Page 75 of Murder Most Haunted

A month later

The robin landed on top of the newly polished cemetery stone, its red breast bright against the white snow behind it. A new line had been added to the stone.

HERE TOO LIES THE CHILD OF BETH, BACK IN THE LOVING EMbrACE OF HIS MOTHER.

‘Beth Hallow can rest in peace now,’ said Noah, as he looked about him at the Atherton family cemetery.

‘Poor bugger,’ said Rona, shifting her weight from foot to foot and blowing on her hands to keep them warm.

‘Although, we now know the Athertons weren’t really visited by any ghosts,’ said Noah.

‘What do you mean?’ asked Midge, pushing her hands into her pockets.

‘Those symptoms in the doctor’s logs,’ said Rona. ‘Classic heavy-metal poisoning.’

Midge stared at her in confusion.

Rona explained, ‘Remember how Noah discovered that the engine house had leached a load of toxic chemicals into the water supply? And those custom tin baths they had made, and filled with that water? Well, it’s likely they all got poisoned from the chemicals that leached from the tin.

Not the best metal to make a bath from. Sent them all crazy, too.

You know, like the Mad Hatter. Coupled with a guilty conscience, it was a pretty lethal combination. ’

‘And you don’t mind the non-paranormal explanation – it’s not going to ruin your podcast?’

‘Oh no!’ said Noah, enthusiastically. ‘Quite the opposite. My podcast platform was impressed with the idea of an exposé show – they’ve commissioned several more. I’m a debunker now!’

‘Gosh,’ said Midge, pulling something from her pocket. ‘That will keep you busy.’

‘Are you coming, Midge? Noah’s driving, but I’ve called shotgun for the way back,’ said Rona. ‘I told Gloria we’d visit her in her new bungalow. I’m trying to convince her to join us on our next haunted excursion.’

‘Not us.’ Midge rolled her eyes. ‘I’ve told you, I’m never going on another one of these things again.’

‘I’ve already hired a minibus for it and everything,’ pouted Rona. ‘One without a driver who moonlights as a paparazzo!’ She winked. ‘Plus, Noah said he would make muffins for the weekend.’ She paused before adding, ‘Proper ones. Come on. We can talk about it on the way to Gloria’s.’

‘I’ll be along in a bit,’ said Midge.

When she was sure the others had gone through the gate, she turned back to the small headstone and tied the canary handkerchief to the corner.

She stood back and admired it. A bright object out of place against the greyscale cemetery.

Bridie had been right.

Depending on your point of view, the birdcage did look open.

THE END