“Hello?” Kristi called, her voice disturbing dust motes but nothing else. She checked the closet, just to be sure.

Empty.

But near the window overlooking the back porch hung a black cloak with a white bag above it, both facing the window…as it had the night before when she’d searched the house.

Had she been mistaken?

Thought she’d seen a face when it was just this cloak and bag?

“Satisfied?” Georgia demanded, entering with Father Mathias on her heels, her pale skin flushed from the exertion of the rapid climb. “No one hiding in the corners? No ‘scared out of her mind’ girl?” She was shaking her head. “I know the stories that run rampant about the house and yes, in the early 1930s a person was killed here, the murder never solved. I also know about the group of ‘Goth’ kids who hang out around here, fascinated by the architecture and history of the house, but it really is just a museum, filled with very personal and valuable artifacts. Therefore we can’t have anyone, including you, running wildly through it. If you really did lose your glasses, which I suspect is a total fabrication, please return when Mrs. Katcher is on duty and she can help you.”

“Last night, a girl walked into the house,” Kristi insisted. “I saw her. Followed her. She came inside and…disappeared. Maybe…into the basement?”

“Another girl? Or the same scared one?”

“Different.”

Georgia snorted contemptuously. “The basement? Why?”

“I thought you could tell me.”

“It’s only used for storage.”

Father Mathias hovered in the doorway, almost as if he were afraid to enter. “I was just in the basement and it’s not empty,” he said to Georgia. “I found evidence of rats. I think we should call an exterminator, but other than old furniture and crates, boxes, there’s nothing downstairs.” Reaching into a deep pocket within his alb, he found a handkerchief and dabbed at his forehead.

“Yes, call someone to take care of the problem.” Georgia was dismissive. “As for you…” She glared at Kristi. “Who are you?”

Kristi thought about lying but it was too easily checked. “Kristi Bentz. I’m a student here.”

“Well, Kristi, if you really did come into the house last night, you were trespassing,” Georgia said, her lips pursed at the corners. “If we find anything missing, believe me, we’ll contact the police and your name will come up.”

“Don’t you have security cameras?” Kristi asked. “You know, with all your valuable things, I’d guess you’d have some kind of security system in place. Check the tape.”

“Until now, we haven’t had to have one,” Father Mathias said coolly.

Georgia sniffed. “Obviously it’s something we need discuss at the next board meeting. Now, Miss Bentz, it’s time you left.”

“I’ll escort you outside,” the priest offered. “I’m already running late. It’s past time to get ready for mass.”