Stage Fright by Gabrielle Holly Page A

crew back in a couple hours to film the interior for a story about the grand opening to run on the evening news.”
    Mike reached under the counter and pulled out a box marked ‘Sign Letters’. “I’ve got to go put the movie title on the marquee. Can somebody go grab the ladder? I left it in the theatre when I was changing the bulb in the Exit sign.”
    “I’ll go,” Thomas offered heading for the screening room.
    He burst back through the swinging doors seconds later and sprinted for the pile of silver cases. Toni could see that his hands were shaking as he worked the latches and yanked open the lids. He pulled out the full spectrum camera and passed the infra-red to Mike. He handed Bridget the digital voice recorder. “You guys aren’t going to believe this,” he said, heading back towards the theatre.
     
    * * * *
     
    Mike and Thomas led the way through the swinging doors with their cameras poised. Bridget and Toni followed close behind. Toni craned her neck to see around the taller men. When they’d fanned out to film, she got a clear view of the theatre. Every seat was occupied. The audience was made up of people from a different time in disparate clothing styles that spanned the decades. She recognised the spirits from the VIP lounge and noticed Priscilla Stringman sitting between her father and stepmother. The translucent beings all stared at the blank screen, reacting with silent laughter and applause to an unseen movie.
    Thomas and Mike walked the opposite aisles, pausing occasionally to get close-up shots of the ghostly patrons. Bridget took a position halfway down one side and held up the digital voice recorder.
    Toni stood alone at the rear of the room, not sure where to look next. A warm tingle washed over her body and she felt a puff of hot air on the side of her neck.
    “You did it, doll.”
    Toni turned to see Kip Monroe standing beside her. She reached out to touch him and her hand slipped through his body. He winked in response then started walking towards where Bridget stood. The redhead stared as he approached and when he passed through her, her body jerked. Thomas stepped in front of the ghost and walked backwards, continuing to film as Kip headed to the left of the stage. Mike joined him and the men trained their cameras on Kip as he pushed on the door and held it open. The audience members rose as one then filed slowly towards the exit. Some patted Kip on the shoulder as they passed him on their way out. Others just nodded and smiled.
    Toni’s stomach knotted as Preston Stringman advanced to the front of the receiving line, but when the ghost clamped his stogie between his teeth and extended his beefy hand, Kip only paused a moment before accepting the handshake. Bitsy was next. She kissed the greaser on the cheek then slipped her fingers into the crook of her husband’s arm and let him lead her into the night. When it was her turn, Priscilla Stringman took a step backwards and brought her camera to her eye. Kip mugged for the picture. Once she’d got her shot, Priscilla held out her arms and he pulled her into a long hug. After he released her, the photographer turned to the back of the theatre and waved. Tears filled Toni’s eyes as she returned the farewell.
    When the last spirit had gone, Kip slowly scanned the empty seats then smiled at the team. “Enjoy the show, folks!” he said then dissolved away. The heavy metal door swung shut and the four ghost hunters were alone.
     
    * * * *
     
    Toni and Bridget rushed to keep up with the steady stream of customers at the concession stand. They sold a tub of popcorn to the last one in line then grabbed drinks for themselves. Bridget headed upstairs to join Mike in the booth and Toni went to find Thomas in the theatre. She settled in beside him just as the house lights dimmed.
    Mike’s voice filled the room over the PA system. “And now, ladies and gentleman, the Bijou Theatre proudly presents, ‘The Gentleman’s Wish’.”
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