Shivered Spirits: The Inn's Dark Secret

By Carol A Campbell

Kyle Parks had always been a master of deception, weaving his way through life with secrets buried deep within him. But on that fateful day, as he raced down I-75 through Chattanooga and glanced into his rearview mirror, his world shifted. A horn blared loudly, jolting him from his comfort, and in a heartbeat, the familia

• Language: English
• Publisher: Carol A. Campbell
• Release date: Mar 28, 2024
• ISBN: 9798869282477

Carol A Campbell

I am a Houston native with a passion for horror stories, particularly those with a ghost twist. The characters in my novels are often friends, family, and fans. With Jack, my adorable co-author, by my side and my parents' spirits watching over me, I am constantly inspired to bring my twisted imagination to life on the page. So, fasten your seatbelts and get ready for a hair-raising journey filled with unforgettable characters, gripping plots, and spine-chilling twists.

Book preview

1

J.H. Pitt Stop

It was five o’clock in the evening, and a thin layer of snow covered the ground as Kyle Parks drove through Chattanooga, Tennessee, on his way to his next job in Atlanta, Georgia. Donald and Catrina McSpadden expected him to arrive today so that they could return home to Louisiana. Donald’s eighty-year-old mother could no longer live alone, so they hired Kyle to avoid placing her in a nursing home. They liked the fact that Kyle has thirty years of experience as a home care nurse.

Kyle would have been in Georgia four days earlier if Jennifer, his ex-wife, hadn’t interfered. He left his last job in Vidor, Texas, and Kyle had no choice but to go to her house in Louisville, Kentucky. Jennifer knew how Kyle earned his living, which she took advantage of by extorting him every time he completed a job. This time, it cost him over two hundred thousand dollars. It was less than three weeks until Christmas, and she demanded that he deliver her share in person before the holidays.

The news predicted a heavy snowstorm for the area that evening that was threatening to delay Kyle even further, so he drove faster than usual and made very few stops so he could stay ahead of the storm. He changed his arrival date once before because of Jennifer, and he worried that the McSpaddens might find a replacement if he moved the date again. Kyle needed that job and felt confident he could complete it within a year. Kyle could always con a woman more easily than a man because the women always trusted and relied on him. He would flatter them and charm his way right into their hearts.

Kyle looked into the rearview mirror and smiled. You may be fifty, but you’ve still got it, he stated with his southern twang as he ran his fingers through his dyed, thin, chocolate-brown hair from one side and combed it over the bald spot on the top of his head. Kyle, you handsome old devil, look at those crystal blue eyes. That’s why no woman can resist you. He winked and blew a kiss at himself in the mirror. You sexy thing. He continued to gaze at himself when he noticed a new branching wrinkle in the outer corner of his eye. That’s impossible, Kyle said, rubbing his finger over the thin line. I’m getting rid of you, you little devil, as soon as I get to Georgia.

A loud horn startled Kyle, and he quickly looked away from the mirror. His heart raced when he saw a blue eighteen-wheeler directly in front of him. He jerked the steering wheel towards the right and swerved back into his lane. His red Corvette slid side to side across the slick pavement until he finally regained control. The driver of the eighteen-wheeler blasted the horn as he drove past.

Asshole! Kyle angrily shouted. It took two long years with that man to get this car. All the crap that I endured, I deserved everything that I got. Ain’t that right, sweetie pie, he lovingly rubbed the top of the dashboard as he looked across the guardrail and down the mountainside’s steep slope. Suddenly, the temperature plummeted, and the snow fell heavily. Where in the hell am I?

A sudden gust of wind caused the car to swerve out of the lane. He gripped the steering wheel tightly and reduced his speed to a crawl. This can’t be happening? Kyle panicked as he stared out of the foggy windshield at the narrow road ahead that twisted up the mountain. An icy shiver ran down his spine. Damn, it’s freezing in here. He turned up the heat and nervously smacked his gum loudly. The heavy snow quickly blanketed the ground. Then, in the distance, a bright glow captured his attention. Please, let that be a gas station. He muttered as he slowly drove towards it. Large, bold red letters appeared on the lighted sign: J.H. Pitt Stop. What a stroke of luck, Kyle breathed a sigh of relief and quickly pulled up to the gas pumps. He hurriedly checked himself in the rearview mirror before getting out of the car. As Kyle rushed to the front door, he slipped on the icy sidewalk and scrambled to regain his footing. What the hell! He shouted as he combed his hair through his fingers back across his head.

Kyle opened the door, and a loud doorbell chimed to announce his arrival. The moment he walked in, he spotted two attractive young women behind the counter with big smiles on their faces. Kyle could tell by their expressions that they must have been watching him when he slid on the sidewalk. The burgundy-haired girl looked at him and whispered something to the blonde. Kyle grinned and self-consciously tugged at his oversized black Gucci hooded sweatshirt.

Well, hello there, gorgeous ladies. Kyle smiled so big that his gum fell out of his mouth. His face turned bright red from embarrassment as he swiftly picked up the massive wad of gum off the floor and shoved it inside the large pocket of his hoodie. I hope your day is going better than mine.

The two ladies roared with laughter and watched Kyle as he walked towards the back of the store. Man, Kyle, you made an old fool of yourself. He muttered and shook his head. Metallic blue garland intertwined with twinkling white lights lined the cooler doors. Bah, Humbug! He flicked the decoration away from the door handle and got a frappuccino out of the cooler. As he headed back to the front, he grabbed a bag of almonds and stopped for a second to admire the silver-tinsel Christmas tree decorated in blue that stood at the end of the aisle. It reminded him of his childhood, and it looked exactly like the tree that his Mom would set up every year.

Kyle nervously cleared his throat as he approached the counter. Well, dolls, let us try this again. Kyle embarrassedly chuckled. Good evening, lovely ladies. He pointed at the two overstuffed stockings on the wall behind the cash register. Someone must have been extra good this year. He raised his eyebrows as he read the blonde-haired lady’s name tag. Jamie Huse, so you’re the owner?

Jamie rolled her eyes and pointed towards the tag. Well, that’s what it says below my name, so I guess that makes me the owner. She elbowed the other lady, and they laughed.

Kyle’s face once again turned red. Yes, I can see that, he snapped and sat the two items on top of the counter. What I meant to say is that I wasn’t expecting someone as beautiful to own or to be working in this place as you two ladies are. He took a deep breath and anxiously tugged at his watch.

So, what were you expecting? Maybe a dirty old man with a long, shaggy beard playing the banjo? Jamie laughed.

That would have been better, Kyle mumbled under his breath as he nervously rubbed his chin and lowered his head.

Are you okay? The burgundy-haired girl asked.

Kyle quickly looked up and read her name tag. Sesailee Morris, no, I’m not. He frowned. It’s just that I had a dreadful week, and today is rapidly going downhill too. Then, to top it off, someone is expecting me, and I’m running late. Suddenly, a big, silly grin filled his face as he awkwardly winked. But doll, it ain’t over.

As Sesailee mimicked Kyle’s grin, she turned towards Jamie and winked. Jamie giggled and winked back.

I know that you’re not from around here, with your fake orange tan, Jamie mumbled as she leaned across the counter and inspected him from head to toe. What brought you to Tennessee?

I’m just passing through, Kyle anxiously said, looking at his watch again.

Jamie watched Kyle’s odd behavior and became curious. Why do you keep looking at your watch?

I guess it’s a nervous habit, Kyle grumbled. As I said before, it has been a horrible week, and this day is rapidly turning into a nightmare. I’m just very frustrated. Kyle quickly pulled the cuff of his shirt over the Rolex. Plus, I had to run halfway across the United States because of a certain person. On top of that, I have another job waiting for me, and I’m late, very late.

Well, I didn’t ask you for your life’s story, Jamie chuckled. Judging by the way that you keep looking at your watch, it must be an important job, Jamie smirked.

Oh, believe me, doll, it is, Kyle quickly remarked. I’m sorry about rattling off about my troubles. I’m sure you two dolls have better things to do than listen to me.

Jamie looked through the window at the red Corvette. Well, as you said before, doll, she replied, glancing at Kyle with a big, silly grin and winking. Charlie, it ain’t over.

Charlie, Kyle shrieked. Why did you call me Charlie?

Well, according to your Texas license plate, that’s your name, Jamie stated smugly.

What? No, my name is Kyle. He quickly glanced out of the window towards his car. I forgot about that damn plate, he nervously muttered under his breath and looked back at Jamie. Charlie is the guy I bought the car from.

Sesailee scanned the two items on the counter. So, Kyle or Charlie, whatever your name is, what else can I get you today?

I need twenty dollars in gas. Kyle pulled his Gucci crocodile wallet from the back pocket of his skinny jeans and handed Sesailee a credit card.

You must like name-brand products. Sesailee chuckled.

Oh, gosh, yes. If it’s not, I’m not wearing it. He smirked as he tapped his wallet on top of the counter. Then, out of the corner of his eye, he noticed Jamie as she leaned against the counter and stared at him. Maybe you can help me, Jamie. Kyle’s voice quivered as he looked into her deep blue eyes.

Maybe, Jamie hissed, raising an eyebrow and looking at him suspiciously.

I thought you said that your name is Kyle? Sesailee held the card in front of his face. Who is Charlie Hanks?

Kyle quickly grabbed the card from Sesailee’s hand and handed her a different one.

Old Charlie must be a generous man to sell you a car and to give you his credit card. Jamie took the card from Sesailee and looked at the name. Kyle Parks, if that’s really your name.

Yes, that’s me, Kyle nervously laughed. Well, Charlie’s my friend.

An overly generous friend, retorted Jamie. Maybe someone needs to give your friend Charlie a call. She watched for Kyle’s reaction.

You can call him if you want. Kyle smiled and remained calm.

Jamie seemed satisfied with Kyle’s response and hesitantly nodded her head for Sesailee to proceed with the transaction as she handed the card back to her. So, what did you need my help with?

Just outside of Chattanooga, I was traveling on the highway heading towards Atlanta. I took my eyes off the road for a minute, and the next thing I knew, I was on this two-lane road, twisting around this godforsaken mountain. Where in the hell am I?

Jamie and Sesailee laughed.

What’s so funny?

I don’t know what highway you were on, but you had to have your eyes off the road a lot longer than a minute to end up here. Jamie laughed.

You are almost an hour away from any major highway. Sesailee placed the items in a white plastic bag and pushed it across the counter towards him.

That’s impossible, Kyle shrieked. I swear, I just glanced in the rearview mirror for a second. Where am I?

You’re in Shivered, Tennessee. Chattanooga is seventy miles away. Sesailee handed the card back to Kyle.

What? How is that possible? Kyle grabbed the card and nervously searched his hoodie pocket for his phone. Oh, where did I leave the stupid thing?

It’s impossible, Jamie firmly stated. What are you looking for?

My phone. I must have left it in the car. He smiled and looked back at Jamie. Do you have a phone that I can use? I need to call the couple in Atlanta, Donald and Catrina, and let them know that I’m going to be late.

Jamie and Sesailee roared with laughter once again.

Yes, extremely late. You might be in Atlanta tomorrow night, but I doubt it. Jamie chuckled.

What? Kyle placed the credit card inside the wallet and quickly tucked it back into his pocket. He then reached into his hoodie and pulled out a red gumball. He picked up the bag and popped the gumball into his mouth. Why would you say that?

Well, I would let you use my phone, but neither my landline nor my cell phone work. Every time there is a storm here, the service always goes out, so I could not contact Charlie, and, believe me, I wanted to. Furthermore, the weather is deteriorating, so it is unlikely that you will be able to proceed far, especially driving that. Jamie pointed towards Kyle’s Corvette. The good news is that if you continue on this road for about fifty miles, it will eventually lead you back to the highway. In the meantime, you should find a place to stay and get off the road. Approximately two miles from here is a newly renovated country inn where you are welcome to stay. The owner's name is Steve. She grabbed a business card from the side of the register and handed it to Kyle. Strittmatter Inn is the name of the place. It is reasonably priced, and the food is excellent. My favorite author, Carol A. Campbell, is staying there.

Oh, I heard of her. Isn’t she the one who writes all those twisted ghost stories? Kyle blew and popped a bubble.

Yes, Jamie and I both enjoy all of her books. Sesailee smiled. Kyle, don’t worry. Jamie is just messing with you. The storm should only last through the night, and it will only take you three hours to be in Atlanta. So, you will be there tomorrow night.

Oh, thank gosh. Kyle smacked his gum loudly and grabbed the card. At least it’s only for one night.

One more thing, Kyle. There is a fork in the road about one mile away, and you need to be sure you stay to the right. Otherwise, you’ll go farther up the mountain and not down. Sesailee smiled as she placed a green elf hat on top of her head that matched the color of her eyes.

I’ll definitely stay to the right. Kyle grinned as he leaned forward, resting his elbows on top of the counter while bracing his chin with his right hand. I have a question, dolls. Seriously, how did you two good-looking babes ever end up in a place like this? This place is in the middle of nowhere.

Just lucky, I guess. Sesailee turned towards Jamie and rolled her eyes.

Well, you must be from a tiny town because I don’t think I would consider being here as lucky. Kyle chuckled and felt irritated that they did not flirt back. But to each their own.

I wouldn’t consider Houston as small, Jamie snapped. You’re lucky that we are here, so that makes you the lucky one. Otherwise, you would be lost somewhere up on the mountain.

Whatever, Kyle stood back up and looked outside. Jamie, you’re right. The weather is deteriorating, and it is getting darker, so I should make my way to the Inn as soon as possible.

Yes, you better, Jamie smirked. I hope everything works out for you, Manther.

Kyle glared at Jamie and gave her a dirty look as he walked out the door. A manther. Kyle turned around and looked toward the store when he got back to his car. What the hell is a manther? Is that like a cougar? So, they think that I’m an old man who likes young girls. Jamie and Sesailee laughed while they stood behind the counter and stared at him through the window. Well, I have news for those two. I have better things to do than chase after them. He lifted the nozzle from the gas pump and began pumping the gas. Besides, I like my women old, with one foot in the grave, and rich, very rich. He opened the door and tossed the bag and the card into the car as he smugly looked at them. Jamie and Sesailee continued staring out the window and laughing, so he turned and faced the other way.

A red Lexus pulled up to the other side of the gas pumps. The driver’s door flew open, and a gorgeous Black lady got out. She smiled at Kyle as she briskly walked by him and headed toward the store. Well, hello, beautiful, Kyle muttered as he turned and watched her strut across the parking lot. She wore a red leather fitted jacket and had her black jeans tucked inside a pair of red knee-high boots that accented her curvy figure. He continued to stare at her as she went inside and walked up to the counter. The lady laughed and talked to Jamie and Sesailee for a few minutes before heading back to her car.

Kyle quickly moved to the other side of the pump. Hey, beautiful, let me get that for you. He winked at her as he lifted the handle.

Oh, okay, She said with a smile.

What is a sexy woman like you doing in a place like this? Kyle asked as he leaned against the car, admiring the large diamond necklace around the lady’s neck.

Just traveling through, the lady replied, blushing and giggling.

Oh, doll. How rude. Kyle chuckled. Let me introduce myself. He held his hand out in front of her. My name is Kyle Parks.

Brenda Menifee. She smiled as she shook Kyle’s hand.

You have a beautiful smile.

Thank you.

You said you were traveling, so where are you from? Kyle heard a loud knocking noise in the distance and looked towards the store. Jamie and Sesailee had their lips pressed against the glass.

I’m from Houston, Texas. I bought the land next to this gas station, and I’m opening up a restaurant. Brenda looked toward the store and laughed. The restaurant’s name will be Brenda’s Red Rock Café.

Oh, you’re from Houston, too. Kyle’s face turned red as Jamie and Sesailee continued to knock on the glass and blow kisses through the window. Finally, he rolled his eyes at them and turned back towards Brenda. Do you know Jamie and Sesailee?

Yes. I’ve known Jamie since she was seven years old. Brenda grinned. Jamie is the one that told me about this place.

Do you think that this is a good place for a restaurant? Kyle glanced at the massive twenty-foot-tall red rock along the roadside in front of the clearing next door.

Oh, God, yes. A new Inn is right up the road, and his business is thriving. The construction of a new movie theater, five new retail stores, and many new homes has begun. We even have a sheriff, RD Blevins.

I didn’t know that, Kyle pointed towards the store. I thought I was in the middle of nowhere by the way that Jamie and Sesailee talked.

It does look like that here, but it quickly changes a mile down the road. Brenda giggled. Five years ago, there was nothing here, no houses, no stores, only that big red boulder. Brenda pointed towards the rock and noticed Jamie and Sesailee at the window. Those girls are so silly. She looked at Kyle and grinned. You must be lost.

Yes, very lost, Kyle grumbled. I have a job waiting for me in Atlanta, and I hope I can make it in time.

I’m going to Atlanta, too, Brenda replied enthusiastically. We should be there by tomorrow night. This storm is only supposed to last until midnight. I plan on leaving Shivered around noon tomorrow, but you need to get off the road for the night because you will not make it far in that Corvette. Did Jamie and Sesailee tell you about Strittmatter Inn?

Yes, they did. Kyle smiled.

That’s where I’m going.

Oh, really. Kyle’s face lit up as he reattached the nozzle to the pump. Me too, honey.

Good. Brenda smiled. See, our paths crossed for a reason.

I believe that. Kyle chuckled. I would love to visit you more and get to know you. Kyle grinned. I love a smart, beautiful woman.

I would love that. Brenda opened her car door and got inside. Did they tell you about the fork in the road about a mile ahead? She started the car and turned the heat on high. She rubbed her hands briskly together in front of the vent.

Yes. Kyle rested his hand on top of the car door as he leaned inside. Sesailee said to stay to the right because the left will take you farther up the mountain. Have you ever taken a left at the fork to see what’s up there?

Oh, no, Brenda shrieked and grabbed Kyle’s arm. Don’t go that way. Stay to the right.

Don’t worry, doll, Kyle replied, looking puzzled and curious by Brenda’s reaction. I’m definitely going right because I don’t need any more surprises. They didn’t make it seem that big of a deal, and I thought you might have been up there since you have been here before. But, judging by your reaction, I can tell that you haven’t. Is there a reason that you reacted that way?

Brenda released Kyle’s arm, and a solemn look came over her face as she looked into his eyes. I heard stories in town about people that went left at the fork and were never heard from again.

What? Kyle shrieked.

It seems like someone turns up missing every year around the Christmas season. Just the thought of it gives me goosebumps. Brenda quickly crossed her arms in front of her.

Really? Kyle gasped. Were they ever found?

"No, they just disappeared. The roads are very twisted and dangerous. Most likely, the missing people perished after falling down the mountain’s edge. That is one