Morning roll call was a blessing and a godsend. Being the boss, Police Chief Hunsinger could delegate any unpleasant task he wanted. Three bleary-eyed faces yawned as he handed out their assignments for the day. Face number four was out with the flu. In this sleepy little precinct the routine remained the same. Except for the burglaries, a few wayward dogs and a shoplifter now and again, nothing much happened in Utica so they weren't prepared to pay close attention to the Chief's morning discourse. "You, and you..." the Chief said, pointing to Officer Stokes and Officer Brimley, "pair up and investigate the disturbances at the Starnes' farm." Instant alertness chased away the bleary eyes of the moment before. Without thinking Ed Stokes blurted, "But Chief, that place is haunted!" Every man in the room duly avoided the Starnes' farm but until now, no one had dared to admit it. Chief Hunsinger raised an eyebrow. Ed Stokes blushed and stammered while Brimley studied his fingernails with avid fascination.
