“I’m still pitching it to editors, so I’m not sure where it will land, but a haunted mine that’s also one of the deepest in the world is quite a hook. The work I’m doing for the university wouldn’t include anything about hauntings or creatures.”
“The Platt Mine is a little different from others you might have researched,” Jeffries said. “It was an iron mine, and iron is known for its protective qualities against negative supernatural energy. So, the ghosts are nearby, but not in the mine itself. And that means that it’s unlikely for there to be a ‘monster’ inside that is native.
“Unlike some of the other ghost stories in the region from hunting accidents or romance gone wrong, the Platt Mine ghosts died on the job,” Jeffries replied. “Some went peacefully. Others were understandably angry, especially since there were verified reports that safety measures weren’t always enforced.”
“Did your psychics and mediums deal with any of the spirits?” Scott noted that Jeffries seemed to choose his words more carefully on this topic.
“When hikers and campers encounter restless ghosts, we do everything in our power to help the spirits pass over and remove the danger,” Jeffries said. “We do that as a community service, to keep the area safe. Kind of like having the sheriff remove a dangerous animal.”
“The mine has been shuttered for years,” Scott said. “If it’s got such strong supernatural protections, do you think someonewith that sort of ability might have trapped something inside, believing it would be a safe prison due to the iron?”
Jeffries frowned. “I want to make sure I understand. You’re speculating that a witch of some sort might have used the abandoned mine to imprison a monster because of the iron?”
“I know that sounds fantastical, but in theory, would it work?”
Jeffries rubbed his temples. “How did you come up with that theory?”
Scott grinned sheepishly. “I read a book on local legends at the library. There was a story about someone having summoned a dangerous creature for nefarious purposes. When the summoner was killed by local witches, that still left the creature. Since it was too hard to kill, the story said they used the iron mine as a prison, expecting it to be abandoned forever.”
Jeffries sighed. “That’s a little bit true and a lot sensationalized. This is not for publication, you understand. I’m only telling you this so you don’t get yourself into trouble poking into things without realizing the danger.”
“I understand,” Scott replied.
“Yes, there are folks around here with strong paranormal and magical abilities who work together to protect the area,” Jeffries went on. “Every now and then, an outsider decides to cause trouble. The local folks take care of it. I’ve heard the story about trapping a creature in the old mine because of the iron deposits, but if that’s true, no one recorded it with the Fox Institute, and the people who would have been involved have all passed away by now.”
“I hear the mine is starting up again. If it does, and the story about trapping a creature inside is true, would reviving the mine set it free?” Scott asked.
“I guess we’ll have to wait and see,” Jeffries said.
“What about the Mob’s involvement? A lot of articles written about the mine in its heyday suggested its owners had ties to organized crime. Some of my research hinted that the Mafia has witches of its own. Did they have anything to do with the witch who originally might have summoned the creature?” Scott held his breath, wondering if Jeffries would reply.
“It makes a good story,” Jeffries agreed. “We’ve heard reports but haven’t been able to document anything. And we certainly don’t go into the mine itself or the caves. I’m afraid I can’t be much use on that topic.” Jeffries paused, then continued. “Having said that, we actively discourage thrill-seekers from exploring the area. Old mines are dangerous, even without supernatural activity. These woods have plenty of wild animals that don’t like to be disturbed. We love having visitors to our area, but we want them to stay safe.”
“Understood. I had to ask,” Scott said.
Jeffries fixed him with a warning look. “Any involvement by organized crime or dark witches would have been seventy years ago. Those people are long dead and buried. It’s a dangerous story to reopen.”
For as friendly as Jeffries had been at the start of the conversation, he had grown chillier with Scott’s last two questions.
He’s uncomfortable. His scent changed like he’s not telling the whole truth,Scott’s coyote chimed in.
Yeah, I get that. I wonder if he’s just cautious or if there’s still a reason to be wary,Scott replied.
“I’m sorry,” he said to Jeffries. “I didn’t mean to harm the town’s reputation or bring up old dirt.” Scott tried for his best aw-shucks smile. “When I start researching, I just follow one interesting link after another, and sometimes it takes me far afield.”
Jeffries seemed to thaw, and his body language relaxed. “I completely understand. It’s a professional hazard.” He glanced at his watch. “I hope I gave you most of what you needed. If you have other questions, just email me.” Jeffries stood, indicating their time together was at an end.
Scott stood as well and shook the professor’s hand. “I will definitely be in touch. Thank you for your time.”
He waved at the receptionist on his way out and headed back to the coffee shop. Scott felt a rush of disappointment, although he wasn’t surprised.Even if the Institute did find proof about the creature or the mobsters, he’s not likely to say so for an article that would just lead to a bunch of monster hunters descending on the town. The same is true about Mob witches. And maybe it really is just an urban legend.
His reporter’s instinct warred with that explanation, but Scott didn’t want to make enemies or cause problems.If I’m going to move here to be with Justin, I need to make friends with the locals.
Especially one very cute local,his coyote said with a smirk. Scott didn’t even try to deny it.
Just think, here you’d have a lot more room to roam, Scott pointed out to his shifter side.
It’s definitely not the dog park,his coyote agreed.
