Professor Gunderson clapped his hands and surveyed his group of volunteers. They were all students who’d answered an advert on the university website.
The clapping sound bounced off cathedral pillars and made everyone jump, including the professor. Outside, the setting sun winked through the vast rose window over the transept.
Professor Gunderson cleared his throat. ‘Thank you all for taking part in this experiment. In a moment, I’ll assign you to your allotted vault in pairs…’
He paused as a woman’s hand crept up, and was surprised to be interrupted so early in his introduction.
‘I thought each vault would have just one volunteer,’ said the dark-haired woman, frowning. ‘Did I get that wrong?’
‘I’m afraid you must have,’ the professor replied mildly. ‘I always pair up my volunteers so an experience can be verified.’
He smiled at her before moving swiftly on. ‘So, a quick recap…’ He described the occasional noises that had been heard emanating from the crypt’s vaults over the years.
‘It could be a simple matter of acoustics, with work being carried out in one part of the cathedral producing a sound effect elsewhere,’ Professor Gunderson said cheerfully. ‘For instance, footsteps in the organ loft can sometimes sound here in the nave, as if they’re coming from below rather than overhead. According to eyewitnesses – or rather ear witnesses – the sounds in the crypt are mostly footsteps, as if someone is moving about down there. This has always intrigued folk, as the crypt is closed to all but cathedral staff, who are aware of any of their number being in a vault at any given time.’
‘She was rumoured to be a witch’
He paused to look at them expectantly. ‘On that note, I’ll escort you downstairs. Please leave bags and mobile phones up here. I’m not going to give you any fancy equipment. I simply want you to stay in your vault for an hour, standing as still as possible for that time, then return and share any experiences.’
‘Bit low-tech,’ murmured Liz, the woman with dark hair.
Overhearing her latest comment, the professor smiled. ‘The purpose of tonight’s study is to find a possible scientific explanation for the phenomenon I’ve outlined. Now, if you’ll all follow me…’
In Vault Number Five, Liz nodded stiffly at her partner, a bloke in jeans, and waited for the professor to leave.
‘I’m Liz.’
‘Chris.’
They shook hands.
‘Sure you don’t mind
