“Wait,” she said.
“Aye?”
“Will you tell me what happened the day you died? Any information I can gather about the felonious fellows who preyed on the prospectors here will help me send them on their way. I also want to learn more about the vow you made and couldn’t keep.”
His phantom hands curled into fists. “Not now, lass. Not here. Especially not after you’ve so carefully arranged everything on the shelves.”
“Oh, right, because things might go flying.” Her brow creased as she studied the well-organized shelves. “Where then?”
“Will you meet me atop the hill where you spoke with your sisters?”
“Of course. When?”
“At dusk. By then I shall have news of Frederick.”
“Thank you.”
“You are most welcome.” What would it be like to kiss her full lips and to trace his finger down her soft, warm cheek? In all the decades he’d been a ghost, he’d never before experienced these longings or this yearning to be corporeal once again. All he’d wanted was to cross into the light. These unsettling feelings only deepened his regret for what had been stolen from him.
“Thank you for coming to this godforsaken hellhole to help a linger of ghosts move on—ghosts you’ve no ties to I might add. It’s a generous, good-hearted mission you’ve undertaken, Meredith.” Hopefully she’d see his gratitude as reason enough for him to want to please her.
Once again her cheeks turned a lovely shade of pink, and once again he fisted his insubstantial hands, this time to keep from reaching for her. “Until dusk then.” He bowed slightly.
“See you later,” she said, gracing him with a sweet smile.
His nonexistent breath caught in his throat at that smile. One more lingering look, and he took his leave to search for Frederick Klein. Like so many of the ghosts in Garretsville, he’d likely find the man going through the motions of working his claim. Daniel fixed the location in his mind and flashed himself there.
Another mystery to ponder: How was it he could wish himself to another location and arrive there at the speed of thought? Ah, but not any destination, he’d tried and failed to leave Garretsville many times.
He’d even attempted to think himself back to Ireland so he could search for his family. That failed attempt caused him days and days of bitter disappointment. None of the ghosts could go any farther from Garretsville than their mining claims. For the first time he had hope. Meredith would free them all.
“Aunt Beth, we need to talk,” Meredith blurted the moment her aunt answered the phone. “I’m in over my head here, and I’m going to need help.” She paced around the interior of the gift shop, taking one more look to make sure everything was in order for tomorrow’s opening.
“I had a feeling.”
“Of course you did.” Meredith huffed out a laugh.
“So tell me what’s going on, and we’ll come up with a plan of action.”
Meredith shared with her aunt everything she’d learned, including the visitation she’d had with the spirits of the murderers. “They said that I’m familiar to them. Have you ever heard of any spirits saying something like that to a medium? It scared the bejeezus out of me.”
“Hmm. Can’t say that I’ve heard that particular fright tactic being used before, but I wouldn’t pay too much attention to anything a malevolent spirit says. You know their primary purpose is to elicit fear, and all ghosts recognize those of us who are gifted. They can tell we see and hear them.”
“But … all three said it at the same time.”
“Perhaps you resemble a woman who lived in Garretsville when they did, or perhaps you did live in Garretsville when they did. Could be you spent a previous life there, and that’s why the spirits summoned you to them in this life.”
“I hadn’t considered those possibilities.” Some of her anxiety eased. She had read that souls often reincarnated within the same group they’d lived among before—spirits who had common issues to resolve, or lessons to learn from one another.
“Have you spoken to your father about this? If he could join us, that would certainly even the playing field. We can employ a divide and conquer approach or the containment method.”
“I believe the containment method is the only thing that will work.” Containment involved setting up an electromagnetic boundary around the spirits, trapping them so the only way out was to cross into the light. That meant bringing in equipment. “I haven’t spoken to him yet. I’ll call him today. The room I’m staying in has an extra twin bed, and so does the loft. If he comes too, you can both stay with us in the cabin.”
She needed to check with Oliver to make sure he’d be okay with a roommate for a few days. If not, she’d sleep on the couch and give her room to her dad and aunt. She didn’t want to say anything to Ranger Geller about the arrangement in case company was against the rules. Odds were he wouldn’t show up during the few days her dad and aunt would be there anyway.
“Let me talk to Gene about this,” her aunt said. “I need to discuss another matter with my brother anyway. It might take the two of us a week or two to arrange everything, but you can count on our help.”
“Thanks. Let me know when everything is arranged. I drove here, so I can pick you up at the airport in Missoula. I’m always off duty on Mondays, and the park closes at 5:00 PM, so try to arrange your arrival accordingly.”
“Will do, and I’ll call back soon.”
They said their goodbyes, and Meredith locked up the store. She set out for the cabin in search of Oliver and found Judy sitting in her favorite place on the couch. The book about Garretsville she’d been reading the past couple of days rested on her lap. The scent of fresh coffee and recently burned sage permeated the cabin. “Is Oliver around?”
“Nope.” Judy inserted a bookmark and closed her book. “What’s up?”
“I spoke with my aunt. She and my father are coming to Garretsville to help with the trio of trouble. I want to ask Oliver if he’d mind letting my dad bunk with him for a few days.”
“I’m sure he’d be fine with sharing the loft. Oliver said he wanted to walk around Garretsville, but I suspect he went to the saloon in search of ghostly encounters.”
Meredith groaned. “He’s not taking my warning seriously.”
“I’m afraid not. He’s very young and probably believes bad hauntings only happen in horror movies. Are you going to go find him?”
“I think I’d better, ” she said, striding toward her room.
Judy rose from the couch. “I’ll join you.”
“Where’s John?”
“He went to Missoula to check on things at home and run a few errands.”
“Give me a sec.” Meredith went straight for the dresser where she kept the abalone shell, sage, and lighter. She grabbed the bundled sage and stuffed the lighter into a pocket before joining Judy by the front door.
“That boy has an unhealthy fascination with ghosts,” Judy said as they stepped out of the cabin.
“He does. His preoccupation coupled with his naïveté make him the perfect target for possession,” Meredith agreed.
She and Judy set out for the saloon, and the worry gnawing at Meredith grew worse with every step. She approached the front door to the sound of objects hitting the walls and the angry wails of ghosts. “I have a very bad feeling about this. I think you should stay out here, Judy.”
“You’ll get no argument from me. Light the sage before you go in,” Judy whispered. “Take this.” She handed Meredith a nickel-sized piece of moonrise crystal.
“Thanks.” Meredith slid the crystal into her front pocket as she retrieved the lighter. She lit the sage and drew some of the smoke into her lungs. “Here,” she said. “Inhale. It’ll protect you from an attack when the spirits leave.”
Judy leaned over the sage and drew in a breath. She also waved smoke over her clothes.
Slowly opening the door, Meredith peered inside. Chairs had been knocked over, and a frigid bl
ast of air hit her. Plastic glasses made to look like real barware littered the floor. At least someone had the foresight—or experience with previous hauntings?—to get rid of breakable glasses.
“Stay OUT!”
“Go away.”
“We don’t want you here.”
The evil three’s shouts reverberated inside her head, and a plastic shot glass from behind the bar flew across the room and hit the door. Meredith blew on the glowing end of the sage bundle, sending the smoke inside. She didn’t reply, knowing better than to engage with them on her own. Adrenaline surged through her veins, and the urge to flee nearly overcame her. Her heart hammering, goose bumps on the rise, she stepped inside and searched the dimly lit interior for Oliver.
“Oh no.” She located him huddled on the floor in a corner, his knees drawn up and his face buried in his arms. Ignoring the angry wails, curses and commands to leave, Meredith waved the sage in front of her. She had to grit her teeth to keep them from chattering in the unnatural cold, but there was nothing she could do to stop shivering.
Holding the smoking bundle before her, she made her way around the perimeter of the first floor, refusing to acknowledge or look at the mean ghosts doing their best to intimidate her.
Gradually the temperature began to rise, and the shouted insults from the trio faded.
Meredith crouched down in front of Oliver’s trembling form. “They’re gone, Oliver.” He didn’t move or respond. “Are you hurt? Did they harm you in any way?”
A muffled sob escaped him. Meredith placed her hand on his shoulder, finding him far too cold. “We need to get you back to the cabin and into a hot shower.”
Judy entered the saloon then and propped the door open. “What a mess.” She started righting the chairs that had been tipped over. “We’re going to have to get this place into shape before 8:00 AM tomorrow when the park opens.”
“They attacked me,” Oliver croaked into his knees. “It was horrible, like knives of ice slicing into me over and over.”
“I know how terrifying that can be,” she soothed. “They tried and failed to possess you.”
“Failed because of this.” Oliver raised his head and opened his hand to reveal a moonshine crystal and a freshly picked sprig of sage. “If I hadn’t brought these with me …” His Adam’s apple bobbed a few times.
“Look, I know you hoped for ghostly encounters, but you can’t mess around here. Most spirits are innocuous, but others are extremely dangerous. If they’re powerful enough to move furniture, they can kill. We already know the three who tried to possess you committed numerous murders when they were alive. Don’t do this again.”
“I didn’t think it would be like this,” he rasped out on another sob. “I’ve never been so scared in my life. I … I think I should leave Garretsville and go home.”
“For now, let’s get you back to the cabin.” She took his arm and coaxed him up. “My aunt and father are coming in a week or so.” She’d discuss sleeping arrangements another time. Oliver wasn’t in any state of mind to absorb anything more right now, and she had a feeling he’d welcome a seasoned ghost buster as a roommate. “They’ll be staying with us, and they’re going to help me rid this place of the malevolent threesome.”
“Good luck with that.” Oliver stood on shaky legs. Pale and trembling, he gazed around at the mess caused by the monsters of mayhem.
“Come on, Judy. We can straighten up in here once John is back. I think we should use the buddy system until the evildoers are banished.” Meredith caught Judy’s eye and tilted her head toward Oliver, and the older woman nodded her assent.
“I agree. Oliver, you shouldn’t leave the cabin by yourself until after the bad ghosts have been sent on their way.” Judy came to Oliver’s other side, and together they started out for the cabin. “It’s almost lunchtime. A hot shower, something to eat, and you’ll feel better.”
“Do we have any chocolate?” he asked, his voice quavering.
“I don’t believe so,” Judy said, pulling her phone from her back pocket. “I’ll have John pick up a few bags. I like chocolate regardless of ghosts.” She smiled. “Is there a particular brand you’d like?” She began texting.
“No, just dark, high cocoa content. That’s what Harry Potter always ate after a close encounter with the dementors … or whatever.”
Meredith had to bite her tongue to keep from asking him exactly how young he was. He’d learned his lesson, and making him feel worse served no purpose. “Oliver, will you promise not to actively seek out any more dead people?”
“Hell, yes.” He shuddered. “I’m over it.”
She knew his type. Odds were he’d get over being over it soon enough, hence the buddy system where he was concerned.
Meredith hurried through dinner as her meeting time with Daniel approached. “Great frozen pizza,” she teased. “Thanks, Oliver.”
He still seemed subdued, but mostly back to normal. He’d also decided to stay on for the summer now that he knew the ghosts who’d attacked him would soon be banished. More than likely, Oliver wanted to witness how she and her family rid Garretsville of the hostile elements.
“It’s your turn to fix dinner tomorrow,” Oliver reminded her.
“Yes, and I’ve already planned a tasty, home-cooked meal.” Meredith took her plate to the kitchen sink. “Judy, I asked, and our friendly ghost confirmed your ancestor is here. I’m going to meet with Daniel now, and I should have news for you when I return.”
“Do you want me to come with you?” Judy asked, her expression hopeful. “You mentioned the buddy system.”
“No, that’s okay. I know how to take care of myself.” To be honest, she didn’t want to share her time with Daniel with anyone else, especially not while he unburdened himself about what had happened to him. “I’ll be fine.”
Grabbing her jean jacket from the pegs by the door, Meredith headed outside to climb the hill to the scenic overlook. The western horizon blazed orange, pale yellow and a hazy blue as the sun began its descent. The air carried the combined scents of their recently baked pizzas and the evergreen trees surrounding the cabin.
Not one but two phantoms awaited her on the platform. Having a third joining them should not cause her stomach to drop with disappointment, but it did. “Hello, she said, slightly out of breath from the climb. “I’m guessing this is Frederick Klein.”
“It is.” Daniel gestured toward her. “This is Meredith MacCarthy, the lassie I told you about.”
Frederick removed his ghostly hat and bobbed his head. “Daniel says my great-great-granddaughter is here, and … she wishes to speak with me. Is this … true?”
“Yes. Her name is Judy Schulte. Are you willing to meet her?”
“Very much so, miss. I’ve been … waiting … so … very … long.” His gaze drifted off beyond her toward the wilderness, and his form faded a little in the process.
“I’ll bring Judy and her husband to the saloon after I’m finished visiting with Daniel. There we can sit and talk. Will that suit you, Mr. Klein?”
The apparition nodded. “I’ll wait there for you.”
With that he disappeared altogether, leaving her alone with Daniel. Meredith sank down to sit on the wooden platform. Daniel joined her, and his chill blended with the dropping temperature of the evening. “Do you know the names of the men who robbed and killed you?”
“Nay. We were ambushed as we headed into town to the assayer’s office. One of them held us at gunpoint. The other two approached from behind us and slit our throats. The three did not bother to introduce themselves before killing us and stealing our gold.”
He shot up and began to pace. Pebbles rolled across the sandy ground in front of him as if trying to escape his wrath. “I relive the horror every year.”
“I cannot imagine how awful that must be.” She frowned. “Did you say they stole your gold? I thought you mined silver ore.”
“We did, until Charles and I discovered a wee cave on our claim, barely
a hole in the side of a hill obscured by brush, just large enough for a man to crawl into. There we found rich veins of gold running through the quartz interior. We’d already extracted a fortune and taken it to the assayer’s by the time of our murder.” He clenched his ghostly jaw and stopped pacing.
“Charles and I had a substantial fortune in the bank.” Daniel plowed his fingers through his hair and stared off into the distance. “We’d struck it rich, Meredith, and I was on the cusp of achieving everything I’d dreamed of. Then my life was stolen from me.”
A dust devil formed around Daniel’s legs, the tiny whirlwind picking up twigs, dry leaves and sand. The debris flew around him—no doubt a manifestation of his churning emotions—yet he didn’t seem to notice.
Her heart went out to him, and she wished she could somehow make the rage and the hurt go away. “What did you hope to achieve? Did it have something to do with the vow you were unable to keep?”
“Aye.” He nodded, still staring off at nothing, or something only he could see. “I’d vowed to my mother that I would make a fortune, return to Ireland, and we’d start over. I wanted to buy land near a port, build a fine house and bring my family together again. We’d farm some, and I’d planned to purchase a few good ships, start an import-export business.” He glanced at her. “Imports and exports that would benefit Ireland and our people, not the Brits.”
“What about Charles? Did he intend to return to Ireland as well?”
“Nay. He was to stay here and run our mining interests, which would in turn finance the startup of our new business venture. Once the gold ran out, he was to manage this end of our import-export business. Charles wanted to settle on the East Coast. Mining was nothing more than a means to an end for us both. Unfortunately the end came sooner than expected. Such grand plans we had, and all for naught.” He heaved a sigh, and the dust devil disintegrated.
Daniel came to sit beside her again. “Tell me about yourself, Meredith. I wish to learn more about you and your fae-gifted family. My own granny had the sight, and I suspect I may have a touch of fae blood as well. I’ve wondered if that might be why I sensed your presence the very moment you arrived.”
Summoned in Time: A magical, ghostly, time travel romance... (The MacCarthy Sisters Book 3) Page 5
