3 The Ghoul Next Door

by Rose Pressey

  “Is there any other way to harvest that much energy?” I asked.

  “There is one thing, but I’ve never tried it, and it’s very dangerous.”

  The wheels cried around a curve. “I’m listening.”

  Mindy looked at me as if I’d officially lost my mind. I worried that maybe I had. “Slow down,” she mouthed.

  “There’s an ancient spell that only a top witch is able to perform. Actually, it’s only happened once. When something like this demon has been set free on you, it’s usually never possible to get rid of it.”

  That was very encouraging. So in other words, I was doomed.

  “Listen Larue, I have to go for now, but I promise I’ll think of something. We’ll get rid of this thing. Just don’t give up okay?”

  “I won’t give up.”

  The demon was in for a fight, but which one of us would win?

  Chapter Thirty-Nine

  The next morning I’d just reached Book Nook’s door when Jane Howe sashayed by me on the sidewalk with a smirk spread across her face. Her expression hit me the wrong way and I couldn’t handle it anymore.

  “I know what you’re up to.” I gestured at her. “Did Brianna send you? I know you’re using black magic. Does Cooper know who you are?”

  When I whirled around to confront her, my foot twisted and I tumbled to the pavement.

  “Whoa. What are you talking about? I was just trying to help you up.”

  I scrambled up from the sidewalk, trying to act tough even though I’d just landed on my butt. “The heck you were. You probably had something to do with me falling just now. And I think you had something to do with the damaged books in my store. I intend to find evidence, and when I do, I’m reporting you to the police.”

  Her face reddened and her eyes narrowed. “I don’t know what the hell you are talking about, but how dare you blame me for something like that. Was it just because I came in right after it happened?”

  I froze. “How did you know that it had just happened?”

  She snorted. “Nice try. Did you honestly think you were smart enough to trap me into some kind of slip-up? I assumed it had just happened because you hadn’t picked the books up yet, but by the looks of your store, I wouldn’t be surprised if you just left trash on the ground.”

  Now my face grew red. That was one thing I wouldn’t put up with: insulting my bookstore. I should punch her lights out right there on the sidewalk.

  She folded her arms in front of her chest. “I was just trying to be friendly and help you up, but as I can see you aren’t interested in having friends. Have a nice life.” She huffed as she turned on her heel and stormed off down the sidewalk.

  Maybe I shouldn’t have accused her of anything, but I still had my suspicions about the woman. If she was lying, I’d eventually catch her in it.

  “I’m not an advocate of fighting, but that woman is just asking for trouble,” Elvis said.

  “She seems nice if you ask me,” Candy Cherry said.

  “Yeah, well, no one asked you,” I said.

  When I walked into the store, I reached under the counter and pulled out the first aid kit.

  “What happened? Beth asked. Are you okay?”

  “I’m fine. Just a little clumsy,” I said as I stuck a bandage across my scrape.

  If I didn’t figure things out soon, it would be more than my butt bruised, I’d have a bruised ego too.

  Chapter Forty

  Having Beth around was nice. I realized that I’d isolated myself from the living too much. Only having the ghosts to talk to all day wasn’t healthy. Sure, I had Mindy, but she had her own business to run.

  I’d spent the morning catching up on work, and when lunchtime came around, I was actually able to leave the store instead of eating at the counter while I worked.

  Mindy grabbed my arm. “Come on, you need to take your mind off this for a while.”

  I knew exactly where she was taking me. How could I say no? She was always there for me. I had to be there for her too, no matter how embarrassing the act. Again I’d let Mindy talk me into a class. Why did I try to fight it? I knew I was going to do it every time she asked. She knew I was going to do it every time she asked, so why put up a fight any longer? I was officially running up my white flag. She won. Who knew, maybe someday I might actually be better than pathetic at it.

  “I’ll do this class and then we can go in search of answers to my problem.” I wiggled my index finger at her.

  We hopped in the car and made the short drive to Mindy’s fitness studio. After Mindy exited the car, I had to break it to Elvis gently that he wasn’t invited inside this location.

  “Okay, Elvis. I’ll be inside for a short time.” I climbed from the car and smiled when shutting the door.

  Before I made it to the front door, Elvis was beside me. I stopped and looked around to see if anyone was watching me before speaking. The coast was clear. “Elvis, sweetie. I think this is something I need to do alone.”

  “Right.” He nodded and looked up at the sign above the door. “I’ll just wait out here.” He folded his arms across his chest and leaned against the front of my car.

  Whew, now that I’d taken care of that, I could go in and not worry about being embarrassed in front of Elvis. I didn’t even acknowledge the other ghosts as I walked through the door. I knew they were with me, I sensed them. They thought they were so slick. They’d probably pop up at the most inopportune time, but I’d given up all hope of trying to control them.

  Mindy smiled when she saw me take my place on the floor. It was worth the embarrassment to make my friend happy. I’d get through the forty-five minutes and it would be behind me until next time. Of course no matter how hard I tried, I always got stuck in the front of the class. I just wanted to fall behind into the background… hidden away from judging stares.

  When the first stream of music from Chris Isaak’s Wicked Game poured from the speakers, I hopped on the pole and spun around. The awkwardness of my movements had vanished and I moved with ease. No banging, no falling, and no loud squeaking noises as my skin jerked across the pole. My body moved across the metal like water flowing through a stream.

  My thoughts had changed and I didn’t know what came over me. My body grew hot, but not just from the workout. I felt as if I was on fire as I continued the acrobatics. I glanced to my right and spotted Elvis in the corner. He hadn’t stayed away after all. His mouth hung open and I flashed a devilish smile as I spun again.

  At the front of the class, Mindy stood with her mouth agape too. She was transfixed on my movements. Why was everyone staring? Hadn’t they ever seen a girl work the stripper pole before? I owned that thing. I could show Mindy and thing or six. Hell, maybe I’d start teaching the class from now on—after all, the residents of Magnolia deserved an expert like me.

  The more I spun, the faster I got. I had no idea my hands could move that way. It was as if someone had cranked up my dial to super speed. A fog clouded my brain, but somewhere in the back of my thoughts I knew what I was doing wasn’t normal. This wasn’t me. I had to stop, but my arms and legs wouldn’t listen to my brain. They moved of their own will.

  When the song finally stopped, I fell to the floor with a loud thud. The next thing I remembered was waking up on the floor with everyone leaning over me.

  “Larue, wake up. Speak to me, are you okay?” Mindy asked with her voice full of panic.

  My head spun. With my foggy brain, it felt as if I had a hangover. “What happened?” I asked.

  I tried to sit up, but dizziness still took over.

  “Do we need to call an ambulance?” someone asked.

  “No, no,” I muttered. “I’m fine.”

  Mindy held out her hand and helped me to a sitting position. “Someone get her some water,” she said. “Larue, are you feeling better? Do you need to see a doctor?”

  The fog in my head began to dissipate. “I’m feeling better now. I’m really thirsty.”

  Mindy hande
d me a towel and I wiped the sweat from my forehead. My body didn’t feel as if it was on fire like it had a moment ago. I remembered everything that had happened, but I had no explanation as to why I’d acted that way. Someone or something had been controlling me and that was the most terrifying feeling I’d ever had. A woman thrust a bottle of water toward me. She pushed it at me in a hurry as if I might bite her hand. I didn’t blame her for being terrified of me. I’d acted like a crazy woman. I took a couple of drinks and wiped my face again.

  “Do you think you can stand now?” Mindy asked. “Back away, people, and give her some breathing room,” she said while shooing the crowd away.

  With her arm around my waist, Mindy helped me to my feet. I wobbled at first, but finally found my footing. She guided me toward a seat at the side of the room. Elvis stood beside me with a concerned look on his face, while Mr. Fine and Candy Cherry had appeared next to him. I glared at them and a woman walking by quickened her step thinking that I’d glowered at her.

  “What was that all about?” Mindy asked.

  “I have no idea what came over me.” I took another swig from the bottle. “I was aware of what was happening, but I couldn’t stop.”

  “You should have seen your moves. I was shocked. I never knew your body could move like that.”

  In spite of the seriousness of what had happened I couldn’t hold back a chuckle. “I did have some killer moves, huh? But that wasn’t me and I know someone else was responsible.” I glared at Candy Cherry. “I have a feeling I know who did it.”

  Mindy looked over her shoulder. She knew who I was talking about.

  “I’m calling off the class,” she said.

  “No, no. I’m fine now. I’ll go outside and get a little fresh air.”

  She paused. “If you’re sure?”

  I nodded. “I’ll be fine.”

  Of course I told Mindy that, but I wasn’t so convinced myself.

  Chapter Forty-One

  After returning to Book Nook, I pulled out my cell phone and waited for Karyn to pick up. Maybe it had been the panic in my voice that speed her up, but she made it to the store in record time.

  “Karyn, I think I have to confront Callahan’s ex-girlfriend about the letters.”

  She frowned. “I don’t know if that’s such a good idea.” Karyn tossed her hair back from her shoulder and met my gaze. “If she’s done anything other than send the letters, then if you confront her, you may look like the crazy jealous girlfriend.”

  “How can I look like the crazy girlfriend when she’s the one sending the letters?”

  She shrugged. “I know it sounds crazy, but that’s the way it works.”

  “I don’t think I’ve been made privy to this relationship rule.”

  “The ex-girlfriends can easily turn things around on you. Next thing you know, you’re looking at a one-way ticket to the loonie bin.”

  I frowned. “That’s not good. I can’t let her get by with it.”

  Karyn sighed. “Just give it some more time. I’m sure she’ll just get tired and give up. Has Callahan shown any interest in her?”

  I paused, then finally said, “I don’t know. I mean, I haven’t had a bunch of time with him since the show started. But it’s only been a few days. If anything is going on between them then it’s been going on for a while.”

  “So you say she’s not from around here?”

  “No, I think she’s from Louisville. That’s where Callahan is from originally.”

  “So she just showed up here one day?”

  I nodded. “Just for him as far as I can tell.”

  Beth stepped closer. “I’m sorry. I wasn’t trying to eavesdrop, but I couldn’t help but hear.”

  I knew she had been trying to listen in by the way she had twisted her head until I was afraid she’d have permanent nerve damage. It was fine though. I didn’t care if she overheard the conversation. There was no way to hide everything from her. She was involved in my crazy life now.

  Karyn and I looked at her.

  “I think you should say something to her. No offense,” she said to Karyn.

  Karyn shrugged.

  “I just think she needs to know who she’s dealing with. Don’t let her bully you around. Show her who’s boss.” Beth shook her fist.

  Wow. I hadn’t expected that from this petite woman. What did she want me to do, break Ginger’s legs? Maybe Karyn was right after all.

  “Thanks, Beth. I’ll certainly think about it.”

  She shrugged. “If you want me to talk with her I will.”

  “I’ll let you know,” I said.

  Beth was scaring me a little.

  “Okay, I have to go,” Karyn said. “Whatever you do, just be careful. And if you start experiencing anything else strange or if you see any more shadows let me know. I’m not sure if I can help, but just know that I’m here if you need to talk.”

  “I appreciate it.”

  She waved over her shoulder and I watched as she disappeared around the corner. Now I had even more to think about. Say something to Callahan’s ex, or just leave it alone? Mindy would have to be the deciding vote.

  “I’m sorry if I was out of line, but I just don’t want anyone to bully someone around. I was treated that way by my husband’s ex and I finally decided I wouldn’t take it anymore. I took care of her though.”

  I stared for a second. I was almost afraid to ask what she’d done, but I decided to go for it. “What did you do to her?” I asked.

  Did I need to make a run for it?

  “Well, that’s a story for another day. I’ll tell you sometime.”

  Beth was a little odder than I had realized when I hired her, but it wasn’t as if I’d had a choice. Anyway, she’d been great with the customers and other than the big incident with the books, there had been no problems since she’d started working for me. For that, I was thankful.

  “If it’s okay, I’ll go ahead and leave.” Beth tapped her fingers against the counter absentmindedly.

  “Sure, sure. No problem. Thanks for everything.”

  I hadn’t discussed with her how much I’d need her after the show was finished. But that was a conversation for another time.

  “Thanks for hiring me. It really has been great to get out of the house.”

  “You’re welcome. I’ll call you soon.” I waved as she made her way out the door.

  Mindy walked through the door a few minutes later.

  “I’m just getting ready to have a little talk with the ghosts.” I winked.

  “Please, by all means, go right ahead. I’ll just mind my own business and look through this Lucky Magazine until you’re done.” She flipped open the cover.

  The ghosts stood beside me. I contemplated what my next move would be. I knew what I needed to do. Or rather, what they needed to do.

  “I need you guys to help me with something,” I whispered. “But we can’t let her know about it, okay?” I pointed toward Candy Cherry.

  She pretended not to listen, but I was almost positive she had super hearing. She seemed to know everything that was going on at all times.

  “We can’t trust her. Ever since she showed up, nothing but bad things have been going on—and I don’t think it’s a coincidence.”

  “What can we help with?” Elvis asked.

  How did I put this without them thinking I was crazy? I’d just have to come right out with it. “If you all could do a little snooping for me, then I might find the answers to some of these problems.”

  Had I really just asked Elvis Presley to spy for me? This was crazy and kind of cool all at the same time.

  “We’d do anything for you, sweetheart.” He winked and then looked at Mr. Fine. “Right?”

  Mr. Fine hesitated for a second, then finally nodded his head. “Yeah, I suppose we could do that for you.”

  I almost did a little dance right there but thought better of dancing again in front of Elvis. I’d already embarrassed myself in front of him enough.
/>   “So what do we need to do?” Elvis asked.

  “I need you to go to Karyn’s home and my new employee’s home. While you’re at it, stop by Jane Howe’s place too. She’s Cooper’s employee and staying at the Red Rose Inn. Look for suspicious behavior. One of them will have to leave a clue or maybe you’ll catch them right in the act of casting bad spells.”

  “Just go watch their every move?” Mr. Fine asked.

  “Yeah, I guess that’s what I’m asking for.”

  “How will we know if they’re bad spells?” Elvis asked.

  He had a point. How would they know? “If you listen to the words of the spell, you’ll be able to tell.”

  At least I hoped that was the case. That annoyed feeling had crept back into my mind. I was struggling to fight off the evil that was trying to take control of my mind and body. I had to find the necklace before it was too late. While they snooped, I had other things to do.

  “We’ll be back.” Elvis winked as he disappeared. Mr. Fine reluctantly followed behind him. I had no idea where Candy Cherry had disappeared to… but I knew she’d pop up when I wanted her to stay away.

  I felt as if time was running out, but the more I tried to figure out what might be going on, the worse I felt. I had to know whether it was black magic, a demon, or something totally different affecting me. Although what else was there?

  Chapter Forty-Two

  Mindy and I sat next to the counter resting our chins in our hands.

  Finally, I said, “We have to do something.”

  Mindy nodded.

  “I still have spell books on the shelf. Maybe we can do a spell and find something to get rid of this evil thing attached to me.”

  “I’ve never done anything like that before. I think I’m better if I stick with snooping.”

  “Okay, you’ve warmed me up to snooping, only when completely necessary though, but I’m afraid in this case it probably won’t do us any good. We need something more drastic.”

  She frowned and let out a deep breath. “Unfortunately, I think you’re right. Okay, go get the book. Let’s see what ya got.”