The afternoon sun filtered through the ancient oaks surrounding Cauldron Falls Cemetery, casting dappled shadows across the well-maintained headstones and winding paths.At the center of it all stood the great stone sculpture of a Devil Oak Tree, its carved roots and branches sprawling dramatically over the other monuments like a watchful guardian.
Butcher moved methodically between the graves.His large frame surprisingly graceful as he made final preparations for the ghost convention festivities.The zombie caretaker's gravelly voice carried across the peaceful grounds as he spoke to the translucent figure gliding beside him.
"The dead deserve respect," he rumbled, adjusting a wreath of flowers."Big crowd or not, conventions don't change that."
Evangelina Coal nodded approvingly, her silvery form shimmering in the dappled sunlight."Quite right, Butcher.Though I must admit, I'm rather excited about the whole affair.It's been decades since I've had proper conversation with spirits from the old country."
"You'll get your chance soon enough," came a warm voice from the cemetery gates.Mayor Leahnora Loveridge approached, her petite frame commanding attention despite her size.Her deep brown eyes surveyed the preparations with obvious satisfaction.
Following close behind were two men who couldn't have been more different in appearance.Roam O'Reilly moved with the fluid grace of his panther nature, his tall frame and intense blue eyes scanning the perimeter with professional vigilance.Beside him walked a newcomer—broad-shouldered with dark hair and piercing green eyes, carrying himself with the easy confidence of someone accustomed to handling unique situations.
"Butcher, Evangelina," Leahnora greeted them warmly."How are our preparations coming along?"
"Everything's in order, Mayor," Butcher replied."Paths are clear, monuments are secure, and I've marked the safe areas for gathering."
"Excellent."She turned to the newcomer."Sean, I don't believe you've met our cemetery caretaker and resident expert.Butcher, Evangelina, this is Detective Sean McLeary from the Spectral Enforcement Unit.He'll be overseeing security for the convention."
Sean stepped forward with an easy smile, his Irish accent rich and strong like aged whiskey."Pleasure to meet ye both.I've heard nothing but good things.”
Evangelina practically preened at the compliment."Why, thank you, Detective.We do take pride in our work here."
"Sean's been briefing me on the safety protocols," Roam said, with the slightest edge in his voice."Apparently we're dealing with some rather sophisticated containment measures."
"Aye, that's the truth of it," Sean nodded, pulling out a leather-bound notebook."We've invited spirits from around the world to come to Cauldron Falls—and ye know ghosts can only leave their place of death with a proper invitation, but they are mischievous.The concern is keeping them contained to the cemetery and woods, away from the town proper.That's why we need the additional security measures."
"Will our residents be safe?"Leahnora asked.
"Completely safe," Sean assured her with confidence that seemed to put everyone at ease."The barriers will keep all our invited guests in the designated areas.The only real concern would be what we call a 'loophole'—but those are rare as hen's teeth."
Butcher's brow furrowed with curiosity."What kind of loophole?"
"Well," Sean consulted his notes, "it's an uncontrolled response in the spectral world—"
"Meaning what exactly?"Roam interrupted.His protective instincts engaged.
"—happens when something 'other' sparks unexpectedly.Creates a temporary hole in the boundary."
Butcher's brow furrowed."Other?"
"Could be anything, really.Like someone accidentally summoning their great-aunt during a sneeze.Or a ghost getting disoriented in limbo and trying to haunt the wrong place.Stuff like that.It rarely happens."Sean grinned."Besides, we spray for such things now, ye know.Got loophole protectant applied all around the perimeter just this morning.”
"What about family visits?"Evangelina asked."I know several townspeople are hoping to invite departed relatives to join them during the festivities."
"Ah, yes," Sean's expression brightened."That's one of the lovely traditions of these conventions.Family spirits are welcome to visit with their living relatives, as long as they don’t venture beyond the town.We will see a few ghosts wandering about with their families—perfectly normal and completely safe."
"Like Lily McBride," Butcher said thoughtfully."Dr.Wimpleton's planning on her visiting the orchard during the weekend."
"That would be wonderful," Leahnora smiled."These conventions are meant to be celebrations, after all.A time for the living and the dead to connect."
Sean nodded enthusiastically."Exactly right.The whole weekend should be quite festive.We've got speakers scheduled, demonstrations of old-world crafts, and even some recreational activities planned.All contained and controlled."
Sean's gaze drifted to the great stone tree sculpture, and his expression grew more thoughtful."Beautiful work, that.Reminds me of the monuments back at headquarters."
"Headquarters?"Butcher asked.
"Aye, I work for the Goddess of Death herself—through several layers of management, mind ye.Never met her personally, and Goddess willing, I never will.Because if she shows up at one of my assignments," Sean said with a rueful grin, "it means all hell's broken loose, and I've cocked things up proper."
"On that note, any particular spirits we should be aware of?"Roam asked.His panther Shifter senses were picking up something that kept him alert, though he couldn't pinpoint what.
