They watched the glass move to the left once again.
“Then what do you want?” Sophie asked, knowing she would not get an answer in such a way that she and the others would understand. She needed questions that could yield concrete yes and no answers. There was no in-between.
“I want us to join hands, so lay your right hand over the left hand of the person seated next to you. This is called forming a chain. The spiritual energy of each of us, combined, should produce a higher level of energy.” She hoped the combined force of the energy generated was powerful enough to evoke another response. Once they’d formed the chain, Sophie began to pray.
“St. Michael the Archangel, we ask you to guide this spirit away from its earthly bonds so that he or she may find the light, and in finding the light, may have eternal peace.”
A few minutes passed, and when nothing happened, Sophie tried again. “Are you willing to accept my help? Please move the glass to the right if your answer is yes and to the left if your answer is no.” Sophie didn’t have too many more tricks left in her bag. Either the spirit of Theodore Dabney would make its wishes known, if it was the spirit of Theodore Dabney—and she was positive that it was—or it wouldn’t. He needed to give her some kind of clue, anything that would give him that final push to cross over.
Slowly the glass moved to the left.
Defeated, Sophie spoke in her normal voice. “This son of a bitch is playing with us! Mavis, get the lights.”
Mavis hurried across the room and switched on the lights. “That’s better.”
“What’s wrong, Soph?” Toots asked, her voice laced with concern. “This isn’t like you.”
Bernice and Robert stood up at the same time. “We’re out of here. This is bull.” Robert’s lack of belief was justified. He took Bernice’s hand, and together they made their exit.
Sophie shook her head. “I don’t know why I’m having such a difficult time with this spirit, but what I do know is that I am not going to let it bully me, or frighten Ida any more than it has already. Are you good, Ida? Can you stand on your own?”
All eyes focused on Ida. “Of course I’m good, and yes, I can stand on my own. I’m not that old.”
This was the Ida they all loved and sometimes hated.
“I’ll go make a pot of coffee. Phil, want to help me?” Toots asked.
“I thought you’d never ask. Sophie, let’s call it a night,” Phil said.
Wade hadn’t said the first word until coffee was mentioned. “I could use a cup, maybe with a splash of whiskey added to it.”
“I’ll join you in a minute. I just want to clean up in here.” Mavis made sure the wicks were completely snuffed out, then she took the rocks glass and placed it on the hutch.
“I just don’t get it. When we were in California, you could whip up a ghost on command, and now this. Any ideas?” Toots asked Sophie.
“None. But maybe . . . no, forget it,” Sophie said.
Goebel had not uttered a word during the séance until now. “I probably don’t want to know what’s going on in that beautiful head of yours, but you’re going to tell me anyway, right?”
Sophie nodded.
“Forget what? I hate it when you do that.” Toots stood up and stretched. It was way past their bedtime, but sleep would come later.
“It’s something Ted Dabney said at dinner tonight. I don’t know if it’s worth pursuing or not.”
“If it will help me, then I agree with Toots. I want to know what it is,” Ida declared. “I can’t live like this.”
“I found a silver baby bracelet in a trunk stored in the attic. I cleaned it enough to read the inscription. It had a name and a date. Margaret Florence Dabney, 1923. I showed this to Ted, and he said it belonged to his Aunt Maggie.” Sophie paused. “She’s living in an assisted-living facility in Charlotte. And she’s blind.”
“I get it now,” Goebel said.
“And?” Toots coaxed.
“I’m thinking.”
“Spit it out, Sophie. We don’t have all night.” Toots had had enough of the netherworld for one night.
“I think we need to make a trip to Charlotte, as soon as possible. Toots, do you still have that private jet on standby?”
“Of course. Do you want me to call Joe? He’s used to being called out in the middle of the night. All those celebrities he flies around the world. It’s your call. Yay or nay,” Toots said, a new surge of excitement building in her. She needed to get out of Dodge. A trip to Charlotte was the perfect opportunity. Since they’d returned to Charleston, Toots hadn’t been out of the state. Though she hated the thought of leaving Amy and Jonathan behind, she wouldn’t be gone long enough for them to miss her. “Well?”
“Yes, make the call. I’m dying for a cigarette. I have to go smoke now; I can’t wait another minute,” Sophie said. “Mavis, thanks for taking care of all of this.” She gestured toward the table. “The candles and all.”
“I’m more than happy to help out. I miss the four of us. We haven’t been alone in quite a while.”
“Then let’s go to Charlotte. Just the four of us,” Sophie suggested. “It’s not like we can’t just pick up and leave. We’re big girls.” For a minute, Sophie forgot Goebel was still in the room with them. She turned to him. “You wouldn’t mind if I go to Charlotte?”
“If you’re sure, then go ahead. Someone needs to get that disaster in the kitchen taken care of.”
Mavis said, “I think that’s a wonderful idea! Wade can run the funeral parlor without me. Of course, he doesn’t do the makeup like I do, but no one really cares when it comes right down to the nitty-gritty. As Toots always says, ‘dead is dead. ’ ”
“I don’t recall ever saying that.”
“Maybe it was Sophie. It doesn’t matter. Let’s go tell the guys,” Mavis said.
“Sounds like a plan,” Sophie announced. “I need a cigarette, big-time. Goebel, are you sure you’re okay with me leaving you behind?” She’d never spent a night away from him since they’d married.
“I’m okay with it, Soph. Do whatever you need to do. Ida is counting on you.” He placed a hand on her waist and gently guided her out of the room.
With Ida between them, Toots and Mavis followed close behind.
Chapter Nine
At precisely 9:42 A.M. the Citation X touched down at Charlotte Douglas International Airport.
Toots hired a limousine to drive them to Pine Shadows, the assisted-living facility where Margaret Florence Dabney awaited them. Once they’d made the decision to travel to Charlotte, Goebel contacted Ted Dabney, who then contacted the administrator at Pine Shadows and made arrangements for them to visit his aunt.
The drive from the airport to Pine Shadows took forty-five minutes, during which Sophie reviewed the list of questions she’d prepared on the short flight. Toots occupied herself by sending text messages to Abby and Chris. Mavis was content to view the passing scenery. Ida dozed, off and on.
As soon as they arrived at the facility, Ida perked up. She took a mirror from her purse and reapplied her lipstick, a soft pink from Seasons. “I do wish I’d had more sleep. These circles under my eyes are terrible. Do any of you have a tube of concealer?”
“I barely had time to shower and change,” Toots said, rummaging through her purse. “Try this.” She handed Ida a tube of Maybelline concealer.
Ida acted as though she’d been burned when she saw the brand. “Really, Toots.”
“I’m not particularly fond of Seasons’ concealers. They’re too thick.”
“I’ll make a note for my chemists,” Ida offered dryly.
Gone was the pathetic woman possessed by an evil entity. Ida had perked up as soon as she’d received a phone call from Daniel right before they left Charleston. As usual, a man made all the difference in her life.
The limousine pulled into the circular drive and stopped. Toots was paying the driver big bucks to wait for them. No one knew how long they would be.
“Let’
s get this show on the road,” Toots cajoled. “I feel good about this, Sophie. What about you? Anything churning in your gut?”
“Not yet.”
The four entered the reception area, where they were greeted by a young woman who introduced herself as Anna. She wore her dark brown hair pulled back in a low ponytail. Dressed in a dove gray business suit with a pale yellow blouse, she exuded professionalism. Her bright blue eyes were clear, alert. “If you all will follow me, I’ve arranged for Ms. Dabney to speak with you in one of our conference rooms.”
They followed her through a maze of long hallways. Pine Shadows looked more like a luxury hotel than a retirement center. Thick gold carpet softened their footsteps. Plush chairs with side tables invited all to sit and relax. Vases of fresh flowers were placed at the entrance to each room they passed. Anna stopped when they reached the end of another long hallway.
“Ms. Dabney gets through her days by following a strict routine. It’s about time for her lunch, so I’ve asked the staff to provide you with a meal as well. I hope you enjoy your visit. Now”—Anna held one hand with the other—“let me introduce you.”
Margaret Florence Dabney sat next to a window overlooking the manicured lawn. She turned away from the window as soon as the door opened. “Anna?” she asked in a surprisingly strong voice.
“How are you today, Margaret?” Anna questioned.
“I’m the same as I was yesterday, and the day before that. At my age, very little changes.” Margaret Florence Dabney had a sense of humor. She returned her gaze to the window.
Anna smiled. “Your guests are here. They’re joining you for lunch.”
“Then I feel sorry for them. Please introduce yourselves. I may be blind, but my sense of smell is excellent.”
Sophie wasn’t sure what she expected from Margaret Dabney. Certainly not the lively woman sitting in front of her. “I’m Sophia Blevins.”
“Sit down then. And your friends? Do they have names?”
“Toots, Mavis, and Ida. We’ve been friends since we entered the seventh grade.” Sophie motioned for the three to speak up.
“Ms. Dabney, I’m Teresa Loudenberry. My friends call me Toots.”
Margaret nodded.
“Mavis Hanover. I own a funeral parlor.” Her eyes doubled in size when she realized how silly she must sound. Still, Mavis was proud of her success.
“A noble profession, don’t be ashamed,” said Margaret.
Mavis beamed.
“There is someone else here,” Margaret stated. “She’s wearing a musky perfume.”
“Ida McGullicutty,” she said as she walked toward Margaret, who was sitting by the window in her wheelchair, and took her hand.
“Pleased to meet you, Ida,” Margaret said as she shook her hand. “I’m in this wheelchair because I’ve broken my hip—twice.”
“I’m so sorry,” Ida replied.
“It is what it is,” Margaret said in a voice without an ounce of self-pity.
Anna cleared her throat. “If you all will excuse me, I will let you enjoy your visit. Lunch will be served at one o’clock.”
“Anna is very efficient,” Margaret explained. “Pine Shadows would not survive without her.”
Toots sat down in a soft, butter-yellow chair. Ida and Mavis sat on a matching sofa across from her.
An awkward silence ensued. Margaret Dabney appeared unfazed by their lack of conversation, but Sophie guessed there weren’t a ton of lively conversations that took place here at Pine Shadows. She removed the silver bracelet from her purse and rubbed her thumb against the intricate scrollwork. “Did your great-great-nephew explain why we’re here?”
“Only that one of you lives at Dabney House.”
Sophie thought of the phrase “like pulling teeth” as it applied to Margaret. When someone reached the ripe old age of ninety-four, Sophie supposed, she didn’t have to speak up if she chose not to. “My husband and I bought the house from Toots. She purchased it from Ted several years ago.”
Margaret turned away from the window to face them. Sophie was stunned. Her eyes were completely black, colorless. Thin gray hair barely covered her pale pink skull. Her hands looked dry and parched. Deep blue, purplish veins stood out against her white skin. Mentally vibrant, physically she was fading away. Sophie felt a well of pity gurgle up for this old woman who, according to Ted, had spent her entire life in one institution after another. Suddenly, she was glad they’d made the trip to Charlotte.
“What do you want to know?” Margaret asked.
Okay, Sophie thought, this isn’t going to be hard. She removed her list of questions from her purse. “I wrote these down on the flight over, but I’d rather you tell me your story.”
“Of course. After lunch, we will talk.”
Sophie glanced at her watch. Lunch was ten minutes out. “If that’s what you want.”
Again that phrase “like pulling teeth” flashed through her mind. She walked over to where the others were sitting. “She only speaks in single sentences. We may be here for a while. She wants to eat lunch first.”
Toots raised her brow, grinning. “We’ll do whatever she wants, too.”
Sophie nodded. “I’m in no rush as long as our evil spirit doesn’t decide to take possession of Ida while we’re here.”
“Mavis and I will watch over her while you question old Ms. Dabney. You know, something tells me that if we whisked her out of this place, we could show her the time of her life. Can you imagine being . . . forget it. It’s simply too depressing.”
“Don’t even think about it, Toots. She’s blind and in a wheelchair. And way older than us, and we’re already ancient.” Sophie teased Toots about her age constantly, but they both knew they could easily take ten years off, courtesy of Seasons Miracle Cream.
The door to the conference room opened, followed by a woman pushing a rolling table. “Miss Maggie, I was so happy when Anna told me you had guests for lunch. I asked the kitchen to make your favorites today.”
Margaret smiled, showing teeth that, while yellow and gray, were still hers. “Thank you, Dolly.”
Dolly was a large black woman with a grin as wide as she was. Though she was at least three hundred pounds, she moved like a gazelle. Light on her feet, she ran around the table as fast as anyone half her size. She set out plates and napkins. Silverware, glasses. While she busied herself filling the glasses with iced tea, Sophie’s stomach growled.
“I’m a-hurryin’, ma’am.” Dolly chuckled.
Sophie laughed with her. “I can’t remember when I had my last meal.” And she couldn’t.
“You’ll remember this one, miss, I can promise you that.” Dolly removed the lids from the silver tureens. “You want me to serve now, Miss Margaret?”
“Yes. My guests are hungry.”
Sophie assumed that meant that Margaret had heard her stomach growl. She did have a keen sense of hearing.
Dolly rushed around the conference table, filling each plate. When she finished, she wheeled Margaret to the head of the table. “Y’all can set wherever ya want, okay? We ain’t fancy in here, are we, Miss Margaret?”
“What is that?”
Dolly’s smile was as bright as the sun.
As soon as they were seated, Margaret bowed her head. Sophie, Toots, and Ida lowered their heads, waiting for the blessing. When no one spoke, Sophie piped up. “God is great. God is good, and we thank Him for our food. By His hand we shall be fed, give us, Lord, our daily bread.”
“Lunch is served,” Margaret announced.
Lunch was chunks of white-meat chicken, plump purple grapes, thinly sliced Granny Smith apples, pecans, and crushed pineapple served on freshly baked croissants. Sophie bit into the sandwich, closed her eyes, and chewed greedily. “This is the best chicken salad I’ve ever tasted. Toots, we need to get the recipe for Bernice.”
For the next half hour they forgot about entities, spirits, and demonic possession. When they finished the chicken salad, Dolly returned with dess
ert. Toots and Sophie eyed the blackberry cobbler with their tongues practically hanging out of their mouths. Toots would send Margaret some of Jamie’s pralines.
After they’d stuffed themselves with the cobbler, Dolly brought in a freshly brewed pot of coffee. “That’s just what I need,” Ida declared. She’d had little sleep and too much food.
Dolly and another young woman cleared away the dishes when they finished. “If it’s all right with you, Miss Margaret, I’m goin’ home now.”
“Of course, Dolly. Give your mother my love.”
Sophie looked at Toots, Mavis, and Ida. From the expressions on their faces, it was obvious they, too, wondered just exactly what kind of relationship the two women shared. They didn’t have to guess for long.
“Ted hires my staff from outside. Dolly’s been with me for twenty-six years.”
Apparently, money could buy a private staff in an upscale assisted-living facility.
Sophie looked at her watch again. A few minutes before two. She wanted to hear Margaret’s story before it was naptime.
“Dolly’s a great cook,” Sophie said.
“Yes, and a friend, but I suppose one might think it odd to have a black woman as a friend.”
Four sets of eyes stared at her.
“Why would you think that? We have friends of all different races—black, Hispanic, and Asian.”
“My father came from a long line of people who owned black men as slaves. Even after those days, my father’s attitudes were such that I was forbidden to speak to the black men who worked for him on the plantation.”
“Tell me your story, Margaret. I need to know if anything”—Sophie didn’t want to come out and use the words murder or suicide, so she went with the best she could come up with—“violent happened at Dabney House?”
Margaret’s expression went from happy to dejected in seconds. She nodded. “I will tell you what I remember, but it’s been so long, I’m afraid most of my recollections are simply fragments from bits and pieces of what I can remember. If you want to hear an old woman talk, then I have all the time in the world.”
“Wheel me over there.” She pointed to the sofa-and-chair grouping. Sophie pushed the wheelchair, surprised how easy it was to move. Poor Margaret was nothing more than a little bag of skin and bones.
Far and Away Page 21
