. Intriguing.

You want another? asked the bartender.

No the man replied. I’ve got somewhere to be in the morning. The man, Mr. Garner, dropped payment for his drinks on the bar and left. The bartender watched him go with more than a touch of relief.

∙∙∙

Laura stood, hands on hips, looking frustrated at the magazine layout for the next issue. The deadline was the end of the week and it was nowhere near ready. Her mind was too preoccupied with the prospect of an exciting new story.

How’s it going? Renée asked as she entered the conference room and handed Laura a cup of coffee.

Awful, Laura replied distractedly. I just can’t seem to concentrate.

Are you still thinking about those animal attacks? It’s been two weeks already.

I know Renée and, if I’m right, in another couple of weeks they’ll happen all over again.

But you can’t be sure, said Renée, trying to be the friendly voice of reason.

The way those people were attacked and the phase of the moon can’t be a coincidence. I’ve checked and there have been other attacks and disappearances all surrounding a full moon. I know I’m right about this.

Renée smiled at her friend and employer. It was good to see her getting passionate about something again, even if it was this. She had been so worried about Laura after her brother Colin’s strange and sudden death – refusing to leave the office for almost the past year and a half, blaming herself for not being there when he died. Finally though, Laura’s investigative instincts were breaking out of their confinement.

Renée kept her tone casually light as she asked, Are you considering starting up an investigation?

I’ll send Jason or Kelly to check it out, Laura replied, still fiddling with the layout in front of her. I’ve got to get this issue ready for the printers.

I can finish the layout, Renée said firmly.

I don’t know, it’s been such a long time, said Laura knowing it was really her fear that was holding her back.

Stop making excuses, Renée told her.

Jason Smith appeared at the conference room door and rapped on the wooden frame. Sorry to interrupt, he apologized. Laura, he’s here.

Laura exchanged ‘we’ll discuss this later’ looks with Renée. That’s great. I’ll be waiting in my office.

∙∙∙

John Garner rechecked the address on the card from the previous night. It was the right place but the building looked as if it ought to be condemned. The walls looked like they were damp and crumbling, and most of the windows were boarded up.

John opened the weather-beaten door and was immediately hit by the stink of mildew. He tried to ignore the smell and began to climb the steep, dirty staircase remembering a time when he wouldn’t have even considered taking a job in a place like this. Now, he reminded himself, his options were severely limited and he continued his trek up the stairs to the third floor.

By the time he reached the top of the stairs John was out of breath and feeling very old. He was wondering if maybe at only forty-two years old he was past it when an attractive young woman caught his eye.

Mr. Garner?

John nodded, not wanting the young woman to know how unfit he was, and gave his smoothest smile, which after all these years was more of a reflex than any real interest or attraction.

I’m Renée Wood. If you’d like to follow me, Ms. Kerrigan is waiting for you in her office.

John followed Renée, mentally appreciating her with every step and taking no notice of his surroundings as he was led into Laura’s office.

Good morning Mr. Garner, Laura said loudly to gain John’s attention. She was well aware of his reputation with women. I’m Laura Kerrigan. She offered him her hand and he shook it cordially.

As Renée left the two to talk, John switched his focus to the woman whose hand he was shaking. She was not as attractive as Renée, but she was not completely unattractive either. John guessed she was in her late twenties, although the way she had her hair pulled tightly back into a ponytail made her seem older.

I don’t mean to be rude, John said politely as he sat down at Laura’s request, but I’m not really sure why I’m here. If it hadn’t been for my curiosity I wouldn’t be here at all.

I apologies for the cryptic way in which you were approached, but I knew it was the only way to get you here, Laura replied, trying to disguise the apprehensiveness in her voice. The thing is I’d like you to come and work for me.

John had assumed as much, but considering his reputation was less than stellar at the moment, he had to wonder what kind of publication would be so desperate to want him - and this Laura Kerrigan seemed a little desperate. Not that I don’t appreciate the offer, but you haven’t even told me what this place is.

Laura picked up a recent copy of the magazine from the stacks of files and paper that cluttered her dusty office and tossed it across the desk at John. He picked it up and had to stifle a laugh as he read the title.

"Paranormal Inc.? You’re joking right?"

Is there a problem? she asked coolly.

Look Laura, may I call you Laura? John asked. I am a respected journalist. I’ve worked for some of the most prestigious newspapers. To go from that to some... 'niche' magazine like this is not a career move I plan to make.

"I’ll have you know that my magazine has a dedicated cult following. Our articles are of the highest quality, written by talented young writers, and in some cases well respected members of the scientific community

I didn’t mean to insult you.

No, you just walk in here with a condescending attitude.

Alright Ms. Kerrigan, you want to know how I really feel about your magazine? I think its fanciful nonsense that reads like a bad sci-fi B movie and I would rather leap from the roof of this building than lower myself to writing such unbelievable trash.

I’m sorry Mr. Garner, I didn’t realize you had that many options. I was under the impression that all the 'reputable' publications wanted nothing to do with you. I mistakenly thought you might like a chance to keep writing. Still, you could always start a blog.

What’s in it for you? asked John, who was a firm believer that nobody ever got something for nothing.

Despite your recent notoriety, you're an excellent writer and I believed someone like you could bring a certain credibility to what we write about here, but having met you I'm not sure you're quite what we're looking for.

You're turning me down? Seriously? John laughed and got up, making for the door. I hope you and your following of nutballs are very happy together. Goodbye Ms. Kerrigan.

I take it John Garner won’t be joining our happy little team, said Renée, appearing in the doorway along with Jason Smith.

I guess not, said Laura, busying herself by straightening up her desk. Probably for the best.

I think he'll be back, said Jason. I mean, there's nowhere else for him to go.

∙∙∙

The phone rang again. Laura looked up from her computer and glared at it. She had been plagued by unwelcome interruptions all morning. Where the hell was everybody? She aggressively typed in the last few words of the sentence and snatched up the phone.

Hello? she said with more than a touch of annoyance.

Hello? replied a man’s distressed, whispering voice. Is this that magazine that writes about ghosts and monsters and stuff?

"This is Paranormal Inc."

Thank God. You have to help me. I need you to believe me before someone else gets hurt, the man said in a desperate rush.

First you need to calm down, Laura told the man uneasily. She had never been comfortable dealing with the unstable people or the outright cranks that the magazine seemed to attract. That was why she had Renée. She had an affinity with people that Laura could never even hope to have. Why don’t you start by telling me your name?

Ralph. My name’s Ralph Carpenter. I’m the one they want. I did it. I couldn’t help it. I tried to tell them but they didn’t believe me, that’s why I need you. You have to believe me.

Ralph, I need you to slow down Laura told him. Just tell me as simply as possible what the problem is.

Those people that were attacked, I did it. I changed into…into… Ralph’s voice faltered. I changed into that thing, he continued, and I couldn’t stop myself. It just took control.

So you’re telling me that you are the animal-like creature that’s been attacking people? Laura asked.

Please believe me, begged Ralph. There’s a full moon tonight and if you don’t help me more people will die.

Laura listened to the man on the phone break down into a barrage of pitiful sobs as he told her everything he knew about the attacks. She knew from past experience how convincing frauds could be, but there was something genuine in Ralph’s pleas.

Okay, Laura said with more certainty than she felt. Tell me where you are so we can talk face to face and I’ll see what I can do.

Thank you, replied Ralph.

As he told her where to find him, Laura’s fraction of certainty began to evaporate. Ralph’s claims could still be legitimate, but she seriously doubted it. Still, she had agreed to see him and was admittedly more than a little curious.

Laura hit save on her computer and wandered out of her office hoping someone else was still working and wouldn't mind a late evening field trip.

Where is everyone? Abducted by aliens?

Laura yelped at the unexpected voice. Her momentary fright then turn to irritation as she saw who the voice belonged to. What the hell are you doing sneaking up on me?

John Garner stood casually in the doorway doing his best to look humbled. Actually I just dropped by to ask if you still had that job opening.

Laura fought back the urge to say something sarcastic, which was no small feat. What changed your mind?

Blog didn't work out, he said.

Is that so?

Look, it’s like you said, I don't have a whole lot of options open to me. So, are you still willing to offer me the job or not? he asked.

Laura really wanted to make him beg for it, he had insulted her magazine after all, but she reminded herself why she'd wanted to employ him in the first place. His reputation was supposed to be part of her plan to keep the magazine afloat.

I guess a trial period wouldn’t kill either of us, she agreed as she grabbed her jacket and keys. Let’s go.

Where are we going? John asked as he followed her out of the office and down the creaky old stairs.

I’ll tell you in the car she replied evasively.

∙∙∙

As they drove to meet Ralph Carpenter, John bombarded Laura with questions about where they were going and why. Eventually she yielded under his constant barrage and revealed where they were headed.

Okay, so this Ralph guy is in an asylum? John asked.

A hospital for the mentally ill, yes. Laura readied herself for the onslaught of ridicule she knew would be coming. I think he can help with the article I’m working on.

I know I’m going to regret this, but what exactly is this article about?

Laura felt her stomach tighten. The others around the office knew her theories on the animal attacks, some even believed them, but as yet she hadn’t used the ‘W’ word. It was typical of whatever cosmic joker existed that John would be the first person she would say it to.

Well? he prompted.

She shot him a quick sideways glance as they pulled into the hospital’s parking lot. I have reason to believe that the animal attacks over the past few months are werewolf related.

He had been expecting something outlandish, but this exceeded his expectations. This is a joke, right? You're hazing the new guy?

I'm completely serious, said Laura as she parked the car and switched off the ignition. If you have a problem with it feel free to wait in the car.

What could I possibly have a problem with? Hey, tell you what, after we’re done here let’s go hunt down the Easter bunny or the tooth fairy.

Laura sighed. Werewolves aren’t just monsters from horror movies you know. They feature heavily throughout our entire mythology.

That’s exactly my point – in our mythology. They’re not real.

If you let me finish, she said matter of factly, there have also been modern reports of lycanthropic activity. In 1958 there was a woman in Greggton, Texas who believed she saw a werewolf. In 1971 an entire neighborhood in Mobile, Alabama claimed to have seen a half-woman, half-wolf creature, and in 1972 in Ohio a number of residents saw a huge wolf-like creature with glowing red eyes. The fact that so many people have witnessed such similar things at least proves the possibility that werewolves do exist.

Or that there are too many gullible people in the world.

Laura said nothing. Instead she got out of the car and started off towards the hospital. John scolded himself for not keeping his big mouth shut once again and hurried to catch up with her.

Inside they were immediately hit with the distinct smell that seemed to be some unwritten requirement in all hospitals. Straight ahead was the entrance to a maze of endless beige corridors, in front of which was a huge reception desk being guarded by a middle-aged male nurse.

Can I help you? the nurse asked, eyeing the two visitors suspiciously.

Yes, replied Laura. We’d like to see Ralph Carpenter.

May I ask who you are?

We’re friends of his, she lied and hoped John wouldn't do or say anything to contradict her.

Just one moment. The nurse picked up the phone and dialed an extension number. Doctor Dane, there are some people here to visit Ralph Carpenter. The nurse nodded as he listened carefully to his instructions and then hung up. Doctor Dane will be down to see you shortly, said the nurse, turning back to Laura and John. If you’d like to take a seat over there. He gestured to a row of chairs beside the main doors.

They sat in an uneasy silence waiting for the doctor’s arrival. Not more than two minutes later a tall, thin man with glasses approached them, wearing a similarly suspicious look that the nurse had worn when Laura and John had walked in.

Hello, I’m Doctor Dane. You must be the people wanting to visit Mr. Carpenter?

The doctor was softly spoken yet something about him unnerved Laura, especially as his dark eyes, huge behind the thick lenses of his glasses, stared intently at her.

Yes, she said trying to hide her dislike of this man. We’re old friends of Ralph’s, haven’t seen each other in years, and when we heard he was here we just had to come and see him.

I’m sorry but I’m afraid that you have both have made a wasted trip, said Doctor Dane. Mr. Carpenter is unable to receive visitors today.

Really? Why is that? Laura asked, not believing him for a second.

Unfortunately we had to sedate Mr. Carpenter after a rather violent outburst this afternoon. If you’d care to leave your name at the desk perhaps you could call in a few days and we could arrange a visit when Mr. Carpenter is feeling more receptive to visitors.

Laura nodded understandingly. Of course Doctor, whatever you think is best.

Doctor Dane escorted Laura to the reception desk where she handed the nurse fake names and contact information for herself and John.

Is it true, the reason we heard Ralph is in here? asked John, fed up with sitting quietly and feeling like a spare part.

I can’t discuss that with you, replied the doctor apologetically. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have rounds to make.

Thank you for your help Doctor Dane said Laura and reluctantly shaking his hand.

Once they were outside the hospital Laura let out a deep sigh of relief, while John’s was a sigh of resignation.

Was it my imagination or was there something really creepy about that doctor? Laura asked John as they walked back to the car.

All doctors give me the creeps, he told her.

We ought to find out if Ralph has any family. She was speaking more to herself than to John. Maybe they will be willing to tell us why he's in there.

What’s the point? he asked. It’s obvious Ralph Carpenter is a mentally ill man who is trying to drag you into his delusions and because you’re so ready to believe any supernatural story you’re not stopping to look at the rationality of it.

Why do I need to be rational when I’ve got the living definition of skepticism tagging along with me? Now, are you going to get in the car or would you rather walk?

John got in the car. He had had enough of arguing with this infuriatingly stubborn woman. Laura allowed herself a small victorious smile.

They both called a truce long enough to split a tuna fish sandwich as they sat in a diner waiting for the information on Ralph Carpenter. Laura had called Zack Dawkins, their resident computer genius and part time computer hacker, and he had promised to get back to them within the hour.

I want to apologize, John said as he finished his last mouthful of sandwich. I was out of line knocking your beliefs. Just because I think the whole idea of werewolves is farfetched doesn’t mean they’re not real to you.

I didn’t always believe in this paranormal stuff either you know, Laura told him, trying to accept his gesture as graciously as possible. I needed a job so I came to work for my dad at the magazine. I was skeptical about everything he claimed existed, but the more articles I researched and the more sightings I investigated made it harder to deny that sometimes the only explanation is a supernatural one. You’ll be the same if you decide to stay with us that long, she predicted. You’ll witness things that will make you question your whole existence.

We’ll see.

The phone rang, rescuing the pair of them from impending word loss. Laura answered it. Hello?

Hey Laura, it’s me, said Zack.

Hey Zack, what did you find out? she asked excitedly.

Not much. Ralph Carpenter was committed to the Greendale hospital for the mentally ill almost a month ago.

Who committed him?

His wife. Hang on, I’ve got an address here somewhere. There was the sound of rustling papers and then Zack returned. Here it is. Madeline Carpenter, 228 Crescent Road.

That's great, thanks Zack.

Laura hung up the phone and told John about Madeline Carpenter. He wasn't sure ambushing Mrs. Carpenter about her husband's illness was the best idea, but he agreed to go along. Laura was the boss, and he needed the job.

Heavy grey clouds knitted together overhead as they drove, threatening to burst open at any second, and deep rumbles of thunder growled at them from a distance. As they pulled up outside the Carpenter house a brilliant bolt of lightning streaked the sky signaling the immediate onslaught of rain.

They ran to the bright red front door under the cover of a battered old umbrella Laura had found in the glove box. John knocked and as they waited for an answer Laura peered out from their shelter at the street. There was nothing remarkable about it. It looked like a typical suburban street.

Can I help you?

Laura turned quickly back to the door, awakened out of her thoughts by the unfamiliar voice.

I’m John Garner and this is Laura Kerrigan, he introduced them and stepped back to allow Laura to make the explanations.

Mrs. Carpenter we’d like to talk to you about your husband, said Laura.

What about him?

Is there any chance we could discuss this inside?

Mrs. Carpenter paused for a moment, considering the request, then nodded. It’ll have to be quick, I have an appointment.

Laura smiled gratefully and they followed her inside.

It was obvious that Madeline Carpenter was a very confident and very attractive woman. With her wariness to allow these people into her home and the mistrust she held in her cold blue eyes Laura knew it was not going to be easy, if even possible, to get the answers she required.

What is your interest in my husband? Mrs. Carpenter asked with a chill in her tone.

Mr. Carpenter phoned me this afternoon at my office making some rather wild claims.

Madeline Carpenter wrung her hands despairingly. The werewolf thing?

Laura nodded.

Why would he call you? she asked.

I own a magazine that investigates paranormal and unexplained phenomena, replied Laura, deciding to try the honest approach.

Let me guess, you tried to get into the hospital to see Ralph but they wouldn't let you in, so you tracked me down to find out if it’s true?

Kind of, she admitted embarrassedly. Considering your husband’s condition I wouldn’t normally have taken him seriously, but he knew very intimate details about the attacks in this area.

Of course he does, Mrs. Carpenter snapped. Ralph found the last victim in the park down the street, who might I add happened to be his best friend. That’s why my husband went crazy Ms. Kerrigan. Now if you don’t mind, I’d like you to leave my house.

We’re very sorry Mrs. Carpenter, Laura apologized as she and John hurriedly left.

Now what? asked John as the torrential rain hammered down on them.

Laura looked at him and shrugged her shoulders disappointedly. She had been so desperate to believe Ralph that she had neglected to check all her facts. It was a stupid amateurish mistake.

As they walked silently back to the car they noticed an old woman watching