by Rose Pressey
“That’s not very nice to ignore him like that,” Roger said in a teasing tone.
“Oh, mind your own business,” I said.
Roger held his hands up. “Touchy. Touchy.”
When I thought Callahan was gone, I peeked out again. That was when I spotted the teenage girl with the witchcraft book. Wow, everyone was showing up. I stepped out from the building so I could follow her. With any luck, she wouldn’t notice me. If she knew I was trailing her, she would probably cancel her book order.
“Don’t let her see you,” Marilyn whispered, as if the girl would hear her.
It would be kind of hard for me to hide from her if she happened to turn around. Not to mention the girl was a lot faster walker than me.
She continued down the sidewalk and past the bookstore. How far was she going? Maybe she was headed to the park. What would I do if she stopped there? I could act as if I was going there, too, and I just by chance had run into her. That would give me an opportunity to talk to her. I wanted to find out more about her interest in witchcraft. Apparently, she felt as if she needed to get rid of a negative spell. Had someone placed one on her? I wished she would slow down. It was as if she knew I was back there and had sped up on purpose.
She hadn’t noticed me. Just then, she turned to the left and headed across the street. When she practically walked out in front of a car, they had to slow down. I looked both ways and then headed across the street after her. She took off running and I thought for sure now she knew I had been following her. This wouldn’t be good for business. Stalking customers was probably not the best business plan. Maybe I shouldn’t have followed her at all. I could have waited until when the books she’d ordered had come in. If that hadn’t been too late.
“Larue, watch out,” Marilyn yelled.
When I turned to look at her, someone pushed me. I landed next to the curb in front of a car. My face was pressed against the pavement. A pebble poked me in the cheek. I couldn’t believe I’d almost been hit by a car. It wasn’t the first time a car had come out of nowhere and almost run over me.
“That was a close one,” James said.
“Larue, are you okay?” Marilyn leaned in close to me.
“What the hell is wrong with you, Larue? Didn’t you see that car?” Roger scolded me as if I was the teenager.
Where had it come from? I’d checked both ways to make sure there were no cars. The car paused after narrowly missing me, but then the driver took off. The person hadn’t even stopped to make sure I was okay. I could have been killed for all they knew. No other cars seemed to care that I was lying on my face next to the curb either. Couldn’t anyone see me?
Someone had cared enough to help me, though. Who had pushed me out of the way? I gazed up, still in a bit of a daze from what had happened. That was when I saw the face of the person who had saved me. I blinked, trying to make sure my eyes weren’t deceiving me. Was I really seeing this person? Had this really taken place? Stone was kneeling next to me. He smelled good, like apples and vanilla. Maybe I was delirious.
“Are you okay?” He stared at me with his haunting eyes.
I frowned, but managed to nod. “I’m okay.”
“Here, let me help you up.” He grasped my arm and helped me to my feet.
I wiped off my pants and adjusted my shirt. It really was a miracle I hadn’t been hurt.
“You saved my life,” I said.
His face eased, the tense expression disappearing slightly.
“He is a bashful one, isn’t he?” Marilyn said.
“I was in the right place at the right time,” he said.
“Apparently, I was in the wrong place at the wrong time.” I released a long, tired breath. Suddenly I was exhausted.
“Or the right time,” James added.
“Well, is there anything I can do for you? Do you need a ride somewhere?” Stone asked.
“Now’s your chance, Larue,” Marilyn said.
Was she telling me not to screw this chance up?
I attempted to make eye contact. “As a matter of fact, you’re the person I wanted to see.”
He stared at me, but didn’t seem surprised at what I’d said.
When he didn’t respond, I said, “I want to ask you a few questions.”
“If this has anything to do with the other day and what I saw…” There was an edge of haunted sorrow in his voice.
I held my hand up to stop him. “It’s not that.”
Well, not right now anyway. I’d get around to asking him more about that later. I wasn’t even sure how to approach the topic.
“I’m researching a house and I was told you may have lived there with your mother when you were a teenager. It’s the house on Heritage Street.” I stared at him, waiting for his reaction.
His expression changed back to the tense version I’d seen when I’d first met him. “I’m afraid I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“I don’t believe him for two seconds,” Roger said.
“Larue, I have to agree with Roger. This man is not being honest.” Marilyn glared at Stone.
“Don’t be so quick to judge. Maybe he’s telling the truth,” James said.
“If you’re sure you’re okay now…” He glanced over his shoulder as if he couldn’t wait to get away from me.
I showed him the deed. “So, you don’t know anything about the house?”
He wouldn’t even look at it.
“Here’s the name on the deed. The woman at the courthouse said this lady lived there and her son was named Stone. That’s not a common name and I know I saw you at that house yesterday. Do you want to tell me what is going on?” I placed my hands on my hips.
“That’s the way to tell him.” Marilyn gestured toward Stone.
“You probably just scared him,” Roger said.
“Like I said, I don’t know what you’re talking about. Anyway, do you need help? I don’t want to leave you here if you’re hurt. Are you sure you’re okay?” he asked again.
I hated to lie, but if it would get him to stick around longer I’d have to give it a try.
“Actually, I may have insured my leg a little. Do you think you could help me across the street to my bookstore?” I flashed him my best smile.
“That’s the way to work him,” Marilyn said. “Use your sex appeal.”
Marilyn and Roger stood some distance behind me. If they weren’t careful, Stone would hear them and then he’d know what I was doing.
Roger threw his hands up. “That’s terrible. I can’t believe you’re doing that to this poor schmuck.”
Stone peered around and then said, “Yeah, sure I will help you.” He wrapped his arm around my shoulders and then checked both ways. “Are you ready? Just take it easy on that leg.”
I grinned. “Thank you.”
“Make sure to use more of a whisper in your voice when you talk to him,” Marilyn whispered in my ear.
Stone looped his arm through mine and guided me cross the street. Luckily, this time we weren’t almost run down by a car.
He helped me step up onto the sidewalk. “Are you feeling okay?”
“He’s so caring,” Marilyn said.
“I’m sure it will be okay once I rest.” I rubbed my leg.
“Don’t let him off too soon,” Marilyn said as she waved her hand through the air.
If they kept talking so loudly he would be sure to hear them. Stone and I had just reached Book Nook’s door when I felt someone watching us. I glanced to my right and spotted Callahan. He was staring right at us. Of course, it didn’t help that Stone had his arm wrapped around my shoulders now. Surely, Callahan would understand when I told him what had happened. It appeared as if he wasn’t going to give me a chance to explain right now though. He turned and walked in the opposite way.
“It looks like someone isn’t happy with you.” Roger’s tone was full of mocking laughter.
Roger seemed happy about my predicament. I would have to talk with Callahan la
ter and explain what had happened. If he thought I was avoiding him and now he saw me in the arms of the other man, I suppose I could see where he would get the wrong idea. Stone pushed the door open and helped me inside.
Gina spotted us and rushed over. “Are you okay?”
“I’m okay, just had a little mishap on the sidewalk.” I gestured over my shoulder.
“A car almost hit her,” Stoned added.
I wished he had left that part out.
Her eyes widened. “That’s terrible. Can I help you to the stool?”
“That’s okay. I know you need to get home.” I waved off her offer.
I tried to give her eye contact so she would get the hint.
She caught on quickly. “I think this strong guy would probably be of more help. I’ll grab my things and head out.”
“Thank you, Gina.”
“No problem,” she said over her shoulder.
“The stool is right over there.” I pointed and smiled at Stone again.
“Maybe you should have a doctor check you out,” he said as he guided me toward the counter.
He helped me over to the stool.
“Thank you,” I said.
“You are so bad, Larue,” Roger said.
“Good work.” Marilyn winked.
Stone regarded the ghosts. “What are they talking about?”
I knew he would eventually hear them.
I looked him right in the eyes. “I have no idea.”
I was pretty sure he didn’t believe me.
“Bye, Larue. You too, handsome stranger.” Gina smiled at Stone and walked out the door.
“Sorry again about that reckless driver.” Stone glanced over his shoulder toward the front of the shop.
“Let the poor man leave,” James said.
Not without asking again I wouldn’t.
“It’s okay, I want to help her,” Stone said.
Stone had no idea what James was really talking about. The ghosts had better not tell him either.
I leaned forward so I was closer to Stone. I wanted him to listen to what I had to say. “I sense you don’t want to talk about the house and I can sympathize, but I really need to know more. It’s for the current owners. Surely, you want to help someone else if you can.”
He shook his head. “I wish I could help you.” He searched my eyes as if he wanted to say more. “I have to go.” He turned around, and the next thing I knew, he had walked out the door.
I sighed. “That didn’t go well.”
“Maybe Marilyn should have asked him,” Roger said.
Maybe Roger was right. Marilyn would have probably had better results.
Chapter 15
After closing up the bookstore, I immediately walked to the coffee shop. Of course, it was closed, but I peered in the window to see if Callahan was still inside. The lights were off, so I assumed he’d gone for the day. If I’d wanted to avoid him, I had now officially figured out the best way to do it. He’d seen me with another man and I was sure he assumed the worst. I didn’t want it to be this way, though.
I would have to go to his house, although that opened up the chance for the dark shadow to attack Callahan on his own territory, which was even worse. I climbed into my car with the ghosts in tow. I’d just started the ignition when my cell rang. I didn’t recognize the number, but I picked up anyway.
“Larue Donavan,” I said.
“I hope I have the right number,” the woman said. “Are you the paranormal investigator?”
“Yes, that’s me.”
She sighed. “Oh, good. I need your help. My name is Bonnie McCarthy.”
Where had I heard that name recently?
“What’s the problem?” I asked.
“There is a lot of stuff going on in my house. I don’t know what to do any more.” Her voice was full of anxiety and her fear came through the phone.
“I could come by tomorrow. Are you in town?” I asked.
“No. I need help right away. Couldn’t you come any sooner?” She pleaded.
I’d really hoped to go by Callahan’s place now, but it sounded as if Bonnie was desperate.
I shifted the phone to my other ear. “Yeah, I can come now. Where are you?”
“Thank you so much.” A slight relief sounded in her voice.
She gave me the address and I pointed the car in that direction. It was only about a five minute drive.
“What’s the problem?” Marilyn asked.
I pulled out onto the road. “Another ghost dilemma.”
“I hope you don’t pick up any more. There’s no room left in the car,” Roger said.
He was telling me.
“I’ll try my best not to attract any new ones,” I said.
“I refuse to ride in the trunk.” Frustration laced Roger’s voice.
I chuckled. “I don’t think that will be necessary.”
After locating the house, I pulled up in front and shoved the car into park. It was a two-story, red brick, newer home. It had a black front door and small porch with no decorations, flowers, or any sign that someone lived there.
“It’s probably better if I go in alone.” I turned off the car.
I figured Marilyn would listen to me, but I wasn’t sure about James or Roger. Oh, who was I kidding? I knew they wouldn’t stay put. I climbed out of the car and headed to the front door. When I looked back, the ghosts were still sitting in the car. They smiled and waved. They were up to something. Once in front of the door, I knocked.
The woman answered right away. “You must be Larue.”
“Are you Bonnie?” I asked.
She seemed frazzled as she nodded. Her brown hair was loose down to her shoulders and she wore wrinkled navy pants and an even more wrinkled blue shirt.
“Won’t you please come in?” She opened the door wider.
I stepped inside the house. A television played in the distance.
“We can talk in the kitchen if you’d like.” She gestured.
I nodded. “That would be great. Thanks.”
We moved through the living room. The shades were drawn, making the space dim. Boxes were stacked in the corner of the room, as if she was either moving out or in. A sofa, chairs, and coffee table filled the space, so I assumed maybe she was packing to leave. I followed her through the dining area and into the kitchen. The kitchen was large and since the shade was up on the window, the space was much brighter. The walls were painted a light beige color. Dark-colored cabinets and modern stainless steel appliances made the room seem not as foreboding as the rest of the house.
“I spend most of my time in here.” Bonnie glanced over her shoulder, as if someone she didn’t want to hear her might be right behind her.
There was a small table by the picture window at the back of the room.
She gestured toward the table and chairs. “Please have a seat. Would you like something to drink?”
“No, I’m fine, thank you.” I pulled out the white wooden chair and sat. “Can you tell me about what’s going on in the house?”
“It started out as little things.” She picked at the edge of the yellow floral-patterned place mat in front of her. “Doors shutting on their own or things moving. But now, it’s loud footsteps with a dark shadow figure appearing.”
I froze when she mentioned the dark shadow. I never liked to hear that description when someone was describing a haunting. It never went well. Footsteps sounded from the other room and I turned to see who was walking.
“That’s probably my daughter,” Bonnie said.
Just then, the young woman walked into the kitchen. I almost fell onto the floor. It was the girl who had ordered the books. The one I’d almost gotten killed following just a short time ago.
Her eyes widened when she saw me.
“What are you doing?” she asked angrily.
“Sweetie, I called this lady to help with the paranormal activity in our house.” Bonnie forced a smile onto her face.
“Why did you
do something stupid like that?” she snapped.
“Bethany, don’t talk that way.” Bonnie narrowed her eyes.
“What is she so angry about?” Roger said.
I looked to my left and discovered the ghosts were now in the room with me. I knew they wouldn’t listen. Bethany turned around and stomped out of the room.
Bonnie frowned. “I’m sorry about that. She doesn’t like to talk about what’s happening here much. It makes her nervous and I can understand that. I’m just trying to help. I’m trying to do something to make our lives better.”
The front door slammed shut. Silence filled the house once again.
“Looks like she left,” Marilyn said.
“Teenagers.” Roger scoffed.
“She’ll be back,” James added.
In the meantime, I had to figure out what all this meant. The haunting had to be related to the witchcraft books she had ordered, right?
Obviously, she was trying to get rid of the negative spirit with the witchcraft. I was glad the woman had called me when she did.
“Has the spirit been harassing your daughter?” I asked.
Bonnie tapped her fingers nervously on the table. “Yes, I believe it is after her the most. Although, it doesn’t exactly leave me alone either. My daughter has become more and more withdrawn as the activity increases.”
“Do you know if she has used a Ouija board?”
Bonnie shook her head. “Not that I know of.”
It was important I found out for sure if she had used one.
“I just want things to be back to normal,” Bonnie said. “I want quiet in the house again.”
“When did all of this start?” I asked.
She sighed. “About two months ago. It was fast when it started, too. Like I said, it was the little things at first, but it quickly got worse.”
“I brought some of my equipment. I can take a look around your house and see if I can gather any evidence,” I said. “That may help me figure out the source of the haunting. The sooner I know where it’s coming from, the faster I can get rid of it for you.”
She pushed to her feet. “That would be wonderful.”
I grabbed my bag of equipment and pulled out a couple pieces. “It’ll take me a minute to set up.”
