by K E O'Connor
Ghostly Affairs
Lorna Shadow Cozy Ghost Mystery, Volume 4
K.E. O'Connor
Published by K.E. O'Connor, 2017.
This is a work of fiction. Similarities to real people, places, or events are entirely coincidental.
GHOSTLY AFFAIRS
First edition. May 21, 2017.
Copyright © 2017 K.E. O'Connor.
Written by K.E. O'Connor.
Table of Contents
Title Page
Copyright Page
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 1
“Lady Camilla Reynold is quite exacting,” said the chirpy voice of the recruitment consultant, Josie. “She has high standards and expectations when it comes to staff members.”
I winked at Helen who sat on the other side of the lounge from me. “Our standards are also high. Lady Camilla won’t be disappointed by hiring us.”
Josie laughed. “That’s good to know. But I should warn you, she has fired every single one of her personal assistants.”
I scratched the end of my nose, my gaze drifting around our cream-colored lounge with its comfy sofas and suntrap just for Flipper. Maybe this job wouldn’t be such a good idea after all, but apartments don’t pay for themselves.
“Are you still there?” Josie’s tone sounded anxious. “Lady Camilla is lovely when you get to know her.”
“She sounds like a difficult client,” I said. “Do you have anything else?”
“Good jobs like this don’t come up often, and the job market is quiet right now,” said Josie. “This is a great position, and the pay is excellent. And when you get on the right side of Lady Camilla, you’ll be richly rewarded. She just takes a little warming up.”
I chewed on a thumbnail. Helen and I did need to find jobs. “Can you tell me a bit more?”
“Of course! Have you heard of Reynold Estate?”
I nodded. “It’s the largest private estate in Suffolk, isn’t it?”
“That’s right,” said Josie.
Helen leaned over and tapped me on the back of the hand. “Ask about the living quarters and if we get meals provided?”
I grinned and waved her away, Helen always needed a comfortable bed with a soft mattress or she had trouble sleeping, and as for food, Helen liked plenty of that. “Can you tell me more about the house itself?”
“Lady Camilla is a private person, so you won’t be able to use her private kitchen and bathrooms, but you’ll be provided with your own downstairs accommodation, with full access to a large servants’ kitchen. You’ll have your own private wash facilities, and free use of the grounds when Lady Camilla isn’t using them.”
That sounded decent enough. In my time as a personal assistant, I’d lived in all manner of different accommodation, from cozy cottages through to enormous, sprawling private estates that came with a separate staff cottage.
“Anything else I can tell you?” asked Josie.
Helen leaned over again. “The food, ask about the food.”
I grinned at her. “Is there a cook in residence?”
“Only for her Ladyship,” said Josie. “But your kitchen is well provisioned.”
I covered the mouthpiece. “They want us to provide our own meals.”
Helen tugged on her bottom lip. “I don’t mind doing the cooking. At least we’ll have decent food.”
“Lady Camilla is keen on you starting as soon as possible,” said Josie. “Will that be possible, if you’re still interested?”
“That’s fine with us,” I said. “We’ve recently left our last positions, so are free to start whenever she wishes us to.”
“If you can get there by the end of today, I know she’ll appreciate it,” said Josie, giving a relieved sounding sigh.
“That won’t be a problem,” I said. “Tell Lady Camilla to expect us this afternoon. I keep a bag ready for any last minute jobs, and it won’t take Helen long to get ready. Flipper only needs his treats and a clean dog bowl, and he’s all set as well.”
“Oh, your dog,” said Josie. “I hope Lady Camilla doesn’t mind him.”
“You know he’s a part of the deal,” I said. “Flipper goes everywhere with me.”
“I’m sure it won’t be a problem,” said Josie swiftly. “Lady Camilla probably loves dogs.”
I didn’t like the word probably in that sentence, but said goodbye to Josie and hung up the phone.
“Sounds like we got the jobs.” Helen pushed her blonde hair back from her face and grinned at me.
“Yes, and Lady Camilla wants us to start immediately.”
Helen stretched her arms over her head. “It’s been nice having time off work, but I’ve missed the money.”
“Me too.” I glanced around our open-plan apartment again. It was on the outskirts of Oxford and was the perfect bolt-hole for when we didn’t have a job to go to. We weren’t there often, but it was nice to come back here and take a break.
“And we haven’t worked in a big house for a while, so this should be fun,” said Helen.
“I enjoyed our six months with the Bellamys, but I’m ready for a new challenge,” I said. Our last job, working for Chris and Jasmine Bellamy, ended a month ago after we’d gotten rid of the ghosts that lingered in the house, done all the paperwork, and helped the family move on from the grief they experienced after losing their children.
“And what about Zach?” asked Helen. “No gardening position for him this time?”
“He’s doing a freelance job not far from where we’ll be based,” I said. “Only half-an-hour’s drive away, so I’ll still be able to see him. And Jessie and Flipper won’t be apart for long.”
“It’s important the dogs don’t miss each other too much.” Helen winked at me, and then looked over to where Flipper was stirring from one of his long sleeps on the rug.
I smiled, not minding her teasing. Zach was now my steady boyfriend and we’d been seeing each other for a year. He worked as a gardener on private estates, and we were occasionally fortunate enough to get jobs together, but not this time. I didn’t like the thought of him being far away, but he’d been offered an amazing opportunity, to plan a brand-new estate garden. It was a dream for him. His passion was always gardening, and now he had a chance to create something from nothing and see it flourish. He was going to love his new job.
“And now he’s sold his house,” said Helen, “he’s foot loose and fancy-free in terms of where he lives. Do you think he’s going to ask you to get a place together?”
“We’ve not talked about it,” I said. “And it seems a waste of money, buying a place we’ll barely use when we already have this apartment.”
“You could move him in here.” Helen tapped a finger on her chin as she looked around the room. “We’d need an extra chair and a dog bed for Jessie, but they should just about squeeze that all in. And I’m assuming you’ll share a bedroom.” She waggled her eyebrows at me.
“I don’t think that would be fair,” I said. “Especially not for you.”
“I’m used to being the third wheel in your relationship.” Helen grinned at me. “Consider it, though, it could be a good solution.”
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“You’d be happy with Zach moving in here?” I was uncertain how I felt about having Zach here. It had been just Helen, me, and Flipper for such a long time. And as much as I loved Zach, I wasn’t sure I wanted to break up what I already had.
“Oh, you never know, I might find my own Prince Charming in Suffolk,” said Helen. “He will buy me a mansion and I can move in with him. Then you and Zach can have this place for yourselves.”
Helen’s hunt for a well-to-do husband had been going on for years. And although she’d had a number of dates with nice guys, they never went anywhere. “You never know, Suffolk might be rolling in single millionaires with huge houses who will fall in love with your long blonde hair and big smile the instant they see you.”
“I’d be happy if they did,” said Helen. “I’m getting sick of the single life. Dating is not what it used to be. I tried a phone app recently and had three offers to meet up.”
“That doesn’t sound so bad.”
“One offer was to meet in a car park, in the backseat of some weirdo’s car, the next was to meet in a back alley behind a horrible sounding bar, and the final one was so disgusting I’m not even going to tell you. But it involved baby oil and a cucumber. I deleted the app after that request.”
I stifled a laugh. “Well, there’s only one way to find out if your Mr. Perfect is waiting for us.” I jumped up from my seat. “Time for us to get to work.”
An hour later, the three of us were settled in Helen’s smart red car. She keyed in the directions on the satnav and we headed off for our new adventure.
I slid the window down and let the warm summer breeze drift through the car. I was hopeful this job would be a good one, and long term, despite the warning about Lady Camilla’s exacting standards. I’d handled old-fashioned gentry before, so couldn’t imagine she’d be a problem, but I’d make sure to be on my best behavior.
And I’d also be sure to keep out of the way of any ghosts. They were my downfall when it came to work. My ghost-seeing ability came to me after an accident I’d had. I’d almost drowned, and ever since then, I’d seen ghosts. It led to some difficult situations, with them demanding my help, and me not being able to hear them. I never knew how to assist them or what they wanted. But I’d muddled my way through so far.
And, over the years, I’ve gotten used to seeing ghosts. And Helen, the best and most loyal friend a woman could want, always helped out. Even though she couldn’t see the ghosts, she trusted me that they were real, and would insist we assisted them whenever we could.
And I had Flipper as well, who was not only my most faithful friend with four legs, but was also my early warning detection system when it came to ghosts. Whenever they came near, he would be at my side in an instant, making sure I was okay, and keeping me safe.
But this time around, there would be no ghosts. I closed my eyes and sent that hope into the ether. Please, no ghosts this time. Stuffy, uptight employers I could handle, but no ghosts.
Chapter 2
“This looks like the place.” Helen slowed the car, and we peered at a set of imposing metal gates, closed across a wide gravel driveway.
I pulled up some pictures on my phone and scanned through them. “Yes, this is it. Maybe they didn’t think we’d be here so early, which is why the gates are shut.”
Helen jumped out and inspected the gates. “I can’t see any way to get them open.”
I got out and joined her, taking a moment to stretch my legs and enjoy the afternoon sunshine which bathed me in a warm comforting glow. I pushed and pulled the gates for several minutes, but they wouldn’t budge.
“How are we going to get in?” asked Helen. She looked down at her black, floral-patterned dress and kitten heels. “I’m not wearing the right clothes to go scaling the walls.”
I jumped as a hissing crackle sounded to my left.
“Who’s there?” came a tinny-sounding male voice from within the shrubbery.
“The intercom’s covered over.” I hurried towards the sound, and parted the ivy covering the intercom before pressing the button. “We’re here to see Lady Camilla. I’m Lorna Shadow and I’m here with Helen Holiday.”
“What is your business with her Ladyship?” asked the posh, clipped voice.
“We’re here to start new jobs.”
There was silence for a moment, and I was just about to press the button again to ask if they’d heard my last message, when the gates creaked open.
“Looks like we’ve passed the first test,” said Helen, as she clambered back in the car.
I joined her, and we drove slowly along a neat gravel driveway. Evergreen shrubs lined the way and a number of well-established Silver Birch leaned over the driveway, creating an attractive tree-lined tunnel.
The driveway curved gently to the left and swept around in front of an impressive two-story building, with ivy curling around the doorway. Eight windows stared back at us from the first floor, and there was a side extension to the right of the property. The brick had a warm red hue, and flower beds sat tidily under each window, showing off bright plumes of yellow and orange flowers.
Flipper jumped up from his deep sleep on the backseat of the car as Helen slowed down by a row of garages, and began to whine.
“You can get out in a moment and do any business you need to,” I said to him. “But make sure you’re discreet. We’re not sure what Lady Camilla thinks of dogs.”
“She’ll love him,” said Helen. “Everybody loves Flipper.”
Flipper continued to whine, so as soon as Helen stopped the car, I jumped out and opened the back door, expecting him to rush to the nearest bush. Instead, he simply hopped out and stood there, his ears erect and nose pointed towards the garages.
“You can go and explore if you want to, but keep where I can see you. Don’t want you giving anybody a surprise if they’re not expecting to see a dog on the grounds,” I said to him.
Flipper took several steps back, a low growl rumbling through his chest.
I knelt and stroked Flipper’s back, feeling his hackles were up. “He’s usually excited to discover his new home.”
“You don’t think he’s... seeing anything, do you?” asked Helen, casting a worried look at the house. “Could be an unpleasant ghost if he’s already sensing something’s here.”
“I’m not sensing anything,” I said, as I glanced around the gardens. “But Flipper’s acting strangely.”
Flipper gave several loud barks and I shushed him, not wanting us to make a bad impression on our first day.
“What have we got here?” A chubby man in his mid-twenties, wearing a too small waistcoat over his white shirt, rounded the side of the house. His dark piggy eyes glittered at us. “If you’re selling something, we’re not interested.” A rifle hung over his right arm.
“We’re not selling anything,” said Helen. “We’re starting work here.”
The man’s beady gaze ran over Helen, lingering on her chest far too long. “You don’t say.”
“I do, actually.” Helen crossed her arms over her chest and glared at him. “And who are you?”
“I live here,” he said. “I’m Ranulph Reynold. I guess that means I’m your employer.”
“You’re Lady Camilla’s son?” I asked.
“That’s right,” he said. “I knew she was looking for new staff. The last girl ran away in a flood of tears, silly thing. Couldn’t handle being told off by Mommy.”
“Well, we won’t be running off in tears,” said Helen. “We’re professionals.”
“Good luck with that,” said Ranulph. “As much as I love Mommy, she’s tough with the servants.”
“We’re staff, not servants,” snapped Helen.
Ranulph shrugged and his gaze went down to Flipper, who was still staring at the garages. “Is this one yours?”
“That’s right,” I said. “He’s my assistance dog. He comes everywhere with me.”
Ranulph raised his gaze to meet mine. “And what does he assist you
with?”
“Getting rid of problems,” said Helen.
I shot her a warning look. It was never good to annoy your employer on the first day of work. “I have a medical condition, and he makes sure I’m always safe.”
“Mommy won’t like to know that,” said Ranulph, his nose wrinkling as if I’ve said something to offend him. “She likes her servants strong and healthy. Does she know you have a disability?”
“I didn’t say I had a disability.” I glowered at Ranulph. I was hardly going to tell him I could see ghosts.
Ranulph shrugged and adjusted his hold on the rifle. “Make sure you keep your dog under control. I have a licence to shoot.”
I took a step towards Ranulph, suddenly not caring he was Lady Camilla’s son. “Don’t even think about shooting Flipper.”
“It’s my estate, I can shoot whoever and whatever I like on it.”
“You point that gun at my dog and you’ll regret it.” My hands balled into fists.
Ranulph snorted. “You should be careful what you say, I pay your wages.”
“You don’t, your mom does,” said Helen. “This isn’t even your estate. And don’t you think you’re a little too old to be living at home?”
I silently cheered Helen on. Anyone who threatened Flipper instantly became an enemy of both of ours.
Ranulph’s cheeks reddened and his lips flapped together. “I should have you both removed this instant. I’ve never heard such rudeness from servants before.”
“What are you going to do about it?” asked Helen. “Tell your mommy we were mean to you?”
Ranulph opened and shut his mouth several times. “I will not be spoken to like that. I am the master of this estate.”
“You will be one day,” I said. “But until you are, we work for Lady Camilla, not you. And if she says it’s okay for my dog to be here, then Flipper stays. If you have a problem with that, you need to speak to your mommy.”
Ranulph huffed a few times, his plump cheeks expanding and deflating like a warty toad. “I’ve never heard such rudeness.” He clicked the barrel of his gun into place and pointed it at Flipper.
