Herr and Frau Kaplan (1)
Mark Kaplan was in his early fifties. During his long career, he had achieved enough to provide for generations of his family, but he loved his job too much to retire.
That was, at the same time, his most admirable trait and the source of his problems. He also loved his family, maybe more than the job. But he didn't want to renounce either.
During the short wait in the company, Vera couldn't collect more information than that. However, it could be enough. She had a theory already, but she needed to confirm it with the inhabitants of the haunted house before expressing her thoughts.
She had just heard a few details, and Sara would have used her ideas to look great if Vera said anything beforehand. Not that she cared about her merits being stolen - if not for the slight chance of her promised vacation being postponed - but she couldn't risk being wrong.
Herr Kaplan met them a few minutes after their arrival, so she put her phone away and checked, one last time, whether she looked professional. She didn't like missions that involved being in contact with people, but she had learned how to handle them.
With some of her partners, first of all Ethan, she had a tacit understanding. They would talk, and she would solve the case. However, with some other partners, that was not an option.
«Welcome,» Herr Kaplan said in German. «I'm glad the agency agreed to help us.»
«It's our duty,» Vera replied. «But it's surprising how you know about it... Our line of work is, let's say, confidential. Not many have heard about it.»
For the second time, Sara hadn't had the chance to start the conversation. Moreover, in front of a big shot like Herr Kaplan. She knew German as well, she had studied it at the agency. Why shouldn't she make use of it?
She stood there like frozen, waiting for any idea to form in her mind. However, Vera already knew what to say and when. It was unfair! They were supposed to solve the case as a team!
«A friend of mine advised me. I haven't known anything about an agency for supernatural events... When I did, I remembered my old summer house.»
«You haven't sold it,» Vera said. «Why so?»
«It's the house of my maternal grandfather. He wasn't very rich, you know?» he explained. «It's one of the few things he left me, and I cherish it. I wanted to renew the house without demolishing the original building and transform it into a summer villa. But things didn't work out.»
«I see. When did it happen? What were the first supernatural events or suspicious occurrences?»
«I'm not sure, but we visited four years ago. After we realised it wasn't one of the kids playing a prank, we packed our things and ran back to Vienna. We've never returned since then.»
«Four years? And have you done anything meanwhile? Has anyone got in during this period?»
«We called ghostbusters, but they couldn't find anything. They said there was no ghost. Another company said they cleared it out, but it was some kind of swindle... It's not easy to find people who'll take you seriously. But we're pretty sure there is something in that house.»
«I see. So, no ghosts? I also think it's not the soul of a deceased. They can move objects, visit your dreams, or change the temperature in a small area. But they can't scratch people... And they're actually silent. Most people can't hear what ghosts have to say.»
«Then, what is it?»
«I need more information to find out. Also, it's better if we visit the house together. Can I talk with the other members of your family who visited the house?»
«My wife and my children. Sure, I'll call them over. But, can we solve it?»
«I believe we can. Just, don't expect me to exorcise the place. Not every spirit can be expelled. But there is always a way to cohabit with them.»
«Co-cohabit?»
«Your house is ancient, Herr Kaplan. Whatever is causing you trouble has been there longer than you. It won't be easy to convince it to just leave. Also, it might be tied to the house itself, so the only option would be cohabitation.»
«C-cohabitation?»
He raised his brow.
«I'm not sure I want that.»
«We first need to find out the truth,» Vera sighed. «I just wanted to warn you about the possibilities. But, if it's in our power, we will free you from the issue.»
«Since I have paid the fee for your services, I expect you to do something,» he said after a few moments of pondering. He had been tricked once already. A department of Europol sounded trustworthy, but one never knows.
«We will do everything in our power. I'd just like to inform you that we're not invincible. There are things impossible even for the agency. But, if there is any chance, we will take the bet. We don't work with ghosts... It's not that simple. We interact with various and more dangerous creatures, sometimes as powerful as to be unbeatable.»
«Is that so? Isn't there always something we can do?»
«Sometimes, we can just pray for the better. It's difficult for a human being to accept it, but we are not those ruling our world. We do not decide the laws of nature. And we have very little power over darkness.»
Mark Kaplan sighed, coming to terms with his expectations.
«I'll call my wife to warn her. She will meet you at the residence...»
«Can I talk with the children... Or teenagers, already?» Vera added.
«Sure. They must be home today. But don't say anything upsetting to them, please. They are young and might not remember what happened back then.»
«I will be careful,» was the reply.
In the end, Marc Kaplan did love his family. He was attached to his grandparents' property. And he worried for his kids.