Chapter #2: Tortimer's Ghostly Visitor
The clock inside Tortimer's bedroom struck twelve o' clock midnight, and suddenly many things happened. The bedroom windows blew open, and a chilly wind howled, bringing a sense of fear and horror. With a snort, Tortimer woke from his peaceful slumber in the red armchair and instantly wrapped his arms around himself, wanting to hide in his shell from the sudden cold. The wind blew out the fireplace, and the room became dark. Then he heard the creaky door of the mansion cellar open, and then…
A clanking noise, as if someone or something was dragging a chain on the ground.
Clank clank.
"I must be hearin' thangs," Tortimer muttered to himself.
Clank clank.
The turtle stood up and said with as bold a voice as he could muster, "Who goes there?"
Clank clank.
The sound only became louder, as the source moved up the stairs to the bedroom.
Clank clank. Creeeeak.
The bedroom door slowly opened. There stood a translucent figure that resembled a turtle. A chain clasped his hands and waist, and attached to it were cash boxes, keys, padlocks, ledgers, and deeds. The Ghost spoke, its voice sending shivers down Tortimer's spine.
"Arr, Tortimer, I'm back! Remember yer old shipmate?"
Tortimer paled. This was the ghost of his old business partner.
Kapp'n.
Kapp'n had been a good helper in the management of Holiday, and he hadn't been too different in attitude to Tortimer. He had died though in a fishing accident, the only real time he had taken a break from work. Tortimer had always said that that vacation was what killed him, and if he hadn't gone fishing he would still be alive and kicking. But in truth the mayor hadn't really been emotionally affected by Kapp'n's death; in fact, he had been happy that he didn't have to split the money 50/50 with him anymore.
The Ghost seemed to read his mind. "Surprised to see me, eh, matie? Thought I was as dead as a doornail, ya did! That may be true, but that don't mean I can't visit ya once in a great while!"
"W-why are you h-here?" stuttered Tortimer as he shook in fright.
Kapp'n's ghost became serious. "To warn you, so that you won't face the same fate as me," he answered, holding up a length of his chain. "This chain symbolizes my bitterness from my life, and now it is a burden to me after death. I hate to say it, chap, but yours is growing much longer than mine."
The mayor gulped but said nothing, so the Ghost continued.
"Three other ghosts will visit you tonight and show you things that will hopefully change your heart."
"I'd rather they not come!" said Tortimer.
"Without the lesson they will show you, you have no chance in shunning the path I tread. Now, I must go." He turned, went out the window, and vanished from sight. However, Tortimer thought he could still hear the chains clanking.
For once, he had no voice to say, "Humbug", so he silently closed the window and covered himself up in his blankets. The Ghost's visit had tired him out, and he fell asleep instantly.
I know, same ending as before, but go easy on me please! Things will get a little more interesting! See you later!