The Haunting of Montreal's Metro

Historical Fiction

© Glen Munro

© 2025 Glen Munro. "The Haunting of Montreal's Metro." Published by The Media Glen. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior written permission from the author or publisher.

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Prologue

In the cosmopolitan heart of Montreal, where the cobbled streets sing tales of old, a shadow has begun to stretch its fingers, reaching into the very veins of the city, its Metro system. Whispers of phantoms and eerie occurrences have grown louder, refusing to remain mere urban legends exchanged in peaceful gatherings.

Answering this enigmatic call is "Paige Investigations" from Seattle, Washington—a formidable team with a reputation for tackling the inexplicable and shedding light on the obscure. Guided by Mike's steadfast leadership and bolstered by Alyssa's tech genius, Link's unique artistry, and Scarlet's uncanny intuition, this team represents a beacon of hope amidst the enveloping darkness.

When spectral apparitions threaten to disrupt the rhythm of Montreal's pulse and unexplained anomalies become too conspicuous to ignore, who better to turn to than a team that thrives on piecing together the mysterious? As "Paige Investigations" delves deep into the Metro's enigmatic heart, the team quickly realizes they're navigating a maze where every corner might alter their understanding of reality.

Prepare yourself. As "Paige Investigations" embarks on this electrifying journey into Montreal's Metro, you'll be drawn into a narrative that is as mesmerizing as it is chilling. Welcome to a tale where the boundary between reality and the supernatural is tantalizingly thin.

Into The Depths

Montreal's profound, subterranean secret lies in its vibrant streets, set apart from radiant sunlight and bustling cafes. The Metro, an underground wonder, has been the city's lifeblood for ages, its arteries pulsating with trains ferrying hopeful souls and weary travellers. But recently, foreboding darkness has cast a shadow over its steel tracks and mosaic stations.

Initially, the tales were brushed aside as mere late-night fancies. Solitary travellers described ghostly figures, faint melancholic murmurs in the corridors, and abrupt cold drafts in otherwise motionless tunnels. But as these stories multiplied, an unsettling tension enveloped the city. There were even murmurs from weary late-shift workers, who believed they spotted shadows, not entirely human, flitting just out of sight.

At first, officials were dismissive. "Merely illusions of an overworked mind," they declared. However, when video recordings began to display vague entities and when steadfast station masters with decades of experience suddenly sought different posts, the issue's gravity was undeniable.

Mayor Luc Beauchamp, a respected individual deeply connected to the city, felt the strain of its legacy. Each whispered anecdote, every muted commuter chat, weighed on him. The Metro was more than a transport system; it was Montreal’s heartbeat, and now that pulse was threatened by an unexplained dread.

Mayor Beauchamp chanced upon an article about the Paige Investigators in his quest for solutions. The feature celebrated their remarkable success rate, emphasizing the familial bond that seemed to augment their abilities. Alyssa, the mother, whose youthful looks were deceptive, possessed a keen perception that overlooked nothing. Tall and tech-oriented, Link complimented her, while Scarlet, radiating otherworldly allure, appeared to have an almost prophetic intuition.

But Alyssa's subsequent revelation truly caught Beauchamp's attention. "Mayor," she murmured, a hint of intrigue in her tone, "this situation necessitates Mike's expertise."

"Mike?" Beauchamp repeated, puzzled.

"My spouse," Alyssa clarified. "His expertise in the mysterious, the unseen, is unparalleled."

It dawned on Beauchamp. Legends of Mike Paige, Alyssa's life and work partner, were widespread. Stories of his confrontations with the supernatural were shared in both admiration and doubt.

Recognizing the mounting urgency and the formidable reputation of the Paige Investigators, Beauchamp quickly accepted their proposal. The fee was significant, but the decision was straightforward given the Metro's potential decline and the escalating anxiety amongst Montreal's residents.

The meeting concluded, and Mayor Beauchamp gazed out of his office, appreciating the city he cherished. A delicate mist was beginning to cloak Montreal, making its evening illuminations gleam mysteriously. With the Paige family's involvement, he hoped the city would soon be relieved from its underground horrors. As the darkness deepened, Montreal waited, its aura charged with a tense expectancy.

Within the dimly lit confines of the Paige family's study, the shadows cast by wavering candlelight skittered across the walls. The atmosphere was thick with expectancy as they systematically organized their array of specialized instruments, each chosen for one reason: to unravel the mysteries cloaking Montreal's Metro.

Her sharp eyes scanned their tools, and Alyssa reached for the EMF detector. Its’ sleek, calm exterior seemed alive with possibility, signalling its capability to expose disturbances in electromagnetic fields, essential for identifying spectral traces.

Link, displaying methodical precision, examined his infrared camera in a corner. This was no ordinary device but a culmination of countless restless evenings and meticulous adjustments designed to seize ghostly images in the most oppressive darkness. Adjacently, an assortment of audio recorders awaited, eager to capture whispered voices from the great beyond.

Scarlet, exuding ethereal charm, had equipment demanding a softer touch. Her pendulum, shaped like a silver crescent, swayed gently, responsive to energies only she could discern. Alongside, her dowsing rods and a diary, its pages frayed and filled with enigmatic annotations, stood ready to guide them through the unseen.

Mike, ever the protector, had salt and iron fragments with him. Ancient narratives attest to their ability to fend off sinister spirits. Accompanying this was an age-worn leather book filled with rituals that spoke of days long past in case they needed to commune with beings from another era.

Fully prepared, the family commenced their journey. Their chartered plane's hum resonated with promises of adventure. Descending, Montreal's vast landscape stretched out below, a monument to human aspiration and its storied past.

Arriving at Montréal–Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport, the blend of modern dynamism with echoes of history was palpable. Montreal stood proud, a symbol of rich heritage juxtaposed with progressive vision.

Navigating through customs with their unusual ensemble was a spectacle in itself. Officers, both curious and slightly annoyed, meticulously inspected each item. Alyssa exuded grace and explained, "We've come in response to the disturbances in the Metro." One officer, his voice a whisper, cautioned, "Tread carefully in those stations; some shadows linger where they shouldn't."

A dapper chauffeur greeted them as they exited the airport, holding a sign: "Paige Investigators." They were swiftly driven to Hôtel des Belles Lumières, the epitome of grandeur and allure. Its gothic design, paired with exquisite stonework, stood tall and proud—a contemporary haven echoing stories from epochs gone by.

In their lavish penthouse suite, a world of splendour unfolded. Enormous windows showcased Montreal in its nocturnal splendour. The group paused, allowing the magnitude of their mission to resonate before readying themselves for the enigma that was the haunted Metro.

In the heart of the grand Hôtel des Belles Lumières penthouse, expansive windows presented an enchanting panorama. With its amalgamation of historic allure and modern wonders, Montreal shimmered under a sky transitioning from daylight to twilight.

Beyond, the majestic St. Lawrence River flowed, its’ depths shimmering in the sun's fading glow, concealing its ancient mysteries. Its vast presence provided a calming counterpoint to the bustling cityscape.

Absorbed by the scene, Alyssa remarked, “There’s a unique charm to this place—a harmonious blend of past and present. It's clear why Montreal is Quebec's crown jewel.”

Standing beside her, Mike mused, "It truly is a work of art—a testament to the enduring spirit of its inhabitants. “ However, he pondered, "every vibrant city has its darker corners."

Engrossed in his equipment, Link looked up, the city's luminescence reflected in his gaze. “It's fascinating how structures from bygone eras can coexist with modern skyscrapers. Yet, beneath this dazzling expanse, lies a Metro paralyzed by dread.”

Awe evident in her youthful eyes, Scarlet pondered, “There’s a poignant beauty to it all. This city, renowned for its tales of heroism, romance, and aspirations, now echoes with accounts of ghostly apparitions. What could have stirred these restless spirits?”

Alyssa reflected, “Every city hides dormant tales, waiting for the right catalyst to emerge. Perhaps Montreal's Metro is that conduit. Our role is to heed, comprehend, and offer some form of closure.”

Mike added, “We must remember this city’s resilience as we seek answers. Mere spectres will not subdue Montreal. It has confronted greater adversities and thrived.”

A Metro Mystery Unfolds

The morning sun gently kissed Montreal's cobblestone streets, casting long shadows that slowly retreated as the day brightened. Despite the calm beginning, there was an undercurrent of urgency, a silent buzz that suggested the city was holding its breath, waiting for the night to bring its spectral dance again.

With determination evident in every step, Alyssa and Mike Paige made their way to the city's precinct, where they were to meet with Chief Inspector Claude Moreau. The police station, a stoic structure of grey stone and darkened windows, stood in stark contrast to the morning light, a silent testament to the many secrets it housed.

Inside, the station's atmosphere was palpably tense. The usual hum of activity – officers discussing cases, phones ringing incessantly, and the distant echo of footsteps – was underscored by unique tension. This spectral enigma gripped not only the city's residents but also its protectors.

Chief Inspector Moreau's office was at the end of a dimly lit corridor. Each step they took on the creaking wooden floor echoed the weight of the situation. As Alyssa reached for the ornate brass door handle, its cold touch sent a chill up her spine, a prelude to the stories they were about to hear.

Inside, the room was a haven of organized chaos. Walls lined with bookshelves burst with records, photos pinned to cork boards showed different metro stations, and stacks of papers littered the large wooden desk, each more ominous than the last. Behind the desk sat Chief Inspector Moreau, a broad-shouldered man with piercing blue eyes who had seen too much but missed little.

"Mrs. Paige, Mr. Paige," Moreau greeted, standing up. His voice had a gravelly undertone, seasoned by decades of police work. “Thank you for coming on such short notice.”

Mike nodded, his eyes scanning the room, drinking in every detail. “Inspector, the gravity of the situation is evident. We're here to help in any way we can."

Alyssa added, "We need to understand the depth of these sightings—the specifics, Inspector, times, places, and dates."

Moreau pulled a hefty folder from one of the stacks; its edges were worn from frequent consultation. "This is what we've gathered so far."

He began detailing the reports:

"April 6th, Berri-UQAM station. 2:37 am. A janitor named Louis Perrault reported seeing a translucent figure at the end of the platform. He described it as a woman in a dated dress, her eyes hollow. As he approached, she vanished."

"April 15th, Place-d'Armes. Close to midnight. A couple, the Martins, reported feeling an ice-cold draft in an otherwise sealed tunnel. Accompanied by a melancholy whisper, though no words could be discerned."

"April 22nd, Bonaventure station. 3:10 am. The station's surveillance camera captured a fleeting image of a shadowed figure. No facial features, just a silhouette that was...unnaturally elongated."

"May 1st, Lionel-Groulx. Just after sunset. Several passengers, including Ms. Camille Dubois, described an oppressive atmosphere in one of the carriages. Two claimed to have seen their reflections blink back at them from the window."

As Moreau relayed each account, the room's ambiance grew colder, more oppressive. Alyssa's fingers traced the reports, absorbing every chilling word. Mike, always analytical, jotted down patterns.

The accounts were as varied as they were terrifying. Yet, in each one, there was a consistent undertone of sorrow, an emotional resonance that seemed out of place in the otherwise mechanical setting of the Metro.

Moreau leaned back in his chair, weary eyes reflecting the burden of the unexplained. "I've been in this line of work for decades, but this... this is beyond comprehension."

Alyssa replied, "Sometimes the most perplexing mysteries have the simplest answers. We'll get to the bottom of this, Inspector. But first, we need to experience the Metro for ourselves."

Outside, Montreal was alive with the vibrancy of mid-morning. Birds chirped, cars honked, and life went on. But beneath its daily rhythm, the Metro and its secrets lingered.

The sun had risen higher, casting a warm, golden hue on the streets. Alyssa and Mike returned to their hotel and headed straight for their suite, where Link and Scarlet awaited. The room was spacious, with tall windows permitting abundant daylight, contrasting with the dark wooden furnishings.

The large table at the centre was strewn with Metro blueprints, laminated maps, notebooks, and an assortment of pens and highlighters. With his messy blonde hair and spectacles, Link was already engrossed in sketching while Scarlet, her fiery red hair tied in a tight bun, inspected one of the maps.

"Morning Kickoff, team!" Mike announced, settling down and gesturing for Alyssa to sit beside him.

Laying out the reports from the precinct, Alyssa said, "Based on the accounts from Chief Inspector Moreau, we need a comprehensive understanding of the Metro. This includes stations, tunnels, turns, junctions... the works."

Link adjusted his glasses. "Each Metro line has its unique characteristics. The layouts differ, as might the reported occurrences. It would be wise to split up."

Scarlet indicated the map. "The Metro has four main lines: Green, Orange, Yellow, and Blue. We should each take one."

Mike chose the Green line. "This one's mine. Starts at Angrignon, ends at Honoré-Beaugrand. It intersects downtown and goes deep into some older parts of the city. Many sightings have been reported here, especially near Lionel-Groulx and Berri-UQAM."

"I’ll take the Orange Line," Scarlet decided. "From Côte-Vertu to Montmorency. It's the longest, with key stations like Bonaventure. I’ll make detailed sketches of any peculiarities."

Alyssa selected the Yellow line. "I've got this. It connects Berri-UQAM to Longueuil via Jean-Drapeau. The island stop might be particularly relevant due to its historical significance."

With a smirk, Link added, "That leaves the Blue Line for me. From Snowdon to Saint-Michel. It might be less frequented, but its connections to the Green and Orange lines make it significant."

Mike stressed, "It's not just about the supernatural. We must also map the entire layout, identifying blind spots, less frequented areas, and maintenance zones. Every detail is crucial."

Scarlet suggested, "While on the lines, try different vantage points. A change in perspective can reveal aspects we might initially overlook."

Producing a digital camera, Link said, "Photographs might be helpful too. They can capture details that escape the naked eye."

"Agreed," Alyssa responded. "By evening, we'll regroup, share our findings, and determine our next steps."

Their tasks were straightforward, and the team felt a renewed sense of purpose. They stood not only on the brink of uncovering Montreal's mysteries but also of understanding the city's very veins: its Metro. The day ahead was ripe with the promise of insights, discoveries, and, potentially, further mysteries.

The Metro system's ambient hum resonated as each member began their assignments. They aimed to understand the bizarre incidents and the system's structure and heartbeat.

Mike boarded the train at Angrignon, ensuring his digital camera and notebook were accessible. He took an unassuming seat in the middle of the carriage, sketching a rough station layout on his notepad. Every unique feature was noted, from the distinctive murals on the walls to the width and number of exits.

At 9:07 AM, he captured the half-filled station of Lionel-Groulx. A crowd of about thirty was waiting. Mike noted a peculiar echo in the station, unique from the others.
By 10:34 AM, when Mike reached Berri-UQAM, he encountered a larger crowd. Approximately 100 passengers swirled around, which posed a challenge in capturing all its features, but he managed a panoramic shot to get the station's entirety.

Scarlet started at Côte-Vertu at 9:00 AM sharp. She made her first note about the modern aesthetics compared to the older stations. She swapped carriages at intervals as she travelled, capturing different angles and viewpoints.

By 11:00 AM, she was at Bonaventure, which had a peculiar blend of modernity's hustle and history's echoes. Approximately 80 people milled about. The large station required several photos to capture, especially the underground shops and intricate tile designs.

Starting at Berri-UQAM, Alyssa took the yellow line. At 9:50 AM, she reached Jean-Drapeau. The relatively peaceful station, with around fifteen passengers, allowed her to focus on its architectural significance. The high ceilings and pillars reflected a blend of aesthetics from different eras.

Her journey concluded at Longueuil by 10:20 AM. The station was a bit more crowded, with fifty passengers, but its proximity to the university added to its charm and energy. Alyssa captured high-resolution images, ensuring she photographed even the most miniature mosaics.

Snowdon was Link's starting point. He immediately took out his camera, capturing the early morning light filtering through the station's translucent panels. He then made a mental note of its hexagonal tiles and modern yet minimalist design.

By the time he reached Parc at 10:10 AM, Link had already filled pages with sketches. The station was moderately busy, with about forty passengers. The rustic charm and the mosaic art installation were captivating, prompting Link to spend more time there than initially intended.

Reaching Saint-Michel by noon, Link was exhausted but exhilarated. The station, having around thirty passengers, had an intense urban vibe, with its deep-set tunnels and harsher lighting.

Each member's meticulous documentation ensured they captured the Metro's visual aspects, pulse, and ambiance. Their synchronized watches ensured accurate time-stamping, and they would later synchronize their notes to get a complete, accurate picture.

As the evening approached, the Metro's pulsating rhythm began to slow, making way for the calmness of the night. After completing their respective assignments, the team members retraced their steps, returning along the Metro lines toward their hotel and rendezvous point.

With an exhaustive collection of notes and photographs, Mike boarded the train from Berri-UQAM and headed back towards Angrignon. As he flipped through the pages of his notepad, he replayed the day’s events in his mind, ensuring he hadn't missed anything crucial.

After taking a final photograph of Longueuil, Alyssa waited for the next train to Berri-UQAM. Her journey back was smooth, accompanied by the evening chatter of fellow passengers and the rhythmic clatter of the train on the tracks.

Having spent considerable time at Saint-Michel, Link was eager to return. He boarded the train, lost in the details of his sketches, occasionally glancing at the passing platforms, ensuring he disembarked at the right station.

The twilight had begun to set in when Scarlet boarded the train at Bonaventure. She decided to sit at the front of the lead carriage, curious about the unobstructed view of the tunnel. The dim overhead lights of the carriage cast a soft glow, making the dark tunnel appear even more mysterious.

As the train raced from one station to the next, the rhythmic hum and fleeting lights became almost hypnotic. However, halfway between Beaudry and Papineau, Scarlet's trance was shattered. Just up ahead, illuminated momentarily by the train's headlight, was a figure standing firm on the tracks.

It was an apparition, neither fully there nor absent. The form was humanoid, but its features were distorted, with elongated arms hanging limply by its side. Its face, or what should have been its face, was a swirling mass of shadows, save for two glowing eyes that seemed to pierce through the darkness, fixing Scarlet with a penetrating gaze.

The train's horn blared, echoing hauntingly throughout the tunnel. Scarlet could sense the palpable fear in the driver, who must've also caught sight of the entity. The train slowed down quickly, the screech of metal against metal echoing deafeningly. The apparition, however, remained unmoved. As the train came to a grinding halt mere metres from the figure, it dissolved into the darkness, like smoke carried away by a gust of wind.

The carriage was filled with a chilling silence, punctuated by passengers’ alarmed whispers. After a moment that felt like an eternity, the driver, his voice shaking, came on the intercom. "Apologies for the sudden stop," he said. We... ah... thought there was an obstruction on the track. We will be moving shortly."

She could tell, however, that the driver knew, too. Scarlet spent the rest of her journey back, lost in thought, trying to make sense of the terrifying encounter.

As each team member reached their rendezvous point, the day's exhaustion was evident on their faces. However, Scarlet's expression bore an additional weight: the weight of a haunting secret she was yet to share.

Once all team members convened in the privacy of their luxurious three-bedroom penthouse suite at the motel, the air grew tense with anticipation. The dim ambient lighting lent the spacious room an intimate atmosphere. Mike, the group’s de facto leader, was the first to break the silence. "Let's discuss what we found."

However, Scarlet, still visibly shaken, interrupted, "Before we delve into our notes, there's something I have to share." Taking a deep breath, she recounted her chilling encounter with the apparition. Her detailed description sent shivers down the spines of her colleagues. The gravity of her account weighed heavily in the room, casting a shadow over the other findings.

Shaking off the unease, Mike shared his meticulous notes. He documented anomalies in the construction between stations, with specific points in the tracks causing erratic electromagnetic disturbances. At L'Assomption, he captured a haunting audio of distant, incoherent whispers, even though the station was relatively empty.

Alyssa presented a series of high-resolution images. One that stood out captured a scene at Jean-Drapeau. A shadowy figure lurked in the periphery, strikingly resembling what Scarlet described, albeit less defined. Alyssa also noted a peculiar temperature drop between Berri-UQAM and Jean-Drapeau, which wasn't attributable to mechanical or environmental factors.

From Link's sketches, the designs of different stations exhibited noticeable irregularities. When viewed from a certain angle at D'Iberville, the mosaic patterns seemed to portray a shadowy figure eerily reminiscent of Scarlet's apparition. Furthermore, at Snowdon, a group of passengers reported feeling a cold draft and a sensation of being watched simultaneously.

The team matched their findings with the earlier police reports, and a pattern emerged.

Several police reports over the past month mentioned sightings of an unidentified figure on CCTV footage across multiple Metro stations, consistently appearing between 8:50 PM and 9:10 PM but vanishing before officials could intervene. Even more disconcerting was that each sighting correlated with malfunctions in the Metro systems—temporary power outages, signal disruptions, and inexplicable train delays.

Most perturbing was an incident at the Saint-Laurent station where a train driver noted a near miss with "a shadowy figure" that vanished as abruptly as it had appeared. Once again, this narrative closely mirrored Scarlet's experience.

The parallels were undeniable. The Metro, emblematic of Montreal's vibrant urban life, seemed now to be the domain of an ethereal presence. The team recognized they were more than just confronting infrastructural or mechanical irregularities. This investigation was venturing into territories they hadn't foreseen. As the night deepened, they resolved that their next move would involve a collaborative effort to probe these mysterious happenings, delving into Montreal's haunting Metro enigmas.

After the weighty revelations, the team realized that the task ahead was far more daunting than they had initially anticipated. Despite the growing unease, there was a palpable determination in the air. They needed a solid game plan.

Mike leaned forward, placing a map of the Metro on the coffee table. "We need to be strategic," he began, "Given these events are happening at roughly the same timeframe, we should split up, but this time, target the stations with the highest reported anomalies."

Alyssa nodded, "I can set up temperature and electromagnetic sensors at Jean-Drapeau. We'll have recorded evidence if there's another drop or disturbance."

Link added, "I'll revisit D'Iberville and Snowdon. If there's a pattern in the mosaics or any other station designs, I want to crack it. Plus, with the reported sensations at Snowdon, it might be worth capturing real-time reactions."

Still reeling from her experience, Scarlet said, "I think I should be at Saint-Laurent. If the entity appears again, I want to be there. Maybe it's trying to communicate, or perhaps there's a reason it's revealing itself. We need to understand."

Mike agreed, "Alright. While you gather data, I'll liaise with the local police to see if we can access the CCTV footage. There might be something they've missed or didn't consider important."

Having charted their paths, the group decided on their mode of communication. "We keep our radios on at all times," Alyssa insisted. "We report anomalies, sightings, or even feelings immediately."

"Let's meet here again at 6 AM for a daily kickoff," Mike proposed. We'll synchronize our findings, adjust our strategy if necessary, and proceed."

As the night grew more profound, the team gradually disbanded. Each member retreated to their respective rooms, the day's discoveries weighing on their minds. Despite the uncertainty and fear, there was a glimmer of hope. They were onto something, and together, they were determined to unravel the mystery plaguing Montreal's Metro.

As dawn approached, the luxurious penthouse suite was filled with a sense of purpose. The day ahead was promising, and the team was ready.