BRIAN

Hey everyone. I know, I know I'm a ghost but don't be afraid. I'm kinda cool. Nothing to worry about. I've been here in Vermont a year now. Most of the other ghosts at the Inn are either attached to this old mansion or they were brought here because of their connection with Biebe and his strange dimension shifting history. Now that's weird, isn't it? To go from a fictitious character to a real life human being. When I got here though, it had to do with something else all together.

See, John and Riles decided to build a pub in the basement of the Inn. They wanted some serious period pieces in that pub and found my dad's old place in Boston. They bought everything just before the building was demolished, even the bar and stools and that mirror over there. Kinda feels like home, but it isn't. Not really. I came with that leather booth right in the back corner. Used to hang out there with my buddies after closing, it's real special to me. For months I was quiet, just enjoying the atmosphere and the crowds. I figured that was my lot, you know. Heaven. To spend eternity in a place I always loved. Imagine my surprise the first time I saw someone I knew in here. A living, breathing someone.

I met Terry Thorne years ago, just before I died in a parachuting accident. Now Thorne, he basically refuses to face the fact that I exist. Won't acknowledge me whatsoever, but I know damn well he sees me and knows I'm around. I know because he often swears at me. Don't see all that much of him lately, beautiful new wife and all. And coming across him sort of altered everything for me. I discovered that I have a job here. Can't really define it, but I've witnessed some crazy stuff on this property. Been able to get a tangible warning through to these living types a few times, too. Helped them to avoid a couple of near tragedies along the way. Feels good to be able to do that. I'm sure I can do more, just don't know how yet, but I have help. Lots of help.

There's that Bear fellow. An old Indian guy who sometimes shows up looking like a huge black bear. He lets me know when things are going down with John, but he also advises me as to whether I should do anything about it or just sit tight. I get the feeling the old Indian has been a ghost for a very, very long time. Longer than any of us here. He certainly knows the ropes and I appreciate all his help, that's for sure.

Then we have the original owners of the mansion. A nice couple who can see when something structural or electrical might be a potential problem. That's a bonus. Would hate to see this place crumble or burn down. I like it here.

We have a few troublemakers in the group too. Crazy fucks who just like to play around and shoot fearful adrenalin through an occasional guest. I see them all the time up in the left tower, looking like a bunch of hoodlums, their heads together and laughing about what they'd pulled on someone.

Of course, there's that couple too, Bud and Darcy White. Sometimes he stands with me when something happens that requires the police. We've had two, count 'em two, kidnappings here. White just watches, sometimes comments on procedure or grunts. That guy grunts a lot. Last time I saw them was a few weeks ago right after John had his little 'almost' fling with that bimbo. Couldn't help but eavesdrop. Those two are funny, but damn, they love the Biebes. They just do it in completely different ways.

"I cannot believe he did that!" Darcy wailed.

"Sweetheart, he didn't actually do it," Bud grunted. "You saw how things were, he just … I dunno … snapped. But he got outta there. He didn't do it."

"He got way too close. I cannot believe John Biebe would actually get that close to - "

"Jesus, Darce. He's human."

She shot a blue glare at him. "Did you ever get that close?"

"Huh?"

"Bud, did … you … ever … get that close to cheating on me while we were married?"

"No!"

"But you were human, right?" she sniped.

"Jesus." Grunt, grunt, grunt.

I ain't stupid, I left for someplace else.

I was brought to the Inn with a ratty old leather booth. But Maria Parker came when her granddaughter's soul nearly joined us all. Really sweet old lady and I like her a lot. We often spend time together and just chat. Hell, what else have we got to do? We're gonna be here until time ends, may as well make it pleasant. I promised to meet her in the gazebo this afternoon. I figured it was as good a time as any to head out there.

It always takes me a long time to get places when there's no emergency. I start up on the roof. Do a little reconnaissance of the whole property, check out the mountain and the traffic down in Stowe. From there I can see the Outfitters, Terry and B's new house, even some of Kevin and Lizbeth's place. It's nice. Naturally, I can't feel the heat or the cold and there are times I stay up there for days.

From there I always pop down into Riley and John's apartment. Take a look at the baby. Damn cutie that one. He's strong and healthy and crying up a storm this morning. I ran my hand over his little head and he actually looked up at me and grinned his toothless smile. Got a little giggle too. When Riley picked him up, she chuckled.

"Brian, you bothering the baby again?"

"Hey, I got him to smile. I've always been good with babies."

She cooed at baby T and undid his diaper. That's another cue for me to move on. Some things are just better left unseen. I went over to Andy and Monica's apartment next, noticed all the packed boxes and remembered that they were leaving soon. Moving into her father's house in town. He asked me to convince them to do that, said he wanted his family around and I thought I was helping them make that decision. Monna's dad couldn't get to the Inn, most of us are tied to something and he's bound to that old house. I kept leaving hints, making whispered suggestions, but ultimately it was a matter of practicality. That young couple wanted some privacy and that is not easy to find when you work where you live and live where you work.

I like moving from tower to tower. It's really cool, sort of like floating. I melt through walls and almost never disturb anything along the way. It's only when I want to that I can manipulate the material world. Most times I just like to watch.

Being the ultimate voyeur, I took an inventory of how many guests we currently had. It had been a quiet summer. A well deserved break after such a booming fall, winter and spring, but not so good after John went and lost all the 'rainy day' savings playing the stock market. There are only eight rooms occupied today. Wonder who's staying at the Inn. Yeah, I have a wicked laugh. Did you hear it?

"Why can't I go skiing, daddy?" a little girl asked her father who was just unpacking their bags.

"Well babydoll. Can't ski because there's no snow."

"Last time we went away together there was snow."

"I know sweetie."

"And mommy came with us. Why didn't mommy come with us this time?"

"Because she's a vindictive bitch," the daddy whispered into the closet as he hung a few items there. Whispered right into my face too. When he turned he was grinning at his
daughter. "You know mommy and daddy don't live together anymore. Mommy has her time with you and I have mine. I brought you here to have a good time before school starts next month."

"Oh … what are we going to do?"

He lifted the child in his arms and hugged her tight. I could see the loss and love in his face. Feel pretty bad for him too. "I thought we'd go horseback riding. There's a stable at the Outfitters and I arranged for a guide. Would you like that, honey?"

She looked right into my eyes and I winked at her. Kids, go figure. They always see me. Grownups, not so much.

"Yay! I love riding. I love you, daddy. We're going to have a good vacation together, just you and me."

I slipped through the wall and checked out the next room. Grunts and groans, moans and hoh yeah, a squeal or two. Of course I watched. Not like I can get any, being dead and all. I live vicariously through you folks. It was Colin and Carrie and they were having a blast. I didn't stay long. They were starting to talk wedding plans. I hate wedding plans.

Another room, a man in the shower. Nah, not interested … but … what would he do if I switched off the lights? Oh, that's what he'd do.

"Fuck!" Water splashed everywhere.

I flicked the switch back on before he could get out from behind the shower curtain. See, I'm a pretty nice guy. But I guarantee John will get another complaint about the light circuits.

In the lobby I took an empty seat and watched Marla work the front desk. Now there's a nice girl, but she gets spooked when the furnace switches on or the cat knocks a pencil from her desk. She's one of those people who believe in ghosts so much, she looks for us. And we never take the least bit of interest in her. That girl's got a vivid enough imagination without our input. But she is behind the biggest topic of conversation in the left tower these days. Marla had contacted one of those Ghost Hunting shows and had convinced the Biebe's to let them tape at the Inn. Not really that bad an idea. At least the place will be busy, Andy and Monica will be feeding more guests and the rooms will be filled. How we're all going to deal with it, well that's another issue all together and you won't get any hints from me. You'll just have to tune in and watch the show when it airs.

I left the Inn and circled to the garden paths. Taking a peek inside the tool shed, I could see Music's grandson, Brady, struggling to rewire the weed wacker.

You know, things happen for a reason, they really do. Music is an old bugger, it was time
for him to relax and enjoy the remainder of his days. He worked too hard and did far too much for any man his age. He had serious reasons for bringing Brady to the Inn to help out weekend after weekend. When the old man had his heart attack, it seemed like all the cogs fell into place. See, Brady really needs to be at the Inn. There are things he will learn and it is going to really change his life for the better. Now, all we can do is hope that John is patient with the kid.

I passed a middle aged couple on the path, hand in hand and chatting away. They never noticed me. Of course they didn't. Most people don't. It could be a pretty lonely life. The only real living friend I have here is Riley. She sees me, hears me, feels me, talks to me … has long conversations with me sometimes. But John? Oblivious. No clue. The only way the old Indian can communicate with John is through dreams. I'm not into that dream sequence stuff. Too much work. You gotta plan it all, set the stage, be just mystical and cryptic enough but not too much, otherwise the dreamer will completely miss the point. Nah, that isn't for me.

"Finally," I hear Maria say and I trot up the steps of the gazebo and plop down beside her.

"What a gorgeous day!"

"Yes, yes it is. Have you seen my granddaughter today?"

"Natalie? Yeah, she looks great doesn't she?"

Pride beamed from the old lady. We sighed together, recalling Natalie's darkest days and the hard road to the good life she has now. Speaking of the devil, Natalie turned the corner and stepped up to sit right across from us. We watched her face soften and her eyes close.

"She can smell the roses," I whispered to Maria who smiled that sweet grandmother smile.

"Grandma?"

Holy shit! Nat's eyes were opened and I swear she was looking right at us.

"Grandma? Oh, crap! Have I lost my mind? Is it pregnancy induced hallucinations?"

"No, no dear. No, you're fine," Maria smiled.

"Tell her to relax," I suggested.

"And who the hell are you?"

"Huh … me … I'm Brian. Ah, you can see me? I mean, I can understand you seeing your grandmother, but there's no reason to be seeing me."

Maria patted my knee. "Relax, young man. Why don't you give me a few moments alone with Natalie."

Man, I couldn't get away from there fast enough. Now that was really weird! If more and more people start to see me, I'm going to cause all kinds of havoc! Maybe it's time for me to restrict myself to the roof and the left tower?

Nah.

See you at the Inn. And if we're both lucky … you won't see me.