15

The ghost Gold II

Here I am again. This time I am offering you a secret to get rid of the gray
hair. Besides this the the second chapter of my story. Contact me my name is
Edgar Guillermo de León Santiago and my address is 14 avenida 24-45 zona 5
Guatemala city, Guatemala, Central America. Just send a contribution via
western union. My e-mail edgar.gui@hotmail.com Negative response will mean that
I am not able to write stories that amuse you. God bless you.

CHAPTER 2
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Bill Stone was living in a small town. Its name was San Joaquin.

Where life was quiet and he didn't have to worry about the rush

hours as he did when he was living in the city of Los Angeles.

There, the bumper-to-bumper traffic used to drive him out of

control. But in this town, which could be counted among the most

quiet places among the earth, he could drive alone. Bill felt

himself undisturbed. Its noiseless streets gave the town a

mysterious enchantment. Its people preferred to walk instead of

driving, because, all the places were nearby. Besides, most of the

residents were healthy. They liked to take good breathes of nice,

clean air while shopping or going to the bank. There was a

shopping mall near his hotel where Bill could get most of anything

that he might ever need. Bill was thirty years old, but he had not

been blessed with a family yet. He was filling up invoices,

sitting at a desk. He thought, "I have to get rid of this fear

about divorce, if I ever want to be happy being married. All I

want is to settle down and to live a quiet life working for my

family." Six persons used to work in that office but they talked

just a little bit to each other. The rules of that company did not

allowed chats. Bill was 5 feet, 10 inches tall; he tried to

workout some muscles but he did not have enough

 17

determination to fulfill this. His concepts about life were laid

upon moral principles. But coming from. Or going to the factory,

driving his car had become a custom, something that Bill was

fighting to get rid of it. To cruise town every afternoon was

something he enjoyed so much. He paid no attention to the fact

that his car was a little noisy still he was driving in town. He

had no friends at all because he had recently moved to this town,

except for the few persons he had recently met. So he had to stay

in the hotel where he lodged until he could rent an apartment. The

sun was sending its last beams of light, which spread almost

horizontally, tinting with red the lower clouds above the

prairies. Bill came out from the shoes' factory tired and bored.

The only thing in his mind was to get to the hotel as soon as

possible, and have some rest. But once behind the wheel, he drove

to a near by hill to relax down. There he stood still watching the

farms in the landscape under a red mantle of clouds and the

calmness of the San Joaquin River. However, his lonely life didn't

seem to get better by now, he could only hope to live a tranquil

life. But he was not going to remain alone. He was willing to find

a girl who would like to share her life with him. Then, as usual,

he started to
 18

daydream. At the distance the night was approaching and the cool

breeze refreshed his soul. Soon the night spread a beautiful

dimness gradually illuminated by a silver moon. Due to the fact

that the wind was turning too cold, Bill decided to go straight to

the hotel. The host of the hotel said, "Welcome Mr. Stone" I am

glad to have you back" His manners were especially kind denoting

sympathy; Bill realized that he was well treated in that town;

this made it so special to him. He was grateful for the way the

town's people addressed to him, with a lack of disdain. Bill

saluted, "How are you Mike?" The host looked at him smiling, and

answered, "Fine my friend." Then he added I have been waiting for

you, because I have what probably might be, good news for you."

Bill replied, "Is that right? Come on, let me know." The host

said. "You know, I have been thinking all day about a house, which

I have been taking care of. I mean, cleaning it up, removing dust,

everything! This morning I talked to the owner and she said that

she wasn't willing to come back for a year or two. So I thought

that it wouldn't be a bad idea to rent it to Mr. Stone." Bill

remained in silence while the host continued, "You see? The house

is located at the end of the town. It is furnished and spacious.

In fact, it's got everything you need

 19

to live comfortable. That in case you don't want to keep on eating

in cafeterias. You can stay in the house watching television

instead of going out the house under the rain. Any way you are

going to need to get out of the house, from time to time. Because

I realize that you have already noticed the fact that this town

has plenty of beautiful girls. And one day some one is going to

hook up your heart". Bill only nodded his head affirmatively. His

mind had gone far out dreaming about sleeping in a comfortable bed

of his own. Where no one else would lie down but him. Mike Weeks

was a nice friend of Bill. He was young, tall and vigorous; his

hair was blond and straight and his blue eyes showed spiritual

principles. He had always addressed to Bill with a friendly

attitude. This fact gave Bill enough confidence to ask, "So what

can I do to live in a place like that? Is it going to be

expensive? I am not sure whether I can afford it or not. And tell

me, whom am I going to pay the rent to? Will the owner know about

this? As a matter of facts, how much is going to cost me?" Mike

laughed and said, "Hold on Mr. Stone." Satisfied with his

receptive attitude, he continued, "It is going to be a lot cheaper

than the amount you are paying me for living in the hotel,

besides,
 20

I will get the payments with the owner's permission. And all you

have to do is to move to the house." Bill had recently met the

host of the hotel named Mike. But with out any doubt, they had to

be compatibles, because their relationship was of those who had

known each other for many years. Bill thanked God because moving

to a house would have to be a benefit for his life. Bill remained

in silence but his body was Involuntary trembling out of control.

After a minute Bill regained his self-control overcoming his

fears. He faked a serenity that it was too far of being real and

happiness that he himself didn't understand why it was uncertain.

Probably it was because deep in his heart, he felt a cold feeling

every time he was about to start something new. He got used to not

telling anybody about the plans and ideas that lay in within him.

But he promised himself to find some company, thinking that this

might be the problem. Mike staring at Bill's eyes mouthed, "I have

the keys right here" Bill didn't move. Mike said, "Come on, erase

that cold smile off your face; say something, aren't you glad

about this? Bill replied, "Relax Mike it's just that I am not in

the move right now." Now Bill's smile was for real. Doubting he

asked, "Will the owner agree? Listen Mike; I really appreciate

what you are doing for me. For God's sake, tell me
 21

have you told the landlord? And how much do I have to pay for the

rent of the house?" Mike answered, "Don't worry everything is set

up. The owner is a lady that is living in Los Angeles right now.

She is the only daughter of Mr. William Goodtime, which recently

passed away. She has two children, one boy eight years old and a

girl seven years old they are missing; everybody in town believe

they are dead. But the lady swears they had been kidnapped. She

went to Los Angeles to rest and to be under the care of a

professional in nerves disorders. Some said that this means a

mental asylum and that she is taking medications. But those are

only the famous town's gossips. Let me tell you the truth, and

that is between you and me; I believe what the lady says and I

don't care what the rest of the people think. Besides, I speak

with her regularly and I am the only one who can tell." Bill

interrupted, "This really impress me." Mike begged, "Allow me to

finish. I wish we could help the lady but no one in town dares to,

because this guy of the name of John Hazroade wants to buy the

house. And Mr. Goodtime's daughter doesn't want to sell the

property. Every body is afraid of Mr. Hazroade...even me. So it is

healthier to avoid getting involved. Please Bill don't overlook

this advice. Bill said, "I wouldn't like to

 22

be involved, Mike, but what you have said touched me deep in my

heart." Mike scratched his head looking down, then he said, "Those

were not my intentions, but you know... I am tired of doing the

cleaning job. The lady left the keys under my responsibility

because she knows me since I was a little kid. I believe that the

house would not be in better hands than yours. I was thinking

about giving you the keys for just a few days, but now I am sure

that you are going to take care of the house as if it was of your

own. Because you are a honest man, who can't be intimidated

easily." Bill said. “I don't want to fail you Mike. I am really

thankful for your confidence. When can I see the house?" Mike

wasn't able to conceal his happiness. He said, "You'll see it

right now Mr. Stone. The host called a boy of the name of Sam and

asked him to attend the hotel while he was out. The men came out

feeling the cold breeze of the night and the dense fog slightly

wetting their faces, while they were walking to their cars at the

parking lot. It was only a common night for Bill. However, In

Mike's mind a nightmare was going on, he was thinking, "why is the

night so foggy? Why every time I hold my breath, I feel a shiver

from my head down to my toe?" But

 23

then he tried to overcome this strange feeling that possessed his

mind. He didn't dare to tell Bill about this, instead he said, "It

is a strange night Bill, don't you think so?" Bill replied, "I

guess so." But inside Bill's mind there were a lot of thoughts

that wanted to come out at the same time. He was struggling

against a strange feeling. Moreover, He was paying attention to

things he usually overlooked. Mike said, "If you are not afraid of

driving alone Mr. Stone, please follow me." Bill understood that

Mike was only trying to ease the tension of the moment and he

agreed, "It is all right Mike, but don't run too fast."

Afterwards, the two cars were going through a deep fog, which made

it hard to see the road. Bill was following the taillights of

Mike's car. Who was driving slowly in order to maintain contact

with the road due to the lack of visibility. They drove towards

the house. When they got to the point where the four lanes road

turned into a narrow one, they glimpsed fewer houses behind the

curtain of fog. Finally they found themselves in front of a black

rusted iron gate, which appeared to the eyes of Bill as the Gates

of a palace. Mike came out the car and opened the gate, then he

came near Bill and said, "Follow me and leave the gate open." Bill

nodded affirmatively and unconsciously, he opened his mouth while

he watched
 24

a nice house behind a beautiful garden, which in despite of the

fog showed a colorful appearance. “It must have all the known

flowers of the land.” Thought Bill. There were grass from the

fence to the garden and behind the house a forest from which, Bill

was able to recognize some pine trees, Cedars, oaks, weeping

willows...the color of the flowers contrasted with the dark green

of the forest. The profuse fog, gave that night a sinister

feeling. Bill thought, the house is too big for me, but I like it"

Mike and Bill came closed to the porch of the house. There, they

stopped for a minute and looked at each other. They tried to

conceal their fear. They knew that dread is only a mental state

and it can be controlled. Mike said, "Here, smoke a cigarette and

eat the ashes." Bill didn’t quite understand but he did so. The

house was old but beautiful, musty but welcoming. Bill asked, How

come there are lights on, is there somebody inside the house?"

Mike looked at the surrounding areas of the house and answered,

"No, there ain't anybody in the house, it is only a device that

turns the lights on when it gets dark. Bill replied in a humble

strain, "I’ve heard of that." "As you can see," said Mike. "The

house is old but well built; you are not going to find any termite

in there, it only needs some paint. Come on, let’s get inside."
 25

They walked up to the porch and once in there, Mike hesitated. He

said, "Allow me to find the keys." Bill uttered, "listen, this

house is too big for me. I don't know how am I going to manage to

live in such a spacious place. All by myself." Mike smiled and

looked at Bill's eyes, saying, that’s a problem you ought to

overcome." Bill complained, "So you were tired of doing the

cleaning job." Mike said, "Sort of." And added, "for the benefit

of who knows who." Then he opened the door and slapped Bill on the

back." Bill understood that this only meant that he was going to

be the one taking advantage of the situation. But he stood still,

amazed by the beauty of the living room, which appeared so

comfortable. Everything Bill laid his sight on, it looked like

shining as gold or silver. Mike walked to the chimney and set the

fire, Inviting bill to sit down on the coach which was covered by

a blanket Mike said, Teel at home", friend he made a pause, as if

he was thinking about what to say next; afterwards he spoke, "You

know Bill, this house used to be occupied by its owners and their

relatives until the death of the grandfather Mr. William Goodtime.

Thereafter, his grandchildren disappeared in an unexpectedly way.

This convinced the rest of the family to move to Los Angeles.

Where they expected to live a tranquil life. The rest of the

 26

family moved to a nearby town. I do not believe they are coming

back for a long period of time." "Tell me Mike,” Bill asked “What

was the grandfather's cause of death? Any disease?" "Natural

causes" Answered Mike, Adding, The grandfather was pretty old, and

even though he looked younger than he really was, and healthy, his

heart reached up to the last beats. Mr. Goodtime died on his bed

victim of a heart attack, surrounded by his family and friends. He

lived and died like a great man. Bill interrupted, "I hope I don’t

die alone." Mike opened his eyes so widely and said, "Come on Mr.

Stone, That’s only an expression." Bill apologized, "I am sorry

Mike, please continue." Mike paused as if he was making sure that

there were not going to be more interruptions. Then he said,

"About the children, nobody really knows their fate. Bill asked,

"Do you mean that the children died due to a strange illness? For

I nave seen good people die in the affected by the worst pain.

From cancer for instance and other diseases, Praying God to take

away their lives." Mike remained in silence, then he started, "I

have the certainty that the children didn't die, they are only

lost somewhere. Or more exactly, kidnapped." Bill staring at

Mike's eyes said, "But who might have done such a terrible action?

That’s very bad!" Mike put his hand on his mouth and moved it as

if he was cleaning his

 27

lips, then he said, "Listen Mr. Stone I assure you my lack of

knowledge about this matter. They were healthy children; I never

saw them sick until they suddenly disappeared. Probably their

lives were meant to be short." Bill realized that Mike was getting

upset with all these questions. So he tried to ease the tension,

"I am sorry for my unstoppable curiosity. This furniture is really

comfortable, don’t you think so, Mike? Before answering, Mike

changed the expression of his face. "Yes Bill, the house is

relaxing". The living room was well lit, but somehow, the lamps

started to blink, Bill got nervous. Mike said, "I had better get

going." But Bill begged, "Hey wait a minute, first tell me that

you are not leaving with hard feelings about me; and second, what

is wrong with the lights?" Mike stopped at the threshold of the

front door and with a friendly attitude he said, the light bulb is

loose. Can’t you recognize an electrical failure? And second, you

don’t have anything to do with these problems, besides you are not

acquaintance with the people involved. That’s why I have told you

about the incidents concerning this matter. I am sure that you are

not going to look for the children. And please don’t get wrong, I

mean, don’t get upset if I tell you that this is none of your

business. There is more, you don't have the slightest idea about

where to look for. Please be as comfortable

 28

as you can. Feel yourself at home. And in case of an emergency,

you know how to get in touch with me. Besides we'll be seeing each

other. Feeling himself relieved for this confidence Bill said,

“Thank you Mike, I really appreciate this trust in me.” Mike just

said in return, "It is OK, Mr. stone". Bill asked a little upset,

“Are you sure It only happens to be an electrical problem?” Mike

turned serious, "Of course I am, Listen pal, I will tell you the

truth. The people in town say that the house is haunted. But you

don't have to believe that; there is nothing in this house that it

may harm you. The only thing that it can give you troubles, it is

yourself. Your nerves might have a breakdown and it would be worst

if you have a heart problem. In that case, it could be wise to let

me know the facts. Just tell me the plain truth. Otherwise, you

don't have anything to be afraid of, do you understand? Just don't

pay attention to the noises you hear. The property is eight blocks

big. That is why the property is so solitary. But if you get to

walk by the road, in less than five minutes you will get to the

main street. Then if you walk a couple of blocks more, you'll find

a liquor store. And a half a block ahead, you will find the

restaurant where you like to eat. Come

 29

on let us forget our prejudices. I will escort you to the dining

place. Bill agreed because he was very hungry. On the other hand

he would have preferred to stay home and relax. But he would

rather followed mike, because there was something in the house

that made him loose his self-confidence. When they came out the

house, the fog had been washed away by the rain, Though It was

now, only drizzling, Bill found himself struggling to follow Mike

through the misty streets, due to the lack of visibility.

Afterwards, Bill realized the closer the house really was to

downtown. Behind the wheel, Bill started to daydream. His thoughts

were out of control, he felt so lonely, so he started to think

about getting married.