The Haunting of Annabelle Read Free Page B

and
like you, some have experienced things. One claimed he saw shadows
on the staircase. Another felt something brush repeatedly against
her. Still another claimed they actually felt a hand grasping their
arm. After each episode, they all backed out. Nothing Edward or I
said could persuade them to reconsider. I don’t believe in such
nonsense. I do admit that I have felt the cold air on occasion, and
heard noises when I was alone; but when you’re in a house of this
size and age, it’s just something you expect. All houses have their
own sounds and just because they do, that doesn’t mean that they’re
haunted.”
    Annabelle stood there silently, assessing
his words and trying to make sense of what she was hearing. She had
her own beliefs about supernatural events, but had to admit that
she’d never encountered one. Standing there considering what he
said, she concluded that she and John seemed to be on the same
page. Neither of them would believe it unless they had seen or
experienced it personally. She wasn’t going to let an isolated
episode dissuade her from her goal of acquiring this property.
    “ I’ll take it,” said
Annabelle.
    “ I can see you’ve made
your decision and know what an excellent opportunity this is,”
Edward said. “I’ll have the preliminary paperwork drawn
up.”
    She noted she would be signing a release
form on what they had just discussed, and that a non-refundable
deposit was required. Annabelle agreed to meet him the following
day, and as they all walked to the front door, she gazed back one
last time.
    John watched the fleeting expressions that
crossed her face and felt compelled to question her further as they
started down the front steps.
    “ Do you have any questions
concerning the supposed haunting?”
    “ No,” she replied. “No
conclusive evidence has ever proven that ghosts actually exist. I
have to think that if they do, they can’t really do us any harm. If
troubled spirits are present in this house because they never
passed over, it’s not something I can control. This house is going
to have a change in ownership, painting and decorating. Perhaps
this will be the catalyst, which will move it on. I must admit that
if something is present, helping it to move on does appeal to
me.”
    Edward understood her reasoning but didn’t
want this line of conversation to continue. He wanted her in his
office the next day to sign the preliminary papers. So shaking
hands and saying goodbye to John, he placed her in his car. By the
time they arrived back at the hotel, the details of the property
transfer had been ironed out and a meeting was set for the next
day.
     
    ***
     
    A month later, she sat in her condominium
recovering from the whirlwind that had taken place after her first
walk-through of the estate. The building inspection passed with
excellence. The deposit was accepted and papers had been signed.
Not long after settlement took place, more papers were signed,
money was exchanged and she found herself the proud owner of a
bed-and-breakfast.
    Her portfolio of notes on room sizes, marble
colors of the various fireplaces, and a million other details sat
atop the desk. Multiple contractors were scheduled to paint her
color selections for the walls, carpeting for guest rooms, and
other details before the actual furnishings would follow. She had
the keys in one hand and a picture of the estate in the other, when
she felt a slight shiver go through her. Her imagination continued
to touch on the supposed haunting, and she wondered if it would be
a draw or a deterrent of her budding business venture. Only time
would tell, as she once again started to make a new list of what
she would need for the next several months. She would be staying on
site to monitor the painting and landscaping she wanted to put in
place. She was going to need more than an overnight case and she
didn’t want to leave anything behind.
     
    ***
     
    The key turned slowly and she entered the
estate’s