The following morning, when Harry and Bertie arrived at Yelpy’s place, he met them on the front steps. “Good morning. Welcome to my headache. Come on in.” He held the door open for them.
Bertie stopped and stared. “Wow. I never expected this.” Opposite the front entrance was a wide staircase that went up to a landing, with hallways on both sides at the top.
“Rather grand, isn’t it?” Yelpy replied. “The interior is larger than it looks from the outside.”
“It’s quite impressive,” Harry said, rubbing his chin. “You know, this place has lots of potential.”
“And plenty of character,” Yelpy added. “But what potential do you see?”
“If you had the finances, the second floor could be divided into two separate units and the attic would probably make a great bachelor apartment. The rent would pay the mortgage, with money left over to finish the ground floor. Great location and surroundings. Just a thought.”
“I hadn’t thought of an income property but maybe I should. The ground floor is certainly big enough for me. And the place wouldn’t be empty when I’m away, which is another plus.”
“We also have a bit of history for you.” Bertie handed him a printed copy of what they had learned.
“Thank you. This will be useful,” Yelpy said. “I’ll use this as I document the restoration process.”
“But let’s see if we can clear up this ghost problem first,” Harry said. “You said it seems to go across the landing at the top of the stairs. Which direction does it come from and is it always the same direction?”
“Umm… mostly it goes right to left, though I think I did see it go in the opposite direction once,” Yelpy told him.
“That’s a lot of windows up there,” Bertie said. “They would certainly show shadows of anything that moved, even birds.”
“Have you checked the upstairs rooms for any signs of occupancy?” Harry asked.
Yelpy scrunched his eyebrows together. “You mean like a homeless person?”
Harry nodded. “Stranger things have happened, but I was actually thinking four-footed squatters.”
“Oh!” Yelpy grimaced. “The shadow I’ve seen is human size but maybe I should go through the place and check for signs of any such squatters.”
“Some of them can do a lot of damage in a short time,” Harry said.
“No time like the present.” Yelpy looked at his visitors. “I can give you a tour of the place at the same time.”
“Lead the way,” Harry replied.
On both sides of the staircase there were three large bedrooms and a fair-size washroom. The two rooms at the front of the house had doors that opened onto a balcony that ran the full width of the house and was supported by huge ornamental columns every few feet. In one of these rooms, Harry noticed something. “Did you replace the lock on this door?”
Yelpy went over to look and shook his head. “No. As I said, I haven’t really had time to explore the place yet, other than a quick run through to check for broken windows or leaks.”
“I’d say someone has been using this room, but they haven’t left any trace of occupancy – except for the lock.”
“If someone broke in, why would they replace the lock?” Bertie asked.
Harry shook his head. “Can’t be sure, but maybe someone wanted a place to take shelter, or sleep. Hard to tell.”
“How are they getting in?” Yelpy asked. “There’s no ladder out there.”
Harry went out onto the balcony and looked around, then came back inside. “A younger person who’s a bit athletic could access the balcony by climbing up that birch on the other corner.”
“Then if I change the lock, the intruder’s key will no longer fit and he won’t be able to get in,” Yelpy said.
“You could do that, and it might work, but wouldn’t you rather confront the intruder and let him – or her – know that you don’t tolerate trespassing?”
“Suppose the intruder gets physical, or what if he’s armed? I’m not much for physical confrontation,” Yelpy said.
“I don’t expect you to handle it alone, Mr. Pardy. There could be more than one person. I’ll be here with you.”
“That would be great… if you’re sure you don’t mind.”
“Not at all,” Harry assured him. “It’s supposed to be clear enough to see a shadow tonight so I’ll be back right after supper.”
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
