Over the next week and a half Jane was so busy that before she knew it, June was over and the holiday weekend was upon her. Giving 4 tours a day, and tending to the gardens took it's toll on her. Each night she would slip into bed and drift off to sleep immediately, something she could never do before this summer. As tired as she was at night, each morning she felt like the perverbial million bucks.
Not only did the crowds have the normal tourists from all over the country, she was pleased to see that many of the town residents came to hear her speach and stroll the grounds. Without fail, each and everyone of them would come up to her afterwards and comment on what a fine job she was doing, and how nice it was to finally have some mention of their "Lady". Jane thanked each one and encouraged all to sign the log.
The Fourth of July was on a Sunday. Jane planned on having the light open from 10am to 5pm. Flexing the hours just a bit, so people could make it to whatever picnics they may have planned in the evening. It would be a huge weekend that was sure.
Thursday before the holiday weekend Jane stepped out to greet the second tour of the day when a familiar face stood out at the back of the crowd. Brian Chappman smiled as their eyes met and walked slowly towards the front of the gathering. Jane smiled brightly and said "What a pleasent surprise Brian, "The next two days were very busy ones and Jane tried very hard to keep her mind on the buisness at hand. As busy as she was, she kept thinking about the upcoming holiday, and Brian. She felt something like a schoolgirl waiting for the big dance, silly, but a pleasent feeling that she had not know for many years. She was brought out of her musings as she stepped out to give the last tour Friday afternoon. A group of about 20 people were taking pictures, and enjoying the gardens. She took immediate notice of two men in suits who were standing over by the tower. One was taking photos and the other was looking at the gardens planted around the base of the tower. These were not tourists, That was plain enough. Jane composed herself and called the group over for the tour.
The tour went smoothly, Jane tried to ingnore the two mysterious guests at the back of the crowd. As in the past, she engaged the crowd with questions about their lighthouse experiences, then she handed out the pamphlets. She noticed the 2 men as they studied the folders. They were silent through out the whole presentation. The guests all enjoyed the tale of Amanda Grey and her husband, as most of her guest did.
Jane was
about to call the lady forward who had
seen the most lighthouses when one of
the men in the rear raised his hand.
Jane smiled at him and said "I see we
have a question , Yes sir, how can I
help you"
"I was wondering if you
have ever seen this ghost locals tell
about."
Jane thought furiously for a
moment, This was no doubt a test of some
type, but she was not sure what answer
these two wanted to hear. Against her
better judjment, she decide to forge
ahead, and tell the truth, even if these
were State officials checking up on her.
"Well sir, the best answer I can give
you is this. Over the last 3 weeks I
have been here, I have heard some noises
I could not explain. These sounds were
like a soft sobbing. However when ever
these sounds came to me, the wind was
high. Once I did think I saw the figure
of a woman in the tower, however another
person with me debated if that was a
true perception of what was seen. I
guess like any place said to be
inhabited by ghosts, it depends on the
persons beliefs. I will say here and
now, I believe I did see Amanda Grey,
but seeing as that is a personal
opinion, I have left that out of the
official pamphlets handed out here."
Her answer went over with no further
questions and she continued to lead the
tour of the tower.
As the last of the tourists exited the tower a while later and started towards their cars, Jane saw a familiar face at the Gate, it was Mr Thorton , he joined the two men halfway up the walk to the cottage. They talked for a moment, and headed back towards Jane. Refusing to be flustered by their presence, she walked towards them Thorton was the first to break the silence, his tone was icy at best. Ms Tolenz, I would like you to meet the Director of the Michigan State Parks Department, Mr. Ron Alters, and Deputy Governor James Haskins. Gentlemen, this is Jane Tolenz, the lady who has caused such a stir in recent weeks, here at Eagles Point."
The Deputy Governor spoke up, "Ms. Tolenz, No doubt you are wondering why we are here? The answer of course is the direction you have taken with the tours given here at Eagles Point. It would be no understatment to say you have caused quite a stir within the parks Department. May I suggest we go sit inside, there is much to disscuss. Jane did her best to keep a smile on her face, even though her insides were tied in knots. She had a feeling this tour may well be her last........
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