FILE 23: THE PAINTING PART 2

Since November was just around the corner, both Lea and I wore thick jackets with scarves and woolly gloves for warmth. I took a peek as she irritably shoved a lock of her flaxen hair behind her ear. Her cheeks were crimson from the cold, which made her even cuter.

We waited on a narrow, newly painted porch after I had rung the doorbell. The house was a tiny cottage that possessed only two vast windows, and there was barely a yard with some hedges.

The blue door opened and an average woman with a bob haircut peered out with a cautious expression. "Can I help you?" she murmured apprehensively while pushing her spectacles on her delicate nose.

I smiled flirtingly, about to introduce us when Lea butted in. "Evening, Miss Gene. I'm Lea Campbell; I contacted you earlier, remember? This is my partner, Nathan McNeill. We've come to help you about your haunting problem."

My smile dropped and I nodded in annoyance. She completely ruined everything. The woman still looked hesitant. "You're not here to make fun of me? People kept showing up to play pranks," she mumbled.

Well, that's to be expected as that is human nature. I smiled sympathetically as I modestly replied, "Those are the ignorant. Pay no attention to those fools so forget about them. We're here on serious business. Mind if you let us in? It's pretty cold out here."

"Oh, sure. Come in." She stood aside as we hurried inside, eager for some heat. I exhaled happily as warmth flowed over my body. I stared in wonder at the cosy home. It felt like I had just walked into a vintage house from the nineteenth century.

A fire was crackling in the fireplace, and I observed the painting mentioned in the post hanging over the bar. No wonder she bought the painting. It really fit properly in her house.

"You're home is absolutely lovely," Lea complimented as she removed her jacket and shoes. I followed suit as I listened to the conversation.

"It used to be my grandmother's house before she passed away. I was her only living relative so I inherited it, including all the furniture. This house has been in our family for six generations, so I can't bear selling it," Gene explained fondly.

"I understand. There are numerous priceless pieces here that I wouldn't be able to sell if I were you," I remarked carelessly.

"Nathan! What a thing to say," Lea said incredulously. Whoops, slip of the tongue. However, Gene took it graciously. "Truly they are priceless. Anyway, you must be cold. Would you like some tea?"

We accepted gladly and after chatting nonsense while she brewed the drink, we settled on the vintage chairs. I winced uncomfortably as I was forced to sit upright.

"We read your social media post. So you believe the painting is possessed?" I began as I squirmed.

"Yes, it all started when I purchased the painting from an antique shop. It was on promotion so I couldn't resist. The show owner never stated anything of it being haunted, hence it came as a surprise," she spoke anxiously as her hands trembled.

"Has anything else happened that you didn't write in your post?" I inquired as Lea leaned forward intently. She's collecting mental notes; I guess.

"Not much else has happened since. Just that I can't unlatch the front door now and then."

Against some of my previous cases, hers was comparatively mild. Lea leaned closer to me and whispered, "So Nathan, what do you make out of her situation? Should she move out too?" I pursed my lips. She's not gonna let that go.

"No. It's not that bad. But she'll have to be out of the way when I investigate. Therefore, keep her busy," I muttered grimly. Lea smiled at my tone as she responded to Gene.

"Miss Gene, Nathan is going to take a look around if it's okay with you? While he does the dirty work, why don't you show me the house?"

"Oh, sure. Let's go to the kitchen then," she willingly agreed.

We stood up and separated. After they left, I initiated SENSE and groaned. Before me stood dusky figures of a young family, where their children pointed rudely and made nasty faces.

"Hey there," I smiled teasingly, "you should really teach your children manners. Don't you know that children like them get kidnapped by the krampus?"

They froze in shock. [This person can see us!"] the woman exclaimed.

[What is he going on about? Krampus isn't real,] the little boy giggled. I wiggled a finger in front of his face, causing them to back away. "Oh yes, he is. I even confronted him a few years ago. I myself used to be a naughty little bugger which is why I know he exists."

I was lying through my teeth naturally, but these people don't know, now do they? "It's because of him that I'm capable of identifying ghosts," I maintained my fibbing.

The spirits gaped at me flabbergasted. Subsequently the father came back to his senses. [Poppycock. Don't listen to him. Honey, children, let's go. The man is toying with you. Let us leave him; he conveys an odd feeling.]

[You're right dear. I don't like him. His eyes are disconcerting. Come along kids,] returned the mother nervously. They began fading, the kids snickering. Oh no, you don't.

"If you leave now, I will have to get rough. In addition, if I become aggressive, your children will suffer, which I'm certain you don't want, right?" I threatened. They paused involuntarily. [Who are you to dare threaten us?] the father demanded scornfully.

"The name is Nathan McNeill, Otherworld Investigator at your service," I bowed mockingly. 

[I've never heard of such a thing, dear. Do you think he's a scam artist?] the mother whispered to her husband.

He snorted. [Sounds like it to me. Disregard him. Let's leave.] I sighed at their scepticism and activated CLAW and LEAP. The other boy shrieked in fear as I swiped at him, my long nails penetrating his shape.

They all panicked as he turned transparent for a few moments before reappearing. I sneered as I clicked my claws. "What about now? Do you think I'm still scamming you?"

[My baby! My poor child!] The mother yelled hysterically as she hugged him fiercely. The father was furious. [What do you want, you damned demon?]

I scowled. Has this guy never seen a demon? How rude. "To enable me to exorcise you and allow the owner of this house to live in peace. Your house hauntings have gone far enough."

They glanced at one another before one of the boys whispered tensely, [It ain't us.]

[Shhh!] his mother shushed him, looking fearful. I transformed back as I surveyed the family. 

"Something's fishy here. What did the boy mean?"