by Rose Pressey
They were sitting at opposite ends of the sofa. As she studied her red fingernails, she seemed extremely bored with his conversation. He stopped talking and glared at me
“Good morning,” Marilyn said as she jumped up. “Boy, am I glad to see you.”
“Good morning.” I smiled at her.
I placed my hands on my hips and stared at Roger. “Were you in my bedroom?”
He glanced at me. “No.”
I smirked. “I saw you leaving.”
Irritation pinched between his dark brows. . “I said I wasn’t there. Now, get off my back.”
He looked away. I guess staring at him wasn’t going to get him to confess.
“Just don’t let it happen again,” I warned.
“Whatever,” he mumbled.
I moved into the kitchen to start breakfast.
Marilyn followed me. “I never saw the spirit again last night.”
“Well, I did. He came to me in my dream.” I glanced over my shoulder to make sure Mindy wasn’t there.
Marilyn’s eyes widened. “Just like Mindy said.”
I pulled the bread from the cabinet. “No, it wasn’t like that at all. It was only a dream and I’m not going to tell Mindy.”
“Tell Mindy what?”
I whipped around to find Mindy standing at the kitchen doorway.
Uh-oh. How was I going to get out of this one?
Chapter 8
I had to think quickly. “I wasn’t going to tell you that I’m all out of powdered sugar. I know how you like it on your toast.” My voice wavered. I had never been a good liar.
Mindy stared at me. I knew she was suspicious.
“Quick thinking,” Marilyn said.
Yeah. I thought it was pretty good, too. Mindy moved over to the refrigerator to get orange juice while I finished the French toast. Of course, Mindy kept asking me if there was something I wasn’t telling her the whole time through breakfast. I would deny it until the end. Marilyn and Mindy had talked me into reading more of the book while we sat at the table. Not that it had taken much persuading. After we finished, Mindy helped me put the dishes in the washer.
She wiped her hands on the dish towel. “I guess I should get out of here.”
I knew she was still nervous. “Things will be just fine. Okay?”
Mindy fidgeted with her purse strap. She shifted from one foot to the other. Her expression was filled with uneasy worry.
“Okay, I’m going now.” She turned and walked toward the front door.
“Call me if you need anything though,” I stood with her.
She waved and climbed into her car. I watched as she pulled out of the driveway. For a split second, I thought I saw the shadow in the back seat. When I blinked, it wasn’t there. The hair on the back of my neck rose. This was really starting to freak me out.
“Will she be okay?” Marilyn asked.
“I hope so,” I said as I watched Mindy drive off. “Okay, it’s time for me to get to the bookstore.”
Roger instantly popped up beside me. “What’s happening?”
“Will you stop doing that,” I said as I clutched my chest.
“Sorry,” he said sarcastically.
Roger and Marilyn hurried out to the car as I locked the door.
I thought I heard movement as I turned the key, but I wasn’t going to open the door again to even look. I had a feeling the ghost was now in my house. That was better than being at Mindy’s, though. I started the car and pulled out onto the street.
I glanced in the rear-view mirror at Roger. “If there is anything you can remember about that house, it would be really helpful.”
He shook his head. “I told you I can’t think of anything.”
I sighed. “I know you did, but if you happen to think of something.”
“I will tell you if I do,” he snapped.
I had to find out more about that house. If there was another ghost in there, then I needed to know. That could be the clue to finding out who this spirit was and what he wanted. I would have to call the homeowner the first chance I got.
When I pulled up in front of Book Nook, I noticed Callahan’s car parked at the curb. I smiled at the thought of him behind the counter making a drink. He looked so sexy in that apron. I glanced at the time on my phone. I had just enough time to pop in for my morning caffeine. Of course, that was my excuse to get a chance to see Callahan. Not that I needed one.
The Full Cup Coffee Shop sign hung above the door. I stepped in with Marilyn and Roger trailing right on my heels.
“Oh, this guy again,” Roger said around a sigh.
I gave him a stern look, but he ignored me.
“Don’t pay attention to him, Larue. I think Callahan is a sweetie pie.” Marilyn flashed her gorgeous smile.
Callahan was helping a customer and hadn’t noticed me yet. His shop was quaint with exposed brick walls, the perfect mixture of old and new. Prints of different style cups and mugs decorated the walls. Oversized leather chairs were placed into groupings with cherry-wood coffee tables in front. The intoxicating aroma of roasting beans swirled through the air. I took a big whiff as I stepped further into the space.
Maybe I needed a pastry for later. After all, Mindy had made me promise to attend her new Zumba class she was teaching this evening. As bad as I’d been at pole fitness, I had a feeling I would be equally terrible at this class. I was pretty sure I had two left feet.
Callahan glanced up and waved. His big, white smile made my stomach dance. I had no problem with that kind of dancing. Just a couple more customers and I would have Callahan all to myself. I hoped no one else came in for a couple minutes so I would have a chance to talk to him.
“Do you feel that?” Marilyn asked with a frown.
“Do I feel what?” I asked.
The words had barely left my lips when I knew what she meant. It was the same eerie feeling I’d had before when the shadow had appeared and now surrounded me. I hoped that spirit wasn’t around again, but I knew it was. I shouldn’t be surprised it had found me again. It seemed as if this thing was following me everywhere.
When I glanced to my right, I spotted the dark shadow on the wall behind Callahan. It hadn’t appeared as the creepy-looking man, but they were one in the same. I didn’t want this thing to be near Callahan, but I felt powerless to stop it. I had to do something. Obviously, it wasn’t going to leave me alone. And, even worse, it seemed to be around everyone I cared about.
I didn’t want to get them involved with this dark entity. My friends shouldn’t have to deal with this thing just because I had attracted it. I had to find out where it was coming from and what it wanted. That might not be so easy.
No one else in the shop seemed to notice this thing, only me and the ghosts. If the customers had seen it, I was sure they would have run out of the cafe without even looking back. The thing moved closer to Callahan. I wanted to yell out for it to leave him alone, but I knew that wasn’t possible right now.
I watched the thing, hoping it would go away soon. No such luck though because it rushed forward and moved right into Callahan’s body.
“Oh no! What’s it doing?” Marilyn asked with panic in her voice.
Callahan stopped making the coffee for a moment as if he’d forgotten what he was doing. He had a blank stare and his eyes turned dark. This was the same thing that had happened to Mindy. Why was this spirit attacking them? I wanted to scream out, but the customers would probably think I was crazy. I wanted to tell the spirit to attack me, but to leave them alone.
I think the spirit wanted for me to see this assault on Callahan. As if it enjoyed targeting the people I cared about. I had to do something to get the spirit to leave Callahan alone. But what? I didn’t want the customers to think I was crazy, but they were already looking at Callahan strangely. I needed to cause a distraction, so I moved closer to the display of biscotti on the counter. When the customers weren’t watching, I reached out and knocked the packages onto the floor with a
loud crash.
Everyone looked my way. That seemed to capture the spirit’s attention, too. At that moment, the dark shadow zipped from Callahan’s body. It moved swiftly across the coffee shop to the front windows. As if it pushed the fast forward button, the shadow zoomed out the glass.
It was gone for now, but would it be back? I knew it would. Whatever this thing wanted it hadn’t gotten yet. As I watched the front of the shop, I noticed something odd. The man in the corner of the room had been observing the spirit as it left, too. He had seen it; I was sure of it. How could he see it when no one else could? The man focused his attention on the newspaper again.
When I glanced back at Callahan, he was acting completely normal. His eyes had changed back to the stunning blue. He finished with the customers and then turned to me.
“Good morning, gorgeous,” he said.
“Gag,” Roger said from over my shoulder.
“Be quiet, Roger,” Marilyn scolded him.
“Are you feeling okay?” I asked, as I picked up the packages I’d knocked onto the floor.
He grabbed a towel to wipe his hands. “Well, I was fine, but a minute ago I had a strange feeling. Like maybe I was coming down with something. I’m all right now though. How are you?”
I traced the little crack in the wood counter with my index finger. “I’m fine…”
I wasn’t about to tell Callahan what had happened. Not yet. First, I needed to wrap my mind around everything before I shared this news with anyone. I would have to keep the spirit away from Mindy and Callahan until I figured out how to get rid of it. Callahan grabbed a cup and poured my favorite coffee, chocolate covered cherry. He made it with love, which made it taste even better.
He handed me the paper cup. “Here you go.”
I immediately took a sip and resisted the urge to spit out the liquid.
Callahan’s brows lifted questioningly. “What’s wrong? Does it taste bad?”
I couldn’t tell him the truth… it was awful. This was the first time this had happened.
I forced a smile. “No, it’s perfect as usual.”
“I can make you another one.” Callahan gestured.
“I’d better get to the store.” I motioned with the cup in my hand.
I wanted to get out of there before the spirit returned. And, so I could toss the coffee in the trash.
“I’ll come by and see you in a bit,” Callahan said with a smile.
I inched away from the counter. “I might be too busy. I’ll call you soon, okay?”
The sparkle of happiness faded from his eyes and his lips curved downward. “Yeah, okay.”
I turned and headed toward the door. The dark-haired man who had seen the spirit was gone. It was too bad, because I wanted to ask him what he’d seen. For now, I needed to keep the spirit away. That meant I would have to stay away from Callahan and Mindy. That wouldn’t be easy, but it was for the best.
Chapter 9
I’d just stepped out of the coffee shop when I spotted the man who had seen the spirit. He wore jeans and a faded blue T-shirt. A newspaper was tucked under his arm and he had his coffee cup in his right hand as he walked down the sidewalk on the opposite side of the street.
“Who are you?” I asked under my breath.
“You should go out after him,” Marilyn said.
“You’re absolutely correct.” I stepped closer to the street, waiting for traffic to pass.
The man had stopped in front of the antique shop. After a couple seconds, he started walking down the sidewalk again. I needed to hurry before he got away. Morning rush hour traffic was heavy. Okay, not Manhattan style traffic jam, but I still had to wait for a chance to cross the street.
“You’re going to lose him.” Roger pointed.
“Thanks for reminding me, Roger,” I said.
Finally, there was a break in traffic, so I ran across the street.
“You’re going to have to pick up your step if you want to catch him.” Roger moved with ease beside me.
“I have short legs,” I said breathlessly.
“I’ll take care of this.” Marilyn took off down the sidewalk. The skirt of her dress gently swayed back and forth as she moved.
“What is she doing?” Roger asked.
I shrugged. “Your guess is as good as mine.”
When Marilyn finally caught up to the man, she lunged in front of him. He immediately stopped.
“He can see her,” I whispered.
“She’s talking to him,” Roger said.
I ran down the sidewalk, getting more than a few strange looks in the process. Before I could reach the man, he started moving again. Marilyn rushed back over to me. The man ducked inside another building.
“What happened?” I asked, stopping briefly to catch my breath. “Why did he leave?”
She placed her hand on her hip. “He doesn’t think I’m real.”
“What does that mean?” I asked.
She tossed her hands up. “I don’t know. That’s just what he said.”
“But he could see you, right?”
She nodded. “He spoke to me when I addressed him.”
“I have to find him,” I said continuing toward the boutique.
This man was odd. How could he see the spirits yet not believe they were real?
I stepped inside the clothing shop. The place was decorated with turquoise and white with walls painted in stripes and racks of expensive clothing dotted the space. Dressing rooms were on the left middle way down the room and the checkout counter was across from them on the right. Cooper Garrett owned the place, but he was out-of-town on vacation. A few people were shopping around the space, but I didn’t see the man. Where had he gone? He couldn’t have simply disappeared.
The petite blonde working the shop today approached. “Hi, Larue. Can I help you find something?”
“Did a man just come in here?” I scanned the space again.
“No, I didn’t see a man.” She looked around the shop, too.
“Is there a back door?” I couldn’t remember. Some of the buildings had rear entrances with parking.
She gestured. “Yes, we do have a back door.”
“Oh, thanks.” I weaved around racks of clothing and rushed toward the rear.
She’d probably tell everyone in town how strangely I’d acted. Oh well, nothing new there. When I reached the door, I shoved it open and stepped out into the bright sunshine. I spotted the man again right away.
“Hey you,” I called out. “I need to speak with you.”
“Is he a ghost?” Marilyn asked.
I glanced at her. “I don’t think so.”
What would make her think that? The man glanced my way, but kept walking. I ran across the parking lot and finally caught up with him.
“Excuse me,” I said when I was next to him. “I need to speak with you.”
He stopped and stared right at me. “Yes?”
My mother would call his dark eyes “bedroom eyes.” His messy black hair seemed as if he hadn’t spent much time styling it this morning. As he stared at me, there was no sign that he would offer the slightest of smiles. His full lips were pressed together into a straight line. He towered above my five foot one height. I guessed him to be about six foot two or three. I’d never seen this guy in town before. Of course, that didn’t mean he wasn’t from around here, but I thought I knew just about everyone.
“I saw you at the coffee shop,” I said.
“I saw you, too,” he said and then took a sip from his cup.
Callahan usually wrote the person’s name on the cup. I tried to read what was written, but the man’s hand was covering most of the black marking.
I glanced over my shoulder. Marilyn and Roger stood behind me taking in the conversation with every ounce of their attention.
“Am I the only one you saw?” I studied his face for a reaction.
I didn’t know how else to ask the question. He regarded me for a moment. It was as if we were in a stan
doff to see who would speak first.
“Someone say something,” Roger demanded.
“Yes. I saw other people there,” the man answered.
It looked as if I was going to have to get right to the point.
“I know you saw the dark shadow, as well. I watched you watch it.” I crossed my arms in front of my chest and waited for an answer.
“I really need to go now.” He gestured over his shoulder and then turned away.
“Please, be honest with me.” I jumped out in front of him.
Why was he being secretive?
He moved a couple steps back as if he was ready to sprint.
“My name is Larue Donavan. I own the bookstore next to the coffee shop.” I searched his eyes, wondering why he was avoiding answering me.
He started to walk away. “It was nice meeting you, Ms. Donavan.”
“You can’t let him get away, Larue,” Marilyn said.
I rushed to catch up to him. “I know you can see Marilyn Monroe behind me.”
He stopped and peered back at Marilyn. “Okay, I guess I have to know why you have the ghost of Marilyn Monroe with you. I told myself I wouldn’t talk to ghosts anymore, but now I guess curiosity is getting the better of me.”
“I knew you could see the ghosts,” I pointed at him. “Are you a medium, too?”
He stared for a beat and then said, “Yes, I am. The name’s Stone Watkins.”
“You’re not from Magnolia, are you?” I asked.
He flashed the teeniest of smiles. “I live in New York.”
“He finally smiled,” Marilyn said.
Roger rolled his eyes. “Big deal.”
Stone ignored their comments.
“What are you doing here?” I asked.
He didn’t meet my gaze when he answered. “Just visiting.”
Maybe I was a little too suspicious, but that made me wonder if he was being honest. Why would he lie? There had to be more to it than that. Right now, I merely wanted to know about what he’d seen.
