Order

"Hank?" Letea whispered, holding the pen (ready to make a checkmark). "Hank, please?" She heard a sound like a throat clearing somewhere near the ceiling. "Thank you. Esma Rae Donn?" Letea continued. "Ms. Donn, please?" Something fell in the kitchen. "Thank you, and please don't make a mess today - two people have called out," she said softly. "Shadow on the Stairs, please?" Nothing. "Shadow on the Stairs?" Letea repeated again. "If you do not reply when I ask a third time, I'll turn all of the stairwell lights on all day. Shadow on the Stairs?" She heard a creaking step or two and smiled. "Thank you." Taking a sip of her coffee, Letea moved to the last two ghosts on the list. She wanted everyone present and accounted for - none of this lurking surprise business. Letea had NOT become a librarian so that she could tolerate MORE disorder in the world.