Haunted Is Always in Fashion

by Rose Pressey

  Luckily, no one was in the shop and looking at me strangely for talking to nothing, but being that it was a psychic shop maybe they wouldn’t have been surprised. Heather and I walked around a little bit, waiting for Fatima to finish her phone call.

  Finally, she stepped over to us. “That was a fast trip from Sugar Creek.”

  “Oh no, we were almost here when I called. I suppose it would’ve made more sense if we had called before we left Sugar Creek, but we were a little anxious,” Heather said.

  “You have questions for me?” She looked from Heather to me.

  “She has questions.” Heather pointed to me.

  It felt a little strange trying to figure out why a cat was psychic. “Heather told you over the phone about the white cat that mysteriously showed up at my shop. Well . . .” I hesitated.

  The woman said, “Yes? And the cat uses the tarot cards and the Ouija board.”

  It sounded even stranger when someone else said it.

  I felt a little uneasy at her directness. “Yes, that’s right.”

  “Did you bring the cat with you?” she asked, looking all around.

  “No, she stayed home. She’s a little finicky on long rides.” I’d taken her to my parents’ house once and that hadn’t ended well. She kept getting into my mother’s health food and my mother had to throw it away. “You saw the cat here?” I asked.

  “Yes, it was probably right before she showed up at your place. How she got from here to Sugar Creek, I don’t know.”

  “How can you be sure it was the same cat? I mean, there are a lot of white cats around.”

  “She was only here for a day, but it was odd when she was here. She kept trying to get to the tarot cards.”

  That was too big a coincidence. “You don’t know how the cat got into the store?” I asked.

  “The first time I ever saw her she was present at a séance.”

  “The cat was part of the séance?” Charlotte asked.

  Fatima looked in the direction of Charlotte, but she didn’t answer. I wondered if she could see her too. After all, she was a psychic. She wasn’t just pretending like Heather. Or was she?

  “I don’t know where the cat came from. One minute she wasn’t here and the next she was sitting by my feet.”

  “That’s exactly how she showed up at my place,” I said.

  Wind Song was a beautiful cat so I was sure Fatima had enjoyed having her. She’d said the cat had taken off before she’d gotten too close.

  “Actually, she’s changed my life,” I said with a smile.

  “Sometimes we get just we need when we’re least expecting it,” Fatima said.

  “So who was having the séance?” I asked.

  “I can’t give specific information.”

  “Of course not,” I said but had hoped she would.

  “A woman from Tybee Island had been trying to make contact with loved ones.”

  “You don’t remember a name?”

  “Cookie, she just told you she couldn’t give that information,” Charlotte said.

  Well, it didn’t hurt to ask.

  Fatima shook her head. “I don’t remember who the woman was.”

  “Maybe the cat belonged to that woman,” Juliana said.

  It was possible, but I would never be able to find out. My parents lived in Tybee Island, but that would be of little help in figuring out this mystery.

  “If you happen to find out any other information, would you contact me?” I asked.

  She agreed. “Yes, you own the vintage shop in Sugar Creek.”

  I knew my outfit gave it away. “Yes, that’s me.”

  “I’ll certainly be in touch if I think of anything.”

  “Thank you,” I said.

  “Well, this was a wasted trip,” Charlotte said.

  Fatima looked over in her direction again. I wanted to ask if she could see the ghosts, but her phone rang.

  “I have to get that. Have a safe drive back to Sugar Creek.” She took off for the phone.

  Heather and I walked out of the shop. Charlotte and Juliana weren’t behind me.

  “Where are they?” I asked.

  Heather shrugged. Of course she couldn’t see them. I peeked in the window and saw that they were still in the shop.

  Fatima looked up as I hurried back through the door.

  I waved my hand. “I forgot something,” I said, stepping in front of Charlotte and Juliana and giving them the glare.

  They finally marched out of the store with me.

  Chapter 18

  Charlotte’s Tips for a Fashionable Afterlife

  Shop ’til you drop

  has a whole new meaning now.

  “I may never find out how Wind Song knows to communicate with the cards and Ouija board,” I said as we walked toward my car.

  “I won’t have you being negative. You have to remain positive,” Charlotte said with a wave of her hand.

  “I’m positive, but I’m also realistic.” I opened the car door and slid in.

  Heather climbed in on the other side. “I assume Charlotte wants you to stay positive. I think she’s right.”

  “Thank you, Heather.” Charlotte sat a little straighter.

  Wow, they had agreed again. It was happening more and more. At least they weren’t arguing.

  I started the car and pulled out. “I’ll try to be more positive.”

  “Positive thinking attracts positive things,” Charlotte said. “You should do meditation.”

  “Seriously, Charlotte? You are one of the highest strung people I’ve ever met. I‘ve heard the stories about you.”

  “You shouldn’t believe everything you hear. There’s a ton of gossip in Sugar Creek.” Charlotte applied lipstick while holding a compact.

  Where had she gotten that? She had ghostly makeup? Anyway, I hated to break it to her, but it wasn’t gossip.

  After a short drive, we pulled up in front of Hunter’s grandmother’s house.

  “What’s her name?” I asked.

  “Violet Owens,” Juliana said.

  “What will I say to her?” I asked.

  We stared at the house. I wasn’t going up to the door without a plan.

  “That’s a good question.” Juliana tapped her index finger against her bottom lip.

  “We have to come up with something,” Charlotte said.

  Juliana held up her finger. “I know! Just tell her you’re a friend of Hunter’s. She will do anything for him. Any friend of Hunter’s is a friend of hers.”

  “Won’t she be suspicious of that? What if she tells him?” I asked.

  “You’re overthinking this,” Charlotte said.

  I had a tendency to do that a lot, but I didn’t think that was the case at the moment.

  “I’ll go with you,” Heather offered as she opened the car door.

  Still reluctant, I opened the car door. “Okay, let’s do this.”

  Heather and I walked to the door.

  “Here goes nothing.” I rang the doorbell.

  “Everything will be fine.” Heather patted my arm.

  I stood a little straighter. “Do I look okay?”

  “You look fabulous as always,” Heather said.

  “I still say you should have worn the red heels,” Charlotte said.

  As if I would listen to anything she said. Suddenly the door opened and the woman stared at me without speaking. She was petite with her hair up in a bun. Sprinkles of gray ran through the dark strands. She wore blue pants and a pink blouse.

  The visit could become awkward quickly. Apparently I needed to speak before she slammed the door in my face. I thought Juliana had said she was nice.

  “Ms. Owens, my name is Cookie Chanel.”

  Charlotte leaned on the front of the house. “I don’t think she’s impressed.”

  Violet continued to stare at me.

  I shrugged a little. “Anyway, I’m friends with your grandson Hunter.”

  Her eyes widened and she opened the d
oor. “Why didn’t you say so earlier? Come on in here.” She grabbed my arm and pulled me into the house. Next, she took Heather by the arm and escorted her inside. “Come in here and sit down.”

  She guided us to the living room. It was a small space with not a lot of furniture or knickknacks. However, a table was full of pictures of Hunter. Violet offered us iced tea and then immediately started talking about him. Apparently, he’d placed second in the spelling bee in second grade and won the track meet his junior year of high school.

  I had to move the conversation along. “Does Hunter stop by to see you often?”

  “Not nearly often enough. I realize he has a busy life.” To emphasize her point, Violet gave a little sigh.

  “Mention me,” Juliana said.

  “It’s tragic what happened to his girlfriend.” I quirked an eyebrow, wondering if Violet would answer.

  “Yes, it is, but he had nothing to do with it.” She shifted in the chair.

  “Wow. That was an odd thing to say. No one is accusing him of murder . . . yet.” Charlotte arched a brow.

  “And they won’t be either,” Juliana said.

  “Do you have any idea who did it?” I asked Violet.

  “She was a sweet girl, so I can’t imagine anyone would want her dead.” Violet drummed her fingernails against the chair.

  “When is the last time you saw Hunter?” I asked.

  “Good question,” Charlotte said.

  “It’s been awhile. Actually, I think it was right after Juliana was murdered. I’ve talked with him on the phone. He came by looking for some stuff he had in one of my bedrooms but couldn’t find it. I was really upset because I feel as if I lost it.”

  “Do you know what he lost?” I asked.

  “No, he didn’t tell me. I think that’s why he hasn’t been back around.” Violet fidgeted again.

  “The poor thing,” Charlotte said. “He needs to get over here and visit his grandmother.”

  “I’m sure that’s not the reason. Like you said, he’s just busy.” I attempted to comfort her, but what could I do?

  “If I show you the room, would you be able to offer a fresh set of eyes?” Violet looked out the window.

  Was she expecting someone? I exchanged a look with Heather.

  “Tell her yes. You want a chance to snoop around that room. I can’t believe how trusting this woman is,” Charlotte said. “I mean you two are complete strangers.”

  Juliana shook her head. “Like I said, using Hunter’s name is like the secret passcode for entry.”

  Heather gave a subtle nod in agreement, so I said, “Sure we’d be happy to help you.”

  We followed her down the hallway to the bedroom on the right. The walls were painted a pale yellow with beige carpet on the floor. It was empty except for a large armoire between the two windows on the far end of the room.

  “This is where the vintage items had been stored. She brought me in here to look at them before she gave them to me. They’d been stored in the armoire.” Juliana hurried over to the massive mahogany cabinet against the wall.

  Had Hunter hidden something in the same spot where those vintage items were kept? Was there a link? “This is a lovely piece.” I couldn’t resist and opened the armoire. Empty.

  Violet looked around. “Perhaps he’d put something in the purse I gave to Juliana. As you can see, it would be kind of hard to misplace something in this room. There’s not a lot here. I just don’t know what it might have been.”

  Juliana shook her head. “If it was something other than the hat, why would Victor be looking for the hat?”

  “Well, now you need access to the items the police have,” Charlotte said to me.

  Yeah, like that would be possible. The room was so empty it almost looked as if Violet was moving out.

  “Are you planning on selling the house?” I asked.

  “Hunter says that maybe we could sell the house.” Violet peeked out the window again.

  I hated to tell her, but it sounded like that wouldn’t be the best idea. I doubted she wanted to hear it from me. Anything Hunter said was what she wanted to hear. I moved across the room and looked out the window. I had a view of the neighbor’s brick house. It was almost identical to Violet’s place. Then again, most of the houses on the street looked the same. A for sale sign stood in the front yard of the house next door.

  “I’m sure the houses sell quickly around here. Looks like you would have some competition though.” I gestured toward the house next door.

  Juliana moved beside me. Charlotte stood by the door, looking as if she was bored and wanted to leave.

  “Hunter was talking with the man who lives next door. He was the one who suggested that we sell the house.” Violet crossed her arms in front of her chest.

  “Is he a realtor?” I asked.

  She shook her head. “Not that I know of. His name is Victor.”

  I froze. “Victor?”

  Charlotte scooted over and stood beside me. That had gotten her attention. I was just about ready to ask if she knew his last name when I spotted him in his front yard. I couldn’t believe he lived next door to Violet. I gestured to Juliana and Charlotte.

  “I can’t believe it,” Charlotte said. “We have to find out more about him.”

  Victor disappeared into his house.

  “So your grandson talked to the man next door?” I asked.

  Violet nodded. “Yes, they had developed a bit of a friendship lately. He seems like a nice enough man. I’ve met him a few times.”

  “Hunter never mentioned anything about being friends with the neighbor.” Juliana stared at the house next door.

  “If they were up to no good, he probably wouldn’t have told you.” Charlotte cast a sympathetic look at Juliana.

  Juliana frowned. “I know I can trust Hunter. Are you suggesting that he had something to do with my murder?”

  When Violet wasn’t looking, I motioned for Charlotte to apologize.

  “I’m sorry,” she said less than enthusiastically.

  “Apology accepted.” Juliana sounded sincere . . . as if she truly meant it.

  “You should go over there and find out what he is up to,” Charlotte said to me.

  She was forgetting one little important thing. Dylan had said Victor was dangerous. I had to tell Dylan where to find this guy.

  “Does he live there alone?” I asked.

  “As far as I know,” Violet said.

  “So you only have to worry about one person when you go over there,” Charlotte said.

  Yeah, one guy who was wanted by the police.

  “Thanks for inviting us in, Violet. I’m sorry we couldn’t help you find what Hunter was looking for. I’m sure he isn’t mad at you though.”

  “I hope so,” she said around a sigh.

  I gave her a big smile. “I know so.”

  Violet patted my arm. “Will you come back sometime?”

  She was so sweet how could I say no?

  She added a clincher. “Maybe I’ll have some vintage items for you. I will have to look in the attic. They belonged to my grandmother.”

  My eyes widened. I wished I had time to look up there. Just the mention of vintage made my heart go pitty-pat.

  Violet walked us to the door. “I’ll call you if I find the clothing.”

  “Thanks!”

  We waved as we walked down the path toward the car. She watched us from the doorway for a while and then finally shut the door. The look in her eyes when we left gave me a strange vibe, but I couldn’t quite put my finger on it.

  “There has to be a connection between the items Hunter was looking for and the items Juliana had in her car,” I said.

  “So are you going over there to talk with Victor?” Charlotte asked.

  “No way.” I inched closer to my car. “He is too dangerous.”

  “You know you want to,” Charlotte teased.

  I hated when she was right. “Okay, but we’re only going a little closer. It’s n
ot like I’m going to ring the doorbell.”

  “Maybe he’ll invite you in for iced tea.”

  I tiptoed across the lawn.

  “It’s not like you’re trying to sneak up on a wild animal, Cookie.”

  “Just be careful, Cookie. This makes me nervous,” Juliana said.

  “Me too,” I said. “I just can’t go peek in his windows.”

  Charlotte was always so impatient. “Okay, if you’re going to be a baby about it, we should just leave.”

  “Good idea.” I spun around and headed back toward the car.

  “Who’s that?” Charlotte pointed backwards.

  I looked over my shoulder. A woman had stepped out of Victor’s home. Between the giant hat she wore and the trees in the front yard blocking the view, I couldn’t see her well enough to identify her. “Maybe it’s his wife or sister?”

  Heather and I hurried over to my car and jumped in.

  “Wait. Here comes Victor. You should follow them, Cookie,” Charlotte said.

  “I’m not sure that’s a good idea,” Juliana said.

  “You don’t think anything is a good idea. How will we solve this case if we don’t do anything?” Charlotte said.

  “You think everything is a good idea. I don’t want Cookie to end up like me. Do you?” Juliana glared at Charlotte.

  For once, Charlotte was speechless. It may have been the first time I’d ever seen her that way.

  I didn’t want to see them argue and started the car as Victor got into his car with the woman and they took off. “Okay, maybe we will follow them just a little bit.”

  Charlotte smirked. “See, Cookie loves this just as much as I do.”

  Heather buckled her seatbelt. “Let’s do this.”

  Juliana remained quiet in the backseat. We followed them down the street and then turned onto the main street. Unfortunately, we hit a bit of traffic.

  “We don’t know where they are going,” Heather said. “It will be hard to keep up.”

  “Write down their license plate number in case we lose them.” I pointed at the car up ahead.

  Heather pulled a receipt from her bag and wrote the number down on the back. It was a good thing. Just as she finished, Victor made a sudden right turn. I couldn’t get over to do the same.

  “You lost them,” Charlotte said.

  “It was as if they knew you were following them,” Heather said.