Keisha’s fresh start in a new town turns into horror when she finds out her home is haunted. The single mother doesn’t believe in ghosts but can’t deny what she sees when night falls.
Keisha still couldn’t believe her good luck. She stared up at the gorgeous gingerbread trim decorating her newly-acquired house’s wraparound porch and steep gables. It was a bit of a fixer-upper, filled with junk from previous occupants, but it was sound, and it was all hers.
As Keisha turned back to check on the movers, she noticed her neighbors watching over the low hedge bordering the property.
“Good morning!” Keisha smiled as she waved at the young couple, but her plan to befriend the neighbors died quickly as the pair hastily climbed into their car and sped away without glancing back at her.
The story only got stranger as Keisha read. According to the reporter, Mr. Barlow inherited a vast wealth when his mother died, retired early, and spent the rest of his life working as a medium. Anna refused to share anything about the riddle.
“Guess she never found that treasure,” Keisha muttered as she spotted a picture of Mr. Barlow. He wasn’t alone. Two girls were with him, but something else prickled Keisha’s memories.
Keisha returned to her house and searched while an idea formed. Afterward, she went to the coffee shop, smiling brightly to greet Sam.
“You look chipper,” he commented.
“I’ve had a great day!” She leaned across the counter to whisper: “I found a treasure in that old house. It’s going to set me up for life!”
“Really?” Sam gaped at her. “Wow, congratulations.”
That evening, Keisha sat in the darkness. Waiting. The night was cold as a tomb around her. Minutes ticked into an eternity of waiting before a gentle thud of boots on dirt echoed in the distance. Someone was coming down the secret tunnel.
Hinges creaked as the secret door disguised as the wood paneling eased open. A light beam edged along the wall and floor, creeping toward where Keisha waited. Just as it was about to reveal her, the light went out, leaving the intruder and her in the quiet darkness.
“Now,” Keisha cried, breaking the silence.
Bright flashlights lit up the basement from all corners as the police officers responded to her signal. The trespasser yelped in surprise while the cops raised their arms and told the criminal not to move.
“I knew it!” Keisha pointed at the barista, gloating. “With all the times you must’ve been through this house searching for treasure, it’s amazing that you never removed the old photos and documents.”
Sam only glared at her, but Keisha grabbed the papers and a photograph, claiming it was enough evidence to put Sam in jail.
“I’ve done nothing wrong. My family has as much right to this house and the treasure as Aunt Anna did, and my spoiled cousin, Julia, had no right to sell it! Those people lived easy lives on Grandpa Johnson’s coattails while my mom had to work hard for everything she got.”
“I’m afraid these documents suggest a different story, Sam. These letters say your mother was jealous of her stepsister,” Keisha countered, waving the papers in her hands.
Sam laughed bitterly. “Johnson always favored his daughter over his stepdaughter, my mom. And Anna always thought she was better than Mom because of it. Anna and Julia got exactly what they deserved.”
“I think that’s all we need, ma’am,” the police officer nodded at her. “Your trick worked, and now I want you to show me the special effects you mentioned.”
“Trick?” Sam fought while being cuffed.
“These are blank,” she answered. “But I needed you to think I found something to get you to come here and talk. Now, it’s time to reveal the truth about your grandfather’s psychic abilities.”
Keisha went through the entire house, showing the traps, wires, and special lights and smoke machines that caused the haunted effects over the years, which the medium used for his readings.
Even the cops were surprised.
“So much for the famous medium’s mystical powers,” one officer scoffed. He steered Sam toward the stairs. “Now we just need to pick up your mother.”
“Wait!” Sam dug his heels in and glared at Keisha. “How did you know it was me?”
She showed her phone with the picture she had taken at the library. “The same photo is hanging in your coffee shop; I noticed it when I was first there. Your mother may not have that scar in this picture, but still looks the same.”
The cops took Sam and later arrested his mother. But Keisha paid them no mind. “This place is going to be awesome for hosting Halloween parties,” she laughed and pressed a button to release some smoke.
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