To Catch a Spirit

by Carrie Pulkinen

  “Sorry.” He grinned and shut his eyes, focusing on the soothing melody of her soft voice.

  “Imagine a beam of light from the universe coming down into your body. It enters through your crown and goes all the way through to the floor, grounding you. Allow the light to grow inside you, filling you up.”

  He tried his best to focus. He saw the light. He felt it filling him up.

  “Now, imagine yourself inside a bubble, and allow that light to fill up the bubble. This is your protection. Nothing negative can get inside your bubble. Only things that you invite in are allowed to enter. You feel calm, peaceful. Nothing from the outside world affects you when you’re in your bubble. Let’s just stay here for a while and breathe.”

  He saw the bubble. He felt the peace and serenity inside it. But it wasn’t long before his mind started wandering. The harder he tried to not think the thoughts swimming through his brain, the more they commanded his attention.

  He blew out a hard breath and opened his eyes. “I’m sorry. I was feeling it. I really was. But my mind just goes wherever it wants to. What am I doing wrong?”

  Her eyes fluttered open, and she smiled. “Nothing. You did nothing wrong. Meditation takes practice. You put in a good three minutes, and that’s great for your first time. The more you practice, the better you’ll be.”

  “So that’s it? I just imagine that I’m in a bubble, and it will all go away?”

  “Well, it’s not that simple. But it’s a good start. Just do that meditation a few times a day and whenever you’re feeling overwhelmed by emotions. It will help.”

  “Thank you.” He reached out his hand and stroked her cheek. “God, I wish I could see you tonight.”

  “Me too. But I have plans with some friends. Tomorrow night?”

  “Definitely.”

  She flashed a wicked grin and crawled onto her hands and knees. “But you don’t have to rush back just yet do you?” She slinked toward him like a cat sneaking up on its prey. His heart pounded. Heat flushed through his veins.

  “Not just yet…”

  “Good.” Her mouth met his, and her hands slid up his chest and behind his neck. She pulled herself into his lap and straddled him, pressing her pelvis into his groin. “Because I’m going to miss you tonight.”

  He stifled a groan and slid his hands underneath her shirt as she grinded against him, trailing kisses down his neck. He gripped her tighter when her teeth grazed his skin, and he moaned as her mouth found his again.

  “I don’t know what it is, Logan, but I just lose control when I’m with you. I’m not usually this forward.”

  “Don’t hold back on my account.”

  “I won’t.” She pressed her body against his and he indulged in the sweetness of her embrace. They held each other. Touching and tasting until a knock on the door brought them down. Lucia peeked her head in the room.

  “Ahem…Your one-thirty is here, Allison. Do you want to reschedule?” Lucia didn’t hide her grin.

  “Oh, crap! Oh, no. No, just…tell them I’ll be ready in a minute.” She shot off his lap and looked in the mirror, adjusting her clothes and smoothing her disheveled hair. “I’m sorry, Logan. I completely lost track of time. Will you…can we…”

  He pulled her into his arms and kissed the top of her head. “I’ll call you tomorrow.”

  “Okay. Thank you.”

  “Thank you, Allison. For everything.”

  As he left her office, a twinge of guilt stabbed in his stomach. He shouldn’t have lied to her about tonight. But should he have told her about the ghost? Would it have made a difference?

  CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

  Allison finished with her last client at five o’clock and locked up her office when Tina strolled through the front door. She wore dark jeans with mid-calf, black leather boots and a burgundy sweater. Not at all her normal work attire.

  “Hey, Tina. Were you off today?”

  “No. I stopped by my house to change on the way here. I’m taking you out to dinner tonight. We need some girl time, before I lose you completely to your new man.”

  She smiled and slipped her purse on her shoulder. “And what if I already had dinner plans?”

  Tina raised an eyebrow. “Do you?”

  “No.”

  “Then let’s go. It’s ladies’ night at Molly’s Place, and happy hour just started.”

  She rolled her eyes and followed her friend out the door. Molly’s Place, a combination restaurant and singles bar, was casual, which was nice, but the music was loud, the décor more like a sports bar than a singles club, and they served mostly fatty, fried food.

  “Molly’s Place? Really?”

  “Oh, quit whining. When haven’t we had a good time there?”

  She climbed into the passenger seat and slipped on her seatbelt. “You’re right. We do always have fun. But that’s usually because you end up dancing on the table while I laugh my ass off.”

  “Good times. Good times.” She pulled the car onto West Fort Street and headed toward the restaurant.

  “All right,” Allison said. “But I need to be home by nine. Gage is picking me up at nine-thirty.”

  Tina stomped the brake at the light and jerked her head toward Allison. “Gage? Why is Gage picking you up at nine-thirty?”

  “I’m working on an investigation with D.A.P.S. tonight.”

  “Oh, really? How’d they convince you to do that?” She pulled into the parking lot at Molly’s and turned off the engine.

  Allison unbuckled her seatbelt and clutched her purse to her chest. “I know what you’re thinking. They didn’t have to convince me. I’m ready.”

  “Uh-huh.” Tina got out of the car, and Allison followed her across the parking lot and into the restaurant.

  The bar was already crowded with people just getting off work, an eclectic bunch with business men, career women, college students, and even a few construction workers in the mix. Big screen TV’s displaying sports or the local news hung from the ceiling, and girls in shorts and tight t-shirts ran around with trays full of beer and other mixed drinks. A large mirror hung behind the bar, and a small stage sat off to the side for live music and karaoke. Tina grabbed Allison’s hand and weaved through the crowd to find a table in the restaurant behind the bar.

  “Did Richard send you on a guilt trip?” Tina handed her a menu as they settled into a booth beneath a picture of the 1987 University of Michigan football team.

  “No, he didn’t. You said yourself that I should get back into it. Remember?”

  “I remember. I just didn’t think you’d be doing it so soon. Are you sure you’re ready?”

  “I really am. And, honestly? I’m excited. I’ve really missed D.A.P.S. Especially Gage.”

  The waitress, a girl who didn’t look a day over eighteen, arrived to take their order. As soon as she stepped up to the table, Allison felt a wave of anxiety rolling off her. Her disheveled hair hung in a loose ponytail with stray strands falling around her face. A smudge of mascara ran down her cheek, and her eyes were tight with worry.

  “You look like you’re having a rough day.”

  “You have no idea,” the waitress said. “I’m new here, and this place is crazy. I’m totally in the weeds, and I’m running out of steam fast.”

  Normally, Allison wouldn’t force her help on anyone, but a little extra push of energy wouldn’t hurt the poor girl. She took a deep breath and imagined a light growing brighter in her core. Then she pushed that energy out toward the waitress and visualized the light filling her up.

  Allison patted the girl on the arm. “It will get easier. Just have faith that you can handle it.”

  “Thanks.” The tension in her shoulders released, and she smiled. “I’ll sure try. Are you ready to order?”

  Tina asked for an avocado burger with onion rings, and Allison got the club sandwich with fruit salad. The waitress wrote it all down on a notepad and scurried back to the kitchen.

  “What did you just do to her?” Tin
a grinned.

  “I just gave her a little extra shot of energy. No big deal.” A twinge of guilt shot through her chest for forcing her energy on the girl. But people didn’t always have to verbally ask for help. The look on the waitress’s face said enough.

  “A club sandwich again? You always get the same thing when we come here, Allie. Why don’t you go out on a limb and try something new? Be adventurous.”

  “It’s the only thing they serve that isn’t a heart attack on a bun. Besides, it’s good.” She shrugged and sipped her tea.

  “Anyway, how is our friend, Gage?” Tina smiled and raised her eyebrows.

  “Oh, he’s fine. You know. Same old Gage.” She smoothed her napkin in her lap and picked at some imaginary lint on her sweater.

  “You mean he’s still in love with you.”

  She folded her arms and leaned back in her seat. “I wouldn’t say he’s in love with me. But he wasn’t thrilled when I told him about Logan.”

  “Maybe he doesn’t trust him. Logan’s got a reputation.”

  “Actually, I don’t think I ever told him who I was dating. Just that I was dating. But he’ll get over it.” She grinned and leaned her forearms on the table. “Maybe you can take his mind off it.”

  Tina tapped her finger against her cheek, feigning thought, but then shook her head. “I don’t think so. He’s too close to home. If you’re going to be working with D.A.P.S. again, I’ll probably be seeing him all the time. I don’t want to be his fling or his rebound or anything like that. It would be too weird.”

  “How very mature of you.”

  She stuck out her tongue.

  “Okay. I take that back.”

  “I don’t know, Allie. We’re getting older, and maybe it’s time for me to settle down. You know? Start dating guys that I would actually want to keep around.”

  Allison raised her eyebrows. “You mean your slut days are over?”

  “Far from it. I just might be a little more selective about who I sleep with. That’s all.”

  “Oh, if that’s all.”

  She understood exactly how her friend felt, and not because she was psychic. They were both pushing thirty, and as all their friends married off, their selection of decent men got smaller and smaller. She’d all but given up hope of ever settling down herself. Until she met Logan.

  “Wow! That was fast,” Allison said as the waitress set their plates in front of them and refilled their drinks. The girl was smiling, and Allison didn’t feel the rush of anxiety she picked up from her last time. “Is your day getting any better?”

  “Actually, it is,” the waitress said. “I’m catching up with my tables. Can I get you anything else?”

  “I think we’re good. Thanks.”

  Tina slid out of her seat. “I have to go use the potty. Don’t eat all my onion rings while I’m gone.”

  “Don’t worry.”

  Allison took a bite of her club sandwich and looked at the fruit salad on her plate. Grapes, apples, strawberries, and cantaloupe all mixed together in a colorful medley of sweetness reminded her of Logan and his peculiar eating habits. What was the draw for him to need everything to be separated? In order?

  She picked up her fork and organized the pieces into neat little piles, grinning as the rainbow of fruit started taking shape: purple grapes in one pile, red strawberries in another. Then the green apples and orange cantaloupe.

  It had only been four hours since she last saw Logan, but she still missed him like crazy. Sleeping in her big bed all by herself didn’t sound the least bit appealing. Of course, she’d probably get a lot more sleeping done.

  An obnoxious guy in a cheap suit slid onto the seat next to her, interrupting her thoughts.

  “Hey, baby. You look like you could use a little company.” His eyelids were heavy and his breath smelled like beer. It was only five-thirty and he was already trashed. He put his arm around her and tried to pull her closer to him.

  Allison slid out from under his arm and scooted to the far side of the seat. “I don’t need any company. I’m here with a friend.”

  “You look like you’re all alone to me. Can I buy you a drink?” His slurred speech and exaggerated movements told her he was beyond buzzed. She looked around the room for Tina, but all she found was a table full of guys staring at them and laughing. Obviously his buddies.

  Crap.

  He slid closer to her and tried to put his arm around her again. She ran through her self-defense moves in her mind and was just about to use them when a vaguely familiar voice rescued her.

  “Hey, man. You’re in my seat.”

  Allison glanced up to find Trent with his fists clenched and his arms folded across his chest.

  “Huh? Oh, this is your girl?” The drunk swung around to face Trent and swayed as he tried to stand. Trent caught him by the arm.

  “Whoa, buddy. Those your friends over there?”

  “Yeah.”

  “How about you go join them and leave this young lady alone?” He slapped the drunk on the back and gave him a push toward his friends. The guy stumbled back to his table, and Trent slipped into the booth across from Allison.

  “Are you okay?”

  “Yeah. Thanks for getting rid of him.”

  “You’re Allison, right? I’m Trent. We met at the benefit the other night.”

  She wrapped her arms around herself, the heat of embarrassment flushing through her chest. “I remember.” She let out a nervous giggle. “It’s nice to meet you…again.”

  “It’s nice to meet you too. Who ordered this?” Trent looked at the burger and onion rings in front of him.

  “That’s Tina’s. She just went to the restroom.”

  “It looks good.” He eyed the rainbow on Allison’s plate and chuckled. “How colorful.”

  She circled her fork through the fruit to break up the pattern. “So, how long have you and Logan been friends?”

  “Since high school. We played football together.”

  “Logan played football?” She tried to imagine him running a ball down the field.

  “Yeah. Just in high school, though. He could have played in college, but he lost interest.”

  “What about you? Did you play in college?”

  “Nah.” He dismissed the idea with a wave of his hand. “It was fun in high school, but in college it’s too serious. I wasn’t interested in going pro, not that I was good enough.”

  “I see. Do you and Logan work together?”

  Trent chuckled. “I’m his lawyer.”

  “That’s nice that you get to work so closely together.”

  “Logan’s a great guy.” He held her gaze as if studying her. Feeling her out. Looking out for his friend.

  She grinned. “I know. He’s amazing.”

  He leaned back and crossed his arms over his chest. “And what a catch. He’s good looking, he’s rich…”

  “I don’t care about his money. And I don’t have any ulterior motives. So don’t worry; I’m not going to hurt him.”

  “Good. I have to look out for my boy. He’s been through a lot.”

  “I understand. He’s important to me too. But don’t you think if I was after his money, Logan would kind of…know?” Being friends for as long as they had, he must have been at least somewhat aware of Logan’s ability.

  “I suppose he would. But you know what they say…Sometimes love is blind.”

  Her pulse quickened, and a smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. “What do you think, Trent? Am I good enough for him?”

  “Honestly? I think you’re perfect for him. Listen, I’m here with some co-workers, and I need to get back. I’m sure I’ll be seeing you around though.”

  “Yeah. And thanks again for your help.”

  “Anytime. Take care.”

  Allison popped a strawberry into her mouth and contemplated what Trent said. “Love is blind.” Butterflies flitted in her stomach at the thought that Logan might be falling in love with her.

  Tina sli
d into the booth and took a bite of an onion ring.

  “It’s about time you got back. Your food’s probably cold now.”

  “Nope. Still warm.”

  “What took you so long?”

  “I was distracted by a hot body with a gorgeous set of eyes. Then I found out he was ‘between jobs’.” She made air quotes with her fingers. “What did Logan’s cute lawyer friend have to say? I saw you talking to him.”

  She laughed. “He has a name, you know. It’s Trent.”

  “I know. But Cute Lawyer Friend is so much more fun to say.”

  “Well, first he rescued me from a drunk. Then, he asked me what my intentions were with his friend.”

  “Did he really? He asked you what your intentions were?”

  “Not in those terms. But he was feeling me out, I think. Making sure I wasn’t a gold digger or anything.”

  “Aww…” Tina pressed her hands to her heart. “What a sweet guy, looking out for his friend like that.”

  “He’s still here, you know. You could go talk to him.” She gestured to Trent’s table, and Tina raised her eyebrows.

  She shook her head. “Nah. Not tonight. I came here to spend time with my BFF.”

  “You’re scared, aren’t you?”

  “Maybe a little.”

  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

  Logan watched as Gage taped down the last of the wires and checked the angles on the cameras. This would be D.A.P.S. third and hopefully final night in the mansion. Their medium would be able to clear the spirit out, and then he could get on with his life. Maybe Allison could spend the night with him for a change.

  “All right. I think that will do it.” Gage packed up the tape. “Lindsay, did you tell him what you found out about the place?”

  “Not yet.” Lindsay handed him a newspaper clipping. “I did a little research on the location, and I think I’ve identified your ghost. Back in the eighties, the original owner of this house was Alexander Mason. He had a wife named Lily. It seems Mr. Mason loved throwing parties, and he loved the women that attended. He had quite a few mistresses, and poor Lily couldn’t take it anymore. She committed suicide in this house when he told her he didn’t love her anymore.”