by Rose Pressey
“Did you see that?” I whispered.
She opened her mouth in a wide yawn, as if to say she couldn’t care less what I saw. Jane Austen strolled away. Her tail swayed back and forth with each step.
The day had been hectic and overwhelming and I still had a ghost tour to give. Forget the baking, I couldn’t wait to go home, soak in a bubble bath, and read Sense and Sensibility for the millionth time. It was that kind of night. I moved over to the computers to shut them down for the evening. Once again, I looked over my shoulder for any trace of the apparition. Goose bumps still traced across my arms, but nothing was in sight.
When I reached the computer closest to the wall and stuck my hand out to power it down, the screen caught my attention. There was an odd subject in the search results: poison. Cyanide, to be specific. I leaned down to get a closer look. One of the links had been clicked on. It was a link to an article about death by cyanide poisoning. It listed the effects on the human body and stated that only a small amount of cyanide was needed for a lethal dose, which would act instantly. When I looked to see the time that someone had looked up the topic, I saw that the search had been from earlier in the day. Out of curiosity I looked back over the past few days. Oddly enough I saw that the same subject had been researched several days ago too. I quickly closed the browser and shut off the computer. People could look up the strangest things. I was just thankful it hadn’t been adult material on the screen.
A crash sounded from somewhere behind me. I ran to the end of the aisle and looked over at the reference desk. Tammy shook her head and pointed behind me. I spun around to see Leslie scrambling up from the floor, a pile of books scattered on the floor surrounding her.
“She’s so clumsy she’d trip over a cordless phone,” Tammy said.
“The poor girl has two left feet and hands,” I said as we watched her stack the books on the counter.
“By the way, the Bookwormers will be here soon,” Tammy said as she leaned against the counter.
I looked up at her. “The Book Wormers?”
“Yeah, didn’t I tell you about them?” she asked.
I rubbed my forehead and thought for a second. “Um, I don’t think you did, but I’ve been busy today, so maybe I just forgot.”
“Well, the women have a book club meeting here at the library once a month. They use the upstairs conference room.” She pointed above us.
I massaged my temples. With so many details thrown at me today, how was I supposed to remember all of them? Not to mention the added bonus of the ghostly encounter. I guessed I wouldn’t get to enjoy that bubble bath anytime soon.
Leslie walked right past us and out the front door without saying a word. She didn’t even glance in our direction.
“Where is she going?” I asked.
Tammy shrugged. “She usually just takes off like that.”
I’d have to talk with Leslie. Maybe we could have lunch together. It would give us a chance to get to know one another.
“Do you want me to hang around?” Tammy adjusted the purse strap on her shoulder. She shifted from one foot to the other. I could tell she was anxious to get out of there.
The clouds had completely blocked out the fading sun and the coming darkness cast an eerie vibe across the space.
“No, that won’t be necessary. You go ahead.” I waved her off.
“If you’re sure?” She shifted her gaze from me to the front door again.
I nodded. “I’m positive.”
I wasn’t, but I didn’t want to seem as if I needed someone to hold my hand. I’d close up the library while the ladies were using the upstairs room. At least I could explore the building in peace without interruptions from Leslie. I thought libraries were supposed to be quiet.
Tammy waved over her shoulder as she made her way out the door. She hadn’t wasted any time getting out of there. When a brunette woman stopped Tammy on her way out, Tammy pointed in my direction. Must be one of the Book Wormers.
The brunette looked in my direction and smiled broadly as she approached the reference desk. Her hair was the color of a pecan shell, but had many shades of caramel mixed in—she had the same carefully-placed highlights as Tammy. She smiled, the fine lines crinkling around her sable-colored eyes.
“Well, I declare. You must be the new librarian, Ripley Van Raden.” She extended her hand toward me. “I’m Dana Newman. We are so pleased that you’ve decided to come back to Devil’s Moon.” She leaned against the counter. “So, what made you decide to come back to our charming little town anyway? Do you still have family here?” Her perfectly-arched eyebrows rose with the question.
I swallowed hard. “Yes, I still have family here.”
“Oh, a husband?” she pushed.
“No husband.” I shifted from one foot to the other.
“You don’t have a husband?” Her voice increased a decibel.
“No. No husband.” I looked down and straightened the pens again. At least the reference desk would be neat and orderly.
“Wow. That is amazing. Where were you living?”
She was full of questions. At least she hadn’t brought an apple pie.
“I moved back here from California.” I picked at invisible lint on my sweater.
“What made you leave?” She propped her chin in her hands as she leaned her elbows against the counter.
I shrugged. “I just decided small-town life was the thing for me.”
She quirked an eyebrow and stared at me. “I bet your family missed you something fierce and is glad you’re back.”
“Well, I have a small family, really.”
She looked at me as if I’d just said I was an ax murderer. Like having a small family was unfathomable. The silence was way too long.
Finally, when I didn’t think I could stand it any longer, she spoke. “Well, we are glad to have you back. You let me know if you need anything. I own the coffee shop on the corner.” She gestured over her shoulder.
“I’m sure you’ll be seeing a lot of me.” I smiled. “So, you’re here for the book club meeting?”
“Yes, the other ladies will be here any minute.” She glanced at her silver wristwatch.
She’d barely finished the sentence when another woman approached us as if the building was on fire.
Chapter Six
The frantic woman let out a deep breath and placed her hand on her hip. “You must be the new librarian. Is the conference room door unlocked?” She tapped her fingers against the counter.
Wow. It was nice to meet her too. The woman wore a black skirt suit that looked like it had to be expensive. She’d probably had it tailored to fit instead of wearing it off the rack. An emerald color silk blouse was layered underneath. Her jacket tapered in at the waist accentuating her curves. Her coal black hair was swept up in a tight knot at the back of her head, but wisps had fallen around her face. She had high cheekbones and big brown round eyes. Her lips were painted a shiny red. On her feet were pricey black high heels. I knew because I’d seen them when I’d gone window shopping at Saks Fifth Avenue last month. She was a little overdressed for a book club meeting. Had she just come from work?
“Yes. It’s all set for you. My name is Ripley Van Raden,” I offered with a smile.
She stared at me, then finally said, “Do you intend on turning this library around?”
No, I was planning to do a lousy job and throw the books in the Dumpster. “That’s what they hired me for.” I kept the smile plastered on my face, but it wavered and I wasn’t sure how much longer I’d be able to keep up the facade.
“I’m sure you’ll need some help. I’m excellent with all things business. You call me before you get too overwhelmed. I’m Marion Burns.”
“I’m here to do my job,” I answered.
She snorted, then rushed off in a hurry.
Dana shook her head. “That woman. She has finally pushed me to my limit,” she said through gritted teeth.
“Excuse me?” I asked.
“
She thinks I’ve forgiven her for what she did to me.” Dana spoke the words under her breath and I wasn’t sure if I’d heard her correctly.
“Forgiven her?” I repeated.
She waved her hand. “Oh, never mind about that, but the woman does have her nerve talking to you like that. Plus, what she’s done to all of us.” Dana leaned in closer. “See, Marion Burns owns the home décor shop next door to my shop. Katherine Smathers and Sue Lovelace are the other book club members. You’ll meet them when they get here. Anyway, Katherine has the cupcake store and Sue owns the beauty salon.”
“Oh, yeah, Tammy works there too. But you probably already knew that.”
“Yes, I love Tammy. She does my hair and does a wonderful job, I might add. Anyway, Marion up and bought the whole building about two months ago. Now I ask you, how did that woman find the money to buy the whole building?”
I shook my head. Did Dana expect a response from me? It sounded like she just wanted an excuse to rant.
“I know Marion has saved a little bit of a nest egg, but there is no way she put that much away. Anyway, she just informed us that she’s increasing our rent.” Dana clenched her fists at her sides. “Can you believe it? As long as I’ve known her. And the things she’s put me through. This is the last book club meeting I’m coming to as long as she’s involved. I intend on telling her what I think of her rent increase tonight.”
Uh-oh. I hoped I didn’t have to break up a fight.
A rattle caught my attention. An older, gray-haired woman rushed through the door with a tray of cupcakes in her arms. Leslie was following behind her with a large container of what I assumed was coffee since it was marked “coffee” on the pot. I couldn’t believe that woman trusted Leslie to carry anything, much less hot liquid.
“Leslie, I thought you’d already gone for the day,” I said.
She rolled her eyes. “Katherine trapped me on my way to my car and forced me to help her carry this stuff.”
“I am about to pee my pants, y’all.” The gray-haired woman hurried by in a flash, making a beeline toward the restrooms.
“That was Katherine Smathers.” Dana laughed. “Apparently, she has to pee.”
Leslie placed the container on the counter. “I can’t help anymore. I already told her I was going to be late,” she huffed.
“Fine. I’ll take it from here.”
Leslie stomped off. My grandmother always said if you wanted something done right, you had to do it yourself.
As Leslie hurried out the door, another woman entered.
“Here comes Sue Lovelace.” Dana pointed at the woman walking our way.
Sue’s blonde hair cascaded in waves around her face and spilled onto her shoulders. She wore dark jeans on her long legs and a gold sweater on top that matched the color of her hair. A pretty shade of bubblegum pink gloss covered her lips. Her accessories consisted of gold hoop earrings and matching bangle bracelets. Her brown leather boots finished the outfit perfectly. Sue glanced at Leslie and shook her head.
“That girl is strange,” Sue said as she closed the distance between us. She focused her dark eyes on me. “You must be Ripley Van Raden. I’ve heard so much about you. Pleased to meet you. I’m Sue Lovelace.”
I wondered who was doing all the talking about me. I must have been the hottest topic in town.
I shook her hand. “It’s nice to meet you, too.”
She reached around and touched my ponytail. “Why don’t you come into the salon and see me? I can give you the latest style.”
I wasn’t interested in the latest style. Wasn’t a ponytail timeless? Or maybe that was just what I had been telling myself so I wouldn’t feel like a frump. She must have noticed the scowl on my face.
“Don’t worry, I won’t give you a brown football helmet or anything. You’ll look great. The mayor’s wife comes to me for all her beauty needs. I go through a ton of wax on that woman.”
Dana nodded in agreement. Too much information. The more she talked the more I feared sitting in her beauty chair.
“We were just taking up the refreshments. Marion is already up there,” Dana said.
Sue’s face turned red. “If you’ll excuse me, ladies, Marion and I have a few things to discuss.”
Sue made it to the stairs in a few long strides, then disappeared as she ascended to the second floor. I grabbed the tray of cupcakes and Dana picked up the coffee.
“She didn’t look happy,” I said.
“Obviously, I don’t blame her.” Her words hung in the air.
There was silence as we crossed the library floor. Finally, Dana said, “Katherine always insists on bringing the coffee with the cupcakes. She makes it way too strong if you ask me. Not to mention the little fact that I own a coffee shop.”
I was grateful for the subject change. As we walked up the stairs, Dana continued, “I have the best coffee this side of the Mason-Dixon line. But she still brings her own. Now I ask you, does that make any sense? I can take a hint though. She just doesn’t like my coffee.”
It was going to take a lot to get used to small-town life again. I didn’t have an answer for her. She did have a point though. Apparently the woman didn’t like her coffee. I would have felt the same as Dana if I had been in her situation.
“I do like your coffee,” Katherine said from behind us. “You just have a lot on your plate, so I try to lighten your load.”
I almost fell backward and dropped the tray of cupcakes. How long had Katherine been listening to us?
Katherine chuckled as she ascended the stairs behind us. “Is this woman putting ideas in your head, Ripley?”
“Oh, shut up, Katherine. You’re going to scare the girl. This is her first day at Bilson. Let her think we’re sane for at least another week or two.”
I chuckled.
“Do you like cupcakes, Ripley?” Katherine asked.
“Almost as much as I love books and the paranormal.”
She looked at Dana. “This girl is going to fit in just fine in Devil’s Moon. You see, Ripley, I always say, a cupcake a day keeps the sweet tooth away. You drop by Sugar Buzz and I’ll let you sample all our flavors. We’ve got red velvet, chocolate cherry cola, banana pudding, and my favorite, caramel bourbon cupcakes, just to name a few.”
My mouth had already been watering as I carried the tray full of sweets. After hearing her list, I knew I had to sneak one off the tray. They wouldn’t miss one.
“Is Marion here?” Katherine whispered.
Dana nodded. “I’m afraid so. That woman thrives on power like a vampire thrives on blood.”
Katherine chortled. “Dana, put down the Twilight books.”
Dana shrugged but didn’t argue her defense for Bella and Edward.
Once upstairs, we hurried down the hall and to the conference room. When we stepped into the room, you could have cut the tension with a knife. Marion and Sue sat ramrod straight in the metal chairs right across from each other. Both women had their arms crossed in front of their chests.
“Well, I’m not paying that much for rent, Marion,” Sue said.
“It’s just a little increase. I can’t believe you expect me to keep up that building and not charge more. What kind of friend are you, anyway?” Marion fumed.
Oh, boy. It was time for me to get out of there before they started throwing things at each other. I placed the cupcakes down, but the tray shifted and so did the cupcakes. The women’s voices grew louder as I straightened the cupcakes back into neat little rows. Once they were in order, I turned and rushed out of the room.
I returned downstairs to busy myself while waiting for the women to finish their meeting, relieved to escape the tense scene. But I jumped almost three feet in the air when I reached the reference desk. The woman I’d seen floating above the bookshelves now waited by the computer monitor as if she wanted to check out a Penguin classic. She was looking right at me. Jane Austen purred as she weaved around the ghostly woman’s Victorian skirts.
Suddenly the
computer screen on the counter behind her lit up. I distinctly remembered turning it off. The cursor moved across the blank screen and wrote a name over and over again—Annie, Annie, Annie, Annie—until it had filled up the entire screen. In all the years I’d been fascinated with the paranormal nothing like that had ever happened.
My mouth gaped open but no sound came out. Could this really be the same woman I’d seen floating above the stacks? Her appearance was more solid this time, making her features stand out vividly. The longer I stared, the less transparent she became. Had she manipulated the computer screen?
“May I help you?” My voice squeaked.
She didn’t answer. Had I lost my mind? Maybe she was a real person and the stress had finally caused me to flip my lid. Yes, that had to be it. She was a living person and I had forgotten to lock the doors. She’d come to check out a book. In Victorian costume. See, there was a logical explanation. Though that didn’t explain why I’d seen her floating like a balloon at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade.
No, I couldn’t brush this off. I knew what was happening. I was finally seeing a real ghost. After all this time.
“I’m sorry, but we’re closed,” I said.
Talking to the ghost as if she was still one of the living was the only way to go. How else would I communicate with a ghost?
She gave me a warning with a point of her finger. Her eyebrows crinkled together in an expression that made her look like an old schoolmistress.
My phone dinged at that exact moment. This wasn’t the best time for a text message. I pulled my phone from my pocket and checked the screen.
Get used to me hanging around if you’re going to be the new librarian.
Wait… had the ghost just sent me a message? How had that happened?
Her eyes narrowed with a look of concern. The phone dinged again and I peered down at the screen.
You do realize that I’m a ghost?
I was realizing it more than I wanted to.
Jane Austen meowed loudly as if she was part of the conversation.
“But how are you sending me messages?”
