Ghostfinders 02 - Ghost of a Smile Read Online Free PDF

everyone else. Terrible day. All of us made redundant, just like that, after all the years we gave to the company. Can’t say I was ever happy here; it was hard, repetitive work, and nothing much to show for it. But, the more I look back, the more I miss it. Not the work so much as the security. All the familiar faces, and the regular routines, knowing where you were going to be and what you were going to be doing, at every given moment of the day . . . There’s security in that, and reassurance. I suppose you never know what you really value until someone takes it away from you.” He stopped, and looked at JC. “I don’t usually open up like that to someone I’ve only met. There’s something about you . . .”
    “People always find it easy to talk to me,” said JC. “I’m a good listener. That had better not be sniggering I hear behind me . . .”
    “You had other jobs, Gramps,” said Susan. “Some of them a lot better paying.”
    “But they were just jobs,” said the old man. “Something to do, in the time that was left to me. Something to keep me busy till the pension kicked in. And they did mean I didn’t have to spend so much time with your grandmother. A wonderful woman, my Lily, but best appreciated in small doses . . . She did so love to talk. She was very good at being reasonable, in a very wearing way . . . Where was I? Oh yes. This was the first job I had as a teenager, and I gave this factory the best years of my life. I saw more of this place than I did of my own children.”
    “They understood,” said Susan.
    “Did they?” said Graham. “I’m not sure I ever did. Now my Lily’s gone, and both your parents work all the hours God sends . . .”
    “You’ve got me, Gramps.”
    “Yes,” Graham said fondly. “I’ve got you, child.”
    Susan looked at JC challengingly. “Is that your high tech piled up there? I know state-of-the-art shit when I see it. You really think you can measure ghosts, weigh ghosts, pin them down, and open them up?”
    “Sometimes,” said Melody.
    Susan glared at her. “Who did you say you work for?”
    “We’re official,” said JC. “I’d leave it at that if I were you.”
    “This is our haunting!” Susan said stubbornly. “We were here first!”
    “You can’t stake a claim on a spirit, child,” said Graham. “We heard things, Mr. Chance. People tell stories . . . and I heard more than enough to convince me there was something out here worth investigating. We might only be amateur ghost hunters, but I do have experience in this field. I am here to offer help and guidance to any lost spirits who might be . . . held here, for any reason. Help them realise that they’re dead, but there is a better place waiting for them. Show them the peace and the protection of the Clear White Light.”
    “Amateur night,” growled Melody. “All we need.”
    “Quiet at the back,” said JC. “But the rude lady does have a point, I’m afraid, Mr. Tiley. It really isn’t safe here. You should leave.”
    “Young man,” Graham said sternly, “I have cleared seventeen unhappy places and left them calm and peaceful, untroubled by any unquiet spirit. I know what I’m doing. I intend to make contact with whatever troubled soul resides here. You are welcome to stay and help if you wish.”
    “Help, not interfere,” said Susan. “No-one messes with my gramps, not while I’m around.”
    “And what is it you intend to do?” said JC. “I’d really like to know.”
    Tiley glared at him suspiciously, not entirely sure he was being taken seriously. “I have my own tried and trusted methods. I shall be about them. You and your colleagues can do as you please!”
    And he stomped off into the dark interior of the factory, holding his storm lantern out before him, a pool of golden light advancing into the darkness. Susan looked after him, not sure whether he wanted her company. She scowled at JC.
    “Official . . . What kind of official? You’re not the