Disclaimer is in part one

The Third Ghost

The Phantom approached slowly, slilently, and gravely. This ghost was surrounded by darkness, gloom and had an air of mystery about it. Its form, as was stated earlier, was cloaked in black, and the folds hid its identity from our Miss Parker. This form put fear in her heart.

"You must be the ghost of Christmas yet to Come," said Miss Parker, softly.

The Spirit didn't answer, but continued to point a bony finger.

"What are you going to show me, Spirit? Things that have not occurred but can," Parker asked, her voice barely audible.

The Phantom nodded again, at her question, as she stood trembling.

"The future is something I fear more then what the others have shown me. The others were familiar to me, are you? Will you not reveal yourself, Spirit?"

The Phantom continued to point and began glided away from Miss Parker, who had no choice but to follow.

They were in a hallway when the hooded figure inclined its head toward the small window that was centered in the middle of the door. Parker caught a glimpse of Sydney and Broots looking down at a table. The smaller man was visible shaken, so much so that he had to leave the room. It was when he moved away from the table that Parker caught sight of what had triggered his upset. A small prone figure lay on a cold hard metal table. Debbie.

"Spirit, tell that she's alright."

The Spirit shook its head and Parker reached out for the cowled figure, anger blazing in her eyes.

"No!" she shouted, "How? Why?"

They were in front of a black iron-wrought gate, that swung open with no help from anyone. Miss Parker stared into the blackness and swirling mist, pausing momentarily before she entered.

The cemetary.

"Why did you bring me here, Spirit?" Miss Parker looked at the black cloaked figure. The mist parted and there before her were headstones engraved with the Centre's causalties. . .her mother, Faith, Kyle, and Thomas. In the distance, were two freshly dug graves. Side by side. Standing in front of the headstones was a lone figure. The black leather jacket betraying the lone figure's identity.

"I tried, Miss Parker," he whispered as he placed a dozen yellow roses between the two graves," You wouldn't listen to me. I told you not to trust Lyle, but rest now and know that he won't hurt anyone, anymore. I made sure of it."

"Spirit, tell me that I may change the things that you've shown me?" the ghost pointed to the graves, immoveable. Miss Parker walked forward, tentatively, trembling as she went: and, following the finger, read the names on the headstones, DEBBIE BROOTS and MICHAELA PARKER.

"No, Spirit! No, no, no!"

"Who are you to show me these things, that terrify me so, Spirit?" she cried, reaching out to clutch the robe. She reached for the spectral hand. It sought to free itself, but Parker was stronger and detained it. The cowl fell away and Miss Parker found herself staring at: Catherine Parker.

"Momma!" she cried, pulling her hands away, as she collapsed to her knees. She awoke to find herself in her own bed, her own room. She had been crying and her face was wet with tears.

Part 5