“Jared, it’s okay,” Harper said, keeping her voice low. “I’m honestly used to this. That’s why I knew he wouldn’t be as cool about everything as you thought he would be.”
“But … .” Josh’s face was plaintive as his eyes bounced between Harper and Jared. “Seriously, this is the best prank ever. When did you guys think of this? Is this what you were talking about in the library when Harper grabbed you?”
Jared shook his head, disgusted, and then turned his full attention to Harper. “We need a map of the property and blueprints for the house,” he said. “I want Hal to have something to look at to jar his memory. For all we know he died of natural causes – yes, I remember what Zander said and know that’s not the norm, but it’s still a possibility – but we need Hal to remember where his body is.”
“You cannot be serious,” Josh muttered, flabbergasted.
“There’s a map of the grounds in the library,” Harper said. “I saw it when I was in there earlier.”
“We’ll start there then,” Jared said, grabbing Harper’s hand and moving toward the door. “When you get over yourself, Josh, you’ll be able to find us in the library. Don’t bother following us unless you’re ready to apologize to Harper. I’m not kidding.”
“DO YOU see anything on this map you recognize?” Harper asked Hal ten minutes later, fighting to keep her voice pleasant even though she wanted to strangle the temperamental ghost.
“If I knew where I died I would tell you,” Hal said. “I’m not playing games. Trust me. The last thing I want to do is leave my body out there to rot so I won’t be able to have an open casket.”
“Ugh,” Harper said, making a face. “Why would you want an open casket?”
“Why not?” Hal asked.
“Because people will be looking at you when you’re dead and it’s weird,” Harper answered. “Study that map and make sure nothing looks familiar. We’re at a dead end if you can’t remember where you died.”
Harper ambled over to the chair Jared sat in and rested her hand on his wrist. He flashed her a warm smile when he glanced up, but Harper could read the worry in the depths of his eyes.
“I’m sorry for what I did,” Harper said. “I knew it was a mistake, but I was tired and I didn’t want to play games when I knew there was a body out there to be found. I should’ve found a better way. What I did was … absolutely moronic.”
“You didn’t do anything stupid,” Jared argued, patting his lap to entice Harper to sit down. Harper did just that and Jared wrapped his arms around her waist and cuddled her close as they waited for Hal to come up with a solution to his missing body problem. “I honestly thought he would understand.”
“Jared, I’ve been through this a few times in my life, and he’s not acting differently than most other people,” Harper said. “No one ever believes I can do what I do right off the bat. That takes time.”
“What about your parents?”
“They didn’t believe me and my mother thought I was troubled when I told her my grandfather visited me the night he died,” Harper replied. “My father would play along when I was little – like the ghosts were my imaginary friends – but I know he didn’t really believe me at the time. It meant a lot that he pretended to, though. I think that’s why I get along with him better than my mom. She took longer to believe me … and she was harsh about her disbelief when she wanted to be.”
“They eventually came to believe, though.”
“They did,” Harper confirmed. “After knowing things I shouldn’t have been able to know so many times they lost count, they ultimately gave in and embraced it. I wouldn’t exactly call either of them proud, but they stand up for me now and they believe.”
Jared traced Harper’s high cheekbone with his thumb as he studied her profile. “What about Zander?”
“He believed from the beginning,” Harper said, smiling at the memory. “He never once doubted what I could do. He claims he fell in love with me the moment he saw me and knew we were going to be best friends forever. It took me longer to fall in love with him because I always worried about what people thought about me, even before I could see ghosts.”
“You don’t seem to have that problem now,” Jared said. “Well, for the most part, I mean. I thought you were being ridiculous when you insisted on telling everyone you ran haunted ghost tours for a living. I didn’t … understand … what you went through.
“I do now,” he continued. “I’m sorry. I should’ve listened to you. I won’t make that mistake again.”
“I learned about self-esteem as I grew older,” Harper said. “It wasn’t a lesson I sought out. It just kind of … happened. I think Zander was a big part of it because he didn’t care what anyone thought about him. I loved him so much it rubbed off on me because I was desperate to protect him.”
“I think Zander probably protected you when you were younger, too, didn’t he?”
Harper nodded. “He’s always been loyal.”
“And I didn’t believe you when I found out,” Jared said, his eyes somber as he thought about his initial meeting with the feisty blonde. “I was just like Josh. I thought Mel was pulling my leg. I thought you were obviously crazy and Whisper Cove was small enough that everyone indulged you because you were too cute to lock up in a nuthouse.”
“I don’t think you’re supposed to say nuthouse,” Harper said, rubbing her nose against Jared’s cheek and causing him to smile.
“Loony bin?”
“Much better.”
Jared blew out a sigh and briefly pressed his eyes shut as he cuddled Harper close. “What about Quinn?”
Harper stilled at the question, surprise washing over her. “What about Quinn?”
“I know you don’t like talking about him and I’m okay with that,” Jared cautioned. “I worried I was going to be jealous of him for a time, but it turns out I’m not. I actually feel bad for the guy. I am jealous of Zander some of the time, but that’s another problem.
“When it came to ghosts, though, did Quinn believe you right away?” he continued. “Did he have faith in you before I did?”
“It’s not a competition, Jared,” Harper said. “Does it really matter?”
“I’m going to take that as a yes,” Jared said, making a face. “I’m sorry I didn’t believe you sooner. I feel really badly about doubting you now. I wish I could take it back.”
“Jared, you need to understand something about Quinn,” Harper said, fidgeting as she licked her lips. “I cared about him, but … I already feel closer to you than I ever did to him. That might frighten you away, but it’s the truth.”
“It doesn’t frighten me away,” Jared said, kissing her ear. “It makes me feel good. I still don’t like that he believed you before I did. It makes me feel like an ass.”
“He only believed me because he came to town looking for my help to talk to a ghost,” Harper pointed out.
Jared narrowed his eyes. He realized he’d never heard the true story behind Harper’s romance with Quinn – not that he wanted the gritty details – and he had no idea how they met. “I don’t understand.”
“Quinn came to me because he wanted to communicate with the ghost of his sister,” Harper explained. “I don’t want to go into private details that he wouldn’t want spread around, but he was so desperate to find out who killed her he was losing sleep.”
“Did you help him?”
“His sister was long gone,” Harper replied. “I tried, but … she was gone. Quinn finally accepted there was nothing he could do and decided to let it go. The next thing I knew he moved to Whisper Cove and asked me out on a date.”
“That’s … presumptuous.”
“Says the guy who showed up at my office with flowers and candy and kissed me until I relented and forgave him,” Harper shot back.
“Yes, well … we were already technically dating when I did that,” Jared said. “Besides, we’re talking about him and not me. Everything I do is to be considered cute and cha
rming. Other guys are a different story.”
“I hadn’t dated anyone in a long time when Quinn showed up,” Harper said. “He was nice and attractive. We went out and we were relatively happy.”
“Do you still miss him?”
“I guess I should feel guilty for saying no, but I don’t,” Harper replied. “Before your ego balloons up, I’m not sure I really missed him before you turned my life on its head. I’ve been used to his absence for a very long time.”
“Would you miss me?”
“Oh, I see you’re fishing for a compliment,” Harper teased.
“I’m just looking for insight,” Jared clarified.
“I would miss you terribly,” Harper said. “Why do you think I was so angry when you didn’t call while you were at your mother’s house?”
“I think you like being angry because it gets you going,” Jared answered, pressing a soft kiss to her lips. “I’m still sorry about how Josh reacted to this. I honestly thought he would do better.”
“You can’t force him to accept something he’s not ready to accept,” Harper said. “He might surprise you if we give him a little bit of time.”
“I guess,” Jared said, resting his chin on Harper’s shoulder. “How long do you think Hal is going to be?”
“I have no idea,” Harper answered, glancing at the concentrating ghost. “He’s doing the best he can.”
The duo lapsed into a comfortable silence that was only interrupted when Josh barreled into the room. “Fine. You’re not lying. I accept it and want to help. There. Are you satisfied?”
“This guy is such a boob,” Hal said.
Eighteen
“Why do you believe now?” Jared asked, holding Harper steady in her spot as she tried to push herself off of his lap. “Why couldn’t you believe before? What changed in the last twenty minutes?”
“Nothing changed,” Josh answered. “It’s more like … things slipped into place.”
“How so?”
“I saw her outside talking to thin air,” Josh supplied. “I assumed she was talking to herself. I realize now she was probably talking to a ghost.”
“You assumed I was hiding a secret,” Harper pointed out. “What secret were you envisioning?”
“Honestly?”
Harper nodded.
“I thought maybe you were on medicine to curb some mental problems,” Josh admitted. “Jared didn’t seem worried about you talking to thin air. Even if he was used to it, I figured I would get some sort of reaction out of him and if you were off your meds then he would get you back on them.”
“You thought I was off my meds?” Harper wrinkled her nose. “I’m pretty sure I should be insulted.”
“Don’t worry, Heart,” Jared said. “He just wants you to be crazy so he can rationalize you picking me over him. It’s an ego thing.”
“No, I legitimately thought she might be crazy,” Josh said. “I very clearly heard her holding up a one-sided conversation and she was very evasive when I questioned her. You’re a terrible liar, by the way, Harper.”
“I told you,” Jared said, poking Harper’s ribs. “You’re too sweet and blunt to be a good liar. I knew you were lying to me that night you were searching for Annie’s ghost. You put on a good show, but people can tell when you’re lying.”
Josh knit his eyebrows together. “You arrested Harper for trespassing at a dead woman’s house,” he said. “She was there to help a ghost. See, all of this stuff is falling into place. Where is Hal? Does he remember where he left his body yet?”
“He’s by the map,” Harper said, pointing. “He thinks you’re a boob.”
Jared barked out a laugh while Josh frowned.
“I see this ghost thing is convenient when you’re irritated with someone.”
“I’m not irritated with you, Josh,” Harper said. “I’m … worried … that you’re trying to force yourself to an outcome you might not be ready to accept because you’re desperate to stay on Jared’s good side.”
“And what outcome is that?”
“You didn’t want to believe I could see ghosts and I understand that,” Harper said. “You’re not the first non-believer I’ve met. Jared didn’t believe either.”
“You didn’t?” Josh looked relieved. “What made you believe?”
“Harper made me believe,” Jared answered. “She’s the most honest person I know.”
“That’s really sweet and romantic,” Josh said.
“It really is,” Harper agreed. “It’s also complete and total crap.”
“Excuse me?” Jared was irritated. “I just said something romantic and honest and you called it crap.”
“That’s because it is crap,” Harper said. “I adore you, Jared, but you did not start believing me because you had faith in me. You were attracted to me and didn’t want to be. That forced you to come around more than you initially envisioned.
“You didn’t start believing me until I told you where to find Annie’s car and that her keys would probably be under the driver’s side door,” she continued. “Then you were still leery until I told you about the missing iPad. You didn’t truly believe until … well … I almost died.”
“You almost died?” Josh asked. “How?”
“Harper, I believed you before that night at your house,” Jared said quietly. “I can’t identify the exact moment I knew, but I believed in you no matter what you might think. You were impossible to doubt.”
“That’s very sweet, but you’re still full of crap,” Harper argued.
“I’ll show you who is full of crap,” Jared grumbled, digging his fingers into Harper’s soft flesh as he tickled her and caused her to squeal.
“This relationship is even weirder now that I know the truth,” Josh lamented. “How can you deal with this, Jared?”
“Because I don’t want to go through life without Harper,” Jared replied. “I deal with it because I want her. To be fair, though, it doesn’t really bother me. Most people in Whisper Cove know what Harper can do and they’re absolutely fine with it.”
“Still, though, it’s weird.”
“Maybe you’re weird,” Harper suggested.
“He’s definitely weird,” Hal said, turning away from the map.
“What’s the verdict?” Harper asked.
“Is she talking to Hal?” Josh asked.
“Shh.” Jared pressed his finger to his mouth to quiet his friend.
“I have no idea where my body is and I’m very upset,” Hal said. “I can’t remember. I’m sorry.”
“That’s okay,” Harper said. “The truth is your body can’t be very far away. The storm has kept everyone inside. Anyone even trying to leave would risk suspicion. Your body is here. It’s been hidden. We just need to figure out where.”
“There are storage rooms,” Josh suggested. “People rarely go inside. I can look in those.”
“You should do that,” Harper said, pushing herself up from Jared’s lap and pacing in front of the map. “I think we need to try something else, Jared.”
“And what is that?” Jared asked.
“I’m almost afraid to tell you.”
“I’m going to hate this, aren’t I?” Jared asked, his shoulders drooping.
“You’re definitely going to hate this.”
“YOU ARE unbelievable,” Jared muttered a half hour later, lowering his raincoat hood and glancing around the tiny mausoleum with mild discomfort. “I cannot believe I let you talk me into going out in this.”
“We need help,” Harper said. “Hal believes he was murdered. We might get lucky and find out he wasn’t murdered and simply freaked out, but that’s not usually the case.
“These storms have done something to help us whether you realize it or not,” she continued. “They’ve kept a killer from being able to leave … or discard a body in the lake.”
“I never considered that,” Jared said, rubbing the back of his neck. “The lake makes an easy place to dump a body. All someone woul
d need is a boat.”
“And there are a lot of boats on the island,” Harper said. “I checked the weather report about an hour ago. We’re going to luck out because another round of storms is coming in tonight. By early tomorrow morning, though, they’re going to be out of here … and I’m really worried that means a killer is going to be out of here, too.”
“We won’t let that happen,” Jared said, wiping some of the moisture from Harper’s cheek. “We’ll figure it out. We need help, though. Can you find your friend?”
“I’m on it,” Harper said, rolling to the balls of her feet and giving Jared a quick kiss. “I loved your story about believing in me.”
“Don’t push me on that,” Jared warned. “When this is over with I’m going to push you right back and make you play hopping soap with me until you admit I believed in you long before that night at your house.”
“I’m sure I can be persuaded to play,” Harper said. “I … .” She inadvertently jolted when Alice popped into view. “There you are.”
“She’s here?” Jared asked, relieved. “What is she saying?”
Harper furrowed her brow. “She’s not saying anything yet. You need to calm down and give me a chance to ask her some questions.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Thank you,” Harper said, plastering what she hoped looked like an innocent smile on her face as she turned back to Alice. For her part, the ghost looked confused more than terrified. “Are you Alice Thorpe?”
The ghost nodded.
“Did you know the Stokes family years ago?”
The ghost nodded again, although this time she seemed sadder.
“Did you die here?” Harper asked.
“Yes.” Alice’s voice was barely a whisper when she found the strength to speak.
“Thank you for talking,” Harper said, taking two baby steps and sitting in the marble chair toward the center of the room. The mausoleum wasn’t big, especially by modern standards, but each small area had been set up as something of a showplace. Given what she’d learned about Josh’s mother, Harper had to wonder if that was Janet’s doing. She made a mental note to ask Josh later. “How long have you been here, Alice?”
Ghostly Deceits (A Harper Harlow Mystery Book 3) Page 14
