Madison Johns - Agnes Barton Paranormal 01 - Haunted Hijinks by Madison Johns Page B

her throat, staggering to her feet. “I really could use a glass of cold water. I’m parched.”
    Eleanor went in search of the water and returned, handing her the glass. “Now, Dorothy, no need to wish ill of anyone. Jack’s life isn’t—”
    “He’s not deserving of getting conned any more that Elsie was,” I interjected, giving Eleanor a nudge in the ribs. “No need to share all of Jack’s secrets,” I whispered to Eleanor.
    “Sorry, Agnes. I didn’t think.”
    That is classic Eleanor. She’s never one who thinks before she speaks, and doles out more information than is necessary. It’s none of anyone’s concern that Jack has been paying money out for his female companionship.
    “Elsie, would you mind speaking with us in private?”
    “That’s just as well,” Bernice said. “I have to take my cats home—if I can find all of them.”
    Bill and Marjory Hays made their way to the door, following Bernice out.
    “I don’t see why we have to leave,” Dorothy said.
    “Because they don’t want you in their business is why,” Frank blubbered.
    “But I’m Elsie’s friend. I’m sure she won’t mind me staying.”
    “Confound it, woman, we’re leaving, now!” Frank made way for the door, muttering something about him wishing he had listened to his mother and stayed single.
    Dorothy trailed after him. “Oh, Frank.”
    Once the door slammed shut and cars rumbled out of the drive, Mr. Wilson struggled to get off the chair. Eleanor rushed over and helped him get up. He said, “I’ll busy myself elsewhere. I haven’t seen my granddaughter since we arrived.”
     

Chapter Nine
    When we were alone, Elsie said, “Maybe we should go to the library. That way, nobody can overhear our conversation.”
    Thinking about how I heard plenty from the hidden passageway, I doubted it was completely safe, but since I hadn’t seen any signs that anyone else had been in there, I figured it was as good a place as anywhere.
    We strode to the library and it was eerily silent. Outside, the sky had already begun to darken and all I could think about was how Eleanor and I had to stay the night in this haunted mansion.
    In the library, there was a desk that was next to a window that overlooked the spacious lawn and rose gardens. Dark shapes were visible for a moment, but they took on the shape of the cleaners that Sara had hired, minus the one in the wheelchair who I presumed was still talking to Mr. Wilson’s granddaughter. I reminded myself to speak with her later about what she was up to; hoping that it only had to do with getting the cleaners to work faster.
    Eleanor sank into a leather chair near the desk, with Elsie taking the other one. I sat behind the desk and interlaced my fingers. “How did you really find out about the business opportunity?”
    Elsie blinked a few times and said, “What do you mean, really ?”
    “I couldn’t help but notice how you reacted when I told everyone Jack Winston had also been swindled.”
    “You mean when I told them, Agnes,” Eleanor said.
    “Oh, bother. Does it really matter who told whom what, El?”
    “Well, it does when you don’t give me credit for my part in this investigative business.”
    “I give you plenty of credit, El. Jeez, can we just question Elsie, already?”
    “Yes,” Eleanor began. “Why did you react like that when I said Jack’s name? It’s almost like it wasn’t a surprise to you.”
    “So you already knew about Jack?” I added.
    Elsie’s face flushed. “Yes, Jack kinda gave me the tip, and I went all the way to Bay Port to meet with Katherine. It was then that she told me she had planned to come to East Tawas, but she needed the cash right away or I’d miss out on the deal. That time was of the essence. She insisted on cash, you see.”
    “Why would Jack Winston even tell you about this tip?” I asked, perplexed. Unless he was part of the scam , was my thought.
    “Well, I’ve known Jack for years. We bumped into each other at the