"Trying" Normal [Editing In Progress]

Chapter 4: Unit Thirty-Seven

Curious about what she wants, but sounds like I'll get some more souls. 

"Alright then, we're investigation partners. Let's see what this mystery letter has for us." I knelt down to the air conditioner and took the letter back. The paper rustled and scraped against itself as I unfolded it. Cassie took a step towards me and placed her hand on my shoulder.

I'm gonna have to give her a couple of days to come down from the high. Let's hope she's not too pissed when I tell her how I work.

My eyes went to the letter.

My name is Arthur Morgan. This previous owner of this unit. I first want to apologize for how I've acted throughout the entire process. I have a reason for it all.

With no exaggeration, malice consumes this place! The owner prior to me, Alexander Waters, haunts the condo from the other side of this door. You probably think I'm mad. I've occasionally thought the same.

I arrived here in 1995, though he's lurked about since that fateful night he died within this place years ago. At first things were fine, but a little off I would hear things, see a figure in a reflection only to turn and see there was nothing. Small things that anyone could think it's stress getting to them. I later realized I was gaslighting myself into complacency with the torment.

As the years passed, the presence grew more frequent and the unit's atmosphere became suffocating. The malicious whispers grew louder. A shadow would form on the floors and walls. At first it was more of a mass, but over time it took on his shape.

The final straw was the night I woke up to feel something at my throat, hands, his hands grabbing me, choking me. He wanted to hurt me. I've never doubted that.

I only returned the next day to pack everything up with movers and go. I haven't returned until now, but only to leave this letter to warn you.

Did this guy just reuse the pitch he sent out to the paranormal tv shows? Ignoring that, everything he said lines up with a normal ghost presence. Ten years in, they become visible to the unenlightened as limited as it may be. Around twenty, they interact with objects or people again in limited ways. The forty-year mark is when a ghost could have the strength to kill a human, though the actual risk would be if the ghost consumed the soul of its victim. That can create some serious complications that make my job infinitely harder.

I pushed my thoughts aside and continued to read.

While I've selflessly sacrificed and have kept others out of there for decades, I can no longer afford to perform this act of public safety. That is why I must ask you to do the same!

Remember, I sold this place to you well below the market price as a part of our agreement!

Please, do not go in there. Do what's right and keep him sealed away from the world. I can't make you do that, but if you make the wrong choice and enter, I won't be liable for what happens to you.

If you see anything, please call me at XXX-XXX-XXXX and tell me exactly what you saw.

Regards,

Yeah sure buddy, I won't go in there. I won't use the place that put me tens of thousands of dollars in debt. Nope, Cami will understand. She and Samara won't just beat me down for wasting her time. Also, public safety? Do what's right? If it weren't for that liability part. I'd think he's completely insane.

I pulled out my phone, the snapping noise sounded through the hallway. My picture appeared on screen. Said picture went into my conversation with Cami.