The girl clinked glasses with her and tried the wine. “This is good. Just the right sweetness.”
“Whole Foods to the rescue.”
They were quiet for a time as Carter took in the kitchen. She noticed that among the eclectic knickknacks and doodads, Sarah appeared to favor things Italian. Somehow, the décor was a comfort to her. She smiled at a platter mounted on the wall decorated with a colorful rooster. It reminded Carter of a trip she took to Italy with her parents when she was in middle school.
Sarah cleared her throat. “Carter, I want to talk about what happened. But I don’t want to push you.”
“No, it’s okay. As they say in prison, this isn’t my first rodeo.”
As Sarah laughed, the oven dinged.
“Hold that thought.”
She got up to check on the puffed pastry. Seeing the food was done, she put on mitts and removed a tray from the oven.
“You can wash your hands in the guest bathroom. It’s around that corner.”
The girl carefully placed the cat on the floor and went to wash up. By the time she returned, Sarah had transferred the appetizers to a pretty platter decorated with brightly painted fruit and honeybees in the center.
“Those look amazing,” Carter said.
“Something I threw together. Wild mushroom puffed pastry. I like to cook. When I have the time. We can eat at the table, if you like.”
“Here’s fine.”
Sarah took down small white appetizer plates from the cabinet and tongs, which she handed to her guest. Carter took two and, instead of using her fork, picked one up with her fingers. The pastry was hot, and she blew on it before taking a bite.
“Aw, man.”
“Good, right? I added a dash of Swiss Gruyere.”
“Delicious.”
The women ate in silence for a few minutes. Carter pushed her plate aside and drained her glass.
“I’ll get us more wine,” Sarah said. “But first, let’s have the next course.”
“There’s more?”
Sarah brought out a large bowl from the refrigerator and set it on the counter as Carter’s eyes got huge.
“Wild salmon salad with a dill vinaigrette. Oh, and crusty bread.”
“I am seriously gonna get fat.”
“Not on my watch.” Sarah served her guest. “Carter, you said earlier that thing you saw spoke to you. Do you remember what it said?”
“Oh my God, I’ll never forget. It said, ‘She’s mine.’ Really creeped me out.”
“No shit. And you knew it was talking about me?”
“I felt it. It’s hard to explain.”
“No, I get it.”
Sarah grabbed the wine bottle and refilled their glasses. For a time, the women talked and laughed about nothing in particular. When they had had enough of the salad and bread, Sarah cleared the counter. Carter rose.
“I’m gonna pop out for a smoke.”
“Sure.”
In the meantime, Sarah made coffee and brought out the chocolate cake. On an impulse, she took down the bottle of Talisker and poured two glasses to go with the coffee and dessert.
When Carter returned, she said, “I think you missed your calling, Sarah. You are an incredible cook.”
“Thanks. Try the Talisker. I think you’ll like it.”
The girl took a drink, closing her eyes and letting its warmth create a gentle fire inside her. She frowned, as if mulling something over in her mind.
“I’m glad you invited me. I told you I almost didn’t come. But after what you said to me this afternoon, I felt like I needed to.
“You see, I can’t talk to anyone else about… I, um, I have this gift. Yeah, we’ll call it a gift. I can see things most people can’t.”
“Join the club,” Sarah said, putting a huge bite of chocolate cake in her mouth.
“Okay, I knew you weren’t just being sympathetic before. There was something—”
“Different?”
“Yeah. And a little sad.”
“That’s the word for it,” Sarah said. “So, how long have you been able to see through the veil?”
“Since I was little—I forget how old. My grandma used to live with us. And one night, she died. I remember the man from the mortuary coming out in the middle of the night. He said she’d probably had a stroke and died in bed.
“Anyways, after the funeral, I started seeing my grandma in the house. She’d be in the kitchen and in my room. I told my parents, but they said it wasn’t real; it was just that I missed her so much. And I did miss her. Both my parents worked, so she was like my mom. You know, always there for me.”
“I’m sorry, Carter.”
“It’s okay.”
“So, I guess you’ve seen other stuff since?”
“Yes, which is why I knew I had seen my grandma’s ghost. It’s one of the reasons I moved here. To get away from it all. A long time ago, I’d decided to stop telling my parents about the things I saw. Guess it’s ironic I ended up in a place that’s even more haunted. What about you? When did you know you were…”
“Special? Guess I was a late bloomer compared to you. My first time was in high school right after my best friend Alyssa was killed in a car accident. She appeared to me. After her funeral, I was so angry with her boyfriend. He was the one driving.”
“Was he drunk?”
“No, they didn’t find any trace of alcohol or drugs in either of them. Anyway, I couldn’t forgive him for taking her away. And then, it happened again. One night, as I was coming home from church, I thought I saw Alyssa walking along the road.
“When I passed her, I turned to look at her face, but her hair was covering it. When I checked the rearview mirror, she was watching me from the backseat. I almost lost it.
“Somehow, I managed to pull over, and I just sat there, gripping the steering wheel and staring straight ahead. When I turned, Alyssa was sitting next to me in the passenger seat.”
“Oh, no.”
“Yeah. So, I screamed. But when she touched my hand, I felt all my fear melt away. ‘I know you’re sad for me,’ she said. ‘But I’m fine. I came here to tell you not to be mad at Zach. It wasn’t his fault. There was a dog. Tell him I will always love him.’”
Sarah grabbed the Talisker and filled both their glasses.
“And after that night, I started seeing dead people. Thanks, Alyssa.”
“So, you think she’s responsible for your abilities?”
“Maybe? Oh, and let’s not forget that black ninja cloud that seems to want me for something.”
“Do you think the two things are related?”
“I have no idea, my dear.”
“Is anyone else in your family psychic?” Carter said.
“My paternal grandmother.”
“Whatever happened to Zach?”
“The accident made him a paraplegic. He works at a tech company in Ventura. I haven’t seen him in years. You were right when you said I’m sad.”
“I didn’t mean—”
“It’s okay. And now, I’m seeing a ghost in a mirror. And trying to figure out how she died, so.”
“Seriously?”
“Yeah. Anyway, I’m stuck. I can’t tell you how much I want to help her.”
“I know. It’s like an itch.”
“Sounds like you’ve done a little sleuthing of your own.”
“When I was little. One time, I found my friend’s missing cat. Unfortunately, it was already dead. When my parents found out, they made me stop.”
Sarah told Carter the whole story, starting with Alyssa’s warning and ending with the police chief exhuming Peter Moody’s body. When she was finished, the girl shook her head.
“And no one can talk to the relatives because the cops can’t afford a plane ticket?” the girl said.
“Pretty much. I could, though. But I’m not a cop.”
“You should go, though.”
“What?” Sarah laughed nervously.
“I’m seri
ous. I feel like you could learn something from the dotty aunt.”
“But Lou isn’t going to let me interview her.”
“Who says you have to tell him? Look. You saw her info in the case file, right? How hard would it be to find out where she lives? Just go. So what if it isn’t ‘official.’”
“This is nuts.”
“Haven’t you ever done anything a little crazy?”
“All the time, but—”
“So, do it. You know you want to.”
Sarah looked at Carter sideways. She was arching her eyebrows suggestively, making Sarah smile.
“What are you, my evil shoulder angel?”
“At your service.”
“Fine. But there’s only one way I’m doing this. And that’s if you come with me.”
“What? But I’m not—”
“That’s my offer. Take it or leave it.”
“Shit. Sorry. Can I sleep on it?”
“Of course. You have twenty-four hours, starting…now.”
Carter got off her stool and nearly fell over. Sarah grabbed the girl’s arm and helped steady her.
“Whoa. Guess I shouldn’t’ve had that last glass of scotch.”
“Okay, that’s it. You’re staying here tonight, young lady.”
“I don’t wanna be a bother.”
“You’re not, partner.”
“But I haven’t said yes yet.”
“We’ll see.”
Sarah got out the pillows and extra blankets and made a bed for Carter on the sofa. When the girl lay down and rested her head, she was nearly out. Sarah looked down at her and brushed the hair from her eyes. Though they had only recently met, Sarah felt she knew her—a kindred spirit. Turning, she noticed Gary on the floor about to hop up on Carter’s stomach.
“Nice try, but no.”
The cat maowed once and trotted off.
“So, did you ever tell him?” Carter said, her eyes closed.
“Tell who what?”
“Zach. Did you ever tell him what Alyssa said?”
“No, I never did.”
“Unfinished business…”
In another moment, the girl was snoring softly, and Sarah went to bed. As she lay there, staring at the ceiling, she thought about what Carter had said. She should’ve told Zach. There was good chance he was still carrying around the guilt from the accident. Why hadn’t she told him?
“Because I never forgave him,” she said to Gary, who lay curled in a ball next to her. “Now who’s the bass player?”
Sarah awoke early with a headache from the wine and the scotch. She checked her phone and saw that it was a little after seven. She dressed and went to check on Carter.
She found the girl sprawled out on the sofa, Gary curled up on her stomach, looking up at Sarah with squishy eyes.
“Traitor,” she said, and went into the kitchen to make coffee.
She’d had the good sense to pick up scones, butter, and jam from the gourmet kitchen shop downtown—just in case—and set them out on the counter as the coffee brewed. Her phone went off and, seeing it was Joe, she picked it up on the first ring.
“Morning,” he said.
“Good morning, Joseph.”
“You okay?”
“I’m fine, why?”
“I wanted to check in. I’m at Casa Abrigo, waiting for the guys.”
“Are you okay, is the question?”
Carter walked into the kitchen with Gary trailing close behind.
“I’m doing alright, I guess,” he said. “Everything work out with Carter last night?”
Sarah smiled at the girl. “As a matter of fact, she’s helping me with my case.” Carter shook her head. “It’s official. We’re a team.”
“That was fast,” Joe said.
“That’s how we roll.”
“You’re acting weird, you know.”
“I’m feeling empowered.”
“Okay, whatever,” Joe said. “So, I’ll see you at the office later?”
“Sure.”
“Ciao.”
“Ciao, baby.”
Grinning, Sarah disconnected and turned to get mugs for the coffee.
“How did you know I’d agree?” Carter said.
“Because I am awesome. Oh, and I’ve decided we’re telling Lou. I need him on my side. Come on, we got scones.”
Joe was standing in the kitchen at Casa Abrigo staring at his phone when Manny walked in.
“I know that look,” the foreman said. “What did she do this time?”
Joe looked up, puzzled. “It isn’t enough I have to deal with one woman who sees things that aren’t there. Now, she’s brought on a partner.”
“Hijo.”
“Is it too early for a drink?”
“Hey, boss, I meant to tell you. Last night when we were finishing up, I found… Better to show you.”
Manny waved a hand, and Joe followed him to the staircase that led to the second floor. He pointed at something.
Joe could see what looked like claw marks that ran across several balusters, as if an angry bear had swiped its paw across them in a single movement.
“Vandalism?”
Manny shook his head. “No way. Nacho just finished sanding and polishing. It happened while we were here.”
Joe looked around, as if expecting to encounter an invisible intruder. In all the years he’d been doing this, he had never experienced anything worse than vandalism. Now, strange things—things he couldn’t explain—were happening.
“Anything else?” Joe said.
“Memo said he felt someone touch him while he was working in one of the bathrooms upstairs.”
“One of your other sons maybe?”
“No. They were out getting us food. And I was in the cellar.”
Joe sighed. “Better get this fixed.”
He headed for the front door, for the first time in his life experiencing a sense that things around him were closing in. It was almost as if finding that mirror had set something in motion. But what?
“Where you goin’?” Manny said.
“I need to see Sarah.”
After Joe left, Manny was standing on the staircase when a shadow fell across the floor. The foreman made the Sign of the Cross and went outside to get his tools.
Nineteen
“Absolutely not,” Lou said.
He was standing behind his desk, wagging a threatening finger. Through his dark complexion, Sarah and Carter could see the blood rushing to his face, making his eyes appear huge—manic—under his dense eyebrows.
Sarah smiled patiently. “Look, Lou. You obviously can’t pursue this because of your stupid budget. There’s no reason why Carter and I can’t pop over to Lawrence and, you know, ask a few innocent questions.”
“‘Innocent’? This is official police business!”
“First of all, please lower your voice.”
“Sorry.”
“Secondly, it’s not like we were going to show up there pretending to be cops. I mean, that would be reckless.” Then, to Carter, “Am I right?”
“Totally out of order.”
“Great,” Lou said. “So, who were you going to pretend to be?”
“Reporters.”
“Oh, for the love of—”
“Hear me out, Lou. Carter and I have a plan.”
“Uh-huh.”
He sank miserably into his chair and buried his face in his hands.
“We’re a couple of reporters from Dos Santos looking for a story, right? We want to help solve this terrible crime so the family—what’s left of them, anyway—can get some closure.”
Lou looked up. “‘Closure’?”
“Work with me here.”
“And what happens when you do get the truth and there’s no ‘big story’ for the folks back home to read?”
“So, we talk to some people at the Dos Santos Weekly and convince them this story is hot. It’s not that complicated, buddy.”
The police chief r
ubbed his temples as if a huge migraine were brewing. He pawed at his desk, hoping one of the empty paper cups still had a few drops of coffee left.
“What about credentials?” he said, jamming his tongue at the bottom of one of the cups. “The family isn’t going to let you talk to the aunt without you identifying yourselves first.”
“Leave that to me,” Carter said. Sarah and Lou turned to her. “What? I’m resourceful.”
For several seconds, Lou flipped the police file open and closed. He wanted to solve the case almost as much as Sarah did. While he hesitated, Sarah winked at Carter—she knew she had him. Finally, he pointed his warning finger at the two of them.
“I cannot be involved in any of this. Something happens—they call the cops to have you arrested—you’re both on your own. I swear, I’ll disavow everything.”
“Understood,” Sarah said.
“I mean it, Sarah. I’m in enough trouble after that stunt we pulled out at the cemetery.”
“‘We’? Oh, I’m sure everyone’s forgotten about that. I mean, so what? You dug up a corpse, and it turned out to be exactly who they said it was. No biggie.”
Lou lowered his head and talked into his chest. “Lord, give me strength.” Then, to Sarah, “Okay. I’ll give you the address where the aunt is and the name and phone number of her brother. If they ask how you got the information—”
“We’re reporters, remember?” Sarah said.
“Right.” He shook his head. “Sarah, don’t make me regret this.” Then, to Carter, “And you. What’re you, twelve? How did you get involved? Did Sarah threaten to steal your bike?”
Carter bristled. “For your information, I’m twenty-four.”
Resignedly, he wrote everything on a yellow legal pad, tore off the page, and handed it to Sarah.
She rose. “Thanks, Lou. We’ll make you proud. Come on, Carter.”
On her way out, Carter gave Lou the stink eye. But he didn’t notice—his eyes were closed and he was rubbing his temples again, thinking about the hell he would pay when it came out that a couple of Nancy Drews were doing his job for him.
“Please, God,” he said. “If You care about me at all, You won’t let Vic find out.”
When Sarah and Carter walked into the realty office through the rear entrance, they found Joe and Rachel chatting in the hallway. Both stopped talking and looked at them expectantly.
The Girl in the Mirror Page 17
