I heard there was a story in Strangerville. As Ravenwood gossip droned on, I caught the last bit of the story, “People need help! The local authorities and service people can’t identify what has taken over the town’s people and their plants,” Alice explained as she spoke to a young girl seated in front of her.
“Alice, where is this and what is going on?” I asked. Alice and I are best friends since I helped her find her children in the afterlife.
I wasn’t sure I could help, but I knew there was a story. Heading home, I went to the computer to book a room. The local hotel was an old New Orleans style hotel. It looked cozy for sure. I booked a large suit, packed my bag and jumped in my car.
“Strangerville here I come!” I exclaimed as I turned up the radio. As I drove and the miles ticked on, I thought about the description online, ‘New Orleans Haunted Hotel‘ Designed by Ellisims.” The courtyard out back looked peaceful, the rooms looked well decorated, and the front of the establishment was bright and cheerful.
At first, it felt like any other desert stop. Tumble weeds rolled across the road, pushed by tiny dirtdevils. I looked at my GPS, the hotel was just a few blocks away. I turned down the radio to see better. You know the idea. As I pull into the parking lot I noticed what I hoped would be guests.
“Do you guys own the place? Or are you guests?” I asked as I walked up to the couple. “Oh, we aren’t quests.” The man said. The woman walked up behind me, “We aren’t together either.” She replied. “My apologies, I booked a room, but I may have shown up to late to check in.” I explained.
“Someone should be inside.” The man said. We all headed for the door and walked in. There was no one around. We called out a few times but there was no answer. “I guess it really is “Haunted”. I will just go find the room I booked.” The woman said as she headed for the stairs. “I got a small room,” the man said. “What one did you book?” He asked me.
“The Honeymoon Suit,” I replied. “I’m a writer and I need the room for my work.” I continued when he looked at me with a raised eyebrow. “Well, if I see you around, cool.” He said as he headed for the door. “I’m headed to the bar, want to come?” I had to get information for the story if there was one. I nodded and followed him out.
“My name is SimScope.” I introduced myself. The man slowed down and looked at me, “I know who you are. You’re that writer.” He said as he stepped down into the street. We all stopped in our tracks.
I didn’t come here to solve anything. I came for a story.
But the longer I stay… it looks like more than a story.
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Chapter 2 The Local Tea
