by L. L. Muir
He felt a burning in his chest as he had to admit, “I’ve not much more than the clothes on my back. But ’tis a strong back, and if there’s aught I can do for ye, I’ll do it. I heard ye speak of a treasure earlier, can ye tell me what that’s about?”
Alan was happy to see that the question sparked that light in her eyes again and was glad to have banished her sadness even for a moment.
“Come in, sit down. This is quite a story, and I find I’m in the mood to tell it once more.”
Alan crossed the room to sit on the small chair across from Miss Celia. He worried it wouldn’t hold his weight, and settled onto it gently. It held, and he slowly relaxed enough to sit back. “I’m all ears, and would love to hear the tale.”
Miss Celia put both hands on one knee and swung her leg for a moment as she seemed to look inward, recalling happier times. “Years ago, my great-great-grandfather was worth a fortune. You need to understand that this is an undisputed fact. My great-great-grandfather was in shipping and he was rich!”
Alan smiled at the relish she used when speaking the word.
“So, he owned this house, did he?”
“Yes. He built it. And then one day, he jumped off the roof and committed suicide.”
Alan’s brows rose. “Did he, then?”
“Again, no one disputes that fact. He did commit suicide. And when he did, his treasure disappeared forever.”
“Treasure?”
“Yes. The man owned a fortune in treasure. He didn’t trust paper money and turned all his currency into rings, brooches, gold chains, necklaces, cameos, and a unique Colombian emerald watch. Crystal tankards, salt sellers, scent bottles, fan holders, even a handful of the mythical toadstones. It’s all written down in his journal, and there were many witnesses in the family that attested they’d personally seen the hoard, including his wife and children.”
Alan couldn’t help but look around, imagining a hoard of treasure buried nearby. “Truly?”
“After his death, the family fell upon hard times. We’ve been able to keep this house for generations through convenient marriages and some sound business decisions, but I’m afraid our luck has come to an end with me. Unless I can do something in the next four days, that is.”
“Something?”
“Yes. At the séance tonight I’m going to try to get grandpa to show up so I can find out where he buried the treasure.”
“Ye think ’tis buried?”
“I do.”
“Outside on the property?”
Miss Celia looked thoughtful. “Perhaps. But maybe it’s within the walls of this big house.”
Alan looked around the room again, at the brick fireplace, at the flowered walls, the paintings, the floorboards, and bookshelves.
He wasn’t sure he believed there was a treasure, but he did like the idea of it. And the fact he’d been sent there—didn’t that add weight to Miss Celia’s theory? “I take it ye’ve searched for it already?”
“High and low.” She smiled cheerfully. “My ancestors searched, I’ve searched, my children have searched, and my grandchildren as well. Even Olivia, my great-granddaughter and I have looked for it. It’s a fun way to pass the time, and I truly believe it’s here somewhere.”
“I believe ye.” Alan nodded once. “I’ll help ye find it. Let’s start with where the man was buried. I’ve found that many a wraith will hover about his bones.”
“You have?”
He opened his mouth to say more, then thought better of it. “Ye’ll have to take my word for it.”
Chapter 4
Once Lilith prepared the rest of the food for the evening, and had meat pies ready to bake later, she headed upstairs to check on a napping Olivia, and to continue packing.
She wasn’t completely unprepared. She’d already looked at a couple of apartments and her manager at the restaurant had been kind enough to give her the phone number of his brother who owned some rentals. She’d already called the man and he’d been very accommodating. In theory, they had a place to move to, but there was no way all their possessions would fit into the three-bedroom space.
She was almost tempted to talk Grandma into taking what she wanted and leaving everything else behind. They could let the new owners deal with it all.
She knew that would never happen. Much as she dreaded the work ahead of them, she just couldn’t leave the possessions. These things were her heritage, collected over many generations, and she supposed they could store it all until a better solution presented itself.
For now, she could finish packing their clothing and personal items. Olivia was still asleep, so Lilith went to her own room—the one that had been hers since they’d moved in. Boxes marked for storage and the new apartment were stacked high beside the door. There were light spots on the walls, marking the locations where well-love pictures had hung. On the floor, there was a box for charity, a bag of things to throw away, and her suitcase was open and ready to add the things she used on a regular basis.
She took a deep breath and blew it out. The task was almost completely overwhelming.
But just one step at a time, right? That’s how she’d gotten through when, at eighteen, she’d given birth to Olivia with no father standing in the wings. It was also how she’d finished culinary school while raising a toddler.
Just focus on getting through the next minute, the next hour, the next day.
Grandma’s mantra, it will all work out, was starting to make her sad.
This time, Lilith was pretty sure it wouldn’t work out.
This time, the story didn’t end with the good guys winning.
Nor the bad guys winning either, for that matter. The house had just become too much for them to afford. She just hoped Grandma, who was one of the happiest people she knew, would be able to grow in the new spot where they were transplanted. Lilith would do everything in her power to make sure that happened.
She picked up the garbage bag full of old clothes that should’ve been thrown out ages ago and headed down the stairs. She heard Grandma laughing and couldn’t help but smile.
Mr. MacBean arrived at exactly the right time.
She heard them talking about the treasure, and wished she still believed in fortune and magic the way she had as a child.
She’d encouraged Grandma to go ahead and fill Olivia’s head with all the same nonsense. If there was only one of them who couldn’t believe in magic anymore, she’d take that burden upon herself. She wanted to let the magic last as long as possible for both her loved ones.
She went outside, rounded the side of the house, and threw the garbage bag in the trashcan. She paused before going back inside to look out over the property, at the big trees she’d climbed as a child, at the beautiful view of Salem, and at the beloved monstrosity that was their home, and her heart tightened in her chest.
It would be a bitter blow to Grandma, but also to her, to lose the house.
With a sigh, she went back up the porch stairs, and ran into Mr. MacBean just coming outside. She smiled at him. “I heard you laughing with my grandma, and I want you to know how much I appreciate you taking the time to listen to her.”
He stopped on the second step and turned around. “Aye, lass, ’tis my pleasure.”
Impulsively she leaned forward and gave him a quick kiss on his warm cheek. “Thank you.”
His hand rose to touch his face, his expression startled, yet pleased.
Her insides turned to mush as they stared at each other, almost the same height now, and so close together. It wouldn’t take much to lean forward and really kiss him, and the desire to do so was so strong she gave into it.
Slowly, giving him a chance to turn away, she leaned forward until their lips met.
She kissed him gently, and he didn’t respond for a moment until, suddenly, his arms encircled her and pulled her close to his strength as he deepened the kiss.
With a moan, he broke away to stare at her, his dark brown eyes warm and intense.
> Heart thundering, she sucked in a breath, thinking that she ought to regret being so forward. She reached for remorse, but found none. She refrained from fanning herself.
Giving him a soft smile, she pushed away from his muscled body, and turned to walk inside. “Well, again, thank you, Mr. MacBean.”
She barely caught his low response.
“Anytime.”
After Lilith went back inside, Alan found it hard to move.
His first kiss.
When the witch sent him here, he’d not even considered such a thing could happen.
He’d just been gifted his first kiss ever. Well, he supposed his mother may have kissed him as a babe, but if so, he’d no memory of it.
A broad smile split across his face, and he turned to walk around the corner to find the shed Miss Celia sent him to.
Lilith was very attractive, and ’twas good she’d made the first move, because he’d not have had the confidence to do so. He’d only ever been around men. He didn’t know women would even act in such a way. It had never occurred to him. And that she had done so …
Her lips were soft as a rose petal. Softer.
When she’d placed them upon his, he’d almost disbelieved it was happening. Who knew that ladies were so soft and sweet-smelling?
He’d didn’t believe she could actually be attracted to him, a homely warrior. But still …
As he walked across the grass, he pressed the back of his hand to his lips. He wasn’t sure why she’d kissed him, but if she wished to do so again, he was amenable. Should he tell her so? Could he instigate a kiss himself?
He easily found the shed. One of the wooden doors was broken, propped up to keep out the weather. Pure male satisfaction warmed him at the thought of fixing something else. He entered the shed and retrieved a shovel before backing out and propping the door closed again. He headed to the back of the house where Miss Celia had arranged to meet him.
Olivia was there as well. “Did ye have a good sleep, wee little kitten?”
The girl smiled up at him. “I’m not a kitten, but I know where some are.”
“Oh, ye do, do ye? And where is that?”
Olivia pointed through the trees to the neighbor’s house. “Over there. The mama had kittens.”
“Did she? Well then, you’ll have to show them to me, won’t ye?”
The little girl’s eyes seemed to sparkle. “Now?”
He glanced at Miss Celia for permission.
She chuckled. “Why not? There is always time for kittens.”
The little girl offered him her hand and Alan froze for but a moment … then slowly extended his own. When Olivia’s little fingers clasped his, his heart clenched in his chest.
They headed next door, and Olivia seemed to know exactly where she was going as she walked to the neighbor’s wide back porch. A mama cat groomed herself as her kittens frolicked nearby.
“There they are!” Olivia, her big green eyes excited, pointed to make sure he saw them too.
“Aye. They’re a fine-looking batch.”
“They’re soft!” Olivia ran quickly up the steps and chased the closest of the orange and white balls of fluff. Olivia nabbed one and sat on a step with the wee bundle on her lap. “This one is my favorite.” She giggled as it licked her hand. “She really likes me.”
“Of course, she does.”
Remembering the girl’s lack of an honorable father, he turned to Miss Celia. “About the girl’s father.” He kept is voice low and snorted. Father, indeed. “I was wondering if ye might have his direction? I’d like to pay the man a visit.”
Miss Celia laughed. “Oh, you would, would you? Well, I suppose I could tell you where he lives, and I suppose you could meet up with him and his wife and two children.”
Alan’s brows rose. “He’s fathered two more children?”
“That’s exactly what he did.”
Alan’s jaw tightened. “So, he wouldnae do right by Lilith, but did so by another woman?”
“I believe they had their children after they married. Maybe he learned his lesson?”
Alan watched Olivia pet the kitten and murmur soothingly.
“Lilith would not thank you, you know, for interfering in her business. I wouldn’t mind seeing the man get socked in the face, but, as I wouldn’t give Olivia up for anything in the world, and neither would Lilith, I suppose we’re happy with the status quo.”
Alan’s fist clenched and he felt a little helpless. What was he here for if not to help and defend these females?
The door to the back porch opened, and a young woman in a pretty dress that revealed a good bit of leg stepped out.
Alan glanced away. ’Twas one thing to see the day’s fashions as a ghost, but now, in flesh and blood, he found himself slightly embarrassed for the woman.
“Hello. Come to look at the kittens again?”
Alan glanced up to see the woman gazing at him, not Olivia, though she seemed to be addressing the girl.
Olivia smiled. “This one is my favorite.”
The woman squatted and tickled the little kitten behind her ears. “She’s a cutie pie. Have you asked your mom yet if you can keep her? You know I need to find homes for these little buggers.”
Olivia’s lip trembled. “Mom says no.”
When Alan glanced their way, the woman was once again looking at him. “Who’s your new friend?”
Miss Celia smiled and lifted a hand to Alan. “Carrie, this is Alan MacBean. He’s staying with us for a couple of days. Alan, this is Carrie Dixon. She and her husband moved here three years ago, and she’s been our neighbor ever since.”
“Ex-husband now.” Carrie was quick to interject.
“Good day to ye, Mrs. Dixon.”
The woman laughed. “Please, call me Carrie.”
Alan nodded once and glanced away again.
“Are you coming to the séance tonight?”
“Yes, I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
Miss Celia clapped her hands. “All right then, are we ready to begin our treasure hunt?”
Olivia reluctantly put the kitten down and stood.
Alan reached forward and scooped the kitten in one hand. “We’ll just take her with us, if Mrs. Dixon doesnae mind.”
The woman laughed. “Feel free.”
Olivia looked up at him, eyes wide. “Can we?”
“Aye. How much trouble can a wee kitten be? I had a dog when I was young and managed to keep the beastie fed and warm. Ye can certainly do the same. Besides, every little girl needs a kitten, does she not?”
Olivia clasped her hands together. “Yes! Yes, I do!”
They said their goodbyes, and Alan felt the neighbor watching them as they left to find the shovel he’d propped against the house.
“I’ll get a litter box together and place it in Olivia’s bedroom. You do realize,” Miss Celia said, her eyes sparkling, “you’re going to be in so much trouble!”
“Cats are easy enough creatures,” Alan said defensively. “Put out an occasional bowl of scraps and she’ll do fine.”
She cackled. “So much trouble.”
Miss Celia sounded like she was looking forward to it.
They headed back and Alan plucked the shovel from the side of the house. “Where would ye like to dig first?”
“Come with me.”
He followed Miss Celia to the back of the property until they reached a depression in the ground where someone had obviously dug a bit before. Olivia settled on the grass nearby to play with the kitten.
“Is this where your great-great-grandfather was buried?”
She pointed at a grouping of headstones in the distance. “Over there. I’m almost embarrassed to tell you I’m not exactly sure where he was laid to rest. I know where his wife is, and her second husband, but most suicides weren’t buried on consecrated ground back then and didn’t get headstones.”
“Aye, that was the way of it.”
“Anyway, it’s not as if they’d have b
uried his treasure with him.” She pointed to a depression in the earth. “So, I thought we’d start here.”
“What’s this?”
Miss Celia shot him a wry smile. “I hired a man to come out with a metal detector and we found some likely spots. But, he was around my age, and had neither the strength nor the inclination to dig. Around dinnertime, his wife called him home and I haven’t seen him since.”
Alan didn’t like hearing the defeat in her voice. He dragged a white chair from under a nearby tree so she could sit and observe, then picked up the shovel and began to dig big chunks of dirt out of the ground. “I doonae lack the strength, nor the inclination, and I’ll be glad to dig for as long as ye wish it.”
Miss Celia grinned. “You are strong, that’s for sure.”
He couldn’t help but grin. Especially compared to the women, he supposed he was. As he dug, he considered the predicament. If he could find the treasure and save their house, he could just picture their gratitude. Miss Celia spilling over with happiness and praise, Lilith wrapping her arms around him, kissing him once more. Even little Olivia would dance about with joy. Aye, he certainly liked the thought of it.
And truly, if not to help them, what other reason might he be here? Surely he’d been sent for a purpose. He could think of no better aim than to make sure the three females continued to have the family roof over their heads.
And why wouldn’t there be a treasure? From the size of the house, the family obviously had great wealth at one time. And he knew men. He well knew they liked to bury and hoard their gold. He’d heard tales of such things his entire life. Buried treasure, sunken treasure, men laid to rest with their wealth.
So why not? He was here, he was willing, and if he did find the treasure, he’d make his brothers proud.
He could imagine it now, the tales he’d tell as they waited for each man to clear the moor. He could inspire them all.
Aye, he’d love to save this house and was willing to do whatever it took.
Miss Celia chattered away, talking about the upcoming séance, something called bunco, and a future girl’s night out. The woman seemed to keep an exhausting social schedule.
