"It was once, yes. Strange happenings began some years back. Little...oddities here and there, strange noises at night, a fog that lasted for three weeks." And more disturbing things that Degas won't mention in polite company either. "Easy enough to overlook, you see. Some decided to take their leave of the isle, but after a time that became impossible."

Other things have become impossible, too. Staying dead, for instance. But what sort of warm welcome would sharing that news be? His brow furrows briefly before he continues.

"Mr. Tolliver, then. A business man, you say? Well no doubt you are very welcome indeed, downtown could use a breath of fresh air as far as industry goes. It's been just as long since a new business has opened its doors at all."