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    Haunting at Hawthorne Hall: Haunted Histories, #2
    Haunting at Hawthorne Hall: Haunted Histories, #2
    Haunting at Hawthorne Hall: Haunted Histories, #2
    Ebook110 pages1 hourHaunted Histories

    Haunting at Hawthorne Hall: Haunted Histories, #2

    By Lynn M. Stout

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    About this ebook

    A tragic fire, restless spirits, and a team that's more quirky than qualified. Will uncovering the secrets of the grand theater be their final act?

     

    With Gabby on her shoulder and her team in tow, Jackie sets out to document the supernatural for her paranormal TV series. But, they soon discover more than dusty props and old playbills when a bitter rivalry from the past resurfaces and a ghostly duo with unfinished business appears.

    With a new producer on board and an unknown assailant threatening their safety, will they bring peace to the restless spirits of Hawthorne Hall, or will they find themselves the punchline of the vaudevillians' last joke?

    Haunting at Hawthorne Hall is the second book in the Haunted Histories paranormal cozy mystery series. If you love unraveling secrets, eerie encounters, and a touch of humor, start reading this spine-tingling romp from Lynn M. Stout today.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherFat Cat Publishing
    Release dateOct 7, 2024
    ISBN9798227793621
    Haunting at Hawthorne Hall: Haunted Histories, #2
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    Author

    Lynn M. Stout

    Lynn M. Stout grew up wandering the streets of Historic Downtown Jonesboro, Tennessee where she absorbed the town’s rich history, fed her active imagination, and twisted her ankle on cobblestones. She is an unapologetic voyeur when it comes to old houses and has an unhealthy obsession with creepy staircases. She loves research and enjoys a deep dive into old stories, especially if a ghost is involved. She is married to her amazing and supportive husband of thirty years and is happy to report that she still likes him very much. As a recent empty-nester, she is finding adventure in Michigan and is pleasantly surprised to find that her southern roots don't object to cooler weather at all. She enjoys long walks with the Boxer, cuddling with her freakishly large cats, a good bottle (or two) of wine, and will continue to love Tennessee Volunteer Football no matter how bad it gets.

    Read more from Lynn M. Stout

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      Book preview

      Haunting at Hawthorne Hall - Lynn M. Stout

      CHAPTER 1

      Jackie? Earth to Jackie, Emily's voice was insistent. Are you okay?

      Yeah, I’m fine. I’m just thinking about Maplewood.

      We were on our way to our next assignment, an old theater named Hawthorne Hall. As the van’s tires hummed along the highway, I had became lost in thought.

      Do you know what ended up happening to Mia? Emily asked.

      I don’t know exactly about Mia, Ethan jumped in before I could respond. But I checked in with the mansion a few weeks ago and they are up and running as a bed-and-breakfast again. The town bought the property, and it’s going to be preserved as a historical landmark. I also connected with Clara again. She, uh, misses us.

      I smiled. Clara was a local psychic, who led a seance for us and really, it was because of her we could solve the mystery. I was more than happy to keep up contact with her. And based on the smile on his face, it appeared Ethan felt the same.

      And they did eventually find Julia’s skull in Mia’s car. I told them to keep it far away from the mansion, just in case. I think it’s ended up in a museum in town, I added.

      Was she in trouble for that, too? Emily asked.

      No, although it took some explaining from me, but Mia wasn’t in trouble for that. I mean, we all know she was awful, but no one wanted her to pay for something she didn’t do. Speaking of which, she did steal from the company and they are pressing charges.

      Wow! It’s not like ghost-hunting isn’t enough. We have all this drama going on with the living, too! Emily turned to Ethan and threw her arms around his neck. I haven’t said it enough, but thank you for bringing me with you. I love my job!

      The van pulled into a gravel covered parking lot and we were officially at our new filming and investigating location. Everyone peered through the windows as the van settled in front of the grand theater. Its once majestic facade was marred by years of neglect. Ivy clung to the walls, and the windows were clouded with grime. It gave the building an air of forgotten grandeur.

      Well, this is it, gang. Let’s check it out. I climbed out of the van with Gabby, my African Grey parrot, perched on my shoulder as always.

      Hawthorne Hall, the theater with a thousand tales and, apparently, a few ghosts, Ollie said, hopping out and stretching. She waited until her sound equipment was unloaded and swung it over her shoulder with practiced ease. I had to laugh at her chosen attire. She wore a Hawaiian shirt with cargo shorts and was rocking her red Crocs with socks.

      Let's hope the ghosts have something more exciting to show us than just their dust collection, Tyler added as his eyes scanned the building's exterior.

      Emily was bouncing on her toes. I can't wait to get inside and see what we find. The history of this place is incredible! Just wait till you hear everything Ethan and I discovered! We’ve been saving the best parts for when we arrived.

      Well, okay then. Let's get to it. I hesitated. And stay safe, everyone, I added with a quick glance at Leo.

      He smiled ruefully and rubbed the small cut that was sure to become a scar. I still hadn’t fully gotten past the guilt I felt for what happened to him at Maplewood Mansion. And I needed to remember to give him the vitamin E oil I brought for him.

      Our motley crew approached the grand entrance with enthusiasm and determination, as though going into war. Then we stopped. There were several doors leading into the theater.

      Which one? Tyler asked.

      Not sure, I replied. We spilt up, each of us going to a different door until Ollie called out.

      This one!

      The heavy wooden door creaked ominously as she pushed it open. The lobby of Hawthorne Hall was just as grand as its exterior, with marble floors and a sweeping staircase that led to the upper levels. Dust motes danced in the beams of sunlight that filtered through the dirty windows, giving the place an ethereal glow.

      Okay, let's set up base here in the lobby, I suggested. Ollie, you and Leo get started on the sound and video. Ethan, Emily, you're with me. We'll do a preliminary sweep of the theater while they set up the equipment. Tyler, will you be ready to record now or do you want to wait and explore with us?

      Tyler smoothed his hair and squinted into a small mirror he carried with him. I’ll wait. The drive gave me bags under my eyes.

      As we spread out, Gabby flapped her wings and settled on a nearby statue. Lights, camera, action! she squawked.

      Gabby was going to have a blast in this place. It reminded me of the old movies and TV shows I watched with Grandma and I knew on some level she felt the same nostalgia.

      As Ethan, Emily, Tyler and I moved deeper into the theater, our flashlights cut through the dim light. The main auditorium was vast, with rows of plush, red velvet seats and an ornate stage that spoke of a bygone era of grandeur. The silence was thick, broken only by the soft creaking of the building settling around us.

      This place must have been magnificent in its heyday, Ethan muttered, his flashlight beam sweeping across the rows of seats.

      It still has that feeling, Emily said in a hushed voice. I mean, even with all the dust and everything, you can feel the history.

      I agree, I said. Ethan moved to the left and Emily to the right, while Tyler and I stayed on the stage. We kept a sort of respectful quiet as we crept around. The air felt chilly and there was a distinct draft. But to be fair, that wasn’t unexpected in an old building like this one.

      The hairs on my arms stood on end.

      Just a draft, I whispered to myself, as my flashlight revealed the intricate details of the theater.

      Suddenly, Gabby's voice echoed from the lobby, loud and clear. I see dead people!

      I turned quickly and saw Gabby flying through the lobby. I heard Ollie’s voice loud and clear.

      It’s okay, Gabby. Calm down, sweetie.

      I knew Gabby was now sitting on Ollie’s shoulder and she was being comforted. But I also knew it was likely she really saw something. I looked at Tyler.

      Just setting the mood? He suggested.

      Ethan appeared from the shadows, a wry smile on his face. It does feel like we're not alone here.

      Yeah, I heard something too, Emily said, appearing from the other side of the stage.

      Okay then. Let’s get back to the lobby. I want to check on Gabby.

      Of course, she was fine. She was on Ollie’s shoulder, supervising the process of setting up the soundboard. When Gabby saw me, she flew the few feet to land on my shoulder and nuzzled her head into my cheek. I ran my hand down her back. She seemed to have calmed down from whatever startled her.

      Ollie turned to me and smiled.

      Find anything? I asked.

      She nodded slowly, taking off her headphones. "We've got some strange interference. It's like static, but there's something else...

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