I began to step sideways in the other direction, ready to get out of there, when I heard a door shut behind me. There was someone else in the hallway with me.

Actually, there were two people. I stood still where I was hiding, careful not to make a sound, and I could hear them arguing.

“I’m sorry,” said one of the voices. “But I just can’t help you.” The voice was breathy and wheezy, and I realized I recognized it. It was the woman from this morning, Susan, who worked at the museum.

“You have to,” said the other voice. This one sounded much more steady, and it was also loud, and the speaker was clearly upset. “Do you know what people are already saying? That the photographs are cursed. I overheard someone, some girl, this morning at the diner.”

Oh no. I was willing to bet that the girl they were talking about was none other than Riley. That would mean that this other voice must belong to Beverly DeSantos.

“There’s no such thing as curses,” said the museum worker.

“It doesn’t matter if—”

But I didn’t get to hear whatever it was that Beverly DeSantos thought didn’t matter. Because just then, all the dust floating around finally got to me. I couldn’t help but sneeze.

“Who’s there?” both of the women called.

CHAPTER FOUR Caught!

“HELLO?” CALLED THE VOICE OF the museum worker. “Who is that?”

I was busted. There was really no other option than to step out from behind the bookcase, which I did, while brushing the dust from my clothing and sneezing once more.

Beverly DeSantos took a few quick steps in my direction. “What did you hear?” she asked me.

“Nothing,” I said. Truthfully, I hadn’t overheard much. Or at least nothing I could understand without a little more context. “I was just… looking for the bathroom.”

There was a pause as both women stared at me. Neither of them looked like they believed me. Who searches for the bathroom behind a dusty old bookcase?

It didn’t seem to matter, though. Beverly turned back to Susan and said, “I hope you’ll reconsider.” Then she walked swiftly down the hallway and out through the STAFF ONLY door.

Susan let out a deep breath as soon as Beverly left the hallway. She looked incredibly relieved to no longer be speaking with her.

“You really can’t be back here,” she said while turning to face me. “The bathrooms are by the front desk. There are plenty of signs.”

“Right,” I said. “I’m sorry about that.”

Susan began walking me toward the door. I didn’t want to leave yet. Beverly and Susan had just had such a strange conversation, and I really wanted to ask Susan a few questions about it. I would have to get her to like me first, though.

“That other woman was pretty rude to you,” I tried.

“Yes, well,” said Susan. “She’s always like that.”