Ghost Walk

Maria sighed. “This is Adam Senft.”

“Now I know you’re full of shit.”

Maria exploded. “Don’t you take that tone with me, you son of a bitch. I interviewed you. We had dinner together. Now, I know you don’t know me very well, but you damn sure know I’m thorough and skeptical about everything. Everything. I know this sounds crazy, but it’s fucking true! You said yourself that something was wrong. Listen to those screams.”

Adam shuffled forward. “What screams?”

They paused, listening.

The forest was silent.

Ken paled. “What the hell is—”

The sudden silence terrified him more than the screaming had.

“We’ve got to act now.” Levi turned to Maria. “Give me your keys. I need to get my things out of your car. Adam, will you carry that bag of salt, please?”

The two security men finally reached them, breathing hard, their faces red and covered with sweat. Ken couldn’t remember either of their names.

“We’re sorry, Mr. Ripple,” one exclaimed. “She drove right by us.”

“We called the police,” the other one said. “They’re on the way.”

“Good.” Ken grasped at Levi, spinning him around. “Hold up. You’re not going anywhere.”

Levi’s voice was like stone. “Unhand me now.”

“Go fuck yourself.”

There was a commotion near the ticket booth. Ken turned to see what was happening and saw Sammi Horton, the woman in charge of tickets, running toward them.

“Ken, Terry’s wife just called.”

“What now?”

“He never came home last night. She said at first she just assumed he was here, but when he didn’t call today, she began to get worried. She’s left him several messages but he hasn’t called her back. She says she’s been calling your cell phone, as well.”

Ken’s temples began to throb.

“Goddamn it. I should have checked earlier…”

“There’s something else,” Sammi said.

“What?”

“There’s a woman over at the booth. She says her grandchildren went in with the first group and they’re still not back yet. She’s getting a little worried. What should I tell her?”

“Tell her we are looking into it. And hold off on calling Terry’s wife back.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes. And don’t sell any more tickets until I tell you to. We’re closed.”

Maria gave Levi her car keys. Adam and Levi retrieved the salt and Levi’s bag from the car. The security guards moved to stop them, but Ken waved them off and retrieved his flashlight.

“Keep an eye on that line,” he said. “Don’t let anybody else through.”

“So you suddenly believe me?” Maria’s tone was skeptical.

“No,” Ken told her. “What you’re saying is ridiculous. But I do think something’s happened. Hell, something’s been happening. I was just too stupid and fucking prideful to notice. And now my best friend is missing, along with a whole bunch of other people. I’m going in there. You and your crazy friends are staying here.”

“The hell we are.”

“I’m not gonna argue with you, Maria. Stay put until the police get here. If that really is Adam Senft, then you’ve got a lot of explaining to do.”

“Somebody mention my name?”

Adam and Levi had returned from the car. Levi clutched his bag and Adam had the sack of salt thrown over one shoulder. Ken glanced at it and snorted.

“I don’t think ice on the trail is a problem right now.”

Ignoring him, Levi nodded at Maria and Adam. “Come on. We’re running out of time. I can feel it getting stronger.”

“What part of ‘stay here’ don’t you people understand?” Ken shouted.

“Ken, please!” Maria shook her head in frustration. “Listen to us.”

“Screw this. I don’t have time to argue with you. You guys want to follow me, fine. But stay the hell out of my way.”

He wheeled around and marched toward the entrance. Levi, Adam, and Maria followed along behind him, walking side by side.