by CeeCee James
“What's that?” she asked.
“Is there any way you can find out how William Clarke is doing?”
“Oh! I heard what happened when you were here! That was so scary.”
“Is Kristi back with you?”
“Yeah.” I heard her mumbling, and then Ruby said, “So far he’s doing okay. But the staff is now mentioning it could be something contagious.”
Oh, my stars. My skin itched at her words.
“So, he’s still there? He didn't get better and leave?” My questions sounded insane in my own ears. I’d seen him in a coma myself.
“Yes …” Ruby's voiced trailed with confusion. “Why?”
“I don't know. Maybe I'm losing my mind. I could swear I just saw him leave his hotel room. He took the emergency exit stairs.”
More whispering on the phone and then Kristi took it over. “What did you see, Maisie? Because there's no way it was William. At this point, they aren’t even sure he will make it another few days.”
Kristi’s voice cracked with emotion. I realized what that could mean for Natalie.
“Yeah, I saw him.”
There was a long pause. Then she said, “It’s been a long day. Stress can make our brains recognize someone we’re really thinking about in another person. Maybe we all just need some sleep.” Her soothing tone was like nails on a chalkboard.
“I know it sounds crazy,” I said, trying not to sound defensive. “But I saw him. I know I did.”
“I don’t know how to respond to that, Maisie. He’s here, and he’s not going anywhere anytime soon.”
“All right. I gotta go.”
“Before you hit the bed, take a shower. Wash all of your clothes. It’s just a precaution, but it couldn’t hurt.”
“Okay, thanks.” I slid the phone back into my pocket with a sigh. Had I really seen him? Was it even his room, or the room next to his? Was my brain just taking the resemblance of another guest and making me see William in some kind of hysteria?
Feeling wearier than I had felt in a long time, I walked into my suite. Maybe Kristi is right. Bingo raced around the corner to meet me as I came in.
“Hi ya, buddy.” I slumped down against the front door and welcomed the basset hound in my arms. “Remind me not to take another day off again. I can’t handle the relaxation.”
He pressed his giant crocodile feet against my leg and stretched his chin up to give me full access to his neck. I scratched it a few times, before slowly climbing back to my feet.
I found Momma sitting in her easy chair with a bag of popcorn, in front of the television. The news was on, and a man with a monotone voice was in the middle of describing a scene as a video flashed in the background.
“Did you know,” Momma started without a proper hello, “that there’s a whole channel with nothing but murder cases on it? This show right here is about women who knock off their husbands. I can’t decide if they’re all fed-up or just crackpots.”
I raised my eyebrows, unsure of how to respond to that one.
“One thing I do know, never anger a southern woman. That’s all I’m saying,” Momma answered with a wise expression. “Now, what’s going on with that boy?”
“Oh, Momma,” I groaned and flopped down on the couch. I winced, hoping what I’d been exposed to wasn’t really contagious. “It’s not looking good. His heart stopped, and they had to resuscitate him while I was there. What’s freakier is that I just ran into him in the hotel.” I rolled my head to look at her. “Detective Bentley—that’s Kristi, Momma—she thinks I’m going crazy.”
Momma studied me, her penciled-on eyebrows arched. “Well, that isn’t so crazy. I’ve heard stories of people’s spirits up and causing a ruckus while their bodies were down for the count.”
“Like a ghost?” I shook my head. This went against every rational, analytical bone in my body.
“You never know.” Momma raised those eyebrows again.
“I can’t go there. You know I don't believe in ghosts.” At that second, a crash came from the kitchen, sounding like the cupboard door holding the pots had opened, and all the pans had tumbled out.
We looked at each other, eyes open wide. Now that cupboard was known for being over-filled and spilling out from time to time, but only when someone was reaching into it. This was a first that it had done it on its own.
“See. Watch what you’re saying. You never know how this world works.” Momma went back to picking at her bag of popcorn. She tutted as she watched the case unfold. “And that woman there was most definitely fed-up.”
Chapter 7
A restless night's sleep had me craving coffee the next morning like a deranged zombie. I pulled on a dress and stumbled out into the kitchen. Momma didn’t say anything, just slid over the sugar bowl. I added three scoops before I realized what I was doing, and drank it anyway. It was sweeter than molasses, but the caffeine had worked some of its magic by the time I made it out to the front desk.
“Ms. Swenson?” Clarissa glanced around the lobby before coming toward me. “Mr. Phillips came in earlier to talk to you about the guest from yesterday.”
Oh, my stars. I’d completely forgotten that he’d left a message for me last night. But what does he want me to tell him? That a guest had a medical emergency? It’s no fault of the hotel. Then again, I found a dead guy in the pool not so long ago. So, he might be getting weary of my ability to manifest people in health compromised situations.
“Thank you,” I said. “Where is he now?”
“He said he’d meet you at the cabana and that it was no hurry.”
Okay. This is even more confusing. Mr. Phillips was usually always in a hurry and was more likely to run off ahead if you didn't keep step with his quick, long strides.
I walked down the hall and headed to the outdoor pool. As I stepped into the cabana area, I momentarily froze. Mr. Phillips was definitely waiting at a table, but it wasn't my boss, Mr. Timothy Phillips. Instead, it was his rather attractive brother, Mr. Jake Phillips. He smiled and waved me over.
I silently begged myself to stay calm, but I could already feel the nervous tick in my fingers begin to stir. Deep breaths. Why does he make me so fluttery? He was more relaxed than his brother, not that my boss was unkind. Mr. Phillips, the hotel owner, was just so very unmoving, professional and to the point.
Jake, on the other hand, was always lighthearted. Right now, he was watching me with those green eyes of his.
“I wasn't expecting you,” I said, then inwardly groaned. Obvious comment for the win!
His white teeth flashed in a smile. “I’m sorry to be a disappointment. My brother had a meeting planned this morning so when he mentioned another mess at the hotel, I thought I’d volunteer in his stead. I know it's not really my place, but I've been known to be useful on occasion.”
My hand picked at the seam of my shirt as I settled into the patio chair across from him.
“I'm not completely sure what he wanted to discuss,” I said. “The young man was taken to the hospital. Detective Boyle hinted that we should be getting a call today about them releasing the room so we can get it prepped for a new guest.”
Jake pulled out his cellphone and began tapping away at the screen. “And you didn’t hear any rumors that they’re thinking it was something at the hotel? Fumes, gasses, cleaners, anything like that?”
“No. From what I understand, they aren't sure what it is. But yesterday morning, another girl ended up in the same condition.”
He nodded as he continued with his phone. His face softened from its serious expression as he finished and returned the phone to his pocket.
“Okay,” he nodded. “That sounds good to me. I sent all that to the big boss. How are you doing? That had to be scary.”
“Yes, it was. Actually,” I hesitated. “Did you hear about the girl found yesterday in the same condition?”
“Yeah! Unbelievable.”
“Well, I was the one who found her.”
“You foun
d her?” His eyebrows flickered.
“Yes.” I gave a slow nod. “Out at Holy King Church.”
“Wow.” He whistled. “What were you doing way out there?”
“Exploring. Messing around with one of my hobbies.”
“Hm. Maybe you need to find some new hobbies.”
I snorted and then closed my eyes. If Momma had heard that, she’d have scolded me about the actions of a proper southern woman. And emitting weird noises was not on that list.
“You doing okay? I bet you’re not sleeping very well.” Jake looked more concerned than anything now, and I tried to relax.
“I didn’t last night, that’s for sure,” I gave a sarcastic laugh. A little loud, but better than a snort.
“Make sure you take some time to relax. Don’t let my brother work you too hard.”
“Just doing my job.” I smiled. Oh heavens, I’m sounding dumber by the second.
“All right, then.” He slowly stood to his feet. “I guess I‘d better get going.”
Was that a hint of reluctance? I rose to my feet, too.
“I’ll be happy to keep you updated as well,” I volunteered.
“Oh! That’d be great.” He fished out his phone. “Let me make sure I have your number.”
I rattled it off as he quickly typed. “Need me to spell my name?”
“Maisie,” he spelled out. “It’s a beautiful name.”
I started to smile, nearly uncontrollably. Oh, come on. I’m not sixteen receiving my first compliment here.
There was just something about him that turned the tables on me. Where I was used to being the one calm, cool, and in control, now I was struggling with butterflies.
Butterflies with bat-sized wings.
I straightened my shoulders and adhered to my professional smile. “Okay, I’ll keep in touch.”
He smiled again, a big one that reached his eyes. “I’m looking forward to it.”
Turning, I walked back to the doorway, hoping my ankles didn’t waver. That smile nearly undid me.
It’s been too long since my last date. I need to get out or something. Maybe I can convince Ruby to come with me. Natalie came to my mind, and I cringed. What am I thinking? That was the problem. I wasn’t thinking. I got around a handsome man, and my common sense flew out the window.
Not anymore. I determined to put Jake Phillips out of my mind—he’s my boss’s brother for heaven’ sake. It would never work—and hurried back to my office. There was lots of work there for me. And I was going to dive into it as a distraction.
Or maybe punish myself for acting like such a goober.
Four hours later and I was ready for some lunch. Momma had left a little earlier for her time at the beauty salon. She said she needed her strawberry blonde hair “refreshened,” her code word for dyed. But I wouldn’t dare use that word with Momma. As far as she was concerned, her hair was as natural as the day she was born. She’d think it would be gauche to color one’s hair, and had convinced herself that the salon had “special shampoo.” I didn’t question it.
Once in my suite, I slipped out of my high heels and into some flip-flops, then grabbed myself a bagel from the pantry. After spreading on a layer of cream cheese, I fastened the leash to Bingo’s collar, put on my sunglasses and headed out to the dog park.
Such a gorgeous day. The bougainvillea bushes were blooming with fuchsia-colored flowers. I picked one and stuck it behind my ear. As soon as we entered through the gate of the park, I released Bingo from the lead and settled onto one of the benches.
The sun was hot on my head and legs. It felt so good, though. Closing my eyes, I faced up to the sky, feeling the heat soak into the thin dress I had on.
The necklace with the pendant came to my mind. It must have been awfully important to be clutched so tightly in William’s hand. And then there were the cigarettes, and the butt at the church. What was going on here?
My phone buzzed in my pocket, and I pulled it out to read a text from Ruby.
—They say it’s not contagious, but most likely something ingested somehow.
I texted back. —Ingested how? Like food?
Her response was quick. —They’re not sure. But the pathology came back as non-viral and not bacterial.
I sent —Are you at the hospital now?
—Yeah- and to be honest, I’m a little creeped out.
Creeped out? I typed —What’s going on?
—You wouldn’t believe me if I told you.
I thought back to the pans falling out of the kitchen cupboard the other night for no reason. —Try me. I’m coming by later to keep you company.
She sent me a smiley face at that comment with the promise that she’d tell all about it, ending with —And the cafeteria sells a mean tuna casserole.
That had almost the opposite effect on me than what she was hoping for since the mention of hospital cafeteria tuna casserole made my stomach turn over. In fact, the thought of it was not making this bagel look too good, either.
So that’s how, at half-past five that night, I found myself back at the hospital. Not only was it to keep Ruby company, but it was also to reassure my own sanity. Maybe if I saw William in his bed, still hooked up to machines, then I would know for a fact that it wasn't him that I saw yesterday.
Then again, it might just convince me that I really did see something ghostly. I didn't even want to think about those implications.
At the hospital, I headed back to the elevator that would take me up to the floor where they were keeping Natalie. As I got off the elevators, I texted Ruby to come meet me.
I turned around and saw the doors of the elevator next to mine shut. But not before I caught a glimpse of who was inside.
William.
My blood froze. What was going on?
Chapter 8
“Hey!” I yelled. I lunged for the button and banged it, but it was too late. The doors had already closed, and the elevator was descending.
Ruby came around the corner. “Hey, what?” she asked.
I spun around, feeling breathless. “I think I just saw him.”
“Who?”
“William!” I watched the elevator with a sinking helplessness. “I can’t believe I missed him again.”
I watched the blood drain from Ruby face. “Are you kidding? This isn’t funny.”
“No!” I punched my thigh in frustration. Desperately I looked at the lights above the elevator, but it was no use. It didn’t show floor numbers, only a down arrow to indicate the direction the elevator was moving. I couldn’t believe it happened again.
“Maisie, William is still in a coma.”
I shook my head, feeling a headache coming on. Am I going crazy? “Something’s going on.”
She grabbed my arm, and her fingers dug in. I studied her face and could see she was really frightened.
“You’re right,” she said. “Something really is going on. I’m completely freaked out.”
Her stressed expression really rattled me. I’d never seen her like this, except when her parents divorced. “What’s the matter, Ruby?”
“I swear every time I’m with Natalie,” her voice lowered, “someone’s watching us.”
The overhead lights flickered.
“Okay.” I used my rational voice, hoping to calm her. “Hospitals can be pretty spooky, especially if you’re alone in the room.”
She shook her head. “No, I’m telling you, something weird is going on.”
With her still clutching at my arm, we headed toward Natalie’s room.
“You’re staying the night again?” the nurse called to Ruby.
“We’ll see,” Ruby said. I saw right through that fake smile she had on. It was the same one she used when she’d broken her arm when we were playing fast-pitch as teens at summer camp. The coach that she’d had a crush on had come over to see if she was okay. She’d tried to bluff her way through it—same as with the nurse—but there’d been no denying that something was wrong.
&n
bsp; We entered Natalie’s room, and walked behind the curtain. Two chairs had been set up around her bed.
Natalie looked just as pale as that first day. Her blonde hair was fanned across the pillow like it had just been brushed, and I saw the brush sitting on the side table.
“How is she?” I asked, looking down at her unmoving form.
“Still the same,” Ruby said softly.
“Are the doctors any closer to figuring out what’s going on?”
She shook her head and rubbed her cousin’s foot. Then she pointed to the side table.
I turned and looked. There was a big vase of flowers sitting there. I glanced at Ruby, and she gestured with her hand. “Go read the note.”
After rifling in the baby’s breath, I located the card. I opened it to read, “I’m always watching over you.”
“Who’s this from?” My gaze swiveled from the note to Ruby.
She shrugged and rapidly shook her head.
“What the heck?” I was stunned. Goosebumps trickled up my arm.
“And that’s not all,” Ruby said. “Last night some of my stuff was moved.”
“Moved?”
She nodded, looking miserable. “I was down in the cafeteria with Aunt Marcie.”
“Oh? Where is your Aunt Marcie now?”
“She’s out on a phone call. Should be back any minute. Anyway, I came back, and my drink and jacket had been moved off the table to the counter.” She pointed.
I shrugged. “That doesn’t seem so weird. Maybe a nurse came in and needed to adjust things.”
“I would have thought that, too, except they’d already done their rounds.”
“They may have come back in,” I tried to reassure her.
“I don’t know, Maisie. It’s really creepy around here lately.”
Now, normally, I wasn’t a supernatural-type of girl, but her round, scared eyes were getting to me.
I decided to change the subject. “Want to come peek in on William with me?”
Ruby sighed and rubbed her neck, appearing even more exhausted. “Oh, by the way. They discovered the link between the two.”
