The Horror in the Attic

I smiled politely and left.

As we finished dinner, Samuel entered the dining room and placed the Sear catalog next to me. There was a piece of paper book marking a page. Samuel's eyes paused on it for a moment to make sure I noticed it. I opened the catalog.

"Surely you can wait until after dessert to shop?" said my sister Natalie.

I ignored her and read the little note.

MRS. WALTERS CALLED. SHE REQUESTS THAT YOU RETURN HER PHONE CALL THIS EVENING BEFORE 9 PM. SHE ADVISED TO USE DISCRESSION AS TO NOT UPSET YOUR MOTHER.

"Natasha, close the catalog. You're being rude," said my sister Nicolette.

I closed the catalog and apologized. After excusing myself from the table, I went to the telephone.

"Thank you for calling, dear. I feel so foolish," said Mrs. Walters.

"What on earth for?"

"Margaret Langhorne told me you held a séance last Halloween at her party. You contacted her grandmother. It was quite popular."

"Well, yes. They even mentioned it on the Society page. Why do you bring that up?"

"I can't believe I am doing this ... but ... maybe I shouldn't bother you with this."

"Please, I am always happy to help one of Mother's friends."

"Caldwell killed himself in the attic of a rental property we purchased a few weeks ago. He was doing some repairs. I want to know why."