The Haunting of Highdown Hall by Shani Struthers Read Free Book Online

“is because there’s nothing to be done. Something to be grateful for, I should think.”
    Mrs Atkins quickly followed after her, her voice shrill in Ruby’s ear. “But other houses on the estate, they have ghosts. Why haven’t I?”
    Ruby faltered at her words. It was never the dead that bothered her, always the living.
    “Goodbye, Mrs Atkins,” she sighed, before getting the heck out of there.
    ***
    “Hi, Ness,” said Ruby, pulling up outside the house of the ghost dog in Heathfield.
    “Hi, Ruby. Bad morning at Brookbridge?”
    “You could say that, but nothing to do with the dead.”
    “Oh, a wannabe.” Ness was immediately sympathetic.
    “Yep, a wannabe,” confirmed Ruby, also using the nickname she and her team had for those who ‘wannabe’ haunted. “Anyway, next up. Let’s go and see if we can send ‘Rover’ to join his friends at the Rainbow Bridge.”
    Knocking on the front door, solid oak this time she was glad to note, it was a couple of minutes before it opened rather hesitantly.
    “Psychic Surveys?” said the occupier, another young woman, but this one looked embarrassed rather than manic – a slight improvement.
    After confirming their identity, Ruby and Ness were ushered in; following Miss Mills to the kitchen, they were offered more tea. Depending on how many houses she visited in a day, Ruby sometimes felt awash with the stuff, unable to face any more once the working day was over. After explaining the procedure and asking a few questions, Ruby and Ness drained their mugs and made their way upstairs to the landing.
    “This is it,” said Miss Mills, lingering behind them, “where the noise comes from.”
    “Have you ever seen him?” asked Ruby, wondering about the dog’s energy levels.
    “No, of course not,” blushed the woman before beating a hasty retreat downstairs.
    Ruby turned to face Ness. She could definitely feel a presence – a wagging tail, a wet nose, a creature that sensed her right back. Initially worried it may have been a Rottweiler or a pit bull, she was relieved to sense a Labrador instead, a usually more amenable dog.
    To test if she was right, she murmured, “Black?”
    “Aha,” nodded Ness.
    “Labrador?”
    “That’s what I’m seeing.”
    “Male?”
    “Male.”
    “Hey boy,” whispered Ruby, closing her eyes and tuning in, “stop barking at me and listen up instead.”
    The dog immediately hushed, although its tail continued to wag expectantly.
    Surprised by his obedience, Ruby continued. “You’ve been a good dog, I can tell; a cherished family pet. But the family you were a part of, they don’t live here anymore. A new family live here and they’re not exactly appreciating your efforts.”
    Sensing confusion, she kept talking. “Yes, I know that seems strange. But it’s their house now, the new family, and their wishes count. You’re a great guard dog, one of the best, but you don’t have to guard anymore. You can rest awhile, in the light. You’ll love it there. Listen, Jed is it, is that your name?” Ruby looked at Ness who nodded that she thought it was too. “Listen, Jed, the light that’s shining, go towards it. That’s home now.”
    “His tail’s stopped wagging,” Ness pointed out.
    “I know, I think we’re getting through to him,” Ruby replied, somewhat amazed.
    “He’s turning to go,” continued Ness, “he’s walking away from us. He’s still not wagging his tail though.”
    “He will, once he’s in the light.”
    “He’s looking back, he’s unsure.”
    “Go on, boy,” Ruby encouraged, “it’s okay, there’s nothing to worry about. Walk on.”
    After a few moments, Ness said, “He’s gone.”
    “Good,” said Ruby, hoping Jed was indeed furiously wagging his tail again and that he’d be amply rewarded on the other side for his gentle and loyal nature.
    They rejoined Miss Mills in the kitchen and told her what had transpired.
    “Oh, thank goodness,” Miss Mills exclaimed. “I can’t bear dogs,