by Rose Pressey
My thoughts raced. A dead man and my name on the list of suspects as his killer, who’d have thought I’d find myself in such a mess. Pushing the notions out of my mind wouldn’t make them go away, but I didn’t know what else to do. The police hadn’t questioned me since it happened. Maybe I wasn’t a suspect after all. But, I still had the problem with the crazy driver. I felt I was in the calm before the storm.
I studied the muted yellow, orange, and red leaves and wondered what the house had looked like so many years ago. Who was the spirit trapped here and would I ever find out? The house loomed silent, but a feeling blanketed me that the peacefulness wouldn’t last.
My fingers still ached. The wallpaper project wasn’t easy, but I was determined. I pulled my cell phone out of my pocket and tried Max’s number again. No answer. Hells bells. I’d lost more money. Obviously, he wasn’t coming back. First lesson learned: never pay the worker before the work was done. If he couldn’t afford to buy supplies, find someone who could. That should be my new motto. Why didn’t I think of it sooner?
Movement caught my attention. Reed lifted boxes from his truck. My comments from the night before came rushing back. How embarrassing. He’d probably want to know about the work, even though I’d stormed off last night. How could I tell him I’d been suckered out of hard-earned cash? I eased up from the step and slipped into the house. Had he seen me? Once inside, I leaned against the door, closed my eyes, and let out a deep breath. I couldn’t avoid him forever, but I’d try for as long as I could.
A rattling noise from the kitchen startled me. I opened my eyes and looked around, but saw nothing. Tree branches rustled next to the windows as the onslaught of raindrops tapped against the glass. Thunder rumbled and lightning flickered, making me flinch. I hated thunderstorms. As I walked toward the back of the house, the old floor creaked in time to the rain. When I reached the kitchen, I moved toward the middle of the room and stumbled over something as I walked through, nearly falling face first onto the floor. Again. Thunder boomed, then faded. A hammer rested in the middle of the floor and I hadn’t left it there. Was the ghost up to old tricks again? More than likely.
A clatter echoed from somewhere close behind. I spun around and tilted my head for a better look, but remained frozen in one spot. Nothing moved, so I turned back and retrieved the tool. Footsteps sounded from behind me, the familiar squeak of the planks reverberated, bouncing off the walls. I whirled around just in time to smack right into Reed’s chest, with the hammer held high over my head. He stood frozen and wide-eyed.
“Oh, God. You scared me,” I said. “I almost had a heart attack.”
“Looking for ghosts?” He gave a wicked grin and his eyes sparkled.
“Sneaking up on people is a good way to get clobbered, you know?” I took in a deep breath. He’d knocked the wind out of me, and it wasn’t from bumping into his chest. Every time he stood that near, my mind fogged. I couldn’t think clearly.
“I see that.” He grabbed the hammer from my tight grip.
“Don’t you ever knock?” I released my hold.
Thunder clacked again, lightning flickered against the window, and I jumped.
“I knocked, but the door was open. I figured that was an invitation.”
I smirked. “You make a lot of noise breaking into someone’s home. You would make a terrible burglar.”
“I bumped my knee a little when I accidently hit the dining room column.” He pointed to his leg.
“Are you all right? Do you need to prop it up?”
“Not sure. I may need you to perform first aid.” He rubbed his leg.
I rolled my eyes. “I’m not a nurse. I’d just make it worse.” I couldn’t hide a faint smile. He really was cute when he smiled. I’d always been a sucker for dimples.
“Oh, that rhymes. You’ve got something in your hair.” He pointed.
I ran my fingers through a few strands.
He stepped closer and my breath caught. “Hard at work?” He held a piece of the wallpaper out for exhibit.
“Oh.” I took the paper. My gaze locked with his. “I was working on the walls.”
“Hard at work, ooh, I like that.” The amusement showed plainly on his face.
Darn it. I forgot how bad I looked. With the rain came frizzy hair. I knew I looked a mess—old jeans and a T-shirt. Touching my hair reminded me of the terrible perm my mother had given me in sixth grade. Much to her displeasure, I had insisted she curl my naturally curly hair. To her credit, she had warned me beforehand, but I hadn’t listened to her advice. Back then, my mother was seldom right in my mind. After the rollers came out, I stomped into in the bathroom, locked myself in, and combed out the tight ringlets. All the while, bawling my eyes out. In hindsight, it was not a wise decision. For an entire year afterwards, the only way to tame my out-of-control tresses was with barrettes that plastered down both sides. I blamed my mother for several years after that. Rainy days brought back painful memories of my adolescence.
My cell phone rang just in time to save me from Reed’s intoxicating scent.
“Excuse me.” I held a finger indicating I needed a minute.
He stepped back allowing me to pass. My heart raced. I yanked the phone from my pocket and retreated to the other room. A number I knew well displayed on the screen.
“Hi,” I whispered, as I looked over my shoulder.
“What the hell is going on over there?” Her voice held a panicked tone.
“I think the handyman took money from my purse. I’ve got ghosts running around playing pranks and a killer after me.”
“I told you I should have been over there helping you more,” she said, “but, no, you don’t want me.”
“Lacey, don’t say that, of course I do. I just want you to get better, that’s all.”
“Yeah, right. You like Carolyn more than me.” She scoffed. “I bet you think she’s a better psychic.” Her sigh was audible through the phone.
“Oh, stop it. Don’t be silly.”
She sighed again. “So what do you mean killer? Are you pulling my leg?”
Not need to remind her I wouldn’t pull her leg while she was using crutches. I leaned against the wall as I filled Lacey in on the details.
“So, basically, I lost two hundred dollars today and I’m freaking out about everything.”
“My gosh, Alabama. What are you going to do?”
The ruffle of denim caught my attention. I glanced over my shoulder. Reed stood in the doorway. How long he had been standing there? And how much of the conversation had he heard? I didn’t want him to hear me confess my woes to Lacey. He picked up my discarded scraps of paper I’d left scattered in the corners of the room. I watched him, but couldn’t read his face. I needed to hang up before I said too much.
“I’m coming over,” Lacey said.
It was almost as if she’d read my mind.
“You really don’t need to do that,” I said, trying to be polite.
“You’ve got enough to deal with, you need my help. I’m worried about you.” Concern filled her voice.
“You’ll just slow me down if I have to outrun someone.”
“I’ll take my chances. I’ll hit them with my crutch. I can do a mean karate chop.”
“You’re not as good on those crutches as you think you are.” I snorted.
“That’s what you think. Although, I guess you do have a strong handsome man to help.”
She laughed.
“Uh-huh. Whatever.”
“Just hire hunk of burnin’ love, for heaven’s sake. You know you want to. Quit fighting it. It’s okay to have people help you. Having a guy in your life won’t make you weaker. You just found the wrong men before. This one’s different, I can sense it.”
I looked at Reed. He was still picking paper from the floor and didn’t notice me watching him.
I signed. “All right, I’ll do it. But I don’t have to like it.”
“We’ll see about that. I’ll be there soon.”
Lightning flickered, casting a glow across the room for a split second, and I jumped again.
“Sorry, I hate thunderstorms. Always have. Well, I guess I should say that I hate lightning. I like the rain.”
“That’s all right. It’s understandable. My mother hates them, too. My dad and I used to stand outside like a couple of fools and watch the sky during storms. Mom would yell for us to come in, until she’d finally give up and hide in the basement until it blew over.”
“Used to? You don’t anymore?”
“Not really since dad died last year.” He wadded the paper in a ball and set it in the pile.
“I’m sorry.”
I wished I hadn’t asked.
“Thanks.” He ran a hand through his hair as he studied his shoes.
“What about your mother?” As if Carolyn hadn’t already told me.
“She lives just outside of Atlanta.”
“Carolyn’s sister?” I asked.
He looked up and nodded.
“I bet your mother is happy to have Carolyn keeping an eye on you?”
He grinned. “Yes, I have to remind them that I am twenty-eight years old now. I can take care of myself. She’s remarried, so she spends a lot of time traveling with her new husband. It keeps her from wondering what I’m up to.”
“You were close to your father?”
He nodded. “He taught me the business, just like his father had taught him.”
Speaking of business, I had to tell him about Max, the guilt was getting the better of me. He looked as if he wanted a change of subject anyway.
“When can you start on the roof?” I blurted out.
Okay, so I chickened out of telling him about the other handyman. I shouldn’t feel as if I was cheating, it was only business.
Chapter Twenty-Three
His eyes widened and he turned to face me. “How about tomorrow morning? I have a few men who can start as long as the rain stops. I know you’re in a hurry to shape this joint up.”
“That would be great, thank you.” I grinned.
“What about Max Daniels?” He shoved his hands in his pockets.
I coughed. “Excuse me?”
“You gave Max the money to do work, didn’t you?” His eyes narrowed.
“How did you know that?” I scowled.
“I have my ways.” He smirked. “This isn’t a big town, remember?”
How could I forget?
“You have no right to spy on me,” I said through clenched teeth.
“I’m not spyin—”
A piercing knock rumbled from the front door, saving me. I spun around, sprinted to the door, and jerked it open. Carolyn’s eyes grew as wide as saucers.
“Whoa.” She brushed her arm back and forth as if putting out a fire. “The energy almost knocked me down when you opened the door.”
“Yeah, it’s heated in here.” I pointed toward Reed.
She didn’t seem to notice my dejection.
“Whatever spirit was just there isn’t there now,” she said, as she stepped inside, propping her umbrella against the doorframe. “He’ll be back down in a minute though, I can sense it.”
“He?” I asked.
She nodded. Forget the investigating tools—Carolyn was all I needed. Well, Carolyn and Lacey. And speaking of Lacey, she was on her way over. She’d be even more upset when she saw Carolyn.
“Come into the parlor. We’ll have to sit on the floor, I hope you don’t mind.”
“I don’t mind at all.” She followed my lead.
“I feel a bit woozy,” I said as I eyed Reed, although it was not his fault I had been suckered. I guess my anger came more from embarrassment.
“I’m so happy you kids will be working together,” she said.
A smile twitched on his lips, then he winked at me.
I sat down on the hard wood floor, stretching my legs out in front of me. “Uh-huh.” I mumbled.
“The spirit here doesn’t mean you harm.” She continued as she eased to the floor.
“That may be true, but it kind of feels as if he doesn’t want me in the house.” I felt Reed’s stare, but didn’t look his way.
“I’m sensing a lot of sadness in this room. There is a female spirit here, too. She’s so sad.” Carolyn closed her eyes and rubbed her temples.
“Do you know why?” I questioned.
No longer could I avoid Reed’s gaze, so I glanced his way. He seemed entertained as he watched us. Amusement evident in his eyes and a lopsided grin on his face. Mostly he watched me as he leaned against the mantle.
“She’s sorry. That’s all I can understand.” Carolyn’s eyes remained closed.
“She’s sorry?” I repeated her words.
“What she’s sorry for, I’m not sure.” She paused, then opened her eyes. “Do you mind if I walk through the rest of the house?” Carolyn furrowed her brow and twisted her hands.
“Of course not. I’ll go with you.” I stood.
“No, honey, that’s not necessary. You stay here and discuss business with Reed. I’ll show myself around.” She averted her eyes, tilting her head toward the foyer.
“Are you sure?” I asked.
Carolyn walked away with a wave over her shoulder.
I picked at the wallpaper again. Reed stood a few feet away and picked at the paper with me. We didn’t talk. We just worked, and I felt his stare several times. An electrical energy hung between us. Instead of thinking of business, I was thinking of his lips, chest, and cute dimple. So much for controlling my hormones.
After a few minutes, Carolyn paddled back. Tension hung in the air.
“You definitely have a male spirit in the house,” she said bluntly, as she stood in the middle of the room. “But I’m afraid he’s a quiet one. Either he’s shy, or just doesn’t like me.” She chuckled.
“What does he look like?” I asked.
“Middle aged with dark hair and clothing from the 1800’s. I saw sadness in his eyes. I’ve never seen such a somber look.”
“How awful.” Along with the tension, now sadness filled the air. Was the ghost in the room listening to us talk about him?
“I’m sorry to tell you, but I’m getting another one of those headaches again. It’s throbbing, but, thankfully, not as strong as it was before.”
“I’m sorry, Carolyn. I appreciate the sacrifice you made by coming here. I shouldn’t have asked.”
“No, you needed help and I wanted to. It’ll go away once I leave.”
Before she left, I wanted to ask one more question. “Any clue why they’re hanging around?”
Reed listened. Although, I wasn’t sure he believed a word his aunt spoke.
“I think you only have one real spirit here. The female presence is just an imprint.” She untied the multicolored scarf that hung around her neck. Her yellow dress reached all of the way to the floor, covering most of her brown high-heeled leather boots.
“That’s good, I guess,” I said.
“She lived here years ago. She had so much emotion. The walls absorbed all of it.” Carolyn’s rings jingled as she talked with her hands.
Reed covered a laugh with a cough. I shot him a cross glare.
Carolyn didn’t pause a beat. I guess she was used to Reed’s disdain.
/> “She’s not haunting the house.” Carolyn shook her head. “It’s the male spirit. I’m not sure who he is. What he wants or why he’s here.”
“Can you have him go to the light or something?” I smiled. “It’s harder to sell a haunted house.”
Reed snorted.
“Afraid not, sorry. I’ve never been any good with that. I’d make them all move on if I could. I hate to see a spirit trapped in this world.”
She walked toward the door and I followed close behind.
“The spirit won’t talk or acknowledge me. I surely can’t get him to cross over,” she said over her shoulder.
If I thought Reed laughed earlier, wait until he heard what I said next.
“My paranormal investigative team will be here any minute. We use scientific methods to investigate the paranormal. You sure you don’t want to stick around and watch?” Although, if I hurried her out now, maybe Lacey wouldn’t know. I didn’t want to hurt her feelings anymore.
I didn’t look at Reed, but I felt his stare on the back of my head.
“I wish I could, but it’ll only make my headache worse. I’d better get to town. I’ve got a lot to do and Frank will be waiting for me.” She reached the door and grabbed her umbrella.
“Thanks for stopping by. It means a lot to me. I’ll call you soon.”
“You’re welcome, darling.” She reached her arms around me and squeezed. “You kids have fun working together,” she whispered.
I waved to Carolyn as she moved off the porch.
“I’ll see you in the morning, Ms. Hargrove,” Reed quipped as he walked past, following Carolyn out.
Why didn’t I have a clever comeback? At least he didn’t mention the ghost hunters.
Before I could think of a good one-liner, Sam’s white van pulled up in front of the house. She had invested in lettering for her van. Kentucky Ghost Hunters was written in bold letters across the sides. No way to hide what she did.
