Doc pursed his lips. ‘Don’t tell my dad,’ he said, ‘but I’ve been doing a lot of research into this house, and I’ve come to the conclusion – quite a definitive one – that it’s haunted.’

I blinked at his freckled little face, and saw that he was serious. Quite serious, as his next remark proved.

‘Although modern scientists have, for the most part, debunked the majority of claims of paranormal activity in this country, there is still ample evidence that unexplained spectral phenomena exist in our world. My own personal investigation of this house was unsatisfactory insofar as traditional indications of a spiritual presence, such as the so-called cold spot. But there was nevertheless a very definite fluctuation of temperature in this room, Suze, leading me to believe that it was probably the scene of at least one incidence of great violence – perhaps even a murder – and that some remnant of the victim – call it the soul, if you will – still lurks here, perhaps in the vain hope of gaining justice for his untimely death.’

I leaned against one of the posts of my bed-frame. I had to, or I might have fallen down. ‘Gee,’ I said, keeping my voice steady with an effort. ‘Way to make a girl feel welcome.’

Doc looked embarrassed. ‘I’m sorry,’ he said, the tips of his sticky-outy ears turning red. ‘I shouldn’t have said anything. I did mention it to Jake and Brad, and they told me I was nuts. I probably am.’ He swallowed, bravely. ‘But I feel it’s my duty, as a man, to offer to trade rooms with you. You see, I’m not afraid.’

I smiled at him, my shock forgotten in a sudden rush of affection for him. I was really touched. You could see the offer had taken all the guts the little guy had. He really and truly believed my room was haunted, in spite of everything that science told him, and yet he’d been willing to sacrifice himself for my sake, out of some sort of inborn chivalry. You had to like the little guy. You really did.

‘That’s OK, Doc,’ I said, forgetting myself in a sudden burst of sentimentality and calling him by my own private nickname for him. ‘I think I can pretty much handle any paranormal phenomena that might occur around here.’

He didn’t seem to mind the new nickname, though. He said, obviously relieved, ‘Well, if you really don’t mind—’

‘No, it’s OK. But let me ask you something.’ I lowered my voice, just in case Jesse was lurking around somewhere. ‘In all of your extensive research, did you ever come across the name of this poor slob whose soul is inhabiting my room?’

Doc shook his head. ‘Actually, I’m sure I could get it for you, if you really want it. I can look it up down at the library. They have all the newspapers ever printed in the area since the first press started running, shortly before this house was built. It’s on microfiche, but I’m sure if I spend enough time looking—’