“Truly,” Emma tried to calm her down. “If you hadn’t shown interest in the story and the mystery behind it, we would have left you alone. Nothing more would have happened.” Seeing that Susan was once more truly listening to what she was saying, Emma continued, “The end is so near, the other six victims are at rest now, the only spirits remaining are Jebediah, myself and Archibald’s evil soul.”

“Okay,” Susan sighed. “So what do we have to do?”

“To end this forever, our physical resting place must be acknowledged,” she said, softly.

Slightly stunned, Susan asked, “That’s all? That’s how we end this whole thing? Simply find your graves and acknowledge them for what they are?”

“Yes. Your honor and love with counteract all of Archibald’s anger and hate.” Smiling, Emma said simply, “Love truly does conquer all.”

When she had finished speaking, Emma slowly faded from sight and the silence that had hung over the house was broken. Suddenly exhausted, Susan climbed into bed, pulled the covers up over her shoulders, snuggled up next to her husband and instantly fell asleep.

To Be Concluded…