by A. M. King
“Ebony!”
“What? He’s a coward. You know I’m telling it like it is. He was a coward when he was alive and he’s still one now that he’s dead. Some people never change. Pah! I don’t buy that not being able to go back to his apartment crap. He’s just a fraidy cat and is afraid that whoever killed him would come back to scare his ghostly behind.”
“All right, Ebony, that’s enough.”
“Hey, I’m just looking out for you, girl. You’re too trusting sometimes.”
“I know right. That’s always been my weakness.”
“Well, you’re a witch now. You need to hold your own court. Put your foot down. I’m not saying you can’t help a guy out. Just don’t let your guard down.”
“I’ll try not to.”
Ebony stretched out and yawned as she curled up on the bed again. “I’m going to get some more beauty sleep. I suggest you do the same.”
Her kitty was really something, wasn’t she? A snarky little one. But she did have a point. She needed to keep her guard up. Something just wasn’t adding up here. She needed to find out what it was.
But for now, she’d take Ebony’s advice and get some more sleep. It wasn’t as if worrying was going to make the answers come any quicker. But one thing bugged Febe more than anything right now. What was Jonathan’s Aunt Ericka up to? She really wanted to know.
As she dozed off, she felt a tap on her shoulder. She jumped up out of bed.
“Jonathan! You frightened me. I know you said you always wanted us to be together, but I’m not interested in dying right now, thank you.”
“Sorry, Febe. I couldn’t help myself.” He grinned. Was this a joke to him?
“Where were you when I...?”
He shrugged. “I was just hanging around. I slipped in and out but I guess you didn’t see me. You were busy talking to that cop.”
She frowned. She looked over in the kitty basket and was thankful Ebony was sound asleep.
“I’m so sorry about what happened to you. Trust me, I will find out who did this. The sergeant asked me a ton of questions at the scene. He hasn’t said anything, but I don’t trust him.”
Jonathan sighed.
“Is anything coming back to you yet?”
He shrugged again. “Nothing yet. But at least you found my body. Thanks, I owe you one.”
“She rolled her eyes. You’re welcome. Now to find out what happened to...”
He was gone again. Just like that.
Damn, he was annoying in the afterlife.
Chapter 12
The following morning at around 11:00 a.m., feeling tired from not getting enough sleep the night before, Febe made her way into the SuperMart to grab a few items for the house. The glass sliding doors of the store slid open for her like magic. She couldn’t believe Jonathan woke her up like that. Still, she was glad that she’d been able to see him again. She guessed he wouldn’t be able to cross over until his killer was found. While the autopsy was being conducted, she was relieved that they were one step closer to a resolution. Detective Trey promised he’d let her know the results as soon as he found out, since it would become public anyway.
She took one of the small carts and began to stroll into the store.
“Morning, Ms. Summer,” Rett, the cashier said to her as she walked in steering the bright yellow shopping cart.
“Morning, Rett,” she said as cheerfully as she could. Her mother had always told her about being your best in public, even if you feel like hell. Still, she liked being greeted by name.
This sure was different than being in a big city where no one knew your name. She really could get used to life in a small town. Everyone knew each other. It was so heartwarming.
It was her turn to do the weekly shopping and boy did things go fast in that house. They were always running low on paper towels—Aunt Vanity used them up like crazy. As for cleaning supplies, Aunt Eartha was a compulsive cleaner. Sometimes Febe wondered why they didn’t just use their magic to clean things up around the house, just like her sister did when she’d whipped everything up in a quick spell when Febe was ready to move from Toronto to Blackshore Bay. Then again, as Madam Techer once said to Febe, everything takes energy and it was best not to use up one’s reserve unless it was absolutely necessary. She guessed that meant practicing magic all the time. She had to admit, the day the door slammed on Jonathan, before she knew she was a witch, that it almost sucked the life out of her.
She needed to learn how to use her magic wisely. But she guessed that was why she didn’t have her license to practice magic yet.
She’d tried to convince her aunties to use online shopping, but they insisted on getting out of the house and getting some exercise. “Besides, there’s nothing like squeezing your own oranges to make sure it’s what you want,” her Aunt Trixie had said to her. Aunt Trixie was always one to squeeze, touch, prod and eye her own produce before buying anything. Febe swore she gave the poor fruits a workout before they ever saw the inside of the Summer family refrigerator.
“Soon no one will leave their house,” Aunt Trixie had told Febe regarding online shopping. “People can telecommute, order, surf, upload, and download, all from the comfort of their couch. What would be the point of leaving the house to socialize? I won’t get into that trap. I like to see real people.”
Febe had to admit, her auntie did have a point. But then again, everything in moderation was okay, right? She did go out to work every day and when the weather was really bad, who wanted to go shopping in a storm? That was one of the reasons she always tipped her delivery drivers well, back in the city.
And speaking of deliveries. She was still bothered about Jonathan’s last days. What on earth did he order? She needed to find out. His delivery driver must have been one of the last ones to see him alive.
“Hey,” a smooth deep voice interrupted Febe’s train of thought. It was the handsome detective Trey Heart. He looked gorgeous in his t-shirt and jeans. Ruggedly handsome. His biceps really stood out and his muscular physique was accentuated. Nice tattoos, she thought. He sported a sexy, groomed five o’clock shadow and his cheekbones were nicely highlighted under the bright lights of the store.
“Hey yourself, Trey. Surprised to see you here.”
“You mean you’re surprised we folks in blue eat?” He arched his brow and a smooth grin touched the corner of his sexy lips.
“You know that’s not what I mean,” she said, playfully rolling her eyes.
Her heart fluttered in her chest.
Okay, why am I reacting to his guy like that? He’s just a guy.
But oh, he made her heart go pitter-patter.
“It’s a small town,” he said. “The SuperMart’s one of the best places to buy food around here. Their produce is always nice and fresh and they always serve everything with a smile and a personal greeting. You can’t beat that.”
“So true.” Febe had to admit, she felt warm and welcomed when she walked through the double doors with the soothing sound of seventies classic hits playing over the speakers, the friendly decorations and the smiling staff members.
The atmosphere was so inviting that it made her want to just sit there and enjoy the small town vibe in the bakery section.
“I’m just picking up a few things for the house,” she said.
“Sweet. Let me know if you can’t find something.”
“You mean you own this place?” She arched a brow.
“Nah, I know the owners here though. They’re good people.”
“I can tell.”
Her stomach started to rumble like thunder. Talk about major embarrassment. She’d skipped breakfast today, not a good thing to do.
Trey hesitated for a moment. “You know, I was just thinking: have you been to the Blackshore Pizzeria? I’m heading there for lunch.”
“The Blackshore Pizzeria?”
“Yeah, it’s this really cool new restaurant on the East side. They has a nice view of the lake and...”
Aw
w wasn’t that sweet of him. He wanted to buy her lunch, probably trying to be supportive to her after what happened yesterday. And he obviously felt sorry for her, after hearing her thunderous stomach calling out.
Maybe she should grab a bite to eat with him so they could discuss the case further. She opened her mouth to say something.
Then...
She felt an unbearable chill surround her.
She flinched.
“You okay?” Trey asked, concerned.
“Um...” She rubbed her arms feeling the goosebumps spring up all over her.
Just then, Jonathan appeared. He sat down on the display table with a crooked grin on his lips, his arms folded across his chest.
“You? Jonathan, what are you doing here?” she asked, stunned, only to realize too late that she was the only one who could see him.
Trey gave Febe a very strange and concerned look. “Are you all right?” Trey asked, looking around to see whom Febe was talking to. He then looked back at Febe and scratched his head.
“Um...” Febe looked in horror from Trey to Jonathan and back to Trey again. “Um. No. Nothing.”
“You called the name Jonathan. Isn’t that the name of your...your ex who died recently?”
“Um, well...”
Jonathan just tilted his head back and laughed.
“Will you stop that?” she said, again, kicking herself mentally for not ignoring him but his laughter was the most annoying thing in her ears right now and the sound seemed to be magnified for some reason.
“You okay, Febe?” Trey asked again, looking around.
Trey probably wanted to cut out of there right then and she probably wouldn’t blame him. She must really look like a crazy woman right now.
She sighed deeply and rubbed her temples. “Sorry Trey, it’s um...nothing, I just thought I saw...”
“Your dead ex?” He arched his brow, concerned.
“Yes. I mean no! No. I just...I’ve been tired lately, with work at the café, school.”
“You’re going to school? I had no idea. What are you studying?”
Crap!
What was she going to say? That she was studying to be a licensed witch? Yeah, that would just sound so much better.
“Oh, it’s nothing really. Just a few courses here and there,” she said, feeling the heat of humiliation rise in her throat.
She must really look stupid, now. She would never forgive Jonathan for just appearing like that in front of her when she was about to have a discussion about the case over lunch with Trey. Was Jonathan jealous over her going to have lunch with Trey? It was just a harmless lunch. She had to eat, didn’t she? They were going to be discussing his murder.
What was Jonathan’s problem? He’d cheated on her—when he was alive. And besides, it wasn’t as if she and Jonathan could ever get back together.
“Are you all right, Febe? You know we could always do this another time,” Trey continued.
“Actually, I’m famished, I’d love to...” She froze when she saw Jonathan playing with an apple about to throw it.
“No!” Febe cried out.
“No?” Trey looked puzzled. “Look if you don’t want to go, that’s cool. I realize you’re still in shock over yesterday.”
“Oh, no. Not you, I was talking to...” She paused again and narrowed her eyes and pursed her lips at Jonathan.
Trey looked at Febe then toward the fruit display then back to Febe again with a puzzled expression on his face. He then combed his fingers through his thick mousy mane.
“I’m sorry, Trey, it’s just...” She walked over to the display and straightened out the apples when suddenly Jonathan got up abruptly and the shelf tipped and the apples started rolling out like an avalanche of fruit to the floor of the market.
“Oh, no.”
“Here, let me help you,” Trey said, while Jonathan walked off with a smirk on his face.
Grrh! That Jonathan. Wait till I get my hands on him...
Of course, that would be impossible, wouldn’t it? Since he was a ghost now.
“Is everything all right here?” A store clerk came by looking put off.
“We’ve got it all covered,” Trey said, helping to pick up the apples.
“Oh, great. Those are going to have to be tossed out now.”
“I’m so sorry,” Febe said, even though it wasn’t really her fault. But what else could she say. “I thought the shelf looked a bit crooked. The apples were sliding off them.” With a little help from her annoying ex-boyfriend who now happened to be an annoying ghost.
“That’s just fine. We’ll take it from here.” The clerk really looked peeved now. Who could blame him? “The wrapped taffy apples should be fine though. They’re in packages.”
Febe noticed the Halloween display had taffy apples near to the fresh apples.
She looked at the clear plastic containers with the fresh apples dipped in caramel and a thought struck her.
There was something odd about it. What was it doing there in the fruit section?
She thought back to the caramel syrup in Jonathan’s kitchen.
There was a connection. She knew it. But what? A chill slid down her spine. Her thoughts must be going in the right direction. Her energies were picking up on something.
But right now, she had a bone to pick with Jonathan and a serious apologizing to do to Trey.
Chapter 13
“I’m really sorry, Febe,” Jonathan tried to pout innocently when they got back to the Victorian.
“Don’t talk to me. I’m never talking to you again.”
“But you need to help me find my killer or you might be in trouble.”
He had a point, unfortunately.
“How could you do that?”
“I just wanted to make sure you stayed on track. I don’t trust that guy.”
“He’s a cop.”
“He’s off duty and trying to put the moves on you.”
“No, he wasn’t trying to put the moves on me and even if he was it’s none of your business. You’re...”
“What? I’m dead?”
“Yes. You are.”
“So dead people don’t have feelings, too?”
She rolled her eyes and gave him a you-can’t-be-serious look.
“That’s not the point, Jonathan. You made me look like a complete idiot out there. Not to mention the grocery store will probably have me banned from ever stepping foot on their premise again.”
“Come on. You don’t really think they’d do that now?”
“You’d be surprised.”
“Well, I’m really sorry.” He pouted.
She folded her arms across her chest, not impressed to say the least. “That was a pretty crummy thing you did back there, Jonathan.”
What did she ever see in him in the first place?
“Okay, you made your point. That was a crummy thing I did. But I swear, that won’t happen again. You’ve got my promise, okay?”
“How can I ever trust you again?” What was she saying? How could she ever trust him again after what he did? “Never mind, don’t answer that. You’re a part-time spy. You’re trained to lie. The trouble is I don’t know if you really know the difference between the truth and a lie. Lying seems to come as second nature to you.”
“Hey, now that’s not fair.”
“What’s not fair?”
“What you just said. You know I didn’t mean to hurt you. I just couldn’t blow my cover.”
“Fine. But if you ever slip up again and pull any more crazy pranks like that, you’re on your own. Got it? And I don’t care if I’m a lead suspect in your murder. I’ll just have to trust the universe that my name will get cleared.”
“Fine. Okay.”
“Now, I noticed there was some caramel syrup in your kitchen. Looks as if it had been spilled in your kitchen drawer.”
“Oh, that. Yeah, you know I’ve always had a sweet tooth.”
“I know that, but caramel syrup? In your kitchen
drawer?”
“You know that is weird.”
“I know it’s weird. What was it doing in your drawer? Don’t you keep that stuff in your kitchen cupboard in a bottle or something?”
“True.”
“Unless...your aunt was using it.”
“But why would she be using it? And why would she place it in the drawer? Besides, she’s not exactly a domestic goddess.”
“What do you mean by that?”
“Have you tasted my aunt’s cooking?”
“No. I’ve never met her. Until the day before.”
“Well, trust me, you’d remember if you had. I love my dear old auntie to bits, as annoying as she can be sometimes, but she’s no cuisine princess. She’s a kitchen destroyer.” He grinned.
“Okay, so she might not be a domestic goddess. But you know something, the concierge guy got into the apartment.”
“Oh, him.”
“What about him? Why did you say it like that?”
“He’s a hoot. His name’s Conrad. We’ve had complaints about him. He’s always sneaking up in the hallways when he should be manning the desk. And whenever he’s caught, he makes something up like he got a complaint and was investigating it.”
“But he could get fired for leaving the desk unattended?”
“Not really. We have some automated stuff there. Delivery people can leave deliveries in a portal by the desk.”
“I see. Do you know anything about this Conrad guy?”
“Not really. You think he could have something to do with me getting...”
“I’m not sure, Jonathan. But I do know one thing.”
“What’s that?”
“Conrad’s the one person who knows when you’re home alone and when you’re not. Not to mention he has access to every area of the building.”
“That’s true,” Jonathan said thoughtfully. “So you really think he had something to do with my...”
“With your demise? It’s quite possible, Jonathan. We can’t write him off our list just yet. Which means...”
“What?”
“I need to go there and figure out how to catch him in action.”
“Catch him in action? What do you mean by that?”
“Oh, nothing.”
