S.P.E.R.T. - the Supernatural/Paranormal Emergency Response Team
Antoinette (Toni) Todd - Leader of the team
(Holy) Hannah Harvey - The medium (who is extra-large, her initials are on all her bras)
Cassandra (Sister) Christian - The believer trained in religious rites, practices, and positions, especially the missionary one
Delilah Lillian Doe (Dee Dee) - Case manager, researcher, can't understand why everyone laughs when she signs her name 'Dee L. Doe'
Marilyn Sparks - Tech expert, likes to watch, can make anything with batteries vibrate
Case #009 - "The A.M. Titty Villa Horror"
The morning started off like far too many have lately with something I hate, an interview.
When you are in the paranormal research field, it is impossible to be taken seriously if you charge for your services and that's not taking into account that we are women. Starting the Supernatural/Paranormal Emergency Response Team or S.P.E.R.T. was a labor of love, but we all have to have real jobs or some form of income.
"Well, you're not too bad. You're in good shape, but kinda skinny. A little more ounce for the bounce would help... Are you listening to me?"
The gruff voice from the chubby, balding guy with his pants half-zipped snapped me back to reality. I almost dozed off hanging upside down on the pole.
"Sorry, sir, blood rushed to my head, could you repeat that please?"
"I get forgetful when the blood rushes to my head, too. Heh, heh. Takes it away from my brain!"
"Ha, ha! Oh, you're such a witty fellow." I smiled as sweetly as I could.
"Whatever. Listen, you only want lunch hours, so being a little thin isn't a big problem, but you're gonna have to really work the crowd to get tips. Look them in the eyes. Your body's okay, your stripping is passable, but your pole work needs help."
"I've never had any complaints about my pole work before, I'll have you know!" I was indignant at the implication.
"I thought you said you never worked a club before?"
"Oh, you meant the pole on the stage? Sorry, I was thinking of something else."
He rolled his eyes. "Right. Whatever. You get a shot tomorrow with customers. Try to pay attention and don't fall."
I reached to shake his hand. "Thank you, sir, I'll do my best."
"Whatever. Be here at 10:30, got it?"
"Yes, sir. Thanks again."
I was elated by the news, but I needed to get back to S.P.E.R.T. HQ for a case briefing, and I started for the door.
"Toni. Clothes."
I turned back toward the stage. "What do you mean? Should I wear something specific tomorrow?"
"No, you should probably wear something NOW!"
Then, I remembered my clothes were on the stage and I was heading toward the door topless in just my thong. Sometimes I get just too focused on my love of the paranormal.
It was only a ten minute walk from Stubb's Nite Club to Cass' parents' house where we were temporarily headquartered in their basement. When I got there Cass and Dee Dee were waiting. Dee Dee was smiling the way she does when she thinks we have a hot case.
"I thought you'd never get here! This is the greatest test of S.P.E.R.T. yet. A couple that runs a tanning salon in a really old building NEEDS our help. Whenever their female clients have to pull their tops over their heads, an invisible force grabs their hands, keeping them up, and sometimes fondles them, but only during the morning. They also have occurrences of an old lady sticking her head through the door and looking in on them. And I mean 'through the door' as in without opening it, plus other random noises and stuff."
"Well, that does sound interesting. We should check this out. What do you think, Cass?"
"The fondling sounds... intriguing. We should go."
Dee Dee and I exchanged glances, but Cass agreed for whatever her reasons might be. I called the Tan Place and set up a visit tomorrow morning while Cass called the rest of the team and Dee started researching the history and what she discovered was alarming.
The building had been built in the 1800s and had been a roadhouse, speakeasy, and a brothel over the years. The current owners, the Cullens, had bought the place for a song because no one seemed to want to stay there. Strange noises like bumping and moaning sounds could be heard when it was quiet and people complained of not feeling alone there. The Cullens moved in on the first floor and converted the upstairs rooms into a tanning salon.
Further research discovered that a man had been murdered there in the morning hours of May 8th, 1950 when he was with a prostitute and her husband walked in. The husband was apparently unaware of his wife's occupation and took it out on her unfortunate client.
While I was on the phone with Mrs. Cullen, one of her customers who had a brush with the supposed spirit came in. Her story was exciting and disturbing at the same time.