Free Hauntings by Lewis Stanek Page B

replied.
                  “The baroness as a black wisp of shadow?” Randal asked.
                  “Yes, why not.”
     

 
     
     
     
    That Night
     
                  Randal selected a snifter and poured himself generous helping of brandy, swirled it around in the snifter, inhaled the aroma, then took a sip. After the sip he had a gulp and then another to calm his nerves.
                  “I for one am not ashamed of saying I don't think I will get any sleep tonight.” Randal complained.
                  “I bet Heinrich would be willing to get you a night-light, if you want.” Ozzie replied with a wink to Bridget.
                  “I think it might be wise for none of us to be alone tonight.” Bridget replied.
                  “I will have no problem sleeping alone, thank you very much. I knew the baron and baroness and I am certain they mean no harm to any of us.”
                  “I'm with Heinrich, I think our rooms are close enough that if we need any help all we need do is yell and one of us will be there in a flash. Of course, if you are uncomfortable Bridget, I'd be willing to make room.”
                  “Thanks, but I'll pass on your offer Ozzie. I'll keep you company in your room for a while if you'd like, Randal.”
                  “I truly would appreciate the company.” Randal replied finishing the last of his brandy. Heinrich picked a book at random from the table, it was titled Thought Forms.
                  “The baron has a sizable library containing many books on the occult and esoteric subjects. He and the baroness had a keen interest in all things metaphysical. Take this book on thought forms, for example. A case could be made that what you saw come out of the mirror was nothing more than our concentrated thoughts given the form of a shadowy being.”
                  “Tonight you can keep your thought forms to yourself, Heinrich.” Randal replied. “I only want a little peace and quiet”
                  “Oh I was hoping we could play a little gin tonight. I have a deck of cards here somewhere, Ozzie offered.”
                  “You three do what you want, I intend to read myself to sleep tonight. I will see you at breakfast.” Heinrich said taking the book with him as he left the library.
                  “Shall we make it a threesome?” Bridget asked. Without waiting for an answer she left and was back a few minutes later with her deck of cards. Ozzie cleared the books from the table for a clean place to play their game stacking them neatly on the desk. He picked up a book glanced at the title, “ A Treatise on Cosmic Fire, there is a little light reading for you.” he said tossing the book aside. Bridget arranged the chairs for the three of them around the table. Randal poured himself another brandy and plopped into a stuffed club chair near the windows.
                  “Randal, don't be a spoil sport, came on over and join us.” Bridget invited, taking a seat at the table. Randal pushed himself up from the chair using the armrests as a brace. He brought the brandy and his snifter with him to the table.
                  “Okay, I'm here, what are we going to play?” He asked taking a seat.
                  “Poker anyone?” Ozzie suggested.
                  “I don't have the money to spare, Ozzie. I can't gamble.”
                  “I thought all Americans were supposed to be filthy rich. You've shattered my illusions.”
                  “Now if only someone would do the same to your delusions.” Bridget interjected, while shuffling the deck.
                  “May I suggest we play gin rummy, I would normally suggest hearts or spades, but we don't have an even number of