Ghostly Affairs

by K. E. O'Connor

  “I hope someone makes good use of them,” said Zach. “There’s nothing worse than seeing a load of cars like this stuck in a garage like a private showroom. It’s such a waste.”

  “I can’t imagine Lady Camilla burning up the country lanes in any of these,” I said. “I expect she gets someone to drive her.”

  “What about the slimeball who pointed a gun at you?” asked Zach. “I hope he doesn’t use them. Someone like that doesn’t deserve cars as beautiful as this.”

  I squinted into the gloom of the garage as a shimmer of movement caught my eye. I then fell backwards in surprise, as two pale faces stared back at me.

  Zach caught hold of me before I hit the ground. “What’s wrong?”

  I took a deep breath to calm my fluttering heart. “I’ve just seen a ghost.”

  Chapter 4

  Zach’s grip remained firm around my waist. “In the garage? There’s a ghost in there?”

  “Actually, two ghosts,” I said. “They just popped up on the other side of the glass.”

  “What are they doing inside the garage?”

  I took a breath to steady my nerves and then peered back through the glass. The ghosts were still there; a man and woman in their mid-twenties. They stood side by side, both had a sad expression on their faces. “I’ve no idea, but they don’t look happy being in there.”

  “Ghosts can’t get trapped in a building, can they?” asked Zach.

  I shook my head. He was still fairly new to my ghost seeing abilities, and it had taken him time to get used to them, and always had dozens of questions whenever I was involved in a new ghost mystery.

  “No. Ghosts can come and go as they please,” I said. “But there must be a reason why they’re in the garage. They’re young, can’t be much younger than me.”

  “And how do you feel?” Zach studied me carefully. “Not having any ill-effects from the ghosts being here?”

  The sudden appearance of a ghost did tend to make me dizzy and light-headed, which was why I always had Flipper around to alert me to their company, just in case I decided to pass out at an inappropriate time.

  Seeing these ghosts, I now understood why Flipper was behaving the way he was, and I’d ignored the signs. I’d have to get him a treat to make up for that.

  “I don’t feel bad, the ghosts just surprised me,” I said. “They’re not paying us any attention. In fact, they only have eyes for each other.” The ghosts were holding hands, the woman kept glancing at the man next to her. He kept his gaze fixed firmly on her as if she was the only thing he was interested in.

  “Do you think they can’t see us?” asked Zach. “Maybe they’re... what do you call it, a residual ghost energy?”

  “It’s possible,” I said. “If they don’t do anything soon, you could be right. This image of them could be stuck here, repeating over and over because the garage has some significance to them.”

  “And if they’re not residual energy?” asked Zach.

  “Well, I might find out why they’re here.”

  Zach caught hold of my shoulders and turned me towards him. “Just do it carefully. No more dramas.”

  “There were no dramas the last time I helped a ghost,” I said.

  “You buried the bones of a dead child in the woods without telling the police,” said Zach. “That’s a crime.”

  “Are you going to have me arrested?” I fluttered my eyelashes at Zach.

  “No! But I spoke to my brother on the quiet about it, and he was interested in why I was asking questions about burying human remains.”

  “What did you tell him?” Zach’s brother, Gunner, was high up in the police.

  “Nothing to get you in trouble, and Gunner’s discreet,” said Zach. “But you could get yourself in serious trouble doing something like that. So, this time, don’t go doing anything illegal to help a ghost.”

  “I only buried those bones to give the ghost some peace. That poor child had a tragic life, it was the least I could do.”

  “I know that, but all I’m asking this time, is you keep things simple if the ghosts ask for your assistance.”

  “I always try to do that,” I said. “It’s the ghosts who complicate things.”

  “What are you two doing here?” Ranulph strode around the side of the house, his piggy eyes narrowing as he spotted Zach.

  “Exploring my new home,” I said.

  “This is not your home,” sneered Ranulph. “And who are you?” He jabbed a stubby finger at Zach.

  “Lorna’s boyfriend,” said Zach.

  “Mommy will be angry when she knows you’ve already snuck a man in here.” Ranulph gave me a sly smile. “Didn’t peg you for the type of girl to have a man on the go.”

  “I didn’t sneak anyone anywhere,” I said. “Zach came for a visit. He’s not staying over, we’re not breaking any rules.”

  “Still, she won’t like it,” said Ranulph. “And shouldn’t you be at work by now? We’re paying you for your services, not to spend time with your lover.”

  Zach took a step towards Ranulph, his fists clenched. “I thought the upper class were supposed to have good manners?”

  “I have when I’m around my equals.” Ranulph scuttled backwards as Zach’s shadow loomed over him. “I don’t use them on the help.”

  “Perhaps you should,” growled Zach.

  Ranulph took a stumbling step backwards. “You don’t even work here.”

  “That’s hardly the point,” said Zach. “Good manners make a person. And you need to show respect to Lorna.”

  Ranulph licked his lips. “You can’t threaten me.”

  “I’m not threatening you, simply suggesting you stop being such a vile individual.”

  Ranulph blinked rapidly several times. “You don’t even know me.”

  “And I don’t wish to,” said Zach. “But I am going to be coming to see Lorna on a regular basis, and if you don’t improve the way you speak to her, we’re going to fall out.” He took another step towards Ranulph.

  “What nonsense,” stammered Ranulph. “I’ll have you fired.”

  “As you said, I don’t work here,” said Zach.

  “Well, I’ll... I’ll have Lorna fired.”

  “I haven’t done anything,” I said. “And you know yourself, how desperate your mother is for help. She won’t appreciate it if you fire me before I’ve even done a single day’s work.”

  “She’ll understand,” said Ranulph. “If I tell her that I found you and this... this person, fooling around with each other in the garden, she won’t hesitate in getting rid of you. She doesn’t like slatterns.”

  “What did you call Lorna?” growled Zach.

  “Well, who knows what I might have found if I’d been five minutes later.” Ranulph continued to back away. And he was wise to, if Zach got any angrier, steam would have come out of his ears.

  Flipper positioned himself directly behind the retreating Ranulph, and he sprawled backwards and hit the ground with a satisfying thud.

  “Keep your dog away from me!” Ranulph rolled over onto his stomach with a grunt, and raised his hands over his head. “He’s going to bite me.”

  “He never bites unless I tell him to,” I said, struggling to hide a grin as I watched Ranulph roll around in the dirt.

  “He tripped me deliberately.” Ranulph shot an angry look at Flipper, who sat calmly to one side, washing a paw.

  “You weren’t looking where you were going,” said Zach. “You were trying to scuttle away while we were having a conversation about your bad manners.”

  Ranulph jumped to his feet and brushed his dirt-covered slacks. “You need to leave.”

  “I think you do,” said Zach.

  “This is my home.”

  “And I’m your guest,” said Zach.

  “You’re no guest of mine,” said Ranulph.

  “But he is mine,” I said. “And he’s welcome here. We’re doing nothing wrong.”

  “That’s not the point,” said Ranulph.
“I get to decide who comes to this estate, not you.”

  “And I’m sure you won’t mind if Zach visits,” I said.

  Ranulph opened his mouth, then snapped it shut. “He has to leave.”

  “I’ll leave when I want to,” said Zach. He turned to me. “But perhaps it is time I get going. Don’t want to make you too late on your first official day.”

  “Yes, you go,” said Ranulph.

  I shot Ranulph a death glare before turning to Zach. “It was lovely to see you. We’ll definitely make plans on my first day off.”

  Zach’s gaze shot to the garage. “And keep me informed, about everything.”

  I knew Zach wouldn’t be happy about my involvement with these ghosts, but I needed to find out why they were there, and ensure they were happy. “I will.”

  Zach kissed my cheek, ignoring the loud tutting from Ranulph. “I’ll see you soon.” He walked past Ranulph, nudging him with his shoulder as he did so.

  “Yes, you go,” said Ranulph, as he gestured at Zach’s back.

  I shook my head at Ranulph. “Zach’s a nice guy.”

  Ranulph glared at me. “You could do better.”

  “I don’t want better.”

  “I could take you out in one of those cars you were looking at,” said Ranulph. “Would you like that?”

  I raised my eyebrows. Was Ranulph asking me on a date, even though he’d just met my boyfriend? “I’m not into cars.”

  “Not even the Jag?”

  “Fancy cars don’t do it for me.”

  “We could have some fun in one of those cars,” said Ranulph. “And surely you’ve got your sights set on something a little higher than a handyman.”

  “Zach’s an excellent gardener,” I said sharply. “He’s in a lot of demand. And I’m happy with him.”

  “What about the little red number in the corner?” persisted Ranulph. “My sister used to drive it. It needs a good run.”

  “I didn’t know you had a sister.”

  “Well, I did,” said Ranulph. “She’s gone now.”

  “She doesn’t live on the estate anymore?”

  “She definitely doesn’t,” said Ranulph. “You can borrow her car whenever you like. She’ll never use it.”

  “I don’t need a car,” I said. “Where’s your sister living now?”

  Ranulph shrugged. “Be nice to me and I’ll let you have the car. You can keep it.”

  I wrinkled my nose. “Really, I’m not interested in cars. Please, stop trying to give me your sister’s car, she might want it one day and won’t be happy to find you trying to give it to some stranger.”

  “Oh, no, she’ll never need it,” said Ranulph.

  “She’s moved abroad?”

  “We’re not sure where she is,” said Ranulph as he scuffed his foot along the ground. “She’s most likely dead.”

  My mouth fell open. “Your sister’s dead?”

  “Could be,” said Ranulph. “She disappeared. Some think she eloped, but I’m not so sure. And if she did, she was never good at looking after herself, and without money from Mommy, she’d have perished. Especially considering who she eloped with.”

  “But why do you think she’s dead?” I asked. “Did she fall in with the wrong crowd? Or get into drugs?”

  “She might have done. The chap she left with was no good for her,” said Ranulph. “So, do you want the car or not?”

  I shook my head, words failing me. Looks like I’d just found out who the female ghost was in the garage.

  “Come on, you’d look cute behind the wheel,” said Ranulph. “Let’s go for a spin now.”

  “If your sister really is dead, offering me her car is not appealing,” I said.

  “You’re a hard one to please.” Ranulph gave a loud sigh and swung his arms by his sides. “I’ll find something to tempt you with. Every female has a weakness.” He reached forward to touch my arm but backed away when Flipper growled at him.

  “I don’t have any weaknesses you’ll ever find,” I said.

  Ranulph’s bottom lip poked out. “Anyway, you’ll be in trouble now. Mommy’s been ringing the house bell. You’re needed and you have to go to her. She does not expect to be kept waiting.”

  “Don’t worry, I’m on my way.” I hurried around Ranulph, Flipper by my side, and towards the main door of the house. My thoughts were whizzing around my head as I pulled open the door. Was that the ghost of Ranulph’s sister I’d spotted the garage? And who was the male ghost with her?

  I needed to find out more about this missing sister, and her companion, and what happened to them.

  Chapter 5

  As I entered the house, I could hear the ringing of a bell and my stomach sank. It must be Lady Camilla. I was going to be in trouble.

  I sat Flipper by the entrance of the study, before knocking on the door.

  “Enter,” said Lady Camilla.

  I pushed open the door and saw her standing by a fireplace. It was another dark wood-paneled room, with a large desk by the window, and rows of books on sturdy looking shelves. There were also piles of papers. Not just a few piles, but every surface was covered in stacks of papers.

  “Where have you been?” snapped Lady Camilla. “I’ve been ringing this bell for several minutes.”

  “I was just outside,” I said. “I was—”

  “Do not give me your excuses,” said Lady Camilla. “When I ring the bell, you come immediately. I do not expect to have to ring more than once. You are being paid to do a job for me, and I expect you to be here when I need you!”

  “I understand, but I was just outside—”

  Lady Camilla raised a finger to her lips. “Less talking and more work. I am already disappointed in you. You will have to put in extra time today to make up for your tardiness this morning.”

  I glanced at the clock over the fireplace and saw it was two minutes past seven, I was hardly late. But my employer knew best, so I swallowed my pride and forced a smile on my face. “I’ll stay late this evening to make up for it.”

  “Yes, you will.” Lady Camilla gave a dramatic sigh before striding to the desk and sitting down. “Join me.” She gestured to a chair on the opposite side of the desk.

  I hurried over and sat down, the chair creaking underneath me as I did so.

  “I have some tax returns that need filing,” said Lady Camilla. “Are you able to do filing?”

  “Of course,” I said, trying my best not to be offended by the question.

  “The cabinet to your right contains my old tax files. I’ve never had much interest in finances, but have no choice but to be involved these days.”

  “Was that something your husband used to do?”

  Lady Camilla’s ice-blue gaze hardened as she glared at me. “I do not have a husband.”

  I swallowed. That was a topic clearly not open for discussion. “Let me have a look at the filing system you use. I’ll soon have everything filed in the right place.”

  I spent the next hour rifling through the messy files Lady Camilla kept on her tax returns. Some of the information was over twenty-years old, and all of it was in disarray.

  Lady Camilla barely spoke a dozen words to me when I was working, and she remained bent over a letter she was writing, the scratchy sound of the pen nib on paper setting my nerves jangling. It sounded like tiny nails on a chalkboard.

  I moved a pile of papers on top of the filing cabinet and discovered a dusty family photograph. A younger looking Lady Camilla was in it, alongside a chubby looking teenage version of Ranulph, a man who must have been Lord Reynold, and a young woman. This could be the dead daughter.

  I lifted the photo and blew the dust off it. “This is a nice family photo.” I turned towards Lady Camilla, holding the picture out. “Would you like it in a more prominent position?”

  “No.” Lady Camilla’s hand stilled on the paper in front of her.

  “You have a lovely family,” I said. “Who’s the girl in the photo?”

  “No one
you need to concern yourself with,” said Lady Camilla.

  “She looks like a relative,” I said. “You both have the same shaped face.”

  Lady Camilla sniffed and placed her pen down. “She was my daughter.”

  “Oh, does that mean she’s no longer around?”

  “Catherine is dead,” said Lady Camilla. “She died two years ago.”

  “I’m so sorry to hear that,” I said. “She couldn’t have been very old.”

  Lady Camilla’s gaze ran over me. “She was probably a few years younger than you. Everyone called her Katie.”

  “May I ask what happened to her?”

  “No, you may not. Get on with your work.”

  I looked at the photograph, focusing on the young blonde woman. This was the ghost I’d seen in the garage. But why was Katie’s ghost hanging around the house if she died two years ago? And who was the other ghost with her?

  I placed the photo down, making sure Lady Camilla would see it from her desk.

  “Have you sorted the tax files yet?” asked Lady Camilla, a few moments later.

  “It’s going to take a couple of days to get through all of this,” I said. “Probably best if I lay it all out and get it sorted into date order first. Most we can shred, or put into storage so, it’s not in your way.”

  “You deal with the details.” Lady Camilla waved a hand at me. “Just make sure it’s tidy and I have everything I need.”

  “Will do,” I said. As I turned back to the filing cabinet, I heard Lady Camilla sigh. I glanced at her from out of the corner of my eye and saw her staring at the photograph. I longed to ask more questions but had a feeling she’d shut me down again.

  She stood from her desk, her fingers rubbing her forehead. “Can I trust you to carry on with your work without my supervision?”

  “Of course, Lady Camilla,” I said, noticing the strain around her eyes. Maybe bringing up the memory of her dead daughter had stressed her out. “I’ll be here for as long as I’m needed.”

  Lady Camilla gave a slight nod, before walking to the door. “Make sure you do. No sneaking off early because I’m not watching you.” She opened the door and pulled it shut behind her.