Givin' Up The Ghost (An Indigo Eady Paranormal Mystery)

by Gwen Gardner

  “Yeah,” said Simon, teeth chattering. “Whose idea was this anyway?”

  “We’re close now,” said Badger. “We can’t turn back.”

  “Wait,” I whispered. I nodded down the passage. “A light.” A sliver of light, barely perceptible, floated below us. Not natural light, though, and not a spirit. Someone ahead had a flashlight.

  With wobbly knees, I inched my way forward down the path, thinking the police had beat us to the tunnels. We would have to decide whether to show ourselves and offer help, or go back the way we came and leave it to the police.

  We continued to creep down the rock flooring, hugging the wall. Murmured voices reached us, but we couldn’t make out what was said.

  I motioned to the boys to turn off their torches. We didn’t want to be seen at this point. Something below didn’t feel right.

  Out of the darkness two men appeared. The one in front, a big man, could only be Ralph Radcliffe. The man behind him, with a gun, was Andy Hall.

  I gasped, and motioned frantically with my hand for Badger to back up. But the slippery rock and my jerky movements sent a smattering of loose pebbles trickling into the cave below.

  It was enough.

  The momentum of the pebbles, combined with the echoing cavern, didn’t help to disguise the noise. We pressed into the rock, hardly daring to breathe, but the light from the torch caught us anyway.

  “Fancy seeing you three down here.” Andy’s voice matched the sneer twisting his lips into a cruel jolt of evil. “Come to help us look, did you?” He kept the torch on our faces, effectively blinding us against the darkness of the cave. “By all means, come on down. Ralph here seems to be having a hard time remembering where he left the bodies.”

  Shooting a look of agonizing fear at the other two, I inched my way down again. The passage became wider toward the bottom, where Andy trained the gun on me.

  Andy’s face was thin and gaunt, his eyes bruised-looking and sunk in, as if he hadn’t eaten or slept in a while. His greasy hair hadn’t been brushed and he had a general air of unkemptness, like he’d been living rough. He didn’t even look like the same man I met before. “If you’re thinking of playing the heroes, your girlfriend here will be the first to go.”

  “You’re never going to get away with this,” Simon said to Andy. “The police already know you’re the one.”

  “True,” said Andy. “But with no DNA, who knows?” He shrugged and grinned humorlessly. “Now get going.” He used the gun to indicate we should go before him.

  The familiar tingle on the back of my neck prompted me to glance over my shoulder. Bart walked between me and Andy, grim-faced. He spoke to me in a low voice, as if Andy might overhear him.

  “Listen Indigo, up ahead the path levels and widens out. It’s a chance for you to escape. Take the right fork. It leads up and intersects with the path you came down.”

  I nodded imperceptibly.

  “I’m going to cause a diversion. I’ve been practicing.”

  I didn’t know how I could alert the others. I fervently began to say in my mind, over and over again; right fork, right fork, right fork. I directed it at the back of Simon’s head. He had never shown any signs of psychic ability, but he did come from a long line of them.

  Not the best time for a lesson, but nothing to lose at this point. I mean other than our lives, but they were on the line anyway.

  I concentrated harder than I ever had, willing Simon to hear me in his head.

  And suddenly, he turned to me, a strange look on his face. I took the opportunity, with my hand in front of me, to point right with my thumb. He nodded his understanding, amazement mingling with fear on his face.

  We were approaching the designated area, and I worried about whether Bart could actually cause a diversion. And then I remembered the snug storm, and was glad for it.

  When the time came, I didn’t look back, only yelled, “RUN!” The sound of Andy slipping and shouting behind me urged me on.

  Not only did the others not hesitate, but they took the right fork. I didn’t stop to think about it, just ran up as fast as I dared. Last in line and nearest to Andy, I had to put more distance between us. A shot rent the air. A responding hunk of rock leapt beside me, fragments stinging my cheeks.

  Simon reached back for my hand and tugged me around a corner. We had, by some miracle, come full circle and reached the abandoned residence area.

  “Over here,” yelled Bart. I pulled Simon ahead, with Badger and Ralph following, into a dark corner. A tight squeeze, but large enough to hide the four of us. Standing in the darkness, we tried to control our heavy breathing.

  Andy’s footsteps echoed closer.

  Ralph positioned himself in front, lifting his finger to his lips to shush us, indicating he had a plan. The only plan could be to jump Andy when he came by, and we all understood that. Badger and Simon readied themselves, as did I. Someone would likely be shot, but Andy wouldn’t have a chance to get us all.

  Footsteps, coming nearer, slowed, as if Andy sensed us hiding nearby. His breathing and footsteps sounded loud in the echoing cavern.

  With sudden swiftness, Ralph roared and jumped, the rest of us a step behind. A shot burst into the cavern, the reverberation echoing as if full-on cannon warfare had begun. Ralph tackled Andy to the ground, both grappling for leverage. Badger grabbed Andy’s right arm, punching him in the face repeatedly. Blood spurt like a newly tapped oil well. Simon grabbed his left arm and rained punches as well.

  Stronger than any of us had imagined, Andy still had the gun. Thankful for my sturdy boots, I stomped as hard as I could on his right wrist. He screamed and released the weapon, and I quickly stooped to pick it up.

  Using both hands, somehow steady, I pointed the revolver at Andy’s chest.

  “It’s over,” I said, breathing hard.

  “You wouldn’t use it,” said Andy. Scorn dripped from his tongue like the blood from his nose.

  I ignored it. “You have no idea what I’m capable of.” I thumbed the hammer back. The single click reverberated throughout the cave. I did learn something as the daughter of a Border Patrolman.

  Chapter Thirty-Seven

  The Gift

  DS Robbie O’Boyle, called by Riley when we hadn’t returned in two hours, thankfully met us near the entrance to the tunnel and arrested Andy. I was happy to turn the revolver over to him. I had to admit, I sort of scared myself. For one brief moment...the whole thing with my dad’s murder sort of got mixed up in my head. The investigation had deemed his death a suicide. But I knew the truth. I had the vision. He did not commit suicide out of loneliness for my mom as others tried to make out. I hoped that solving Bart’s murder would in some way make me feel better about not challenging the investigation into my father’s death. I didn’t feel better after all.

  Of course, we were all sorts of busted. And it turned out we were not too old to be grounded. For going behind our parents backs and putting ourselves in danger. For having the opportunity to tell the truth but lying instead.

  We were granted a reprieve on the following Friday, two days before Christmas, to attend the celebration of life party at the Blind Badger. Corkboards had been removed from Bart’s study and placed in the pub, where people pinned photographs of deceased loved ones. The boards filled in quickly, with photos, notes and drawings of all kinds. Simon and I had spent hours going through photos and choosing which ones to post. One with both my parents, arms around each other and smiling into the camera. Another of Simon’s mom and little brother Bryan, smiling proudly like a big boy on his first day of preschool.

  The Blind Badger was crammed quite full with friends and family. Tables had been pushed back for easier access to the dance floor in the middle of the pub. A makeshift bandstand was erected in one corner. Badger played his guitar and sang with an impromptu band he put together. And he was good. Really good. I hadn’t known he could sing like that, or play the guitar. After all we’d been through, did I know him at all?


  Up on the bandstand, Badger dedicated the next song.

  “To all those who have gone before us, whose lives were cut short, or long,” he said with a laugh, “for all who have loved and are loved, this song is for you.”

  He began to sing a song about how the dead are still alive, only it’s a different existence.

  The crowd that had gathered around was quiet. I joined in with the chorus, and then others joined in, until the whole pub joined in and sang “We’re Alive and Well.”

  Girls surrounded the bandstand, not bothering to hide their adoration. Admiration lit their faces. What girl doesn’t love a musician? Badger laughed and talked to them in between songs. Flirted even.

  I sighed, my heart slightly cracking. It’s just as well. My freakish nature was a put-off. I’d rather have him as a lifetime friend, than a once-upon-a-time boyfriend.

  NOT.

  I sighed again. My pride would never allow me to pursue him. I wouldn’t fight other girls over him. If he wanted me, he wouldn’t make me.

  I looked up and found him watching me. He had a strange look on his face. Somber. He whispered something to his band mate and laid down his guitar and walked toward me, his hand out in invitation. The girls’ eyes followed him to me, jealously.

  My heart skipped a beat. The band played a popular slow song as we danced closely, without speaking. I rested my head against his shoulder, closed my eyes and swayed to the music.

  The future was so uncertain. We were both grieving. Badger had a family to help support and a mound of responsibility now that his father was gone. He smiled down at me, possibly the saddest smile ever. Like a goodbye without words.

  After the most perfect, saddest dance ever, I wanted to be alone. I headed for the snug, empty except for the cheery fire. A feeling of déjà vu reminded me that this was where it all started, at Agatha’s celebration of life, when I met Bart right here in the snug. I had been alone then, too. Bart came and created the snug storm, then the investigation began and friendships formed. And now, I was alone again. I had come full circle. I sat on the bench and wiped a small tear away.

  “You did well, Indigo,” said a deep voice next to my ear. I jumped of course. Why couldn’t spirits enter a room like normal people? At least this time I didn’t dump coffee on anybody.

  I looked at Bart, glowing with health and vitality, and woundless. “Thank you. Are you enjoying your party?”

  He smiled. “Yes. I couldn’t hope for a better send off.”

  Another glowing figure filled the doorway. Shelly, her eyes shining and healthy. A search crew led by Ralph found her remains in the tunnel.

  “So, are you ready to cross over now?” I asked, because that was the last task. To cross Bart, and in turn Shelly and Agatha over to the other side so the soul collector, aka the Dark Shadow, couldn’t take their energy, keeping them weak and binding them to this dimension, forever in fear and darkness. I’d worry about my own soul later.

  “Yes,” he said, glancing back at Shelly, and now Agatha and Hannah, too. But Hannah didn’t glow, not like the others. Something held her here and she wasn’t ready yet to cross over.

  “Do you see the light?” I asked hopefully, not knowing what to expect or how to help them on that final journey because I didn’t know what the heck I was doing.

  He laughed, his eyes crinkling like Badger’s. “No, it’s not like that. We are the light.” And I saw that they were, all standing there glowing with the warmest, most awesome love you could imagine.

  “I don’t understand. How do you get to heaven, then?”

  “We merely think it and go,” he answered. “But first, I need one more favor.”

  “What is it?” I asked, skeptically. I’m not gonna lie, I was worried. I mean, the last time he wanted a favor I got drunk, burned, cut, shot at and chased by a murderer.

  “Come here.” Both hands were cupped closed before him, something glowing between his fingers.

  I sincerely hoped we weren’t about to have another snug storm as I cautiously approached sideways and stooped, the better to make a dash under the table if the sky started falling.

  “What’s that?” asked Simon from the doorway, his voice cracking. His eyes were round as ten pence coins as he stared at the glowing orb and inched slowly around to my side.

  Riley, Badger and Cappy herded in behind him, mouths gaping. They circled around as Simon had done, each standing back as far as the snug would allow. With nine of us crammed inside the little snug, and our shadow-doubles hovering behind, we crowded around the shiny object floating in the air over his palms.

  “Put your hands out, Indigo,” said Bart. His eyes circled the faces, remaining longer on Badger and Riley.

  The room gasped collectively as I held my palms out.

  “Don’t touch it!” said Simon, tugging on my elbow. “You don’t know what it is. It might burn you or something.”

  “It’s okay,” I said, moving closer to Bart. The group followed the trail of the glowing orb moving toward me. Like campers around a campfire, the glow illuminated our astonished faces. It hovered over my outstretched hands briefly, before lowering slowing into my palms. As it touched my skin, it zapped and hissed, shooting out an array of colorful sparks like sparklers on the fourth of July or Guy Fawkes Day. Then a loud POP made us spring back before the glow faded away.

  Left in its place was a necklace, a delicate silver antique chain dipping down to a perfect, blue teardrop.

  I looked up at Bart wide-eyed. How had he done that? Passed an item from one dimension to another? It defied the laws of something, I was sure.

  “It’s for Riley,” he said, turning with shimmering eyes to look at his daughter.

  I turned to Riley, holding out the necklace. “He says it’s for you.”

  “He who?” She took the necklace, a look of wonder on her face. “My dad,” she breathed out, studying the antique necklace. “He gave mum a similar one for her birthday. They were Aunt Aggie’s.”

  She turned to me. “Mum knew about this. We looked everywhere for it, but couldn’t find it.”

  “I couldn’t leave without giving it to her,” said Bart. He looked over to Badger. “Tell my family...” He choked on the words. “Tell them I love them. I didn’t want to leave...”

  “Yeah,” I whispered, unable to speak clearly. “I’ll tell them.”

  “What? Tell us what?” said Riley, a sense of urgency in her voice. “Tell him...tell him we love him and...” She sniffed and swallowed, struggling for control. “We miss him.”

  “He hears you,” I said. “He’s standing right there.”

  Riley nodded.

  “I love you too, dad. We all do,” said Badger.

  Bart smiled.

  The snug began to hum. It started low, and increased in sound. Not loud, but alarming nonetheless. A final POP and then Bart, Shelly and Agatha vanished, as if they had been beamed up.

  “He’s gone,” I said, feeling almost light-hearted.

  We accomplished what we set out to do. Badger and Riley had answers. Simon and I...well, with Christmas only two days away, we could enjoy some family time with Uncle Richard. For the first time in a long time, hope filled my heart.

  Acknowledgements

  A huge amount of support went into this life-changing endeavor of mine. I will attempt to thank you all.

  My biggest thanks goes to my front-line support system, my husband, Allan Gardner. Allan, you knew me and valued me before I did. You taught me to dream and reach for the stars. Without you, there would be no Givin’ Up The Ghost. Our life journey has been a blast and I wouldn’t change a thing. You are the best man I’ve ever known. I love you. Thanks for loving me.

  My second line of thanks goes to my daughter, Amber Gardner, son-in-law John Crosser, sister Donna Richardson, mom Mildred Brannon, best friends Cindy Chapman and Sue Kargodorian. When I said I was going to write a book, you all believed in me. Thank you for that.

  Also, thanks to Mike and Yuanchun Gardn
er, Kirk Chapman, Jayme Chapman, Mark and Michelle Baxter, Jim Richardson, Alyssa Frazier, Aram Kargodorian, Kelli Babb, Ann Zachau, Fay and Floyd Nygaard, Darrel Johnson, Caroline Esquivel and Linda Gomez for your unfailing support, encouragement and interest.

  To the early readers and supportive critiques of portions of my book: Donna Richardson, Kelli Babb, Molly Wingate and Ann Easton, thank you.

  Special thanks to my critique partner Angela Brown. Our Partners in ParanormYA journey was your creative genius. Thanks for taking me on. Your insight made Givin’ Up The Ghost a better book. Any mistakes are my own.

  Further thanks to others who critiqued and edited my book, Angela Brown, Sharon Bayliss and Kelly Lynne.

  Thanks to my cover illustrator Corona Zschusschen for creating the exact cover I dreamed about.

  A million thanks to the support of the online writing community, whose kind words and encouragement helped me enormously.

  Thank you to all my family and friends. You are God’s gift to me on this journey.

  Author’s Note

  Givin’ Up The Ghost is the first book in the Indigo Eady Paranormal “Cozy” Mystery series.

  A Guilty Ghost Surprised, the second book in the Indigo Eady Paranormal “Cozy” Mystery series, will be released August, 2013.

  Second Death, the first novella in the Indigo Eady Afterlife series, will be released June, 2013.

  About the Author

  Writer, runner, reader, dreamer.

  Gwen Gardner is a young adult fiction writer whose someday finally came. She quit her job, moved to the mountains and began to write. This book is the result.

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