Nancy Drew and the Lyrics of Lenora

(4)

Morning After

I decided to go 'swimming' today, putting on a beach hat and my asparagus swim suit. I walked down the main hall where all the glass had been swept up. I hurried past it and went outside. Hearing splashes I assumed that I wasn't the only one who wanted to take a morning swim.

Outside were two kids splashing what looked to be their parents.

"Stop that this instant." The woman near hissed at the continued splashes of water.

"Please you two. Your mother rarely is on vacation. Show a little respect."

"Yes Daddy." They both chuckled sparing one last mischievous look their mother's way. I sat two chairs down from the mother, took off my hat, wrap, and sunglasses and jumped in. Of course the boys wanted to play and I didn't mind splashing them back.

Nearly an hour later I climbed out of the pool and sat back on my chair slightly upset that I had forgotten a towel.

"Here use this I wasn't going too." The woman smiled handing her towel to me.

"Thank you Mrs. Umm."

"Mrs. Cortier, but my family and fans call me Clarisse."

"It's nice to meet you Clarisse, my names Nancy." I shook her hand.

"Let me guess your ears are not cultured?"

"Excuse me?"

"Most people, in fact everyone I know, once I say that my name is Clarisse Cortier either faints or begs for my autograph."

"Oh I'm sorry."

"No, it's quite all right. I am a famous opera singer. I actually helped a late friend of mine find this place. It is beautiful, I often thought of just keeping it to myself, but Robert had dreams and he wanted to leave his little girl a legacy if you would. And after he died I never had the heart to take this place. Although I like it so much."

"Do you come here often?"

"Heavens no. I am always busy with the singing and the signing and the performing. Sometimes I wish that I was not an opera singer, but hey things happen and I do enjoy it. I use these times however to rest and spend time with my family."

"Oh well I don't want to bother you then Ms. Clarisse."

"No it's quite all right. But what I wanted to ask you was if it was your first night at Beetlebub."

"Yeah"

"Last night you heard it didn't you."

"Yes, yes I did."

"I can't say that I am surprised. Ever since Robert's brother started running the place she has been here. I am famous sure, but that voice could make millions. Some say she's a ghost. I believe she's just a restless spirit."

" She doesn't frighten you?"

"Oh no, see this 'ghost' never physically hurts anyone and it prefers to break glass. Some say you can hear it move at night. I just stay in my room, since the doors magically lock their selves anyway and let it past," she took off her glasses and looked me in the eye, "Personally I enjoy listening to her. I hope that she never goes away."

"Even though she's scary?"

"Even though she's scary."

"Please don't mind my crazy wife. Music makes her do crazy things." Her husband motioned as she turned to glare at him and back at me.

"We will speak again, I am certain of this."

I smiled and gathered my things before heading back in to get something to eat. Clarissa was a fairly tall and muscular woman. She was well tanned with her auburn hair. She reminded me a lot of Margarita at the ca'. Her husband seemed very quiet and not of interest at least as far as this case goes. I sat down alone where Susan and Jeffries joined.

"We should had told you." Susan started instantly.

"Please forgive us Nancy your father would not be happy knowing your staying in a haunted hall."

"No that's ok…I'm here now aren't I?" I added a quiver in my voice silently thanking Bess for making me take acting lessons.

"We have to do something about Lenora. Why want she leave us be?" Jeffries asked to know one in particular.

"Maybe Lenora is attached to something here." Susan offered. Both seemed rather exhausted about the Lenora situation.

"Her voice is so powerful, the glass, and what if someone was down there when it…"

"Nonsense, the ghost keeps all in their rooms. Only Susan and I have the keys to get out."

"Nancy we must warn you though."

"Warn me about what?"

"As we told all are guest. Lenora does not like to be disturbed during her performances. Sure she never physically hurts anyone, but the last person was found after two weeks of searching in the cellar."

"Don't worry the only thing that's getting interrupted here is my beauty sleep." I smiled at them thankful for all the information that I had already acquired.