It was Ninety-seven degrees and sunny.
My husband decided to sign us up for the Haunted desert tour while we were here in Arizona for our Grandson’s graduation.
I knew this was a mistake. There was no doubt in my mind he thought it said dessert tour.
We climbed onto the Aged Lime Green Greyhound bus. The side of it read “Who you gonna call?” next to the picture of a goblin.
I probably wasn’t going to be able to call anyone. Looking across the nearly bare land, I figured service would be spotty.
The beads of sweat running down the driver’s face was another hint a mishap was brewing.
“We can turn back.” I told Carl. He waved the map of scary stops at me and told me this would be fun.
If those aren’t some famous last words.
The engine misfired as we pulled off.
The ride was entertaining and informative until we hit the Antelope Canyon.
“To your left is Saint Martha’s Cathedral.”
My husband’s smile became insulting.
“Calm that down a bit, Carl. He ain’t talking about Martha White. There’s no muffins in there.” I laughed.
The guide continued – “Haunted by a Priest who had fallen in love with an orphan by the name of Faith. After luring her to the Ringing loft, He pushed her to a violent death and then hung himself from the steeple. His sin was too great a burden to bear.”
Silence fell over the bus and then it sputtered once more, coming to a halt. Smoke from the exhaust filled the air.
“Well, finish the story.” I said trying to make light of the situation.
“Supposedly, the deceased Priest was able to free himself from the rope that held him. Legend has it, a ghostly figure burned down the place and is said to still roam the desert looking for “his faith.”
A passenger yelled out from behind me. I turned to see a man in a clergy shirt. His face pale, eyes dark and fresh bruises were around his throat. He cried tears of blood.
“I am he. Have you seen my faith?”
We all screamed in horror as we ran from the bus. I’ve never seen Carl move so fast.
The driver started the raggedy ride back up, laughing hysterically.
“It’s all part of the tour folks. Let’s keep this party rolling!”
Leesa Writes 