by Rose Pressey
“Do you work here?” I asked, trying to avoid answering his question.
Maybe he would forget that he’d caught me talking to myself.
“Yes, I work here. May I help you find something?”
“I’m looking for a Ouija board.”
He stared at me. “Are you sure you want one of those things? They can be dangerous.”
“He’s quite a salesman.” Charlotte chuckled.
“I take the necessary precautions,” I said.
He studied my face. “Follow me.”
I walked behind him across the room to the far wall. A small stack of the boards were piled at the bottom of a bookshelf. Charlotte pushed a book from the shelf. It landed with a thud on the hardwood floor. The guy jumped back and looked at me with wide eyes.
“You’ve been using the Ouija board already. Did you bring a ghost here with you?” he asked.
“Oh, he’s good.” Charlotte walked in a circle around the guy.
He followed her trail as if he saw her. “I feel the cold air around me.”
I didn’t have time to explain everything to him. “I’ve used the board before, but I don’t think there’s a ghost here.”
“There most definitely is, but you probably just don’t sense it like I do. You should try to get them to move on to the light.”
Fat chance of that happening.
Charlotte and Maureen chuckled.
“He’s so cute and naïve,” Charlotte said.
“You should ask if he remembers seeing Ramon in here,” Maureen said.
“He wouldn’t remember me. There are a lot of people coming in and out of this shop.”
“Yes, but maybe he knows you since you’re a jockey,” Charlotte said.
Charlotte had a point.
After the guy handed me the Ouija board, I asked, “I think someone I know came in here.”
“Oh really?” he asked as he moved over to the counter.
“He’s a jockey at Churchill Downs.”
“Not just Churchill Downs,” Ramon said.
That was neither here nor there.
“He had dark hair and mesmerizing blue eyes.”
“Thanks,” Ramon said.
He pointed. “Hey, I remember him. He was in here with a woman. She had a spooky vibe.” The guy shivered.
“What do you mean?” I asked.
“She gave me the chills the second she walked into this place. When she looked at me, I actually shook a little.”
I had my suspicions that the person he described was Mandy. Ramon was leaving out a lot of information. He claimed he hadn’t had an affair with Mandy, but it seemed as if they spent a lot of time together. I would press him for more details.
“Thanks for the information,” I said.
“No problem.” He rang up the board. “That’ll be thirty-four ninety-five.”
“Wow, that’s an expensive toy,” Charlotte said.
It was pricey, but Charlotte had spent that much for a bottle of nail polish when she’d been alive.
I gathered the board under my arm. “Thanks again.”
“Just be careful,” the guy warned again.
Once out on the sidewalk, I said, “I can’t take you two anywhere.”
Charlotte looked at me with an innocent stare. “What? We were just having fun.”
“I don’t think it was fun for that guy. He was scared.”
“Did you see his face? It looked as if he was ready to run for his life,” Maureen said with a chuckle.
Chapter 11
Grandma Pearl’s Pearls of Wisdom
Just because a chicken has wings
doesn’t mean it can fly.
I made it back to my car and climbed behind the wheel, placing the Ouija board on the seat beside me. I couldn’t believe I had actually bought one. When Heather first brought one to my shop for Wind Song to use, I wouldn’t even let her keep it there. I was concerned it would bring in bad spirits. So far that hadn’t happened.
“I just think it is so nice of you to do this for us,” Maureen said.
“Thank you. You’re welcome, Maureen.”
“See, Cookie really loves a good mystery,” Charlotte said.
“I really don’t think I should use the board at the bed-and-breakfast,” I said as I made the next left turn. “What if I accidentally brought in evil spirits?”
“Where will you use it if not at the bed-and-breakfast?” Maureen asked.
“I think I saw a park close by. We could stop and pick up Wind Song and go over there.”
“Sounds like a good place to me,” Charlotte said. “Though I doubt you will bring in any bad spirits. It hasn’t happened yet.”
“No, but it is a nice thing to do, right? Just in case.” I steered the car around a turn. “Plus, what if now was the time that a bad spirit found its way through? I would never forgive myself for that.”
For the rest of the drive, we were lost in thought listening to The Platters sing “The Magic Touch.” Hannah would definitely know I was up to something when I returned to pick up the cat. After parking the car out front, I slipped in the front door. I paused. All was quiet. I couldn’t believe that Hannah wasn’t waiting at the door for me. I eased up the stairs, trying not to make them squeak. Of course, the treads made a sound with almost each step.
“She must be asleep,” Charlotte said.
The hinges groaned as I eased my door open. Wind Song was on the chair by the window. She wagged her tail as soon as she saw me.
“Grandma Pearl, we’re going for a ride,” I whispered.
I picked her up and carried her out into the hallway. Now that I knew she wouldn’t run away, I didn’t have to bother with the carrier, although sometimes I had to use it just so people wouldn’t be suspicious.
After placing Wind Song in the car, we hurried back to the park. My headlights flashed across the entrance sign as I turned in. Tall pine trees surrounded us like soldiers guarding the park.
“This place is scary,” Charlotte said.
“It looks spooky during the day too,” Ramon said. “I’ve heard ghost stories about this place.”
Maureen waved her hands. “Oh, I don’t even want to hear the stories. I think I’ll stay in the car.”
It was funny that the ghosts were scared of other ghosts. Pulling over into a small parking area, I parked the car close to a picnic bench and picked up Wind Song. With my other hand, I grabbed the Ouija board.
“Come on, guys. Don’t make me go out there alone,” I said.
The ghosts reluctantly got out of the car and followed me over to the picnic table. The night was silent except for an owl hooting in the distance. First, I placed the board down. Next was Wind Song.
“Okay, Grandma. Heather said you’d be able to tell us something about Maureen’s killer.”
Wind Song meowed and placed her paw on the planchette.
“Wow, you weren’t kidding. The cat really can use the board,” Ramon said as he watched with wide eyes.
Wind Song moved the planchette around to different letters. I had to keep up so I’d know what she was spelling. Heather usually liked to write down the letters when she was around. Wind Song stopped.
“What did she say?” Charlotte asked.
Maureen looked as if she was afraid to find out.
“She said that someone who claimed to love Maureen was responsible for Maureen’s death.”
We all looked at Maureen. She stood completely still, with a shocked look on her face.
“The cat said all that?” Ramon asked.
“Well, I’m completing the message for her,” I said.
“Do you know who that would be?” Charlotte asked Maureen.
Maureen shook her head.
“A lot of murders are perpetrated by people who claim to love you.” I stroked Wind Song’s back.
“That doesn’t tell us much,” Charlotte said.
“I’m sure Grandma Pearl is working on it.”
I wasn’t
sure how Grandma Pearl got her information. Maybe she had some special informant on the other side.
“Okay, it’s creepy out here. Can we leave now?” Ramon peered around as if he’d heard something.
I picked up Wind Song and the board. “Sure, let’s go.”
As I walked across the grassy area toward the car, a rustling noise caught my attention. Wind Song hissed and wiggled in my arms.
“What was that?” I whispered.
“I don’t know, but don’t stop now. Get in the car.” Charlotte urged.
Maureen and Ramon had already rushed back to the Buick. We got back into the car, and I locked the doors. I shoved the car into reverse and sped toward the park’s entrance. Once back on the lonely stretch of road, I pointed the car toward the bed-and-breakfast. I didn’t think it was possible, but the road seemed even spookier now. Headlights appeared behind me.
“Where did that car come from?” I asked, glancing in the rearview mirror.
“I don’t know, but they’re following too close.” Charlotte turned around in her seat.
Luckily, I’d made it to the turnoff for the bed-and-breakfast. The car sped past. I couldn’t make out what kind it was, only that it was a dark color. Maybe that was why I hadn’t seen it until it was directly behind me. I’d probably passed it as I drove down that dark road.
The bed-and-breakfast was just as I’d left it. Not a single light shone from the windows. The sun had set hours ago, and I knew Hannah would be upset that I’d stayed out so late. With any luck, she’d be asleep.
“Maybe I should leave the Ouija board in the car, just in case,” I said as I shut off the engine.
“That’s probably a good idea,” Charlotte said as she zipped out of the car.
Wind Song came over to me, and I picked her up. The ghosts were waiting on the porch for me. Soft murmurs of the night carried across the air as I hurried toward the front door.
Before I eased the door open, I tiptoed over to the window. The house was quiet, but a small light shone from the living room.
I motioned. “Look. I think I’m in trouble.”
“Oh, this lady is ridiculous. She needs a hobby,” Charlotte said.
I opened the door and inched across the room.
“Cookie, is that you?” Hannah called out.
I wouldn’t lie; her monitoring my every move was slightly annoying.
“It’s barely ten o’clock. I really don’t think it should be lights out yet,” I said as I stomped into the room.
“Oh, she’s going to kick you out of here now,” Charlotte followed me.
When I spotted Dylan Valentine, I stopped in my tracks.
Chapter 12
Cookie’s Savvy Tips for Vintage Shopping
Examine vintage pieces in the light.
You’ll want to notice if there are
holes or other flaws.
Dylan rushed over to me and wrapped his arms around me. His thick, dark hair was styled in a short cut and stood up just a little in the front. Dylan’s fit physique was evident underneath his well-fitting clothing. His brilliant blue eyes sent a jolt through me every time he looked my way. Dylan looked handsome in his tan slacks and black button-down, short-sleeved shirt. He was a total dreamboat. His eyes lit up when he smiled.
“What are you doing here?” I asked. “Is everything okay with my mother and Heather?”
A sudden panic rushed through me.
“They’re fine. I just got the idea that I should come see you. I figured why not? I had some time off saved up anyway.” He leaned down and pressed his lips against mine.
“I’m glad you came.”
“Mr. Valentine was telling me that he’s an officer back in Georgia.”
“I think she’s been charmed by the detective as well.” Charlotte winked.
Dylan had a way of doing that to everyone. His charisma and smile were intoxicating.
“Are you staying here too?” I asked.
He gestured toward Hannah. “She doesn’t have any other rooms available, so I booked one at the Holiday Inn down the road.”
It wasn’t so down the road. The nearest Holiday Inn had to be a ten-minute drive.
“So much for Dylan charming her.” Charlotte huffed.
I knew Hannah wasn’t telling the truth. She had extra rooms, but it was her place and her decision whether to rent them or not.
“I’ll leave you two alone for just a bit. Don’t be too long. And no hanky-panky.” Hannah warned with a wave of her finger.
She disappeared into the kitchen. Dylan quirked an eyebrow.
“She makes a good breakfast,” I said. “Other than that, her innkeeper skills are lacking.”
“So I noticed. Anyway, I’m so happy to see you.” Dylan touched my arm.
I still couldn’t believe he’d driven all this way to see me.
“He just couldn’t bear the thought of being without you for another minute.” Charlotte pretended to swoon.
“Isn’t it sweet?” Maureen added.
This was one time I agreed with Maureen and Charlotte. Dylan was sweet. He leaned down and kissed my lips again.
“Oh, things just took a romantic turn,” Charlotte said.
“Maybe we should leave the lovebirds alone,” Ramon said.
Charlotte and Maureen ignored him.
“Ladies?” Ramon said in a sterner voice.
The ghosts gave in and disappeared around the corner. They wouldn’t go far.
“I guess I should be going so that Hannah doesn’t get upset.”
I sighed. “Yeah. I guess so.”
“Walk me to my car?” Dylan asked with a smile.
“Sure.”
I wondered if I needed to ask Hannah’s permission for that too. She returned into the room and looked at her watch.
“I’ll be right back,” I called over my shoulder.
“Nice meeting you, Hannah.” Dylan tossed his hand up in a wave.
“Likewise,” Hannah said.
Dylan and I stepped out into the lovely night air. It didn’t seem nearly as spooky with Dylan by my side. Crickets chirped from the nearby trees, and the stars dazzled in the dark sky. Suddenly romance hung in the air.
Dylan leaned against my car and pulled me close. His spicy scent was wrapping me in a hug as well.
“I didn’t see your car when I pulled up.” I looked around.
“I wanted to surprise you, so I parked around the side.”
“Well, it worked. I was surprised.” I looked him in the eyes. “You really came because you were worried about the murder, isn’t that right?”
He studied my face. “That was part of it, yes. I just wanted to make sure you were okay.”
He should know by now that I was pretty good at taking care of myself. Although sometimes I needed a little help from my friends. Who doesn’t on occasion?
“I’ve been looking into who may have done this to the jockey.” I rubbed my arms to fight off the slight chill of the spring night.
He hugged me again to keep me warm. “Why would you do that? It’s dangerous.”
Unfortunately, I couldn’t tell him it was because the ghost of the murder victim was following me around. Although I knew that wasn’t the only reason I was doing it. Actually, there were a number of reasons. Number one was there was a murderer out there who needed to be behind bars. The porch light flickered, and I knew it was Hannah’s warning that it was time to come inside. It was like being in high school all over again.
Dylan brushed the hair from my forehead. “How about breakfast in the morning? There’s a little place around the corner from where I’m staying.”
“I can meet you there since I want to check out a couple of thrift shops tomorrow.”
Dylan smiled. “How’s eight?”
“Eight sounds great.”
He kissed me good-bye and watched as I headed up the porch to the front door. It was sweet that he wanted to make sure I got back inside safely. I must admit that the bed-and-b
reakfast had a spooky vibe. Despite being a short drive to shops and restaurants, it felt isolated.
I’d just stepped in the door and Dylan had pulled away when the ghosts popped up in front of me.
I jumped. “Don’t do that. You scared me.”
“You’d think you’d be used to ghosts by now,” Charlotte said.
“I’m used to ghosts. What I’m not used to is people popping up in front of me unannounced.” I peered over into the living room. Where was Hannah?
“How did it go?” Charlotte asked with a smile.
“It’s fine.” I couldn’t hold back a smile when I thought about Dylan.
“It’s a good thing he’s here. Now maybe he can talk to the police.” Charlotte walked over to the living room door and peered in too.
“That’s a good idea,” Ramon said.
I peeked around to see if the owner was standing nearby. Maybe she’d gone to bed.
“I plan to go to the police tomorrow and ask questions.”
Charlotte snorted. “They’re not going to tell you anything.”
“Thanks for the vote of confidence,” I whispered.
Charlotte held her hands up. “Just stating the truth.”
“It’s true. They probably won’t talk to you,” Ramon said.
“Better to let Dylan do it,” Maureen added.
I narrowed my eyes. “I’ll show you all. I will get something out of them. Besides, Dylan hasn’t even said he would talk to the police.”
“He would if you asked him,” Charlotte said.
“I won’t need to ask him because I will ask the police myself.”
Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted Hannah.
She was staring at me. “Who are you talking to?”
“Oh, she’s really going to kick you out now,” Maureen said.
I should have sneaked back to my room while I had the chance. What would I say?
I pulled the phone from my pocket. “Just making a phone call.”
“Oh, nice try,” Charlotte said.
“Well, I guess I’ll go to bed now. Good night.” I tossed my hand up in a wave.
