All Hallows Eve: A Krewe of Hunters Novella (1001 Dark Nights) by Heather Graham Read Free Book Online

she was ready to go, as he’d caught her glance at him while he talked to the Cromwells at the bar. A few minutes later, Jenna yawned and said that they needed to get some sleep.
    “And who knows? Uncle Jamie might still have a curfew going for me.”
    Audra said, “If you think we can help you in any way, please, don’t hesitate to let us know.”
    “Thanks,” Sam said.
    “Don’t look now,” Audra said, “but that’s Jeannette Mackey. See the athletic looking woman who just went up to the bar? She’s Micah Aldridge’s VP or whatever for the paranormal part of the mortuary.”
    “Really?” Sam muttered.
    “I know her,” Audra said. “She’s older than we are by several years, but I know I’ve met her a few times. She was on the news a lot, even in Boston. Interviewed on her views on the past and the present and parapsychology.”
    “I remember when she first started talking about creating a ‘true home for the power of the mind,’” Sam said.
    He saw the bartender greet her and hand her a large glass of whiskey. “We should pay our respects on the way out.”
    “Definitely,” Jenna said.
    They bid her friends goodnight. Sam slipped an arm around Jenna and together they headed for the attractive woman swilling down the drink that had been poured for her.
    “Miss Mackey,” Sam said.
    The woman spun around and stared at Sam, a little wild-eyed, then said, “Samuel Hall, attorney, right?”
    “Correct. And this is Jenna Duffy. I believe you two have met somewhere along the line, too.”
    “Jenna, yes, how are you? You and Elyssa are cousins, right?”
    “You have a good memory. We came up to support the family. I understand you and John Bradbury worked together. We just stopped by to say how sorry we are.”
    “Thank you. I had tremendous respect for John. It was an incredibly important job he had. His company was growing bigger and bigger and his ideas and management were brilliant. I can’t tell you how much money the haunted house aspect makes, and what wonderful funds we received because of it. Survival, really. Oh, not that I like a haunted house. But, hey, it was so important I’d play a part in all the schlock when necessary.” She looked at the empty glass in her hand. “We’re all in shock. Of course, Micah is taking it in stride. I guess he is the stronger one, between us.”
    “If there’s anything we can do, please let us know,” Jenna said.
    “Of course. And if you need me for anything.” Her voice trailed. “A suicide. John. I still can’t believe it.”
    “Actually, we’re not sure we do believe it,” Sam said.
    “What?” Jeannette asked, sounding stunned.
    “We’ll be looking into it,” Jenna assured her.
    “Of course, you will, of course. As sad as it is, oh, my God. You think that someone would have harmed him?” Jeannette asked.
    “Do you know of any enemies he might have had?” Jenna asked.
    “John? None. He was polite and courteous to everyone. He had a bit of a problem with Gloria Day, but that’s a long story. Even so, he was still decent to her. She just didn’t like playing off Tandy Whitehall’s thunder.” She lowered her voice. “And the Wiccans, you never know what they’re up to.” She let out a soft sigh. “Excuse me, will you? I’m going to go home and try to get some sleep.”
    “Us, too,” Sam said. “I just want you to know that we’re sorry.”
    She thanked them, turned, and hurried out.
    “What do you think?” Sam asked Jenna.
    “I think we have a lot to look into.”
    The streets were still crazed with activity. It was nearing midnight and there were parties galore around town. Children and adults alike seemed to enjoy dressing up for the season. They turned the corner to cut down by Burying Point and the memorial to those who’d been condemned to hang along with Giles Corey, “pressed” to death. They passed a few late night ghost tours, the guides dressed in Puritan garb.
    Many people believed Salem to be one of the