GHOST OF A CHANCE, a paranormal short story by Caridad Pineiro

Chapter 1
    Tracy Gomez had heard her share of contest prizes that were too good to be true, but it was hard to ignore this one.
    From the personal delivery of the invitation via bonded courier to the name of the very reputable New York law firm on the return address, everything about this contest seemed genuine:  A one million dollar prize to anyone who could solve the mystery of the Ryan deaths which had occurred nearly eighty years earlier.  An infamous case involving a politician, his actress wife, and newborn daughter.  It was a winner take all challenge set to take place at the former Ryan mansion, now a historic site in Sea Girt, New Jersey.
    As a local true crime writer, Tracy had some familiarity with the basics of the case.  Francis “Skippy” Ryan had been an up-and-coming State Senator.  His wife, Anna Dolan, had made a name for herself in an assortment of small roles on Broadway and attracted the eye of the handsome Senator.
    Romance ensued and soon the two were an item, making the rounds of the nightclubs and local hangouts.  Surprising everyone with their unlikely marriage and the child that followed barely nine months after.  Although tongues were wagging about the precipitous birth, the marriage itself seemed blissful.
    Until one morning when Skippy Ryan had been found hanging from the parlor room chandelier in his mansion.  His wife and daughter were nowhere to be found and judging from the blood and trashed state of the room, it was assumed Skippy had done them in and disposed of his wife and child in the waters near the oceanfront mansion.  Their bodies had never been recovered and with no other motive available, it had led to the commonly held belief that it had been a simple case of murder-suicide.  It had also spawned a host of legends about the former Ryan mansion being haunted.
    But clearly someone thought otherwise given the prize, Tracy thought as she turned the expensive invitation over and over again, debating the merits of participating in the competition.
    As she stood there, wondering who else had gotten an invite, an icy draft shivered along the floor, creating a reciprocal shudder in her body.
    Reason one to participate:  Money to fix the run down inn she had inherited from her grandmother.  It had been in the family for nearly four generations and Tracy didn’t want to sell it, but repairing and maintaining the building required major bucks.
    Reason number two:  A boost to her flagging writing career.  The numbers on her last book had been middling hence the lack of bucks to fix the inn.  If she were able to solve the mystery and win the contest, it would help drive sales for a new book.
    If she could win, which made Tracy wonder again who else would be participating?
    Dialing her cell phone, she called the Manhattan lawyer who had sent her the invitation.  His assistant answered, but as soon as she identified herself, Tracy was transferred to the attorney.
    “Peter Angelo,” he said when he picked up, his voice a deep sonorous baritone that rumbled across the phone line and made her imagine what he looked like.
    “Mr. Angelo, this is Tracy Gomez.  I’m calling about—“
    “The invitation.  I hope this means that you’re accepting.”
    She tamped down the flare of irritation at his interruption.  “Actually, I had a few questions.  I hope you have the time to answer.”
    “Of course, Ms. Gomez. I apologize for being presumptuous.  It’s just that I hoped you’d be onboard.”
    His apology mollified her somewhat, but made her question why her attendance mattered.  “I appreciate the vote of confidence, Mr. Angelo.”
    “Peter, please.  Your reputation precedes you.  That book you did on the Sylvester serial killer case was quite well-done.”
    And had been her biggest bestseller, Tracy thought.  “May I ask who else has been invited?”
    “I’m not at liberty to say.  In fact, anyone who participates will be asked to sign a confidentiality