Chapter 1: The Mysterious Victorian House

While searching for the old residence on the town's edge, I found it more elusive than anticipated. Armed only with an antiquated business card featuring an address and a phone number, I was surprised to discover that there was no information about it online. The Victorian structure looked as if it had stepped right out of a horror film, which was fitting considering my purpose for being there.

As I knocked, the door creaked open, revealing a gentleman in the entryway.

"Did you call earlier?" he inquired.

"Yes," I responded, offering my hand in greeting.

"Apologies," he replied, stepping back, "but I have a bit of a germ phobia."

"That's understandable," I said.

"I didn't catch your name before."

"I didn't mention it."

"No worries. We value confidentiality."

"That's good to hear."

"You mentioned a situation with your ex-wife?"

"Yes, she wants the house."

"Ah, that's our specialty."

"Really?"

"Absolutely. We also handle troublesome tenants."

"Interesting."

"Indeed. It's much simpler than going through an eviction process."

"So how does it actually work?"

"It's quite straightforward. You provide the funds, and we create a scare."

"I mean, how does the actual process unfold?"

"Oh, you want a demonstration."

"That would be helpful."

"I'm assuming the fee we discussed earlier is acceptable?"

I produced a thick stack of cash from my coat, which seemed to put him at ease.

"Alright then. We employ a complex setup of projectors and hidden speakers to make the target believe they are experiencing supernatural occurrences. We'll also rearrange some items and, if necessary, we can even introduce an apparition. It rarely escalates that far, but when it does, they usually flee in terror."

"I'd like to see the full experience."

"Oh, you want to witness the phantom."

"Yes. I've heard whispers about it and want to see it in action first."

"We can arrange that. Just a heads up—I've had several clients faint during the experience."

"I believe I can handle it."

He pretended to press a button in his pocket.

"Alright, here we go."

The effects were indeed impressive. Lights flickered, the stairs creaked ominously, and I could see my breath—always a dead giveaway. Finally, a spectral figure appeared in the center of the room. However, to my surprise, it was the ghost who seemed more frightened.

"Oh no," the ghost exclaimed.

"Hello, Kyle," I replied.

"You two know each other?" the gentleman asked, puzzled.

"Johnny, this is Jasper Ford."

"Oh no."

"Please, Mr. Ford," Kyle implored, "we'll stop."

"We didn't realize you were in town," the other ghost admitted.

I inferred that he was also a ghost, which explained his reluctance to shake hands. Most spirits can interact with their environment, but contact with a living person is a clear indication of their nature.

"Guys, this can't continue. It's drawing too much attention. You're fortunate I stumbled upon the rumors."

"We're sorry, but a friend of ours is in the hospital and needs financial help."

"So your solution was to scare people for a living?"

"What else can we do? Drive for Uber? We doubt we'd make the cut," Kyle responded.

"Just don't get rid of us," the other ghost pleaded.

I paused, contemplating my options. I had a gemstone in my pocket that could trap them both.

"Please, please..." he kept repeating.

Suddenly, the ghost moved closer to me.

"Johnny, don't!" Kyle shouted.

A chill enveloped me, then vanished.

"Ow!" he exclaimed.

"Did you really think he wouldn’t be warded?" Kyle asked.

I revealed an iron coin hanging from my neck. "Try that again, and I will confine you both for good."

"He's sorry. He’s just anxious."

"I could tell. He gets one last chance. You both need to cease this behavior. Terrifying people is driving them to the news and online discussions."

"What about our friend?"

"I have an idea."

Chapter 2: A New Beginning

About a month later, I returned to town. The house was still standing, but now there was a long queue outside. A sign read, "Michigan's Most Haunted House."

I spotted Kyle as I walked past; he waved at me. Since my last visit, several other spirits had joined them. They divided the earnings equally and provided financial support to their living relatives.

I had connected them with a lawyer I trusted to maintain confidentiality. She managed their affairs.

Feeling satisfied, I continued on my way.