The Haunting of Highdown Hall Read Online Free

an autograph!” Theo laughed, another booming sound.
    “Theo!” Ruby admonished affectionately, her awe-struck reaction really quite amusing.
    “Her boudoir is quite something,” Theo continued, oblivious. “It’s kept as a shrine to her. Although Cynthia died many years ago, her estate was looked after by her maid, Sally Threadgold, whom she’d left it to, apparently as much to Sally’s surprise as everyone else’s. Mr Kierney, Alan, is Sally’s nephew. She in turn left it to him upon her death, another surprise, but then Sally had no children of her own, so perhaps not so surprising after all. Cynthia’s bedroom is the grandest, so it follows Mr Kierney wants it for himself. But Cynthia, she’s having none of it. Every time he even attempts to enter, he fails – pushed out, as he describes it, by unseen hands, an impression of someone screaming in his face. That’s usually followed by quite a bit of banging and crashing. She’s still quite the diva it seems.”
    “How long has Mr Kierney lived at Highdown?” Ness asked thoughtfully.
    “Only a couple of months. He sold his flat in London and moved down. After failing to gain access to the boudoir he resorted to sleeping in the bedroom next door, but the nocturnal noises proved too disconcerting. He sleeps downstairs now, in one of the living rooms, barely ventures upstairs anymore. And supremely pissed off about it he is too. He wants the whole place exorcised.”
    “Exorcised?” said Ruby, stiffening. “You did tell him we are not affiliated with the church, didn’t you? That we use only holistic methods to guide spirits home?”
    “Yes, of course I did,” Theo shrugged her shoulders. “I don’t think he cares either way to be honest, he just wants Highdown Hall to belong to him and him alone.”
    “Okay,” replied Ruby, relieved. “Do you really think it’s her, this actress, Cynthia Hart?”
    “Definitely. I got an impression of a movie screen, an absolutely stunning dress, fuchsia in colour, silk if I’m not mistaken, and gleaming red curls – that’s her alright. I was also given to understand she won’t go easily. She seems... how can I put it? Very territorial.”
    “What caused her death?” asked Corinna. “She was so young.”
    “A heart attack apparently, and yes, she was very young to have suffered such a thing. But that was the verdict recorded, no foul play suspected.” With genuine sorrow Theo added, “A terrible shame really, she was at the peak of her career too, about to star in Atlantic. Adele Hamilton, the actress who replaced her, was no match for Cynthia I can tell you; she just didn’t have her charisma. The film didn’t do nearly as well as expected.”
    “Do you think her sudden passing is the reason she’s grounded?” asked Ruby.
    “Either that or she literally can’t get over missing the boat in Atlantic – although considering that particular boat sank, you’d think she’d be grateful!”
    Once again, Theo laughed uproariously at her own joke.
    Sneaking a surreptitious glance at Ness, who looked far from amused, Ruby announced she’d ring Mr Kierney after the meeting, to organise a time to go over and get a feel for the house herself.
    “Tomorrow, though,” she said, “I have to go to Brookbridge.”
    “ Again? ” Corinna was incredulous.
    “Yes, again.” Ruby raised her eyes skywards. “Theo, can you meet me in Hove tomorrow afternoon? We’ve got a little boy to send on his way.”
    “A little boy? Oh poor lamb, yes of course I can. At your service, my dear.”
    “And what about ‘Rover’?” enquired Ness.
    “Ah, yes, him too, perhaps I could squeeze him in between appointments. Heathfield is close to Brookbridge isn’t it? I’ll ring Miss Mills in a moment; maybe we can meet there around eleven or so if she agrees? Is that good for you?”
    “It is,” Ness nodded solemnly.
    As Ruby pushed back her chair, intending to make a start on those phone calls whilst the others finished