“Like many other things,” Winnie said, with a smile. “But you never forget when it’s time to eat.”
“Of course I don’t.” Cyril grinned at Harry. “I will admit, my short term memory is not what it used to be, but I’d never forget food.”
Harry nodded. “Age does that to some people,” he agreed, watching as Cyril brought up the doorbell video on his phone. “Do you see anything?”
Cyril looked puzzled. “There’s something there… like a dull – or dirty white – something. I can’t tell what it is. Maybe it is a ghost. What do you think, Mr. Hogan?”
“Ghosts are usually white,” Winnie said quietly.
Harry chuckled as he took the phone from Cyril. I’m pretty sure it’s not a ghost, Mrs. Walker.”
“Then what is it?” she asked.
They both watched and waited as Harry zoomed in – and then out – on the picture that was on the small screen.
“It’s a insect,” Harry said. “It looks like it could be a moth, since they’re mostly nocturnal and are generally attracted to light, such as a porch light.”
“An insect? Are you serious” Cyril asked.
“Are you sure?” Winnie added.
Harry grinned and nodded as he handed over the phone for them to see. “I guess the movement of its wings is just enough to trigger the camera’s alert.”
“But, it does look a bit like a ghost with his arms spread out,” she said. “Don’t you think so?”
Harry shook his head. “Not to me. But, at least it’s outside and it’s harmless. If you want to think it’s the ghost of Simmons, he’s probably just looking for his wife, feeling a bit sad and lonely, but not malicious. Either way, there’s nothing to worry about.”
“If it IS him,” said Winnie, “perhaps there’s something we can do to put him at rest. Janet will probably know.”
“I’ll ask Bertie to check with our young friend and let you know what she says.” Harry stood and walked to the door. “She’s as close to an expert as we know and is always willing to help with information.”
They both followed him, expressing their thanks. “I’ll be in tomorrow to settle the bill,” Cyril said.
“That’s fine,” Harry replied.
They both stood on the bridge, waving, as he drove away.
********************
Back at the office, Harry filled Bertie in on what he had learned. “Modern technology can be a good thing but, I don’t think I’d want to be kept awake by a doorbell alarm that can be set off so easily.”
“I know I wouldn’t,” Bertie agreed.
“As soon as you get a chance, will you call Isabel Brewer and find out if she’s aware of any way to send a ghost on to another location.”
“I take it Mrs. Walker still isn’t totally convinced it’s an insect.”
Harry shook his head. “Not really, and I don’t want her getting advice from Janet Thorne. They could end up doing something to damage the system. Ms Brewer will know what to tell them.”
