Cid and Jesse bristled at being singled out but nodded their assent.
“Good. Sally, you will have to travel to the next town over to procure any supplies you may need.” Kiki turned to the contractors. “There will be no shopping or socializing in the town across the lake. No bar nights, no runs to the local hardware store. You are, for all purposes, invisible to the townsfolk of Pioneer Break.”
“Why?” Carl asked.
“It’s the way the homeowner wants it. It was a recent addition to the contract I signed. I think we can survive for a few weeks here. There is Wi-Fi in this building - it’s presently only accessible on the west side of the house - television and lots of work to keep us busy. If we bring this building in ahead of time, there is a very large bonus. And you know how I like my bonuses.”
“Yes, Boss,” the contractors said in unison.
Kiki smiled. “As you have seen, the bottom floor of this place has been outfitted as a giant workroom. Unfortunately, there is no clean room, so Cid and anyone else who has fine finishing work, such as varnishes and painting, will have to do them on-site. If you need help scheduling a clean space, come and see me.”
“Has there been any damage attributed to the ghosts?” Gary asked.
“Be more specific,” Kiki asked.
“Tiles moved or broken after they have been set. Woodwork scratched.”
Kiki flipped through her paperwork. “According to my information, any improvements to the home have not been disturbed. Many are left unfinished, but according to my information, if you fix it, it stays fixed.”
“So, the house is fine with the improvements but not with the workers,” Cid mused. “What kind of attacks?”
“Doesn’t say,” Kiki answered. “Carl, has Sally been told about Faye?”
“Yes, but Faye has yet to introduce herself. Concerning Sally, have there been any attacks here in the carriage house?”
“No.”
“On the grounds?” Cid asked.
“Not reported, why?” Kiki asked.
“PEEPs had an investigation where the ghosts were trapped inside a stone building where the mortar was infused with blessed dolomite. The ghosts were trapped. I could have a sample sent to be analyzed,” Cid offered.
“No. We aren’t contracted to touch the façade of this building. We work on the inside and the inside only. I repeat, you’re not here to investigate why it’s haunted. You’re here… you all are here to finish this renovation. Once we’re done, you’re to forget you’ve ever been here,” Kiki stressed.
Faye materialized beside Kiki. She was wearing a blue chambray shirt and blue jeans. Her blonde hair was secured away from her face with large silver clips. “I’ve been able to move in and out of the house.”
“So that’s not what’s stopping the ghosts,” Cid said frowning. “What have you found so far?”
“I went in during the witching hours. It’s a large building with many rooms. Each room is distinct. The molding, the floors, and the wall treatments are different from the room next door. I have seen faded images of craftsmen who look and speak Italian in the vicinity of the fireplaces. I don’t know if they are actively haunting, just that they may have carved the stone and have left their essence. The basement is horrible. There are so many men milling around that, even dead, I don’t feel safe. If you have to go down there, I suggest you have several escape plans in place.”
Kiki frowned.
“I wouldn’t be opposed if you brought Stephen Murphy here to help you,” Faye told Kiki.
“No,” Kiki said. “We aren’t here to investigate, we’re here to work. I believe with proper planning, we can get in and get out before we rile the ghosts.”
Cid locked eyes with Faye. She rolled hers slightly. This action eased the tension the contractor was feeling.
“May I remind you that when you’re going to be working in a space for a period of time, have Faye check out the space, and then salt yourself in,” Kiki said. “Faye will not be able to get to you but neither will the ghosts. Please remember to break the salt line before you leave, and clean it up when you’re finished with the project.”
Sally walked in with a coffee carafe. She stopped and stared at Faye a moment and then turned and asked. “Anyone need a refill?”
No one took her up on her offer. Sally retreated to the kitchen.
Pick up your assignments, and ghost deterrents. Be prepared to enter the building at eight, thank you,” Kiki said dismissing the men.
Cid caught up to Sally in the kitchen. He carried in as many errant mugs as he could find. He started to rinse them in the sink.
“Ahem,” Sally said.
“Sorry, I’m so used to this at home,” he confessed.
“I appreciate it, Cid, I really do. So that’s the infamous Faye.”
“She really is a good soul. Faye is unconventional as ghosts go. She isn’t locked into the clothing or hairstyle, for that matter, that she died in. She is, however, tied to an emerald pin that I found when I climbed out of the well after rescuing Kiki at Hidden Meadows. We think her bones are still down at the bottom of the well with three sisters who
