Ghostly Secrets

by K E O'Connor

  “Ben and Juliette can now get on with their lives without being pestered,” said Helen. “And I can’t imagine Dexter will come slithering back now the police have noticed him. If I were him, I’d sneak off and try to make my dubious fortunes elsewhere.”

  “Juliette and Ben are decent people, and they deserve a chance at happiness without anybody else interfering,” I said.

  “As do we,” said Helen. “I’m exhausted from all this ghost chasing. I need a few quiet days to do the laundry and get on with my sewing. There’s a mountain of socks to darn, and I still have to finish Juliette’s dresses.”

  “And letters don’t write themselves,” I said. “Once Juliette is home, I’ll be back to work as normal.”

  “And as for the garden.” Zach extended an arm and presented the beautifully manicured lawn to us.

  “The garden looks amazing.” I stood on my tiptoes and kissed his cheek. “And you know it. Don’t think you’re going to be dragging compliments out of us because you’re so good at what you do.”

  Zach grinned down at me. “As if I would. I wouldn’t want you to set one of your ghost friends on me.”

  I looked over at Helen and smiled. Things were back to normal. Flipper and Jessie were dancing round the lawn together, still play fighting over the broken branch. I had Zach by my side and a job I enjoyed. It was time to get back to real life, and this time, there would be no ghosts allowed.