PHANTOM MANOR!!!!!

A new book for Halloween is in the works.
Since the Haunted Mansion Remake was released, I thought, What about Disneyland Paris's Phantom Manor, so I decided to do an adaptation of Phantom Manor.
The story stays mostly true to the original story of the Ravenswood Family, with the melancholy bride Melanie and her 4 suitors, Sawyer Bottom, Captain Rowan D. Falls, Ignatius Iggy Knight, and Barry Claude, as well as of course Melanie's husband to be, Jacob the steam locomotive Engineer off the Big Thunder Mining Company. HOWEVER, Henry Ravenswood is NOT the phantom, but it's his evil greedy big brother, who goes by the nickname "WIZARD" who is the Evil Phantom. The reason for this is because in real life the Wizard is an obnoxious creepy old man who stinks like a garbage can, and has given me nothing but trouble. He wears a top hat JUST LIKE the Phantom in Phantom Manor, and the Haunted Mansion's Hatbox Ghost. So I figured, perfect to make the Wizard the main antagonist and the Phantom. Melanie Ravenswood is the Wizard's daughter, and Martha Ravenswood is his wife. Henry Ravenswood is his younger brother who is actually the one who struck gold in the mining town of Thunder Mesa located in the Pacific North West in Washington State. Henry Ravenswood was warned by Native Americans about mining too deep in the mines, otherwise he'd awaken the wrath of a powerful evil spirit known as the Thunderbird. Henry heeded their warnings, and made sure not to mine too deep in the mines. He also owned a lumber company, oil company, a riverboat company, a dynamite manufacturer, and a narrow gauge mining railroad that connected to the Northern Pacific's dual gauge mainline. Henry and his wife Alice bared 2 children, Alexander and Carla, and they lived in a humble 2 story home in Thunder Mesa. But Henry's Greedy big brother the Wizard told Henry that a small 2 story home was no house for a wealthy tycoon like Henry, and that he should have a "GRAND ESTATE." Henry reluctantly agreed, and build a BEAUTIFUL GRAND Manor house located on top of Boot Hill. The highest hill overlooking the ENTIRE Town of Thunder Mesa as well as the beautiful lake and the mining company.
But of course, the Wizard got more greedy went behind Henry's back, had the miners mine deeper into the mine which of course awakened the angry spirit of the Thunderbird, which resulted in a NASTY earthquake and flood, wiping out well over 900 people, and killing the Wizard in the process.
Meanwhile the Wizard's daughter Melanie had 4 guys interested in her. Sawyer Bottom of the Thunder Mesa Lumber Company, managed the saw mill, Captain Rowan D. Falls who was captain of a steamboat, Ignatius Iggy Knight who managed the dynamite manufacturing company, and Barry Claude who managed the oil wells. But it was Steam Locomotive Engineer Jacob who won Melanie's heart, and got engaged to Melanie Ravenswood after he promised her he'd get her out of Ravenswood Manor and as far away from Thunder Mesa as possible.
Melanie's loving Aunt Alice and loving Uncle Henry were all in support of this, as was her Mother Martha, and other Aunt Melissa, but her father The Wizard wouldn't have ANY OF IT!!!!!! He found none of the 4 suitors or even Jacob worthy to marry her, but once he died, then no one could ever object right? WRONG!!!!!
Because on Melanie's wedding night, she wanders the hallways of the manor in her wedding dress calling out for her groom Jacob, but unfortunately Jacob was murdered and suspended by the ceiling rafters in the manor's attic by none other than THE PHANTOM!!!!!
Henry tried to confront what was going on, but the Phantom used Black Magic, which in turn put a curse on the Ravenswood family and ALL who were killed by the earthquake and flood as well as those who attended the wedding...............
Or so he thought because little did he know that Henry and Alice Ravenswood's children, 17-year-old Alexander and 13-year-old Carla managed to escape Phantom Manor.

And we move to the present time on Carla's descendant Alastair Henry Smith, who is apparently Henry Ravenswood's only surviving heir to the Ravenswood Fortune including Phantom Manor.
Haunted Mansion's characters Bruce Davis, Harriet, and Madame Leota are reused for Phantom Manor as are Fairy Tail's Chelia Blendy and Wendy Marvell, and Edens Zero's Hermit Mio Milan. Charlie Blackmore from The Haunting Of Blackmoore Manor also makes a small appearance, and John Zaffis returns.
It's up to Alastair and his friends to investigate exactly what he has inherited, solve the mystery behind the haunting, find out who this phantom is, and break the curse that's keeping all 999 ghosts trapped. But Alastair better hurry because the Phantom is looking for 1 more to make it an even 1000, and it could be him if he is not careful.

More to come.

PHANTOM MANOR

Do you believe in Ghosts? How about haunted houses, haunted mansions, or even haunted manors?
Try an old abandoned cursed manor in a ghost mining town deep in the forests of the Pacific Northwest known as Thunder Mesa that resides on the highest hill overlooking the mining town, the mines that service the town, a black lake with a riverboat landing, and a narrow gauge mining railroad. You’ve probably heard of the cursed Blackmoore Manor in Pennsylvania. Well, how would you like to hear that Blackmoore Manor has a sister Manor on the Westcoast? That’s what this manor is, and it was once known as Ravenswood Manor, but now it goes by a different name. A name that is MUCH darker and sends the chills up almost ANYONE’S and EVERYONE’S spines every time it’s mentioned. That name is Phantom Manor. It houses 999 Ghosts, and it’s waiting on one more to make it an even 1,000. However, one unsuspecting inheritor could make that a reality if he is not careful.
But before we take you to the unsuspecting inheritor, let’s take you guys back to when it all happened, why the Ravenswood Manor and the Ghost Town Of Thunder Mesa became what it all is today, and why the Ravenswood Manor is now called Phantom Manor.


Ravenswood Manor: Thunder Mesa, Washington, October 31, 1882!

It was on a stormy night on October 31st, Halloween night of 1882, at Ravenswood Manor in the mining town of Thunder Mesa, in Washington State USA, when it all happened. A curse was placed on a family that would forever trap them within the walls of their estate, leaving them at the mercy of a mad man.
It was supposed to be a happy day when a young girl at the age of 18 named Melanie, was finally getting married to the love of her life, a young 23-year-old steam locomotive engineer from the mining railroad named Jacob. Having been trapped in the walls of the estate by her greedy father Mark Turner Ravenswood, getting married to Jacob was her chance to finally hop on a train, leave the Ravenswood Manor, and the Town of Thunder Mesa for good.
Melanie’s loving Uncle, Henry Ravenswood, who owned the Manor, was all in support of this, but it wasn’t meant to be.
The night before on October 30th, in the gold mines of the Thunder Mesa Mining Company, the miners mined where they shouldn’t have by the orders of Mark Turner Ravenswood, who had no business in giving the orders in the first place but was overseeing the mining being carried out anyways. Unfortunately, this triggered and angered the wrath of a dormant and ancient spirit beast known as the Thunder Bird. This resulting in an earthquake and a flash flood which caused the mines to collapse on the miners and Mark Turner Ravenswood and flood the town of Thunder Mesa.
Over 933 people were killed in both the Earthquake and Flash flood that night, but it was only gonna get worse. On the night of Melanie’s wedding, October 31st.

Here we see Melanie getting ready. Having put on her beautiful Wedding Dressing, and meticulously putting on her makeup, Melanie makes her way out of her suite in the Manor's Westwing, down through the massive corridors, and down the GRAND Staircase where EVERYONE is waiting.
Since Melanie’s father Mark Turner was killed in the mine’s collapse caused by the earthquake, her wonderful Uncle Henry is the one who takes her hand and walks her down.

Henry: MY WORD!!!! Melanie you look AMAZING!!!!!!

Melanie: THANK YOU SO MUCH UNCLE!!!

Henry escorts Melanie through the Manor’s Foyer, out the front door, and over to the gazebo out in the gardens of the estate where the priest is waiting. But wait, something is wrong with this picture; why is it just the priest who is waiting? Where is the groom Jacob, where are his groomsmen, and where is the best man?
Everyone is shocked and confused. A Medium named Madame Leota is one of the guests attending the wedding, and all she sees is doom.

Madame Leota: I have a bad feeling about this soon to be ghostly ball!!!!! A Ravishing Bride....................and a VANISHING GROOM!!!!!!

Melanie: Uncle? Where’s Jacob?

Henry: I don’t know?????!!!!! Why isn’t he here????!!!!!

Reverend Michael: Don’t look at me, it’s only been me here waiting for this wedding to begin. But we can’t have a wedding without the groom!!!!!!

Henry: Melanie, honey, I’ll go look for him, and see what’s going on.

Then EVERYONE hears a terrifying and evil laugh.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ao3xpIK6IGs

AH-HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALWgmarQFm4

Everyone then trembles in fear from the evil laugh. Soon, it begins to rain, and as it rains it pours. Normally it’s good luck to have rain on your wedding night, but not on this night. It soon thunders, and lightening then strikes multiple times.

Henry: I don’t know what is going on, but I will find out!!!!!

Henry then rushes into the manor, passes through the Grand Ballroom, makes his way up a staircase, and into the art gallery of the room when the door behind him closes, and locks.

Henry: WHAT THE????!!!! LET ME OUT; LET ME OUT!!!!!!!!

The door then vanishes as the room starts stretching.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=okGFvt-485g

Henry: WHAT THE HELL??????!!!!!!!

As the room stretches the beautiful portraits of Henry’s beloved Niece Melanie start stretching too, but they reveal disturbing fates.

Henry: OH MY GOD!!!!!

Voice: Perhaps you sense a disquieting metamorphosis......................

Henry: WHO SAID THAT?????!!!!!!

One portrait shows Melanie wading in river, but as the portrait stretches, a river monster shows itself from the depths below.
Another portrait shows Melanie and her beloved Jacob on a picnic, as the portrait stretches, that picnic is disrupted by the arrival of African Saw Scaled Carpet Viper snakes, Bullet Ants, giant Australian Funnel Web Spiders, and Death Stalker Scorpions.

Voice: It appears everyone's doomed at Phantom Manor tonight..............even you.............

Henry: WHAT?????!!!!!

Another shows Melanie out in the garden picking flowers, but as the portrait stretches, she’s picking flowers on top of a grave, and this shows an angry vengeful zombie about to come out of its coffin.
The forth portrait shows Melanie in a canoe, but as the portrait extends, the canoe is about to go over Snoqualmie Falls.

Voice: And notice this; this chamber has no windows and no doors!!!! Which offers you this chilling challenge to find a way out!!!!

Henry: WHO’S SICK MIND WOULD PAINT THESE DISTURBING PORTRAITS???????!!!!!!!!!

Voice: MINE!!!!!!!! AH-HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!

Henry: WHAT THE????? WHO THE HELL WAS THAT?????!!!!

Henry then looks up and much to his horror he not only sees right to the rafters of the attic above, but what appears to be a LARGE fat skeletal phantom with a long beard, holding a Large cane with a silver Wolf head, and wearing a Charcoal Gray Suit that stinks like a garbage can along with a large top hat that says Wiz Of Fun. That can only mean one thing………………………..

Henry: OH MY GOD!!!!!!! BIG BROTHER MARK TURNER?????!!!!!!!!!

Mark Turner: AH-HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!

Henry: MARK, YOU’RE A PHANTOM??????!!!!!!!

Sure enough the terrifying laugh is coming from none other than Henry’s greedy older brother Mark Turner Ravenswood.

Mark Turner: YES, I AM!!!! NO THANKS TO THAT EARTHQUAKE CAUSING THE MINES TO CRUSH ME!!!!!

But it only gets worse as he sees that Mark Turner has hung Melanie’s Groom Jacob by the neck and has killed him.

Henry: OH NO, MARK WHAT HAVE YOU DONE??????!!!!!! WHAT HAVE YOU DONE???????!!!!!!!!!

Mark Turner: I DID WHAT HAD TO BE DONE!!!! YA SEE, THIS MAN WAS NOT WORTHY OF MY MELANIE, SO I HAD TO KILL HIM!!!! NOTHING PERSONAL, I MEAN HE WAS ONLY A TRAIN ENGINEER!!!!! AND THAT’S NOT GOOD ENOUGH FOR MY MELANIE!!!!! SHE SHOULD BE WITH SOMEONE MORE AFFLUENT AND HIGH CLASS IF THE RAVENSWOOD ESTATE IS TO BE PASSED DOWN!!!!!

Henry: THAT WAS NOT YOUR CALL TO MAKE!!!!! THIS ESTATE IS NOT YOURS; IT IS MINE!!!! I AM THE ONE WHO RIGHTFULLY OWNS IT, I AM THE RIGHTFUL OWNER OF THE MINING OPERATION, AND THEREFOR I MAKE THE CALL ON WHO I PASS IT ON TO!!!!! YOU’RE ONLY HERE BECAUSE YOU NEEDED A PLACE TO STAY HAVING BEEN ON THE RUN FROM THE POLICE IN ENGLAND. OUT OF THE GOODNESS OF MY HEART I LET YOU LIVE HERE, AND I LET YOU START A FAMILY HERE!!!! BUT YOU TOOK ADVANTAGE OF THAT, AND ACTED LIKE YOU WERE ENTITLED ON WHO SHOULD SHE INHERIT THE MANOR AND THE MINING COMPANY WHEN IT WAS NOT YOUR CALL!!!!! I WAS AGAINST MINING IN THE FORBIDDEN SECTION OF THE MINE, BUT YOU JUST HAD TO GO THERE AND ANGER THE THUNDER BIRD, SO IT’S YOUR FAULT THAT YOU’RE DEAD!!!!! IT’S YOUR FAULT THAT THE MINE COLLASPED, AND IT’S YOUR FAULT THAT MANY OTHER INNOCENT PEOPLE LOST THEIR LIVES ALONG WITH YOU!!!!!

Mark Turner: I WAS ONLY DOING WHAT WAS RIGHT FOR OUR FAMILY!!!!! YOU WERE ALWAYS SO WEAK!!!! SOMEONE HAD TO SEE THE POTENTIAL IN THAT SECTION OF THE MINE TO ENHANCE OUR FORTUNE!!!!!

Henry: EVEN IF IT MEANT KILLING INNOCENT PEOPLE????!!!!!!!!! ALL FOR THE SAKE OF MONEY?????!!!!!

Mark Turner: AND I WANT OUR DAUGHTER TO BE MARRIED OFF TO NOTHING BUT THE BEST BECAUSE I ONLY WANT WHAT’S BEST FOR HER!!!! THOSE OTHER 4 SUITORS THAT SHOWED INTEREST WERE ALSO NO GOOD!!!!!

Henry: What other suitors? OH NO, DON’T TELL ME YOU KILLED OTHERS WHO SOUGHT INTEREST IN MELANIE??????!!!!!!!!

Mark Turner: NOT DIRECTLY!!!!! I ONLY SENT CAPTAIN ROWAN D. FALLS ON A CRUISE IN HIS BELOVED RIVERBOAT!!!!! HOW WAS I SUPPOSED TO KNOW THAT HE WAS GONNA GO OVER SNOQUALMIE FALLS??????!!!!!!!!
OIL FIELD MASTER BARRY CLAUDE WAS IN THE WRONG PLACE AT THE WRONG TIME WHEN I SENT HIM ON A BEAUTIFUL HIKE THAT ENDED UP GETTING HIM CLAWED TO DEATH BY A BLACK BEAR!!!!!!
IT WAS IGNATIUS IGGY KNIGHT’S FAULT FOR GETTING HIMSELF BLOWN UP IN THE DYNAMITE EXPLOSION IN THE MINE WHEN I RIGGED A SECTION TO BLOW!!!!
AND LUMBER MILL WORKER SAWYER BOTTOM JUST HAPPENED TO BE IN THE WRONG PLACE AT THE WRONG TIME WHEN HE SLIPPED AND LANDED ON THE SAW BLADE OF THE SAW MILL!!!!!

Henry: NO WAY!!!!!!! THAT IS JUST SICK AND WRONG!!!!!!!!

Mark Turner: WHAT AM I SAYING? YES, I KILLED THEM JUST LIKE I KILLED THIS MAN, AND GUESS WHAT HENRY????!!!!!!!! YOU’RE NEXT!!!! THEN I’M GOING AFTER YOUR FAMILY, AND EVEN YOUR PRECIOUS LITTLE CHILDREN ALEXANDER AND CARLA!!!!!

Henry: NOT ON MY WATCH!!!!!!

With quick thinking, Henry jumps high into the air, pulls on one of the lamp figures, and opens a secret door behind the bookcase. Judging his moment, Henry scrambles through the secret door, and the door closes behind him.

Mark Turner: YOU CAN RUN, BUT YOU CAN’T HIDE HENRY!!!!!

Meanwhile outside, everyone hears the evil laughter coming from Mark Turner Ravenswood, but no one knows what it’s about.

Melanie: STAY HERE, I’LL BE RIGHT BACK!!!!!

Melanie scrambles back into the Manor and starts looking for Jacob, but it’s not long after when everyone else helps out and starts looking throughout the Manor for Jacob too.
Henry’s children, 17-Year-Old Alexander, and 13-Year-Old Carla, heirs to the Ravenswood Fortune, search the corridors of the Manor on the second floor, when………………

Mark Turner: THERE YOU ARE!!!!!!

Alexander: WHAT THE HELL?????!!!!!!

Carla: *SCREAMS* AHHHHHH!!!!! WHO ARE YOU????!!!!!!!

Mark Turner: I’VE BEEN LOOKING ALL OVER FOR YOU 2!!!!!

Alexander: WATCH OUT CARLA, HE’S A PHANTOM!!!!!!

Carla: OH NO!!!!! ALEXANDER, I’M SCARED!!!!!

Alexander: CARLA GET BEHIND ME!!!!! YOU STAY AWAY FROM HER PHANTOM!!!!!

Mark Turner: AWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!! YOU’RE TRYING TO PROTECT HER FROM ME????!!!!! HOW SWEET!!!! AND PATHETIC!!!!!! YOU ARE JUST AS WEAK AND AS WORTHLESS OF A FOOL AS YOUR FATHER, AND MY NO GOOD SO CALLED YOUNGER BROTHER!!!!!!

Alexander: NO WAY!!!!!!!!!! THE PHANTOM IS?????!!!!!

Carla: UNCLE MARK?????????!!!!!!! IT CAN’T BE!!!!!!!!

Mark Turner: YES IT IS!!!!! NOW I AM GOING TO DO WHAT I SHOULD HAVE DONE THE MOMENT YOU 2 WERE BORN!!!!!

Henry: NO, NO YOU DON’T!!!!!!!

Henry comes then comes bolting out of the wall holding a bright kerosene lantern.

Henry: YOU WILL DO NO SUCH THING!!!!!! NOW LEAVE MY CHILDREN ALONE!!!!!!
YOU 2 GET OUT OF HERE!!!!!!!!

Both Alexander and Carla take off running as fast as they can when Ramsley the butler shows up to help.

Ramsley: FOLLOW ME THIS WAY!!!!!

Alexander: RAMSLEY?????!!!!

Carla: WHAT’S GOING ON????!!!!!

Ramsley: IT’S YOUR UNCLE MARK TURNER!!!!! HE’S DANGEROUS!!!!!!

Alexander: YEAH, BUT I THOUGHT HE WAS DEAD!!!!!!

Carla: YEAH, HE SHOULD HAVE DIED WHEN THE MINE CRUSHED HIM!!!!

Ramsley: IT APPEARS THAT HE’S BECOME A PHANTOM WHO NOW HAUNTS THE MANOR!!!! AND NOW HE IS AFTER THE FAMILY FORTUNE MORE THAN EVER!!!!!

Ramsley takes Alexander and Carla down another corridor before leading them to the second floor landing of Henry’s Library.

Alexander: I KNEW THERE WAS SOMETHING WEIRD WITH UNCLE MARK!!!!

Carla: I NOTICED IT TOO!!!! HE WAS NEVER REALLY KIND TO US!!!!

Alexander: IT WAS MORE LIKE WE WERE IN HIS WAY!!!!!

Ramsley: It’s because the 2 of you are the heirs to the Ravenswood Family Fortune. This means the 2 of you will be inheriting not just the manor, but the Thunder Mesa Mining Company, Thunder Mesa Lumber Company, The Thunder Mesa Oil Company, The Thunder Mesa Narrow Gauge Railroad, The Thunder Mesa Steamboat Company, and the Millions of Dollars generated from the revenue.

Alexander & Carla: WOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!!!!

Ramsley: Unfortunately, because Melanie is not the daughter of Henry, she is unable to inherit the fortune. So unfortunately, Mark Turner finds no one worthy to marry her unless her suitor comes from a family who’s fortune rivals that of his younger brother.
So unless she’s able to find a suitor who comes from wealth that rivals his younger brother, no one will ever be worthy to marry Melanie.

Carla: HOW CRUEL!!!!!

Alexander: She should marry whoever she wants!!!!!

Ramsley: Henry completely agrees, but unfortunately his older brother Mark Turner doesn’t think so……………….

Meanwhile Melanie searches long and hard up and down the various corridors of the sprawling Manor for her lover Jacob.

Melanie: JACOB…………JACOB……………..JACOB!!!!!!!!!

The fight between Henry and Mark Turner continues out in the corridors on the second floor of the Manor.

Henry: YOU WERE ALWAYS THE JEALOUS TYPE MARK!!!!!

Mark Turner: JEALOUS????!!!!!! AH-HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!
I AM BEYOND JEALOUS!!!! I AM ECCENTRIC!!!!!!!! WHY IS IT THAT MOM AND DAD ALWAYS LOVED YOU, BUT NEVER ME?????!!!!!!! WHY WERE YOU THE ONE WHO WAS LUCKY ENOUGH TO BECOME A STRAIGHT A STUDENT AND GET ACCEPTED INTO KING'S COLLEGE WHILE I HAD TO WANDER THE WORLD ENTERTAINING AS A MAGICIAN???????!!!!!!! AND WHY IS IT THAT YOUR WIFE ALICE WAS ABLE TO GIVE BIRTH TO BOTH A SON AND A DAUGHTER, WHILE MARTHA STRUGGLED TO CONCEIVE MELANIE??????!!!!!! DO YOU UNDERSTAND WHAT THAT IS LIKE??????!!!!!!!! OF COURSE NOT BECAUSE YOU'RE MR. SHINING STAR STRAIGHT A STUDENT KING COLLEGE GRADUATE WITH MULTIPLE BUSINESSES LIVING THE AMERICAN DREAM WHILE I HAD TO RUN AWAY FROM THE POLICE!!!!!!!!

Henry: WOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!!!! YOU ARE SICK AND NEED HELP!!!!!

Mark Turner: TOO LATE FOR THAT NOW!!!!! I’M ALREADY DEAD!!!!!!!

Back in the Manor’s library…………

Ramsley: THIS WAY, DOWN THE SECRET FRENCH ELEVATOR!!!!!!

Alexander and Carla follow Ramsley into a beautiful French styled elevator, before Ramsley takes them down below the crypts of the manor to a secret underground tunnel system.

Ramsley: Your father used these as a means to access the Thunder Mesa Mining, Oil, Lumber, and Steamboat Companies along with the Narrow Gauge Railroad. Which leads to your escape……………

Down at the end of the tunnel is a beautiful ornate little wood fired 2-4-2 Columbian Class steam locomotive featuring a beautiful small spark arresting diamond stack, Olive Green fluted domes with brass centers, Large Olive Green Olive Green Box Kerosene Burning Headlamp, Olive Green colored cab, Starlight Blue Boiler jacket, Olive Green Cylinder Jackets, Copper water injector branch pipes, large Burgundy Red cow-catcher pilot, Hunter Green Pilot deck trim, beautiful Crimson Red pilot, Drive, and Trailing wheels with beautiful white wall tires and gold pin stripes on the wheel spokes, Olive Green colored tender with Hunter Green Tender trucks and Crimson Red wheels with White Wall Tires coupled to a beautiful Burgundy Red Parlor Car.
The train is beautifully decorated in garlands, ribbons, and banners. There’s also a nice hot fire in the firebox, and full head of steam on the pressure gauge as it reads 150 PSI.

Ramsley: Melanie and her Groom were going to use this as their means of transportation out of here after the wedding, but unfortunately after what’s happened, it doesn’t look like that’s a possibility.

Alexander: What do you mean?

Carla: YOU DON’T MEAN THAT UNCLE MARK?????!!!!!!!!

Ramsley: I’m afraid Jacob is nowhere to be found, which means that your Uncle Mark Turner has something to do with his disappearance…………….and I promised your mother and father that I’d get you out of here…………….

Alexander: WHAT?????!!!!!!

Ramsley: THIS IS YOUR ONLY MEANS OF ESCAPE SO GO!!!! GET OUT OF HERE!!!!! USE THE TRAIN TO GET AWAY FROM THIS PLACE WHILE YOU STILL HAVE THE CHANCE!!!!!!

Back on the second floor, Mark Turner gets raging mad.

Mark Turner: DAMN YOU ALL TO HELL!!!!!!!!!!

Henry: OH MY GOD, YOU HAVE LOST YOUR MIND??????!!!!!!

Henry takes off running down the corridors, and searches for his wife Alice.

Henry: ALICE, ALICE?????!!!!!!!!

Sure enough he finds her.

Henry: ALICE????!!!!!!!

Alice: HERE I AM HENRY!!!! WHERE ARE THE CHILDREN????!!!!!!

Henry: I HAD RAMSLEY GET THEM OUT OF HERE AWAY FROM THE PHANTOM!!!!!!

Alice: WHO?????!!!!!!!

Henry: MY BROTHER MARK TURNER WHO HAS UNFORTUNATELY BECOME A PHANTOM!!!!

Alice: OH MY GOD!!!!!!!

Henry: HE WILL STOP AT NOTHING TO GET TO THEM!!!!!!!!

Mark Turner: WHERE ARE THEY???????!!!!!!!! WHERE ARE THE CHILDREN ALEXANDER AND CARLA?????!!!!!!! WHERE ARE THEY HENRY????????!!!!!!!!!!!!

Melanie still keeps searching for her lover Jacob but has no luck.

Melanie: JACOB……………….JACOB………………JACOB!!!!!!! WHERE ARE YOU??????!!!!!!!!!!

Henry: MARK ALREADY KILLED JACOB!!!!!

Alice: OH MY GOD!!!!!

Henry: IT GETS WORSE, HE KILLED MELANIE’S 4 OTHER SUITORS, ROWAN D. FALLS, IGNATIUS KNIGHT, BARRY CLAUDE, AND SAWYER BOTTOM!!!!!! ALL BECAUSE THEY WERE NOT FROM RICH BACKGROUNDS!!!!! AND NOW HE’S AFTER THE CHILDREN BECAUSE ALEXANDER AND CARLA ARE HEIRS TO THE FAMILY FORTUNE!!!!!
HE WILL STOP AT NOTHING TO GET AHOLD OF THE FORTUNE!!!!!!

Alice: OH MY GOD!!!!!!

Henry: MY BIGGEST MISTAKE WAS TAKING HIM IN AND LETTING HIM LIVE HERE IN THE MANOR WITH US!!!! BECAUSE NOW HE THINKS HE’S ENTITLED TO THE FORTUNE………………..EVEN IN DEATH!!!!!! I SHOULD HAVE TURNED HIM OVER TO SCOTLAND YARD WHILE I HAD THE CHANCE!!!!!

Back down in the underground tunnels.

Ramsley: HURRY, YOU HAVE NO TIME!!!! YOU HAVE TO LEAVE WHILE YOU STILL CAN!!!!!

Carla: BUT WE DON’T KNOW HOW THIS THING WORKS!!!!

Alexander: I DO!!!!!

Carla: WHAT??????!!!!!!!

Alexander: DAD LOVES TRAINS, AND SOMETIMES HE WOULD FILL IN FOR THE ENGINEERS WHEN ONE OF THEM WAS SICK. THAT IS WHEN HE TAUGHT ME HOW TO DRIVE ONE OF THESE BECAUSE HE THOUGHT THERE WOULD BE A TIME WHERE IT WOULD COME IN HANDY!!!!

Ramsley: NOW THAT TIME HAS COME BECAUSE YOU MUST GET OUT OF HERE!!!!!!!

Alexander: NO TIME TO LOSE!!!!!!!!!!

Alexander then scrambles into the cab of the locomotive, throws a bunch of wood longs into the firebox, and gets the fire nice and hot. He then opens the water injectors and gets the water level nice and high.

Alexander: CARLA, HAND ME SOME MORE LOGS!!!!!

Carla: BUT MY DRESS?????!!!!!! OOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!

Carla then scrambles into the cab of the locomotive and passes wood logs to Alexander.

Alexander: OKAY, THAT SHOULD DO IT!!!!!!

Ramsley: OKAY!!!!!

Ramsley scrambles over to the locomotive, pours more kerosene in the headlamp, and gets the headlamp to shine nice and bright. He then scrambles onto the Parlor car, and releases the brakes via the brake wheel before scrambling off the train.

Ramsley: THE REST IS UP TO YOU 2!!!!!!

Alexander: CARLA TURN THAT LARGE WHEEL ON THE TENDER CAR!!!!!

Carla: OKAY!!!!!!

Using all of her strength, Carla turns the brake wheel, and releases the brakes off the tender.
With the sound of a VERY LOUD…………..

POP-HISSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!

The low pressure safety valve pops off.

Alexander: ALRIGHT, WE’RE GOOD!!!!!!

Alexander then opens up the main valve on the steam turret, which in turn starts the air compressor for the Westinghouse Air Brakes. This causes a BUNCH of water to come blasting out of the smoke stack with a VERY LOUD……………

BANG……………….BANG……………BANG………….BANG………….BANG……………..BANG………….BANG………….BANG…..BANG…..BANG…….BANG…BANG, BANG, BANG, BANG, BANG, BANG, BANG, BANG, BANG, BANG, BANG……………………

Alexander: ALRIGHT, WE’RE OUT OF HERE!!!!!

Alexander releases the air the air brakes via the air brake handle, opens the cylinder drain cocks via linkage lever, throws the MASSIVE Johnson Bar Reverser Lever forward, yanks the LARGE throttle lever open, and with a MIGHTY slip of the wheels, the little engine takes off and steams out of the underground tunnels away from Ravenswood Manor.

Ramsley: Thank Goodness they’re taken care of. I can only hope they’re out of Thunder Mesa by the time Mark Turner finds out. Now I must tend to Master Henry Ravenswood!!!!

Ramsley then scrambles back into the French Styled Elevator and returns to the Manor’s library where he meets up with Henry and Alice.

Henry: RAMSLEY????!!!!!!!!

Ramsley: I SENT THE CHILDREN OFF ON THE WEDDING TRAIN LIKE YOU ORDERED!!!!!!

Henry: THANK YOU RAMSLEY!!!!!

Alice: THANK GOD!!!!!!!! I’M SO GLAD THEY’RE SAFE!!!!!!!!

Mark Turner: WHERE ARE THEY??????!!!!!!!! WHERE ARE THE CHILDREN ALEXANDER AND CARLA???????!!!!!!!!!!

Henry scrambles out to the Manor’s Grand Staircase in the Manor’s GRAND Foyer.

Henry: YOU WON’T FIND THEM MARK TURNER!!!!!!!!

Mark Turner: WHAT??????????!!!!!!!!!!!!

Henry: RAMSLEY SENT THEM PACKING!!!!!!!

The Phantom, Mark Turner Ravenswood then shows himself on the Grand Staircase where ALL 66 people attending the wedding sees him as he goes into a rage.

Ramsley: THAT IS CORRECT!!!!! ALEXANDER AND CARLA HAVE BEEN SENT PACKING AND ARE WELL ON THEIR WAY OUT OF THUNDER MESA!!!!!!!

Mark Turner: DAMN YOU ALL TO HELL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Using Black Magic that he learned as a magician while he was alive, The Phantom Mark Turner places a curse on EVERYONE inside the walls of the Manor, both killing them, and binding them to the confines of withinside the Ravenswood Manor’s walls. The death toll is now 999 for those who have perished in the Town Of Thunder Mesa.

Mark Turner: NOW YOU ARE NOT ONLY DEAD, BUT YOU ARE STUCK TO THE CONFINES OF WITHIN THE WALLS OF THE MANOR!!!! THIS MEANS YOU ARE ALL TO REMAIN HERE IN THE MANOR FOR ALL ETERNITY!!!!!!!
AH-HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kw0_ZAbfeQE

The Phantom’s Terrifying Diabolical Blood Curling Laugh is heard as far out as Thunder Mesa’s boarder line. Meanwhile, Alexander and Carla continue their escape aboard Thunder Mesa Narrow Gauge Railroad Steam Locomotive Number #2 and it’s parlor Car as it escapes out of the underground tunnels of Boot Hill, over the trestle spanning over Black Lake into the thundering and rainy night.
Carla scrambles over to Alexander’s side as she trembles in fear after hearing both the evil laugh, and the thunder.

Carla: ALEXANDER, I’M SCARED!!!!!

Alexander: It’s okay Carla, we’re almost out of Thunder Mesa now!!!!

Carla: NOT QUITE!!!!!! LOOK!!!!!

Alexander: WE JUST GOTTA GET THROUGH THE MINES!!!!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5aa29GtJ8Q0&list=RDMM&start_radio=1&rv=2LkVKCWL0U4

The train then steams right into the mines of the Big Thunder Mining Company, and as the train steams into the mines, rocks and boulders come bombarding down all around the train.

Alexander: HOLY SHIT!!!!! THIS IS NOT GOOD!!!!

Alexander then opens the throttle as wide as he can causing the locomotive’s drive wheels to spin like crazy before it takes off thundering through the mines.

Alexander: HOLD ON TIGHT CARLA!!!!

Carla: LIKE I HAVE A CHOICE?????!!!!!!!

The train thunders in and out of the various tunnels as fast as its locomotive’s small drive wheels can take it. The train thunders right through a waterfall, around tight curves, over more rickety wooden trestles, over various snake heads, passes erupting geysers, passes angry tortoises, passes highly aggressive Western Diamond Back Rattle Snakes, through a segment of water, up a steep hill, and down an even steeper hill.

Carla: ALEXANDER, I DON’T KNOW HOW MUCH MORE I CAN TAKE OF THIS!!!!!

Mark Turner’s evil laugh only gets louder and louder as the train keeps thundering through the mines.

Mark Turner: AH-HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!

Carla: *SCREAMS* AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!! ALEXANDER!!!!!!!

Alexander: THERE’S THE LAST TUNNEL!!!!!!!!

The train then steams through the last tunnel, and up a VERY STEEP incline as dynamite fires off left, right, front, back, and above.

Carla: ALEXANDER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Alexander: OH NO, YOU DON’T!!!!!!!!!!!

With much puffing, and wheel slip, the train barely makes it out of the last tunnel just before it collapses.

Alexander: WE’RE OUT, AND WE’RE LEAVING THUNDER MESA FOR GOOD!!!!!!!!! GOOD RIDDANCE!!!!!!

Mark Turner: NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The train then steams on and on, and soon meets up with the Northern Pacific’s dual gauge mainline before disappearing off into the night.
Both Alexander and Carla have barely escaped Ravenswood Manor and the Town Of Thunder Mesa with their lives on that fateful night.
We now move to our current time, which is October of 2023, almost 141 years later. Thunder Mesa remains an abandoned Ghost Town, and Ravenswood Manor has fallen into a run down and decrepit state. The lake, which Ravenswood Manor overlooks, has turned black, all of the town’s buildings have fallen into disrepair, the mines still remain, but a good chunk has collapsed from the earthquake since the disturbance of the ancient Thunder Bird.
Many lost travelers have ventured there by accident, and all have stories to tell after they take off never to return to Thunder Mesa Again. Some say that they have heard Melanie’s crying coming from inside the manor, others have heard screaming from inside. However, all say that they have heard the diabolical evil laugh of Mark Turner Ravenswood, and they all affectionately nicknamed him the Phantom, which eventually lead to the Ravenswood Manor’s nickname, Phantom Manor.
As the years passes legends and folklore are fabricated about the Manor and the town of Thunder Mesa. But when people talk about a haunted Manor being located high up on a hill overlooking an old ghost town on a black lake deep in the Pacific Coast Forests, they all talk about what happened, and why no one dares to venture except for lost travelers who always turn around and get out as fast as they can, for no one ever wants to come face to face with the Legendary Phantom who haunts Phantom Manor high on Boot Hill overlooking the town of Thunder Mesa.


Too Be Continued…………………..

Chapter 2


It is now October of 2023, nearly 141 years since that fateful night at Ravenswood Manor, which has affectionately been nicknamed Phantom Manor.  The surviving children, Alexander, and Carla lived normal and peaceful lives.
Almost a century and a half later, we return back to the Pacific Coast Forests where, what’s this?  Uh-Oh a paper boy is lost as he rides his Moped deep into the Pacific Coast Forests, and down a dirt path leading to the old ghost town of Thunder Mesa.
It’s unfortunately his first day on the job in the early morning hours when it’s still dark outside, and the morning fog is EXTREMELY thick, making it easy for anyone to get lost.
The paper boy looks confused as he passes the old abandoned rundown buildings of Thunder Mesa, and he soon sees it.  Phantom Manor, run down, decrepit, and sitting on top of the highest hill known as Boot Hill overlooking the town.  
The paper boy should have followed his parents’ suggestion and gotten a job at the nearby Pizza Parlor close to town.  Unfortunately, the higher pay of the paper delivering, was too good to pass up on.
The paper boy then makes his way up Boot Hill and parks his moped just outside the wrought iron gates of the Sprawling yet decrepit Phantom Manor.

Paper Boy: HELLO!!!!!  ANYBODY THERE!!!!!  IT’S THE PAPER BOY!!!!!  I’VE COME TO DELIVER THE MORNING PAPERS!!!!!!!

With no one coming out to open the gates, the paper boy then throws a news paper over the gate, but as he’s about to turn on the engine and head on his way, the news paper is thrown back at him.

Paper Boy: That’s weird.

The paper boy then throws the news paper back over the gate, but shortly after he turns around, the news paper is thrown back to him.  It then begins to rain, and when it begins to rain it pours.  Thunder and lightening then strike.

Paper Boy: What the heck?

The paper boy then throws the news paper over the fence again, but this time………..OH BOY………………..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kw0_ZAbfeQE

The Manor’s front doors open wide sending a nasty cold blast of wind to come gushing out of the manor, and resulting in the huge wrought iron gates to burst WIDE OPEN!!!!!
All the Manor’s lights turn on as the Phantom’s Diabolical Laugh is then heard throughout the manor followed by all the screaming of the innocent victims trapped, along with the crying of the sad bride looking for her groom.

Phantom: AH-HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!

Seeing the Manor come to life, and hearing the Phantom’s evil laugh sends the paper boy packing as he scrambles onto his Moped, starts the engine and takes off.

Paper Boy: THAT’S IT!!!!!  I QUIT!!!!!  I SHOULD HAVE LISTENED TO MOM AND DAD AND TAKEN THE JOB AT THE PIZZA PALOR!!!!!!!!!!

Needless to say the paper boy does just that.  He never delivers papers again, and instead works at the cash registers at the nearby pizza parlor.  
However, as the papers open, a skeletal hand grabs it as the diabolical laughing from the Phantom continues.

Phantom: AH-HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!

The wrought iron gates then shut, the Manor’s front doors close, the cold blast of wind stops, all the lights turn off, and all falls silent once again.
We now focus on one Carla’s surviving descendants, 17-Year-Old Alistair David Alexander Smith, a Junior in High School at the nearby Academy in the Big City of Tacoma, A Straight A Top Honor Student, a Clairvoyant pupil of the Legendary Charlie Alexander Blackmoore, a fireman on the Tacoma Eastern & Pacific Railroad, heir to the Pacific North West Lumber Company and Tacoma Eastern & Pacific North West Railroad, a pipe organ scholar at St. James Cathedral Basilica in Downtown Seattle, and soon to be inheritor of the Legendary Phantom Manor.
It's Friday October 6, and it’s 1:00 p.m. in the afternoon at the Academy just outside the Big City Of Tacoma, and here we see our friend Alistair leave school for his job as a fireman on the Tacoma Eastern & Pacific North West Railroad.

Alistair: Alright, time to head out!!!!  

But unfortunately, Alistair is soon stopped.

Hermit: JUST WHERE DO YOU THINK YOU’RE GOING ALISTAIR?????!!!!!

Meet Hermit Mio, she’s an entire year and a half younger than him at 15 and is a Sophomore.  However, despite her young age and only being a Sophomore, she’s the president of the Student Body Council.  She just moved to America from Japan, and in Japan cutting class is a REALLY BIG NO/NO and so is having a job outside of school compared to America which is more lenient towards those who have extremely high grades, have already finished their core classes for the day, and have only one or 2 elective classes left which they can of course take online if need be.  

Alistair: I’m heading off to my job Hermit if you don’t mind!!!!

Hermit: OF COURSE I DO!!!!  YOU KNOW YOU CAN’T JUST SKIP CLASS!!!!!

Alistair: It’s only on Friday’s, the school board is well aware that I work from 1:30-6:30 and have given me the option to take my only remaining elective class online.  You should know this by now!!!!

Hermit: I HONESTLY DON’T CARE!!!!  SKIPPING CLASS IS JUST NOT RIGHT UNLESS IF IT’S AN EMERGENCY!!!!  AS CLASS PRESIDENT I FORBID IT ALISTAIR!!!!!

Wendy: HERMIT PLEASE!!!!!!!

This is Wendy Marvell.  She is Hermit’s best friend, and like Hermit, Wendy has also just moved to America from Japan.  She’s 13-Years-Old, is in the 8th Grade at the Academy’s Middle School Division and is WAY MORE understanding.  She really looks up to Hermit as you can see, which is why her outfit is almost identical with the cheerleader like pleated mini skirt, pin striped jacket, thigh high socks, bow tie around her neck, and why her hair is in twin pig tails.  They’re around the same height of being 4 feet 8 inches tall and could easily pass for twin sisters.
Wendy's also the most popular girl in the ENTIRE academy, and is CONSTANTLY having love letters shoved in her locker by A LOT if not ALL the boys at the Academy, both older and younger alike.  Unfortunately Hermit is the one having to fend off the boys and reject them on Wendy's behalf given that Wendy's too sweet and innocent to say no.
Wendy also happens to be Alistair’s next door neighbor at the high rise condo complex they live in near the heart of downtown Tacoma.

Wendy: Please forgive Hermit!!!!  She didn’t mean to be rude, we’re both new here, and Hermit just wants to make a good impression and set a good example.  She’s really a VERY SWEET girl once you get to know her!!!!!  So please don’t be mad at her.  I understand that if you work, you must go, but it would be nice if you told us where you worked.

Alistair:  (CRAP!!!!  IF I TELL THEM THAT I WORK FOR THE RAILWAY LINE ON A STEAM ENGINE UNDER THE TABLE WORD WILL GO TO THE SCHOOL BOARD GIVEN THAT A MINOR WORKING ON A HAZARDOUS MACHINE IS ILLEGAL!!!!  I ONLY HAVE THE JOB BECAUSE OF MY DAD!!!!!)
I work at my father’s company, and that’s all I’ll say.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I must get going, my shift starts in 20 minutes!!!!!

And with that Alistair hightails it to his Fusion Red 2020 Volvo V60 Cross Country Sports Wagon and takes off.
This leaves Hermit furious!!!!!

Hermit: AS ALWAYS YOU ARE WAY TOO SOFT ON ALISTAIR!!!!!  

Wendy: Well, he does have written permission from the school board……………..

Hermit: EVEN SO!!!!  YOU KNOW THAT BOTH CUTTING CLASS AND HAVING A JOB OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL DURING SCHOOL HOURS IS AGAINST SCHOOL POLICIES IN JAPAN!!!!!

Wendy: But we’re not in Japan anymore!!!!  We’re in a different world!!!!!

Chelia: You’re only saying that because you like him Wendy, don’t you???!!!! *Giggles*

This is Chelia Blendy!!!  Hermit Mio’s and Wendy Marvell’s other best friend, and just like Hermit and Wendy, she too moved from Japan.  She also wears an outfit similar to Hermit and Wendy’s with the cheerleader like pleated mini skirt, and ascot around her neck, but wears a sailor button up T-shirt instead of a pin striped jacket.  She also has her hair in twin pig tails like Hermit and Wendy, but they’re WAY shorter.  She just turned 15-Years-Old, is and is a Freshman.  She also REALLY LOVES to tease Wendy in the romance department and is kinda jealous of Wendy getting the love letters shoved in her locker.

Wendy: *BLUSHES BRIGHT PINK & WAVES HANDS FRANTICALLY* HOLD ON, YOU MUST BE THINKING OF SOMETHING ELSE!!!!!  
It's true that I think he’s a nice guy, but he’s just my next door neighbor.  I don’t really now much about him, except that his daddy owns a huge business around here, but he never really talks to me.  I would like to get to know him better because like I said before, he seems really nice.  (Also because we used to be close friends long ago when I was little, but it seems he has forgotten.................)

Hermit: Still, that doesn’t give you reason to go easy on him.

Just then the bell rings and the lunch break is over.

Hermit: YOU HEARD THE BELL, GET TO CLASS!!!!!

And like that the girls head to class, meanwhile Alistair arrives at the Tacoma Eastern & Pacific North West Railroad’s round house facility.  He soon gets out of his car, and makes his way over to the changing room inside the roundhouse.
The Tacoma Eastern & Pacific North West Railroad is a shortline railroad that services various towns from the southern terminal at the Pacific North West Lumber Company & Saw Mill near Mineral Lake to the little town of Elbe, the town of Eatonville, and it’s Northern Terminal in Tacoma where all the freight and cargo is transferred to the BNSF Mainline.
By transporting all the lumber and cargo from Mineral Lake to the BNSF main line in the city of Tacoma, and hauling supplies from the BNSF main line in the city of Tacoma back to Mineral lake along with all the towns along the way, the Tacoma Eastern & Pacific North West Railroad is EXTREMELY profitable, and a commercial success.  And what really helps it is the fact that transporting all the cargo between Tacoma and Mineral lake is A LOT less expensive and more economical by train than by truck.
But what really sets the Tacoma Eastern & Pacific North West Railroad apart, is that it’s North America’s last commercial railroad that still uses old steam locomotives on a regular basis for revenue freight operations.  The Smith Family who has owned the railroad for generations has always had a fondness for old steam locomotives and have over the years saved multiple steam engines from the scrapper’s torch.  It is now home to a collection of 6 Logging 2-8-2 Mikado steam locomotives.  Every weekend Friday-Sunday, when demand is at its highest for freight service, the railroad fires up one of the Logging Mikado Steam Engines and puts it to use on a second section train.  Older Classic Diesel locomotives normally handle the load Monday-Thursday when demand is lower, allowing the shops to maintain and repair the aging steam engines.
Unfortunately having recently been struck by the Covid19 Pandemic, the railroad has fallen on hard times.  Due to rotten timing, 5 of the 6 logging Mikados are "Flat Clapped" out of service undergoing their 15-year inspections demanded by the FRA.  Fortunately, their one working steam engine, former Polson Logging Company Number #70, a little saturated 70 Ton locomotive built by Baldwin in 1922, had a full on top to bottom ground up rebuild completed before Pandemic struck, and is good to go for a good while.  Of all 5 locomotives, she’s the crew favorite for being the easiest and most forgiving locomotive to operate and has never once let her crew down.   She’s also got plenty of power to spare making her perfectly ideal to haul the weekend freight trains on the old short line.
You can clearly see that Number #70 is a beautiful little Black Logging 2-8-2 Mikado (2 small front pilot wheels, 8 large driving wheels, and 2 small trailing wheels) Featuring a boiler tube styled steel pilot cow-catcher, decorative copper cap smoke stack, White wall tires with white pin stripes along the wheel spokes, Blued Russian Iron boiler jacket, Gloss Black round domes with White decorative stripes on the dome centers, Bronze bell with red interior, Large Red Number Spot Plate with Gold Brass numbers, bronze builders plats on the side of her smokebox, oil burning styled round head lamp, large steel cab with White Decorative Trim and red trim on the windows, a large black tender with red and white trim and round back up lamp.  But most of all, Number #70 is fitted with a VERY BEAUTIFUL Sounding 6 Inch Ashton 3 Chime whistle, which is loud enough to be heard from miles away.  

Alistair: Alright, let’s go to work!!!!

Having changed into his overalls, Alistair makes his way out to the station platform where he meets up with his old friend, Alan Carter, who will be taking over as Number #70’s assigned engineer while Alistair relieves the fireman.

Alan: Hello Alistair!!!

Alistair: Hey Alan!!!!

Alan: Ready for work on the railroad?

Alistair: I’m always ready whenever you are!!!!

Alan: That’s always good to hear!!!!

Alistair’s father, David Eccels Smith took ownership of both the railroad and lumber company in 1985 after his father Tom Murray Smith passed them on to him.  Although David, a wealthy entrepreneur and businessman, often spent time in the office sitting at a desk going over paperwork and computers while running his business, he had a soft spot for old steam trains just like his father Tom before him.  And every Friday when it was time to fire up the steam engines, David would swap out his expensive business suit for a pair of overalls, would climb into the cab of the railroad’s beloved Old Port Of Grays Harbor Number #5, a little Saturated 70 Ton Mikado built by H.K. Porter in 1924, get his hands dirty, and run the steam engine hauling the freight trains between Mineral Lake and Tacoma.  There was nothing that made David loved more or made him happier than run his beloved steam engine up and down the railroad.  And he felt that being the key to owning a successful business and being a good C.E.O. of a company, is to join the workers in the Blue Collar field, not to be afraid to get their hands dirty, and work with them alongside hands on.
Like Tom before him, David passed his knowledge and philosophy down onto his son Alistair, and he couldn’t have been more thrilled than when he heard that his son Alistair wanted to take over the business in running the steam trains just like his dad and grandpa before him.
Their love for old steam trains made Tom, David, and Alistair best friends, and the bond they shared was literally unbreakable because of their love for old steam trains.
Sadly Tom Murray passed away at age 85 in 2018 from Stage IV Bladder Cancer, and David also passed away in early 2020 in a car accident.  David's passing was VERY sudden, for he was in his late 50s as healthy as a horse, didn't smoke, didn't drink, and although didn't have the healthiest diet, tried to live a healthy life style.  So for him to pass away all of a sudden in a car accident was VERY hard on Leslie and ESPECIALLY hard on Alastair.
Before his passing however, David wrote in his will that his son Alistair would take over ownership of the railroad and lumber company once he reaches the rightful age of 21.  Until that day comes, David’s old friend, a college professor, and local historian, Bruce Davis, cares for the business and honor’s his old friends wishes.
Because of this, Alistair is treated like family by everyone on the railroad and was given a job on the engine crew as a hostler at 14.  He then became an apprentice fireman at 15, and an FRA Certified fireman on his 16th birthday.  This is below the legal age, but due to David and Bruce being close friends with those in the right places, the FRA managed to cut a few strings, and therefor Alistair firing a locomotive underage is something that has been quietly kept under the table.  He is soon to enroll in training to be an engineer on his 18th birthday, when he will finally have the chance to run the steam engines just like his dad.  But again, this is all kept hush-hush under the table. LOL!!!!
Alistair’s mother Leslie was at first opposed to her son taking over his father’s business, but when she saw the strength of the bond Alistair, his father David, and his Grandpa Tom all shared, she could no longer object.  
But by being a company CEO in computer technology she’s always either working from her office in either Downtown Tacoma, the Big City of Seattle, or Portland, Oregon, or is often traveling the globe doing business.  However, she does keep a firm hand on him and can be overbearing sometimes as we see Alistair’s phone going off and low and behold it’s his mom.

Alistair: Hello Mom!!!!  Is everything alright???!!!!

Leslie: Yes, everything is just fine sweetie, I was just calling to remind you of something important happening tonight.

Alistair: Okay?

Leslie: Don’t tell me you’ve forgotten????!!!!!!

Alistair: Oh no, I haven’t, not at all!!!!

Leslie: That does NOT sound very promising!!!!  Anyways, I am reminding you to make sure you’re home no later than 7:30 on the dot!!!!  

Alistair: Okay!!!!

Leslie: I’M SERIOUS!!!!  NO LATER THAN 7:30 P.M.!!!!

Alistair: We put the steam engine away, dampen down the fire, and bottle up the engine at 6:00!!!!  We are then in our cars ready to go by 6:30, so it’s not a problem, I promise!!!!!

Leslie: I hope you’re right!!!!  Once again, don’t be late, this is VERY IMPORTANT!!!

Alistair: I get it!!!

Alistair then gets off the phone.

Alan: Was that your mom?

Alistair: Yep!!!!  She wants me home no later than 7:30 for something important.  I can’t remember what it is, but I know it’s something of great importance and I can’t be late!!!

Alan: Don’t worry!!!!  Old Number #70 has never let us down since her restoration to service in 2019, so we’ll be over by 6:30 as usual.

The whistle of Number #70 is soon heard as she hauls her train into the city of Tacoma.  Engine Number #70 carries a VERY BEAUTIFUL sounding Ashton 3-Chime Whistle which can be heard from miles away.  

Alan: And here she comes!!!!!  Right on time!!!!!    

Old Number #70 soon hauls her train into Tacoma Station with her beautiful Ashton 3-Chime Whistle Blowing, bell ringing, rods knocking, fire glowing, firebox roaring and drumming, air compressor huffing and puffing, cylinder drain cocks hissing, steam turbine generator whining, and headlamp shining brightly as she soon comes to a slow and gentle stop.
With one blast on the whistle, and with the brakes set, workmen set to work on unloading all the cargo off the Tacoma Eastern & Pacific North West Railroad’s steam train, and loading them all onto the BNSF mainline train.

Alan: Alright Alistair let’s go!!!!!

Alistair: You got it!!!!!

Alan and Alistair then relieve Old Number #70’s morning crew as they climb into the cab and sit in their assigned seats.
Alistair pulls on and opens up the ball lever lifting water injector valve to keep the water level in the boiler nice and high.  He then opens up the firing and blower valves to keep the fire nice and hot to build up boiler pressure while Jason the hostler climbs up on top of the tender, reaches over to the chain at the water tower, pulls down the water spout, opens up the water filler hatch, and fills the tank up with water while Jim runs a hose from the fuel truck.  He then climbs on top of the tender opens the oil tank’s filler hatch, grabs the hose from the fuel truck, and fills up the oil tank with more bio diesel.  
Apprentice firemen Will and Jay set to work on oiling up the locomotive’s valve gear and connecting rods, while Engineer Alan goes over his list of the supplies they’ll be taking over to the Pacific North West Lumber Company near Mineral Lake.

Alan: Alright everything seems in order!!!!

Alistair: Good to hear!!!!

Conductor Eddie then receives the clearance from the dispatcher, and radios the crew in the engine.

Conductor Eddie: Alright Number #70, you are clear to go when ready!!!!

Alan: Alright!!!!!

Jason: Perfect, your water’s full!!!!!

Jim: And so is your fuel!!!!!

Will: Your valve gear is oiled!!!!

Jay: And so are the drive rods!!!!

Alan: GOOD, WONDERFUL!!!!!  Okay Eddie, we’re ready to go on your command!!!!!

Conductor Eddie: AWESOME!!!!  Number #70 you have a highball!!!!!!

And with that Alan opens the cylinder drain cocks, releases the brakes, throws the Johnson Bar/Reverser lever in reverse, and gives 3 blasts on the whistle.
Alistair shuts off his ball lever lifting water injector valve, opens up the firing and atomizer valves, and rings the bell.
Alan then eases the throttle open, and Old Polson Logging Company Number #70 backs her train out of the station in clouds of smoke and steam.
What is supposed to be a routine scheduled run to and from Mineral Lake and Tacoma soon turns into a major catastrophic mechanical set back as we soon find out.


To Be Continued……………..

Chapter 3

Having turned around on a wye at a junction just outside of Tacoma Station, Old Polson Logging Company Steam Engine Number #70 and her train are soon enroute down to the Pacific North West Lumber Company near mineral lake.
Number #70’s fire is burning nicely, her boiler is boiling the water into steam nicely, her valve gear is working smoothly, the steam cylinder engines are also working smoothly, and Old Number #70 is running like the champ she is. She’s running so good that her speed soon reads a good 32 miles an hour, which is almost the speed limit of 35 on the long straight stretches of track.
Because of this, Number #70 and her train are soon 15 minutes ahead of schedule, but little do Alan, Alistair, and Eddie know how grateful they will be to having those extra 15 minutes as a buffer.
The Diesel Powered Train, powered by Old Alco S-1 Number #7134 and EMD GP-10 Number #9120 in a double header enroute back to Tacoma, stops in a siding to wait for the steam powered train enroute to Mineral Lake to pass.
Soon enough, Polson Logging Company Number #70 passes the diesel powered double header train, and continues her way down to Mineral Lake.
It isn’t long until Number #70 arrives down at the Pacific North West Lumber Company in Mineral Lake, and once Steam Engine Number #70 and her train arrive in Mineral, she turns her train around on a wye and backs it into the yard of the Pacific North West Lumber Company where both EMD NW-2 Diesel Locomotive Number #481, and former Rainier Lumber Company Number #2, a 70 ton 3-Truck Willamette Geared Steam Logging Locomotive, are waiting.
You can clearly see that the Pacific North West Lumber Company operates just as it did in the late 1800s. They are North America’s last commercial mill that is still powered by steam engines.
Ever since the Smith Family started the Pacific North West Lumber Company in the 1890s, it continues to be a thriving business. Unfortunately, in the late 1950s, the railroad line that was once owned by Northern Pacific, which eventually became the Tacoma Eastern & Pacific Coast West, was shut down due to high cost, and the efficiency of trucks.
However, in the mid 1960s Tom Murray Smith bought the right of way and had the railroad line rebuilt. After 15 over years of reconstruction, the Tacoma Eastern & Pacific North West Railroad reopened for business using old 70-Ton 3-Truck Climax Geared Steam Logging Locomotive Number #10, which now resides stored in the engine shed of the Pacific North West Lumber Company near Mineral Lake having been reassigned to switching duties.
Like the Tacoma Eastern & Pacific North West Railroad, the Pacific North West Lumber Company still uses steam locomotives for commercial use, and they consist of all 4 geared steam logging locomotives including 2 3-Truck Pacific Coast Shay locomotives, a 1910 3-Truck Heisler Locomotive, a MUCH NEWER West Coast Special 3-Truck Heisler locomotive, their Superheated 3-Truck Climax locomotive, and of course their Superheated 70 Ton 3-Truck Willamette locomotive. However, their jobs are more diminutive given that they’re geared steam logging locomotives only capable of moving at slow speeds no more than 15 miles an hour and making them more ideal for yard switching duties while the rod driven 2-8-2 Mikados handle the long haul runs up and down the line.
Unfortunately, like the Tacoma Eastern & Pacific North West Railroad, the Pacific North West Lumber Company has fallen on hard times due to the Covid19 Pandemic, and only has one working steam locomotive used for yard switching, and that is their Superheated 70-Ton 3-Truck Willamette, the former Rainier Lumber Company Number #2, having recently had its mandatory 15-year inspection carried out in 2019, which was of course right before the pandemic hit.
Once former Polson Logging Company Number #70 finishes backing her train into the logging yard, both former Rainier Lumber Company Number #2 and NW-2 Diesel Engine Number #481 set to work on detaching and switch train cars. Supplies are from Tacoma are soon offloaded in the freight depot, while fully loaded cars full of lumber and wood products are ready to be coupled onto former Polson Logging Company Number #70 as Alan and Alastair set to work on oiling up the valve gear and topping off the engine’s fuel and water.
It's not long until NW-2 Diesel Engine Number #481 couples on the last set of cars onto former Polson Logging Company Number #70’s train, former Rainier Lumber Company Number #2, couples the Bay Window caboose to the very rear of the train, and a solid clunk is heard.

Conductor Eddie: Alright, let’s head back!!!!

Conductor Eddie climbs back aboard his caboose as Alan and Alastair finish oiling up the valve gear, topping off their fuel and water levels and climb back into Number #70’s cab.

Conductor Eddie: Alright, Number #70 you have a high ball.

With the ringing of the bell, and 2 blasts of the whistle, Steam Engine Number #70 hauls her fully loaded train out of the yard of the Pacific North West Lumber Company near Mineral Lake, and is once again back enroute to Tacoma.
As hours pass, the 2 trains haul cargo in and out, to and from Tacoma and Mineral Lake, but a problem happens when a catastrophic mechanical failure happens on the Diesel Powered Freight Train.
With a VERY LOUD……………….

BANG!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And when a bunch of black smoke comes billowing out of Diesel Engine GP-10 Number #9120, the train soon comes to a grinding halt, and is stranded. The train is also stranded in a VERY bad place, because where the train stalled is by a black lake, and just across the black lake far in the distance, lies the town of the Thunder Mesa, and up on the highest hill known as Boot Hill lies, you guessed it, PHANTOM MANOR.
What’s also bad is, right where the train stopped, radio signals, and cell phone reception is bad, so a if a train gets stuck out there, it could be stranded for hours.
Luckily the railroad’s temporary caretaker, college professor, and local historian Bruce Davis, who is obsessed with the Ghost Town of Thunder Mesa as well as the Legendary Phantom Manor, is in his car driving to the small lookout known as Phantom Manor look out, and is nearby when he sees the stranded train.

Bruce: Uh-oh!!!! This is not good!!!!

He then sees the black smoke billowing out of Diesel Engine Number #9120’s engine compartment.

Bruce: DEFINITELY NOT GOOD!!!!!!!

Conductor Zach scrambles out of his caboose and runs over to Bruce as fast as he can.

Conductor Zach: We have a problem!!!! One of our engines has broken, and we can’t seem to get ahold of headquarters given that the radio signals and cell phone reception is bad.

Bruce: Leave it to me, I’ll head to headquarters and relay the message!!!! I promise, we’ll get you guys out of here!!!

Bruce then gets back in his car and drives out as fast as he can.

It's 4:45 as former Polson Logging Company Number #70 steams into the station in Tacoma.

Alan: 15 minutes ahead of schedule!!!! What’d I tell ya???!!!!

Alastair: Now we’ll DEFINITELY be out of here by 6:00!!!

The workmen hustle and shout as they unload the last of the cargo.

Conductor Eddie: Alright, time to call it a day and head back to the roundhouse!!!!!

Alan: Copy that!!!!

Conductor Eddie: Number #70, you have a highball!!!

With 3 blasts on the whistle and a ringing of the bell, Steam Engine Number #70 backs her train out of the depot, backs it through a set of switches and onto a storage track in the railroad yard for the next day.
Conductor Eddie then climbs off of his caboose, and makes his way up along the train locking on all the brake wheels to make sure all the mechanical brakes on the train are locked on in place. He then makes his way up to the front car where he pulls up on the coupler lift bar and detaches Steam Engine Number #70 from her train before he climbs up into the locomotive’s cab.
As former Polson Logging Company Number #70 heads to the roundhouse, Bruce drives up into the railroad yard just in the nick of time as Alan brings the engine to a grinding halt.

Bruce: Perfect!!!! Good thing I caught you guys because we have a serious problem!!!!

Alastair: Uh-Oh!!!!! I wonder what it could be!!!!

Bruce: The other train has broken down and is stranded on Phantom Manor Lookout!!!!!

Conductor Eddie: UH-OH!!!! That is DEFINITELY NOT GOOD!!!!!

Alan: You break down there then you are screwed!!!!!

Bruce: Exactly, so no time to explain, we gotta get that train out of there!!!!!

Alastair: If that is the case we gotta get over there ASAP, I need to be back home by 7:00 on the dot!!!!! We have no time!!!!!

Bruce: Glad we’re on the same page!!!!!

Alan: We’ve got enough fuel and water to do it, so let’s do it!!!

Not wasting anytime, former Polson Logging Company Number #70 steams out of the yard and runs down the railroad line in reverse. The sun sets and it starts getting dark out.
30 minutes into the journey and Alastair starts to get worried about the time.

Alastair: They just had to break down at Phantom Manor Lookout!!!! That’s DEEP IN THE FOREST ANOTHER 15 MILES FROM HERE!!!!

Bruce: I KNOW THIS IS OUT OF THE BLUE, LAST MINUTE, BUT THERE’S NO ONE ELSE TO HELP!!!!!!

Alan: WE’LL DO OUR BEST TO GET YOU BACK IN TIME!!!!

Conductor Eddie: GOOD THING WE WERE 15 MINUTES AHEAD OF SCHEDULE!!!!

Alastair: IF I’M LATE, MY MOM IS GONNA HAVE MY GUTS FOR GUARDERS!!!!!!!!

Bruce: AND WE HAVE NO TIME TO LOSE!!!!

Steam Engine Number #70 is soon flying down the railroad line at a good 25 miles an hour in reverse.
Meanwhile over at Phantom Manor lookout, dark clouds loom over, and it begins to rain. And like always around Thunder Mesa, when it rains, it pours, and thunder and lightening strike.

Both engineers Carson and Brian are starting to get anxious as does conductor Zach.

Zach: HOW MUCH LONGER????!!!!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALWgmarQFm4

Zach soon hears the evil laughter of the Phantom from far off in the distance.

Phantom: AH-HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!

Zach: I HOPE IT’S NOT MUCH LONGER!!!! THAT HOUSE ON TOP OF THAT HILL IN THE DISTANCE GIVES ME THE CREEPS!!!!!!

Meanwhile as Steam Engine Number #70 steams closer and closer to the stranded train.

Alastair: JUST GREAT!!!! LAST THING WE NEED IS RAIN!!!!!

Alan: Unfortunately, Washington is known for having a lot of Thunder Storms.

Conductor Eddie: And when it rains, it POURS here!!!!

Bruce: And Thunder and Lightening strike!!!

Alastair: I just hope this rain doesn’t slow us down!!!

The backup lamp of former Polson Logging Company Steam Engine Number #70 soon shines out in the distance.

Carson: ABOUT DAMN TIME!!!!!

Engineer Carson radios conductor Zach from his engine.

Carson: Conductor Zach from Engine Number #7134, Engine Number #70 is less than a mile away!!!!!

Zach: FINALLY!!!!! I DON’T KNOW HOW MUCH LONGER I CAN STAY HERE!!!!!

As thunder and lightening strike, the evil laughing of the Phantom echoing from Phantom Manor only gets louder.

Phantom: AH-HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!

As Engineer Alan Carter slows Steam Engine Number #70 down, Phantom Manor soon comes into Alastair’s view.

Alastair: OKAY, IS IT ME HERE OR IS THERE SOMETHING GOING ON WITH PHANTOM MANOR????!!!!!

Alan: No one has lived in Phantom Manor for over 140 years, so you must be seeing things.

Alastair: THEN HOW CAN YOU EXPLAIN THE LIGHTS BEING ON?????!!!!!!

Alan quickly gets out of his seat to take a look, and is shocked.

Alan: I’LL BE DAMNED, YOU ARE RIGHT!!!!!

Bruce: WAIT WHAT????!!!!

Bruce the scrambles over to the left side of the cab and takes a look.

Bruce: HOLY CRAP, YOU’RE RIGHT!!!!!!

As Alan gets back in his seat, conductor Eddie has a look and is shocked to see that all the lights are on, and smoke is coming is coming out of the chimneys.

Conductor Eddie: OH WOW!!!! THIS MUST MEAN THE RUMORS ABOUT PHANTOM MANOR ARE TRUE!!!!!

Bruce: YOU DAMN RIGHT THEY ARE!!!!!! PHANTOM MANOR IS SAID TO BE THE MOST HAUNTED HOUSE IN NOT ONLY THE PACIFIC NORTH WEST, BUT IN ALL OF NORTH AMERICA!!!!!

Alastair: You know the story about it, but I keep forgetting what it’s about.

Bruce: Well it all started when Henry Ravenswood first immigrated from England back in 1859. He was very well educated, and he wanted to move out with his wife Alice to start a new life.
They soon found it here in the Pacific North West, but that is just the start………………

Conductor Eddie: Unfortunately, the story will need to be saved for another time because we’re about ready to back onto the stranded train.

Alan gently slows Steam Engine Number #70 to a stop allowing Eddie to climb out of the cab and meet up with Engineer Carson.

Conductor Eddie: Alright, we’re here and ready to couple up!!!!

Carson: I’ll open the couplers, signal them to back up!!!!

Carson opens up the front coupler on Diesel Engine Number #7134 as Conductor Eddie pulls up on the coupler lift bar on the back of Steam Engine Number #70’s tender, and gives the signal to back up.
Alan then gives 3 blasts and gently eases the throttle open as Alastair rings the bell.
Slowly but surely Steam Engine Number #70 backs its way towards Diesel Engine Number #7134, and soon with a solid……………

CLUNK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Steam Engine Number #70 is coupled onto the front of the stranded train.

Carson: ALRIGHT EDDIE, LET’S CONNECT THE HOSES!!!!

Conductor Eddie: YOU GOT IT!!!!!

As Carson and Conductor Eddie hook up the electrical and air brake hoses between Steam Engine Number #70 and Diesel Engine Number #7134, both Alan and Alastair climb out of the cab and set to work on oiling up the steam engine’s valve gear, and Bruce climbs out of the cab to get a better view of Phantom Manor when the Phantom’s maniacal laughter is heard from the manor again.

Phantom: AH-HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kw0_ZAbfeQE

Both Alan and Alastair stop right in their tracks as do conductor Eddie and Carson.
Bruce Davis can’t believe his ears when he hears the Phantom’s evil laugh!!!!!

Bruce: HOLY CRAP!!!!! DID YOU GUYS HEAR THAT!!!!!!

Alan & Alastair: YES WE DID!!!!!!

Carson & Conductor Eddie: US TOO!!!!!

Bruce: IT’S THE PHANTOM OF PHANTOM MANOR I TELL YA!!!!!!

The laughter is heard again, only louder as the thunder and lightening strike again.

Phantom: AH-HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!

The Phantom’s maniacal laugh sends a shiver down EVERYONE’S spines as conductor Zach freaks out over the radio!!!

Conductor Zach: ARE YOU GUYS DONE UP THERE????!!!!! WE NEED TO GET OUT OF HERE NOW!!!!! THAT OLD HOUSE ON THAT HILL IN THE DISTANCE IS REALLY CREEPING ME OUT!!!!!!

Carson: US TOO, AND WE’RE ABOUT READY TO GO!!!!!

Conductor Eddie: EVERYTHING’S HOOKED UP AND LOCKED IN PLACE!!!!!

Alastair: EVERYTHING’S OILED AND GREASED!!!!

Alan: WE’VE GOT PLENTY OF FUEL AND WATER TO MAKE THE TRIP BACK!!!!!

Alastair then looks at the time and sees that it’s closing in on 5:40.

Alastair: AND WE NEED TO GET THE HELL OUT OF HERE, SO LET’S GO!!!!!!

Conductor Eddie: I BEST MAKE SURE ZACH HAS ENOUGH HELP JUST IN CASE!!!!

Both Alan and Alastair scramble back into Steam Engine Number #70’s cab as Carson scrambles back into Diesel Engine Number #7134’s cab, and both Bruce and Conductor Eddie scramble all the way onto the caboose at the end of the train with Bruce being the last to board.

Conductor Eddie: Alright Zach, take a break, I’ll take over the train!!!!

Zach: Go ahead Eddie!!!!!

Conductor Eddie: Engine Number #9120, are you in neutral and ready to roll?

Brian: Affirmative!!!! Engine Number #9120 is shut down and in neutral ready to roll with only the cab lights and air brakes active!!!!

Conductor Eddie: Alright Number #70 and Number #7134, ready when you are!!!!

Alan: We’re ready!!!!

Carson: So am I!!!!

Brian: Same here!!!!

Conductor Eddie: Number #70 and Number #7134, HIGH BALL!!!!!

Alastair closes up the Ball Lever lifting water injector valve, opens up the firing and atomizer valves, and rings the bell.
Alan then throws the Johnson Bar/Reverser lever forward, opens the cylinder drain cocks and gives 2 blasts on the whistle, while Carson throws his reversing lever forward, and gives 2 blasts on the horn.
The 2 engineers then gently ease the throttles open, and the train steams out of Phantom Manor lookout as the Phantom’s evil laugh is heard again.

Phantom: AH-HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!

Bruce stands on the caboose’s rear platform as he gets one last good view of Phantom Manor as the Phantom’s evil laugh only gets louder.

Phantom: AH-HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!

Zach: HURRY, LET’S GET OUT OF HERE!!!!! I DON’T WANT TO LOOK AT THAT OLD HOUSE ANYMORE THAN I HAVE TO!!!!!

Conductor Eddie: I’m right there with you my friend!!!!

Bruce: Do I have a story to tell you guys!!!!

Zach: I don’t wanna hear it!!!!! I don’t wanna know what went on in that house, or why it’s haunted.

Conductor Eddie: I wouldn’t mind hearing the stories, but it will have to be for another time unfortunately because I can’t have Zach losing his mind here.

Bruce: Good point!!!!

Up in Engine Number #70’s cab, Alan gets out of his seat, and has Alastair take over.

Alan: You know what Alastair, you’re almost 18, and you’ll be getting trained for engineer, so why don’t you get some practice?

Alastair: Alan, are you sure????!!!!

Alan: Your dad would let you run Engine Number #5 back and forth in the yard from time to time, so why not? Besides you’re in a hurry to get home right?

Alastair: Good point, so now’s as good of a time as any.

Alastair and Alan then switch places in Number #70’s cab.

Alan: I’m gonna open her up, so give her everything she’s got.

Alastair: Alright!!!!

Alastair then gently bumps the throttle open until it’s near wide open. He then slowly notches the Johnson Bar/Reverser Lever back one notch at a time, and it’s not long until the Johnson Bar/Reverser Lever is near the center. Alan then opens up the firing and atomizer valves before opening up the ball lever water injector valve.
At the same time in the Diesel, Carson, opens up his throttle until it’s near wide open.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5aa29GtJ8Q0&list=RD5aa29GtJ8Q0&start_radio=1

Steam Engine Number #70 and Diesel Engine Number #7134 are soon highballing down the railroad line at 35 miles an hour, bang on at the railroad’s maximum allowable speed limit.

Alan: ALRIGHT, HERE COMES A CROSSING!!!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ntXLo54tW1s&t=303s

Alan rings the bell as the train approaches a grade crossing, and Alastair gives one mighty tug on the whistle chord with a…………………….

WHOOOO, WHOOOOOOOO-OOOOOO, WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO, WHOOO, WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO, WHOOOOOOOO-OOOOOO, WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO, WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOO------------------WHOOOOOOOO------------------- WHOOOO, WHOOOOOOOO-OOOOOO, WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO, WHOOO, WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Everyone is then flabbergasted by Alastair’s whistle blast, for it sounds EXACTLY like his father David’s.

Bruce: WHAT THE???????!!!!!

Carson: THAT WAS DAVID’S WHISTLE BLAST!!!!!

Brian: THAT SOUNDED JUST LIKE HOW DAVID WOULD BLOW THE WHISTLE!!!!!

Alan: YOUR FATHER WOULD BLOW THE WHISTLE JUST LIKE THAT!!!!!!

Alastair: LOL!!!! I LEARNED FROM THE BEST!!!!

It's not long until Steam Engine Number #70, Diesel Engines Number #7134 and Number #9020 and their train are finally back in downtown Tacoma.

Alastair: FINALLY!!!!! IT’S JUST 6:10!!!! I’LL JUST BARELY MAKE IT AT THIS RATE!!!!

Alan: ANOTHER CROSSING!!!!!

Alan once again rings the bell chord as Alastair gives the whistle chord another mighty tug with a………..

WHOOOOO-OOOOO, WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO, WHOOOOO-OOOOO, WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO, WHOOOOOOO, WHOOOO-OOOOOO, WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO, WHOOOOO-----WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!

Crossing after crossing, Alastair gives the whistle chord a mighty tug, and the whistle is loud enough to be heard from miles away.

Bruce: THAT MUST BE THE KID UP THERE BECAUSE I COULD HAVE SWORN I HEARD DAVID’S WHISTLE BLOWING!!!!!

Carson: I CAN’T BELIVE IT, ALASTAIR BLOWS THE WHISTLE JUST LIKE HIS DAD!!!!!

Alastair’s whistle blast can even be heard by Alastair’s mom up their high rise Penthouse Condo and so does Wendy Marvell in the condo next door.

Leslie: DAVID?????!!!! IT COULDN’T BE!!!!!!

Wendy: WHAT IS THAT???!!!!

Alan: ANOTHER CROSSING!!!!

Alastair gives the whistle chord another mighty tug with a…………………..

WHOOOOO-OOOOO, WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO, WHOOOOO-OOOOO, WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO, WHOOOOOOO, WHOOOO-OOOOOO, WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO, WHOOOOO-----WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!

Waiting at the crossing is a fancy state of the art Lincoln Navigator Stretch limo full of important people, and inside the car is none other than Hermit Mio Milan and Chelia Blendy along with their families and they can’t believe what they see and hear.

Chelia: OH MY GOSH!!!!!!

Hermit: WHAT THE HECK???????!!!!!!!!!!

Hermit then takes a quick glance and the person at the throttle blowing the whistle looks all too familiar.

Chelia: WHAT IS IT CHELIA?????!!!!

I thought I saw someone look familiar!!!!!

Mr. Blendy: I never thought that they still used old steam engines for everyday use here!!!!

Mr. Milan: Apparently this is the last one that still uses them for commercial service in North America, so very interesting!!!!!

After grade crossing after grade crossing, after grade crossing, Tacoma Station finally comes into view.

Alastair: FINALLY THERE IT IS!!!!!!!!

Alastair gives one mighty blast on the whistle followed by one short blast with a………………..

WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO, WHOOO!!!!!!

Before he gently bumps the throttle shut, and notches the Johnson Bar forward one notch at a time. While in Diesel Number #7134, Carson slowly closes his throttle one notch at a time.

Alan: OKAY, I’LL TAKE BACK OVER!!!!!

Alastair: YOU GOT IT ALAN!!!!!

Alan: YOU DID VERY GOOD ALASTAIR!!!!!

Alan and Alastair then get out of their seats and swap places again.
Alastair then opens up the Ball Lever Water Injector valve, gently closes the firing, and atomizer valves, slowly opens up the blower valve, and rings the bell as both Alan and Carson gently bring the train to a slow and gentle stop.

Alastair: 6:17!!!! LET’S GET THAT STUFF UNLOADED!!!!!

Men hustle and shout as all they all get the cargo unloaded. Jason, Will, and Jay waste no time in topping off the biodiesel and water levels, and oiling up the valve gear.
In no time, the train is unloaded, and the engines’ water and fuel levels are topped off.

Alan: ALRIGHT!!! LET’S PUT HER AWAY!!!!

Alastair: RIGHT THERE WITH YOU!!!!

Conductor Eddie: NUMBER #70 and NUMBER #7134, YOU 2 HAVE A HIGHBALL!!!!

With 3 blasts on the horn, whistle, and ring of the bells, the train then backs out of the station, and into the railroad yard.
Conductors Zach and Eddie then walk about the train setting the handbrakes before they detach all the hoses and safety chains between Diesel Engine Number #9020, and pull up on the coupler lift bar.

Conductor Eddie: ALRIGHT, DETACH!!!

The 3 locomotives then detach from the train before Conductors Eddie and Zach climb up into Steam Engine Number #70’s cab as the locomotives make their way back to the roundhouse.
One by one each locomotive is detached from one another. Diesel Engine Number #7134 then backs Diesel Engine Number #9020 onto turntable. Once lined up with its stall, Steam Engine Number #70 then shoves Diesel Engine Number #9020 into its stall, where Brian climbs out of the cab, throws safety chains under the wheels, and sets to work on assessing the damage along with the maintenance crew.
Steam Engine Number #70 is then turned around the turntable before she’s lined up with her stall and backs in. Diesel Engine Number #7134 is the last get on the turntable, and back into its stall.
Once in the roundhouse, both Alan and Alastair set to work on throwing safety chains under the wheels, dropping the fire, shutting off all the valves on the steam turret, and injector branch pipes, opening up the bleeder valves on the air compressor, closing the whistle valve, and putting on the smoke stack cover on top of the beautiful copper cap stack to bottle up the engine for the night.
While Carson shuts off all the lights, computers, and turns off the power on Diesel Engine Number #7134 before he climbs out of the cab and throws safety chains under the wheels.
Alastair then looks at the time.

Alastair: 6:42, I MUST GET OUT OF HERE!!!!

Alan: ALRIGHT, YOU BE CAREFUL GOING HOME, THE ROADS ARE SLIPPERY!!!!

Alastair: WILL DO!!!!!

But as Alastair Scrambles out of the roundhouse, his cell phone falls out of his pocket right before it starts ringing, and of course it’s his mom wondering where he is.
Conductor Eddie then picks the phone of the floor.

Conductor Eddie: ALASTAIR!!!!!

Conductor Zach: YOU FORGOT YOUR PHONE!!!!

But it’s too late for Alastair is already in his car speeding out of the railroad yard.

Conductor Zach: I don’t know about you Eddie, but I sure hope to God that we don’t break down at Phantom Manor lookout EVER AGAIN!!!! THAT HOUSE GIVES ME THE CREEPS!!!!

Conductor Eddie: Same here my friend!!!!!

Just then Bruce pulls up in his car.

Bruce: WOW!!!! WHAT A DAY!!!! WHAT ARE THE CHANCES OF A BREAK DOWN HAPPENING AT PHANTOM MANOR LOOKOUT????!!!!!

Conductor Eddie: Best that you don’t get Zach started with that because he hopes it won’t happen again. Now I must find Alastair and return his phone to him.

Bruce: If he’s late, Leslie will kill him, so it’s best that I head over there to bail him out since it’s not his fault.

Back at Phantom Manor, the thunder and lightening only gets louder and louder as the Phantom’s Evil laugh is still heard.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kw0_ZAbfeQE

Phantom: YOU’LL BE BACK!!!!!..................YOU’LL BE BACK!!!!!!!!
AH-HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!


To Be Continued……………..

Chapter 4


After racing through traffic in the pouring rain, Alastair pulls up to the Grand Entrance of his highrise condo complex, known as Gateway Towers, and leaves his car with valet parking.

Valet Parking Attendant: Welcome Home Master Smith!!!

Alastair: Thank you!!!!

The door man then opens the large glass doors as Alastair scrambles through them, through the lobby, through the MASSIVE atrium, and over to the elevator.
Alastair then selects the top floor, 32, and the elevator slowly makes its way up.

Alastair: 7:26; COME ON!!!!!!

At last the elevator reaches the top floor and opens its doors. Alastair then scrambles out of the elevator, down the corridors, and finally makes it to his large front doors at 7:29 p.m. sharp. However Alastair is huffing and puffing from exhaustion.

Alastair: CUTTING IT CLOSE, BUT MADE IT!!!!!

Alastair then gets out his key, opens the door, and walks into his condo unit.

Alastair: I know I cut it close but just made it!!!!

Leslie: Just barely, and you are still in overalls!!!!

Alastair: All you told me was that I had to be back by 7:30 p.m. and it’s 7:30 now!!!!!

Leslie but………….

Unbeknownst to Alastair, his mom invited over some company, by witch he was not expecting.

Chelia: Glad to see you finally made it!!! *Giggles*

Hermit: Took you long enough!!! -_-

Wendy: OH HEY ALASTAIR, IT’S GOOD TO SEE YA!!!!

Mr. & Mrs. Marvell: Nice to see you Alastair!!!

Mr. & Mrs. Blendy: I hope you don’t mind that we came over for dinner.

Mr. & Mrs. Milan: Your mother was kind enough to invite us over, so we couldn’t just say no. LOL!!!!

Alastair: WHAT???!!!! You didn’t tell me we were having company over!!!!

Leslie: WHOOPS!!!! I thought I did!!!!

Alastair: You only told me that I had to be home by 7:30 because it was important. And what I thought you meant was about our attorney coming over tonight instead of tomorrow to discuss new things about Dad’s will that he found. I didn’t think you meant we were having company over for dinner.

Leslie: We obviously weren’t thinking the same thing, but if I forgot to mention that we were having company, I apologize, it's my fault. So I’m not mad at you since again, it’s on me.

Just then more unsuspecting company shows up.

Bruce: I can completely explain what happened and why Alastair’s late!!!! Ya see, a train broke down near…………..

Alastair: Bruce????!!!! What are you doing here?

Bruce: Here to explain to your mother what happened and why you’re late, so you don’t get in trouble. By the way, you left your front door open Alastair.

Everybody waiting in the GRAND Livingroom then bursts out laughing causing Alastair to turn red from embarrassment.

Alastair: *BLUSHES DARK RED* BUT I AM NOT LATE!!!! I MADE IT BY THE SKIN OF MY TEETH!!!!

Bruce then gets out his pocket watch and looks at the time. To his surprise it’s only 2 minutes after 7:30.

Bruce: Oh, it’s only 7:32, so I guess it’s all good!!!!

Alastair: Yes it is, Bruce!!!!

Bruce: Great to hear!!!!!

Bruce then smells something good, and it makes him hungry.

Bruce: Something smells good, is someone cooking?

Alastair: Yes our chef is!!!

Bruce: Good cause I’m starving!!!! Mind if I come in, thank you?

And like that, Bruce barges through the foyer and into the living room.

Bruce: Nice to meet you everybody, I’m Bruce Davis!!!! Professor at Seattle University, temporary caretaker of the Tacoma Eastern & Pacific North West Railroad, and Pacific North West Lumber Company, local town historian, and old friend of the Smith Family. Here’s my card in case you ever want to find out about anything historical around here.

Hermit: Is this guy a joke?

Wendy: HERMIT???!!!! DON’T BE RUDE!!!!!

Chelia: Though I will admit, he’s a little weird.

Wendy: Still, we must be nice!!!! He is an old family friend after all.

Hermit: So he says!!!

Right after Alastair closes and locks the door, more unsuspecting company comes knocking at the door.

Alastair: I wonder who it is this time.

Low and behold, it’s Conductors Zach and Eddie returning Alastair his cell phone.

Conductor Eddie: HEY!!!! Glad I was able to catch you my friend, you accidentally dropped this in the roundhouse on your way to your car.

Alastair: THANK YOU SO MUCH EDDIE!!!!!

Conductor Zach: Not a problem, anytime buddy!!!

Hearing this only causes everyone else to burst out laughing yet again.

Alastair: UUUUUUGGGGGGHHHHHH!!!!! Eddie, Zach, do you guys have any plans?

Conductor Eddie: No not at all!!!!

Conductor Zach: Not that I can think of!!!

Alastair: Then would you 2 like to come in and have dinner? There’s plenty of food for everyone.

Conductor Eddie: Nah, it’s okay…………….

Conductor Zach: We don’t want to impose.

Alastair: No it’s fine!!!! You’re not. I mean, it’s the least I could do for you guys going through the trouble in returning my phone.

Leslie: Please Eddie and Zach, we insist.

Conductor Eddie: Alright, then I will!!!! Come on Zach, it'd be rude to turn down the invitation!!!

Conductor Zach: You’re right, Thank you very much!!!!

Conductors Zach and Eddie then wipe their feet on the mat outside before making their way in through the front doors, through the foyer and over to the living room where they meet up with everyone.

Conductor Eddie: Hello everyone nice to meet you, my name is Eddie, I’m a conductor on the Tacoma Eastern and Pacific North West Railroad, and I work with Alastair.

Conductor Zach: I’m Zach, it’s nice to meet you, I also work as a conductor on the Tacoma Eastern and Pacific North West Railroad, and I also work with both Eddie and Alastair.

Alastair then closes and locks the door before more unsuspecting company tries to show up.

Mr. Marvell: So Alastair, what is it you do besides attend school with our daughter.

Alastair: Well, right now I’m a locomotive fireman on the Tacoma Eastern & Pacific North West Railroad, which was owned by my Dad until he passed away.

Bruce: David took ownership of the railroad in 1985 when his father Tom Murray retired before him.

Alastair: Every Friday my Dad would ditch the office, go down to the roundhouse, put on his overalls, fire up and run the steam trains that haul the revenue freight that run to and from Tacoma and Mineral Lake. He taught me that the best way to own a business and understand how it works is to not be afraid to get your hands dirty and work out on the front lines with the workers themselves. And he was never afraid to get his hands dirty, work on the trains, and was in fact very proud of it. Which is why my goal is to follow in his footsteps and take over the railroad and lumber company’s ownership.
Now if you don’t mind, I’ll get out of these overalls, take a quick shower, and put on something more presentable.

Mrs. Marvell: No problem sweetie, take your time.

Alastair then then makes his way over to his suite, shaves his face, brushes his teeth, removes his dirty overalls, and takes a quick shower.

Mr. Marvell: WOW!!!!! I wouldn’t have thought that Alastair would already be doing hard labor at his age.

Mr. Milan: And he wants to take over his father’s business.

Mr. Blendy: I say good for him.

Mr. Marvell: And I think it’s great that like his father he works hard the rest of the workers.

Leslie: Alastair, David, and Tom Murray, were all SUPER CLOSE!!!!

Bruce: Like you wouldn’t believe!!!! They were all best friends…………..

Leslie: They all loved the same thing, and all felt the same way on how to run a good business which is why their bond was like no other……………..

Every Friday, all 3 of them would climb up into the cab of Old Port Of Grays Harbor Steam Engine Number #5, and enjoy a good run of hauling cargo up and down the railroad line until it was time to shut down. And when they weren't on the Port Of Grays Harbor Steam Engine Number #5, they were hard at work in the repair shop fixing up Polson Logging Company Steam Engine Number #70.

Leslie: I have an old picture of them on that steam train somewhere…………………..

Leslie then makes her way over to her office, and in no time finds the picture on her desk.

Leslie: HERE IT IS!!!!

Leslie then makes her way back to the living room and shows everyone.

Leslie: I always keep this picture on my desk to remind me the bond they shared when both Tom Murray and David were still alive and when Alastair was just a little boy.

Wendy: AWWWWWWWWWW!!!!

Chelia: OH MY GOSH, HE’S SO CUTE!!!!!!

Hermit: Surprisingly, I wouldn’t have guessed that was him.

Mrs. Blendy: WHAT A BEAUTIFUL PICTURE!!!!!

Mrs. Milan: LOOK AT THEIR SMILES!!!!!

Mrs. Marvell: HOW PRECIOUS?????!!!!

Wendy: *Giggles* Little Cutie!!!!

Leslie: He was!!!! They all were in their own ways.

Bruce: Whenever Tom Murray or David were at the throttle EVERYONE KNEW IT by the blast of their whistle.

Mr. & Mrs. Marvell: OH MY GOODNESS!!!!

Mr. & Mrs. Milan: REALLY????!!!!!!!

Leslie: Oh yes!!!!! I could hear David from miles away, and would always know when it was him from miles away…………..

Mr. & Mrs. Blendy: WOW!!!!

Wendy: THAT’S AMAZING!!!!

Leslie: Yes, it was!!!!!! Unfortunately, it all changed……………when Tom Murray passed away from cancer in 2018 it was never the same……………..but when my husband David passed away in early 2020, Alastair never really recovered………….

Wendy: OH MY GOSH, I’M SO SORRY!!!!!

Mrs. Marvell: Really, our sincerest condolences Leslie……….

Leslie: Yeah, of anyone, David’s passing was hardest on Alastair most of all given how close he and his dad were. Which is why he made a promise to take over ownership of the railroad and lumber company that services the area, to honor his father’s, gran father’s, and great grand father’s dreams.
They all attended college at the University in Seattle, before they took ownership of the railroad, and that’s what Alastair wants to do as well.

Bruce: Until Alastair’s old enough, I’m currently taking care of business, and since Alastair is also top of his class, I promised him a slot in my class when he attends.

Mrs. Marvell: That’s wonderful.

Having taken a shower, put on a clean pair of Tommy Bahamas Button Up Shirt, and Banana Republic Boot Cut Jeans, Ecco Fusion Boot Like Shoes, and fixing up his hair, Alastair then regroups with everyone in the living room.

Alastair: Sorry for coming in indecent, and for keeping you all waiting.

Mrs. Marvell: Not at all sweetie.

Wendy: You look really nice Alastair!!!

Alastair: Thanks Miss Marvell, I really appreciate.

Wendy: Please, you can call me Wendy, I insist!

Alastair: We had a pretty long day on the railroad today. Nothing wrong happened on the steam engine thankfully, but…………..

Conductor Eddie: It was the other train that broke down and got stranded…………

Conductor Zach: And it happened to be my train that broke…………….. -_-

Alastair: Right on the railroad’s half way point…………

Bruce: At Phantom Manor Lookout!!!!!

Conductor Zach: CAN WE PLEASE NOT MENTION THAT NAME??????!!!!!!!!!

Alastair: I was trying to avoid using that name!!!! UUUUUGGGGGGHHHHHH!!!!!!

Wendy: Why is that? What’s wrong?

Alastair: Once the name Phantom Manor is mentioned…………

Conductor Eddie: That’s all Bruce will ever talk about…………

Zach: And I don’t wanna hear anymore about it after being stuck on the lookout for over 2 hours!!!!!!!

Alastair: HE IS DOWNRIGHT FLAT OUT OBSESSED WITH PHANTOM MANOR AND THE TOWN OF THUNDER MESA OF WHICH IT RESIDES IN AND OVERLOOKS FROM THE TOP OF BOOT HILL!!!!!

Conductor Eddie: OH YEAH!!!!

Conductor Zach: YOU GOT THAT RIGHT!!!!

Alastair: Anyways this happened right when Alan and I were about to dampen down the fire on former Polson Logging Company Steam Engine Number #70 when Bruce tells us what happens.

Conductor Eddie: And how does he know about the break down?

Conductor Zach: Because he ALWAYS goes out to Phantom Manor lookout to view the old rundown decrepit manor……………….

Alastair: And the ghost town it overlooks known as Thunder Mesa.

Conductor Eddie: So we of course had to rescue the stranded train, and bring it back to Tacoma.

Conductor Zach: Do we know what happened to one of the Diesel Engines that broke on my train?

Alastair: Apparently from what Brian just messaged me, a cam O-ring seal blew causing the locomotive’s emergency shut off system to kick in and deactivate the motor to prevent further damage. Thankfully damage was very minor, and it’s a super easy fix, they can have the locomotive back out on the line tomorrow afternoon.

Conductor Eddie: That’s good to hear!!!!

Conductor Zach: I was afraid it was way worse than that!!!!

Wendy: That’s awesome that you know so much Alastair!!!!

Chelia: Yeah, I think it’s really cool that you work on trains!!!!

Hermit: Then why didn’t you simply tell us??

Alastair: Because according to the Federal Railroad Administration or FRA for short, I am illegally working in the steam engine cab as a fireman given that I’m still a minor……………

Hermit: Oh………….

Alastair: You can be 16 to work on the railroad, and work in the roundhouse on the locomotives under supervision of someone FRA Certified over 25 years of age. BUT because of my Dad’s, Grandpa’s, and Great Grandpa as well as Bruce being SUPER CLOSE friends with those that work for the FRA, I managed to get FRA Fireman certified under the table. So it’s not against School Policy for me to work on the railroad, but if they were to find out that I was working on dangerous equipment underage, then it could be bad…………..I can possibly be expelled due to liability reasons, as well as lose my job, and any hope of taking over my father’s business……………

Wendy: That does makes sense, so I can understand why you want to keep it a secret.

Chelia: We promise not to tell anyone, right Hermit?

Hermit: Okay!!! My lips are sealed about it. I just wish you would have told us about it sooner.

Wendy: You have our word Alastair; we promise not to tell anyone about it.

Mr. & Mrs. Marvell: Us too!!!!

Mr. & Mrs. Milan: Same here!!!!

Mr. & Mrs. Blendy: Our lips are sealed too!!!!

Alastair: Thank you everyone. I really appreciate it.

Mr. Marvell: I think it’s great that you want to take over your father’s business.

Bruce: Not to worry, I’ll make sure that he does well in college!!!! LOL!!!

Alastair: Oh, I know you will Bruce!!!! LOL!!!!

Chelia: Anyways, what’s the whole deal with this………..

Hermit: Phantom Manor?

Chelia: Yeah?

Wendy: I’m kinda curious myself.

Conductor Eddie: OH NOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!

Conductor Zach: CAN WE PLEASE NOT MENTION THAT NAME AGAIN??????!!!!!!!!

Alastair: You just had to ask!!!!!

Chelia: Well, we are curious!!!!!

Mr. & Mrs. Mila: We’d like to know as well……………….

Leslie: It’s the local legendary haunted house deep in the forest of the Pacific North West that EVERYBODY talks about.

Alastair: It's affectionately been called the Amityville Horror House of the West Coast.

Conductor Eddie: It’s more like the Blackmoore Manor of the West Coast. And the reason why it’s called Phantom Manor is because it’s said to be haunted by a mad phantom who cursed its inhabitants long ago……………….

Conductor Zach: THAT HOUSE GIVES ME THE CREEPS EVERYTIME WE PASS IT!!!!

Alastair: And those close enough can hear the Phantom’s evil laugh coming from the manor…………….

Conductor Eddie: Like we were!!!!!!!

Conductor Zach: PLEASE DON’T REMIND ME OF IT!!!!!

Alastair: Not to mention all the lights were on and the chimneys were smoking!!!!!!

Conductor: AGAIN, PLEASE DON’T REMIND ME!!!!

Conductor Eddie: And EVERYBODY in their right mind in the Pacific North West knows that NO ONE has ever lived in Phantom Manor for over 140 years!!!!

Mr. & Mrs. Blendy: NOW YOU REALLY HAVE US INTRIGUED!!!!!!

Mr. & Mrs. Milan: HAUNTED HOUSE STORIES ARE REALLY BIG IN JAPAN, SO YOU’VE NOW GOT OUR ATTENTION!!!!!

Mr. & Mrs. Marvell: WE REALLY WANT TO KNOW!!!!

Conductor Zach: UUUUUGGGGHHH!!!!! Looks like I have no choice but to bare with it!!!!!

Conductor Eddie: You and me both my friend!!!!

Alastair: Make that 3 of us!!!!

Bruce: OH, WHERE DO I START?????!!!!!!!!!

Just then Ward the butler comes out.

Ward The Butler: Okay everyone, dinner is ready, time for us to all sit at the table.

Leslie: Bruce you can sit at one head of the table while I sit at the other head of the table.

Bruce: Much obliged Leslie!!!!

Alastair: Zach you can sit next to Bruce at the end, Eddie you can sit next to Zach, and I’ll sit on the other side of you.

Conductor Zach: Alright!!!!

Conductor Eddie: That sounds good to me my friend!!!

Leslie: If that’s the case, I’ll have Wendy on the other side of you Alastair.

Alastair: Alright sounds good!!!!

Wendy: Wonderful!!!! I really hope we can be good friends Alastair!!!

Alastair: Same here!!!!

Chelia: I’ll sit next to Wendy!!!

Wendy: Okay!!!!

Hermit: And I’ll sit with you and Mrs. Smith.

Leslie: Wonderful!!! Mr. and Mrs. Milan I’ll have you 2 sit next to me, then I’ll have Mr. and Mrs. Blendy sit next to you 2, and Mr. and Mrs. Marvell can sit on the end next to Bruce.

Alastair: How on earth were able to make room for 8 people?

Leslie: We’re lucky Ward is quick on his feet!!!! LOL!!!

Ward the Butler: Also, the chef over prepared the amount of food, so he cooked enough for 12 people, when he only needed to cook for 8.

Leslie: Looks like there will be leftovers to take home for those interested!!!!


Ward The Butler: You will love what the chef has prepared for us, Cream Of Mushroom Soup, Duck Breast in wine sauce on mashed cauliflower and roasted vegetables, and Cherries Jubilee.

Leslie: SOUNDS WONDERFUL!!!!

Everyone is then seated down at the GRAND dining room table right next to the MASSIVE open concept kitchen and GRAND Living room before the kitchen staff serve water, champaign, sparkling cider, and bread.
Alastair can’t help but notice Wendy holding the old picture of him, his dad, and his Grandpa in Old Port Of Grays Harbor Steam Engine Number #5. But it only causes him to blush from embarrassment.

Wendy: This is such a great photo of you Alastair!!!! You are so adorable in this picture.

Alastair: *BLUSHES DARK RED* MOM???!!! DID YOU REALLY HAVE TO SHOW THEM THIS OLD PICTURE BACK WHEN I WAS ONLY 12 YEARS OLD??????!!!!!!!

Leslie: But it’s such a great picture of you, your dad, and your grandfather. There’s no other like it, so I had to show them.

Alastair: *Blushing Dark Red* I guess you make a point there…………….

Conductor Eddie: Old Port Of Grays Harbor Number #5!!!!

Conductor Zach: It’s too bad we weren’t around to see that engine run during it’s hey day.

Alastair: Yeah, for a VERY LONG TIME, she was the main stay engine for the railroad, and she kept the railroad going through the toughest times.

Bruce: Old Number #5 was quite the little engine during its day. You could run that thing into the ground and it would just keep going.

Alastair: Unfortunately in early 2019, the engine went in its 15 year inspection, and too many problems were found to ever run it again. She's been "Flat Clapped" out of commission ever since.

Wendy: Oh no…………

Conductor Zach: What happened?

Alastair: The boiler started to crystalize, and many cracks formed. The boiler tubes were welded in on both ends, which REALLY should not be the case. They should be rolled and beaded to allow expansion and contraction on the front end, and only be welded on the rear. Plus, most of the bearings were found shot, and too many flat spots were found on the wheels. The valve gear is all worn out, and the cylinders are completely out of round. Not to mention there were a couple cracks found in the frame. So in order to run again, it would need a COMPLETE top to bottom rebuild at a cost of over a million dollars, which is unfortunately just not feasible.
So with Number #5 as good as "Flat Clapped," we have kept her stored in pieces since her withdrawal from service in the last bay.
Our Brawny Beetle, former Hammond Lumber Company Number #17 took over as the main work horse for the remainder of the year through 2020, but……………

Bruce: Because that thing’s a small tank engine, it had to take on fuel and water at EVERY SINGLE STOP, which was not economical at all!!!!!

Conductor Zach: Why was the Number #17 called the Brawny Beetle again?

Alastair: Because of it being a 2-8-2 locomotive sitting on the frame of a Mikado, while also being a tank engine, it’s rather brawny and powerful for it’s small size. Kinda like a Bulldog of a locomotive if you will. Great running locomotive, but a pain in the valve gear to work on given the compact frame, and not very practical given its fuel and water capacity.
So we kept it as a backup engine for former Cowlitz Chehalis & Cascade Number #15, which is our largest and most powerful locomotive followed closely by McCloud River Railroad Number #18, which is right on its tail.

Bruce: THOSE WAS A GREAT LOCOMOTIVES!!!!! Just either the 15 or 18 could pull nearly 3 times as much as one Diesel locomotive. Put em together, and you could pull ALMOST EVERY TRAIN CAR THAT WE OWN!!!!!

Alastair: Unfortunately, Number #15's boiler certificate expired, and it had to be withdrawn in 2018 for its 15 year inspection demanded by the FRA. Number #18 was withdrawn from service in 2020 for the same thing. However shortly before my dad passed away in 2020, we restored the Polson Logging Company Number #2, an older sister engine to the Polson Logging Company Number #70 that we’re currently using.

Bruce: THAT WAS BEAUTIFULLY RESTORED!!!!!

Alastair: For most of 2019 through 2020, we’d alternate between the 2 2-8-2 Logging Mikados Number #2 and Number #17. Then in 2021 we got the former Polson Logging Company Number #70 restored to working order after MANY YEARS of hard work, and right off the bat she became the crew favorite. When that happened, I dug out my Dad’s Ashton whistle from his locker in the back of the shop, and had it put on top of Number #70. Needless to say, we haven’t wanted to take it off because it brings back so many memories of when my father was alive. Along with the fact that it was both my Dad's dream to see the Number #70 restored back to life after he found it in such a sad state scattered in THOUSANDS of pieces ALL OVER a scrap yard. So it was only right that his whistle be mounted on the engine he had worked so hard to restore.

Wendy: WOW!!!! That’s amazing!!!!

Conductor Eddie: But now Number #70 is our only working steam engine.

Conductor Zach: However it’s yet to let us down!!!!!

Alastair: Right after Number #70 was restored to steam, in mid 2021, Number #17 came down with multiple issues with her firebox, and upon further inspection, it’s been determined that the ENTIRE firebox needs replacing given how many weak points were found in the metal. It also needs both of its boiler tube sheets replaced, all new bearings on both the front and rear trailing truck, and a whole new set of drive wheel tires.
And just recently we found a couple leaky tubes on former Polson Logging Company Number #2. Of course, the maintenance crew decided to take the locomotive apart and do the whole 15 year inspection on it to get recertified, which I don’t blame them.
So right now it’s Number #70 that’s holding down the fort, and carrying Number #5’s legacy. But she’s managing just fine so far. Same thing down on the Pacific North West Lumber Company with Former Rainier Lumber Company Willamette locomotive Number #2, being the lumber company’s only operating steam locomotive for use as the mill switcher.
However, the main goal is to have all 6 2-8-2 Mikado steam engines in operation on the Tacoma Eastern & Pacific North West Railroad and all 6 geared steam logging locomotives on the Pacific North West Lumber Company to run steam locomotives on a daily basis, 7 days a week, 364 days a year. That’s what my dad David, my Grandpa Tom Murray, and Great Grandpa. all really wanted. Their dream was to preserve a railroad and lumber company that still uses steam locomotives for everyday use in commercial operation, and not just a tourist heritage line. The reason for this was of course to honor and preserve the heritage of the Pacific North West, so future generations can enjoy them as much as my dad, grandpa, and great grandpa have before me.

Bruce: And we’ll get there!!!! I know we will!!!!! We have the money and resources available!!!!

Alastair: Just need the time and manpower, but we’ll eventually reach our goal.

Wendy: I know you will.

Mr. Marvell: I really think that’s a good goal.

Mrs. Marvell: It’s wonderful!!!!

Mr. Milan: Preserving heritage for future generations is important.

Mrs. Milan: In Japan honoring history is a big thing, so we’re glad to see that someone as young as you are feels the same way.

Bruce: Now enough talking, more eating because I’m starving!!!!

Leslie: Here comes the soup now, so let’s dig in!!!!!

Bruce: I’ll tell you about Phantom Manor after dinner, now we gotta eat!!!!


To Be Continued…………………

Chapter 5

After enjoying a delicious 3 course meal, everyone makes themselves comfortable in the GRAND living room as Ward the Butler dims the lights until it’s almost completely dark, and lights a fire in the fireplace. Wendy, Chelia, and Hermit sit really close to Alastair in case they get scared.

Conductor Zach: OKAY, CAN WE PLEASE GET THIS OVER WITH!!!!

Bruce: Alright so to get to the story on Phantom Manor, well it all started with the Ravenswood family.
Back in 1859, a young Henry Ravenswood immigrated from England along with his wife Alice. Henry was a very well educated man having graduated from Kings College and knew how to get around. He eventually became wealthy the moment he and a few friends started mining in what is now the old ghost town of Thunder Mesa. They also made a good fortune off selling lumber, manufacturing dynamite, and digging for oil. This led to the birth of the town of Thunder Mesa, which soon became a thriving metropolis
They even started a steamboat company and a little narrow gauge railroad that ran in and out of the mines, and would eventually run out to the Northern Pacific Dual Gauge Mainline, which is now known as the Tacoma Eastern & Pacific North West Railroad.
Henry and his wife Alice lived in a nice little 2 story farmhouse, but when his brother Mark Turner Ravenswood immigrated everything changed.
Given their wealth, the Ravenswood Family soon built a Grand Manor house on the highest hill, known as Boot Hill, that would overlook the ENTIRE town of Thunder Mesa. Alice soon gave birth to a son named Alexander, and 4 years later she gave birth to a little girl named Carla.
Mark Turner Ravenswood married a woman named Martha, and Martha soon she gave birth to a baby girl named Melanie.
They seemed like that happy Rich American family living the American dream, and they lived in beautiful lavish manor full of the most expensive furniture and fixtures one could ever imagine, and their view overlooking the beautiful lake and Thunder Mesa was something any American could ever dream of…………………..but………………a word of caution to this tail……………………………………
Behind the closed doors, it was all but the American Dream, both Henry and his older brother Mark Turner would always fight for neither would agree on ANYTHING.
Henry was a kind and generous man, and made friends wherever he went, and much like Alastair’s father David, Grand Father Tom Murry Jr., and Great Grand Father Tom Murray Sr., Henry Ravenswood LOVED trains. And sometimes he would put on his overalls, get his hands dirty, fire up and run the steam trains that serviced the mine and town of Thunder Mesa. Henry thought that the key to owning a successful business was to not be afraid to get your hands dirty, and work with the workers on the front line, much like Tom Murray, David, and Alastair Smith. He soon taught that to his son Alexander.
Unfortunately his older brother Mark Turner, was a VERY JEALOUS and GREEDY MAN!!!!!
Mark Turner was rather unusual. He would often go by a nickname known as “The Wizard!” And that’s because he would travel town to town across the globe putting on magic shows as a magician. He eventually LEGALLY changed his name to Reverend Doctor Wizard G Ravenswood. Although he made good money off of being a magician, it was nowhere near the wealth of money that his younger brother Henry made, and that made him jealous.
He always hated it when his younger brother Henry got all the love and recognition from friends and family for being the child prodigy, while he got almost no recognition for being a magician. Over the years he stopped taking showers, he stopped brushing his teeth, and he even stopped washing his suit. This resulted in him stinking like a garbage can, and no one in their right mind wanted to go ANYWHERE near him.
His greed and jealousy soon got the best of him, and whenever his brother was working on the steam trains, he would assume management of the businesses that Henry ran behind his back.
And when Henry was mining in Thunder Mesa, Native Americans warned him not to mine too deep otherwise he would awaken a vengeful spirit known as the Thunderbird, and doing so would bring absolute catastrophe to him and his family.
Henry was careful not to go mining too deep into the mines and told his miners specifically where they had to stop so to not awaken the spirit of the dormant beast.
Mark Turner however disregarded the warning, and told Henry’s men to mine in there anyways.

Conductor Eddie: OH BOY!!!!!!

Alastair: I was told it’s bad luck to disregard any warnings Native Americans give you because they KNOW their stuff, and know when danger is afoot.

Bruce: It only gets more interesting because unlike Henry and Alice who had 2 children, Mark Turner and his wife Martha only had 1. And when Melanie was 12, Martha died of an unknown illness resulting from a very nasty sore throat. Today it would be known as Strep Throat, which is now curable. But with the passing of Martha, that led to Mark Turner to having a REALLY horrible complex with his daughter Melanie.
Over the years, he became obsessed with his daughter, but as for what happened, we can only imagine………………………..not even Henry, Alice, Alexander, or Carla knew what happened, but sometimes, Melanie would be called to her father’s suite in the far West Wing of the Manor, and she wouldn’t come out for hours, but when she did, she came out bawling her eyes out.
Mark Turner was VERY Obsessive and possessive of his daughter, and forbade ANYONE from ever showing interest in her. He also NEVER allowed her to venture outside the manor’s walls, let alone out of the town of Thunder Mesa. Poor Melanie was trapped to the confines the Manor.
Which leads to how Phantom Manor’s legacy begins when Melanie nears her 18th birthday.

Outside it begins to rain, and when it rains it pours, and it’s not long until Thunder and lightening strike. This causes shrives to go up everybody’s spines, and even results in Wendy, Chelia, and Hermit to grab Alastair’s sides, and hold him tightly.

Bruce: During Melanie’s teenage years, she drew the attention of 4 suitors, one, a 35-year-old Paddlewheel Steamboat Captain named Rowan D. Falls, another a 16-year-old Dynamite builder named Ignatius “Iggy” Knight, another a 28-year-old oil field master named Barry Claude, and another one a 30-year-old named Sawyer Bottom.
Each one of these men who showed interest in Melanie, met a tragic end. Rowan D. Falls and his steamboat plummeted over Snoqualmie Falls after getting lost in thick fog. Ignatius “Iggy” Knight was blown up by his own dynamite during a manufacturing accident. Barry Claude was mauled and clawed to death by a bear during a hike out in the woods.
And Sawyer Bottom fell onto a giant saw blade in the saw mill and…………….perished.
But no one ever won the heart of Melanie until he came along. A young steam locomotive engineer named Jacob. He worked for Henry on the Thunder Mesa Mining Company’s Narrow Gauge Railroad, and Henry was quite fond of him. Henry and Alice were very supportive of Jacob and Melanie’s relationship, but Mark Turner was against it. He thought Jacob was not worthy of his daughter and thought the only one worthy of marrying Melanie would be one from a background with wealth to rival his brother Henry.
And when he heard that Melanie was engaged to Jacob, and that they were to marry on her 18th birthday, Mark Turner lost it. HE JUST LOST IT!!!!!!
Through his rage, he went to his brothers mine and ordered the miners to keep digging deeper and deeper. He even went so far as to use the same dynamite that killed Ignatius “Iggy” Knight as he and the miners dug deep into the mines, which the Natives warned Henry not to mine.
And this all but back fired when…………………..the wrath of The Legendary Thunderbird was unleashed. This resulted in a nasty earthquake and a terrible flash flood. More than half the town of Thunder Mesa was destroyed from the flash flood, and the deeper sections of the mines collapsed killing all the miners. Over 933 people died from that earthquake and flood including the greedy Mark Turner Ravenswood himself.
When that happened, Henry thought good riddance because his older brother was nothing but ungrateful despite how kind Henry had been to him. Mark Turner was nothing but ungrateful to his brother who all but loved him and tolerated him more than he should have.
This all happened right before Melanie’s 18th Birthday, which was also the day of her wedding.
It was supposed to be a happy day…………………….however it was anything but that……………..

Chelia: What happened?

Bruce: Do you really wanna know?
On the day of her wedding, Melanie put on her wedding dress, made her way down the Grand Staircase, met up with her Uncle Henry, and was escorted out to the gazebo in the gardens where they met up with the local preacher. Unfortunately, after waiting for hours, it began to rain, and when it rained it poured. Thunder and lightening soon followed, but there was no sign of the groom.
Then out of nowhere……………..

Phantom: AH-HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALWgmarQFm4

Bruce: The Phantom’s iconic evil laugh is heard!!!!!
Everyone trembles in fear, but Henry rushes inside the Manor to see what was going on. Upon entering his picture gallery in the Manor's West Wing, the door behind him locks, and soon vanishes, but then……………you will not believe what I am about to tell you…………………

Hermit: What happened?

Bruce: The room began to stretch!!!!!!!

Everybody: WHAT?????!!!!!!

Bruce: You heard me, the room began to stretch!!!! And when the room began to stretch, the paintings on the walls did too. Paintings of Mark Turner Ravenswood’s daughter Melanie, showing her demise. One picture of her wading in a river, only to be inches away from a river monster. Another of Melanie picking flowers in the garden, only to do it on top of a grave where the undertaker awakens. Another of Melanie and her beloved Jacob on a picnic, only to be attacked by snakes, spiders, scorpions, and other creatures we fear in our nightmares.

Wendy: That sounds scary!!!!!!!

Bruce: And another one was of Melanie in a canoe that was about to go over a waterfall!!!! Henry is very confused and disturbed by the paintings, but when he looks up, he sees the ceiling rafters of the attic above, and Melanie’s groom Jacob being hung from the rafters by none other than……………..THE PHANTOM!!!!!!!!!!

Phantom: Phantom: AH-HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!

Bruce: The Phantom’s evil laugh has Henry shaken to the core, almost too terrified to move, but he confronts the phantom and asks him why he killed Jacob.
The Phantom’s Response was, “HE WAS NOT WORTHY!!!!”
Meanwhile, Melanie gets worried, and ends up running into the manor. She then wanders up and down through ALL of the various corridors throughout the manor, looking for her lost groom, but he is nowhere to be found.
After a show down between Henry Ravenswood and the Phantom, the Phantom decides to end things by using Black Magic, and putting a curse on all of those inside the manor killing Henry, his wife Alice, their butler Ramsley, and EVERYONE else who attended the wedding that night.
The death toll rose from 933 to 999 not so happy haunts. The poor Bride Melanie has been doomed to roam the hallways searching for her lost love for all eternity.
As 141 years pass, many have wondered whatever happened to the Ravenswood family…………………what became of Henry’s children Alexander and Carla? No one ever knows. Some say they escaped…………………others say they were among the 999 doomed to haunt the old house that resides on top of the highest hill, overlooking the large black lake and the old Ghost Mining Town Of Thunder Mesa.
News soon spread about the Ravenswood family disappearance, but no one ever dared to venture to the old Ghost Town Of Thunder Mesa, except for lost travelers trying to find their way, only for them to turn around and leave in big hurry. Those lost travelers who do accidentally venture there as well as those who work on the Tacoma Eastern & Pacific North West Railroad swear that on some nights when the wind blows just right they can hear the screams of those struck by the curse of being doomed to haunt the manor. Others have heard the crying of Melanie as she continues searching the hallways of the old manor for her lost love, BUT ALL have heard and still hear the iconic and maniacal laugh of the Phantom who waits for his next victim to make the 999 an even 1000……………….so he can break free of the Manor’s walls, and cause Terror where and whenever he wants everywhere he goes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
HAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!! AAAHHH-HAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kw0_ZAbfeQE

Phantom: Phantom: Phantom: AH-HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!

And of course thunder and lightening strike outside only adding the realism to the story.

Everybody: *SCREAM* AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ward the butler then brightens the lights.

Conductor Zach: THAT’S IT!!!!!!! THAT'S IT!!!!!!!! THAT'S IT!!!!!!!!! I NEVER WANT TO HEAR ABOUT PHANTOM MANOR EVER AGAIN!!!!! IF WE EVER HAVE ANOTHER BREAK DOWN THERE, AND I’M UNLUCKY ENOUGH TO BE ON THAT TRAIN, I QUIT!!!!!!!!

Conductor Eddie: WOAH, WOAH WOAH!!!!! No need to lose your head Zach!!!! The train line is miles away from the Manor.

Conductor Zach: I DON’T CARE!!!! I JUST WANT NOTHING TO DO WITH IT ANYMORE!!!!!!

Mr. Marvell: WOW, THAT WAS A GOOD STORY!!!!!!

Mrs. Milan: SERIOUSLY, YOU GAVE US QUITE A SCARE!!!!!!

Mr. Blendy: THE LIGHTENING WAS A GOOD EFFECT TOO!!!!

Bruce: Thanks, wish I could say I timed it like that, but I didn’t. LOL!!!!!

Mrs. Marvell: YOU REALLY HAD US ON THE EDGE OF OUR SEATS THERE!!!!!

Mr. Milan: I COULDN’T STOP TREMBLING!!!!!!

Mrs. Blendy: The girls are still trembling, and what’s this??????!!!!!!

Mrs. Milan: AWWWWWWWWWWWW, HOW SWEET????!!!!!

Mrs. Marvell: THE GIRLS HAVE ALL GRABBED ONTO ALASTAIR AND WON’T LET GO!!!!! LOL!!!!!!!

Alastair: I’d honestly appreciate it if you’d let go now!!!!!!

Chelia: *BLUSHES BRIGHT PINK & LET’S GO* OH MY GOSH, I’M SOOOOOOOOO SORRY!!!!!!!!

Hermit: *BLUSHES BRIGHT PINK & LETS GO* I wasn’t really scared……………….not one bit. LOL!!!! Wendy, you can let go now…………….

Wendy: *BLUSHES BRIGHT PINK* HUH????!!!! OH MY GOSH, I’M SO SORRY ALASTAIR!!!! PLEASE DON’T BE MAD!!!!!!

Alastair: Hey, not at all…………..don’t worry about it……………

Zach: YOU’VE GOT TO ADMIT ALASTAIR, YOU WERE FREAKED OUT TOO WHEN YOU SAW THAT ALL THE LIGHTS WERE ON, THE SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE CHIMNEY, AND HEARD THE PHANTOM’S LAUGHING!!!! EVEN THOUGH IT WAS FROM MILES AWAY!!!!!

The thunder and lightening strike again outside.

Chelia, Hermit & Wendy: *SCREAM* AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Chelia, Hermit, and Wendy once again grab ahold of Alastair, and don’t let him go.

Alastair: Can you please not remind me of it Zach?????!!!!!!! I mean who wouldn’t be freaked out if they were out in the middle of nowhere, saw that all the lights were on, smoke coming out of the chimneys, and heard evil laughing coming from a house of which EVERYONE IN THEIR RIGHT MIND KNOWS, no one has ever stepped foot in for over 140 years?????!!!!!!

Conductor Eddie: YOU MAKE A VERY GOOD POINT THERE!!!! And you’re not alone Zach, I wanted out of there just as much as you did when I saw all the lights on, smoke coming out of the chimneys, and heard that evil laughing.

Leslie: Well, I think we’ve all had enough fun for one night, I’d say why don’t we all use the restroom before we call it a night.

Bruce: Good idea!!!! I really need to go!!!!

And with that, Bruce rushes to the 2 piece powder room in the foyer, and locks the door.

Leslie: OH BOY, Bruce might be in there for a while given that he’s locked the door…………..Come on Mr. & Mrs. Marvell, Mr. & Mrs. Milan, and Mr. & Mrs. Blendy, I’ll take you to the Main Suite bathroom.

Mr. & Mrs. Marvell: Thank you!!!

Mr. & Mrs. Milan: We really appreciate it!!!!

Alastair: Well, I guess you girls can use mine, it’s right this way.

Wendy: AWWWWWWWWWW, THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!! You’re really sweet!!!!!

Chelia: WE REALLY APPRECIATE IT!!!!!

Hermit: Thanks I guess……………

Alastair: It’s right this way. Eddie, and Zach, you can use the guest bathroom, it’s just down the hall and through the bedroom to your right.

Conductor Eddie: Much appreciated Alastair!!!!

Conductor Zach: Yeah, thanks a lot man!!!!

After everyone’s done what they need to do, they all rendezvous in the foyer.

Leslie: Alright, everyone is accounted for, Alastair and I will escort you down to your cars at the entrance of the complex.

Mr. & Mrs. Marvell: We’ll go with you since we live right next door.

Wendy: Yeah, so it’s only right that we escort our friends out too. *Giggles*

Alastair: Very valid point!!!!

Our friends then make their way out of Leslie and Alastair’s penthouse suite, down the corridors full of beautiful flowers and fountains, and over to the elevator. Once the elevator arrives everyone gets in.

Mr. & Mrs. Marvell: Tonight was DEFINITELY a fun night!!!!

Mr. & Mrs. Milan: Not a boring moment to say the least, that’s for sure!!!!!

Mr. & Mrs. Blendy: WE SHOULD MOST DEFINITELY do this again!!!!!

Mr. & Mrs. Marvell: And we want you back Mr………….

Bruce: Davis, but you can call me Bruce.

Mr. & Mrs. Milan: FOR SURE!!!!

Mr. & Mrs. Blendy: WE LOVED your story, and hope you have more like that.

Bruce: DO I????!!!!! OHHHHHH, DO I HAVE A LOT TO TELL YOU????!!!! ESPECIALLY when it comes to historic artifacts and historic buildings around here!!!! Everything here has a past, and wants no story to go untold…………..

Conductor Eddie: OH BOY……………….How long will he keep going on????

Conductor Zach: As long as it’s not about Phantom Manor, then I’m good!!!!

The elevator soon reaches the ground floor where everyone gets out, makes their way through the beautiful lobby full of more beautiful flowers, various fountains, and waterfalls, and out through the beautiful glass doors where Valley Parking is waiting for them with their cars.

Bruce: Well, you all have a good night, and I’ll see you next time.

Leslie: Have a good night Bruce, and please drive safe!!!!

Mr. & Mrs. Marvell: It was great meeting you!!!!

Mr. & Mrs. Milan: And we MOST DEFINITELY want you back at the next dinner.

Bruce: I’ll be there, you can count on that!!!!

Mr. & Mrs. Blendy: WE’LL HOLD YOU TO IT!!!!

Bruce: Good night everyone!!!!

And with that Bruce drives off in his 2010 Saab Sportcombi Wagon.

Eddie: Well it’s been a pleasure everyone, so have a good night, thank you so much for dinner, and the rest of you have a safe drive home.

Alastair: Again Eddie, thank you so much for going through the trouble of returning my phone.

Conductor Eddie: Anytime my friend. Stay safe everyone!!!! Good night!!!!

Conductor Zach: Good night everyone thank you for dinner!!!!

Leslie: Goodnight Eddie and Zach. You 2 drive safe!!!!

Conductor Zach: We will!!!!

Conductor Eddie then drives away in his 2018 Lexus NX300, and Zach drives away in his 2014 Volvo XC70 Cross Country.

Mr. & Mrs. Marvell: Alright you have a safe trip home!!!!

Mr. & Mrs. Milan: Thank you, we will!!!!

Mr. & Mrs. Blendy: Thank you so much for dinner Leslie, it was wonderful!!!

Leslie: It was my pleasure!!!!!

Chelia: Thank you so much for inviting us over Leslie!!!!

Leslie: Of course Chelia Sweetie!!!!!

Chelia then gives both Leslie and Alastair a hug before she follows her parents into the Lincoln Navigator Stretch Limo.

Chelia: Good night Alastair, I’ll see you in school on Monday.

Alastair: Most definitely!

Hermit: Thank you for having us over Leslie!!!

Leslie: Your very welcome Hermit Sweetie!!!!

Hermit: I guess you’re actually a nice guy after all. And I promise that your secret is safe with me. Good night, Alastair!!!

With that, the door to the Lincoln Navigator Limo bangs shut, and the car drives way.

Leslie: Alright!!! Now it’s time we return home.

Alastair: Yes.

Wendy: Mind holding my hand? It’s okay if you don’t want to………..I’m still a little scared after hearing the story about………..

Alastair: No problem. If it makes you feel any better, I was freaked out about it too. ESPECIALLY after seeing all that all the lights were on along with the smoke coming out of the chimneys and hearing the Phantom’s maniacal laugh when having to rescue the stranded train early out in the rain. That REALLY freaked me out, so don’t feel too bad.

Wendy: Thank you for understanding!!! You’re very sweet Alastair!!!!

Leslie along with Mr. & Mrs. Marvell have a quiet conversation as both Alastair and Wendy trail behind as they all make their way back through the complex’s lobby.

Mr. Marvell: So does Alastair know about the arrangement that David and I made many years ago?

Leslie: I am still yet to tell him given that it’s not really a practice used here in America anymore.

Mrs. Marvell: Understandable. We only want what’s best for Wendy, and want to make sure she has a secure future here while in America.

Mr. Marvell: Mr. & Mrs. Milan, and Mr. & Mrs. Blendy all feel the same about their daughters too.

Mrs. Marvell: Honestly, all we want is what’s best for our children.

Leslie: Absolutely, which is why I don’t think it’s a bad idea. ESPECIALLY considering that Alastair spends too much time with many people MANY YEARS older than him while working on the train, when he REALLY SHOULD be spending more time with those closer to his age. But because his interests are different from his peers, he doesn’t have many friends. The poor kid was bullied a lot when he was little, and because of it he hasn't been good at making friends. This has had me worried for a long time, but it now has me more worried as he gets older. So again, the more I think about it, the more on board I am with it, even though it was yours and David's idea from long ago.

Mr. Marvell: Excellent!!!!

Mrs. Marvell: Also, all the girls are well aware of the possibility of having to go through with this, even though it’s an old custom, and something you don’t really do much over here in America anymore, they understand family obligations very well. And if they get to know Alastair better, it won’t be a problem.

Leslie: And if we give Alastair time to get to know the girls, it’ll give him plenty of time to make up his mind.

Mr. Marvell: Absolutely.

Alastair: I wonder what it is they’re talking about.

Wendy: Yeah, I’m kinda curious.

Alastair: It’s most likely corporate related that would make us bored half to death, so it’s whatever.

Wendy: Yeah, I guess you’re right!!!! I don’t think we’d be interested anyways. *Giggles*

Our friends then make their way back to the elevator, and once the elevator arrives, they all get in.
However it soon reaches the top floor where everyone disembarks before making their way down the hall, and stopping just outside the beautiful Japanese Styled Double Doors to the Marvell Family’s suite.

Mrs. Marvell: Once again thank you so much for your hospitality, and for inviting us over.

Mr. Marvell: Dinner was AMAZING!!!!! And please be sure to invite Bruce over when we do this again!!!!

Leslie: Will do!!!!

Wendy: Thank you for having me over Leslie!!! I really enjoyed it.

Leslie: Of course, anytime Wendy, Sweetie, I’m so glad you had a good time.

Mr. & Mrs. Marvell: Good Night Leslie and Alastair!!! Thanks again.

Alastair: Good night Mr. and Mrs. Marvell.

Mr. Marvell: You can call me Kyle, there's no need to be so formal.

Mrs. Marvell: And you can call me Mia.

Alastair: Alright.

Wendy: Good night Leslie!!!!

Wendy then gives Leslie a big hug before saying good night to Alastair.

Wendy: Good night Alastair!!! Sweet Dreams.

Wendy then gives Alastair a big hug and then a gentle kiss on the cheek before she and her parents enter their suite and close the door behind them. Leslie and Alastair then make their way back into their suite next door.

Leslie: Well that turned out to be a nice night after all!!!!

Alastair. Yes it did.!!!!

Leslie: I just wish Bruce wouldn’t have barged in like that uninvited, but they all ended up liking him, so it worked out.

Alastair: THANK GOD for that.

Leslie: And please be more careful not to lose your phone again, and NOT to leave the door open!!!!

Alastair: You don’t have to remind me twice.

Leslie: By the way, I saw that you and the girls were getting along.

Alastair: Not gonna lie, I think they’re REALLY cute, but I’ll be honest, I was trying to hide how nervous I was around them because they were so cute……………I mean, I haven’t really interacted with girls much while growing up, and Hermit was always on my case about the fact I work outside of school, so I guess having them over came off as a shock.

Leslie: Well I’m glad that you were getting along with them. And it seems that you and Wendy started a friendship.

Alastair: Well, she’s always bailed me out whenever Hermit got on my case, and therefor I’m grateful to her. I also thought that she was the most beautiful of the 3, and had the most easy going personality of the 3, and given that I’m very outside the box compared to most people, I guess it shouldn’t be too much of a surprise…………….I would also guess that her living right next door would be another factor, but what do I know?

Leslie: Believe it or not, she’s actually the youngest MOST shy of the 3 because she's only 13 while both Hermit and Chelia are 15.

Alastair: REALLY????!!!!! I wouldn’t have thought that!!!!

Leslie: If her friends Chelia and Hermit weren’t with her, then it most likely would have been a different story. The reason why she was talkative was because she had her friends by her side to help her gain some confidence. Whereas if they weren’t there with her, she would’ve shied away and been quiet. Again, she’s only 13.

Alastair: I guess that makes sense.

Leslie: Nonetheless, she’s a VERY sweet girl, and has a VERY gentle personality, much like yourself, which is why 2 probably got along so well.

Alastair: That could be it.

Leslie: Anyways, tomorrow the attourney is arriving at 11:00 to further discuss the family’s will, so try to be up and ready by then.

Alastair: Will do my best.

Leslie: Tomorrow Night I leave again for San Francisco, both Mr. and Mrs. Marvell leave for Los Angeles, Mr. and Mrs. Blendy leave for Miami, Florida, and Mr. and Mrs. Milan, leave for New York, so you and the girls will need to check in with one another to make sure you’re all okay.

Alastair: No problem.

With that, both Alastair and his mom hit the sac for the night, but little do they know about what’s really coming in the family’s will.


To Be Continued……………..

Chapter 6

The next morning, the Smith Family’s attorney, Albert Murdoch, shows up to discuss some important matters regarding the family’s will including a new discovery.

Albert: Good morning Mrs. Smith!!!! Is your son Alastair home?

Leslie: Yes, he is. He should be getting out of the shower any minute.

Alastair: Already have, so what is it you’d like to discuss?

Albert: It turns this part of the will only involves you because it’s where you have an inheritance from your father’s side of the family.

Alastair: Okay???..............

Albert: We will MOST DEFINITELY need to sit down about this.

Leslie: Looks like I’ll need to have Ward put on some tea and pastries while I’m at it!!!! We’ll discuss things in my office.

Ward the Butler then prepares Tea and Pastries as Albert, Leslie, and Alastair make their way over to Leslie’s MASSIVE office in the condo’s home library.
Everyone then sits down at large table before Albert goes over the Will.

Albert: The reason why this part of the will only involves Alastair because, as we trace it back to the Smith’s family history, it goes all the way back to Carla Ravenswood………………………the younger of the 2 Ravenswood children. She was the heiress to the Ravenswood Family fortune after her brother Alexander died of Influenza just 2 years after they escaped from Ravenswood now Phantom Manor. After Alexander died, Carla was to inherit the family fortune, but she never did for some unknown reason. Most likely was because she wanted nothing to do with Phantom Manor after she and her brother escaped from there, and ESPECIALLY after she lost her brother in 1884. In 1887 when she reached age 18, she married a man named Robert Smith, and they had a son and daughter. However, the daughter was married off into another family, and moved over seas. The same thing happened with the following generation. Then here’s where it gets interesting.

Alastair: Okay????...............

Albert: Generation after generation, from 1902 onwards, only one son was born per generation. Including Tom Murry Smith Sr., Tom Murray Smith Jr., David Smith, and now you Alastair. But because none of your predecessors where aware that they were to inherit the Ravenswood family fortune, that makes you, Alastair David Alexander Smith, the surviving Descendant of the Ravenswood Family since you’re a descendant of Carla Ravenswood.

Leslie & Alastair: WAIT, WHAT???????!!!!!!!!

Albert: That means you Alastair David Alexander Smith, are a descendant of Henry Ravenswood, making you a Ravenswood and heir to Henry Ravenswood’s fortune…………………

Leslie: WOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!!!

Albert: This includes the MILLIONS OF DOLLARS in gold mined out of the mines of Thunder Mesa, along with the MILLIONS of Dollars in oil welled out of the wells, and MILLIONS of Dollars in the lumber that was harvested, as well as ALL the profits made from the Thunder Mesa Mining Railroad and Thunder Mesa Steamboat Company.
All in total, from the profits, assets, and his income, Henry Ravenswood was worth over $52 Million Dollars back in 1882. Put that in today’s money, and that’s $2.8 Billion Dollars!!!!!!!!

Leslie: OH MY GOD!!!!!!

Alastair’s eyes widen, and his jaw hits the ground.

Albert: Oh before I leave, I thought I should leave you the key to Phantom Manor……………………….. which now belongs to you……………………..Carla left this at our office LONG AGO back in 1885……………….and now it’s finally in the hands of its rightful inheritor………………….

Albert then hands Alastair the key to Phantom Manor, all wrapped up in a cloth, but as Alastair unwraps the key, he falls back in his chair and falls unconscious from the shock.
Alastair then sees haunting visions of the passed………………in Phantom Manor on that fateful night.

Phantom: WHERE ARE THE CHILDREN ALEXANDER AND CARLA???????!!!!!!!!

Henry: SAFE AND AWAY FROM THE LIKES OF YOU!!!!!!!

Phantom: DAMN YOU ALL TO HELL!!!!!!!!!

Alastair then wakes up on the large sofa inside his mother’s office……………………

Alastair: What was that?

Leslie: I should be asking you that???!!!!

Albert: Are you alright?

Alastair: I don’t know…………………..it’s just……………how……………why?????....................how is it and why is it that I am the inheritor to Henry Ravenswood’s fortune and no one else????!!!!!!!

Albert: Because you’re his soul surviving descendant!!!!!

Leslie: And none of your predecessors inherited the fortune…………………….

Albert: This means, EVERYTHING that was Henry Ravenswood, now belongs to you on top of EVERYTHING that your father David owned while he was alive…………………

Alastair: Does this mean that I now own………………..Phantom Manor?

Albert: OH YES!!!!!! And not just that, but the mines, the oil wells, the lumber company, the narrow gauge railroad, and the steamboat company!!!! Of course all of it is obsolete now, but all of the profits made from them now belong to you…………………………………..combine that with everything your Dad owned, I’d say you are set for the future………………………………..

Leslie: Best that we get our Trustee to invest ALL of this money into your account, which you’ll have access to at age 21, which is when you will inherit everything your father owned………………………………..

Alastair: I honestly have no idea what I would do with all that anyways? I don’t know and I don’t care about money except for when it comes to necessities like food, shelter, and transportation…………………..I guess I could use the money to help restore the other 5 steam engines on the railroad, increase the salary of the employees, and as an endowment for the pipe organs at the Cathedral Basilica. And we could donate a good chunk to charities since they need the money WAY MORE than I do.

Leslie: Your father and I raised you well Alastair……………….which brings me to something else we have to discuss…………….

Alastair: What would that be?

Leslie: Alastair sweetie, I know that it’s the 21st century, and we live in modern day America, but…………….still the reason why I invited the Blendy, Milan, and Marvell families over last night for dinner was because of not so much our social elite status thanks to my corporation as well as your father’s business, nor only because we were just being good neighbors, but because since they’ve moved here to America, the first thing they did was prioritize their daughters’ futures.

Alastair: Okay????????.....................

Leslie: America is COMPLETELY new to them, and they want their daughters to have a secure future here………………

Alastair: Of course!!!!!! I can understand that, but why would that involve us……………………

Leslie: It’s because we’re a family of status and wealth, and they want what’s best for their daughters, and when they saw that you were only a few years older than their daughters, and that we’re next door neighbors to one of them, they thought best that we become friends, get to know each other, and become good business partners………….

Alastair: UH-OH!!!! I DO NOT LIKE WHAT I’M HEARING!!!!!!

Leslie: You know what, there’s REALLY no hiding it from you, so I’ll say it out right here and now!!!!! The Blendy, Milan, and Marvell families want to arrange a marriage of one of the girls with you when you’re both of rightful legal age and I said I was on board.

Alastair: WHAT??????????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YOU SAID YES WITHOUT MY CONSENT?????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Leslie: PLEASE JUST HEAR ME OUT!!!!!!
They only want what’s best for their girls and their future!!!!! I mean, they’re brand new to America, and they worked VERY HARD to become US Citizens, however, the move has been EVEN HARDER on the girls, and they only want what’s best for them.

Alastair: BUT WHAT ABOUT ME??????!!!!!!!! WHY DON’T I HAVE A SAY IN THIS?????????!!!!!!!!

Leslie: You kind of do because you will have a choice of which of the 3 girls you’ll marry because it’ll depend on which of the 3 you get along with the best………………...have the most in common with………………and connect with the best………………………

Albert: It’s best that I take my leave now………………

Alastair: BUT STILL I CAN’T BELIEVE YOU WENT AHEAD AND DID THIS WITHOUT MY CONSENT IN A COUNTRY WHERE WE HAVE THE RIGHT TO GO OUT THERE AND FIND WHO IT IS WE WANT TO BE WITH FOR ALL ETERNITY UNTIL DEATH RATHER THAN HAVE OUR PARTNERS PICKED FOR US, WHICH HASN’T BEEN DONE SINCE THE EARLY 1800s HERE!!!!!

Albert: I'll leave the key to Phantom Manor here with since the home now belongs to you................
You have MORE THAN ENOUGH money to make it something REALLY NICE again, so it’s best not to let it go to waste.

Albert then sets the key to Phantom Manor down on Leslie’s disk before Ward the butler escorts him out as Alastair and Leslie keep arguing.

Albert: I hope you enjoy the new manor which you’ve inherited.

Ward: Right this way sir………………..

Leslie: I KNOW, I KNOW IT’S………………it’s not often practiced here in the Western culture anymore, but in Japan it’s still quite common, and daughters of the families who set up arrange marriages go through with it 99% percent of the time because they will do whatever is necessary to fulfill their family obligations whether it be for their own benefit or their parent’s benefit, they RARELY to never object to an arranged marriage because they will ALWAYS prioritize family needs over their own.

Alastair: BUT HOW DO WE KNOW THAT THEY WON’T OBJECT???????!!!!!!!!

Leslie: Because they will do what’s necessary to fulfill their family’s obligations………………marriage unfortunately isn’t always about love, it’s mostly a business, and love comes later on…………………

Alastair: BUT I’M SURE THEY HAVE THE RIGHT TO CHOOSE WHO THEY WANT TO BE WITH IN THIS DAY AND AGE????!!!!!

Leslie: That is true, that in most of Japan people do choose who they want to marry, and they will do it out of love, but arranged marriages STILL happen there. And the Blendy, Milan, and Marvell families ONLY want whats best for their girls, and I’m also agreeing to this because I feel it’s for your own good.

Alastair: HOW DO I BENEFIT FROM THIS??????!!!!!!

Leslie: I know you don’t want to hear it, but I must be honest with you. You spend WAY TOO MUCH TIME with people MANY YEARS OLDER THAN YOU!!!!! I know the guys on the train are your friends as are the music staff at the Cathedral Basilica, but COME ON, THEY’RE ALL A LOT OLDER than you, and you REALLY should be spending time with those MUCH closer to your age. You’ve NEVER had much of a social life while growing up given that you were always the target of bullying. It also doesn't help that you're on the Autistic Spectrum, so I feared that your chance for finding someone wasn’t going to be very good if you kept only hanging out with the people you know who are OLD TIMERS!!!!!

Alastair: YES I WAS BULLIED, BUT DID YOU REALLY HAVE TO THROW THE FACT I'M ON THE AUTISTIC SPECTRUM RIGHT IN MY FACE?????!!!!! AND WHO SAYS I MIGHT NOT MEET SOMEONE WHILE I’M IN COLLEGE?????!!!!!!!!

Leslie: REALLY????!!!! YOU’RE A JUNIOR IN HIGH SCHOOL, WILL SOON BE A SENIOR, YOU TURN 18 IN A COUPLE WEEKS, AND ALL YOU’VE FOCUSSED ON HAVE BEEN EITHER YOUR EDUCATION, WORKING ON THE TRAIN, OR THE PIPE ORGAN AT THE CATHEDRAL BASILICA IN THE CITY!!!!!!
So, an arranged marriage might be your only ticket in having a social life and having a friendship of any kind with someone close to your age…………………..

Alastair: I DON’T BELIEVE THIS……………………

Leslie: I know you’re upset at me, and I get it!!!!! But please hear me………………….I won’t always be around to take care of you………………your father’s gone, you have no siblings given that you're an only child, and I will die too when my time comes, and so will your aunts and uncles. When that happens, who will be around to take care of you? I also want what’s best for you, and the more I think about it as well as your well being, an arranged marriage doesn’t sound like a bad idea!!!!!!!

Alastair: I………………….I don’t know what to believe now!!!!!!

Leslie: I’m only doing this because I love you, and I worry about you!!!! You deserve to be happy, and shouldn’t have to live of the rest of your life alone because you’re on the Autistic Spectrum, outside the box with different interests, and have a different career path than more people. The Blendy, Milan, and Marvell families only want what’s best for their girls, and I only want what’s best for you, so it sounds like a logical answer………………….And please know that the Blendy, Milan, and Marvell families are wonderful people!!!! And their daughters Chelia, Hermit, and Wendy are VERY SWEET girls!!!!

Alastair: I don’t even know if Dad or Grandpa would agree to this given that you guys weren’t an arrangement marriage.

Leslie: No we weren’t but, your father and grandfather were WAY more extroverted and outgoing than you, and they probably would have agreed to this…………….

Alastair: I wish Dad and Grandpa were still here because at least they’d understand me…………………….

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hlOwOFJJ-RI

Alastair then storms off to his room and slams his door shut. He then picks up a picture of him, his father, and his grandpa all in the cab of Old Port Of Grays Harbor Mikado Steam Locomotive Number #5 as the tears soon pour down his face…………….

Alastair: I miss you Dad and Grandpa……………….I wish you 2 were still here!!!!!!

Alastair then changes into his overalls, and leaves his room.

As he makes his way to the foyer, Leslie says good bye before she gets her stuff to prepare for her trip down to San Francisco.

Leslie: Alastair Sweetie, please know that I love you, and only want what’s best you……………..

Alastair: I know……………

Leslie: I’ll be back in 3 weeks.

Alastair: Okay………………

Leslie: Maybe you should go out and check out Phantom Manor to see what you’ve inherited. I mean after all, you’ve inherited quite the fortune, and quite the house!!!!

Alastair: I’ll think about it…………….

Leslie: Be safe while on the train.

Alastair: You also have a safe trip Mom………….

Alastair then leaves his suite and makes his way down the corridor when Wendy opens the doors to her suite to say hello.

Wendy: Hey Alastair!!!! Where are you off to?

Alastair doesn’t respond. He just walks into the elevator, and the doors shut behind him.

Wendy: Did I do something wrong?

Leslie: Not at all sweetie. We had an argument, and he’s just mad at me.

Wendy: I know………………..we could hear you…………….

Leslie: MY GOODNESS, I’M SORRY, YOU WERE NOT SUPPOSED TO HEAR ALL THAT!!!!!

Wendy: NO IT’S OKAY!!!!!! I understand my parents only want what’s best for me, and Alastair is very sweet, so it’s not like I mind the idea. Hermit and Chelia also wouldn’t mid it either, since we all know we have a responsibility to uphold our family’s obligations. They also wouldn’t arrange a marriage with someone who’s a meanie, and I can tell that Alastair isn’t a meanie.

Leslie: He’s far from it, but I’m just worried is all which is why I said yes to it, but I should have asked him for his opinion given that, you know it’s modern day America………………….

Wendy: I understand……………….

Leslie: Please don’t look so sad sweetie…………….

Wendy: I can’t help it, I mean, what if he doesn’t like us…………………..

Leslie: It’s not you sweetie, it’s that I said yes to a practice that’s not normal here on his behalf without asking him how he'd feel about it. And here in America marriage happens out of love rather than out of business practices or family obligations, which is of course very common in Asia.

Wendy: I see…………………

Leslie: He's very different from most teenagers his age given that he's on the Autistic Spectrum, is more introverted than most guys, and learns things differently..................

Wendy: That's not really a bad thing..............I mean, I'm unfortunately the most popular girl in school, and everyday all the boys send me love letters and shove em in my locker. Both Hermit and Chelia are having to reject them on my behalf because I'm so weak................Alastair however is the only one who doesn't send me love letters and leaves me alone.

Leslie: Don't ever say that about yourself because you're not!!!! Then again that kinda sounds so familiar because Alastair would call himself that all the time when he'd come home after being bullied..............

Wendy: Poor guy.................

Leslie: He's never been the type to follow a trend. Nor has he really been interested in a social life. However, ever since his Grand Father Tom Murray passed away. He was never the same...................it only got worse when he lost his father in that horrible accident................

Wendy: I'M SO SORRY!!!! That must have been very hard on you!!!!!

Leslie: It was!!!! It was very hard on us, but their passings were ESPECIALLY hard on Alastair..................the poor guy hasn't been able to smile for the passed 2 years since we lost David.

Wendy: OH MY GOSH, That's so sad!!!!!!

Leslie: It is!!!!! Alastair had such a wonderful smile, and he was always happiest when he was with his Father and Grandpa while on the steam train. But after losing them, his smile has become dormant....................

Wendy: I saw how happy he was in the picture you showed me of him when he was younger. *Giggles* Hard to imagine that he was only a year younger than me when this was shot. LOL!!!! Little Cutie!!!!!!

Leslie: HE WAS!!!!!! He was the cutest thing when he was little, but again these passed few years have been very hard on him...............
I’m very worried about him so please keep an eye on him while I’m away…………….

Wendy: About that, my parents are leaving in few hours too so………………….I was wondering if it'd be okay if the girls and I came over your place, if it's not too much trouble that is?

Leslie: Not a problem then sweetie………………..In fact I actually like that idea!!!! This way you can all take care of each other, and you girls can really get to know him.

Over at Tacoma Station, Alastair meets up with Engineer Big Joe as they prepare to relieve the crew on Steam Engine Polson Logging Company Number #70.

Big Joe: Hey Alastair, why are you so down?

Alastair: It’s a long story!!!!

Big Joe: Well we have all day to talk about it as we haul trains up and down the line on our steam engine.

Soon enough former Polson Logging Company Mikado Steam Engine Number #70 steams on into Tacoma through the various crossing blowing her beautiful Ashton whistle and ringing her bell.

Big Joe: Speaking of which, here she comes now!!!!

Alastair: Well, here it goes………………………

Alastair tells Big Joe EVERYTHING!!!!! From being the last surviving descendant of Henry Ravenswood, to being the inheritor of the Ravenswood family fortune.

Big Joe: WHAT??????!!!!!!!!!! NO WAY MAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Alastair: I KNOW!!!!!! It’s A LOT to swallow. But one thing's for sure, we can get the former Port Of Grays Harbor Number #5 back in service after being “Flat Clapped” out of commission for years, and replace former Hammond Lumber Company Number #17’s firebox on top of that. Both former Polson Logging Company Number #2, the former McCloud River Railroad Number #18, and former Cowlitz Chehalis & Cascade Number #15 can be back in service in a matter of months now. And we can get the 15 Year Inspections on ALL the geared engines on the Pacific North West Lumber Company done within the next 18 months!!!!! That way we can run both steam and diesel powered trains everyday, 7 days a week, 364 days a year!!!!!

Big Joe: WOW!!!!! THAT SOUNDS WONDERFUL!!!!!!!!!

Alastair: I’ve also inherited Phantom Manor…………….

Big Joe: WHAT?????????!!!!!!!! NO WAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Alastair: Bruce is gonna lose his mind the moment he finds out!!!!!!

Big Joe: OH YOU KNOW DAMN RIGHT HE IS!!!!!!

Big Joe and Alastair along with Conductor Dereck relieve the train crew, and set to work at once. Once enroute, Alastair then tells Conductor Dereck and Big Joe about the purposed arranged marriages his mom set up with the daughters of Blendy, Milan, or Marvell families, and that he would have to choose one of those 3 girls, and can’t choose anyone else he could possibly meet in the future.

Conductor Dereck: OCUH!!!!! That is harsh!!!!!

Big Joe: Yeah………………I mean, seriously, an arranged Marriage????????!!!!!!!!!!! Doesn’t your mom know it’s 2023 and that we’re in America?

Alastair: Yes, but…………………..here’s the thing………………..you're well aware that I'm on the Autistic Spectrum, am well outside the box when it comes to interests, hobbies, and career wise. I'm A LOT more introverted, and have almost no social life.

Big Joe: Well, she does have a point!!!!! A handsome young man like you should be spending time with a delicate maiden, and NOT with an old big fat gas bag like me……………

Conductor Dereck: Or Old Prunes like Alan and Harold!!!!

Big Joe: UH-OH!!!!! I’M GONNA TELL THEM YOU SAID THAT DERECK!!!!!! LOL!!!!!!!!
Do you have any pictures of them?.................

Alastair: Here they are…………………..

Alastair then shows Engineer Big Joe and Conductor Dereck the pictures of the girls, Chelia, Hermit, and Wendy, and they all have second thoughts.

Big Joe: WOW, THEY ARE GORGEOUS!!!!!!!! On second thought I wouldn’t mind an arranged marriage to one of those girls!!!!!!!

Conductor Dereck: YEAH, YOU’D BE CRAZY TO TURN ONE OF THOSE DOWN!!!!!!!

Alastair: They’re the MOST POPULAR girls at my school. They're all on the cheerleading squad, they're all top ranked students, and they're all on the student council, with Hermit as the president, so there’d be no way of fooling any of them.

Big Joe: AND THAT’S A GOOD THING!!!!!

Conductor Dereck: YEAH MAN!!!! And it’s not like they’re asking you to marry one of them right away!!!!!!

Alastair: Correct, they want me to get to know them before choosing the one I get along with and connect with the best, and it wouldn’t happen until I’m at least 21 and the girl is at least 18, so it’s at least another 4 to maybe 5 years, which allows me to go through college, get my degree, and take over both the railroad and lumber company………………….

Big Joe: All I can say is this. Keep an open mind. Your mom only wants what’s best for you.

Conductor Dereck: And it’s not like your mom is forcing you to marry someone who’s well ugly, nasty, or insincere, so I wouldn’t have it as a complete write off yet…………….

Alastair: I honestly find it kind of pathetic and embarrassing that I've been stooped to being in an arranged marriage. But I feel it's more embarrassing for them given how drop dead gorgeous they are, and how smart and popular they are. They're out of my league, and too good for me.............why would any of them want to say yes to being married to me?

Big Joe: HEY, DON'T PUT YOURSELF DOWN LIKE THAT!!!!!! SURE YOU'RE DIFFERENT, BUT THAT'S ALSO A GOOD THING!!!!! YOU'RE SMART, YOU'RE VERY KIND AND WELL MANNERED, YOU'RE VERY HANDSOME, AND YOU HAVE A LOT OF TALENT!!!!!

Conductor Dereck: HE'S RIGHT AND I COMPLETELY AGREE!!!!! Guys like you in this day and age getting harder and harder to come by!!!! You have A LOT to offer that of which most guys don't, so don't ever sell yourself short!!!!!!

Big Joe: And look at it this way, the families wouldn't want their girls with just ANYONE!!!! Knowing and understanding the kind of background they come from, they most likely want one of their daughters with someone who's kind, someone who is honest, and someone who they feel would be a good fit for them, and take good care of them!!!!! Which is probably why they want to arrange one their daughters to marry you!!!!!!

Alastair: And like I said before, the families only want what’s best for their girls, and they saw that my mom and I are of course a family with status, and thought I’d be a good suitor.

Big Joe: And that is an honor, so I can understand why you’re upset, but I wouldn’t say it’s a bad idea.

Conductor Dereck: Again just keep an open mind because you never know.

Alastair: Alright!!!!!

Big Joe: Now there’s the Lumber Company, time to turn her around before we pick up the stuff!!!!!!

Conductor Dereck: I’ll get off my caboose to throw the switch.



To Be Continued………………………………..

Chapter 7


After 2 good runs up and down on the railroad with Old Steam Engine Number #70, Alastair changes into his Tommy Bahamas Button Up Shirt, Banana Republic Boot Cut Jeans, Tommy Bahamas Vest, and Ecco Fusion Shoes before heading back to his car.

Alastair: Alright, see you guys next weekend!!!

Conductor Dereck: Drive safe Alastair!!!!!

Big Joe: Remember what I said!!!! Keep an open mind!!!!

Alastair: Will do!!!!

Big Joe: Have fun on the organ!!!! MAN, That is such a beautiful instrument!!!!

Alastair: That it is!!!!!!

Alastair then gets in his car and drives up North to Seattle.

Alastair: Working on the train has helped, and hopefully playing the Prelude and Postlude for tonight’s mass will help too!!!!

Soon enough as luck would have it, Alastair finds a parking spot right outside the Cathedral’s front doors.

Alastair: AWESOME!!!!! THERE’S NEVER A SPACE HERE!!!! TALK ABOUT GOOD LUCK!!!!!

Alastair then parallel parks his Beautiful Red Volvo V60 Cross Country Wagon in the space, shuts off the engine, gets out, locks the car, makes his way up the stairs, and through the MASSIVE DOORS of the beautiful Saint James Cathedral Basilica. He then heads down to the basement area where he gets vested in his black and red cassock and puts on his beautiful red St. Benedict Crucifix necklace. He then walks into the blower room and checks on the blower motors for both the Hutchings-Votey Organ in the rear West Gallery, and the Rosales-Casavant Organ up in the asps of the front East Chancel and sees that everything’s all good. He then makes his way out of the crypt, back to the ground floor level, and over to the Large 4 Manual Master Console near the North Transept where he meets up the Cathedral Organist, Daniel.

Daniel: Hey Alastair, how are you? How was work on the train?

Alastair: I’m doing alright, and work on the train was good. How are you?

Daniel: I’m hanging in there.

Alastair: That’s good to hear!!!

Daniel: Are you sure you’re alright?

Alastair: I’m feeling a little better after 2 runs of firing on the steam train, but…………..well………………….

Alastair then tells Daniel EVERYTHING about the arranged marriage that his mom set up for him along with the either the Milan, Blendy, or Marvell families daughter without his consent.

Alastair: Yeah……….my mom setting up an arranged marriage for me with one of the girls, whether it be Chelia, Hermit, or Wendy has got me on edge, ESPECIALLY since I’d only have to choose one of those 3 girls, and I can’t go off and meet someone else in my high school, college, or out there somewhere like dating apps..............

Daniel: OOOOOOOOOHHHHH!!!!! I hear ya. Arranged marriages are a thing of the passed that we don’t see anymore in America…………

Alastair: But they’re still quite common in Japan, and the Blendy, Milan, and Marvell families only want what’s best for their girls having just moved to America all of a sudden. The move has been VERY hard on them, and they all feel that having one of the girls marry me when that girl becomes of age would help make her transition easier. Also because I’m from a well off family given that I’m the son of both a CEO and late Railroad tycoon that’s an heir to a fortune, they know that the girl I’d choose to marry would be well taken care of for the rest of her life…………………..but…………………I honestly don’t know how I feel about it…………………..there’s nothing in the Bible or the Catholic Church that supports an arranged marriage, but there’s also nothing in the Bible or Catholic Church that forbids it either…………..it’s not a clean cut black and white answer, it’s a VERY GRAY area……………

Daniel: I get it…………it’s a lot of information thrown at you, and marriage is both a BIG DEAL and a HUGE decision.

Alastair: I know, and what if I don’t want to get married? What if it’s not something God has called for me?

Daniel: I hear ya, it’s got you between a rock and a hard place.

Alastair: With no way out…………….but my mom feels that it’s for my own good because she thinks that I’m hanging out with too many old timers on the train or here at the Cathedral, and that I should be spending more time with people closer to my age……………I hate to say it, but she’s not wrong. I don’t have many friends, and of all the friends I have……………….NONE OF THEM are anywhere near my age, they’re all……………….well YEARS older than me. I mean, you’re in your late 20s, as are Conductors Zach and Eddie, Will, Jacob, and Jayson are in their early 20s, Engineer Big Joe and Conductor Dereck are both in their mid 40s, Engineers Brian and Carson are in their 30s, Allen, Father Christopher, and Bishop Thomas, are in their early 70s, Archbishop Paul, and Rector Father Michael are in their 60s, and Bruce as we know all too well is 78!!!! And the rest of the music staff, priests, and deacons, are ALL over the board, but also MANY YEARS older than me. Yes there are the altar servers, but I’m not really close to any of them, and I’m the only young organ scholar, so………………….my mom has a valid point………….both Hermit and Chelia are 15, and Wendy is 13 making them the only ones I know that are close to my age………………….

Daniel: Would you have pictures of them?

Alastair: Yes, and here they are………………this one’s Chelia Blendy, this is Hermit Mio Milan, and the one with the Violet hair in twin tails is Wendy………………both Hermit and Wendy are VERY SIMILAR with their hair styled in twin pigtails down to their thighs, and are both only 4 ft 8 and one half inches tall. Chelia is 4 ft 10 inches tall, and has shorter hair styled in twin pigtails at only shoulder length. However their outfits are all very similar with pin-striped jackets, and VERY short frilled mini-skirts like that of cheerleaders.

Daniel: WOW!!!! They’re gorgeous!!!!

Alastair: I know……………….theyr'e the most popular girls in my school, they're all on the cheerleading squad, they're all top honor students with the highest grades that are equal to possibly even greater than mine, and I'm a top honor student, so that's saying a lot. They're also ALWAYS getting love letters thrown at them from all the other boys, which I find is a waste of time, and honestly I kinda feel like they're out of my league....................Nevertheless, they're all really nice too and well mannered However, the youngest one, Wendy, has the most gentle personality, is rather shy, but is still VERY sweet. In fact she's the most popular of the 3 because of that. She’s also my next door neighbor, and I kinda like her. But still, I don’t like being pressured into an obligation that in today’s world of modern America is a BIG DECISION!!! Besides I have no idea how the archbishop would react once he found out his pipe organ scholar is now being committed into an arrange marriage………………
Plus, I may wanna go to college once I’m out of Highschool. Take a few courses at the university before heading off to Juilliard to further my music career.

Daniel: That’s a very tough call, and I honestly have no idea how to answer that………………However, I do hope it all works out for you.

Alastair: Thank you, me too.

Daniel: Alright, so today you’re assigned Prelude will be Holy Manna, and then you’ll play the entrance antiphon since the entrance antiphon is the same as the Prelude, Holy Manna.
BUT…………….YOU WILL LOVE THIS, the postlude will be one of your favorites. The postlude I’ve chosen is Trumpette Voluntary, The Prince Of Denmark’s March by Jeremiah Clarke.

Alastair: AWESOME!!!!

Alastair then sits down at the MASSIVE and BEAUTIFUL 4 manual (keyboard) Organ console, fires up the blower motors to both the Asps Rosales-Casavant and Gallery Hutchings-Votey Organ. He then pulls out a few stops for the flutes and strings, couples them to the manuals (Keyboards) controlling the Antiphonal, Swell, Pedal, Choir, and Pedal Divisions and begins playing Holy Manna for the Prelude assigned before the start of the 5:30 p.m. Mass.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txdwJGZdlmI

Then he plays the Entrance Antiphon Holy Manna.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1wrNsTsmCGk

After a beautiful mass done by Father Michael, Alastair goes out playing one of his all time favorite pieces, Trumpette Voluntary, The Prince Of Denmark’s March by Jeremiah Clarke.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRc_GcEwW54

Alastair doesn’t hold back. He goes all out as he pulls out the stops for the Trumpette En-Chamades (Rowes Of Trumpet Pipes), and couples them to the manuals (Keyboards) controlling the Antiphonal, Swell, Great, and Choir divisions, and couples Reed stops to both the Great and Pedal Divisions making those BEAUTIFUL Trumpet pipes on the organs Sing.

Daniel: Well done Alastair!!!!!

Alastair LOVES blasting the beautiful Trumpette En-Chamades (Rowe of Trumpet Pipes) on the organ, and can NEVER get enough of their powerful and majestic sounds.
Many get out their phones and video recordings to record the amazing classic for the Postlude.

Daniel: WOW!!!! You have come such a LONG WAYS Alastair!!!!

Alastair then wraps it up as gives pulls out more stops for the Trumpette En-Chamades and Reeds, and couples them to the manuals (Keyboards) Controlling the Anitphonal, Great, and Pedal Divisions REALLY giving the Organ one MIGHTY ROAR!!!!!!

Alastair: BOO & YA!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The ENTIRE Cathedral bursts out into an uproar round of applause.

Voice: BRAVO!!!!!!!!!

Daniel: You’re getting better and better Alastair, keep it up!!!!

Alastair: Thank you!!! I had A LOT of fun with that!!!!!!

Daniel: I knew you would!!!!

Alastair: I can NEVER get enough of those Beautiful Trumpette En-Chamdades!!!!

Daniel: Neither can I!!!! Then again, who can??? LOL!!!!

Alastair: Good point!!!!

Daniel: Great work Alastair!!! I’ll see you again Next Saturday night!!!!

Alastair: Sounds good!!!!

Feeling better after a wonderful mass, and performing both a beautiful Prelude and Postlude, Alastair gets back in his car and heads off for home.

Alastair: I SOOO NEEDED THAT!!!!!!! So far it’s been a good day!!!!!

It's nearly 7:15 when Alastair arrives home, unlocks his front door, and is greeted with a surprise.

Chelia: Hey Alastair!!!!

Hermit: What’s up???!!!!!

Wendy: Are you okay? We were getting kinda worried……....

Alastair: WARD?????!!!!!! WHAT IS THIS???????!!!!!!

Ward The Butler: Master Smith, I assure you there is a really good explanation for this!!!!!

Hermit: Since our parents are out of town, they thought it would be a good idea if Chelia and I stayed at Wendy’s.

Chelia: And your mom felt that it would be best that we hang out at your place until our curfew to be safe.

Wendy: They also thought we’d be safer if we were with you……………….

Alastair: Just great!!!!!....................

Chelia: Also………….*Giggles*…………

Hermit: *Giggles* Why are you dressed like that????!!!!!

Alastair then looks down and realizes that he’s still vested in his cassock.

Alastair: OH CRAP!!!!! I FORGOT TO GET UNVESTED AT THE CATHEDRAL!!!!!

Chelia: Why were you at the Cathedral if you don’t mind me asking?

Alastair: I guess you girls have a right to know, but I’m currently a pipe organ scholar at the Cathedral Basilica in Seattle. I’m normally assigned to play the Prelude and Postlude for the 5:30 English services on Saturday Nights. And tonight, I played one of my most favorite pieces for the Postlude, Trumpette Voluntary aka The Prince Of Denmark's March by Jeremiah Clarke. It’s a VERY OLD piece, but it REALLY shows off the BEAUTIFUL Trumpette En-Chamades or Trumpet pipes on the organ!!!

Wendy: That’s amazing!!!!

Alastair: My Grandpa on my mom’s side was an organist on the Mighty Kilgen pipe organ at the Cathedral Basilica in St. Louis Missouri before my mom’s family decided to move here. Like him, I’ve grown very fond of the instrument given its AMAZING and BEAUTIFUL sound. It's the only instrument that's powerful enough to rival a symphony orchestra given its massive size and the endless possibilities of sounds it's able to produce once all the stops are pulled out.

Hermit: That’s cool!!!!

Wendy: I think that’s wonderful!!!!

Chelia: Me too!!!!

Wendy: Alastair, there’s something I need to ask…………….

Alastair: Alright?

Wendy: Do you not like us?

Alastair: What makes you think I don’t?

Wendy: I overheard you and your mom arguing about…………….*Blushes Bright Pink*………………..well………….

Alastair: *Blushes Dark Red*……………………..The purposed arranged marriage to one of you girls later on down the road?...................


Wendy: *BLUSHES BRIGHTER PINK* YES!!!! MY PARENTS ARE ONLY DOING IT TO ONE OF US BECAUSE THEY ONLY WANT WHAT’S BEST FOR US!!! YOUR MOM WENT ALONG WITH IT BECAUSE SHE WAS WORRIED ABOUT YOU AND THOUGHT IT WAS BEST FOR YOU TOO!!! SO PLEASE DON’T BE MAD!!!!!

Hermit: Way to get overworked about it!!!!

Chelia: Very smooth Wendy!!!!

Wendy: *BLUSHING BRIGHTER PINK* Sorry, but you know I can’t help but get embarrassed about something like this!!!!!!!

Alastair: *Blushing Darker Red* I’m gonna be VERY honest with you girls……………..it’s not that I’m not fond of you because I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t…………….but…………
Things work VERY DIFFERENTLY here in America...................I was born and raised in the Catholic Church, and marriage is a special and sacred vow in the Catholic Church because it’s………………well……………….it’s about love. It’s not a business arrangement between 2 families, and what really pisses me off is my mom agreeing to something on my behalf without my consent or input. ESPECIALLY when it’s something that’s a big deal like marriage. And honestly, I’m still a minor at 17; my 18th birthday is NOT until the 1st of November!!!! Although my birthday is less than 3 weeks away, I’m still only a kid, and you girls are only a couple years younger. So come on!!!!! We’re all practically still children!!!!!

Hermit: You do make a good point there………………

Alastair: Plus I want to go to college at the university for a couple years to get my degree, and I’m also thinking about going to Juilliard for a year to further my music career on the pipe organ.

Chelia: I can understand wanting to further your education……………

Wendy: Yeah, there’s nothing wrong with that……………..

Alastair: Afterwards I need to learn to live on my own and get my own place. Learn some independence.
I also of course want to take over my Dad’s business and carry his legacy managing both the Tacoma Eastern & Pacific North West Railroad along with the Pacific North West Lumber Company which are subdivisions of the Tacoma Freight and Transport Company, which is where the real corporate business takes place, so I have a VERY LONG ways to go.
Once after I have my home and career secured, then it would be a good time to consider marriage, but that’s MANY YEARS away.

All the girls look down, but Wendy especially looks the most sad of all the girls.

Alastair: However, my mom is right, ALL of my friends are MANY years older than me, and I’m not really friends with anyone at school, I haven’t joined the youth group at the Cathedral despite many opportunities, and it’s highly unlikely I would befriend anyone near my age while in college. I'm on the Austin Spectrum and have trouble socializing, pluse no one I know my age is interested in the same things I am, and I therefor have nothing really in common with anyone near my age. My mom has worried about me for years not having any friends close to my age and you girls right now are the closest I have to actual friends close to my age.

Chelia: AWWWWWWWWWW!!!! Alastair, that’s really sweet!!!!!!!

Alastair: And…………..*Blushes Dark Red*…………………you’re all really cute, and very kind hearted, therefor……………..*Blushes Darker Red*………………….Like I said before, I’m not writing off the arranged marriage completely, and there’s nothing in the Bible or Catholic Church that forbids an arranged marriage……………………

All the girls sigh of relief, ESPECIALLY Wendy.

Alastair: Nonetheless, I would like for us to start off as friends, get to know each other better, and see how things go from there.

Chelia: I completely understand.

Hermit: We feel the same way.

Wendy then gently clasps Alastair’s hand in hers.

Wendy: But Alastair please know that we’re always here for you whenever you need us. I promise we’ll always be your friends no matter what happens.
*Blushes Bright Pink* I promise to always be here for you, and to be a good friend to you. So please know you can ALWAYS talk to me about anything whenever you need someone to talk to.

Alastair: Thanks girls. I promise to do the same in return. I’ve never really had any real friends before, so I’m practically going in blind with this.

Wendy: *Giggles* It’s fine!!!! We’re new here………..

Chelia: We’re all in the same boat…………

Hermit: Also our parents wouldn’t put us in an arranged marriage with a guy they thought was awful, so I’m not really against it either.

Chelia: Neither am I, because if it’s what my parents want for me, then why should I object? I’d never do anything to disobey my parents…………….

Wendy: I feel the same. I know my parents are only doing it because they want what’s best for me, and I’ll gladly do anything for them to make them happy, so I have no problem to an arranged marriage……………….

Alastair: We’ll have YEARS to figure this out since we’re all still young and in our teens. So I say let’s not worry about it, just yet…………..

Hermit: Or a polite way of putting it off………….

Wendy: Don’t be rude!!!!!!

Alastair: I mean it’s possible that you girls will want to go off to college, get a degree, and pursue a career since that’s the norm here in Western culture. And that’s perfectly fine if you girls want to do that, since we all have dreams we wanna chase.

Chelia: We never really thought of that………………

Hermit: It never really crossed our minds…………..

Wendy: I guess it’s because we dedicate most of our lives to family obligations to make our parents happy………………….

Alastair: You girls should chase after what it is you really want to do and follow your hearts. In fact, I actually support you girls chasing your dreams since a dream job is what leads to a happy lifestyle, which then leads to a happy marriage, and then a happy family. Or at least that’s how it should be.

Chelia: AWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!

Wendy: Alastair, that’s the sweetest thing I’ve heard!!!!!

Hermit: You’re actually really nice, so I guess you can’t be too bad. *Giggles*

Alastair: Again, we’re still young and have enough time to figure out our future.
Anyways, you girls must be starving!!!! I’ll call and order Pizza ASAP!!!!
Ward where’s the menu????!!!!

Ward The Butler: Here it is Master Smith!!!!

Alastair: Thank you!!!!

Alastair then hands the girls the menu.

Alastair: Go ahead, have a good look, then tell me what it is you want, and I’ll gladly order it. Also don’t worry, I’ll cover the bill.

Chelia: Are you sure??????!!!!!!

Alastair: Of course!!!! You girls are hungry, so you should pick what it is you want to eat, and I’ll gladly order it. I mean it would be wrong if I left you girls starving………..

Wendy: AWWWWWWWWW; Alastair you’re really kind………………

Wendy then remembers a time from when she was only 8 years old, when she and her family came to Seattle to visit from Japan, she got separated from her parents, and wound up lost. She was then scared and crying when a kind 12-year-old boy found her, and played with her while they were looking for her parents. The kind boy even treated her to ice cream, asked her what flavor ice cream it was she wanted, he then ordered it, and covered the bill.
Wendy then smiles when a few tears of joy pour down her cheeks for that kind boy from many years ago, was Alastair, and he’s still just as kind now as he was back then.

Hermit: Are you okay Wendy?

Wendy: Yeah, I’m fine. (Just remembering something wonderful. *Giggles*)

Alastair: Figured out what it is you wanted?

Chelia: Yeah!!!!! We’re ready!!!!

Hermit: Everything looks amazing here!!!!!

Wendy: It all looks so wonderful!!!!

Alastair: OH IT IS!!!!! IT’s the best Pizza in the area!!!! Authentic Wood fired Italian!!!! Their pasta dishes are REALLY GOOD too, and their meat balls; MY GOD!!!!!

Just as Alastair is about to order, there’s a VERY LOUD knock at the door.

Alastair: Who on earth would be knocking on my door this time of night.

Alastair then answers the door, and low and behold, Bruce Davis comes barging in.

Bruce: I JUST HEARD THE NEWS AND CONGRATULATION!!!!!! WHY DIDN’T YOU TELL ME SOONER??????????!!!!!!!

Alastair: About what exactly????!!!!!!

Bruce: DON’T GIVE ME THAT, YOU KNOW EXACTLY WHAT I’M TALKING ABOUT!!!!!!!!

Alastair: I do??????!!!!!!!!

Bruce: HELLO, YOU JUST INHERITED THE MOST FAMOUS HAUNTED HOUSE IN THE PACIFIC NORTH WEST AND POSSIBLY THE MOST HAUNTED HOUSE IN AMERICA KNOWN AS PHANTOM MANOR BECAUSE YOU HAPPEN TO BE IT’S ONLY SURVIVING INHERITOR!!!!!!!!!

Hermit: Alastair, what is he talking about????!!!!!

Bruce: Your friend here is the only surviving descendant of THE LEGENDARY HENRY RAVENSWOOD!!!!!! That makes him the heir to the Ravenswood fortune. AND THAT MEANS HE’S THE OWNER OF PHANTOM MANOR!!!!!!!!

Chelia, Hermit, & Wendy: WHAT???????!!!!!!!!!!

Alastair: HOW AND WHERE THE HELL DID YOU HEAR ABOUT THAT??????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bruce: Mark Lehner overheard a conversation between Big Joe and Conductor Dereck, and broke the news, and that’s when I found out. He also told us about Will's Uno game turning into an Uh-Oh, which I have no idea what he's talking about, but apparently everyone else did!!!!

Alastair: UUUUUUGGGGGHHHHHH!!!!! Mark always has to be a blabber mouth about these sort of things!!!! -_-

Bruce: I knew you had to go up to the Cathedral in Seattle given that you’re an organist there, so I waited until you came back. Now I’m here telling ya that WE NEED TO GO TO PHANTOM MANOR AND CHECK THE PLACE OUT ASAP!!!!

Alastair: WAIT, WHAT?????!!!!!!!!

Bruce: You heard me, we need to leave as soon as possible!!!!!!

Alastair: But Bruce, you can’t just come barging in here when my mom is out of town. I mean COME ON!!!! THESE GIRLS ARE STARVING AND HAVEN’T HAD ANYTHING TO EAT FOR HOURS!!!!!

Bruce: ALRIGHT, YOU HAVE A GOOD POINT!!!! BUT WE MUST PICK A DAY TO GO, AND THE SOONER WE LEAVE THE BETTER!!!!

Alastair: At least give me time to think things through here!!!!! Besides, I don’t know if I want to check out the place given the crazy Phantom along with 998 other ghosts that haunt the old Manor. We have NO IDEA WHAT we’re getting ourselves into. And with your health, it’s not such a good idea that you go!!!!

Bruce: WHAT?????????!!!!!!!!

Alastair: I’m not writing off checking out the place, but PLEASE give me at least a few days to think things through about it.

Bruce: ALRIGHT, FINE!!!! BUT PLEASE TELL ME WHEN YOU’RE READY!!!!! YOU KNOW I’VE BEEN WANTING TO CHECK OUT THAT HOUSE FOR A LONG TIME!!!!!

Alastair: I know, and I understand, but PLEASE don’t rush me!!!!! As the owner of Phantom Manor, I’ll decide whether I want to check the place out or not!!!!!

Bruce: ALRIGHT!!!!! I heard ya!!!!! Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a meeting I must go to at this French restaurant in Seattle!!!!!

And Bruce storms out of the Penthouse Suite, and down to his car for his appointment at the restaurant.

Alastair: *SIGHS* UUUUUUUGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHH!!!!!! If it's not one thing it’s another!!!!!

Wendy: Alastair, are you okay?

Alastair: Yeah, I’m alright. Bruce maybe an old friend, and I appreciate him taking care of my dad’s company until I’m of rightful age, but MY GOD; HE DRIVES ME INSANE sometimes!!!!

Wendy: I’m sorry…………….

Hermit: Anyways, mind explaining!!!!

Chelia: Why didn’t you tell us that you were the inheritor of that house????!!!!

Wendy: HERMIT, CHELIA, DON’T BE RUDE!!!!!

Alastair: I only found that out today when my family’s attorney arrived. Apparently, I’m the only surviving descendant of Henry Ravenswood because well, both of his children Alexander and Carla escaped Phantom Manor on that fateful night. Unfortunately Alexander died not long after he escaped due to a bad case of the H1N1 Flu according to documents. Alexander’s little sister Carla however lived on and I’m one of her descendants on through my Dad’s side of the family.
Because of this I’m the heir to Ravenswood Family Fortune…………………..that means I’m worth A LOT!!!!!

Chelia: WOW!!!!!!

Hermit: OH MY GOSH!!!!

Wendy: THAT’S AMAZING!!!!!

Alastair: I know, but………………………..it’s A LOT to take in, plus the arranged marriage to one of you girls, so I’ve had more than what I’ve bargained for thrown at me in one day.

Wendy: I’m sorry…………

Alastair: Don’t worry about it. Inheriting the manor, investigating the real story behind its hauntings, and finding out who this Phantom REALLY is, is my problem. It’s nothing you girls should have to deal with.
Anyways, I know you’re hungry, so I’ll order dinner.

Alastair gets on his cell phone, and orders dinner.

Alastair: Alrighty, dinner should be here within 30 minutes to an hour, so I’m gonna go get unvested and take a quick shower. You girls make yourselves at home.

Alastair then gets out a pen and paper before he writes down some information to access the wifi.

Alastair: Here’s the wifi network, here’s the password to the wifi, and he’s the T.V. remote. Also, if you’d like to turn on either the AC or Heat, right there’s the thermostat, so adjust the temperature as you’d like. And if you’d like to have the fire in the fireplace lit, just flick the switch.
For drinks we have sodas, juices, bottled water, sparkling water, A LOT of teas, coffee, and we have both an expresso and cappuccino machine.
Also if need be we have a total of 3 other bathrooms with one being in the main suite, another in the guest suite down the hall, another in the office, and the powder room in the foyer.
So, help yourselves to anything you’d like because my home is also your home.

Wendy: AWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!! Thank you so much Alastair!!!! You’re very kind!!!!

Chelia: AWWWWWWWWWWW!!!! That’s very sweet of you!!!!

Hermit: We really appreciate it!!!!

Alastair: I won’t be long.

Alastair then makes his way over to his suite, gets unvested, undressed, and takes a quick shower. In less than 10 minutes, he gets dressed, and fixes his hair.
He then makes his way over to his mother’s office and picks up the key to Phantom Manor as it REALLY lingers on his mind.

Alastair: I am curious about what really happened in that house……………………..

As Alastair holds the key, a strange energy emits from it causing Alastair to see a vision of what might await him.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALWgmarQFm4

Through the thick fog on a stormy night, through the old Ghost Town Of Thunder Mesa, up the highest hill known as Boot Hill, through the wrought iron gates, up the pathway, and through the front doors of Phantom Manor………………..creepy loud and evil organ music is heard…………all the gas lamps flicker on and off……………..the screams of trapped victims are heard………………blood is seen oozing down the walls…………………………….all the doors down the various corridors slam open and shut hard and fast…………………….the sounds of Melanie Ravenswood crying is heard…………………………….the swinging of the various chandeliers is seen……………………the walls in the art gallery stretch……………………….as the walls stretch, the 4 possible demises of Melanie are shown on the oil paintings………………the old grandfather clock chimes the 13th hour………………………………..then………………an angry bear swipes using his sharp claws, a saw blade comes flying over ready to slice in half, a barrel full of dynamite ready to be to explode is thrown, a giant roaring waterfall, and last but not least a noose hanging from the rafters of the manor’s attic is seen. All before the Phantom’s EVIL laugh is heard!!!!!!

Phantom: HURRY!!!!!! WE ARE ALL DYING TO MEET YOU!!!!!! AH-HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!

Alastair then trembles violently before he collapses and hits the floor REALLY HARD with a VERY LOUD……………………….

BANG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Phantom: AH-HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!

When he opens his eyes, he finds himself lying on Wendy’s lap.

Wendy: Alastair?????!!!!!! Are you okay?????!!!!!!!

Alastair: I………………………I honestly don’t know………………what happened!!!!!

Hermit: You collapsed on the floor and hit your head really hard.

Chelia: Wendy hurried to your side the moment we heard you hit the floor. You REALLY had us worried!!!!

Alastair: How long was I out for?

Wendy: Not for long, but you really had me worried!!!!

Wendy then notices the key clutched tightly in Alastair’s hand.

Wendy: What is that you have in your hand Alastair?

Hermit: I’ve never seen a key look like that before!!!!

Chelia: It looks VERY OLD!!!!!

Alastair: It’s the key to the Phantom Manor……………………

The more Alastair looks down at the key the more Alastair can hear the Phantom’s evil causing his heart to race, and even run short of breath causing Wendy to worry.

Phantom: AH-HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!

Wendy: ALASTAIR!!!!!!!!!

Outside it begins to rain and when it rains it pours. And when it pours, it pours in buckets. You know what that means, thunder and lightening then follow.

Alastair: The more I hold this key the more I can hear the Phantom and his evil laugh………….

Wendy: Alastair, you’re really scaring me!!!!

Alastair: There’s something weird about that house!!!!! I don’t know what it is, but there is MOST DEFINITELY something weird about that house…………………And I gotta find out what it is!!!!!!



To Be continued………………………..

Chapter 8

The next morning, Alastair calls up an old friend, Charlie Alexander Blackmore in California. A world renowned paranormal investigator and demonologist, pupil of the Legendary Clairvoyant Lorraine Warren, and also a Clairvoyant able to hear the voices of the dead as well as move objects via the ability psychokinesis. He’s also a mentor to Alastair, and much like him, Charlie is also an inheritor of a notoriously haunted house, the Legendary Blackmoore Manor in Pennsylvania.

Alastair: Hello…………..

Charlie: I knew I’d hear from you after you found out of the startling news.

Alastair: How did you know that I inherited Phantom Manor?

Charlie: LOL!!! Have you forgotten, I’m a clairvoyant? LOL!!!! Therefor, I knew you’d be calling me for advice first thing after you were given the news of being the inheritor of the most haunted house in the Pacific Northwest, Phantom Manor.
But don’t feel too bad…………..I felt the same way when I discovered that I was the inheritor of Blackmoore Manor after both of my parents were killed there…………….

Alastair: Again, I’m so sorry that happened!!!!

Charlie: Hey, it happened VERY long ago. I’m also so sorry to hear about the passing of your father David. He was a very good man, and I understand how much it hurts to lose a parent. But don’t worry. I know he’s in a MUCH better place.

Alastair: Of course you’d know that too!!! LOL!!!

Charlie: However, I can’t help but be worried about you…………..

Alastair: That’s what I want to ask……………….twice I have fallen unconscious at just the thought of Phantom Manor while holding its key…………….twice, I have been inside that house without actually physically BEING THERE!!!!! Twice I’ve woken up with a racing heart and had a shortness of breath because of it.

Charlie: What have you seen?

Alastair: First time was sort of a……………..a………….glimpse of Phantom Manor and what had happened. The second time though, I was traveling through the thick fog of a stormy night. Through the Ghost Town of Thunder Mesa, up Boot Hill to the highest point, through the wrought iron gates, up the long and winding pathway, and through the LARGE front door. Once inside the foyer I saw the gas lamps flickering on and off hard and fast, I saw the chandeliers swing violently on the ceiling, I saw the old Grandfather clock chiming the 13th hour, I heard loud and terrifying pipe organ music, I saw the walls stretch in the art gallery, and I saw the pictures of Melanie meeting her possible demise on the oil paintings in the art gallery as it stretched.

Charlie: WOOOOOAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!!

Alastair: It gets worse!!!!! I saw blood oozing down and out of the walls. I also heard the screams of all the victims trapped in the manor. I heard the crying of Melanie as she was still wandering the hallways looking for her long lost lover. I then saw an angry bear about to swipe me with his claws, a giant saw blade about to saw me in half, a barrel full of dynamite being thrown at me, a giant waterfall, and last but not least an empty noose hanging from the rafters of the attic followed by the terrifying evil laugh of the Phantom who haunts the manor.
Then next thing I know I wake up in Wendy’s arms…………….

Charlie: This same thing happened to you when we last investigated the Fairmont Banff Springs a couple years ago. You suffered a Clairvoyant panic attack in the hallway of the 8th floor, and we were NO WHERE NEAR the boarded up haunted room 873, yet………………..

Alastair: I saw the murder of the family in that room……………I saw the blood splattered ALL OVER the bathroom mirror……………….I saw the lights flickering on and off hard and fast, and I heard the screams coming from that room, and it was so bad that I collapsed.

Charlie: Since then you haven’t done any major paranormal investigating.

Alastair: I didn’t want to believe it, but those visions of Phantom Manor brought back memories of what I saw at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel in Alberta.

Charlie: It’s what happens when you’re a clairvoyant when your gift firsts unleashes. You deny it and try to convince yourself you’re normal. But when it happens again, then the harder it is to fight it, and you can no longer deny the gift of clairvoyance.
The same thing happened to me when I first heard the screams coming from all the voices of the dead in Blackmoore Manor followed by all the pots and vases being thrown on their own accord, which was actually caused by me without even realizing it.

Alastair: Are you say that I’m Clairvoyant just like you?

Charlie: Yes. You have a gift. Although your gift of Clairvoyance is different from mine, you’re a Clairvoyant just like me. However, only you can decide on what to do with it. You can continue to lock it away and deny it. Or you can use it to your advantage and allow it to guide you.
A gift such as what you and I were blessed with is nothing to be ashamed or afraid of. It’s something you must embrace and understand that you were given that gift for a good reason.
Mine ended up helping me bring an end to the haunting of Blackmoore Manor, as well as saving the life of my beloved.
Maybe yours will do the same for you.

Alastair: I don’t know………………..

Charlie: I understand how you feel, I’ve been where you are, but your gift is a gift. Now it’s up to you to use it.
I also know there’s someone VERY special to you, but you just don’t realize who that is.

Alastair: Charlie, who are you talking about?

Charlie: You’ll find out sooner than ya think. In fact you and I both met her many years ago, and now she's closer than you'd really suspect.

Alastair: Again, who the heck are you talking about?

Charlie: You'll unfortunately have to find that out on your own. Heck, I was practically the same way when it came to Chrissy. I was oblivious and didn’t know she was my beloved until it was almost too late.

Alastair: I still don’t know who you are talking about!!!!

Charlie: Again, you’ll find out soon enough. Listen, since being a Clairvoyant is new to you, I’m actually sending you a friend of mine from New Orleans. Her name is Harriet, she was a close friend of both Edward and Lorraine Warren, and she’s supposed to be traveling with John Zaffis. Their plane should be landing close to noon, and they’ll be staying at the Grand Hyatt in Downtown Seattle.

Alastair: How did you know I’d be…………………

Charlie: LOL!!!! I just knew!!!! You inherit a notoriously haunted house that has legends of all sorts built around it, and as the owner, you’re bound to want to investigate it. You’re bound to want to find out what lies within the walls of the haunted mansion and find out about the true story that lies behind the mystery of the hauntings.

Alastair: Friday the 31st is when I’ll go……………….

Charlie: That’s the end of this next upcoming week, so you don’t have much time to prepare.

Alastair: I gotta find out what’s going on. I need to find out who this phantom is, and what it is he wants.

Charlie: Only you can solve that one. I can’t have any involvement in this because this is not my ordeal or any of my business. It is yours. All I can do is give you advice and support.

Alastair: Fair enough.

Charlie: Try to find out as much information as you can before going in because the more you know, the better off you are.

Alastair: Alright.

Charlie: You should also get in touch with your Catholic Diocese and talk with a Bishop!!!! Because only the Catholic Church can help keep you safe if an exorcism is necessary.

Alastair: I was about to head up to Seattle to talk to Professor Bruce Davis. He’s the Local historian and knows almost everything there is to know about Phantom Manor. And since he’s a professor at the university, the university is not too far away from the Cathedral Basilica.

Charlie: They’re also close to the Grand Hyatt where both Harriet and John Zaffis are staying at. You can meet up with them and go over the purposed investigation you’re planning.

Alastair: Alright…………..looks like I have my work cut out for me.

Charlie: Best you get a move on now so you can cover as much as possible. You can only be prepared so much in such little time.

Alastair: Understood.

Charlie: You got this Alastair. Just believe in yourself!!!!!

Alastair: Thank you!!!!

Charlie: Call me if you need anything.

Alastair: Will do!!!!

Charlie: And Alastair, be VERY CAREFUL!!!!

To Be Continued……………………..

Chapter 9

After getting off the phone with his old friend Charlie Alexander Blackmoore, Alastair leaves his condo, and heads is way to the elevator when Wendy pops out of her suite.

Wendy: Good morning Alastair!

Alastair: Good morning Wendy.

Wendy: Are you okay?  We’ve been very worried about you since after what happened last night.

Alastair: Yeah, I’m fine.  Thanks for asking.  Say, where are Hermit and Chelia?  Aren’t they staying with you?

Wendy: They are, but they’re at cheerleading for a game today.  I don’t have cheerleading until Friday and Saturday, so it’s just me and my butler for now.

Alastair: That makes sense since both the high school and middle school cheer squads have different schedules, and due to inclement weather causing a dominos effect of having Friday’s game moved to yesterday, and yesterday’s game moved to today.  Where as your squad cheers for the basketball team, which is in doors, so the schedule wasn't really affected.

Wendy: EXACTLY!!!!  Anyways, where are you off to?

Alastair: Heading off to Seattle to visit Bruce.  Even though it’s a Sunday, he normally takes advantage of class being out to do some work at the university to prepare for his next set of classes tomorrow.  I need to ask him some very important questions.  Then I must head to the Cathedral Basilica to talk to a Bishop on a few things, and then I have to meet up with 2 people who are friends of an old friend of mine at the Grand Hyatt to discuss more important things.

Wendy: Mind if I come?  I think that our parents would prefer it if I was with you.

Alastair: Sure, no problem, I could use the company.

Wendy: Thank you!!!!  Just let me inform the butler.

Wendy then heads back into her suite to tell her family’s butler that she’s leaving.  She then grabs her cell phone and meets up with Alastair back in the hallway.

Wendy: Alright, let’s go.

Alastair and Wendy then make their way over to the elevator, back down through the beautiful lobby of the complex, and out to valet parking at the entrance.

Wendy: So about what happened last night…………..the girls and I couldn’t sleep because we were all very worried about you……………..I was especially…………………

Alastair: There’s a very long and complicated story to that.

Wendy: Would you mind telling me, if you’re comfortable that is……………..it’s okay if you don’t want to……………..

Alastair: Well, you do have a right to know on why I blacked out last night……………………..

Wendy: Okay…………………….

Just then valet parking brings up Alastair’s beautiful Fusion Red 2020 Volvo V60 Cross Country Sports Wagon.

Valet Parking Attendant: Here’s your car Mr. Smith.

Alastair: Thank you.

Wendy: WOW!!!!  Really nice car Alastair!!!!!

Alastair: Thanks!!!!  It's a hand me down from my Mom.  She bought the car in August of 2019, thinking it would be perfect for her.  But unfortunately she found it too small for her needs, so she gave it to me after I got my license this passed May, and got herself the much larger Volvo XC90 SUV.

Wendy: That's awesome!!!!  You're so lucky!!!!

Alastair: It's been a great car so far.  The only thing to fail was an air conditioning hose, but God willing I don't have an accident anytime soon. LOL!!!

Alastair and Wendy then get in the car before the drive off and head enroute to Seattle.  While in the car, Alastair tells Wendy EVERYTHING!!!!!  Practically the same things he told Charlie over the phone.

Wendy: OH MY GOSH!!!!  That really explains a lot.

Alastair: Well, a couple years back I was into the paranormal and visited multiple haunted sites.  My old friend Charlie is a pupil of the late demonologist named Loraine Warren who was also Clairvoyant.  Everything Charlie Blackmoore knows, he got from the help of Edward and Lorraine Warren.  And what knowledge I have I got from him.

Wendy: WOW!!!!  That’s amazing!!!!

Alastair: Last night wasn’t the first time I had a Clairvoyant panic attack.  I had one earlier yesterday morning when my attorney told me of the big news, but it didn’t start there either.

Wendy: When did it start?

Alastair: 2 years ago in June of 2021……………………..My mom and I went to Alberta Canada to meet up with family members on her side, and we stayed at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, which is apparently the most haunted hotel in all of Canada.  Little did I know that my friend Charlie Alexander Blackmoore was gonna be there with his wife Chrissy and their second newborn daughter.

Wendy: AWWWWWWWWWW!!!!

Alastair: Right after I get off the shuttle, I experience paranormal activity when I’m greeted by a Scottish bellman who helps us with our bags.  However, once we got to our room a different bellman delivered our bags.  I then asked him about what happened to the other bellman, and he laughed stating that we were helped by the ghost Bellman from the 1970s.  
My friend Charlie then tells me the same thing happened to him and his family.

Wendy: OH MY GOSH!!!!  That is kinda scary!!!!!

Alastair: Later on while my mom and I are on our way to meet up with our family in the hotel’s high end restaurant, we make our way down a grand staircase leading to the ballroom, and on our way down we see a beautiful bride who vanishes once she comes near us.

Wendy: OH WOW!!!!!

Alastair: But that couldn't prepare me for the story I’m about to tell you……………………many decades ago, there was a VERY gruesome murder that took place in that hotel.  It happened in one of the rooms on the 8th floor.
The hotel staff deny the story because they’re told not to speak a word of the gruesome murder, when EVERYONE involved in the paranormal knows the truth all too well.

Wendy: What happened?

Alastair: Back in the late 80s to early 90s a man brutally murdered his wife and daughter in the bathtub of room 873.  After the murder took place the room was renovated and redecorated so guests could stay in there once again.  But once guest started staying in there again, that’s when the legends of the hauntings started to happen.
Guests would wake up in the middle of the night with their lights flickering on and off, they would hear the screams of the murdered victims, and they’d see the blood splattered ALL OVER the bathroom mirror.
And EVERY TIME front desk was informed, they’d send someone to investigate it, and when the member of the hotel staff arrived at the room, EVERYTHING was normal.  There were no screams of the wife and daughter, no lights flickering on and off, and no blood splattered all over the bathroom mirror.  It looked just like all the other rooms.
But the same stories kept happening and happening over and over again.
To solve this problem, the hotel decided to board up the room and hide it within the walls.  They then expanded room 875 into some of the space of the haunted room 873, but only into the foyer section.  The bedroom and bathroom of room 873 still remain and are hidden in the walls.
Guests staying in room 875 do experience things, but nowhere NEAR as severe as they did while staying in room 873.  And all the floors have a room number with a 73.  There’s a 273, 373, 473, 573, 673, 773, and 973.  BUT NO 873.  The 8th floor is the only floor missing a room with a 73.  And those who go investigate that floor find a light above every door like they would for all the other hotel rooms, but when they get between rooms 871 and 875 they’d see a light shining on a blank wall.  They’d then knock on the walls, and most of the wall is thick stone, but once they reached the door outline, they’d hear the wall as COMPLETELY hollow, all but confirming that room 873 still exists, but closed off to guests.

Wendy: OH MY GOSH!!!!

Wendy then grabs Alastair’s hand and doesn’t let go…………….

Alastair: What happened to me is something I’ll never forget.
One night Charlie and I decided to venture up to the 8th  floor to check to see if the stories were true.  However, once we arrived on the 8th floor, just moments after I step out of the elevator, I black out…………………………I see silhouettes of the shadows of the murder that took place, and I practically witness it happening in front of me.  I then hear the screams VERY clearly, I see the blood splattering ALL OVER the bathroom mirror, and I see the lights flickering on and off hard and fast.
When I wake up, I then tell Charlie what had happened.  Charlie then suspected that I was clairvoyant just like him, but I was too freaked out to accept it.  I never went back up to the 8th floor again, and I stopped researching the paranormal all together.  Over the past 2 years I’ve tried avoiding ANYTHING to do with Phantom Manor because I was just too freaked out about what had happened to me in the Fairmont Banff Springs in Alberta Canada.  I didn’t even have the courage to tell my mom about it because I didn’t think she’d believe me.  And of course I couldn’t tell anyone in school about it since I’d been bullied all my life for being too outside the box.  And I DIDN’T DARE tell anyone in the Catholic Church because I didn’t want to have some crazy exorcism performed on me.  I just kept my mouth shut about it, and stopped having any interest in the paranormal hoping that it would all be a distant memory.  But next thing I know, one of the trains breaks down at Phantom Manor look out, and my engine ends up having to rescue it.  Seeing that Manor with all the lights on, the smoke coming out of the chimneys, and hearing the Phantom’s evil laugh had reopened a door that I’ve tried to keep shut for the past 2 years.  Then Bruce had to tell EVERYBODY who came to the family dinner on Friday the story of Phantom Manor, and yesterday morning I find out that I’m its inheritor.  And then I suffer 2 clairvoyant panic attacks literally almost back to back on the same day.

Wendy: OH MY GOSH, ALASTAIR I’M SO SORRY!!!!!

Alastair: It’s not your fault, I honestly didn’t know that I had the ability to see visions of events that happened and/or what possible could happen in some of these haunted places, and if I can be honest, it’s freaking me out.  

Wendy: If there’s anything I can do, please let me know, okay?
Please know that I’m always here for you no matter what!!!

Alastair: Thanks.  In all honesty I really need to figure out why these clairvoyant panic attacks are only intensifying every time I hold the key to the front door of Phantom Manor.  
Anyways, we’re only 5 minutes from the university.  I’ll text Bruce that we’ll see him shortly.

In no time Alastair parks the car just outside the entrance to the university before he and Wendy make their way in through the door, and down a corridor.

Wendy: Where is he?

Alastair: His classroom is on the second floor.  Hardly anyone’s here on a Sunday, but a few professors like to get things ready for class the next day……..

Alastair and Wendy then make their way up a staircase, down another corridor, and in no time arrive in Bruce Davis’s classroom.

Alastair: Professor……………..

Bruce: LOOK; IF YOU’RE COMING DOWN HERE TO TALK ABOUT YOUR GRADES????!!!!!  TURN RIGHT AROUND AND WALK ON OUT BECAUSE I’M GONNA DOCK YA!!!!!

Alastair: Professor, it’s only me!!!!  Didn’t you get my text?

Bruce: ALASTAIR AND THE LITTLE SHRIMP!!!!!  WHAT ARE YOU GUYS DOING HERE, AND WHY ARE YOU BABYSITTING?????!!!!!

Alastair: BRUCE?????!!!!!!  DON’T BE RUDE!!!!

Wendy: ALASTAIR, IT’S OKAY!!!!  REALLY!!!!!  I’m sure he didn’t mean it like that!!!!!

Alastair: Professor, I came down here because I need your help!!!!
You know Phantom Manor more than anyone else I know, having written books on it and selling over 9 copies.  
I’ve been having Clairvoyant Panic attacks every time I hold the key to Phantom Manor’s front door, and I need to get to the bottom of it.  I need to know the history of it, and the family who lived in that house.  I mean, you told us a story after dinner, but that was barely scratching the surface.  I REALLY need to know what happened in the Ravenswood family bloodline.  

Bruce: About time!!!

Alastair: There’s a question that boggles my mind.  What happened to Henry’s brother Mark Turner?  And who is this Phantom that appeared out of nowhere?

Bruce: It’s like I told you.  That house was full of strange and traumatic events.  The walls stretch, quick sand appeared, blood oozed out the walls, strange pipe organ music plays, the screams of all the victims trapped, the crying of Melanie searching for her lost groom, and we can’t leave out the Phantom’s evil laugh………………which is why I want to check the place out as soon as I can……………

Alastair: You say that Mark Turner was a magician right?

Bruce: Yes he was.  He traveled around the world putting on his magic acts.  He even tried answer questions about the future.  And he made good money off of it to, but nowhere NEAR that of his brother Henry.

Alastair: What about their little sister Melissa?  Why wasn’t she jealous of her 2 older brothers Mark and Henry.

Bruce: That’s because back then she really couldn’t be, and she preferred to bud out of the quarrels going on with Mark and Henry.  I mean those 2 would argue for hours and HOURS!!!!!  Every single day, Mark Turner and Henry would fight and argue.
It was after a heated argument where Mark Turner lost it, and punched Henry right in the face, knocking him unconscious before he walked out of the house, and marched his way into the mines.  It was then when Mark Turner Ravenswood gave the miners the order to dig deeper into the mine which awakened the angry spirit of the Thunder Bird.

Alastair: Which resulted in his untimely death right?

Bruce: EXACTLY!!!!!  And then the VERY NEXT DAY out of nowhere the mysterious Phantom Appears!!!!!!
ISN’T THIS GREAT???!!!!!  I’VE BEEN WANTING TO VISIT THIS PLACE FOR OVER 60 YEARS!!!!!!!!

Alastair: I wonder………..hmmmmmmmmmm……………

Wendy: What is it?

Alastair: We don’t know what became of Mark Turner Ravenswood after he died from the mine's collapse, and we have ABSOLUTELY NO IDEA on who this mysterious Phantom really is………………..and do we know why all of Melanie’s suitor’s met an untimely death?

Bruce: Because he was obsessed with his daughter!!!!

Alastair: And, why was this phantom after Henry and Alice Ravenswood’s children, Alexander and Carla?

Bruce: Because they were heirs to the Ravenswood fortune, but with Alexander dead just after 2 years having caught the Swine Flu, Carla was the only surviving heir.  And that title has been passed down which means……………….

Alastair: As the next heir to inherit the fortune…………….

Wendy: And given the rate of inflation, the value of the fortune has skyrocketed right?

Alastair: Which means…………………..the Phantom’s after me given that I am the only surviving heir of the Ravenswood family, and that I am a descendant of his younger brother Henry…………………….OH SHIT!!!!!!!!!!!

Wendy: OH MY GOSH!!!!!

Alastair: I am putting the pieces together, and if things are piecing out the way I think they are, then that means that investigating Phantom Manor is almost a death sentence………………….

Wendy: ALASTAIR; DON’T SAY THAT!!!!!!!!!

Bruce: WE MUST INVESTIGATE THAT PLACE AS SOON AS WE CAN!!!!!

Alastair: But we’ll need all the help we can get.  That Phantom won’t hesitate to make me the last one to make the ghost count an even 1000 the moment we are to march through the Manor’s front door.

Wendy: NOW YOU ARE SCARING ME!!!!!!

Alastair: I have a theory that Mark Turner Ravenswood and this Phantom could be one in the same, and if that’s the case then that would make sense………………as to why I am having these Clairvoyant Panic attacks whenever I hold the key to the Manor’s front door.  They are a sign of what is to come if I step foot in Phantom Manor………………………looks like I’ll need a Bishop from the Catholic Church for this…………………

Bruce: THAT MEANS WE GOTTA SEE THIS ASAP!!!!  DID I MENTION THAT I’M HAVING HEART SURGERY NEXT WEEK???!!!!

Alastair & Wendy: WHAT?????!!!!!!!!!!!!  YOU DIDN’T TELL US ABOUT THAT!!!!!!!

Alastair: YOU COMPLETELY FORGOT TO MENTION THAT!!!!!

Wendy: THAT PUTS YOU IN DANGER TOO!!!!!

Alastair: That puts you out of the question.  You cannot come on the investigation.

Bruce: NO, I NEED TO COME!!!!  I REALLY NEED TO COME!!!!!
I’VE BEEN WANTING TO GO TO PHANTOM MANOR FOR OVER 60 YEARS!!!!!  YOU KNOW THAT I KNOW THE DIRECTIONS, AND THAT I HAVE A CAR!!!!  I CAN FOLLOW YA!!!!!!!

Alastair & Wendy: OUT OF THE QUESTION!!!!!!!

Bruce: WELL, I GUESS YOU WON’T BE NEEDING THE 10TH COPY OF THE BOOK I WROTE!!!!!!

Alastair: I guess not………………

Bruce: GOOD!!!!

Unbeknownst to Bruce, Wendy sneaks behind him and grabs the book before he can even respond, and hides it in some place he can’t see.

Wendy: (MORE DOCUMENTS ON PHANTOM MANOR!!!!! WILL DEFINITELY GRAB THESE!!!! He wouldn't dare even try to look in where I've put them!!! *Giggles*)

And while she's at it she grabs other documents on Phantom Manor, and hides them in another place Bruce can't see.

Alastair: I’m sorry, but if you weren’t having heart surgery next week, then it would be a different story……………I promise to take pictures and videos………………

Alastair and Wendy then leave the classroom and head back out into the corridor.

Alastair: Well that was a waste of time…………….I ended up possibly figuring out who the Phantom was when he’s supposedly the expert.

Wendy: Not really!!!! *Giggles*

Wendy then removes Bruce’s 10th copy of the book on Phantom Manor out of the side of her light blue panties from under her black frilled mini skirt and shows it to Alastair.

Alastair: WOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!!!!!  YOU SNUCK OUT THE 10TH COPY OF PHANTOM MANOR WITHOUT HAVING BRUCE NOTICE YOU TOOK IT?  AND YOU HID IT UNDER YOUR CHEERLEADER LIKE MINI SKIRT?

Wendy: Yeah, I Hid it in the side of my underwear, so he wouldn’t see or even know where or dare to look. *Giggles* I knew wearing a tiny mini skirt would come in handy.  But don’t worry, I kept it in the side of my panties by the hips. The book is clean, I promise………so *BLUSHES BRIGHT PINK*……………..please don’t tell anyone I told you on where I hid the book how we snuck it out!!!!! It would be so embarrassing!!!!!!

Alastair: WENDY, YOU’RE A GENIUS!!!!!!!  NOW I’M REALLY GLAD YOU TAGGED ALONG!!!!  IF I TRIED TO GRAB THE BOOK OUT IN THE OPEN, HE WOULD HAVE CAUGHT ME RED HANDED RIGHT THEN AND THERE!!!!

Wendy: HEY, I’M MORE THAN HAPPY TO HELP!!!!

Alastair: This book may hold all the information we need to know.  And not just on the manor, but the whole family.

Wendy: I know it’s wrong to steal, but it would be worse if he came on this investigation in his condition.

Alastair: You got that right, now………………..WHAT???????!!!!!! HOLY SHIT; NO WAY!!!!!!!!!!

Wendy: What is it Alastair?

Alastair: IN THIS BOOK IS A MAP OF THE MANOR’S FLOOR PLAN!!!!!!!!!  I DON’T HAVE THAT IN THE WILL, SO THIS IS GREAT!!!!!!!

Wendy: THAT’S SO AWESOME!!!!!!

Alastair: MOST DEFINITELY A GOOD THING YOU TAGGED ALONG!!!!!! I'D BE SCREWED WITHOUT YOU!!!!!

Wendy: *Giggles* LOL!!!

Wendy then gives Alastair a gentle kiss on the cheek, but this causes him to blush.

Alastair: *BLUSHES DARK RED* WAHHHTTT!!!!  I wasn’t expecting that!!!!

Wendy: *BLUSHES BRIGHT PINK* SORRY!!!  I Should have asked, I was just caught up in the moment!!!!

Alastair: No problem, I know you meant well. LOL!!!

Wendy: Anyways, I’m always happy to help!!!!
OH, before I forget…………………..

Wendy then unbuttons her red pinstriped jacket and removes a bunch of documents on Phantom Manor that of which she had also snuck out.

Wendy: I also got these………………….

Alastair: Wendy, you’re awesome!!!!!

Wendy: *BLUSHING BRIGHT PINK & GIGGLES* Not really!!!!  But when I saw stuff that was labeled Phantom Manor, I knew I had to grab em.   Although I feel bad for stealing, I would feel worse if something bad happened to him………..

Alastair: Especially given that he goes in for heart surgery next week……………

Wendy: Yeah…………….

Alastair: It’s not like we won’t give em back to him because we will.

Wendy: Good point!!!!  

Alastair: Well, now we’ve got the book and documents with the information that we need on Phantom Manor, we now need to talk to a Bishop at the Cathedral, which is thankfully less than 10 minutes away.

Alastair and Wendy hop right back into Alastair’s car and take off for the Cathedral not too far away.  It’s not long until they find a parking spot just down the block.

Alastair: Alrighty!!!  Finding a decent spot near by is a nightmare, so given that we’re less than a block away is pretty darn good.

Wendy: That's great!!!!

Alastair: It’s hard to miss it given its large dome in the center.

Wendy: It looks so beautiful from the outside, so I imagine that it’s even more beautiful inside. (It's been so long since I've been here I've literally forgotten!)

Alastair: That it is!!!!!  

Alastair and Wendy then make their way down the block, up the staircase, and through the MASSIVE doors of the beautiful Cathedral Basilica.  Wendy is completely blown away by the Cathedral Basilica’s Grandeur.

Wendy: OH WOW!!!!  

Alastair: I KNOW!!!!  Every time I walk in here, I’m always taken it back.

Wendy: I can see why!!!!  IT’S SO BEAUTIFUL!!!!

Alastair: That it is!!!!  It’s a VERY LOVING and welcoming community that offers services in multiple different languages including Spanish, Vietnamese, Japanese, and of course English.  And it honors other cultures.  During their annual multi-lingual Thanksgiving Mass service that it’s in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, and Japanese, they also honor the Chinese and Samoan Cultures, which is REALLY AMAZING!!!!

Wendy: I can only imagine.

Alastair: And of course, I can’t leave out our 2 beautiful pipe organs!!!!  The LARGE Hutchings-Votey Gallery Organ in the West Gallery located at the rear, and the BEAUTIFUL Millennium Casavant/Rosales Organ in Asps above the East Chancel located in the front.  Together the 2 organs combined have a total number of over 5,000 pipes, all playable by the master 4 manual or keyboard console just behind the altar.  And it’s the Millennium Rosales Organ that has the BEAUTIFUL Trumpette En-Chamade Section of Trumpet Pipes that will wake up EVERYONE in the building. LOL!!

Wendy: That’s awesome!!!!

Alastair: My dream is to someday have my wedding here, since it’s where I was baptized, had my first communion, and was confirmed.  Unfortunately, many arranged marriages are not done in a Catholic Church, given that it’s mostly the bride’s side of the family that chooses how the wedding is done………………..

Wendy: I can understand, but it’s okay.  I wouldn’t mind being married here.  I’m open to it, and I’m sure my parents would be to since it’s really important to you………….

Alastair: We shouldn’t get ahead of ourselves, but I appreciate you taking my feelings into serious consideration.  It really means a lot.

Wendy: Of course. I mean, if I am the one you choose, you being happy would be very important to me, so if you want a wedding here, then that's what I'd want too. I'm sure Chelia and Hermit would feel the same if you decided on either one of them instead. (But I honestly hope you don't choose them because I REALLY like you Alastair...............A LOT!)

Alastair: Anyways, the Arch Bishop should be nearby.  He's normally ALWAYS somewhere in the main Cathedral building.

Just then the Cathedral Organists Daniel arrives.

Alastair: Hey Daniel.

Daniel: Alastair, it’s good to see you!!!!  What brings you here????!!!!  And who is this cutie you brought with you???!!!!

Wendy: Hello, my name’s Wendy Marvell, and I’m Alastair’s close friend as well as his nextdoor neighbor. *Giggles*

Daniel: Alastair, she wouldn't happen to be one of the girls your mom talked about for the……………

Alastair: Yes she is actually.......……….

Wendy: *BLUSHES BRIGHT PINK*  WAIT; Alastair, you told him?????!!!!!!

Alastair: *BLUSHES DARK RED* Sorry, I was having a rough day and needed to vent given that my mom dropped the bomb shell on me!!!!

Wendy: *BLUSHING BRIGHT PINK* STILL YOU DIDN’T HAVE TO TELL HIM ABOUT THE ARRANGED MARRIAGE OUR PARENTS PURPOSED FOR US!!!!!!!!

Alastair: *BLUSHING DARK RED* WHAT WAS I SUPPOSED TO TELL HIM BESIDES EVERYTHING ON PHANTOM MANOR????!!!!!  Most people in America aren’t put in arranged marriages anymore!!!!! At least not since the mid 1800s, which was mostly during the Civil War!!!!

Daniel: *BURSTS OUT LAUGHING* You 2 are already arguing like a couple, it’s adorable!!!!

Alastair & Wendy: *BLUSHING* IT’S NOTHING LIKE THAT!!!!!

Daniel: Are you sure about that????!!!!!!

Alastair & Wendy: *BLUSHING* FOR NOW!!!!!

Alastair: I’m sorry for telling him about the arranged marriage set up between either you, Hermit, or Chelia, but I was not expecting that kind of news, and I was both angry and well at a loss for sanity given that my mom agreed me into something as big as marriage without my consent.  I didn’t mean to embarrass you, but I didn’t think you’d tag along.  However, it does mean a lot that you’re taking my feelings into consideration, and I am grateful for your help.  

Wendy: Well to be fair, I did ask to tag along, so I can’t be too mad at you.  And although arranged marriages are still not that uncommon thing in Japan, and a girl is more than willing to do what they can to please their families, I also understand that here in America it’s very different.  So I guess I can understand why you told him since you needed a friend.

Alastair: Again I’m sorry Wendy, I told him without considering your feelings.

Wendy: Don’t worry about it.  I am embarrassed that you told him, but I do understand that marriage is different here, and I asked to tag along.  It’s just that I’m really shy when it comes to a subject like relationships and marriage.  

Alastair: If it makes you feel any better, I am too, and I’m embarrassed about the fact that my mom thinks I need to be spending more time with those closer to my own age and not the old timers here or no the train. It also doesn't help that I'm on the Spectrum, and rather introverted.  No offense Daniel, and I’m not calling you old or anything since you’re in your late 20s………….

Daniel: None taken.  And your mom does have a point. You've been through a lot, and she only wants what's best for you..................

Alastair: Anyways, Daniel here is the Cathedral organist, and my instructor.

Wendy: That does explain why told him everything.

Alastair: Yeah, I should have told you that he's my instructor in the first place.

Wendy: Na-ah; It’s okay!!!!

Wendy then gives Alastair a gentle kiss on the cheek.

Alastair: WAHHT!!!! *BLUSHES DARK RED* Anyways, we’re here to see Archbishop Paul Eitenne, or Auxilary Bishop Robert Rodriguez.  You wouldn't happen to know if they’re nearby would you?

Daniel: I unfortunately do not, but they’re normally near by.

Father Kent: Unfortunately they’re not here!!!

Alastair: What????!!!!!

Father Kent: Both Archbishop Paul and Bishop Robert took off for the Vatican last night.

Alastair: Just my luck!!!!!

Father Kent: Why would you need Archbishop Paul or Bishop Robert anyways, maybe I can help.

Alastair: Well, I just inherited Phantom Manor………….it’s A LONG story………….

Father Kent: WAIT ARE YOU SERIOUS!!!!!

Alastair: Yes!!!!  And I need to investigate what I’ve inherited, which means it could be dangerous.  I will need the help of a Catholic Bishop approved by the Vatican to do an exorcism if worst case comes to worst.

Father Kent: Hey, I may not be a Bishop, but I’ve seen exorcisms performed, and am more than willing to help you out.

Alastair: Oh boy………..it unfortunately required a bishop to exorcise the Haunted Funeral Home in Southington Connecticut that plagued the Snedeker Family………………..

Father Kent: You know Bishop Robert McKenna was actually from an independent denomination and NOT part of the Orthodox Roman Catholic Church……………

Alastair: You do make a good point, and my old friend Charlie Alexander Blackmoore did successfully Exorcise Mr. Kranium out of Blackmoore Manor, but nearly died when the mansion’s outdated wrought iron boiler blew up…………..however he was a member of the Third Order as well as the Roman Catholic Church………..

Father Kent: Exactly!!!!  So if you need help from the Catholic Church, I can gladly give it to ya!!!!  Just let me know when it is, and I’ll be there.

Alastair: Alright…………it’ll be on Friday, the 31st………..at 6:00 p.m.

Father Kent: I’ll be there!!!!

Alastair: You have the prayer books, bibles, holy water, psalms, rosaries, crucifixes, incense, and thermals at your disposal.

Father Kent: Yeah man, I’ve got all of that!!!!

Alastair: Good because we’ll need em!!!!

Father Kent: No problem!!!!  I’ll let the Rector, Father Michael know at once.

Alastair: Wonderful!!!!!

Daniel: Before you and your friend head out on your way, would you mind playing Father Kent something on the organ?

Father Kent: Yeah, Daniel brags about how good you are!!!

Wendy: I’d love to hear you too, if that’s okay??!!!

Alastair: Sure, here's a French piece I've been working on.  I still have a ways to go, but it’s REALLY displays our beautiful Trumpette En-Chamades from Casavant Freres.

Alastair then pulls out the stops for the Trumpette En-Chamades, and Reeds before coupling them to the manuals controlling the Choir, Great, Swell, and Antiphonal divisions.  He then begins hammering down on Manual controlling the Antiphonal Division (Keyboards at the VERY Top) to give a small fanfare introduction, but he REALLY pulls out all the stops as he plays the Rondeau by Jean Josef Mouret.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_WHyeBtNAtA

Music comes blasting out of the Trumpette En-Chamades from Casavant VERY loudly as Alastair really opens up the windchest via expression pedals.
However music begins pouring out of the Hutchings Organ in the West Gallery as Alastair moves his hands to the manuals (Keyboards) Controlling both the Choir (Keyboard at the VERY Bottom), Great (Keyboard second from the Bottom), and Swell (Keyboard second from the Top) Divisions REALLY filling up the Cathedral.
But as he wraps up the piece, he places his right hand back on the manual (Keyboard) controlling the Antiphonal Division (Keyboard at the VERY TOP), and left hand on the manual controlling the Great Division really making the 2 Grand Organs sing.

Alastair: I know, still sounds raspy, but I’m almost there.

Father Kent: ARE YOU KIDDING?  THAT WAS UNBELIEVABLE!!!!!!

Wendy: MY GOSH, THAT WAS BEAUTIFUL!!!!

Daniel: Since when did you start learning the Rondeau by Mouret????!!!!!!

Alastair: Took some lessons from Simon Berry at St. Dominic’s on their Fratelli Ruffatti/Walker Hybrid Organ in San Francisco and David L. Ball at Christ Cathedral on their MIGHTY Hazel Wright Organ in Garden Grove during my recent visit to California.  Needless to say that they were very kind, and are a HUGE wealth of knowledge when it comes to the Pipe Organ.  They’re also well aware of this instrument, and hope to come up for a visit during the next American Guild Of Organists Tour.

Daniel: Now that I think about it, I remember you telling me that you made a visit to both the Bay Area and Orange County this past July, and meeting with Simon Berry and David Ball.  But I didn’t know that you’d be taking lessons while down there!!!!  That’s amazing!!!!

Alastair: Thought I’d keep learning the Rondeau by Jean Josef Mouret a surprise.  Though I still have a ways to go. LOL!!!!

Daniel: It sounded pretty nice actually!!!  However, I’m still VERY jealous that you got to play at St. Dominic’s and on the MIGHTY Hazel Wright Organ while in California.

Alastair: Hence why I left that part out until now. LOL!!!!
Anyways, we’ll be on our way, we gotta meet up with someone at the Grand Hyatt.

Father Kent: No worries.  You 2 take care, and I’ll see you on Halloween Night at Phantom Manor.

Daniel: Be safe you 2.

Wendy: We will.

Alastair and Wendy then leave the Cathedral.

Wendy: Alastair, you were amazing!!!!

Alastair: Thanks, I’ve been playing since I was 9, but I still have a ways to go.  My playing of the Rondeau still needs work since it sounded raspy, so it’ll be a while until I’m as good as Daniel, but he’s 29 and studied at Juilliard, so you kinda get the picture.
I just wish we could have had the help of Archbishop Paul or Bishop Robert with the investigation because Father Kent just seems A LITTLE too excited about this investigation……………

Wendy: I know……….but at least we have some help…………

Alastair: And it’s better than no help.  I just don’t want to wind up in the ER like my old friend Charlie Blackmoore did after his investigation at Blackmoore Manor.  THAT was a mess.  Needless to say he had a tough recovery too.

Wendy: What did happen there anyways?

Alastair: Blackmoore Manor was a very similar case to Phantom Manor.  A close family friend named Artemous Kranium became jealous of the family and turned evil.  He wound up betraying and murdering everyone in the family except for Henry Blackmoore II and his lover Sophia.  

Wendy: OH MY GOSH!!!!!

Alastair: Similarly to Alexander and Carla Ravenswood, both Henry and Sophia barely escaped with their lives while Artemous Kranium made Blackmoore Manor his own HUGE maze like castle.  I can’t remember how he died, but he went mad, and became this evil demonic spirit who held the Blackmoore family prison in their own home, much like the Phantom in Phantom Manor.  And I’m beginning to see many similarities between Artemous Kranium, and the Phantom, who I SERIOUSLY suspect could be the ghost of the greedy Mark Turner Ravenswood or his legally changed name Reverend Doctor Wizard G Ravenswood.

Wendy: That is terrifying now that you mention all that………..

Alastair: We maybe in way over our heads………………..last thing I wanna do is drag you into this, and put your life in danger.

Wendy: It’s okay really!!!!  We’re friends aren’t we?  And friends are always there for each other, right?

Alastair: You do have a valid point.

Wendy: Therefor I promise to help you in any way I can.

Alastair: I really appreciate it, however I will do my damnedest to keep you out of harm’s way if things get too dangerous.

Wendy: I know you will…………..

Alastair: I hope Hermit and Chelia aren’t too worried about you…………

Wendy: There okay!!!!  I just messaged them, and they know where I am.  The game they’re cheering for will go on for a while, so we’re okay.

Alastair: That’s good to hear.  Also when does cheerleading end for you on Fridays?

Wendy: It ends at 5:00, but if the game goes on a little longer, they'll understand.

Alastair: And the investigation at Phantom Manor begins at 6:00, so it works out.

Wendy: Yeah.

Alastair: Anyways, Harriet’s plane should have landed around noon and it’s already 2:00.  Which means she should be at the hotel by now…………….

Wendy: Let’s try to meet up with her if we can.

Alastair: She’s a clairvoyant much like myself and should be of great help along with John Zaffis.  Both of which were close friends of the famous Edward and Lorraine Warren.

Wendy: Who were they again?

Alastair: Edward Warren was a demonologist and his wife Lorraine Warren was a clairvoyant.  Both were involved in multiple paranormal investigations including the Enfield Poltergeist, Southington Connecticut Funeral Home, and Amityville Horror.  They were also mentors to my old friend and mentor Charlie Blackmoore and taught him everything he knows about the paranormal. And whenever a big case of hauntings were brought up, Edward and Lorraine Warren were often always called to handle the cases.

Wendy: That’s amazing!!!!!

Alastair: His friend Harriet also taught him a few things, so let’s hope we have the same luck.

Alastair and Wendy then hop back into Alastair’s car and take off for the Grand Hyatt closer to the heart of Downtown Seattle.  

Alastair: Alright, so the hotel Harriet and John Zaffis are staying at should be around here……………..

Wendy: There it is!!!!

Alastair: Good eyes there!!!!  

Wendy: *Giggles* LOL!!!

Alastair and Wendy then drop the car off with the valet parking attendants and make their way over to the hotel’s front desk.

Hector: Hello, my name is Hector, and how may we assist you?

Alastair: Yes hi, there’s a friend of mine who is a guest here at this hotel.  Her flight came in around noon, and she should have arrived.

Hector: Could you give us the name?

Alastair: I was told her name is Harriet, but I don’t have a last name unfortunately…………….but I do have the last name of another guest who staying here, and his name is John Zaffis.

Hector: AHHHHHHH!!!!  Yes John Zaffis is confirmed, but he hasn’t yet arrived……………

Alastair: Oh??????????  

Wendy: That’s strange…………..

Alastair: Maybe their flight was delayed.

Harriet: DAMN RIGHT IT WAS!!!!!!  The flight was nearly cancelled due to a tropical storm, but thankfully there was a break that allowed our flight to take off.  And thankfully I was in first class or I would not be having it!!!!

Wendy: Oh hello, you must be Harriet!!!!

Harriet: Do you 2 know someone named Charlie Alexander Blackmoore?

Alastair: YES!!!!!  He was my mentor for years until I…………………

Harriet: Suffered a psychic panic attic at a hotel in Canda?

Alastair: Yes, and I’ve been having them again………..

Wendy: It happened when the girls and I were at his place, and it gave us a scare.

Alastair then reaches in his jacket pocket and removes the key to Phantom Manor, but it’s wrapped up carefully in a handkerchief.

Alastair: This is the key to the Manor that I’ve recently inherited, known as Ravenswood Manor, but I’m sure you know that many call it………….

Harriet: Phantom Manor!!!!  I know these things, you don’t have to tell me son, I already know.

Alastair: Right, so………….anyways, twice I’ve held this key and have fallen unconscious while holding it.  Both times while I’ve held this key, I have seen Phantom Manor, and have heard the Phantom’s evil laugh…………..heck the Phantom’s evil laugh is something I can’t get out of my mind.  It sounds so diabolical and unworldly that it’s borderline demonic.  

Harriet: Let me see that……….

Alastair: Sure, have at it…………..

Alastair then hands Harriet the key to Phantom Manor and she can immediately sense the demonic power coming from it.

Harriet: I can already sense the powerful energy coming from this key.  I will have a good look at this after a relaxing bath because my back is just killing me from that long flight.

Alastair: No problem.

Wendy: We understand.

Alastair: By the way, where is John Zaffis?  I was told he was with you?

Harriet: Unfortunately he had another case he had to deal with, or so he told me………….

Alastair: Oh boy.  He probably heard it was Phantom Manor and decided not to get involved, given that he’s dealt with too many dangerous paranormal investigations including the Southington Connecticut Funeral Home back in the 80s. And both he and Lorraine Warren helped Charlie tackle Blackmoore Manor when they did their investigation many years ago.

Harriet: Bingo we have a winner!!!!
Anyways, I’m gonna head up to my suite after I check in, and take a relaxing bath.  I’ll meet up with you guys at Sky City around 7:30.

Alastair: You mean what is now a cocktail lounge, where both Wendy and I are too underage to enter?

Harriet: WHOOPS!!!!  My mistake!!!!  Or not, haven’t you read?  Sky City was brought back but was placed on the upper level above the lounge.

Alastair: OH, I guess I didn’t read that……………

Wendy: Neither did I, but then again, I just moved here a few months ago…………..

Harriet: Of course you did.  You have it written all over that you’re a newbie……………..I can also tell that the 2 of you have a bond that goes way back……………..

Alastair: Bond that goes way back?  What do you mean by that?

Wendy: (Awwwwww man!!!  He doesn’t remember when we first met long ago.)

Harriet: You’re the one who’s supposed to be a clairvoyant, so it’s best that you figure it out.  Anyways, meet me at Sky City at 7:30.  I’m going up to my suite.

Alastair: Alrighty………………..we’ll see you in about 5 hours……………..

Wendy: No worries.

Harriet: I can tell that you’re worried but relax.  I am a professional.  I am bonified, certified, qualified, and I can help you out in getting rid of what died!!!!!

Alastair: Oooooooookaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay?????!!!!!!  Thank you??????!!!!!!!!

Wendy: We’ll see you soon!!!!!

With that, Harriet checks in and heads up to her suite, but needless to say that both Alastair and Wendy are both left kinda puzzled and dismayed.

Wendy: Well, she seems very interesting…………

Alastair: That’s putting it politely.  She came as rather rude and stuck up.

Wendy: Well, let’s keep an open mind and give her the benefit of the doubt.

Alastair: We don’t really have much of a choice, however we are not really off to what you call a flying start.  
Anyways we have 5 hours to kill, so best we get a jump start and head to the city center.

Wendy: Alright.


To Be Continued……………………

Chapter 10


After taking the monorail to Seattle Center, both Alastair and Wendy disembark at the monorail station and explore the shops, museums, gardens, and monuments.

Alastair: It’s been a long time since I’ve been here so I’m a little rusty in my bearings.

Wendy: Don’t worry, I’m not really picky on where we go. I’m just glad we get to spend time together and it means that we get to know each other more.

Alastair: As am I, so very valid point.

Wendy: *Giggles* LOL!!!!

Alastair: We’ll save the Space Needle for last since that’s where Sky City is, and you apparently need to book it 6 months in advance from what I’ve just researched given it’s popularity among locals and tourists alike, so if she knew to do that 6 months ago before the restaurant reopened, then it’s safe to say we’re not completely going into this investigation blind.

Wendy: Oh wow!!!! I knew the Space Needle’s main dining room was popular, but I never thought you’d have to book 6 months in advanced!!!

Alastair: Apparently, but it also kinda makes sense given that the Space Needle is literally a tourist trap. (However, I am dreading the bill for it.............I'm REALLY trying to save up for my trip to Walt Disney World in Florida this Christmas!!!!!)

Wendy: I can agree with you on that.

Alastair and Wendy continue exploring until they stop for gelato.

Alastair: OH, WE HAVE TO TRY THE GELATO!!!! It maybe expensive, but it’s WORTH IT!!!!

Wendy: I unfortunately don’t have any money with me. Sorry!!!

Alastair: Don’t worry about it; it’s on me.

Wendy: WAIT???!!!! Are you sure????!!!! I don’t want to burden you!!!!

Alastair: Don’t worry about it!!! I’ve got ya covered. Besides, it’s worth it………….

Wendy: Okay.

Alastair: Wait out here, I’ll take care of it.

Alastair then orders both he and Wendy 2 scoops of gelato on Waffle Cones, but is shocked that the price skyrocketed.

Alastair: $40 BUCKS FOR 2 DOUBLE SCOOP WAFFLE CONES OF GELATO????!!!!! GEEZE; this place really has become a tourist trap. Good thing I asked her to wait outside.

Alastair then receives the Gelato and Wendy immediately gets REALLY excited.

Wendy: ICE CREAM!!!!

Alastair: Here you go!!! I hope you’re alright with Strawberry and Stracciatella on a waffle cone?

Wendy: OH MY GOSH!!!! STRAWBERRY’S MY FAVORITE!!!!! How did you know?

Alastair: Lucky guess?

Wendy: That’s very sweet of you Alastair!!!!

Wendy then gives Alastair a gentle kiss on the cheek causing Alastair to blush.

Alastair: *BLUSHES DARK RED* It was nothing, but I hope you enjoy.

Wendy: I will; thank you!!!

As Wendy enjoys her gelato, she remembers from long ago, from when she was only a child, and Alastair showed her around Seattle Center including a stop for gelato.

Alastair: Their Gelato is AMAZING!!!! You have to try some!!!!

Wendy: But I don’t have any money!!!!! I’m so sorry!!!!

Alastair: Don’t worry I got ya!!!!!

Wendy: Are you sure???!!!! I mean, you’ve been so kind to me, and I don’t wanna be anymore of a burden…………

Alastair: Don’t worry about it!!!!

Wendy: You’re so sweet!!!!

Wendy then gives Alastair a gentle kiss on the cheek causing him to blush.

Alastair: *Blushes Dark Red* I’ll be right back.

Alastair rushes in, orders, and is shocked at the bill.

Alastair: WHAT????!!!! $25 BUCKS!!!! Well, this place is a tourist trap after all.

After paying for the gelato, Alastair returns with 2 double scoop waffle cones.

Alastair: Here you go!!! I hope you like Strawberry and Stracciatella…………..

Wendy: OH MY GOSH DOUBLE SCOOPS???!!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!! YOU’RE SO SWEET!!!!!! ALSO STRAWBERRY IS MY FAVORITE!!!!!!!!!

Wendy then excitedly grabs the gelato out of Alastair’s hands and immediately starts licking.

Wendy: OH WOW!!!! THIS IS SO GOOD!!!! FROM NOW ON, WE’RE DOUBLE SCOOP FRIENDS!!!!!

We now return to the present time, and Wendy’s smile only gets brighter, for she’s happy to see that Alastair hasn’t changed at all from her childhood.

Wendy: (You’re still just as sweet as I remember.) *Giggles*

Then Alastair’s phone starts ringing as the sound of an Ashton 3 Chime whistle is heard.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qspwVyg5sEQ

Wendy: *Screams* AHHHHHHHHHH!!!! That scared me!!!!

Low and behold Harriet is calling.

Alastair: OH BOY!!!! I have an idea on why she’s calling.

Alastair answers his phone and holds it as far away from his ear as possible.

Harriet: YOU DIDN’T TELL ME THAT THIS KEY WAS CURSED!!!!!!!

Harriet then hangs up.

Alastair: And she hung up on me!!!!! No surprise.

Wendy: That’s kinda rude………….

Alastair: You’re telling me!!!! I had a feeling that was gonna happen. Being Clairvoyant is kinda like a double edged sword when it comes down to it. Which is how and why I knew she was gonna call, blow up in my ear, and hang up.

Wendy: That’s amazing!!!! Well not that she blew up at you, but how you knew it was all gonna happen.

Alastair: Well, not that I completely blame her because that key is cursed.

Wendy: That does have me worried.

Alastair: Same here. I’ve suffered Clairvoyant panic attacks while holding that key, and now she has too. And that is just from holding the key. Goodness knows how much worse it is when setting foot inside Phantom Manor.

Wendy: All the more reason for me to go with you and keep you out of trouble.

Alastair: I just hope I don’t end up regretting it because it seems that I have inherited A LOT more than what I’ve bargained for.

Wendy then finishes her gelato.

Alastair: WOW!!!! You ate the whole thing already????!!!!! I’m impressed!!!!!!

Wendy: That was the best dessert I’ve ever had!!!! Thank you so much Alastair!!!!

Wendy then gives Alastair a gentle kiss on the cheek.

Alastair: *BLUSHES DARK RED* I’m glad you enjoyed it. Though, I will admit, like I’ve said before, they do make amazing gelato.

Wendy: Don’t forget!!!! We’re double scoop friends!!!! *Giggles*

Alastair: I don’t really know what that means, but Okay.
Now I just dread how pissed off Harriet will be when we meet up with her at the restaurant.

His answer comes soon enough when she comes walking out of the elevator and meets up him and Wendy at the entrance of Sky City.

Harriet: I NEARLY DROWNED IN MY BATHTUB BECAUSE OF YOUR STUPID KEY!!!!!

Alastair: WAIT, WHAT?????!!!!!!

Harriet: I KNOW YO MAMMAS GOTS TO BE DISAPPOINTED IN YOU 2!!!!!

Alastair: ACCCHHHHH!!!!!!....................

Wendy: *GASPS*

Harriet: I KNOW THEY DISAPPOINTED IN YOU 2!!!!! BECAUSE I’M PRETTY SURE THEY TAUGHT YOU 2 BETTER THIS!!!! I KNEW THIS WAS WEIRD; ALL THESE FREAKY DIFFERENT PEOPLE GOING TO THIS RUN DOWN PLACE IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE!!!!!

And with that Harriet storms over to the Maitre D who welcomes her warmly, but is taking it back.

Maitre D: Welcome to Sky City, what would your reservation name be under.

Harriet: It will be under Harriet for 7:30.

Maitre D: Yes I see!!!!!

Harriet: Would you be so kind as to give me one of the best tables by the window?

Maitre D: Yes, of course mam!!!!

Harriet: AT LEAST SOME PEOPLE AROUND HERE ARE CONSIDERATE!!!!!

Alastair: OH BOY SHE’S PISSED!!!!

Wendy: You can say that again…………..

Alastair: I didn’t know that the key would cause her to have a Clairvoyant panic attack too!!!!!

Wendy: It’s okay Alastair, don’t feel bad. It’s not your fault!!!! You didn’t know any better!!!!

Alastair: I should have given her a possible heads up warning that the key could cause her to have a panic attack just like it did to me given that she’s also clairvoyant just like me, but on a higher level.

Harriet, Alastair and Wendy are then escorted to a table located right next to the window. Alastair of course is kind enough to help Wendy with her chair and give her the seat by the window.

Alastair: Oh, let me help you with that.

Wendy: AWWWWWWWW!!!! You’re really sweet!!!! Thank you so much!!!!

Alastair: I’ve eaten here, in its old location plenty of times in the past, so you should have the better view.

Wendy: That really means a lot!!!!

Harriet then slams the key to Phantom Manor down on the table.

Harriet: What you have done is deeply wrong, and absolutely unforgivable!!!!! Not only did I see the inside of Phantom Manor or hear the Phantom’s evil laugh, but I was chased out by ghost on a horse before I woke up!!!!

Alastair & Wendy: WHAT?????!!!!!!

Harriet: Do you have any idea what it’s like to have a ghost HORSE charging at you head on, and chasing you down Boot Hill?????!!!!!!
Now I’ve decided to be the bigger person and help you 2 out with this investigation. And if the 2 of you cover the bill for the meal, I’ll be willing to overlook this. Mostly because you have left me no other options. -_-

Alastair: I knew that was coming too!!!! -_-

Wendy: I’m sorry Alastair!!!! I’d gladly help you cover the bill, but unfortunately all I have are crackers in my pocket.

Alastair: It’s okay, I have enough to cover this, which is why having a job on the weekends really comes in handy. LOL!!!! (BUT AGAIN, I HAVE A TRIP TO WALT DISNEY WORLD TO PAY FOR!!!!!!)

Wendy: Amazing!!!!! I’m really proud of you!!!!

After Alastair, Wendy, and Harriet give their orders to the waiter, they start going over the history of Phantom Manor.

Alastair: OF COURSE she has to order the most expensive thing on the menu!!!!!! -_-

Wendy: Can’t say I’m surprised!!!! Do you think you’ll be okay?

Alastair: We’ll find out sooner or later. But one thing’s for sure, it’s coming out of my paycheck.

Harriet: So tell me; what happened in Phantom Manor?

Alastair: It’s a very long story, and I honestly don’t know where to start. However…………….

Wendy: Alastair and I got a copy of the book written by…………what was his name again?

Alastair: Bruce Davis, who is LITERALLY OBSESSED with Phantom Manor, and has studied it like no one’s business.

Wendy: In this book it will tell you everything you need to know.

Alastair: Wendy and I also managed to get ahold of the old documents regarding Phantom Manor, and I hold the deed to the house as well since as you well know that I’m its inheritor.

Harriet: That’s great, but if you can, please tell me what you 2 know.

Wendy: Well…………

Alastair: It started a little after the Industrial revolution when Henry Ravenswood immigrated from England to settle out here in the Pacific Northwest. He and his wife Alice settled in the small mining town they built known as Thunder Mesa.
Now Henry Ravenswood was a very intelligent college graduate from King’s College and knew his way around. Because of this he was able to start a booming mining company in the heart of a mountain called Big Thunder. However, the Native Americans warned him and his miners to not disturb a dormant ancient spirit known as the Thunder Bird, or they would feel and hear his wrath. Henry being a person of both class and integrity, heeded and honored their warning. He also started a Lumber Company, an Oil Refinery Company, a Dynamite Manufacturing Company, and a Steamboat company, which he ended up handing off to his close friends who also became his business partners.

Wendy: From what we’ve learned, Thunder Mesa became a thriving metropolis, and all the town’s people were happy. Also it kinda helped that Henry Ravenswood was a very kind person.

Alastair: Then Henry's greedy big brother, Mark Turner Ravenswood or affectionately nicknamed, Reverend Doctor Wizard G. Ravenswood moved to the Pacific Northwest after traveling the country as a world famous magician.

Wendy: Unlike his brother Henry, Mark Turner was a real meanie and a jerk face.

Alastair: You can say that again. Anything Henry was, Mark Turner was not. He was ALWAYS jealous of his younger brother Henry for being a straight A student in school, a graduate from King’s College in Cambridge, which is one of THEE most prestigious universities in the world with an acceptance rate of less than 15% percent. And when he heard of his younger brother Henry having started up a mining company that became successful, that REALLY sent him over the edge. Mark Turner then pressured his younger brother, who was living happily in a nice humble little 2 story family home in town with his friends, to build a Grand Mansion on top of the highest hill known as Boot Hill, to overlook the town to bask in the massive empire.
He then had the Thunder Mesa Lumber Company cut down so many trees, had painters bring in some of the most expensive paints with the most extravagant colors, had Italian Marble imported, and had hand carved furniture imported from France, all so he could live in this Grand Mansion overlooking the Vast Lake and the town that his younger brother Henry helped build.

Wendy: It was like this meanie was…………………

Alastair: Enjoying the assets from the labor of his younger brother. And it gets worse because Mark Turner bullied his brother Henry into giving him half the ownership of the house, which Henry of course obliged, and he also demanded that there be not one, not 2, but 3 MASTER SUITES. One would be for Henry and Alice, another for Henry & Mark Turner’s parents, and one for him and his wife Martha. However, later on Martha moved into her own bedroom suite later on.
Of course today, we would use the term Main Suite, but that doesn’t really work since there are 3 of them, so we can just call them the BIG SUITES compared to a normal bedroom with an ensuite bathroom, which of course back then was nonexistent except for the SUPER rich like Henry Ravenswood, Henry Blackmoore, and Sarah Winchester as a few examples.

Harriet: OH I KNOW!!!!! These wealthy elites had it good, with their grand mansions, but things weren’t always as they seemed.

Wendy: You can say that again!!!!

Alastair: Which brings me to this. Henry and Alice Ravenswood’s children, Alexander and Carla grew up happy, but Mark Turner and Martha Ravenswood’s daughter Melanie did not have such a happy childhood the way her younger cousins did.
Although Alexander and Carla were always kind to Melanie, and both Henry and Alice were as loving as any Aunt and Uncle could be, Mark Turner was nothing but God awful to her. I can’t explain what kind of horrors happened to her, but according to what it says here in this book…………..

Wendy gasps and holds both of her hands over her mouth as tears pour down her face…………

Wendy: *GASPS* The poor girl was………………

Alastair: Violated and beaten in multiple ways from what both Alexander and Carla reported from the crying they would hear from down the hall of the West Wing, which at the very end is where Mark Turner’s suite was located.

Wendy: Whenever Melanie was called into…………..

Alastair: Mark Turner Ravenswood’s suite, she wouldn’t come out for hours, for goodness knows what kind of horrible things happened to her while in there.

Wendy: And everybody who wandered near the West Wing of the house on the third floor heard the screams.

Alastair: Mark Turner was VERY abusive, possessive, and controlling of his daughter Melanie. And unlike Alexander and Carla, who would leave every morning to go to school, Mark Turner had Melanie home schooled, and therefor kept her trapped on the property of Ravenswood Manor.
As the years passed, Melanie got older, and successors of the various companies would come over to talk to Henry. 4 of these successors would see Melanie, and they all developed interest in her as would be suitors.

Wendy: Unfortunately, Mark Turner had other plans.

Alastair: Whenever any of these would be suitors would develop interest in Melanie, Mark Turner would say they weren’t good enough, and somehow, each one of them would meet a tragic fate.
Sawyer Bottom got sawed in half in the saw mill of the lumber company he was taking over from his dad.

Wendy: Then there was Barry Claude who was taking over his father’s oil refinery. He got attacked and killed by a bear while hiking in the woods.

Alastair: And Rowan D. Falls who was steering his little steamboat through thick fog, and unfortunately plummeted over Snoqualmie Falls.

Wendy: And Ignatius Knight who Tragically got blown up in his father’s dynamite factory, when he was supposed to be taking it over from his father in a few years.

Harriet: And let me guess, there’s a 5th suitor involved.

Alastair & Wendy: Exactly………his name is………..

Harriet: Jacob, and he was a steam locomotive Engineer On The Big Thunder Mining Company’s Railroad.

Wendy: YES!!!!!

Alastair: That is correct!!!!!

Wendy: And he’s the one who asked for Melanie’s hand in marriage!!!!!!

Alastair: On her 18th birthday, when she would be at the rightful and legal age of a adulthood, where she’d be just old enough to leave Ravenswood Manor for good.

Wendy: Both Henry and Alice were happy for the couple as were Alexander and Carla!!!!!

Alastair: But when her father Mark Turner got wind of it, he was FURIOUS!!!!!!!!
That’s when he went on a rampage, and took control of his brother’s mining company one day. He then punched, beaten, and had knocked Henry unconscious before taking control of the mines.

Wendy: Oh no!!!!!

Alastair: That is when Mark Turner told the miners to dig deeper into the mountain where the Big Thunder Mining Company Mined the gold from, and the miners objected because they were under orders from Henry not to mine too deep due to the Natives’ warning on waking up the angry spirit of the Thunder Bird.

Wendy: OH MY GOSH IT GETS WORSE!!!!!

Alastair: Mark Turner Ravenswood only caring for himself………….

Harriet: Has the miners mine deeper into the mountain anyways?

Alastair: And he does too!!!!! This awakens the angry spirit of the Thunderbird, which results in a fatal earthquake that collapses the mine, and in turn killing Mark Turner Ravenswood and the miners inside. This also results in a Flashflood happening…………

Wendy: Which kills many of the towns people…………..

Alastair: Over 933 people perish from that tragedy.
However, Henry thought Good Riddance, and didn’t even hold a funeral service for his brother. Henry tried so hard and was nothing but kind and loving to his older brother, but not one time did Mark Turner ever show any signs of being grateful. He didn’t even give as much as a single thank you. And time and time again, Henry got badly hurt by his brother, but at long last he was free from his nasty older brother, or so he had thought.

Wendy: Again, the rest is all here in this book, and it really explains A LOT!!!!!!

Alastair: Bruce Davis practically told us the whole story around my fireplace literally almost word for word of what’s written in his book.

Harriet: Let me see that????!!!!

Wendy: Go ahead…………

Harriet: October 31st 1882…………………………..

Alastair: That was the fateful night when this mysterious phantom appeared, hung Jacob from the attic’s rafters, and put a curse on the Ravenswood Family, and all who attended the wedding that were accounted for. Only 2 people managed to escape using the Special Wedding Train down in the underground tunnel…………

Wendy: Alexander and Carla……………..

Harriet: Apparently there were 66 deaths there that night!!!!
Girl, that’s A LOT who died in that house that we’ll be dealing with.

Alastair: I myself have heard the Phantom’s laugh from over a mile away on the train line when our steam engine Number #70 had to help the stranded train that broke down get back to Tacoma. And I’ve heard it while holding this key.
Like I’ve said before, the Phantom’s evil laugh is downright diabolical. It doesn’t sound like anything of this world, it doesn’t really even sound human, it’s borderline demonic.

Harriet: Do you think that this Phantom could be a demon of some kind?

Alastair: Maybe, maybe not.

Wendy: However, Alastair and I do suspect something on who this mysterious phantom maybe………………..

Alastair: Mark Turner Ravenswood dies when the mines collapse from a MASSIVE Earthquake after he angers the dormant spirit of the Thunder Bird…………..

Wendy: Then all of a sudden this Mysterious Phantom shows up out of nowhere, kills Jacob, and puts a curse on the Ravenswood family……………

Harriet: Mark Turner Ravenswood dies and this Phantom Shows up…………….

Alastair: I suspect that this Phantom is the ghost of Reverend Doctor Wizard G. Ravenswood himself.

Wendy: If that’s the case then I’m very worried!!!!!

Harriet: If he is the evil entity that cursed this key, he will fight us back!!!! Ghosts love to fight!!!!!
For example, 1813 a group of mediums went into a mansion just south of here. IT TOOK 21 DAYS!!!! They worked their butts off and they got that deceased owner out of there!!!
But they were all found……………..how old are you little girl?

Wendy: I'm 13!

Harriet: Okay, I’m talking about organs on the outside!!!!

Wendy: * GASPS & SCREAMS* AAAHH!!!!

Alastair: WAHTT!!!!!! 13 IS TOO YOUNG TO BE HEARING ABOUT THAT!!!!! HECK, I DIDN’T DO ANY ANIMAL DISSECTING ON FROGS IN SCIENCE CLASS UNTIL LAST YEAR AS A SOPHOMORE AT 16!!!!! BESIDES WE’RE ABOUT TO EAT!!!!

Harriet: 13 is not young son, I was driving by 13!!!!! Besides our food hasn’t yet arrived yet.
I know that may have been an EXTREME EXAMPLE………….

Alastair: YA THINK????!!!!!

Wendy: Maybe a little………..

Harriet: But they were a group of amateurs!!!

Wendy: Now this REALLY has me worried!!!!

Alastair: Of all times, the Archdiocese Bishops just have to be visiting the Vatican when we REALLY need them!!!!
Anyways here are the blueprints and the floor prints to the house.

Harriet: WOAH!!!!!! THESE ARE AMAZING!!!!! How did you get ahold of these?

Alastair: Wendy snuck em out of Bruce’s office by…………….

Wendy: *BLUSHES BRIGHT PINK* ALASTAIR???!!!! SHE DOESN’T NEED TO KNOW ON HOW I SNUCK THE BOOK OR DOCUMENTS OUT!!!! IT’S EMBARRASSING!!!!! BESIDES YOU PROMISED YOU WOULDN'T TELL ON HOW WE SNUCK THEM OUT!!!! -_-

Alastair: Well, anyway you put it, we were really lucky to get ahold of these because we now have a good idea of the home’s layout before we’re even there.

Wendy: These documents also tell us on who attended Melanie’s wedding.

Alastair: And according to the documents, 67 people were accounted for at the wedding with Jacob reported missing.

Wendy: However, only 2 of them managed to escape, which means…………….

Alastair: Counting Jacob as the First Fatality, the total goes up to 66 people dying that night.

Wendy: How awful!!!!

Harriet: Lavishing bride looking for her vanishing groom who was supposedly murdered by this Phantom? You know what that means?

Alastair: The more I put the pieces together, the greater the likelihood of my suspicions of the Phantom?

Harriet: NO SON!!!!! IT MEANS THEY’LL BE A LOT OF GRIEF IN THAT HOUSE!!!!! Heartbroken brides are some of the most dangerous ghosts!!!! And I would know having dealt with many of them………………

Alastair: I highly doubt she’s as dangerous as the phantom………………

Harriet: I’ll I can say is, we must prepare to fight……………..

Alastair: I just hope I’m not caught in the blast of a boiler explosion…………

Wendy: ALASTAIR DON’T SAY THINGS LIKE THAT!!!!!!

Alastair: That actually happened when my friend Charlie performed a dangerous exorcism on the diabolical ghost of Artemous Kranium. An old wrought iron boiler blew up, destroyed ALL of Blackmoore Manor, and Charlie unfortunately got caught in the blast. Next thing he knows, he winds up in the E.R. in critical condition, and is in a coma for a month.
And I believe Ravenswood Manor also uses a wrought iron boiler as its heating source since gas or electric furnaces didn’t even exist back then.

Wendy: Still, you shouldn’t mention something like that!!!!

Harriet: If you’re talking about an exorcism, then for that we’ll need a Bishop……….

Alastair: I just told you; we tried, but they’re overseas in Rome, and all we have is Father Kent.

Harriet: Let’s worry about it when we’re there. OH GREAT, our food has arrived, so let’s stop worrying about this, and enjoy our meal!!!!!

Alastair: Easy for you to say!!! You’re not the one who’s inherited what’s possibly the most haunted house in America!!! -_-

Wendy: I’m sure we’ll figure it out somehow.

After enjoying their meal of an appetizer, dinner, and dessert, Alastair is not happy when he’s slammed with the expensive bill.

Waiter: Here you go whenever you’re ready.

Alastair: WAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHTTTTTTT!!!!!! WHAT THE HELL???????!!!!!!!!

Wendy: ALASTAIR; IS EVERYTHING OKAY?????!!!!!!!

Alastair: Remember when I said that this is coming out of my paycheck? I lied; this IS my paycheck!!!!!

Harriet: That was a MIGHTY Tasty meal there!!!! And thank you for picking up the tab!!!!

Alastair: Sure…………….no problem………………….

Alastair then reluctantly puts down his credit card and pays the bill.

Wendy: I’m sorry Alastair, I really am……………….

Alastair: It is what it is………………..Mom’s gonna have my guts guarders when she finds out that used the credit card to pay for our dinner. (AND THERE GOES MY TRIP TO FLORIDA!!!!!!!)

Wendy: I’ll share the blame if it makes you feel better since I kinda feel responsible for this……………I should have asked her to be more considerate…………….

Alastair: Don’t be. Your meal didn’t cost much at all. It was hardly peanuts honestly. It's Harriet’s Foie Gras, Creamy Mushroom Soup, Surf & Turf, and Baked Alaska that caused the bill to sky rocket!!!!!!

Harriet: Consider what you owe me for that key nearly causing me to drown written off. I promise to see you there at Ravenswood Manor on Friday Night. I’ll take me leave now. You 2 have a good night.

And with that Harriet takes her leave, which of course leaves Alastair nonplused about EVERYTHING!!!!!

Wendy: Again I’m so sorry Alastair.

Alastair: Don’t worry about it, none of this is your fault. Charlie should have given us a heads up warning. I’m gonna have a good word with him about this first thing in the morning. Anyways, it’s getting late since it’s almost 9:30

Wendy: You’re right, we should head out………..

Alastair: However, it wouldn’t kill us if we head up to the observation deck to have a good view of the city since it looks so beautiful at night from the top of the Space Needle.

Wendy: Okay, sure!!!! I’ve always wanted to see the city at night.

Alastair: Then lets go.

Alastair and Wendy then get into the elevator, and take it up to the observation deck level just one floor above. After exiting the elevator, both Alastair and Wendy get a spectacular panoramic view of the city.

Wendy: OH MY GOSH WOW!!!!!!!!! THE CITY IS SO BEAUTIFUL FROM UP HERE AT NIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!

Alastair: This is one of my favorite things to do when visiting the city, ESPECIALLY at night.

Wendy: I can understand why, the view is so amazing!!!!!!

Alastair: That it is!!!!! My parents and I would eat at Sky City for dinner, and then come up here to the observation deck to enjoy the view of the city.

Wendy: That’s wonderful!!!!

Alastair: No matter how many times we come up here, I never get tired of this view. Whether it’s your first time up here at night or 100th time, the view is always awe inspiring, and something you’ll never tire of.

Wendy: I feel the same!!!

Alastair and Wendy walk around the entire circumference of the observation deck as they enjoy all the spectacular views of Seattle from the top of the Space Needle. However, neither of them keep an eye on the time, and sure enough, Wendy receives a texts from an angry Chelia and Hermit.

Wendy: UH-OH!!!!!

Alastair: What is it?

Wendy: It’s Chelia and Hermit!!!! They’re done with Cheerleading, and are wondering where we are now that they’re waiting outside our door.

Alastair: OH BOY!!!!!

Wendy: They’re no doubt very mad at me given how late it is………….

Alastair then looks at the time and sees that it’s passed 10.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KKAkh6PyicA

Alastair: YIKES!!!!!! We’ve been out on the observation deck longer than we were anticipating.

Wendy: I know!!!! I guess we were too captivated by the amazing views.

Alastair: Good thing our parents are out of town, and our butlers have gone home for the night, otherwise we’d probably both be grounded for a month given that it’s a school night. LOL!!!!

Wendy: *Giggles* I know, seriously!!!! You’re probably right!!!! LOL!!!!

Alastair: Anyway you put it, we have no time to lose; we gotta get the hell out of here!!!!!

Wendy: Good point!!!!!

Alastair and Wendy then make a mad dash for the elevator, which fortunately doesn’t take long for it to arrive, and for them to get in, and take it back down to the ground floor level.

Alastair: LET’S GO!!!!

As soon as the doors open, Alastair grabs Wendy’s hand causing her to blush and her heart to race as the 2 make a mad dash out of the Space Needle, through Seattle City Center, and over to the monorail.

Alastair: PERFECT TIMING!!!!!

Wendy: HERE IT COMES!!!!

The Red Monorail Train pulls into the monorail station, comes to a stop, and opens its doors just as Alastair and Wendy come scrambling into the station and just manage to make it in the nick of time before the doors close.

Alastair: JUST MADE IT!!!!

Wendy: Alastair can you please do me a favor?

Alastair: Sure, what’s up?

Wendy: Can you please…………..keep holding my hand? *Blushes Bright Pink & Looks Away* It’s a huge crowd here on this train and I don’t wanna lose you……………

Alastair: Sure, no problem………..

Wendy: Thank you!!!!

Alastair: There are 2 seats still available behind the pilot if you’d like to sit down.

Wendy: Alright…………

As soon as Alastair and Wendy take their seats, Wendy immediately lays her head on Alastair’s shoulder and doses off, which causes him to blush and his heart to race.

Alastair: *Blushes Dark Red* (Okay……………this is awkward………….I’ve never had anyone fall asleep on me before………………..then again it’s been a long day of running around the city, so I can understand. Also I'm not gonna lie, but she is really cute when fast asleep on my shoulder.)

However, Wendy’s nap doesn’t last very long, for the monorail soon arrives right back at Westgate Station in Downtown.

Wendy: *BLUSHES BRIGHT PINK & FRANTICALLY WAVES HANDS* OH MY GOSH; I’M SO SORRY!!!! I didn’t mean to fall asleep on you like that!!!
Please don’t be mad!!!!

Alastair: Don’t worry about it. It’s been a long day, and we’ve been pretty busy going around the city. So don’t feel bad because if it makes you feel any better I’m also tired, so that makes 2 of us. LOL!!!!

Wendy: Thank you for understanding.

Alastair: Let’s go home.

Wendy: Okay. Mind holding my hand until we’re back to the car?

Alastair: No problem. Westgate Mall gets REALLY crazy, ESPECIALLY at this time of night and your parents would kill me if I lost you, so I don’t wanna go there. LOL!!!!

Wendy: *Giggles* Thank you for understanding!!!!

Alastair and Wendy then disembark, make their way through Westgate Mall, and back to the car. Alastair then turns over the engine and drives out of the garage ASAP!!!!

Wendy: I just hope Hermit and Chelia aren’t too mad at me…………

Her answer comes sooner than expected when her phone rings.

Chelia: WHERE ARE YOU WENDY??????!!!!!

Hermit: WE’RE WAITING DOWN IN THE LOBBY BECAUSE YOUR BUTLER HAS GONE HOME FOR THE NIGHT AND YOU ARE ONLY YOU HAVE THE KEY!!!!!

Wendy: I’M SO SORRY!!!! ALASTAIR AND I ARE IN THE CAR AND ON THE WAY!!!!

Alastair: There’s no traffic, so it shouldn’t take me more than about 25 minutes……………..

Wendy: That’s not too bad………….

Alastair: I can do it in 15, but I don’t want to be speeding and put you in danger. Otherwise your parents would kill me, and Mom will never let me hear the end of it.

Chelia: JUST GET HERE WHEN YOU CAN, OKAY???!!!!

Hermit: We wouldn’t want you to get in trouble…………..

Chelia: We’ve just had a long day and we’re tired……………

Alastair & Wendy: US TOO!!!!

Alastair: We’ll be there soon!!!

Wendy: We promise!!!!

Chelia: YOU HAVE BETTER!!!!

Wendy then hangs up and gets off the phone.

Wendy: Sorry about that. However, I know how they feel. Being a cheerleader is exhausting……………..

Alastair: And you would know given that you’re one yourself.

Wendy: Yeah. Don’t get me wrong, I love it, but it’s very tough. ESPECIALLY when you’re a flyer like I am given that I’m the smallest one on my squad.

Alastair: Flyers are the ones tossed in the air right?

Wendy: That’s right. Because of the fact I’m the smallest, they find me the most ideal for the most of high flying stunts, which is a lot of fun, but also very scary and very exhausting.

Alastair: I can believe that.

Wendy: I won't tell you how many times I've fallen off or toppled over pyramids and landed hard on my butt. *sighs*

Alastair: OUCH!!!!!

Wendy: It's okay, I haven't gotten seriously injured yet!!!!!
Chelia and Hermit are flyers too, so I know exactly how they feel right now!!! They've also had their fair share of falling off and toppling over pyramids too. They just wanna take a relaxing bath and go to bed. That’s what I normally do after cheerleading or ballet.

Alastair: You do ballet too???!!!!

Wendy: Yes I do!!!! I REALLY love the nutcracker!!!! It’s my favorite!!!! I used to perform in the Nutcracker as a flower back at our school in Japan every Christmas.

Alastair: That’s awesome!!!!!

Wendy: It is!!!!!

Alastair: You won’t believe this but when I’m working on the train or playing the organ on Saturdays and some Sundays, I work harder on my days off than I am at school. LOL!!!!

Wendy: Oh I can believe that!!!! I was watching you play and it looked VERY HARD!!!!

Alastair: It requires A LOT of remembering and coordination, but once you get the hang of it, it’s not too difficult. However it does require A LOT of patience when learning a new piece because some pieces can take YEARS to master. ESPECIALLY a French Toccata like Leon Boellmann's Gothic Suite.
As for the train, if our Steam Engine Number #70 is having a bad day, she’ll show you who’s really in charge, and will make your 4 or 8 hour shift VERY DIFFICULT!!!! And by the time you’re done, you just want to crash.

Wendy: OH MY GOSH!!!!

Alastair: And she’s the easiest of the fleet to operate, followed by Number #5, which was my Dad’s baby. During her hay day, she really was the pride and joy of the fleet, but like I’ve said before, she’s sadly flat clapped out, and in need of extensive and EXPENSIVE repairs. Number #2 is also a nice engine, as is Number #15, but they’re both a little more challenging to fire at times from what I’ve heard. Number #18 is a cantankerous beast, but if you treat her with respect, she'll take care of you. Just don't play any tricks on her. Then there is Number #17, which was……….an interesting piece of work to put it politely. The Number #17 was a REAL Challenge!!!! LOL!!!!

Wendy: WOW!!!! I didn’t know they’d all be so different.

Alastair: Oh yes. They’re all VERY different. They all have their own personalities, they all have their good days, their bad days, some will forgive you for messing up really bad, where as others will show you who’s really in charge if you make the slightest mistake.

Wendy: That’s really awesome!!!!

Alastair: I know. The operation has been passed down from father to son for generations because of how human like the steam engines are.
But now we’ve got this monstrosity known as Phantom Manor ahead of us…………..

Wendy: It’s okay. We’ll figure it out.

Alastair: Somehow………..

At long last Alastair soon finally pulls up to the Valet Parking attendants at the Condo Complex where Chelia and Hermit are waiting.

Valet Parking Attendant: Welcome home Master Smith and Ms. Marvell.

Alastair & Wendy: Thank you.

Valet Parking Attendant: We’ll take it from here. You have a good night Sir. You too Ms. Marvell.

Chelia: FINALLY; TOOK YOU LONG ENOUGH!!!!

Hermit: WE’VE BEEN WAITING IN THE LOBBY FOR YOU GUYS A LONG TIME!!!!

Chelia: WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN, AND WHY DIDN’T YOU TELL US ABOUT IT!!!!

Alastair: Well uhhhhhhh!!!!!

Wendy: SORRY!!!! I forgot that the butler went home around 5 and that you 2 didn’t have a key!!!!!

Alastair: Long story……………….

Wendy: Yeah, and we don’t have much time because it’s a school night!!!!

Chelia: UUUUUUGGGGGGGGHHHHH!!!!! Good point!!!!

Hermit: Mind at least telling us a little, if you can?

Alastair and Wendy explain what happened as they make their way back up to their penthouse suites.

Alastair: Well, you know I had a clairvoyant panic attack last night because I held the key to Ravenswood Manor.

Chelia & Hermit: WHAT?????!!!!

Chelia: YOU DIDN’T TELL US YOU’RE A CLAIRVOYANT!!!!

Hermit: THAT’S SO AWESOME!!!!

Wendy: I KNOW RIGHT???!!!!

Alastair: It’s not something I brag or even talk about. However, I called my old friend and mentor Charlie Alexander Blackmoore, who is also Clairvoyant, and that he knew about my panic attacks happening, and sent a friend to help because he also know that I’m planning on investigating Ravenswood Manor. With that being said, I’ll need any information that I can get.
Professor Bruce Davis, who joined us for dinner on Friday, spends his time at the University, even on Sundays, and I thought best to ask him for any information he had. While I was leaving Wendy asked to come along.

Wendy: Sorry; I was lonely and bored…………..

Alastair: And I figured that it would be a good way to get her out of the complex, and I also figured that I could use the company.
But needless to say that I’ve dragged her into this mess………

Wendy: Alastair, it’s okay!!!! You didn’t drag me into it. I wanted to come, and I wanna help you!!!!

Alastair: Thank you, that’s very selfless of you, but………..paranormal investigations can be dangerous……….my old friend Charlie Alexander Blackmoore almost died while performing an exorcism on Blackmoore Manor, which was a large manor that he inherited………….
So to him it’s dejavou all over again!!!
Not only do Wendy and I go to Professor Bruce Davis’s classroom to get ahold of a copy of a book on Phantom Manor, but we also managed to get ahold of documents, and the floor plan to Ravenswood Manor.

Wendy: *Blushes Bright Pink & looks away* Don’t ask how we got ahold of em………..it’s embarrassing!!!!....................

Alastair: We then made a visit to the Cathedral Basilica Of St. James in downtown Seattle because an exorcism may need to be performed, and our best bet of having a successful exorcism is having it performed by a Bishop from the Catholic Archdiocese. But unfortunately, the Archbishop and the Auxiliary Bishops are all gone over seas in Rome, Italy visiting the Vatican at St. Peter’s Basilica. So, one of the priests Father Kent, who is fairly new, offers to help, and he says he’s up to the job. However, I’m kinda doubtful.

Wendy: However, I found out that Alastair is amazing on the organ.

Alastair: I’m glad you think that, but I still have a ways to go. The Rondeau by Jean Joseph Mouret still sounds a little raspy and needs more fine tuning.
Anyways we then meet up with Charlie’s friend Harriet, who is both a Clairvoyant and a medium, at the Grand Hyatt Hotel. However, she decides to go up to her room, and meet us at Sky City for dinner.

Wendy: So, Alastair and I kill time at Seattle Center since there’s A LOT to do. He also treated me to the MOST AMAZING ice cream I’ve ever had.

Alastair: Hey, NEVER visit Seattle Center without trying the Gelato, otherwise you’re REALLY missing out.

Wendy: Still I can’t thank you enough for treating me. That was very sweet of you. *Giggles*

Alastair: Time goes by so fast that before we know it’s time to meet up with Harriet at Sky City in the Space Needle for dinner, but needless to say she’s pissed because she suffered the same clairvoyant panic attack that I did when I held the key directly, and claims she nearly drowned in her hotel room’s bathtub.

Wendy: She ends up making poor Alastair cover her dinner bill.

Chelia & Hermit: WHAT??????!!!!!!!!

Alastair: Don’t even remind me……………. -_-

Wendy: Again Alastair, I’M SO SORRY she did that to you!!!!

Alastair: It is what it is, and on the bright side she’s agreed to help us out with the investigation.
However, after dinner it’s dark out, and I wanted to show Wendy the amazing view from the Space Needle with the city all beautifully lit at night.

Wendy: IT REALLY WAS AMAZING!!!! I honestly don’t think I’ve ever seen the city look so beautiful.

Alastair: Again, seeing the city from the Space Needle at night is a MUST, and I just wanted Wendy to experience that.

Chelia & Hermit: AWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!

Wendy: Unfortunately, that’s when Alastair and I look at the time and realize that it’s late. Then you call…………..

Alastair: If our parents or the butlers were home, then I’d be dead meat because I KNOW Wendy’s father would have my guts for guarders keeping his daughter out late in the city on a school night. Mom won’t let me hear the end of it.

Chelia & Hermit: *Giggles* Good point!!!!

Hermit: Don’t worry, we won’t tell.

Chelia: You were very sweet to Wendy from the look of things.

Hermit: And you’ve had your reasons for going out to the city.

Chelia & Hermit: So, we’ll let it slide.

Alastair: Thank you girls, I really appreciate it.

Chelia: I just wish you’d have an extra key for us Wendy.

Wendy: Again, I’m so sorry!!!!

Alastair: Well here we are back at our penthouse suites.

Chelia: Hermit and I will go take our baths before we hit the sac.

Hermit: You should get some sleep too because we have school tomorrow.

Chelia and Hermit then make their way into Wendy’s suite as Wendy and Alastair say good night.

Wendy: Again, thank you so much for everything Alastair. I had a lot of fun.

Alastair: Again, I’m so sorry to have dragged you into this. And because of it, you’re in great danger, and that’s the last thing I want……………

Wendy then grabs Alastair’s hands and clasps them tightly in hers.

Wendy: No it’s okay. Again, I want to do this and help you because you’re my friend, and friends always help each other no matter what.

Alastair: I really appreciate it. And I will say, you were a big help today, ESPECIALLY after getting ahold of the book and documents. I honestly don’t know how I could have done it without you. How you did it was EXTREMELY clever, and I honestly would have been screwed had it not been for you, so thank you.

Wendy then gives Alastair a gentle kiss on the cheek causing him to blush.

Wendy: Of course; it’s what friends do right? *Blushes Bright Pink & Giggles*

Alastair: *Blushes Dark Red & Looks Away* I guess so…………

Wendy: Also thank you so much for treating me to ice cream, and dinner. That’s the sweetest thing anyone’s ever done for me in a long time.

Alastair: Anytime.

Wendy: I’m just so sorry that Harriet had the nerve to make you pay for her expensive meal……………..

Alastair: Which was literally an ENTIRE month’s paycheck given that I only work on weekends…………she just had to order the most expensive appetizers, main course, and dessert on the menu, but it is what it is……………..

Wendy: THAT REALLY MAKES ME ANGRY!!!! WHO DOES SHE THINK SHE IS????!!!! WHAT SHE DID WAS SO WRONG!!!!

Alastair: According to my old friend Charlie, she’s a VERY GOOD Clairvoyant and Psychic Medium, and will play an important role during the investigation.

Wendy: EVEN SO, IT STILL UPSETS ME ON WHAT SHE DID!!!!
I ALSO DON’T LIKE HOW SHE YELLED AT YOU OVER THE PHONE…………I mean what happened to her wasn’t your fault. Given that she’s also a clairvoyant like you, she should have predicted she’d get a panic attack while holding the key like you did. And if that was the case, I’d never have it anywhere near me while taking a bath.

Alastair: You’re a VERY smart girl and you make a very valid point.

Wendy: *GIGGLES* LOL!!!!

Alastair: However, as a clairvoyant myself I didn’t know I would go into a panic attack either, so I can’t blame her for not knowing.

Wendy: I guess, but she really shouldn’t have yelled at you, or said those mean things to you. And she ESPECIALLY shouldn’t have made you pay for her expensive meal. I’ll never forgive her for that!!!!

Alastair: It is what it is, and the good news is I have enough money in my account to pay off a good chunk of the bill. (BUT NOT FOR MY TRIP TO FLORIDA ANYMORE )

Chelia: WENDY HURRY UP OUT THERE!!!!!

Hermit: WE HAVE TO GO TO BED!!!! WE HAVE SCHOOL TOMORROW!!!!

Wendy: I’LL BE RIGHT IN!!!!
*Sighs* Even though we’re not sisters, they kinda treat me like the little sister because I’m the youngest and it sucks………

Alastair: I’m sorry………….

Chelia: WENDY?????!!!!!!!!

Wendy: I’LL BE RIGHT IN CHELIA!!!!

Alastair: I guess I better hit the sac too.

Alastair: Good night Alastair and thank you for such a fun day.

Wendy: Any time.

Wendy then gives Alastair another gentle kiss on the cheek before calling it a night, which of course causes Alastair to blush.

Alastair: *Blushes Dark Red* I honestly hope I don’t end up regretting this.


To Be Continued………………

Chapter 11

As the girls hit the sac for the night, both Chelia and Hermit REALLY want to know what’s going on with Wendy and Alastair.

Chelia: So Wendy, how was your night with Alastair?

Hermit: We haven’t seen you this happy before, so I’m sure there’s a good reason for it.

Wendy: *Blushes Bright Pink* Well uhhhhhhh, I’m just glad to have been a good help to him. And we did have fun exploring Seattle Center, so what more is it you’d like to know?

Hermit: There’s something missing here!!!! I know there’s something you’re hiding Wendy………….

Wendy: *Blushing Bright Pink* Hiding, like what?

Chelia: Do I have to state the obvious? You love him, don’t you?

Wendy: *BLUSHING BRIGHTER PINK & FRANTICALLY WAVES HANDS* HOLD ON!!!! YOU MUST BE THINKING OF SOMETHING ELSE!!!!!
I do look up to him, sure!!!! But it’s way different……………he’s more like my big brother……………

Hermit: Are you sure that’s what it is? Because I can clearly see otherwise…………

Chelia: That is the oldest excuse in the book Wendy!!!! You only told us that because you don’t want us going further into the conversation. But we know you all too well that you don’t see him that way……………

Hermit: You can't fool us that easily Wendy............ -_-

Wendy: *BLUSHING BRIGHT PINK* OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOH!!!!!! ALRIGHT FINE!!!!!!
Do you remember the story I told you of when I first came here long ago, and I got separated from my parents in the underground tunnels?

Hermit: Of course!!! You wouldn’t stop talking about it!!!!

Chelia: You talked endlessly about this kind boy who found you, helped you out of the tunnels and was able to reunite you with your parents at the city’s train station.

Hermit: After your parents knew you were safe, he then took you to Seattle Center, treated you to Ice cream, took you up the Space Needle, and played with you for the rest of the weekend until you 2 had to part ways.

Chelia: You 2 were staying at the same hotel, and the second day he taught you how to swim, and gave you piggy back rides while in the hotel's pool before you ate in the hotel's main cafe.

Hermit: And lastly later on that night, you 2 got to eat with each other's families in the Space Needle's Main Dining Room.

Wendy: Well it turns out, that kind boy from long ago was..................actually now my next door neighbor, Alastair Smith…………*Blushes Bright Pink* He's that same boy from many years ago...................

Chelia & Hermit: WHHHHHHHHHHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAATTTTTTTTTT??????????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wendy: NOT SO LOUD!!!!! WE SHARE WALLS, SO HE MIGHT HERE YOU!!!!!!!

Chelia: SORRY!!!!!

Hermit: SERIOUSLY????!!!! That boy you told us about was and is Alastair?????!!!!!!

Wendy: Yes. I was only 8 years old, and I was frightened because I didn’t think I’d ever get out of those underground tunnels, ESPECIALLY given how dark they were. But Alastair was so kind. He took my hand and didn’t let go. I felt so safe and comfortable around him. When he played with me and showed me around the city it made me so happy. I didn’t know anybody since my parents were only visiting for business, and those were our last 2 days for sight seeing. But, I was with this kind boy who was only a few years older than me, so it felt wonderful to know that I had a friend. A friend that knew the city very well. He then teaches me how to swim and carries me on his back most of the time so I wouldn't be scared while we're in the water. And when he treated me to ice cream, that was the sweetest thing anyone had ever done for me. I remember it being so good, and Alastair took care of paying.

Chelia & Hermit: AWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!

Hermit: THAT REALLY IS SO SWEET!!!!

Chelia: No wonder you talked about him so much when you came back to Japan.

Wendy: *BLUSHES BRIGHT PINK* MMMHMMMMM!!!! I never met anyone like him. We normally stay away from boys especially how immature they can be.

Hermit: And obnoxious………….

Wendy: And given how many love letters we receive from them every day.........................


Chelia: You mean give how many love letters YOU receive from them every day????!!!!! *GIGGLES*

Wendy: *BLUSHING BRIGHTER PINK* SHUT UP!!!!!!!
But Alastair was different…………………needless to say that I’ve had a major crush on him ever since. And when I heard that we were moving here because of my parents job transfer, I was so happy!!!!! Then I find out your parents got the same job transfers, so it got even better.

Chelia: Hey, we’re practically sisters, so there’s no way we’ll ever split up!!!!!

Hermit: Yeah!!!! We’ll never be apart no matter what!!!!!

Wendy: However, when I find out that Alastair is my next door neighbor, I become very nervous and scared because I worry that he’d changed…………

Hermit: Unfortunately, people do change Wendy…………….

Chelia: Stuff happens…………

Wendy: However, right after we move in, Alastair introduces himself…………

Here we flash back to when Alastair helps Wendy move in as she carries her stuff, but unfortunately trips.

Wendy: *SCREAMS AND TRIPS* AHHHHHHH!!!!
OWWWWWWWW!!!!

Alastair: Let me help you with that.

Wendy: Thank you…………*GASPS*………..

Wendy takes one look at Alastair and remembers him from her childhood during her visit to America many years ago. She’s shocked to see that he’s the same kind boy she had met from long ago.

Alastair: The names Alastair David Alexander Smith, if there’s anything you need, please don’t hesitate to let me know.

Wendy: Thank you so much. You’re very sweet. I’m Wendy Marvell, and it’s really nice to meet you.

Alastair: Likewise. Welcome to the complex.
Again, please don’t hesitate to ask my mom and I for anything if you need help.

We now return to the current time.

Wendy: I was kinda sad that he didn’t recognize me from long ago, but I was so happy to see that he’s still the sweet and kind boy who played with me and hasn’t really changed much at all. However, I can tell that he seemed sad. But after hearing of his father passing away, it really makes sense given how close they were.
But my feelings for him haven’t changed. I still really like him, a lot………………and during our day out today, it brought back so many of those fond memories from back then.
And as for the arranged marriage, I want it to happen, but I also don’t want to force him into something he’s not comfortable with, so I don’t really know what to do…………..*Sighs*

Hermit and Chelia grab Wendy’s hands and lay in so their foreheads all touch.

Hermit: It’s okay. Love is very scary and complicated, so I’m sure you’re not alone.

Chelia: Follow your heart Wendy…………if you really like Alastair, then follow your heart.

Hermit: If you really like him, then I promise, Chelia and I will do whatever we can to help.

Wendy: You mean it?

Chelia: Mmmmhmmmmm. Even though Hermit and I are also arranged for betrothment to him, it’s clear to us that it should be you.

Hermit: It’s only fair since you knew him first…………….plus you have the best chance of getting with him because you know him better than Chelia and I do having spent a day with him.

Wendy: But……………

Chelia: It’s okay Wendy. Don’t worry about us we’ll be fine. Because at the end of the day, we’ll always be best friends and sisters for life.

A few tears of joy pour down Wendy’s face.

Wendy: Thank you so much girls, you’re the greatest.

Hermit: Of course. We’re now glad you told us because now we know how much he means to despite it being so many years since you first met.

Wendy: Again, thank you so much girls.

Chelia: Now let’s hit the sack!!!! It’s almost midnight and we have to go to school tomorrow.



To Be Continued……………….

Chapter 12

Friday October 31 rolls around MUCH faster than expected.
It is now 4:00 p.m., and with the last of the supplies loaded onto the train cars, Big Joe and Alastair finish oiling up Steam Engine Number #70's valve gear, along with topping off of her Biodiesel and water tanks.

Big Joe: Alright the valve gear is oiled.

Alastair: Our fuel and water are now full.

Conductor Eddie: Alright, Number #70 ready when you are. You have a highball!!!!!

Polson Logging Company Logging Mikdao Steam locomotive Number #70 then hauls her train out of the Mineral logging yard, and sets off back for Tacoma.
Meanwhile back at the Academy, Wendy performs various ariel stunts on her cheerleading squad as they prepare to cheer for a basketball game, while at the same time, both Hermit and Chelia also perform Ariel Stunts on their cheerleading squad as they prepare to cheer for a football game. However………….......

Wendy: Girls, in case the game goes longer than expected, I have to leave close to 6 because there’s somewhere I’ve gotta be. I promised a dear friend that I’d help him with something important. So please don’t be mad…………

Meanwhile Harriet is over at a nearby hair salon getting her hair done.

Harriet: OOOOOOOOOOOOH YEAH!!!! RIGHT ON!!!!!

At the Cathedral Basilica, Father Kent wraps up confessions.

Father Kent: By the way, I can’t stick around passed 6 because there’s somewhere I’ve gotta be. I promised this guy I’d help him with an exorcism……………..

Time goes on and the sun soon sets as Polson Logging Company Steam Engine Number #70 continues hauling her train back to Tacoma. Her fire is burning nicely, boiler pressure holds up, the water level’s nice and high, and the running gear runs smoothly with very little knock coming from the connecting rods.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tO3EoKlzad0

Big Joe: ALRIGHT ALASTAIR!!! I’M GONNA OPEN HER UP AND SEE WHAT SHE CAN REALLY DO!!!!

Alastair: READY WHEN YOU ARE JOE!!!!

Alastair opens his firing valve all the way, cracks open the atomizer valve all the way, opens up the firebox dampener all the way, and pulls open the ball lever water injector valve. Big Joe then opens the throttle as far as it will go until it’s completely wide open, and notches back on the Johnson Bar/Reverser lever until it’s near the center.
Steam Engine Number #70 starts barking louder and faster, her pistons pound harder, the drive wheels turn faster and faster, and soon Number #70 and her train are thundering up the railroad line to Tacoma at nearly 44 miles an hour.

Big Joe: OOOOOOOH YEAH!!!! NOW WE’RE GOING!!!!

Alastair: WE’RE MAKING GOOD TIME!!!!

It's not long until Big Joe has to shut the throttle, and Alastair has to town down the fire because Number #70 and her train soon arrive back in Tacoma sooner than expected.
Big Joe and Alastair then bring Number #70 and her train to a gradual and gentle stop, and workmen hustle and shout as they unload all the cargo, and transfer it to the train on the main line.
It's not long until the last of the cargo is unloaded, the train is parked on a siding, and Steam Engine Number #70 is back in her roundhouse stall with her fire dropped as Big Joe and Alastair set to work on shutting her down.

Big Joe: WHOOOOOOOOAAAAAAA!!!! THAT WAS FUN!!!!!

Alastair: That sure brought back memories of when Dad used to highball like that on Engine Number #5. I’d always enjoy standing behind him and watch him open that throttle until it was completely wide open, and hearing the powerful pounding of the pistons as we’d go thundering down the line like the Flying Scotsman.

Big Joe: Your father was SO MUCH fun to work with, and I always had such a blast trying to keep up with him while firing for him.

Alastair: Some of the best memories I’ve ever had were in the cab of Engine Number #5 when Dad and Grandpa were running her.

Big Joe: David and Tom Murray were so passionate and full of life when it came to steam trains. I learned so much from them, and they were 2 of the finest engineers I’ve ever worked with.

Alastair: That they were, and I miss them more each day as time goes on.

Big Joe: I do too as do everyone else here. Things just haven’t been the same since your Grand Father and your father passed away.

Alastair: Same thing at home. My mom and I almost never talk anymore. She’s always busy, but back when David and Grandpa were still alive things were VERY different. We were so close!!! We’d always talk about almost anything and everything. We laughed together, we cried together, we got angry together………………it was like we were all connected. When Grandpa died, we were sad, but we still managed, but when Dad died……………….things were never the same anymore. It's like we've fallen apart....................

Big Joe: I know……………unfortunately that’s very normal. When you lose a loved one in your family, nothing’s ever gonna be the same, and it’s hard to move on.

Alastair: The reason I managed to survive all the bullying in school while growing up was because Dad and Grandpa were always there for me. Now I feel like it’s me against the world because no one likes what I like, and it’s why I don’t really have any friends. Well, mainly those close to my age.......................

Big Joe: Don’t sell yourself short. Bully’s bully because they’re emotionally insecure, jealous, and disgusted with themselves. They feel the need to put others down because it makes them feel good because deep down they’re unhappy with themselves. I’m sure they all knew that you’re a great person, and they did NOT like that.

Alastair: It’s what Dad and Grandpa always told me. They told me to never let them get to me, but it was hard not to given that I was always the odd one out who wasn’t into sports, power rangers, or action heroes. Yes, I enjoyed some video games like Mario and Zelda, but that’s it. I just wasn’t really interested into what everyone else was. All that mattered was the steam train and the pipe organ, and no one got that.

Big Joe: All I can say is shame on them because they don’t know what a great person you are, and what a great person you have become. You’re a very dedicated hard worker, you have a lot of knowledge, and you’re a very kind person. That’s very hard to find. In fact, I was impressed that you were able to keep up with me, and I’m still flabbergasted that you managed to keep the pressure at a constant 180 PSI. The pressure needle didn’t even budge!!!!

Alastair: Well, Number #70 is the easiest and most forgiving locomotive to fire and operate in the fleet followed closely by Engine Number #5………….

Big Joe: That maybe so, but you have come such a long ways, and I’m proud of you. I know both your Dad and Grandpa would be too if they were still alive, and you know it.
So don’t sell yourself short because you’re a good kid, a hard worker, and that’s nothing you see every day.
I can understand how you feel. Losing a parent and grand parent is not easy, but time goes on, and things do get better. Maybe you’re not seeing it yet but give it time. Things will come around.

Alastair: I guess…………..

Big Joe: It’ll be alright, just focus on you, and what you love.

Alastair: I do plan on attending the university in Seattle to study history after I graduate high school, and then going onto Julliard to major in Classical Music to further my skills as an organist before coming back to take over my father’s legacy. But unfortunately, that’s still a ways away, and the future can’t happen soon enough.

Big Joe: We all know that feeling of either wanting to go back to the passed when things were better, or moving forward to the future to pursue what we really want, but sometimes the best part is staying in the here and now. And that’s what we all take for granted. So just be excited about the future of what you wanna do, but also be grateful for what you have now because you never know.

Alastair: You do make a valid point, and I will say that I feel most at home when I’m here or at the Cathedral because they help me escape the reality.

Big Joe: That’s good, and that’s what you should focus on.

Alastair then looks at the time and notices that it’s almost 6:00.

Alastair: UH-OH!!!! I gotta go home, shower, and pack my things. Harriet, Father Kent, and I have to investigate Phantom Manor tonight.

Big Joe: Best of luck to you my friend.

Alastair: Thanks Joe.

After closing up shop, Alastair and Big Joe then get in the cars, and drive off their separate ways.
Alastair arrives back at the Condo Complex in no time flat when Valet Parking Greets him.

Valet Parking Attendant: Welcome Back Master Smith. Will you be needing the car for the rest of the night?

Alastair: Yes. I’ll be back within about 15 to 20 minutes, so is it possible to keep it parked out here near by?

Valet Parking: Yes of course, not a problem sir!!!

Alastair: Thank you!!!!

Alastair then makes a mad dash for the elevator, takes it back up to his floor, scrambles back into his suite, removes his overalls, and gets in the shower at once.
It's not long until he’s out the shower dressed and is ready to go with the last of his items packed.

Alastair: I know I’m gonna regret this………………..

Alastair then turns off the lights, sets the alarm, and leaves his suite.
As he makes his way to the elevator, he receives a call from Wendy.

Wendy: Hello……Alastair?

Alastair: Hey Wendy, what’s up?

Wendy: The girls the game's over, and the girls on the cheerleading squad are all going home for the night, so I’ll wait for you to pick me up outside the school.

Alastair: Alright. I’m leaving the complex now and should be there in about 10 minutes.

Wendy: Alright, I’ll see you soon.

Alastair soon reaches the lobby, and makes his way out to the curb where valet parking is waiting for him.

Valet Parking Attendant: Alright Master Smith, your car was just moved over there, and is ready for you.

Alastair: Thank you.

Alastair then opens the trunk to his car, and throws his stuff in before closing the trunk, hopping into the driver’s seat, depressing the clutch, turning over the engine, putting the transmission in gear, and driving out onto the road.

Alastair: Before I forget………….

Alastair then unlocks his phone, calls the nearby Pizza Parlor, and orders take out.

Alastair: Hello, it’s Alastair……………My usual medium along with 5 larges. One of each in your selection…………..
Perfect!!!! We’ll be right there!!!!!

After making the order, Alastair then drives over to the pizza parlor, parks his car, and heads on in to pick up his order.
However, the person who helps him at the register is none other than the former paper boy we saw earlier.

Former Paper Boy: Here you go!!!!

Alastair: Thanks!!!!

Former Paper Boy: Be careful out there man!!!! It’s Halloween, and the legends of that Haunted House deep in the forest have been spreading like you wouldn’t believe.

Alastair: It’s the Pacific Northwest, so nothing really surprises me anymore.

Former Paper Boy: But this house was different from the rest of them. On my first and ONLY morning as a paper boy, I was on my bike, and I got lost in the thick fog when I rolled over the railroad tracks and down this VERY DARK road. I then passed this abandoned mining town before arriving at the iron gates located at the bottom of this hill. There up at the top was this HUGE rundown dilapidated mansion that is said to be cursed. I heard the stories but didn’t believe em. But then I saw ALL the lights turn on, and heard this mysterious and earie crying, like that of a brokenhearted maiden.

Alastair: UH-OH!!! This is sounding all too familiar!!!

Former Paper Boy: Then I hear screams of agony and terror coming before I hear this just EVIL AND DIABOLICAL LAUGHTER that was just so terrifying that it shook me to my core…………….it shook me so bad that I got up, ran, got on my bike, and quit.

Alastair: Sounds like you stumbled upon Ravenswood Manor, or what’s been affectionately called Phantom Manor.

Former Paper Boy: I KNEW IT!!!!! But no one believed me, which is another reason why I quit. However, stories about it have spread, and word travels fast around here.
Anyways here’s your order, so have a good night and Happy Halloween!

Alastair: Thanks, you as well.

Alastair then picks up his order, makes his way back out to his car, opens his trunk, places the food in the trunk, texts Wendy, and gets back on the road.

Alastair: Alrighty. I hope I haven’t kept her waiting too long…………

In no time Alastair arrives back at the academy, and parks outside the gym where Wendy’s waiting for him.

Wendy: There you are!!!! I Was almost worried that you’d forget about me. *Giggles* LOL!!!

Alastair: I hope I didn’t keep you waiting for too long.

Wendy: Na-ah!!!! It was only for about 5 minutes. Really!!! I had to run to my locker to grab my clothes, and tooth paste, tooth brush, make up, and other stuff. I unfortunately didn’t have time to change out of my uniform, so I hope you don’t mind.

Alastair blushes as he stares at Wendy in her cheerleading uniform.

Alastair: *Blushes Dark Red* (WOOOOAAAH!!!! She actually looks REALLY CUTE in her cheer uniform)…………..

Wendy: *Blushes Bright Pink* Alastair are you okay? Would you please stop stairing at me? It’s embarrassing………..

Alastair: Sorry my mistake………….that uniform actually looks kinda cute on you……….*Blushing Dark Red*
Anyways, let’s get going. Father Kent and Harriet are probably wondering where the heck we are………..I’ll take care of your cheer bag.

Wendy: AWWWWWWW, Thank you!!!! You’re very kind. *Giggles*

Alastair places Wendy’s cheer bag in the trunk of the car and closers the trunk before he and Wendy hop in the car and fasten their seat belts. Alastair then throws the tranny in gear and gets back on the road. He then gets out his phone and once again calls his old friend Charlie.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5aa29GtJ8Q0&list=RDGMEMJQXQAmqrnmK1SEjY_rKBGA&start_radio=1&rv=RSeldKAqM-w

Charlie: Hey Alastair, I knew you’d be calling!

Alastair: Of course!!! Why am I not surprised????!!!!

Charlie: I also know exactly why…………….you’re doing it aren’t you!!!! In fact you’ve been planning it the moment you last got off the phone with me……………..

Alastair: WAAAAAAHHHHHTTTTTT!!!!! Apparently nothing gets by you. LOL!!!!

Charlie: Hey, I’ve been there and done that, and it wasn’t all that long ago when I was in your shoes when I did my big investigation on my inherited haunted house. LOL!!!!!

Alastair: Any word of advice?

Charlie: Relax and have faith in yourself. The last thing you want to do is show you have self doubt. Trust your gut, and don’t be afraid to embrace your gift. God made you a clairvoyant for a good reason. Your ability to see the events that happened as well as the events that lie ahead are more of a blessing than they are a curse, and they will come in handy when you least expect them too.

Alastair: I kinda find that hard to believe…………..all it’s brought me is panic attack after panic attack, and just recently it……….

Charlie: Nearly caused Harriet to drown in the bathtub of her hotel suite, and she slapped you with an expensive dinner bill, which has stopped you from booking your trip to Walt Disney World in Florida this Christmas?

Alastair: MY GOD!!!!!

Wendy: THAT’S AMAZING!!!!!!

Charlie: Needless to say she called me up and yelled at me too!!!!! LOL!!!!
However, I completely understand at how you feel. I felt the exact same way. I tried to run away from the fact I was a clairvoyant for many years after my gift was unleashed. However, it came in handy when I needed it the most, and now there is never a moment where I’m not grateful to God for it. Because of my gift, I was able to save my beloved before it was too late…………

Wendy: AWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!!! That’s so wonderful, and so sweet!!!!!

Charlie: You must be Wendy?

Wendy: That’s right!!!!!!

Charlie: You’re a loving gentle soul judging by the sound of your voice.

Wendy: *BLUSHES BRIGHT PINK* AWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!! That’s so sweet of you to say, but…………….

Charlie: I know exactly what you look like, I know exactly they type of person you are, and I know that you’ll have a vital role in this investigation.
Takes me back to when my wife Chrissy and I investigated Blackmoore Manor many years ago.

Alastair: I remember you told me how you 2 were mainly the ones that handled the majority of the investigation, and if it weren’t for Chrissy then…………

Charlie: I would have been screwed BIG TIME!!!! Because of her I managed to break the curse of Blackmoore Manor……………now…………………..

Alastair: History is repeating itself…………isn’t it?

Charlie: It’s Deja Vou all over again!!!! Except this time…………

Alastair: I don’t have Lorraine Warren or John Zaffis to help me out. Heck, I tried getting ahold of a bishop from all along the West Coast, but all gave me the same response. “They’re all away visiting the Vatican!”

Charlie: It’s a busy time for Catholicism now as the Pope wants to move the faith further into the future. Therefor a good number of Bishops and Cardinals were chosen for the important meeting at St. Peter’s Basilica.
However, you managed to get ahold of a Catholic Priest, Father Kent, am I right?

Alastair: Yes………..that is correct……….

Charlie: He’s new and maybe forgetful, BUT he knows the faith, he knows the rules, and understands the responsibilities. He’s also done a few house blessings and has witnessed an exorcism in person. Although it may not have been ANYWHERE NEAR intense as the one I had to perform or the one performed at the Snedeker Funeral Home, it was still fairly intense and he learned a lot from it.
So you’re not going into this thing unarmed like I did.

Alastair: That’s good to know…………….

Charlie: You’re also an aspiring Organ Scholar and working on becoming a Member of the Third Order in the Catholic Church, which also helps……………..you also have Harriet who’s VERY Experienced. I know you’ve had a rough start, but she’s actually a good person, and always comes through with her word in the end.

Alastair: Alright…………….

Charlie: You have this Alastair. Just believe in yourself, and all will be fine.

Alastair: Alright……………

Charlie: Also Wendy………..

Wendy: Yes?

Charlie: There are a few things I’d like to talk to you, but I need you to remove the speaker phone, if you don’t mind.

Alastair: What for?

Charlie: Trust me on this one!!!! You’ll thank me for it.

Wendy: Okay.

Wendy then picks up Alastair’s phone and turns off the speaker phone feature.

Charlie: Alright is the Speaker phone off?

Wendy: Yes!!!!

Charlie: As I’ve said before, I know EXACTLY who you are. You’re Alastair’s beloved, am I right?

Wendy immediately blushes and gets embarrassed after Charlie states the obvious.

Wendy: *BLUSHES BRIGHT PINK & FRANTICALLY SHAKES HEAD* HOLD ON, WHAT REALLY MAKES YOU THINK THAT????????!!!!!!!!!!

Charlie: I don’t think it, I know it given that I’m Clairvoyant. Alastair however is oblivious and doesn’t see it, and here’s why. His heart is still full of grief and sadness after losing his father and Grand Father given how close they all were, and he's forgotten what’s in front of him. Right now the word and meaning of love is all a blur.................
I was the EXACT same way when it came to Chrissy when we were investigating Blackmoore Manor. I was oblivious, and absolutely stupid……………........I was also struck by grief after losing both of my parents too. However, I will tell you this………
Don’t leave his side. Alastair will need you more than you or he realize. The bond you share dates WAY BACK, and the friendship you’re trying to revive from long ago, has already taken its effect on him. Heck, I was there when you 2 first met in the underground tunnels many years ago.............

Wendy: WAIT, YOU WERE????!!!!!

Charlie: I sure was, and I remember it like yesterday.
Eventually your feelings will reach him when the time calls for it.
In other words, it’s up to you to take care of him, keep him out of trouble, and stop him from doing anything reckless. I would know because it was me all those years ago.

Wendy: Okay *Blushes Bright Pink & Giggles*

Charlie: You can reactivate the Speaker Phone now.

Wendy: Okay.

Wendy then reactivates the Speaker Phone feature on Alastair’s Phone.

Charlie: Your reception will cut out at any second, so best of luck to the 2 of you. You’ve got this!!! Just believe in yourself and take that No Good Son Of A Bitch Phantom Down.

Alastair & Wendy: Thank you; Will do!!!!

And as Charlie predicted, the phone signal cuts out as Alastair and Wendy drive over the railroad tracks, and down a VERY DARK road through the thick and dense fog.

Alastair: And we lost him.

Wendy: Your friend Charlie is VERY sweet!!!! It’s no wonder Chrissy fell for him. *Giggles*

Alastair: He’s my go to person when it comes to Clairvoyance and Paranormal research.
Now we’ve crossed the railroad tracks and are heading down the road through the thick fog, which means we’ve passed Phantom Manor lookout.

Wendy: OH WOW!!!!!

Alastair: That means we’re getting VERY CLOSE!!!!


To Be Continued……………………….

Chapter 13

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mb2RSWLfAmo&t=309s

Alastair’s Volvo V60 Wagon makes its way down a VERY LONG and winding road farther and farther deep into the fog.
Alastair then activates his car’s fog lights as he keeps navigating his way through the thick fog.

Alastair: WOAH!!!! This thing is REALLY deep in the woods.

Wendy: I don’t like this Alastair……………

Alastair: Nor do I……………….

It slowly begins to rain, and when it begins to rain, it pours.

Alastair: And given that it’s the Pacific Northwest, it just has to rain!!!!

Wendy: Of course!!! -_-

However, as Alastair drives deeper and deeper down the road, the fog slowly but surely lifts, and unveils the old abandoned ghost town of Thunder Mesa.

Alastair: WHAT THE HELL????!!!!!!

Wendy: OH MY GOSH!!!!!!

Alastair: This MOST DEFINITELY has to be the old Ghost Town of Thunder Mesa!!!! There is no doubt in my mind about it!!!!!!

Wendy: YOU’RE RIGHT; LOOK!!!!!!

Alastair: THUNDER MESA SALOON, THUNDER MESA BREWING COMPANY, THUNDER MESA HOTEL, AND THUNDER MESA CHOP HOUSE!!!!!

Wendy then grabs Alastair’s hand and holds it tightly refusing to let go as they drive passed Black Lake.

Wendy: OKAY, THAT LAKE REALLY FREAKS ME OUT!!!!!

Alastair: THAT MUST BE BLACK LAKE AND THAT BOAT LANDING AND OLD ABANDONED PADDLE WHEEL STEAMBOAT MUST BE FROM……………..

Wendy: THE THUNDER MESA RIVERBOAT COMPANY!!!!

And sure enough, an old abandoned trestle bridge spans over Black Lake, and straight into the mines of the Big Thunder Mining Company.

Alastair: THERE’S THE TRAIN BRIDGE LEADING TO THE MINES, WHICH MEANS THAT’S THE BIG THUNDER MINING COMPANY!!!!!!

Wendy: I SEE THE TRAIN TRACKS COMING FROM OUT OF A TUNNEL LOCATED AT THE BOTTOM OF SOME HILL!!!!

Alastair: THAT MUST BE BOOT HILL!!!!

As more of the heavy fog lifts, Alastair’s gut is right on the money because sure enough the railroad tracks are indeed coming out of a tunnel located at the bottom of Boot Hill, and there at the VERY top of Boot Hill is………………

Wendy: OH MY GOSH!!!!!

Alastair: THERE IT IS!!!!!

Alastair & Wendy: PHANTOM MANOR!!!!!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALWgmarQFm4

And of course Thunder and Lightening strike causing Wendy to freak out and grab Alastair’s arm tightly.

Wendy: *SCREAMS* AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!
I HATE THUNDER & LIGHTENING!!!!!!!

Alastair: It’s unfortunately all too common here in the Pacific North West.

Alastair then stops his car just in front of 2 large wrought iron gates at the VERY BOTTOM of Boot Hill that are locked and chained together.

Alastair: No surprise, of course the Wrought Iron Gates leading up the driveway are locked. Looks like I’ll have to unlock it myself. Hopefully this key works.

But as Alastair unfastens his seat belt and opens his car door…………….

Wendy: ALASTAIR, LOOK!!!!!!!

Alastair: WHAT THE?????!!!!!!!

The lock holding the chain together and keeping the wrought iron gates shut, falls off and the wrought iron gates open by themselves.

Wendy: PLEASE TELL ME I DIDN’T SEE THAT!!!!!!

Alastair: No, we saw that alright!!!!!!

Alastair then closes his car door, refastens his seat belt, depresses the clutch, puts the car back in gear, drives through the large wrought iron gates, and up the winding path of Boot Hill.
Unbeknownst to Alastair and Wendy, Harriet isn’t too far behind in her rented Mercedes Benz GLC-Class SUV, followed by Father Kent in his BMW X3 SUV, and behind them is a Lincoln Aviator with Chelia and Hermit.

Wendy: I REALLY DON’T LIKE THIS ALASTAIR!!!

Alastair: Neither do I…………..and I really don’t like that I’ve dragged you into this…………….

Wendy: Hey, it’s okay. We’re a team, and we’ll get through this.

Alastair: Somehow, someway, we’ll figure it out.

Wendy: We will!!

After driving up the steeping winding road up Boot Hill, Alastair at long lasts parks his Red Volvo V60 Cross Country wagon on nice flat ground at the bottom of a staircase leading up to the front door of Phantom Manor.

Alastair: Well, here we are!!!!!

Wendy: OKAY, THAT HOUSE IS REALLY STARTING TO SCARE ME!!!!!

Alastair: It looks MUCH LARGER up close in person than it does in the book, drawings, and from Phantom Manor Look out.

And soon enough, Harriet pulls her car up, and parks her Mercedes Benz GLC-Class SUV alongside Alastair’s car, and then Father Kent parks his BMW X-3 alongside Harriet’s rental car, and then the Lincoln Aviator parks alongside Father Kent’s car.

Wendy: It looks like everyone’s here!!!!

Alastair: Talk about perfect timing!!!!!

Alastair and Wendy get out of the Volvo, and then one by one everyone else gets out of their cars.

Alastair: Perfect timing everyone!!!!

Wendy: GIRLS, YOU MADE IT!!!!

Chelia: Of course!!!! You know we can’t leave you alone!!!

Hermit: Or let you hog all the fun.

Harriet: Glad it was you who went first, because I wasn’t gonna fiddle with that lock!!!!

Alastair: It just fell off and the gates opened by themselves.

Chelia: WHAT????!!!!

Hermit: SERIOUSLY?????!!!!!

Father Kent: Looks like we’re REALLY entering some unchartered territory here!!!!

Alastair: Ya think???!!! By the way Father Kent, did you remember to bring incense, a thermal burner, charcoal, Holy Water, a Rosary, a crucifix, and the Bible?

Father Kent’s eyes then dialate because he forgot.

Father Kent: Uh-Oh!!!!! I think I………….forgot!!!!!!!!!!!

Alastair: *SIGHS* Good thing I came prepared!!!! Not to worry, I got em all in my trunk!!!!

Father Kent: WOW!!!!! I’m impressed!!!!!!

Alastair: I somehow knew you were gonna forget, which is why I went to a nearby Catholic Store and bought the supplies. Whereas the Rosary and Bible are mine.

Father Kent: Alright!!!!

Alastair then opens his trunk and hands Father Kent the bag holding the vital supplies he’ll need.

Alastair: Here you go!!!!

Father Kent: Much obliged!!!!

Alastair then hands Wendy, Chelia, and Hermit his umbrella.

Alastair: It’s raining cats and dogs, I don’t want you girls getting soaked and catching cold, so here you go.

Chelia: AWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!!

Hermit: Thank you so much Alastair!!!! That’s very sweet of you!!!!

Wendy: But Alastair, what about you?

Alastair: I don’t worry, this is normal in the Pacific Northwest, and I’ve lived with it all my life. Therefor I’m used to it.

Wendy: Then at least let us help you carry some stuff.

Harriet: I see you got us dinner because that is A LOT OF PIZZA!!!!!

Alastair: Yeah, I figured you’d all be hungry right after we arrived, so I went and grabbed dinner. I may have gone overboard with buying 8 pizzas, 4 orders of garlic bread, and 6 2 liter bottles of soda. However, it should be enough to possibly last us through tomorrow.

Wendy: That’s amazing!!!!!

Chelia: We’ll help carry the foot!!!!!

Hermit: You can hand me Wendy’s cheer bag and I’ll get the rest of our stuff!!!

Alastair: Alright!!!!

Alastair then hands Hermit Wendy’s cheer bag. Hermit then grabs Chelia’s, and her own cheer bag out of the Lincoln Aviator before it sets off, and drives away. Alastair then grabs his bag, a lantern, and most of the pizza while Chelia and Wendy grab the garlic bread. Father Kent grabs more of the pizza, as Harriet takes the drinks before Alastair closes his trunk, and locks up his car.

Alastair: Alright, everyone’s here, we have everything, so let’s head on in.

One by one everyone makes their way up the LONG staircase leading up to Phantom Manor. Wendy however stays VERY CLOSE to Alastair’s side, and doesn’t leave it.
The rain only comes down harder and harder as our friends make their way up the long staircase until at long last our friends finally arrive on the front porch and at the front door.

Alastair: Alright this is it!!!!!!! Here we are at long last!!!!!

Alastair then sets his stuff down, reaches inside his jacket pocket, and pulls out the key to Phantom Manor. Wendy also sets her stuff down, grabs Alastair’s hand, and holds it tightly.

Wendy: I maybe very scared but I’m with you on this Alastair!!!! I promise that I’ll help you in any way I can!!!!

Alastair: I know and thank you Wendy!!!!

Harriet: CAN WE GET A MOVE ON HERE!!!!! I’M FREEZING OUT HERE, AND I’VE GOT THE MUNCHIES!!!!!!

Hermit: RUDE MUCH?????!!!!!

Chelia: I KNOW, WHAT IS HER PROBLEM????!!!!!!

Wendy: GIRLS?????!!!!!!!!

Harriet: I HEARD THAT!!!!

Alastair: Well, here it goes…………………

Alastair then places the key into the keyhole of the front door.

Alastair: IT’S ALL COMING DOWN TO THIS!!!!!!!


To Be Continued……………..

Chapter 14

Alastair: IT’S ALL COMING DOWN TO THIS!!!!

Alastair then turns the key, unlocks, and opens the door. The door opens slowly, and squeaks hauntingly as it opens.

Alastair: Let’s go!!!!

Alastair then holds the lantern out in front of him as he enters the large, grand, and dark foyer of Phantom Manor.
A LARGE GRAND Staircase, various balconies, beautiful hand wood carvings of griffins, lions, dragons, and serpents, Italian Marble Furniture, gold framed mirrors, oil paintings, and spider webs all adorn the once grand foyer of Phantom Manor.

Harriet: OH MY GOODNESS!!!!!!

Father Kent: WOOOOOOAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!!!! THIS PLACE IS HUGE!!!!!!

Alastair: I know!!!!! I don’t really know where to start!!!!!

Chelia: ONE CAN SPEND A LIFETIME HERE AND NOT KNOW THEIR WAY AROUND!!!!!

Hermit: I DON’T THINK I’D EVER SEEN SUCH A BIG HOUSE BEFORE IN ALL MY LIFE!!!!!

Chelia: I know!!! This is WAY bigger than our homes back in Japan, and they were HUGE!!!!!

Wendy: I know!!!!

Alastair: Let’s head upstairs and find a place to sleep for the night before we come back down, eat, and set to work.

Harriet: I’m down for that!!!

Father Kent: Sounds good!!!!

Alastair: Just stay out of the West Wing!!!

Hermit: What’s there in the West Wing?

Alastair: It’s where Mark Turner Ravenswood’s suite is, which was the site of one could only imagine what horror happened.

Everyone then hears the mysteriously diabolical voice of the Phantom.

Phantom: WHEN HINGES CREEK IN DOORS CHAMBERS...........

Wendy: *SCREAMS* AAAAHHHHHHHH!!!! DID YOU GIRLS HEAR THAT????!!!!!!

Chelia: WE DID!!!!

Phantom: WHEN CANDLE LIGHTS FLICKER AND THE AIR IS DEATHLY STILL................

Alastair: HE KNOWS WE'RE HERE!!!!

Phantom: WELCOME CURIOUS FRIENDS!!!! IT IS SO NICE TO HAVE GUESTS!!!!!!

Father Kent: WHO IS THAT?????!!!!!!

Alastair: IT MUST BE THE PHANTOM!!!!!

Phantom: YOU MAY NOT BELIEVE IT, BUT BEAUTY ONCE LIVED IN THIS HOUSE!!!!

Just then the gas lights started to flicker on and off, chandeliers swing violently, the pipe organs in the Great room, Grand Ballroom, and Dining Rooms all start playing, and doors begin to slam open and close hard and fast. Thunder and Lightening then strike causing the girls to freak out.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALWgmarQFm4

Phantom: NOW CURIOUS SOULS; COME I HAVE MORE TO SHOW YOU!!!!!!! THERE IS NO TURNING BACK NOW!!!!!!!

Chelia, Hermit & Wendy: *FREAK & SCREAM* AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!

The girls drop their stuff and grab Alastair’s arms, and don’t let go.

Alastair: And that proves my point on why we must stay out of the West Wing until an exorcism is fully performed.

Father Kent: That’s where I come in.

Harriet: There is A LOT of grief and sadness in this house.

Alastair: That there is!!! This is on a WHOLE other level from the negative energy I felt from outside from down the corridor of room Number #873 at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel many years ago, and that alone shook me to the core.

Wendy tightens her grip on Alastair’s hand.

Wendy: But this time you’re not alone because we’re here with you!!!!

Chelia: Yeah!!!

Hermit: You have our support!!!!

Harriet: As long as I get my money then I’ve got yo back!!!!

Father Kent: And the Lord chooses unlikely people.

Soon everyone hears Melanie Ravenswood’s melancholy cries and singing coming from the hallways on the third floor.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_F52Cl7_hAc

Wendy: Alastair??????......................

Chelia: This is really starting to freak me out………………

Hermit: Me too…………………

Alastair: That sounded like the melancholy crying and singing of someone, and that could only mean one person. It’s Melanie Ravenswood. She probably knows where we should stay, so let’s follow her voice.

Alastair then makes his way up the MASSIVE GRAND Staircase. Wendy walks alongside him while tightly holding his hand. Chelia and Hermit follow closely behind while tightly holding their hands, Father Kent then follows closely behind, and Harriet brings up the rear.

Alastair: If I remember correctly, the second floor is more or less a mezzanine level that overlooks the main floor, while the third floor is where all the main bedrooms and suites are, and the fourth floor is the former servants quarters as well as the attic.

Wendy: That’s what it looked like in the floor plan, and what the book clearly says.

Harriet: That’s what I’m getting at too!!!!

Alastair: Henry and Alice Ravenswood had VERY GOOD taste, but they originally lived in a small 2 story single family home, and it’s how they wanted to live until Henry’s older brother Mark Turner Ravenswood immigrated from England, and moved in. He changed everything……………

Harriet: Yeah, those wood carvings of Lions, Griffins, Serpents, Condors, and Dragons doesn’t look like the work of a happy couple………….

Alastair: EXACTLY!!!!! Both of my parents designed our condo during its renovation, and they both chose things carefully.

Wendy: It was the same with my parents before we moved in!!!!!

Chelia: Ours too!!!!!

Once Alastair and the rest of our friends reach the third floor, a ghostly orb emulating the sad cries and melancholy singing shows itself.

Wendy: Alastair, what is that?

Chelia: That’s what I’d like to know……………….

Alastair: It’s a ghostly orb, and given the melancholy singing, it’s most likely the trapped spirit of Melanie Ravenswood. I believe she’s taken this form to let us know she means us no harm.

Harriet: If she was in full apparition form, you’d all be hightailing it back to your cars, and heading back out on the road, and taking off like a bat out of hell.

Alastair: I will admit, I have been on paranormal investigations, have heard voices, I’ve seen orbs in pictures, been touched, have heard knocking sounds, heard phantom footsteps, seen doors open and shut hard and fast, seen lights flicker, seen items move on their own, and felt hot and cold spots. I’ve seen visions of events that have happened, and what could happen. BUT NEVER have I seen an actual apparition in person while fully conscious. Therefor I’d most likely be just as freaked out as all of you if I were to see one first thing upon entering. And I’m sure the ghosts here know it……………..or at least I think they do.

Harriet: OH THEY DO!!!! They KNEW we were coming, but I can sense that they mean us no harm with the exception of the bad one, who greeted us from somewhere. But of course will not show himself right away. An evil spirit will ALWAYS love to surprise its victims when they least expect it.

Alastair: Is that true? Are you really Melanie Ravenswood?

The ghostly orb moves closer to Alastair and playfully circles around him before taking off and making a right down a long corridor in the East Wing of the house.

Alastair: That confirms my theory, and we must follow her.

Wendy: Alright, let’s go!!!!

Alastair and Wendy then take off running after the orb down the long corridor in the East Wing.

Chelia: ALASTAIR, WENDY; WAIT UP!!!!!

Hermit: DON’T LEAVE US BEHIND!!!!!

Harriet: I know where they went, they’re not far.

The ghostly orb then slows down as it gets farther down the corridor, and as Alastair and Wendy follow the orb down the corridor, the gas lamps light up, and both Alastair and Wendy see oil paintings and portraits of the Ravenswood family.

Wendy: WOW!!!!!

Alastair: OH MY GOSH!!!! These must be oil paintings of the Ravenswood Family………………….That tall skinny gentleman in the Tuxedo must be Henry Ravenswood, and the young teenager in the denim overalls must be his son Alexander Ravenswood.

Wendy: I think the lady in red must be Alice, and the little girl with the beautiful silver hair must be Carla.

Father Kent: And then we have a brown haired woman on this portrait.

Alastair: That must be Melissa Ravenswood, Henry and Mark's younger sister.

Father Kent: OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!

Alastair: And I now see an elderly couple who must have been Henry, Mark Turner, and Melissa Ravenswood’s parents.

Wendy: And another who must have been Alice’s Mom and Dad.

Alastair: And there’s Alice’s older sister Sarah and younger sister Lillian.

Alastair and Wendy then arrive at the end of the hallway and see all the doors leading to the various suites.

Alastair: It looks like Melanie would like us to stay in these rooms, so this should be fun.

Wendy: Yeah, I’ve never been inside a huge mansion like this, and I’ve always wanted to know what it’s like to stay in one.

Alastair: Technically on paper it’s now my house, so have it, and find a room that works for you.

Wendy: Alright!!!

Alastair: I’ll check behind this door.

Alastair then turns the door handle, and slowly opens the door to one of the suites. As he walks in, the gas lamps light up, a fire in the fireplace lights up, the spider webs are all but dusted, and the room is all immaculate. Upon entering the room, Alastair is completely blown away by its grandeur.

Alastair: WOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!

The room is HUGE!!!!!! There is a MASSIVE living room area with beautiful red velvet sofas, chairs, a gorgeous fireplace with a hand carved mantle, a large gold framed mirror, a black and white t.v., gorgeous oil paintings of steam trains, waterfalls, and of course Alexander and Carla Ravenswood.
There is also a MASSIVE Walk-in closet featuring a HUGE vanity area, sit down changing area with a velvet chair and foot stool, and a crystal chandelier.
And there’s a HUGE BEAUTIFUL bathroom with marble along the walls, small black and white checkered tiles on the floor, a large claw footed tub with beautiful chrome silver fixtures for the tub spot, porcelain valve handles, hand held shower, external shower pipe with beautiful 8 inch sun flower shower head with porcelain surround that features hand painted flowers on it, and there’s beautiful hand woven fabric for the shower curtain in gold, red, and purple colors. There are even twin pedestal sinks beneath a large gold framed mirror, and there’s a separate water closet where the toilet tank is elevated high above near the top of the wall.
In the bedroom there’s a BEAUTIFUL King sized 4 poster bed with red hand woven velvet curtains, handmade night stands, and the ceilings are beautiful trayed ceilings with gorgeous flower patterns above.

Alastair: OH MY GOD!!!! THIS ROOM IS AMAZING!!!!! AND OIL PAINTINGS OF STEAM TRAINS, I THINK I’VE FOUND MY ROOM!!!!! However, given its large size, I suspect this was the Main Suite where Henry and Alice lived. WHOOPS!!!!

Wendy on the other hand, enters a room just across the way from Alastair, and just like with Alastair, as she enters, the gas lamps turn on, a fire lights up in the fireplace, the spider webs are all dusted, the room is cleaned and is absolutely immaculate.

Wendy: OH MY GOSH!!!!

Wendy is completely blown away by how beautiful the room is with its light Lime Green and Pink colors. She also loves seeing beautiful dolls on the plush red velvet sofas and chairs, beautiful hand woven plushies, on the very cute twin sized 4 poster bed, the white hand carved Italian nightstands and dresser, hand carved harth over the fireplace, the gold framed mirror over the fireplace, the Black & White T.V., the oil paintings of beautiful trees and flowers of the Pacific Northwest, and the really cute lamp fixtures. She also really likes the small but adorable walk in closet with vanity, and sit down change area with lavender colored velvet chair and foot stool. And there’s a really cute ensuite bathroom with a claw footed tub, beautiful chrome fixtures for the tub spout, hand held shower, porcelain handles, checkered tile on the floor, marble on the walls, pedestal sink with gold framed mirror, and separate water closet.

Wendy: WOW!!!!!! THIS ROOM IS SO ADORABLE!!!! I LOVE IT!!!!!! I FOUND MY ROOM!!!!

Alastair: SO HAVE I!!!!

Wendy: BEST OF ALL, WE’RE RIGHT ACROSS FROM EACH OTHER!!!!!!

Alastair: I suspect I’m in the Main Suite given it’s larger size.

Wendy: I have no idea who’s room I’m in, but I know it’s a girl’s room.

Alastair: It maybe Carla’s?

Wendy: I was questioning that, but…………..

Alastair: Now that I think about it, Carla was VERY CLINGY with her older brother Alexander, and had a HUGE brother complex according to the book. While at the same time Alexander was VERY overprotective of her, so they were almost never apart. Which means, they most likely shared a room, which is VERY common for most siblings regardless of what era.
Which means, you’re probably in Melanie’s room from when she was little.

Wendy: AWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!! It’s so cute.

The ghostly orb then playful swirls and circles around Wendy causing her to giggle.

Wendy: *Giggles* LOL!!!! AWWWWWWWWWW!!!!

Alastair: That confirms it, you’re in her room. And I also suspect that Melanie really likes you.

Wendy: AWWWWWWWW!!! That’s so sweet of her.

Alastair: She was VERY close friends with Alexander and Carla, which is why when they were kids, they slept close by, but as she got older……………..she moved into the West Wing……………..

The ghostly orb slowly fades…………..

Alastair: I’m sorry!!!!

Wendy: Best not to mention it.

Just then, everyone else shows up.

Chelia: THERE YOU ARE!!!!

Hermit: FINALLY!!!

Harriet: Took us a while, but we made it!!!!

Father Kent: I take it, this is where all the bedrooms are?

Alastair: Yes, and both Wendy and I picked out our rooms.

Wendy: And they’re so beautiful!!!!!

Father Kent: Cool, I’ll take this one here!!!!

Chelia: HERMIT, THIS ONE HAS 2 TWIN BEDS, SO LET’S TAKE THIS ONE!!!!!

Hermit: WONDERFUL!!!!!!

Alastair: That must be…………

Alastair & Wendy: ALEXANDER & CARLA’S ROOM!!!!

Father Kent: HEY, NOT BAD!!!! THIS ROOM IS HUGE!!!!!! I LOVE THE LARGE SHOWER TOO!!!!! AND THE 4 POSTER BED AIN’T BAD EITHER!!!! Plus I also kinda dig the small living room area and Black & White T.V. However, I don’t know why I have 2 sinks or a giant walk in closet.

Harriet: WOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAH, NOW THIS IS WHAT I’M TAKING ABOUT!!!!! GIANT BATHTUB WITH MARBLE TUB SURROUND, OVER SIZED RIB CAGE SHOWER, SEPARATE WATER CLOSET, LARGE FIREPLACE, KING SIZED FOUR POSTER BED, GIANT WALK-IN CLOSET WITH SIT DOWN CHANGING AREA????!!!!! NOW I CAN GET USED TO THIS!!!!!!

Alastair: And it looks like Father Kent and Harriet got the 2 In-Law Suites.

Wendy: *Giggles* Of course!!!! LOL!!!!

Father Kent: HEY, THE BATHROOM ACTUALLY WORKS!!!!!

Harriet: HECK YEAH!!! I’M GLAD WE AT LEAST HAVE RUNNING WATER HERE!!!! YOU GUYS HAVE NO IDEA HOW BADLY I NEEDED TO GO!!!!!

Alastair: That’s a relief to know that the water works, but we really didn’t need to know about the latter!!!!

Wendy: *Blushes Bright Pink & Giggles* Yeah, that was a little…………..

Alastair: Too much information?

Wendy: Yeah, that’s right!!! *Giggles*

Alastair: Well, it seems we’re settled, so when we’re ready let’s go back down stairs and eat. The Pizza and Garlic Bread are probably getting cold.

Wendy: Yeah, good idea.

Chelia: Alright Hermit and I are ready to go back down when you are.

Father Kent: I’m all settled, so I’m good.

Harriet: I am beyond settled, and now I am ready to eat because I’m starving!!!!

Alastair: Let’s head back down.

Alastair then gets out the map, and locates the Dining Room.

Alastair: Alright, I’ve located the Dining Room, so let’s go!

The ghostly orb then takes off down the hallway, and makes its way back down the Grand Staircase.

Wendy: Follow Melanie!!!!!

As Alastair and the group continue making their way throughout the manor house, more of the gas lamps and chandeliers light up, and fires are lit in the various fireplaces throughout the home.

Alastair: This place is waking up!!!!

Harriet: They not only know we’re here, they know what we’re doing!!!

Alastair: So far they mean us no harm, and are surprisingly welcoming.

Upon our friends arrival in the GRAND Dining Room, the beautiful velvet chairs are all dusted and cleaned, the MASSIVE and BEAUTIFUL dining table is all set with plates and silverware all laid out, the pizza boxes are placed on the table fully opened, garlic bread is place on the small side plates, the soda is poured into the beautiful crystal glasses, and the pizzas are still surprisingly hot.

Alastair: WOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAHHHH!!!!!

Wendy: OH MY GOSH!!!!!!!!

Chelia: OUR FOOD!!!!!

Hermit: IS ALL LAID OUT AND READY FOR US TO EAT!!!!!

Father Kent: NOT BAD!!!!!

Harriet: The Ravenswood family’s staff were always known for their hospitality!!!! However, there was GREAT Sadness that happened here so don’t be fooled!!

Alastair: As we eat, I can also layout the floor plans, and the books. We’ll then set to work on communicating the spirits as soon as we can in order to get to the bottom of what really happened here.

Our friends then take their seats and dig into their dinner. Alastair lays out the maps, the floor plans, blueprints, diagrams, and opens Professor Bruce Davis’s book.

Alastair: Alright, so from the way things look, I’m currently staying in Henry and Alice Ravenswood’s Main Suite, while Wendy is staying in Melanie Ravenswood’s suite from when she was a little girl.

Wendy: And both Chelia and Hermit are sleeping in the room where Alexander and Carla would sleep……….

Alastair: And Father Kent is in one In-Law Suite while Harriet is in the other, which seems to work out very well for us so far………………now since we’re in the East Wing where Henry and his family lived……………….

Harriet: In the complete opposite Wing on the other side of the Green House is of course the West Wing…………………….

Alastair: That is where Melanie Ravenswood moved to when she got older, and at the VERY END of the hall is Mark Turner Ravenswood’s Suite, and along the hallway in the West Wing was where most of the Guest rooms were. We’re in the Dining Room, which is located on the Ground Floor Level of the South Wing. The Main Living Room, Office, and multi tiered Library are all on the ground floor level of the East Wing, while the MASSIVE Great Room and GRAND Ballroom are on the Ground Floor Level of the West Wing along with the Kitchen.

Harriet: And we must STAY OUT of those areas!!!!!

Alastair: ESPECIALLY on the third floor!!!!!


To Be Continued………………..

Chapter 15

Having enjoyed their dinner, both Alastair and Harriet set to work on conducting a séance.

Harriet: Alright let’s get down to it now that we know what happened in this house.

Father Kent: I still can’t believe these articles!!!!

Alastair: There’s more too in these files…………….

However, a few more articles and news reports fall out of a folder and hit the floor.

Alastair: WHAT THE??????? I’LL GET EM!!!!

Wendy: LET ME HELP YOU PICK THESE UP!!!!

As Wendy and Alastair pick up the various articles and news reports, they’re shocked to see that they’re on none other than Mark Turner Ravenswood.

Wendy: OH MY GOSH!!!!

Alastair: WOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!

Harriet: WHAT IS IT?????!!!!!!

Alastair: LOOK WHAT WENDY AND I ALSO MANAGED TO DIG UP!!!!!!!

Father Kent: WHAT?????!!!!!! MARK TURNER RAVENSWOOD??????!!!!!!!!!

Wendy: AND HERE’S WHY HE CHANGES HIS NAME!!!!!

Alastair: Police reports DANGER TO THE QUEEN!!!!
Buckhingham Palace Better Tighten Things Up; The Son Of A Bitch Is Mean!!!! Scotland Yard’s been looking for a mad man on the run known as “THE WIZARD” due to getting involved with dangerous Black Magic during his magic acts, which has caused injury and death to viewers.

Wendy: He was supposed to put on an act before the queen……….

Alastair: When his previous act went terribly wrong, and the police got involved in attempting to arrest him.

Father Kent: Mad man flees England and is nowhere to be found!!!!!

Alastair: Which is why he changed his name to Reverend Doctor Wizard G. Ravenswood when he ILLEGALLY immigrated to the Pacific Northwest!!!!!!

Father Kent: OH MY GOD!!!!!!

Alastair: That means, Mark Turner Ravenswood, was an illegal alien on the run from the police!!!!! So he attempts to launder his brother’s wealth for potential bail!!!!!!

Harriet: SOUNDS ABOUT RIGHT!!!!!!

Alastair: This just opens up another can of worms!!!!

Father Kent: WAIT!!!! There’s also an unusual guest here who attends the wedding at the VERY LAST minute. It says her name is Madame Leota!!!!

Harriet & Alastair: WHAT??????!!!!!!!

Harriet: MADAME LEOTA?????!!!!!!

Alastair: She’s the reason why Edward and Loraine Warren got into demonology!!!!!! She was a Clairvoyant so powerful and so wise that many called upon her for paranormal investigations and exorcisms.
Charlie even told me that Mr. Artemous Kranium wanted nothing to do with her because he feared her and what she was capable of.

Harriet: Madame Leota was the GREATEST medium ever sought after by the Royals, and Rich People!!!!

Alastair: Hold on!!!!! I found a letter from Madame Leota to Henry Ravenswood warning him of the danger that lies ahead from his greedy brother Mark!!!!
And the tragic fate that awaits his niece Melanie…………

Wendy: At the end it says here………….

Chelia: Be Warned……….

Wendy: At your nieces wedding……………

Hermit: I see a ravishing bride…………..

Alastair: And a vanishing groom…………..

Father Kent: And was dated in July 31 of 1882!!!!!

Alastair: THAT’S 4 MONTHS PRIOR TO THE EVENTS THAT HAPPENED IN THIS HOUSE!!!!!!

Harriet: THAT’S HOW GOOD SHE WAS!!!!! She predicted things WAY before they were gonna happen!!!!!!

Alastair: She knew that Henry’s older brother Mark would die a tragic death in the mines, and then this phantom would show up on the night of the wedding and destroy everything.
Unfortunately Henry didn’t believe the letter because he didn’t think that his younger brother was capable of such evil in destroying his empire, and nor did he want to believe that his beloved niece’s wedding would end in such tragedy.

Wendy: It’s very sad!!!! My heart aches for her, the poor girl……………..

Chelia: AWWWWWWWWW!!!! You’ve always been such a sweet and caring girl Wendy!!!!

Hermit: It’s no wonder all the boys at our school leave so many love letters in your locker. *Giggles*

Wendy: *BLUSHES BRIGHT PINK* PLEASE, THAT’S ENOUGH!!!! LET’S NOT GO THERE!!!!

Alastair: And if Madame Leota attended the wedding, then that means she knew that Henry Ravenswood was gonna disregard the letter, and came at the last minute as a final effort to warn him about what was going to happen…………

Harriet: We gotta get to the bottom of this!!!!

Alastair: We must find out who this Phantom is, what he wants, what happened to Reverend Doctor Wizard G. Ravenswood, why he disappeared, why this phantom showed up out of nowhere, and whether or not Mark Turner Ravenswood and the Phantom are the same entity.

Harriet: Either Henry or Melanie Ravenswood must be the key to stopping this!!!!

Alastair: WOAH!!!! It says in another letter here in a VERY FINAL last minute ditch effort to stop the wedding, that Henry must meet Madame Leota in the secret Séance Room……….WHAT????!!!!!

Father Kent: THERE IS NO SÉANCE ROOM!!!!

Wendy: AT LEAST NOT THAT I CAN SEE IN THE FLOOR PLANS!!!!!

Harriet: ARE YOU SURE!!!!!

Alastair: HOLD ON!!!!!!!!

Alastair’s face goes blank, and his eyes widen as he receives visions of the future including the location of the hidden séance room.

Alastair: I KNOW WHERE IT IS!!! Follow me……………..

Alastair gets out of his seat, walks out of the dining room, down a long corridor, right through Henry Ravenswood’s office, pulls down on a lamp fixure, and opens a secret door behind an oil painting unveiling the séance room before returning to reality.

Alastair: WOAH, WHAT THE HECK??????!!!!!!

Harriet: GOOD WORK ALASTAIR!!!!

Wendy: AMAZING!!!!!

Chelia: HOW DID YOU DO THAT?????!!!!!!!!

Alastair: As a Clairvoyant I see things. I got a minor glimpse into the future, which in turn revealed the location of the séance room.

Hermit: THAT IS SO COOL!!!!

Harriet: You are gifted Alastair!!!! There’s no denying that!!!

Alastair makes his way through the secret door, down a small flight of stairs, and down into the séance room. He then opens a valve on a barrel of oil causing oil to pour down into a troth. Alastair then lights a match, drops it in the oil causing fire to erupt ALL throughout the oil troth circling the ENTIRE room before the gas lamps activate, and unveil a GIANT circular table with multiple chairs around it right smack dab in the middle of the room.

Alastair: LOOKS ABOUT RIGHT FOR A SÉANCE ROOM!!!!

Harriet: YOU AIN’T LYIN ABOUT THAT!!!!

Father Kent: This room looks like it hasn’t been touched in CENTURIES!!!!!!

Wendy: It’s kinda creepy!!!!

Chelia: I agree with you on that Wendy!!!

Hermit: Me too!!!

Father Kent: I’ll do a blessing and a prayer to get us started. It's a good thing I’ve got the thermal, incense, bible, rosary, holy water, and crucifix.

Alastair: I’ll help you get it going!!!

Alastair then sets to work on opening up the thermal burner, lighting up 2 charcoals, placing them in the thermal, putting incense in the thermal causing the incense to burn before closing up the thermal, and handing it back to Father Kent.

Alastair: There you go!!!

Father Kent: Much obliged Alastair!!!!

Chelia: AMAZING!!!

Hermit: ALASTAIR’S REALLY ON TOP OF IT!!!

Wendy: IT’S AWESOME!!!!

Alastair: Alright, we can open up to the Bible to the readings of St. Mark since it’s the easiest, shortest, and most straight forward. We can then recite St. Michael the Archangel’s prayer, and then you can sprinkle us with Holy Water.

Father Kent: That’s just what I was going to do!!!!

After dousing the séance table with incense, reading the Bible to St. Mark, Father Kent, and Alastair wrap up their prayers by reciting the prayer to St. Michael The Archangel.

Father Kent & Alastair: Blessed Michael The Archangel,
Defend us in battle. Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of The Devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou O Prince of Heavenly Host.
By the power of God, CAST SATAN INTO HELL, and all of his evil demons and spirits who prowl about the world, seeking the ruins of souls.
Amen!!!

Harriet: Amen!!!
Now if I can communicate with Henry Ravenswood, I suspect he’ll have the answers that we’re looking for.
And just to be clear, the only thing I have available to us is this French Vanilla Yankee Candle?

Alastair: I am against Ouija boards!!!! They’re a recipe for disaster, and nothing good ever comes out after using one. Even trained professionals get bit in the end.
Charlie Blackmoore told me he’ll NEVER use one in a million years!!!! John Zaffis said the same thing, and so did both Edward and Lorraine Warren. And if improperly discarded, OH BOY; a Demon straight from HELL will be after you.
So no ands ifs or buts, we ARE NOT using a Ouija board to contact the Ravenswood family.

Harriet: I never said I wanted to use a Ouija board!!!! In fact, I completely agree with you!!!!! Ouija boards SHOULD NEVER be used under any circumstance to contact the dead. Even voodoos refuse to use them. However, there are other psychic tools we could use that could help us, but we’re stuck with this candle, and it’s a good thing you’re also a clairvoyant because you can help me out in summoning the spirits.

Alastair; No problem.

Harriet: Now lets all hold hands.

Everyone around the séance table holds hands with one another.

Harriet: Now, I will quiet my mind so that I can contact the dead. PLEASE DO NOT INTERUPT ME, because if you do, then I’ll have to start all over again.

Alastair: Maybe this will help………….

Alastair gets out the key to the manor, places it on the table before placing his hand on top of it. Wendy then places her hand on top of Alastair’s.

Wendy: I won’t let go Alastair!!!! In case you have another panic attack, that way I’ll be ready.

Alastair: Thank you.

Harriet: Alright, now let’s begin. Once again, DO NOT interrupt me!!!!

Chelia: OKAY, OKAY, calm down!!! -_-

Hermit: We heard you the first time!!! -_-

Wendy: GIRLS????!!!!!!

Alastair and Harriet say nothing for they are both busy trying to clear their minds. They close their eyes, and take deep breaths, but it’s not long until Harriet starts snoring causing Chelia, Hermit, and Wendy to start giggling. And even Alastair can’t help but snicker.
Father Kent then intervenes.

Chelia, Hermit, & Wendy: *Giggle* LOL!!!!!

Father Kent: Girls, not so loud!!! She’s in a trans!!!!

But Father Kent has another look and it looks as though Harriet has fallen fast asleep.

Father Kent: Nope, you girls are right, she’s fallen asleep!!!!

Alastair: *Snickers* Charlie never told me about this!!! LOL!!!!

But Harriet snaps like a twig out of nowhere.

Harriet: CAN YOU PLEASE BE QUIET?????!!!!!!!!!
NOW YOU’VE PISSED ME OFF, AND WHAT’S WORSE, I NOW HAVE TO START ALL OVER AGAIN!!!!!

Wendy: *BLUSHES BRIGHT PINK* OH MY GOSH, I’M SO SORRY!!!!!!!

Alastair: SORRY HARRIET!!!! OUR MISTAKE!!!!

Chelia & Hermit: We’re sorry too………………..

Father Kent: It won’t happen again!!!!

Harriet and Alastair then once again clear their minds, but it’s not long until Harriet is once again Snoring.
Alastair however focuses EVERYTHING on the cursed key to the house. His eyes soon widen as he sees visions of the spirits throughout the house.

Alastair: I SEE EM!!!!!! I SEE ONE OF THEM!!!! THIS ONE SPIRIT IS TALL, SKINNY, CLEAN SHAVED, HAS A PLAIN AND HONEST FACE, AND IS IN A TUXEDO……………..he’s not malevolent………………….he does know we’re here though, but wants us out because………………….he fears that as long as we’re in this house, we’re in real danger……………….
IT'S HENRY RAVENSWOOD!!!!!!!!

Harriet then breaks out of her trans and begins communicating with the ghosts of Phantom Manor.

Harriet: SPIRITS, PLEASE HEAR US OUT!!!! WE COME HERE WITH GOOD INTENT!!!!!!! I NOW SUMMON THE SPIRIT OF HENRY RAVENSWOOD!!!!!!! PLEASE GIVE US A SIGN!!!!!

Then out of nowhere, ALL the candles in the séance room light up.

Alastair: HE’S VANISHED FROM VISION!!!!

Harriet: HE’S NOW HERE WITH US!!!!

Alastair: HENRY, PLEASE TELL US……………WHAT HAPPENED TO YOU? WHAT HAPPENED TO YOUR NEICE MELANIE? HOW WAS IT THAT YOUR CHILDREN ALEXANDER AND CARLA MANAGED TO ESCAPE??!!!
DO YOU EVEN KNOW WHO I AM???!!!!

Harriet: WHAT IS IT THAT HAS CURSED YOU AND YOUR FAMILY TO REMAIN HERE FOR ALL ETERNITY????!!!!

Alastair: WHAT HAPPENED TO YOUR BROTHER MARK? WHO IS THIS PHANTOM, AND WHY DID HE SHOW UP OUT OF NOWHERE ALL OF A SUDDEN??!!!

Harriet then gets out a pen and paper, and places it on the séance table.

Harriet: IF THERE’S A MESSAGE THAT YOU’D LIKE TO TELL US, HERE’S A PEN AND PAPER THAT I PURCHASED FROM WRITEAID!!!!

The spirit of Henry Ravenswood then picks up the pen and starts writing the message down onto the paper. However, the spirit of Henry Ravenswood is not visible to anyone, therefor no one can see him, except for Alastair.
Chelia, Hermit, and Wendy are in shock and awe as they see the pen moving on its own accord.

Alastair: IT’S HIM!!!! I SEE HIM!!!! IT’S HENRY RAVENSWOOD!!!!!!!
HENRY RAVENSWOOD, I AM YOUR DAUGHTER CARLA’S GREAT, GREAT, GREAT, GREAT GRAND SON, AND YOUR GREAT, GREAT, GREAT, GREAT, GREAT GRAND SON ALASTAIR DAVID ALEXANDER SMITH!!!!! IT’S NICE TO FINALLY MEET YOU!!!!

The pen then drops after Henry Ravenswood finishes writing his message.

Wendy: AMAZING!!!!!

Alastair however hears a faint voice tell him something…………..

Alastair: He’s saying “I can’t really help you, but the clue is in the message I wrote below.”
I unfortunately can’t sense him anymore…………

All is then silent.

Harriet: That’s because he’s gone……………..

Chelia: That’s good that he at least left us a clue!!!!

Hermit: His message says Talk to Leota!!!!!

Wendy: She’s most likely the one who has the answers we’re looking for.

Alastair: AMAZING THAT WE WERE ABLE TO GET AHOLD OF HENRY RAVENSWOOD!!!!

Wendy: I KNOW RIGHT?

Alastair: However, Harriet, do you suppose?.................

Harriet: Yes?..................

Alastair: We could contact someone else?

Harriet: Who?

A knot forms in Alastair’s throat and a couple tears pour down his face as reaches into his jacket and pulls out a special train conductor’s pocket watch. This special pocket watch once belonged to his Grand Father Tom Murray before it was passed down to his father David, and then given to him after their passings.


Alastair: Could we possibly get in contact with my father David and/or possibly my Grand Father Tom Murray?

Harriet: I’m sorry…………..I don’t think it is…………..it’s just not possible to get in contact with them…………..because they’re not trapped in the world of the living the way the spirits are here…………

Alastair: I see……………………

Wendy: Would it at least be possible to see if we can talk to Leota then?

The mention of Leota’s name causes ALL the doors in the house to start slamming open and shut hard and fast, all the chandeliers to swing violently around, all the lights to flicker on and off, blood to start oozing out of the walls, black stains to show up on ALL of the bathroom fixtures, the pipe organs in the Dining Room, Grand Ball Room, and Great Room to start playing, dogs to start howling, the victims of those trapped by the phantom to scream loudly, and the ENTIRE HOUSE to start shaking violently

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kw0_ZAbfeQE

Then out of nowhere the Phantom’s evil laugh is heard causing EVERYONE to shiver, and all 3 of the girls to freak out and scream.

Phantom: AH-HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ao3xpIK6IGs

Chelia, Hermit, & Wendy: *FREAK OUT & SCREAM* AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Harriet: UH-OH!!!!! THIS ONE FEELS DIFFERENT!!!!! THIS ONE FEELS SO DARK……………………..

Alastair: IT’S GOTTA BE THE PHANTOM!!!!!! AS FOR WHO THIS PHANTOM IS, ONLY LEOTA CAN REALLY ANSWER, BUT I HAVE MY SUSPICIONS ON WHO IT IS!!!!!!

Father Kent: WHAT IS IT THAT YOU’RE FEELING?????!!!!

Harriet: MADNESS!!!!!

Phantom: AH-HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!

Wendy then grabs Alastair’s arm tightly and doesn’t let go.

Hermit: WHATEVER IT IS……………..

Chelia: MAKE IT STOP…………….

Wendy: AND HURRY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Alastair: HARRIET, WE MUST SUMMON LEOTA!!!!!

Harriet: ALRIGHT!!!!!! I SUMMON MADAME LEOTA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Phantom: NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!! AH-HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!

Alastair is then ripped from Wendy’s grasp, thrown up and out of his chair high into the air, and thrown down VERY HARD and fast face down onto the ground.

Wendy: ALASTAIR NO!!!!!

Wendy rushes to Alastair’s side as do Chelia and Hermit.

Wendy: ALASTAIR, ARE YOU OKAY???!!!! SAY SOMETHING!!!!!!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XU20sHIar-8

It doesn’t stop there. Harriet is then holding on for dear life as she rides her chair as it flies out of the Séance room, and out through the corridor.

Harriet: WOOOOOAAAAAAHH!!!!! OH NOOOOO!!!!!! *SCREAMS* AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!

Alastair then gets back on his feet, and takes off running after Harriet and the runaway chair.

Alastair: HARRIET NO!!!!!!!

Father Kent: AFTER THAT CHAIR!!!!!

Wendy: ALASTAIR!!!!!!

Chelia & Hermit: WAIT UP!!!!!

Father Kent, Chelia, Hermit, and Wendy then take off running after Alastair, and Harriet in the runaway chair as it continues flying out through Henry's office, and then corridors.

Harriet: *SCREAMS* AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!!!! HELP ME!!!!!!!

The Phantom continues his maniacal laugh as Harriet and the runaway chair continue flying through the corridors.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ao3xpIK6IGs

Phantom: AH-HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!

The maniacal organ music gets louder and louder as Harriet and the runaway chair fly through the foyer.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kw0_ZAbfeQE

Harriet: OKAY, OKAY, OKAY, OKAY, OKAY!!!!! OH, WOAH, WOAH, WOAH, WOAH, WOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!!!

The front door opens before Harriet and the runaway chair fly out of the foyer, out of the front door, out into the thunder storm, and down the staircase leading to the parked cars.

Harriet: WOAH, WOAH, WOAH, WOAH, WOAH, WOAH, WOAH, WOAH, WOAH, WOAH, WOAH, WOAH, WOAH, WOAH, WOAH, WOAH, WOAH, WOAH, WOAH, WOAH, WOAH, WOAH!!!!!!!

After descending the long flight of stairs, Harriet and the runaway chair are soon flying down the winding driveway leading to the bottom of Boot Hill as Alastair and company chase after her.

Harriet: I WANNA GET OUT OF HERE WITH MY LIFE!!!!!!

Alastair: HARRIET!!!!

Father Kent: HOLD ON!!!!!

Chelia, Hermit, & Wendy: WE’RE RIGHT BEHIND YOU!!!!!

Once at the bottom of Boot Hill just passed the wrought iron gates, the chair tips forward, and dumps Harriet face first into the mud before slamming back down hard on the ground. At last Alastair and company finally catch up to Harriet and help her out of the mud.

Alastair: HARRIET!!!!

Wendy: ARE YOU OKAY????!!!!!

Chelia: CAN YOU STAND????!!!!!

Harriet: WE MADE IT MAD!!!!!
I DID NOT KNOW IT WAS GONNA BE A SPAW DAY!!!!
I’M TAKING A SHOWER FIRST THING ONCE WE’RE BACK INSIDE!!!!

Alastair: COMPLETELY understandable!!!!

Just then a pair of headlights shine through the distance.

Wendy: ALASTAIR, LOOK!!!!

Hermit: WHO IS THAT???!!!!!

Alastair: OH NOOOOOOO!!!!!

Sure enough it’s Professor Bruce Davis in his Saab Sports Combi Wagon as he drives laughing through the wrought iron gates, and up the winding driveway of Boot Hill.

Alastair: BRUCE, NOOOOOO!!!!!!

Alastair then takes off chasing after Bruce, but it’s no use.

Alastair: BRUCE, DO NOT GO IN THERE!!!! DO NOT GO IN THERE!!!!!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mceuWuSaUBE

Bruce then parks his car with the others, gets out, marches his way up the staircase, onto the front porch, through the front door, and through the foyer.

Bruce: YOU STEAL MY STUFF AND LEAVE ME FLAT? I’LL SHOW YA!!!! I’M COMING IN THIS HOUSE, AND NOTHING OR NO ONE IS GONNA STOP ME!!!!

After making a bunch of twists and turns, Bruce arrives in the dining room and sees his 10th copy of the book he wrote on Phantom Manor along with the floor plans, and ALL the documents that Alastair and Wendy snuck out of his class room.

Bruce: OOOOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHH!!!!

Then suddenly, a large arm chair takes Bruce by surprise, and like with Harriet, the chair takes off with Bruce flying through the corridors, through the foyer, and out the front door into the the stormy night.

Bruce: *SCREAMS* AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And just like before the Phantom continues his evil laugh.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ao3xpIK6IGs

Phantom: AH-HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!

The runaway chair then continues carrying Bruce down the staircase, and passed the parked cars.

Bruce: OW, OW, OW, OW, OW, OW, OW, OW, OW, OW, OW, OW, OW, OW, OW, OW, OW, OW, OW, OW, OW, OW, OW, OW, OW, OW, OW, OW, OW, OW, OW, OW!!!!!!


Then down the driveway leading to the bottom of Boot Hill, out through the wrought iron gates, and onto the road leading out of Thunder Mesa.

Alastair: OH NO, BRUCE!!!!!!

Alastair then takes off running after Bruce, and Wendy then takes off running after Alastair.

Wendy: ALASTAIR, WAIT UP!!!!!!!!

Both Alastair and Wendy get drenched by the pouring rain as they chase after Bruce up the road in the rainy night. Luckily Bruce is still wearing his poncho, but that’s of VERY little comfort to him as he keeps flying up the road in the runaway chair.

Bruce: WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!
*SCREAMS* AAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!! I’M TOO OLD TO DIE!!!!!!!!

Alastair: BRUCE!!!!!!!

Wendy: ALASTAIR!!!!!!

The runaway chair then carries Bruce out of the Ghost Town of Thunder Mesa, up the road out of the gap, and stops smack dab in the middle of the railroad crossing of the Tacoma Eastern & Pacific Northwest Railroad.
Then there is trouble when the blast of a familiar Ashton 3-Chime Whistle is heard from off in the distance.

Alastair: OH NOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!! WHY IS THE 70 OUT THIS LATE AT NIGHT??????!!!!!!!

Bruce is then staring at Polson Logging Company Mikado Steam Locomotive Number #70 as its headlamp shines brighter and brighter on him as it gets closer and closer with its whistle screaming and bell ringing with a VERY LOUD and SHRIEKING………………….

WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
CLANG, CLANG-CLANG, CLANG-CLANG, CLANG-CLANG, CLANG-CLANG, CLANG-CLANG, CLANG-CLANG, CLANG-CLANG, CLANG-CLANG, CLANG-CLANG……………………

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/HSaPgBCyUDM

Bruce: *SCREAMS* AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!

Engineer Rowdy Pierce then slams on the brakes causing them to scream VERY LOUDLY as he brings Steam Engine Number #70 to a grinding halt just inches away from Bruce and the large armchair, much to Bruce’s relief.

Bruce: *SIGHS*……………………

At last Alastair and Wendy catch up to Bruce, but both of them are completely huffing and puffing from running out of breath.
Steam Engine Number #70’s Westinghouse Air Compressor huffs and puffs away breaking the dead silence of the night as the rain continues pouring down.

Alastair: BRUCE, ARE YOU ALRIGHT????!!!!

Wendy: ALASTAIR!!!!! Do you have any idea how hard it is to keep up with ya???!!!!!!!

Alastair: ROWDY YOU PECKERHEAD; WHAT THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU’RE DOING WITH THE 70 THIS LATE AT NIGHT?????!!!!!!! BIG JOE AND I DROPPED THE FIRE ON HER HOURS AGO!!!!!

Rowdy then climbs out of Number #70’s cab.

Rowdy: The question is what is an old man his age riding in an arm chair onto the railroad tracks this late at night????!!!!

Both Wendy and Alastair look at each other and don’t know how to answer as they both tap their index fingers together.

Wendy: Well uuuuuuuuhhhhhh…………..*Blushes Bright Pink*

Alastair: UUUUUUUUUUUHHHHHHH, He likes riding in a large arm chair down the road?

Wendy: MMMMHMMMMM!!!!!! YEAH, HE DOES!!!! *Giggles*

Alastair: It’s kinda his thing ya know????!!!!! LOL!!!!!

Bruce frantically shakes his head.

Rowdy: A LIKELY STORY!!!! Just tell him to stay off the tracks!!!! Chris and I were doing some repairs on 70’s rear left rod brass bearing.

Chris: There was a knocking sound we wanted to remedy.

Rowdy: Yeah, WAY TOO MUCH K-DONK-O-KNOCK was going on!!!!!

Alastair: HONESTLY????!!!! It really wasn’t that bad!!!! Couldn’t it have waited until Monday when the engine goes down for its monthly boiler wash and inspection?

Rowdy: Yeah, it could have!!!!

Chris: But we already had the parts we needed on hand, there was still plenty of pounds of pressure left in the boiler, and so we figured to get it done ASAP and test to see if the repairs worked, and so far they have.

Alastair: I can understand you’re point. However, you didn’t think to repair the fireman’s side injector that’s been syphoning and overheating????!!!!! We’ve been going through water like crazy because of it, and are having to use the engineer’s side injector!!!!!

Chris: COME TO THINK OF IT, WE HAVE BEEN GOING THROUGH A LOT OF WATER!!!!!

Rowdy: WHOOPS!!!!! YOU BETTER SHUT OFF YOUR INJECTOR AND I BETTER TURN ON MINE!!!!!

Alastair: You get that thing fixed first thing on Monday!!!!!

Rowdy: Good point!!! We’ll be sure to do that!!!!

Chris then climbs out of the cab, checks the temperature on the rear left brass rod bear, and everything checks out.

Chris: Alright, it seems to be holding up very well.

Rowdy: That’s good to see!!!! Looks like our work here is done, so time to call it a night!!!!! We’ll work on the failing fireman’s side injector ASAP on Monday morning!!!!!

Both Rowdy and Chris climb back into Number #70’s cab. With 3 blasts on the whistle, and a ring of the bell, Steam Engine Number #70 then backs away from Bruce and steams off for home as Alastair and Wendy tend to Bruce.

Wendy: Here you go!!!

Wendy then hands Bruce her water bottle that she took out of her cheer bag.

Wendy: You poor thing!!! You must be exhausted after all that!!!!!

Alastair: We now have a pretty good idea of what we’re up against if this Phantom has that kind of power to slam me into the floor, get both Bruce and Harriet out of the house, and either dumped into the mud or out on the railroad tracks.

Wendy: That really scared me!!!!

Alastair: Then Bruce just had to come face to face with the 70, which is 70 tons of locomotive and another 40 tons of tender, making it 110 tons combined. Good thing the Westing House Air Compressor was working as it should otherwise the outcome would not have been so good.

Wendy: OH MY GOSH!!!!! THAT REALLY IS SCARY WHEN YOU PUT IT LIKE THAT!!!!

Alastair: In reality Number #70 is a small locomotive compared to what’s really out there on the main line, but to us she’s a MASSIVELY heavy and powerful machine. She has enough power to break a car in half and badly damage an 18 wheeler tractor trailer when running close to full speed of 45 miles an hour.

Bruce: OKAY I’VE HEARD ENOUGH!!!!! I DON’T WANT TO THINK OF THE OUTCOME OF WHAT COULD HAVE HAPPENED TO ME HAD THE AIR BRAKES FAILED!!!!!

Wendy: Neither do I……………..

Alastair: As for what’s happened in terms of paranormal anomalies, I’ve seen my friend Charlie move objects through psychokinesis, since that’s his gift, but NEVER have I seen an angry ghost or even a poltergeist do something of that magnitude.

Wendy: This really has me very worried…………………

Alastair: I know, but I promise to do whatever it takes to protect you, and Chelia and Hermit. I’ll make sure that you girls come out of this unharmed.

Wendy: I know you will.

Alastair: You’re cheerleading uniform is completely drenched; you must be cold in that little thing and that tiny mini skirt.

Alastair then takes off his thick wool jacket and places it on Wendy’s shoulders.

Alastair: Here you go. Hopefully this keeps you warm.

Wendy: AWWWWWWWWWWWW, Thank you so much Alastair!!!!! That’s very sweet of you!!!! But what about you?

Alastair: Hey, you need it more than I do. I was born and raised here in the Pacific Northwest, so being rained and drenched on doesn’t really bother me.

Wendy then gives Alastair a gentle kiss causing Alastair to blush.

Alastair: *BLUSHES DARK RED* WAAAAHTTTT!!!! Wasn’t really expecting that.

Wendy: *BLUSHES BRIGHT PINK & GIGGLES* LOL!!!!

Bruce: CAN WE CUT THE MUSHY STUFF AND RETURN BACK TO THE HOUSE ALREADY?????!!!!!! I SAW PIZZA ON THE DINING ROOM TABLE, AND I’M STARVING!!!!!

Alastair and Wendy then look at each other and blush out of embarrassment.

Alastair & Wendy: *BLUSHING* YEAH, RIGHT!!!!!

Alastair then gets on the phone and gets ahold of Father Kent.

Alastair: Hey Father Kent, could you possibly drive your car out here to the train line? Wendy, Bruce, and I are at the crossing by Phantom Manor lookout. And although I don’t mind walking back, it would be too much of a toll on Bruce after what he’s been through……………….and I also don’t want Wendy to catch a cold, so……………

Wendy: *Blushes Bright Pink* NO!!!!! It's okay Alastair!!!! I don’t mind; REALLY!!!!!

Father Kent: Sure, no problem, on the way!!!!

Alastair: Awesome, thank you so much!!! We’ll c-ya in a few!!!!


To Be Continued………………..

Chapter 16

With Bruce, Alastair, and Wendy safely back inside Phantom Manor, and with Harriet fully showered, everyone regroups in the living room in front of the fireplace enjoying hot cookies and cinnamon knots.

Bruce: MMMMMMMMMMM!!!!  This pizza’s really good!!!!!  

Father Kent: I don’t get it!!!!  First this Phantom’s trapping us here, then he’s kicking us out; ENOUGH!!!!  Make up your mind!!!!

Harriet: This is MOST DEFINITELY the Phantom that Bruce and Alastair have talked about!!!!!  And from the looks of things, he MOST CERTAINLY doesn’t want us to talk to Leota.

Wendy and Alastair snuggle closely by the fire having gotten drenched out in the rain.

Chelia: You 2 REALLY should change!!!!!

Hermit: Perhaps you’ll think twice next time before taking off in the pouring rain?

Alastair: Hey, it was an emergency!!!!!

Wendy: And I promised Alastair that I wouldn’t leave his side!!!!!!

Chelia: Oh brother!!!!!

Hermit: You 2 are both very stubborn when push comes to shove!!

Chelia: And always putting the needs of others before your own.

Chelia & Hermit: *Sighs*

Alastair: Bruce, is there anyone we should contact for you, so they don’t worry.

Bruce: There is my maid and butler, but they don’t come in until Monday.

Harriet: Alastair, mind if I talk to you alone?

Alastair: Sure.  I’ll be right back girls!!!!

Wendy: Alright, take your time Alastair.

Hermit: Wendy, you really should change out of your cheerleading uniform!!!!

Wendy: Seriously girls, it’s okay!!!!

Chelia: But you’ll catch cold if you keep it on!!!!

Wendy: No it’s okay!!!!!  

Alastair then talks with Harriet in a quiet corner of the living room.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8zYrt0c8O4

Harriet: I know we started off on the wrong foot, but there’s something I want to talk to you about.

Alastair: Alright.

Harriet: I’m very sorry to hear about your father passing away.

Alastair: It all happened so fast…………he was in his late 50s, he was as healthy as a horse, and yet he was gone before my mom and I knew it……………….My Grandpa on the other hand, had stage IV Bladder Cancer, but he was 85 when he passed away, so it was expected…………….But Dad………..it was just………

The knot once again starts to form in Alastair’s throat as the tears pour down his face.

Harriet: Again, I’m so sorry!!!!!  I can see that you and your father were so close.

Alastair: He was not just my parent, he was also my best friend……………

Harriet: It’s good that we can’t contact him because the living and the dead belong in different places.  The ghosts here are trapped for some reason, but both your father and your Grand Father have moved onto a better place.
I understand that your family was raised Catholic.

Alastair: Yes.

Harriet: Catholicism and from the way I see things as a medium, aren’t so different.

Harriet gets out a pen and paper, and begins to draw 2 circles.

Harriet: This circle here is our world, the world of the living, and this other circle here is the world of the afterlife, which would be Heaven, or Hell.
Right here with the 2 circles intertwine, would be purgatory, and that’s where they overlap.  In other words that is where the living encounter the dead, and the dead encounter the living through hauntings, like this house and the Fairmont Banff Springs in Canada.

Alastair: Okay……………

Harriet: When a soul passes and it’s at peace, it goes into the afterlife, and that’s where it stays.

Alastair: Which means it’s enjoying an eternal life in Heaven with God?

Harriet: EXACTLY!!!!!!

Alastair: And when it’s not at peace, and is pure evil, it gets dragged into an eternal afterlife burning in the depths of Hell?

Harriet: You guessed it.  However, that did not happen to your father and Grand Father because I know they were good and loving people.
So it’s a good thing that we can’t get a hold of them, because it means they’re at peace, and are in a better place.
And I bet they don’t want you to mourn their loss and be sad for them anymore.  You’re young, you need to be happy and have fun.  
You see that little girl with the violet hair in ponytails?  What’s her name?

Alastair: You mean Ms. Wendy Marvell?

Harriet: She is a very sweet and beautiful girl that you don’t come across every day.  And she seems to be VERY fond of you.  You should be spending more time having fun with her and those 2 other girls.  

Chelia: Really, you should change out of your uniform Wendy!!!!

Wendy: For the last time, it’s okay!!!!!  Besides Alastair said it looks cute on me, so………..*Blushes Bright Pink*………..

Hermit: *Giggles* OOOOOOOOOOHHHHHH, NOW IT MAKES SENSE!!!!! LOL!!!!

Wendy: SHUT UP!!!!  NOT SO LOUD!!!!!!

Harriet: That’s what you should be doing.  Spending time with those girls by the fire.  Not continue being sad over your father’s death because he wouldn’t want that.
I know this may sound silly, but I believe that souls can sense science from the afterlife.
When my father passed away, HE LOVED model trains just like you do, and your father and Grand Father did.
He would always enjoy taking them apart, fixing them up, and putting them back together again EVERYDAY.

Alastair: That’s practically the same thing I do during my spare time!!!!!

Harriet: I know!!!!

Alastair: I’m a fireman on the Tacoma Eastern & Pacific Northwestern Railroad’s steam engine, the former Polson Logging Company Number #70, which was just out on the track minutes ago.

Harriet: You don’t have to tell me, I know!!!!  In fact I knew that already before I even arrived.  And I know that steam engine that was here minutes ago is very special to you.

Alastair: Yes.  My father found it laying around in thousands of pieces all over a junk yard.  And his dream was to have it restored back in working order.  It took A LOT of time, A LOT of blood, A LOT of sweat, A LOT of hard work, but sure enough, we got it done, and it’s now our main workhorse locomotive.  The whistle he had in his own private college that he bought, he mounted it on top of our old main workhorse locomotive, Former Port Of Grays Harbor Number #5.  But when that engine wore out, the whistle fell silent…………
However, once we got the Number #70 fully restored to working order, the whistle that was supposed to go on it was no good, so I went into my Dad’s locker, and put his whistle on the newly restored Number #70.  I figured since it was his dream to see the Number #70 fully restored back to working order, that it was only right that his whistle be put on the locomotive he wanted to see run again so much after rescuing it while in such a sad state.

Harriet: That’s wonderful!!!!!

Alastair: I only wish he could see what his find has become, and how beautifully restored it is now that it’s fully operational…………..

Harriet: When I’m feeling down, and I mean REALLY down, I would randomly hear a train off in the distance………………..and I know that’s my Dad saying hi, and that he’s okay………………those moments are called ghost winks.

Alastair: Whenever my coworkers let me have the throttle and run the locomotive, they tell me that I run a steam engine and blow the whistle the same way my Dad did while he was still alive. They all swear that they just heard my father David Eccels Smith on the whistle whenever I blow it.  And I’m not gonna lie, but those moments when I’m at the throttle of our steam engine and blowing the whistle that belonged to my Dad, that is when I feel that my Dad is still alive with me…………………..he’s still alive through me somehow, but I just don’t know how to explain.

More tears pour down Alastair’s face.

Harriet: Ghost winks show up in many different ways sweetie.

Alastair then calls it a night and hits the sac without saying another word.
However, as he’s about to drift off to sleep, he notices the door knob to his room slowly turning, and the door slowly opening.

Alastair: (OH GREAT!!!!  IS THE PHANTOM TRYING TO THROW ME OUT OF THE HOUSE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT WHILE I’M SLEEPING????!!!!)

However it’s only Wendy, and she seems very worried about Alastair after he just called it a night after not saying another word.

Wendy: Alastair, are you okay?

Alastair immediately blushes and turns the other way after seeing Wendy in only a white button up shirt, and light blue panties while holding her Happy The Cat Plushie from Fairy Tail.

Alastair: *Blushes Dark Red & Looks Away* Yeah, I’m fine!!!!  What’s up?

Wendy: You left without saying anything, and we all got very worried about you.   I’m especially worried about you.   Is everything alright?

Alastair: *Blushing Dark Red* Yeah, everything’s fine.

Wendy: Hey, if you’re looking away because I’m only in my underwear then don’t worry.  It’s okay.  I don’t mind it at all because we’re friends, and I trust you.

Wendy then climbs onto Alastair’s bed and sits down next to him.

Wendy: Whatever it is, you can tell me.

Alastair: Well……….Harriet and I had a very intimate conversation, and needless to say that I………….I had memories of my father flooding back from when he was still alive.

Wendy: I’m sorry…………..

Alastair: No, it’s okay……………

Wendy then holds Alastair's head close to her heart and gently strokes his face.

Wendy: My grand mother Grandeeney would do this for me whenever I was upset or very sad...................

Alastair: Thank you……………

Wendy: Would it be okay if I sleep here with you?

Alastair: Sure……………

Wendy: Thank you.

Wendy then gives Alastair a gentle kiss on the forehead as Alastair drifts off to sleep in her arms.

Wendy: Good night Alastair, sweet dreams.

Later on that night, Alastair supposedly wakes up hearing a VERY earie voice.

Phantom: Alastair……………..Alastair…………….

Alastair: What???!!!!  Who said that?

Alastair then looks down and sees that Wendy is snuggled really close him while holding her Happy the Cat Plushie from Fairy Tail.

Alastair: (Hmmmmm?  I know it wasn’t Wendy since she’s fast asleep.)

Phantom: ALASTAIR?????!!!!

Alastair then sees the shadow of a VERY TALL and VERY FAT old man with a beard holding a VERY TALL cane with a wolf at the top, a VERY TALL top hat, and that stinks like a garbage can.  Lo and behold it’s the Phantom’s silhouette that Alastair sees.

Alastair: WHO’S THERE?  WHO ARE YOU???!!!! AND OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHH!!!!! IT SMELLS LIKE SOMEONE DIED!!!!!!

Phantom: GOOD, YOU’RE FINALLY AWAKE, AND WE FINALLY MEET AT LAST!!!!!

Alastair: Who are you?  Are you the……………..?


Phantom: You’ll find out soon enough on who I am!!!  But I know exactly who you are, and I can help you find who you are looking for!!!!

Alastair then sees both an apparition of his father David, and his Grandpa Tom Murray.

Alastair: DAD?????!!!!!!  GRAND PA!!!!!!!

Alastair then gets out of bed, leaves his room, and follows the apparitions of his father and grandpa out into the corridor, down the Grand Staircase, down through the foyer, down a cellar door, down into the basement, down another flight of stairs into the underground tunnel, passed parked 2-4-0 steam locomotive Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Number #4 named the Ernest S. Marsh, which is hot and building up boiler pressure.  Alastair then follows the apparitions of father and grandpa into the first coach right behind the locomotive and is about to take a seat when the conductor catches him.

Conductor: I’m sorry, but you don’t have a ticket.

Alastair: What do you mean?

Conductor: This train is on a one way trip to Phantom Canyon, and only the dead can board.

Alastair: Phantom Canyon?  What is that?

Conductor: It’s the gate to the netherworld, and the living cannot enter.

Alastair: But my………….

Conductor: Get lost Kid!!!!!

The conductor then throws Alastair off the train before Alastair hits the ground really hard.

Alastair: OOOOOOWWWWWWW!!!!

The conductor then gives the high sign.

Conductor: ALL ABOARD!!!!!

Alastair: WAIT!!!!!  DAD??????!!!!!!  GRANDPA???????!!!!!!!!

The train then steams out of the underground tunnels, and through a portal leading straight into Phantom Canyon.

Phantom: ENTER IF YOU DARE ALASTAIR!!!!!!
AH-HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!

Alastair: NOOOOOOOOOO; DAD!!!!!!  GRANDPA!!!!!!!!!

Alastair then wakes up breathing really hard and fast having realized that it was all a nightmare.

Alastair: *SIGHS*  It was only a nightmare………………..

He then sees Wendy still peacefully sound asleep snuggling close to him while hugging her Happy The Cat Plushie from Fairy Tail.

Alastair: Well, at least this wasn’t a dream……………

Alastair then has a better look at Wendy and blushes as he sees her in only her button up shirt and underwear.

Alastair: *Blushes Dark Red* I know I shouldn’t think this, but she’s really cute in only her underwear while sleeping soundly cuddling her cat plushie.

Wendy: Alastair……………….

Alastair: WAHHTTT!!!!!  *BLUSHING DARK RED* And now I’m in her dreams????!!!!!  
Well, she technically was in mine too even though she was sound asleep………….

Alastair then thinks back about Phantom Canyon and hopes that what he saw really wasn’t the apparitions of his father David and Grandpa Tom Murray.

Alastair: Phantom Canyon…………………….If I get ahold of Leota, then maybe she can tell me what Phantom Canyon really is.  MY GOD, I SURE HOPE that those weren’t the apparitions of Dad and Grandpa heading there…………

Wendy then slowly yawns and rubs her eyes as she wakes up.

Wendy: Good morning Alastair.  

Alastair: Good morning Wendy………

Wendy: Are you alright?

Alastair: No…………….but if I find the answers I’m looking for then I’ll feel more at ease.

Wendy: I’m sorry…………..

Alastair: I gotta find a way to get ahold of Madame Leota!!!

Wendy then sits up, grabs Alastair’s hand, and holds it tightly in both of hers.

Wendy: I swear, I’ll do whatever it takes to help you find the answers you’re looking for.  I promise.  And if you need help in getting ahold of Madame Leota, then I swear, I promise to help out in any way possible!!!!

Alastair: Thank you Wendy.

Wendy: Of course!!!!  What are friends for?

Alastair: Bruce and Harriet may have a good idea on how we can get ahold of Madame Leota.

Wendy: Then we don’t have any time to waste.  Let’s ask em for help as soon as we can.

As Wendy gets up and off of the bed, Alastair blushes and looks away.

Alastair: *BLUSHES DARK RED* WAHTT!!!!

Wendy: Alastair, are you okay?

Alastair: You may wanna put something on other than your shirt and underwear Wendy!!!!  As for me………..I………..I’ll get ready myself!!!!

And with that Alastair grabs a change of clothes out of his bag and scrambles into the bathroom before closing the door.  Seeing this causes Wendy to blush and giggle.

Wendy: *Blushes Bright Pink & Giggles* AWWWWWWWWWW!!!!!  He’s really cute when he’s shy like this.  But I honestly don’t mind seeing him like this because at least I am in my underwear.  LOL!!!!  However he does have a good point!!! It would be embarrassing if the others saw me like this...............

Wendy then takes her Happy The Cat Plushie, and heads back to her room to get ready.
Having brushed his teeth, shaved, taken a shower, fixed his hair with pomade, put on his Banana Republic Boot Cut Jeans, Tommy Bahamas Button Up Shirt, Tommy Bahamas Flannel pattern vest, black socks, and Ecco Fusion Boot like shoes, Alastair then leaves his room, and heads out into the corridor.

Wendy: Alastair, wait up!!!!

Having brushed her teeth, taken a bath, put her hair into its iconic twin tails, put on her white button up shirt, red pin-striped jacket, black frilled mini-skirt, navy thigh high socks, orange ascot ribbon around her neck, and white platform shoes, Wendy catches up to Alastair out in the corridor.
Both Chelia and Hermit open their bedroom door slightly and take a peek.  They lightly giggle when they see Wendy catching up to Alastair.

Alastair: Oh, there you are.

Wendy: *Giggles* LOL!!!!

Hermit: There is definitely chemistry going on between those 2!!!! *Giggles*

Chelia: You don’t have to tell me twice!!! *Giggles*

Alastair and Wendy then make their way down the Grand Staircase, through the foyer, and into the living room where Bruce is already wide awake, dressed and ready to go while going over the floor plans.

Alastair: Oh, good morning Bruce!!!!!

Wendy: It seems you have a jump start on us!!!!

Alastair: What is it you’re looking for?

Bruce: I’m going over the square footage.  There are at least 13 bedrooms and bathrooms on the third floor, and another 7 bedrooms bathrooms up in the servant’s quarter on the 4th floor.  Plus there are over 15 closets out in in the corridor on the 3rd floor, and 10 closets up on the 4th floor.  However, there is also an attic above the servant’s quarters.
The attic is where Jacob, Melanie’s lover was hung from, and it was in a section of the attic that’s directly over the large art gallery in the West Wing.

Alastair: UH-OH!!!!  

Bruce: However, the attic is HUGE!!!!!  It spans the ENTIRE roof of the house, and somewhere in the attic is where Madame Leota’s crystal ball is located.

Alastair: Is there an easy way we can access the attic?

Bruce: There should be pull chords of some kind hanging from access panels in the ceiling that should drop down a ladder, flight of stairs, or something that can take us up there.

Harriet: MMMMMHMMMMMM!!!!  I have a gut feeling that Madame Leota’s Crystal ball is somewhere up there in that attic!!!!

Alastair: The sooner we find it; the better.  We have questions, I want answers, and getting ahold of Madame Leota maybe the only way to finding those answers…………….

Alastair then gets out the key to the manor and closes his eyes.  Using his gift of Clairvoyance, Alastair is able to track down the crystal ball, and pin point it’s location.

Alastair: I know where it is!!!!!

Alastair then takes off running out of the living room, out into the foyer, and up the Grand Staircase.

Wendy: HEY ALASTAIR, WAIT UP!!!!

Bruce: I’M TOO OLD FOR THIS!!!!

Harriet: ALWAYS GOTTA GO IN A HURRY!!!!  KIDS THESE DAYS!!!!! -_-

Alastair then reaches the third floor, high tails through a corridor into the Manor’s South Wing and scrambles up a flight of stairs leading to 4th floor.  Wendy follows Alastair right on his tail, however both Harriet, and Bruce lag way behind.

Wendy: ALASTAIR?????!!!!!!!!

Harriet: THIS IS SO NOT COOL!!!!!!

Bruce: I’M WAY BEHIND YA KID!!!!

Alastair then stops when he finds a pull chord dangling from an access panel in the ceiling.

Alastair: Alright!!!!  That seams to be the best way to access.

However there is one problem, the pull down chord is too high up, and is WAY out of Alastair’s reach.

Alastair: WHAT SUCKS IS I CAN’T REACH THE DAMN THING!!!!!!  
WHAT KIND OF PECKERHEAD IN THEIR RIGHT MIND WOULD MAKE ACCESS TO AN ATTIC SO DIFFICULT????!!!!!
Well, there’s no way around it, so I only have one option……….

Alastair then backs up nearly half way down the corridor before charging forward running hard and fast, and upon nearing the location of the pull chord, jumps as high as he can, but ends up crashing face first down into the floor.
The crashing sound is so loud that Wendy knows where to find him.

Wendy: ALASTAIR, ARE YOU OKAY????!!!!!  SAY SOMETHING!!!!!

Alastair: OOOOOOOOWWWWWWWW!!!!  THAT’S GONNA LEAVE A MARK!!!!!  

Alastair then gets back up and tries the same trick again by making another running start, but like before he crashes and falls flat on his face.
Upon finally catching up to him, Wendy immediately rushes to Alastair’s side to help back up.

Wendy: Alastair, don’t overwork yourself with this!!!!!

Alastair: I can’t stop!!!!  I have questions, and I want answers.  We gotta get ahold of Madame Leota.  No ands, ifs, or buts about it!!!!!

Alastair then gets back on his feet, and tries the same trick for a running start again, but the same thing happens, Alastair can’t reach the pull down chord to the access panel and once again hits the ground hard.

Wendy: Alastair Please!!!!  You must stop!!!!!  You’re gonna get hurt if you continue and I can’t have that.

Alastair: But we’ve gotta get to Leota somehow, and I know where her crystal ball is located……………..

Wendy: Well there is another way……………

Alastair: And what is that?

Wendy: You forget that I’m a cheerleader, and also a flyer, so maybe I might be able to reach that chord.

Alastair: How?

Wendy: I’ll need your help of course, but if we work together, I’m sure we can pull it off.

Alastair: It’s worth a shot.  And at this point I’m willing to try almost anything.

Wendy: Just hoist me up and launch me.  I’m pretty sure that will do the trick.

Alastair: Alright, so how should I start?

Wendy: Grab my waist and lift me from there.  I will then try to sit on your shoulders, then you grab my feet.

Alastair: Alright!!!!  

Without any second thoughts Alastair grabs Wendy by her waist sides and lifts her up as high as he could before she sits on his shoulders.

Wendy: Alright Grab my feet and try to lift me as high as you can.

Alastair: Alright!!!!

Alastair grabs Wendy’s feet as she attempts to stand, and it’s not long until she’s completely standing tall in the palm of Alastair’s hands.

Wendy: Okay, now lift me as high as you can.

Alastair: No problem………….

But as Alastair lifts Wendy as high as he could he immediately has a clear shot of Wendy’s pure white panties as he unintentionally looks under her mini skirt causing him to blush and shut his eyes causing Wendy to panic.

Wendy: ALASTAIR DON’T SHUT YOUR EYES!!!!  I NEED YOU TO KEEP YOUR EYES ON ME SO YOU CAN LAUNCH ME TO THAT PULL DOWN CHORD!!!!!  Besides I have a greater chance of falling if you take your eyes off me.

Alastair: *BLUSHING DARK RED* But you know I can see your…………….you know?...............

Wendy: *BLUSHES BRIGHT PINK* I know that, but you seeing my underwear doesn't bother me as much as you dropping me would!!!  So please, I can’t have you taking your eyes off me.

Alastair: Alright!!!

Alastair then reopens his eyes, but once again blushes as he looks up Wendy’s skirt.

Wendy: Alastair, it’s okay, I know you’re not a pervert, so I trust you.  However, I need you to focus and launch me to that pull chord. So please don't take you're eyes off me okay?

Alastair: Okay………….

Wendy: Alright, I’m ready when you are!!!!

Alastair: Alright on the count of 3!!!!

Wendy: Okay!!!!!

Alastair: 1…………..

Wendy: 2…………….

Alastair & Wendy: 3!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Alastair then launches Wendy high into the air, and without any problems, Wendy is able to grab the pull down chord, and pull open the access panel which in turn lowers a ladder leading up into the attic before she gently touches back down on her feet.

Wendy: There; I knew we could get it done if we worked together!!!! *Giggles*

Alastair: Wendy that was AWESOME!!!!!!!

Wendy: *Blushes Bright Pink & Giggles* AWWWWWWWWW!!!!  You’re too sweet!!!!
I’m surprised that you were able to hold onto me no problem!!!

Alastair: Hey, you’re as light as a feather compared to all the heavy machinery and equipment I have to carry in the roundhouse. LOL!!!!

Wendy: You’re definitely stronger than most of the cheerleaders at my base who launch me, and they’re pretty strong.  Unfortunately, they’ve dropped me more times than I’d care to count, but I haven’t been seriously injured by any cheer stunts yet, so that’s saying something.  However, I’m impressed that you managed to launch me so easily on your first try, so I now know I can count on you for help.

Alastair: Well, what you did was pretty impressive, and as I’ve said before I’d be screwed without you.

Alastair and Wendy then high five one another as Harriet and Bruce finally arrive along with Father Kent, Chelia, and Hermit.

Alastair & Wendy: BOO & YAAAAAA!!!!

Alastair: And look the gang is all here.

Harriet: IMPRESSIVE TEAMWORK YOU DID THERE!!!!!  I wouldn’t have guessed you 2 coming up with a strategy like that to open the access panel to the attic.

Chelia: Well, being a cheerleader has its advantages.

Hermit: ESPECIALLY when you’re a flyer.

Wendy: *Giggles* LOL!!!!

Bruce: Still it’s surprising how tall these ceilings are up in the servant’s quarters.  

Father Kent: Whoever made the chord that length obviously didn’t want anyone going up there.

Bruce: It’s possible that the chord was shortened to keep anyone who could potentially enter from entering.

Alastair: It must have been the Phantom who shortened the chord, but he probably didn’t think that Wendy and I would pull a stunt like we just did in order to open the access panel.

Wendy: Yeah!!! *Giggles*

Harriet: You 2 are something else!!!!

Bruce: Well let’s quit standing around, and get up there!!!!

And with that Bruce high tails it up the ladder into the attic.

Father Kent: I’m right behind ya!!!!

Harriet: You better be next to head up there otherwise I know you’ll be in deep trouble with these girls!!!!

Hermit: Especially given that all 3 of us are in mini skirts!!! -_-

Alastair: No need to tell me twice.

Without any second thoughts, Alastair hightails it up the ladder after Father Kent.

Wendy: Alastair wait up!!!

Wendy then climbs up after Alastair followed by Hermit, and then Chelia.

Harriet: Looks like I’m last!!!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLkjsKcOKfk

With everyone at long last up in the attic, Alastair makes his way father and father along the South Wing of the Manor as he passes a bunch of old dusty antiques.
Marble busts turn their heads towards Alastair, and watch his every move as he continues his way through the attic.
The Marble busts causes the girls to freak out.

Chelia: Wendy, those busts give me the creeps!!!!

Hermit: Yeah, it’s like they’re watching our every move!!!!

Wendy: I know, they scare me too!!!!

Old oil paintings show Henry Ravenswood during his prime and then shows him decaying.
Another one shows Mark Turner Ravenswood and then unveils him as the Phantom.
Another one shows the Manor in its grander years and then in its current rundown state on a stormy night.
Old suits of armor turn their heads towards Alastair and his friends as they continue their way through the attic.

Alastair: We’re almost there.

Then right in front of him is a giant chest.

Alastair: THIS HAS GOT TO BE IT!!!!!!

Unfortunately the chest is locked.

Alastair: However, it seems that there’s a lock on the chest.  Can anyone find an Axe or have a way of picking a lock.

Bruce: ALLOW ME!!!!

Bruce gets out his lock pick and picks the lock that holds the chest shut.

Bruce: I ALMOST GOT IT……………….GEEZE THIS THING HAS BEEN SHUT FOR WELL OVER A CENTURY!!!!  NO WONDER IT'S SO HARD TO PICK!!!!!!

However at long last, Bruce successfully picks the log, gets it to fall off, and in turn open the chest.

Bruce: TAAAAAAADAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Alastair: WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

As the chest opens, sure enough Madame Leota’s giant crystal ball is unveiled.

Alastair: THAT’S IT!!!!!!

Harriet: THERE IS NO DENYING IT!!!!!

Alastair & Harriet: THAT IS MOST DEFINITELY MADAME LEOTA’S CRYSTAL BALL!!!!!!

The crystal ball is SO HUGE and SO HEAVY that not one person can lift it.
One by one, Alastair, Bruce, and Father Kent slowly and carefully lift Madame Leota’s Crystal ball out of the chest.

Alastair: GOD DAMN THIS THING IS HEAVY!!!!!

Bruce: NO KIDDING!!!!  I’M TOO OLD FOR THIS!!!!

Father Kent: THERE’S NO WAY WE CAN CARRY THIS DOWN THAT LADDER!!!!

Alastair: Throwing it down is out of the question!!!

Harriet: ARE YOU INSANE?????!!!!!!  If we throw it down then that thing will shatter into a million pieces and we won’t have anyway to get ahold of Madame Leota at all!!!!!

Wendy: There’s an old table right over there you can use!!!!

Alastair: ALRIGHT!!!!  Let’s set it down on that old table!!!!

Father Kent: Sounds good!!!!

Bruce: You don’t have to tell me twice!!!!!

Slowly but surely, Alastair, Bruce, and Father Kent set Madame Leota’s crystal ball down on the old table.
But then out of nowhere……….

Alastair: WHAT THE?????

Wendy: THOSE OLD CHAIRS……….

Chelia: THEY’RE MOVING ON THEIR OWN!!!!!

7 old dusty chairs move on their own and place themselves around the old dusty table, but it doesn’t end there, for Harriet finds something else in the chest.

Harriet: OH MY GOD!!!!  OH MY LORD!!!!!

Alastair: What is it Harriet?

Harriet then pulls out a large old book from the chest.

Harriet: THIS HERE IS MADAME LEOTA’S BOOK OF INCANTATIONS!!!!!!!

Bruce: HOLY SHIT!!!!!! LET ME SEE THAT!!!!!

Bruce opens the book, and reads the first page.

Bruce: Property of Madame Leota.  If this doesn’t belong to you, DO NOT TURN ANOTHER PAGE!!!!

Harriet: SHE’S DEAD SO FORGET THAT!!!!!

And of course Harriet turns the pages, places the book down on the table right in front of the crystal ball before pulling a chair out and sitting down.

Harriet: WOOOOOAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!  THIS IS GOLD!!!!!!
DREAMS DO COME TRUE!!!!!!!

Hermit: You don’t expect us to sit on those old things, do you?

Wendy: Unfortunately there’s no other way…………

Chelia: GROSS!!!!!!!  I’ll need to change my underwear after this!!!!!!

Wendy: I know how you feel girls, but there’s no way around it!!!!!

One by one all the girls lift up their skirts and sit on the old dusty chairs, followed by Alastair, Bruce, and Father Kent.
Then out of nowhere Madame Leota appears from inside her crystal ball!!!!!

Alastair: WOOOOOOOAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!!!!

Wendy: OH MY GOSH!!!!!!!

Chelia: WENDY, HERMIT; DO YOU SEE WHAT I SEE?????!!!!!!

Hermit: YES, BUT I DON’T BELIEVE IT!!!!!!!

Father Kent: UNBELIEVABLE!!!!!

Bruce: WOW!!!!  HAAAAA, HAAAAA, HAAAAAA!!!!!

Harriet: MADAME LEOTA??????!!!!!!

Madame Leota: WHO, WHO ARE YOU?!!!!!!  WHAT YEAR IS IT?

Alastair: I’m Alastair David Alexander Smith.  A descendant of Carla Ravenswood, which also makes me a descendant of Henry and Alice Ravenswood……………
And it’s November 1 of 2023……………………..

Madame Leota: 141 YEARS ALREADY?????!!!!!

Alastair: If you mean since the night of Melanie’s wedding, then yes…………..

Hermit: Madame Leota looks A LOT like Glenn Close!!!!!

Wendy: SHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!  HERMIT; NOT SO LOUD!!!!

Madame Leota then turns her way over to Harriet.

Madame Leota: VERY POWERFUL BOOK YOU ARE HOLDING!!!!
Best know how to use it!!!!!

Alastair: How did you get in there?

Madame Leota: I can show you but it’ll cost you $10 dollars!!!!

Father Kent: WHAT????!!!!!

Bruce: *BURSTS OUT LAUGHING* THAT’S NOTHING!!!!!

Alastair: But back in 1882 $10 dollars was like $1K, so inflation has really come a VERY LONG WAYS since then.

Father Kent: SHHHHHHHH!!!  DON’T TELL HER THAT!!!!

Harriet: We’ll pay you what you want, just please tell us what happened.

Madame Leota: IT’S ABOUT TIME THE STORY OF WHAT REALLY HAPPENED GETS TOLD!!!!!  

Madame Leota shows our friends EXACTLY what happened on that fateful night of Melanie’s wedding over 141 years ago.

Madame Leota: After receiving the invitation to Melanie and Jacob’s Wedding, I couldn’t help but have a feeling of dread for I knew that there was trouble, ESPECIALLY since Henry Ravenswood’s brother Reverend Doctor Wizard G. Ravenswood had specialized in Black Magic while on his tour around the globe, and was on the run from the police in England since Black Magic was banned given how dangerous it was.
I immediately responded with DO NOT COMMENCE THIS WEDDING OR BAD THINGS WILL HAPPEN; A LAVISHING BRIDE AND A VANISHING GROOM!!!! But Henry Ravenswood, in denial of the evil his brother was capable of, didn’t heed my warning.  
Not wanting to take any chances, I boarded the first Express train out of Chicago, and arrived right before the wedding began.
Unfortunately the tragedy was already set in stone……………

Alastair: UH-OH!!!!!!

Madame Leota: After Reverend Doctor Wizard G. Ravenswood managed to take control of his brother’s mining industry, he had the minors dig deeper into the mines, and anger the wrath of the Legendary Thunderbird which led to his own demise………………
But after his demise, something so evil and diabolical rose up, and changed everything forever………………..

We then see a flash back where Madame Leota runs to warn Henry Ravenswood about the Wedding.

Madame Leota: HENRY RAVENSWOOD, YOU MUST NOT COMMENCE THE WEDDING OF YOUR NEICE TO JACOB!!!!

Henry: WHAT?????!!!!!

Madame Leota: SOMETHING EVIL LURKS, I CAN FEEL IT!!!!!  YOU, YOUR NIECE, AND YOUR FAMILY ARE IN GRAVE DANGER!!!!!  YOU MUST GET OUT OF HERE BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE!!!!!

Henry: AND CALL OFF THE WEDDING MY NIECE HAS WAITING SO LONG AND HARD FOR?????!!!!!!!  HOW CAN I DO THAT TO HER????!!!!!  THAT POOR GIRL HAS BEEN THROUGH SO MUCH!!!!!!!!!!!

Madame Leota: YOUR BROTHER WILL RISE FROM THE DEAD AND CAUSE MISFORTUNE!!!!!!!!

Henry: MARK TURNER IS DEAD, SO HOW CAN HE DO THAT????!!!!!!

Madame Leota: HE WILL RETURN AS SOMETHING SO VIAL AND DIABOLICAL THAT IS NOT EVEN OF THIS WORLD!!!!!

Henry: I DON'T BELIEVE THIS!!!!

Madame Leota: PLEASE HEED THIS WARNING!!!!! AT THIS GHOSTLY BALL; A LAVISHING BRIDE AND A VANISHING GROOM!!!!!!!

Madame Loeta: Not wanting to disappoint his niece, Henry disregarded my warning yet again, and sure enough……………..Reverend Doctor Wizard G. Ravenswood showed himself in the form of this vial, diabolical, and just downright evil phantom………………….

Alastair: THAT PROVES MY SUSPICION!!!!!  The phantom is INDEED the ghost of Reverend Doctor Wizard G. Ravenswood, Henry Ravenswood’s Vile and Greedy older brother!!!!!!!

Wendy: WAY TO GO ALASTAIR!!!!!  YOU WERE RIGHT ALL ALONG!!!!!

Madame Leota: JEALOUSY grew Reverend Doctor Wizard G. Ravenswood into madness over the years!!!!!!!  Never was he good enough for his father.  Henry Ravenswood was always the favorite son.   Henry was a high class honor student, a graduate of Kings College, a successful businessman, and yet always loving and kind hearted.  But Mark Turner was always angered by this.  Jealous of his brother he sought after the use of Illegal Black Magic and swore an oath to take his revenge out on his family for neglecting him.  
Putting on his magic act as he travelled throughout the world until finally getting caught while performing in London.
He fled here to America and attempted to take control of his brother’s fortune until it led to his demise.
But even death was not enough to stop him from taking out his revenge on his family.

Alastair: Why was he so controlling of Melanie?  What exactly did he do to her?

Madame Leota: Reverend Doctor Wizard G. Ravenswood could never control anything, but if there was one thing he could try to control, it was his only daughter.  Unfortunately his control over her grew into obsessions with her……………

Alastair: Let me guess, incest?

Madame Leota: That is correct!!!!!!
If Melanie did not obey her father, the punishment was unimaginable for her, and whenever his wife Martha would try to protect her, he would beat her.

Alastair: And I take it if she tried filing for a divorce then he only would have made her look bad in court by conjuring up lies to an all male jury while using Henry’s money to pay for attorneys?

Madame Leota: You are VERY sharp young man!!!!
Which is why Martha was left helpless to stop her husband from taking his anger out on her beloved daughter………….
All Henry and his wife could do was stay away and protect their children.
But when he died, that’s when things went from bad to worse.

Alastair: How was Jacob hung by the rafters?

Madame Leota: Right as Jacob arrived at the Manor, he was greeted by a crowd all wishing him well, but once he stepped foot into the Manor he heard this evil and diabolical laughter.
This evil laughter led him into the art gallery where the Reverend Doctor Wizard G. Ravenswood showed himself in the form of the Phantom, grabbed a noose and tied it around Jacob’s neck before he had time to react.  The Phantom then hung Jacob by the rafters where he has remained to this day!!!!
But this was only the start of Reverend Doctor Wizard G. Ravenswood’s plan in taking his revenge out on his family.

Alastair: Were you there when Jacob arrived?

Madame Leota: What kind of question is that?  OF COURSE I WAS!!!!!  I WARNED HENRY RIGHT BEFORE JACOB ARRIVED!!!!  
And if you’re wondering why I didn’t try to stop him, I did!!!!!
I PERSONALLY TOLD JACOB NOT TO ENTER THE MANOR!!!!!!

We go back to the flashback on the fateful night of the wedding.

Madame Leota: JACOB NO!!!!!!  IT’S A TRAP!!!!  DON’T LISTEN!!!!!!

And we return our own time.

Madame Leota: Unfortunately, he wouldn’t listen!!!!!!  It’s like the Phantom had control over his mind.
All leading up to the Phantom using his Black Magic and trapping ALL 66 OF US that were present at the wedding on that night here in the Manor.   He also imprisoned me in this crystal ball……………..

Alastair: Would you happen to know anything of Phantom Canyon?

Wendy: WHAT????!!!!!

Bruce: PHANTOM CANYON????!!!!  ARE YOU INSANE????!!!!!!!

Madame Leota: YOU MUST NEVER MENTION THAT NAME AGAIN!!!!!!!!!  

Alastair: SORRY!!!!

Madame Leota: However Phantom Canyon lies on the gateway to the netherworld in purgatory!!!!!!
The gateway to Phantom Canyon lies deep in the Mines after taking the underground tunnel passageway.  
It was formed right after the wrath of the Thunder Bird caused the Earthquake and Flashflood which killed 933 people.  
And ALL 933 of those victims killed are under the Phantom’s Control!!!!!!
You add the 66 deaths that took place in the Manor, then that is 999 victims in which the Phantom has TRAPPED HERE IN THIS MANOR AND PHANTOM CANYON!!!!!!  He needs one more to make it an even 1000!!!!  At which point he will be able to unleash unimaginable horror using his Black Magic, and he will stop at nothing to find his last victim.
And you Alastair are his prime target!!!!!!!
Because you are a descendant of Carla, the sole survivor of the Ravenswood family, and heir to the Ravenswood Family Fortune, the Phantom will stop at nothing to go after you.  To make you his last soul that will make his count the even 1000 that he needs!!!!!!

Wendy then grabs Alastair’s hand and holds it tightly in hers.

Wendy: NOW I AM WORRIED!!!!!

Madame Leota: It gets worse because I sense a lot of negative emotions in you……………..I sense the feeling of being lost……………. fear………….helplessness…………………..so much grief and sadness…………………………not long ago you’ve dealt with traumatic events am I correct?

Alastair: Yes……………3 and a half years ago in February of 2020, my father was killed in a car accident……………….

Madame Leota: IT’S WORSE THAN I FEARED!!!!!!  THAT WILL MAKE YOU VERY VULNERABLE TO ALL OF THE PHANTOM’S DECEPTIONS, MANIPULATIONS, FILTHY LIES, AND DIRTY TRICKS!!!!!!!!
AS LONG AS YOU STILL HAVE THOSE NEGATIVE EMOTIONS IN YOUR HEART, YOU WILL ALWAYS BE IN GRAVE DANGER!!!!!!!!

Alastair: That leaves us with only one choice…………..We have to perform an exorcism!!!!!  No ands, ifs, or buts about it!!!!!!

Father Kent: I was thinking the same thing!!!!!

Harriet: And  a banishment!!!!!!!

Madame Leota: YES!!!!!!  An exorcism followed by a banishment are the ONLY ways you’ll get rid of this Phantom and release his victims from his grasp.  
However, you must grab an object or 2 that Reverend Doctor Wizard G. Ravenswood once possessed in order to make the exorcism and banishment successful!!!!
Once you have the object…………….

Phantom: SHUT UP!!!!!!!!  AH-HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kw0_ZAbfeQE

Alastair: AND HE’S BACK!!!!!

One by one Alastair, and his friends get up, leave the table, high tail it out of the attic, and down the ladder as fast as they can.

Phantom: YOU CAN’T RUN FROM ME!!!!!  AH-HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!

Madame Leota: HEY, WAIT FOR ME!!!!

Madame Leota levitates herself off the table, and follows after the group.

Harriet: LADIES FIRST!!!!!

One by one, Harriet, Chelia, Hermit, Wendy, Father Kent, Bruce, Alastair, and Madame Leota all make their way down the ladder, and back into the servants quarters of the manor before they take off running down the corridors.

Phantom: YOU CAN RUN, BUT YOU CAN’T HIDE!!!!  AH-HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAA, HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!

The floorboards shake underneath everyones’ feet, ALL the doors slam open and close hard and fast, blood oozes out of the walls, chandeliers and light fixtures swing violently, and lights flicker on and off VERY fast as the group makes their way down the staircase to the third floor when it all stops.

Harriet: WE’VE MADE IT MAD; AGAIN!!!!!!!

Bruce: I’M TOO OLD FOR THIS!!!!!

Alastair: Which is why it was a bad idea for you to come on this investigation in the first place!!!!!

Madame Leota: What’s done is done!!!!

And like that Madame Leota’s crystal ball drops and hits the floor, but thankfully due to its heavy weight it doesn’t break.

Father Kent: I’VE GOT IT!!!!

Harriet: ME TOO!!!!!

Bruce: Best we keep it safe!!!!!!!!

Wendy: I’m very worried now that he’s after you Alastair.

Alastair: *Sighs* Why me?????!!!!!!

Harriet: You’ve inherited this estate, the mines, and all the MILLIONS OF DOLLARS that Henry Ravenswood had!!!!

Alastair: Honestly I could care less.  All that matters is we get rid of this Son Of A Bitch.  
No one on this planet gives a Damn Rat’s ass about me, so why do I care if I’m his prime target?

Hearing this causes Wendy to get so upset that she slaps Alastair on the face with a BIG and LOUD…………………….

SMACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tears pour down Wendy’s face as she angrily looks at Alastair before walking away without saying another word.

Chelia & Hermit: WENDY!!!!!

Both Chelia and Wendy then follow after Wendy, while Harriet looks at Alastair in disgust.

Harriet: You REALLY screwed up this time!!!!!

And with that Father Kent, Harriet, and Bruce continue on walking down the hallway carrying Madame Leota’s crystal ball leaving Alastair in utter shock about what just happened.


To Be Continued……………………