Chapter 16

MYSTERY OF THE SINGING GHOST

By Ana Riley

CHAPTER 16

If I wait long enough, the machine will pick it up and I can hear who it is. If it is Mom, she’ll start leaving a message and … why does the ringing sound so loud? My heart is beating wildly. Get a grip, Gia, it’s just the phone … the caller hasn’t hung up … leaving a message …

“Dad! Constable! Come quick!”

“What’s going on?”

“Ah, uh…another message …”

My fingers are shaking … I can’t press the button to repeat the message.

“I’ll get it.” My dad has that gray look to his face again. The constable’s eyes are glaring at the electronic message machine.

The squeal of the beep that begins each message is penetrating. It rips through the air like the screech of a crow or raven.

“Not smart havin’ the cops there! Tell ‘em to stay outta the way or else they’re next. Better keep an eye on things. That girl o’ yours sure is pretty when she’s all excited. And if that kid thinks his traps are gonna do any good …[laughter] …I’m watchin’ every move you make.”

A cold chill is running up and down my spine. I’m suddenly shivering all over. I’m glad the police are still here so they could listen to the message. The constable is replaying it and also checking for a number recall. Cell phone. Can’t get the number in the usual manner.

“Whoever this guy is, he means business and wants to be taken seriously. If you plan to send your daughter off anywhere, maybe she should get her suitcases in the car tonight and be gone before dawn.”

“We’ll work something out.”

“I’d like to take that tape with us.”

“No problem.”

“Call me on my cell phone if there’s anything else tonight. I’m back on duty first thing in the morning. In the meantime, keep your drapes drawn and your doors locked. Here’s my number.”

“Thank you, officers.”

The phone again. Ringing. Loud. Everyone is standing still, staring at the phone. My dad is answering it. His face is gray. He’s sighing. He’s smiling. It’s Mom.

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Chapter 16