A Passion for Haunted Fashion

by Rose Pressey

“They can and they will,” Charlotte added to the conversation.

  “Let’s not panic. We’ll figure this out.” Ken tried to calm me with his soothing voice.

  Unfortunately, this was one time that it probably wouldn’t work.

  “What should we do?” I asked.

  Ken inhaled deeply and exhaled. “I really don’t think there is anything we can do right now. Perhaps you can prepare her for this possibility.”

  “I think Heather has already resigned herself to the fact that she’s going to prison,” Charlotte said.

  I didn’t even like to hear such a thing. If there was any way possible, I would keep my best friend from being locked behind bars. She was innocent and I knew it.

  “Thanks for letting me know, Ken,” I said. “I’ll find Heather and let her know.”

  “You’re welcome. I would have called her, but I figured it was best if she got the news from you. I’ll call as soon as I know something else,” Ken said. “Oh, and tell Heather I’m doing all I can. Tell her not to panic.”

  “Fat chance of her not panicking. It’s the pokey we’re talking about, Cookie. Orange jumpsuits and cheap flip-flops.” Charlotte shuttered at the thought.

  “Oh, and let’s not forget the disgusting food. I saw that in a picture show,” Peggy said.

  After hanging up, I released a deep breath and rested my head against the leather seat. I decided I couldn’t tell Heather about this. Not yet. She would just worry, and there was nothing good that could come of that. She would be mad at me if she found out I’d known and not told her, but I was doing this for her own good. I pulled back onto the road with thoughts of Heather in prison swirling in my mind.

  Chapter 17

  Charlotte’s Tips for a Fabulous Afterlife

  White is nice for an outfit selection.

  It goes well with clouds.

  Unless of course you’ve been a bad person and are

  headed in the wrong direction. Shame on you.

  One of my favorite things was being in the shop and working with the clothing. Standing at the counter, I was hanging a navy blue with gold horse bit print silk Celine shirt. Charlotte and Peggy were at the counter with me. We’d been discussing clothing. A welcome break from the usual topic of murder. The conversation had tapered off and we were now enjoying the silence of the beautiful sunny morning.

  “Now I remember,” Peggy’s voice echoed across the room.

  Charlotte jumped. “For heaven’s sake, don’t scare me like that. At least ease into whatever you’re going to say.”

  “Sorry,” Peggy said. “It’s just that I remember something.”

  “What’s that?” I asked.

  “I’m not from Sugar Creek. I didn’t live here.”

  “That is interesting . . .”

  “Where did you live?” Charlotte asked.

  Peggy frowned. “I don’t remember.”

  “How do you know that you didn’t live here?” Charlotte placed her hands on her hips.

  Peggy shrugged. “I just remember.”

  “What were you doing hanging around the theater?” Charlotte asked.

  Peggy paced across the floor in front of the counter. “I don’t know.”

  The silence returned as we contemplated what Peggy had just revealed. Wind Song sat in the window with her eyes closed. Her tail wagged, though, so I knew she was listening to the conversation. Apparently, she had nothing to add because she didn’t jump down and join us at the counter.

  I had a to-do list that involved the murder investigations. Next up on my list was to visit Morris’s place of employment again. I wanted to ask the people who worked with him if they’d noticed anything unusual in the days leading up to his murder. Maybe I could go by there on my lunch break. Dylan had probably already talked with them, but maybe he’d missed something. Not saying he wasn’t good at his job, but it was always good to have a second opinion. Though I probably wouldn’t tell him I was going there. Some things were best left unspoken.

  Peggy and Charlotte had moved over to the settee to sit. Wind Song was still in the window. I was sewing a button on a light pink Bobbie Brooks cotton sundress. It had tiny pearl-colored buttons that ran down the front of the dress. With the full bodice, nipped waist, and full skirt the dress would look even cuter with a petticoat underneath. Add black and white saddle shoes with little white socks, and this outfit would be positively dreamy.

  “Oh, now I remember.” Peggy punctuated her sentence with a swift gesture of her index finger. She jumped from her seat and paced again.

  Charlotte clutched her chest. “You did it again.”

  “Sorry,” Peggy said sheepishly.

  “What is it this time?” Charlotte asked.

  “My boyfriend lived in Sugar Creek. That would explain why I was here.”

  I looked up from my sewing. “Now that is something. Do you remember any other details about him? Where did he live?”

  Peggy sat back down on the settee. “I don’t remember.”

  “Maybe it will come to you,” I said.

  “Just make sure if it does to tell us quietly.” Charlotte fanned herself.

  At twelve Brianna arrived, and I set out for Morris’s former place of employment. I had a bit of anxiety about speaking with the people there. Maybe they wouldn’t want to talk with me. The first time I’d gone to his office I had found a bit of information, and I was hoping to discover even more this time.

  “I’m not sure this is a good idea,” Charlotte said as we walked toward my car. “It’s like beating a dead horse. You can’t get blood out of a turnip.”

  “I get it, Charlotte, but it’s too late because I already have plans to go. What harm can it do?” I asked.

  Charlotte scoffed. “You never know . . . something could happen.”

  “Don’t say such things,” I said as I hurried down the sidewalk.

  We slipped into the car and headed over to the building. Lunch hour traffic around Sugar Creek meant that the drive would take three minutes instead of two. The sunshine and a warm breeze made me wish the trip would take just a little longer. Or maybe it was my anxiety that made me want to delay the arrival as long as possible. I told myself I wanted to go, but the reality was I had reservations. Involving myself in a murder investigation was risky business.

  “Okay, Cookie, I will allow you to go this time,” Charlotte said.

  “Gee, thanks, Charlotte.” The sarcasm dripped from my words.

  “But this time you have to ask some tough questions. Look the people in the eye and let them know you mean business.” Charlotte pumped her fist.

  “I’ll keep that in mind,” I said as I punched the gas to get through a yellow light.

  At least the drive over was a pretty one. I tried to relax because I knew once I arrived that my anxiety would increase. I was on the cusp of a panic attack. Over the edge of that cliff were labored breathing, speeding heart rate, and dizziness. Followed by a trip to the emergency room. I didn’t have time for that, so I would have to calm down. I turned up the radio, hoping that Elvis would help ease my fears. Unfortunately, even Elvis didn’t help. We pulled up to the building and parked. I hadn’t expected to see Dylan’s car there. Sunshine glinted off the shiny chrome as the car sat by the front entrance. Now I really was panicking.

  “Now what do we do?” I asked.

  Charlotte tapped her fingers against the leather seat. “Good question. It seems we have a bit of a pickle on our hands.”

  I frowned. “A pickle on our hands? That doesn’t help.”

  “I guess we should leave,” Peggy said.

  Charlotte scoffed. “Oh, that’s not an option. What if Dylan saw her car? It’ll be even harder to explain if she just takes off like that. I think she needs to wait until he comes outside and talk with him. Besides, Cookie was the one who insisted on coming here. She made her bed now she’ll have to lie in it.”

  “Don’t you think you’re being kind of hard on me, Charlotte?” I asked.

/>   “Just trying to make you tougher, Cookie.”

  “A tough Cookie.” Peggy laughed. “Get it?”

  Charlotte raised her eyebrow. “Oh, we get it.”

  “I can back out of here before he ever sees me.” I clutched the steering wheel tight.

  One bit of encouragement from Charlotte and I’d throw this car into reverse. Why was I ready to give up so easily? Charlotte was right. I needed to be tougher. Or a “tough Cookie” as Peggy said.

  “Oh, I don’t think that’s a good idea. Trust me on this, Cookie. Have I ever steered you wrong?” Charlotte asked.

  “As a matter of fact . . .”

  She frowned. “Like when?”

  “Like the time we broke into your house.”

  She waved her hand dismissively. “Yeah, but did you die?”

  “Almost,” I said.

  Charlotte crossed her arms in front of her waist. “But did you die?”

  “No,” I begrudgingly admitted.

  A smug smile spread across Charlotte’s face. “Okay then. See, you should listen to me.”

  We could talk in circles all day if I’d allow her to. I needed to get back to the issue at hand.

  I turned the key and shifted the car into reverse. “I think I should get out of here.”

  “Okay, but I’m telling you it’s a bad idea.” Charlotte tossed up her hands.

  Charlotte always knew how to get to me.

  I shut off the car once again. “Okay, I’ll do it, but if this goes wrong, it’s all your fault.”

  “I’ll take that chance.” Charlotte popped out of the car and Peggy followed her, leaving me alone in the car.

  I suppose I could take off and leave them. That would only make things worse for me though. Charlotte would haunt me relentlessly. Plus, Charlotte was my friend, and I wouldn’t do that to her, no matter how annoying she was sometimes. I opened the car door and eased out. My stomach was twisted into a knot. My stare was focused on the door, hoping Dylan wouldn’t pop out.

  “Dylan’s not even out here . . . why are you sneaking around like a cat burglar?” Charlotte asked.

  As I headed for the door, I spotted a man walking in my direction. He wasn’t looking at me, but I panicked and hid behind a large shrub. It wasn’t Dylan, but I didn’t want to be seen by anyone.

  “What is wrong with you?” Charlotte asked as she hunkered down behind the landscaping with me. “What is with you and bushes?”

  Peggy squeezed in beside us. “Who are we hiding from this time?”

  “I thought that man was coming over to ask why I was here. I panicked,” I whispered.

  “You need to calm down, Cookie,” Peggy said. “This isn’t good for your stress level.”

  “She’s wound tighter than my grandpa’s old watch,” Charlotte said.

  “Where is he?” I peeked between the branches.

  The fresh pine scent tickled my nose and I fought off a sneeze.

  “I don’t see him.” Charlotte peered over the top.

  “There he is.” Peggy pointed.

  The man had moved closer to the building. What was he doing?

  “He’s acting strange. Maybe it’s a good idea that you hid,” Charlotte said. “I can go over and see what he’s up to.”

  “Wait,” I said, grabbing at her arm as if that would stop her. “I want to move closer too. I think he’s trying to look in Dylan’s car.”

  “This guy could really be up to no good,” Charlotte said. “Maybe you should keep your distance.”

  Now she wanted me to be cautious? She’s the one who said I should get out of the car. I heard what Charlotte said, but I wasn’t going to let that stop me from moving closer. Now that this guy was messing with Dylan, I wouldn’t back down or let fear stop me. No one messed with the people I loved. There was another group of bushes. I just had to make it over there and I should be hidden from view again.

  Dylan wouldn’t be happy to find me taking cover in the shrubbery. I was doing this for him though. Surely he would understand. Dashing away from my hiding spot, I ran toward the other landscaping.

  “Cookie, what are you doing?” Charlotte called out.

  There was no time to slow down. The man could turn around and see me any moment.

  Charlotte popped up in front of me. “Stop right there.”

  “Get out of my way, Charlotte,” I said as I ran right through her.

  I made it to the shrubs without being caught.

  Charlotte huffed. “I can’t believe you did that. I feel so violated.”

  “Maybe you’ll learn to stay out of my way,” I said.

  “You’re going to get caught,” Charlotte said with a wave of her finger.

  “You’re just saying that because you’re mad at me.”

  “I can’t believe you ran right through her, Cookie. You two are crazy.”

  Charlotte smirked at Peggy. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”

  The man looked in my direction.

  “See, I told you.” Charlotte smirked. “He’s looking at you.”

  Thank goodness he only watched in my direction for a couple seconds and focused his attention on Dylan’s car again.

  “What is he up to?” I whispered.

  “No good,” Charlotte said in a disapproving tone.

  Peggy pointed. “Look. He’s chewing gum.”

  “A lot of people chew gum,” I said. “But that is curious.”

  “It could be a coincidence . . .” Charlotte’s sentence trailed off.

  I suppose it was a bit suspicious, but I wouldn’t convict him of murder based on a stick of gum. The man reached out and tried to open Dylan’s car door. I should call Dylan and tell him to get out here right away. The man stepped back and removed his hat. Long dark hair tumbled to his shoulders.

  “Whoa, I wasn’t expecting that,” Charlotte said.

  “How did he get so much hair stuffed under that hat?” Peggy asked.

  “Is he trying to disguise his identity?” I asked.

  “If he is, then he just blew his cover,” Charlotte said.

  He ran his hand through his thick hair and placed the hat back on his head, stuffing the hair up underneath once again. I studied his face and noticed it.

  “He has a scar on his cheek. Connor said Mike Harvey has a scar on his cheek.”

  “What would he be doing here?” Charlotte asked.

  “That’s a question I’d like answered,” I said.

  The man turned and walked away.

  “I think we should follow him,” Charlotte said.

  “I don’t know if following him is such a good idea,” I said.

  “I can guarantee that’s not a good idea,” the male voice said.

  I screamed and spun around. Dylan raised an eyebrow.

  “Oh, busted,” Charlotte said with a click of her tongue.

  “Uh-oh,” Peggy said.

  I felt the heat rush to my cheeks.

  “Now you’ve got some explaining to do,” Charlotte said.

  I think she was secretly getting some pleasure out of this. There wasn’t much explaining to do. Dylan was a smart man. It was kind of obvious what I was doing.

  “What are you doing?” Dylan asked.

  “That guy was snooping around your car.” I gestured over my shoulder.

  Dylan looked in that direction. “I don’t see anyone. What did he look like?”

  I pointed toward my head. “He has long dark hair, but he was wearing it up in his hat. His name is Mike Harvey.”

  “And how do you know his name?” Dylan asked.

  “That’s a good question,” I said with a nervous chuckle.

  The ghosts had moved to Dylan’s side and were now staring at me just like Dylan.

  I frowned. “I talked with someone at Morris’s work and the man gave me Mike Harvey’s name. You should really check into this guy.”

  Dylan pulled out his notepad and jotted down what I assumed was the name. “I’ll make sure to do that. In the mea
ntime, you need to leave the investigation to me.”

  “Uh-oh,” Charlotte said. “You tell him that simply isn’t possible.”

  I think wording it differently would work better for me in this situation.

  “Heather is in trouble. When my friend is in trouble I have to help.” I searched his eyes, hoping he would understand.

  He took my hand in his and walked me over to my car.

  “You’re being escorted off the premises,” Charlotte said.

  “Is he taking her to jail?” Peggy asked.

  “Meet me at the diner?” Dylan asked.

  “This sounds serious.” Charlotte leaned against my car.

  Normally, I would have said that leaning against my Buick was a no-no, but since she was a ghost there was no harm. I didn’t want anyone to scratch the paint.

  “Right now?” I asked.

  “If that’s okay with you?” Dylan flashed his lopsided grin that always made me swoon.

  “I can do that.”

  “She’s a sucker for that smile,” Charlotte said.

  “I can see that.” Peggy chuckled.

  He leaned down and kissed me and said, “I’ll meet you there.”

  Chapter 18

  Cookie’s Savvy Tips for Vintage Shopping

  Don’t forget to shop for vintage hats, gloves,

  scarves, handbags, shoes, and jewelry.

  There are a lot of fantastic pieces to be found.

  Sunshine shimmered across downtown Sugar Creek. A smudge of white fluffy clouds decorated the blue canvas of the sky. I found a parking spot close to the diner and hurried out of the car.

  “This sounds serious. I wonder what he wants to talk about. He’d better not ask you to marry him in that greasy diner.” Charlotte chatted the whole time we walked along the sidewalk. If I hadn’t known better I’d say she’d had a lot of caffeine.

  “He is not asking me to marry him,” I said.

  “Maybe not today,” Peggy said.

  The lingering smell of the grill greeted us when we stepped inside. I scanned the room and realized I’d beat Dylan here. The lunch crowd had already started to thin out. I slipped into a booth at the front of the diner. Dixie waved from behind the counter. After a few seconds, she came over and placed a menu in front of me. It was habit for her, but I didn’t need to look at the menu. I had that thing memorized a long time ago, although occasionally she would surprise me by adding a new item or two.