by Rose Pressey
Chapter Twenty-Seven
“Can you look around, Miss Donavan, and tell us if anything is missing?”
I shook my head. “I don't think so, just from looking around.”
“It would be better if you looked through every room.”
“Every room?” I let out a deep breath. “All right. Sure, no problem.” I moved through the house, scanning for any missing items, but nothing seemed to be gone. The footprints went from room to room. It was creepy to know someone had been in my home. I wasn’t looking forward to mopping all the floors. It was almost as if they wanted me to know they were there. Did this person think I kept cash hidden in my home like in the bookstore? I'd never understand a criminal mind.
When I stepped into the bathroom, a little gasp slipped out of my mouth. ‘Get Out’ was written cross the mirror. How had the police missed this message? Then I remembered. I knew how they’d missed it because I’d seen this type of message before. The communication was from something not of this world. The words were written in the steam, but no water had been running. The letters quickly disappeared when the sound of the policeman’s footsteps neared. The message was meant for my eyes only.
“I don't see anything missing,” I said, attempting to sound calm.
Then I remembered my jewelry box, not that I had much—a few necklaces, mostly things of sentimental value. I didn't want to look for fear they might be gone, but I knew I had to.
I eased open the box and, much to my surprise, everything was still there.
The officer stood nearby, waiting for the report. Anthony, Mae, and Seth hovered over my shoulder. “Everything’s still here,” I said to the officer. “I don't keep any money in the house like I did at the bookstore.”
“I’m surprised they didn't take your television or something.” He gestured toward the living room.
“Well, it's not exactly that nice. I don't watch a lot of TV…I read books.”
He smiled. “You are your own advertising, huh? It’s a good thing.”
“I love books. What can I say?”
“To be honest, there’s not a lot more we can do. There doesn’t appear to be a crime. Nothing is missing. Just a dirty floor…my boss won’t let me report that as a crime, although my wife would probably say it is.”
I didn’t have the heart to even chuckle at his attempt at humor.
“Does anyone else have a key to your house?”
“My mother. Oh, and my best friend, Mindy Winters.”
“Would either one of them come into your home? Maybe they were here and didn’t tell you. Considering nothing is missing…”
“Well, the footprints look bigger than their feet.” Why was I doing his detective work?
“I’ll take a list of anyone you think might be behind this, if you’re willing to provide it. Considering your store was broken into as well, it could be worth taking a look at. Do you have any enemies?” He stared, not taking his eyes off me.
“Wow, enemies? Really? Not that I can think of.” I shook my head.
I would hate to think someone I knew would do something like this, but then after Brianna, I shouldn't be surprised by anything. I didn't know witches could really place spells until I met her, so I guess it could’ve been someone I knew. The message on the mirror though left me wondering if the whole demon scenario really was what was happening.
“Give me a bit and we’ll be out of your hair. We just need you to sign a statement for the investigation. Oh, and you’ll give me any names?”
The investigation. I didn’t like the way that word made me feel when it left his lips. It sounded way too official. He wanted names? Cooper Garret. That was the only name that came to mind. Short list. There was that woman who came into the store the other day wanting a refund for an already used crossword puzzle book. She was pretty steamed when I told her no. She hadn’t even bought it at Book Nook. Other than that, I had nothing to tell the officer.
“Do I have time to call my friend before you leave? I’d really like someone to come over after you guys leave.”
“No problem. I’ll be in the other room if you need me.”
“Thanks.”
He nodded and walked out of the room.
If Mindy were acting like herself, she’d be shocked at the turn of events. The officer mentioned a friend or family member coming into my house, but since Mindy was acting weird, I doubted she’d do something like that. Plus, like I told him, the footprints were way too big to be Mindy or my mother’s prints.
As I dialed the number yet again, I prayed Mindy answered this time. We were each other’s rock until this weird power had taken over. I had always known I could count on Mindy, but now that assurance was gone. I waited while the phone rang, tapping my foot against the floor anxiously. On the fourth ring, just as I thought she wouldn’t answer, I got a breathless hello.
“Mindy! Oh my gosh, I’m so glad you answered. I’ve been so worried about you. You're not going to believe what happened,” I said.
“I'm kind of in the middle of something here, Larue. Can this wait?”
Wow, she had never been too busy to talk to me, especially when I said you're not going to believe this. What would I do to get through to her? “Don't you want to hear what happened?” I asked.
“All right.” She sighed. “What happened this time?”
I was sensing a tone from her and it wasn’t a good one. More like I was an irritating gnat that she had to keep swatting off. Was she seriously that mad at me? Maybe something was making her this way. Could this be her true feelings? What could I have possibly done? Had I done something and not realized it? I hoped not. I didn't like when people were mad at me, even more so, when I'd been friends with someone as long as I had with Mindy.
“Someone broke into my house.” I waited. I’d give her the chance to say “You're kidding”, then I would say, “Would I kid about something like that?” It's what we always said.
But this time, she didn't. She remained silent. I was in shock. I didn't know what to say from here. But I had to help Mindy. This wasn’t her talking…this was something evil. A demon? Witchcraft? How would I find out?
Instead of her usual comment, she said, “Well, Larue, trouble seems to follow you around lately, huh? You should lock your doors.”
“I did lock my door,” I huffed.
She didn't ask if I was all right or if anything had been stolen. What dark place had Mindy slipped away to?
“The police are here now. They’ll be leaving soon. Do you want to come over?” Maybe if I offered margaritas, we could have a fun night just like old times. We'd get a little tipsy to drown away the pain of what’s been going on lately. Not that I was an alcoholic or a lush, mind you, ’cause I was not.
“I can't do that, Larue,” she said around a sigh. “Why don't you be an adult and do some of these things on your own for a change?”
I couldn’t take it anymore. Something had to be done. “What is wrong with you Mindy? You've never acted this way. Did I do something to offend you? Can’t you see that you’ve been acting strange?”
The officer stepped back into the room. He looked at me as if to say “Save the high school drama for later.”
Mindy said nothing.
“Well, talk to me.” I didn't care if he was waiting.
“No, you didn't do anything. I’m just sick of you being a baby, that's all. Listen, I'll come over in a bit. We can talk about it. I have to go now.”
Laughter sounded from the background and I could have sworn I heard someone say the name Cooper. Sounded as if they were having a party on the other end of the line and I wasn't invited.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
While waiting on the officers, I paced the floor, worrying about how to help Mindy.
“You want me to check the house for you another time before I leave?” the officer asked, pulling my attention away from my thoughts.
“Yes, would you? It would make me feel so much better. I have a friend co
ming over and maybe she can stay overnight, just until I feel safe again.”
Whenever that may be. I didn't know how long it would take me to get over this latest creepy event. Especially if I never found out who or what had done it. It made me feel violated and that's a feeling I never wanted to experience again.
I hoped Mindy would show up but, after the way she acted on the phone, it was a distinct possibility that wouldn’t happen. If she did come by, I would confront her with my suspicions. She’d deny it, because she wouldn’t be able to understand her strange behavior, but confronting her would be the first step toward making this right again.
I stood and walked to the foyer. “I'll have to change the locks and get an alarm. Maybe I should get one of those huge dogs.”
He nodded. “That's what I'd do.”
“I could use the companionship, anyway,” I said softly.
It looked as if I'd need a new best friend if I didn’t figure out how to help Mindy.
The officer walked through the house as I stood in the foyer, waiting and wringing my hands. Ghosts I could handle, burglars were a completely different story, but demons and black magic…I refused to tolerate.
After a couple of minutes, he emerged from upstairs. “Everything’s fine. Call if you need us.”
And, just like that, he walked out the door, leaving me alone with my fear. Well, as alone as I could ever be. Seth, Mae, and Anthony looked at me expectantly.
I locked the door behind the officer, then stood with my back leaning against the door for several seconds while looking around my empty house, wondering where I'd go from there. It had been three years since I’d become really serious about helping others deal with the unknown world that surrounded us. Now I wondered if all the helping others was really hurting me…all the demon talk and black magic.
People go through life unaware of the ghosts and other bad spirits all around them, just outside of their vision. Sometimes, when they least expect it, the spirits pop through, allowing a glimpse. Not surprisingly, most people freaked out when they caught that preview. I figured I was helping them in some tiny way, so I embarked on my crazy journey as a ghost hunter. But was the ghost busting hurting me more than helping others? Maybe Becky had been right, I didn’t need to get involved in the witchcraft if it would draw the dark spirits to me. They were already attracted to me…I didn’t need to add to that. Ugh. I just needed my bunny slippers and a bottle of wine.
“I hope they nab the scoundrels,” Mae said, as if reading my mind.
“Me, too,” I answered.
When I glanced over, I noticed the blinking light on my phone. How had I missed a call? I retrieved the phone and listened to my message. Just as I’d suspected…Callahan canceled our date. Something about a business appointment he had forgotten about. Yeah, right. His voice seemed distant. I thought that was behind us now that Brianna had been taken away.
I picked up the phone and dialed his number. “Callahan, it’s me. I, um, am really sorry you couldn’t make it for dinner tonight. Look, I want to apologize…I’m assuming you overheard me talking when you came into Book Nook. It really wasn’t as it sounded.”
Should I tell him I was practicing for the play over the phone? No, no. Like my mother always said, “Oh, what a tangled web we weave….”
I continued, “I was having a conversation with someone, but not a potential date. We were goofing off, that’s all. So anyway, call me and I can explain. Okay, well, bye.”
That voice mail was a bumbling, rambling mess. Callahan would probably never believe me again.
I trudged to the kitchen and grabbed the mop and bucket.
When I glanced over my shoulder, Seth was watching me. He had that look my grandfather gave me when I tried playing sports, as if saying “you poor pitiful thing.” He was definitely feeling sorry for me—there was no way to hide that kind of expression.
“I can get a towel and help you clean the floor. Just because I’m a ghost doesn’t mean I can’t move objects if I set my mind to it.”
“No, Seth. Don't. Don't waste your energy helping. I need my batteries. I just replaced them in the clock. When you use energy, it’s drained from my small appliances or me.”
“I wanted to help.” Seth sighed.
“I know you did. You're so sweet and I appreciate it, really I do.”
Anthony snorted. I gave him a cross look. “I’m mad at you, so don’t even talk to me right now. Callahan canceled our date because of you.”
“But—”
“Shush. I don't want any arguing,” I warned. “You leave Seth alone, too. Do you understand me? I'm tired and it's been another long day.”
Anthony held his see-through hands up in surrender.
After mopping the living room, the bathroom floor, and cleaning the threatening message off the mirror, I decided to try Mindy again. I was persistent, what could I say? I’d let her know I was still home in case by some off chance she’d come to her senses and wanted to come over. I dialed her number and listened to ring after ring.
“Yes,” she said, when she finally picked up.
“I'm still home and I have margarita mix.”
She sighed. “All right, I'll be there in a few.”
She hung up without so much as a goodbye, a see ya, or a go to hell. After avoiding me, it seemed too easy this time. Now I was suspicious when she said yes. Paranoid much?
I placed the phone back and continued mopping. If only I could mop all my problems away. A huge lump sat in the pit of my stomach. The feeling that her visit wasn't going to be a pleasant one washed over me. But maybe I'd get to the bottom of why she was acting this way. I deserved answers after all our years as best friends. She owed me that much. If it wasn’t black magic or a demon possession, well, I’d deal with it somehow. If I had attracted a bad spirit and it had attached itself to her…well, I wasn’t sure how I’d ever forgive myself.
Before long, the sound of gravel underneath tires sounded from the front of the house. My heart thumped a little faster. For the first time since I’d known Mindy, I was nervous to see her. I needed to snap out of it, though. If she was mad, she'd just have to get over it. If I had truly done something wrong, I'd apologize, of course, although I couldn't think of one thing I had done wrong.
Had I been discourteous to Cooper when Mindy felt I shouldn't have been? I could have been ruder since he did eat my doughnut. Either Mindy would accept my apology or not, nothing I could do about it. After the car came to a stop, I peered out the window. Mindy hopped out from behind the wheel. She had a bounce in her step. Maybe she wasn’t upset any more. Everyone had cranky days, although her cranky days usually consisted of consumption of mass amounts of chocolate.
Some relief washed over me when I saw it was her car and not a burglar. But my relief was short-lived when I spotted who was with her. My stomach twisted into an even more intricate knot. Climbing out of the passenger seat with his cockiness and good looks in high gear was Cooper. I felt my head grow hot. I was steamed that he’d tagged along when I hadn't invited him. Why had he come along? He needed to stay away from my store, my house, my best friend, and me.
Whoa. That sounded a lot like the green-eyed monster was perched on my shoulder. I wasn’t normally the jealous type, but I guess I was a little in this instance. Of course, I didn't care if Mindy had other friends, but I hadn't expected her to drop me by the curbside when she met someone, either. And I didn’t trust Cooper. How could I with the same bloodline as Brianna coursing through his veins. Mindy and I had been through too much for her to drop me like a hot potato. High school, college, boyfriends—all the hard stuff. If Cooper was practicing black magic on Mindy, I’d put a stop to it.
Mindy rapped on the door and, for a split second, I thought about pretending I wasn't home—I didn’t know if I was prepared to deal with Cooper. But that wouldn't be right either, so I trudged to the door. I’d have to bite my tongue and pretend to be nice to Cooper. I wasn’t that good of an actress, but I’
d give it my best shot.
“Do you want us to take care of him?” Mae asked as she looked out the window and spotted Cooper standing on my front porch.
Cooper looked around, unaware of the specters watching him. I sensed him judging my house already. My house was small, but cute. I took pride in it. Who was he to judge? Where did he get the nerve? I opened the door.
“Hey,” I said. “Come on in.”
“Hey, hope you don't mind that Coop came.”
So he had a nickname now? I might puke. As if they were best friends or something. Mindy hated cutesy nicknames. It was completely out of character for her to use one. I’d called her Bendy Mindy when she first showed me her moves on the stripper pole and she had almost punched my lights out.
“No, I don’t mind, at all,” I said through gritted teeth and tried my best attempt at a smile. “Please make yourself at home. Would you like something to drink?”
“What have you got?” Cooper asked.
Nothing, I wanted to say. Nothing for him.
“Water, milk, tea, coffee, juice,” I offered.
“Do you have bourbon?” He looked over my shoulder toward my dining room.
Did I have bourbon? Well, considering I worked at a bourbon distillery before I bought the bookstore, and I could practically see a distillery from my bedroom window. Yeah, I had a bottle or twenty. I had been the promotions director and I always had bourbon given to me. I never drank the stuff, so full bottles of the brown liquid lined my cabinets.
“Mindy told me someone broke in. You really pissed someone off, huh?” Cooper cast Mindy a look, and I wanted to shove him out the door, so help me, I did.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
What made him think I had done something to someone else? Soon he’d remind me of the demons I’d attracted, too.
“I already started mopping the floors. The footprints pretty much went from room to room, as if someone was looking for something.”
