Haunted Is Always in Fashion

by Rose Pressey

  I popped into the place and did a quick scan.

  Charlotte pointed to the window display. “There it is. That’s the one right there.”

  It was a beautiful red dress and she was right. It was stunning. The boutique’s owner wasn’t there so I talked with her part-time employee Patricia.

  “Can I get something for you?” she asked.

  “I’d like to see that dress please.” I pointed to the one in the window.

  “I think it might be your size. Would you like to try it on?”

  “Um”—I glanced at Charlotte—“yes.”

  Patricia stepped into the display area, took the dress off the mannequin, and handed it to me.

  I headed toward the dressing room.

  “You should always try the clothes on,” Charlotte said.

  After slipping into the dress and getting Charlotte’s approval, I made the purchase.

  “Dylan is going to love you in the dress. I bet Ken wouldn’t mind either.” Charlotte winked.

  “Okay, now you’re just making me blush.”

  “Did you say something?” Patricia asked.

  I took the bag from her outstretched hand. “Oh no, I was just observing how much I like the dress.” I was really slipping lately, talking to the ghosts in front of other people. Surely people would think I was crazy and word would spread around Sugar Creek quickly.

  As I turned to leave, I spotted someone walk past the window. Sure enough, it was Regina . . . again. I knew for sure it was no coincidence. I turned back to Patricia. “Did you see her?”

  “The woman who just walked past? Yes, I did. She’s been standing at the window watching you the whole time you were in here.”

  “Okay, that’s a little creepy,” Juliana admitted.

  “You have to find out what she’s doing,” Charlotte said.

  Maybe I should go ahead and ask Regina what she wants. Does she want to talk to me and just doesn’t know how to approach the subject? If she wants the hat, I can’t help her with that.

  “Thanks again, Patricia.” I hurried out of the store and onto the sidewalk, hoping that I would spot Regina. “Do you see her?” I asked Juliana and Charlotte.

  They shook their heads.

  “No, she’s nowhere around. Maybe she’s headed back to her house,” Charlotte said.

  “I suppose I could give it a shot.”

  I climbed back into the car and headed over to Regina’s house.

  She was walking in the door just as I pulled up.

  I hurried out of the car to catch her. “Regina,” I called out.

  She didn’t turn around, but I was almost certain she knew I was there. My car was so loud I was more than a little noticeable. I couldn’t sneak up on anyone. Regina closed the door before I could reach her.

  “Why did she do that?” Juliana said.

  “I don’t know if she’s just being rude or she didn’t see you,” Charlotte said.

  “She always acts that way,” Juliana said.

  I rang the bell. Surely she wouldn’t ignore that. I waited, but she didn’t answer. I pushed the bell again and called out to her. Still she didn’t answer.

  “Regina, I know you’re there. I just saw you.” I couldn’t make her come to the door. It didn’t seem fair for her to follow me around and leave me wondering what she wanted and then ignore me. “I suppose she doesn’t want to talk.”

  “Maybe by following her it will stop her from following you,” Charlotte said.

  I walked off the porch and got back into my car. I looked over at the house to see if she was watching me. It surprised me that she wasn’t looking out. Maybe she would talk to Ken and tell him why she was following me. If she needed help, I wanted to help her. I gave one last glance at the house and then pulled away from the curb.

  “That was completely unsuccessful,” Charlotte said.

  “Yeah, you win some and you lose some,” I said as I made the next left turn and headed home.

  Chapter 26

  Charlotte’s Tips for a Fashionable Afterlife

  You can try new styles

  without worrying how you look.

  The next day was uneventful except for Dylan’s phone call asking me out again.

  For tonight’s date I would wear the red dress Charlotte had insisted I purchase. I’d just taken it out of the closet when my cell rang.

  “It’s Ken,” Charlotte said as she peered down at my phone.

  I raced over and grabbed it. “Hello.”

  “Good evening. I hope I didn’t catch you at a bad time.” His sweet Southern accent could send a shiver through anyone’s soul.

  He really is a doll. I grinned. “No, not at all.” I looked over at the clock on my nightstand. I had fifteen minutes before Dylan would be there. Why did I feel so strange talking to Ken and thinking of Dylan? Was it because Ken was so kind?

  I didn’t like what I was thinking. Charlotte had put all those troubling thoughts into my mind.

  She and Juliana stood in front of me, anxiously waiting for me to tell them what Ken said. Charlotte motioned for me to put the call on speakerphone, but there was no way I would do that. I’d learned the hard way that wasn’t such a good idea. Anytime anyone mentioned something about the case, she would insist that I follow up on the lead right away.

  “I’m calling because I have information about Victor,” Ken said.

  “Really? What did you find out?” My question caught Charlotte and Juliana’s attention.

  “Victor served time for burglary,” Ken said.

  “When?” I asked.

  “What’s he saying?” Charlotte leaned closer, trying to hear.

  “He was released last year.”

  Why wouldn’t Dylan tell me this? He had to know. Was he just trying to protect me? That would explain why he thought Victor had broken into my shop.

  “Do you know what the charges were?”

  “He held up a store with another guy. His defense was that he didn’t know the guy was robbing the place and claimed he wasn’t involved.”

  “I guess the jury didn’t believe him.”

  “He got a reduced sentence because of it though,” Ken said. “I’d like to discuss this with you more. Are you free tonight?”

  I felt bad telling him no. “Actually, I do have plans.”

  “What about tomorrow? I could meet you for lunch.”

  “I have some time around one.”

  “Things are starting to turn around for you in the love department.” Charlotte winked.

  How did she know this had anything to do with love?

  “So is it a date?” Ken asked.

  Thank goodness Charlotte hadn’t heard that. Another reason why I didn’t want the call on speakerphone.

  “Sure, I’ll see you then.”

  As soon as I hung up, she wanted to know what happened so I told her about Victor.

  “You’re meeting Ken for lunch?” Charlotte asked.

  There was no way to keep that from her.

  “If I have time. Things may come up.”

  “What could possibly come up?”

  “Something with the murder.”

  “That’s unlikely.” Charlotte clapped her hands. “This is fantastic for the case, Cookie. Tonight you can ask Dylan everything and tomorrow you can have Ken follow up on what you learn.”

  “That’s kind of using both of them, isn’t it?” I asked.

  “Don’t rain on our parade,” Charlotte said as she gestured toward Juliana.

  She was right. I needed to solve the case. Plus, after being shot at, it could be a life or death situation. Sure it looked as if Charlotte was having fun as a ghost, but I didn’t want to check out just yet. I still had too much to do. I didn’t feel as if it was my time to go.

  Ten minutes to get dressed seemed plenty of time, considering I’d already selected my outfit. I wore the new red dress and finished it with a pair of Louboutins. I spun around. “How do I look?”

  “Like you just
stepped out of a magazine,” Juliana said.

  “You need a little more lip gloss,” Charlotte said.

  I studied my reflection. “Maybe I could use just a little more.” I swiped it across my lips and then the doorbell rang.

  “He’s here!” Charlotte yelled.

  I grabbed my bag and hurried to the door with the ghosts right behind me. Wind Song was already sitting beside the door when I reached the hallway. It was as if they were seeing me off for prom. The problem was the ghosts were going along on this date as if they were my chaperones.

  I opened the door. Dylan stood in front of me. He was wearing a black suit and a light blue shirt with a dark blue tie. It wasn’t vintage, but he still look gorgeous.

  “You look beautiful.” Dylan leaned in and kissed my cheek.

  “I was just about to say the same to you. Well, handsome instead of beautiful.” I loved that he always took the time to compliment me.

  “Are you ready to go? I have something special planned.”

  “Oh, this should be exciting. I love surprises,” Charlotte said.

  I grabbed my keys. “I’ve had a lot of surprises lately.”

  “Was that a comment about me?” Charlotte placed her hands on her hips. “Because I can’t help it if you have psychic abilities.”

  “Well, I didn’t ask for the ability either.” I looked at her.

  We froze when we realized that I’d just responded to her in front of Dylan. I wasn’t surprised actually. It had become harder with each passing day to remember that he couldn’t see the ghosts.

  He was looking at me oddly.

  “You have to say something.” Charlotte wiped her forehead.

  “Tell him you were talking to the cat,” Juliana said.

  I could use the cat as my excuse, but what I said didn’t really make sense. I wasn’t thinking of something quick enough. I reached down and picked up the cat anyway. “I didn’t ask for the ability to love this cat so much.” I kissed Wind Song and then placed her on the floor.

  “Nice try, Cookie. Try not to mess this up any more tonight,” Charlotte said. “He’ll leave you at the restaurant.”

  Dylan quirked an eyebrow.

  “See, he’s fine,” Juliana said.

  “He probably thinks she has a screw loose.” Charlotte stepped around Dylan onto the porch.

  She and Juliana followed us out to the car.

  “We should drive my car. The weather is so nice tonight, we can ride with the top down.” I handed Dylan the keys. “Would you like to drive?”

  He stared at me for a moment. “I’d love to.”

  “You don’t let anyone drive your car,” Charlotte said. “Plus, what about your hair?”

  Dylan slipped behind the wheel. It was strange seeing someone else on the driver’s side. Even weirder to be on the passenger side. I released a deep breath and told myself that I could do this. After all, he had plenty of experience driving. With a crank of the engine, we headed out and away from downtown Sugar Creek.

  “When are you going to tell me where we’re going?” I asked after a couple miles.

  He used the signal to make a left turn into a gravel parking lot. “We’re here.”

  The little café was out of the way and set back from the road a bit. The building was just a tiny white wood house that looked as if it had room for only a couple people at once. Pine and oak trees surrounded the place making it seem even more isolated.

  “Have you ever eaten here?” When I shook my head, he said, “I think you’ll love it.”

  “This is his surprise? I thought he was taking you for a gourmet meal. I suppose we can forgive him because he’s so handsome, but still.” Charlotte had her own ideas on fancy and romantic.

  Dylan parked the car then opened the door for me. I straightened my new red dress so that it wouldn’t have wrinkles. Now that I saw the place I felt overdressed.

  The young hostess greeted us and then sat us at a table in the middle of the room. Of course it wasn’t far from the exit, the restrooms, or the kitchen. With a space so small everything was near. The walls were covered with pictures of different locations in Sugar Creek. I wondered if my boutique was pictured anywhere on the wall.

  “You should try the spaghetti,” Dylan said as he peeked over the top of the menu.

  Charlotte placed the back of her hand to her forehead as if she’d faint. “Spaghetti? What’s next? Hot dogs and tater tots?”

  Hey, I liked tater tots. They had the best ones at Sonic, along with the hot dogs. Charlotte just wanted to go to some fancy French place.

  The waitress took our order. As I sipped on my red wine I contemplated how to approach the subject of the murder.

  “Just come right out and ask him,” Charlotte said as if she’d read my mind.

  Dylan studied my face for a moment. “I know what you’re about to say. No talking about the case. Tonight is all about us.”

  “While that is romantic, it is highly disappointing.” Charlotte paced around the table, almost bumping into the waitress when she brought our food.

  The waitress looked around as if she’d sensed something or someone. It was the cold breeze that Charlotte left everywhere she went that the waitress probably felt.

  “It’s okay, Charlotte. They need their alone time.” Juliana pulled on Charlotte’s arm, dragging her away.

  As we ate our meals, Dylan insisted I fill him in on recent events in my life . . . anything that didn’t involve murder. Actually, it was kind of hard to come up with something. Finally, I told him about my plans for the fall festival. He told me about his search for a vintage car. He wanted to restore one. It was exciting to find out that had been a dream of his since he was a teenager.

  I’d just finished my last bite of spaghetti when raised voices captured my attention. Peeking over Dylan’s shoulder, I noticed the waitress arguing with someone. I wasn’t expecting Regina to be the person on the other end of that argument. “It’s looks like there’s a problem.” I pointed toward them.

  Dylan peered over his shoulder and then stood from the table. He crossed the room and joined the ladies who were still arguing. “What seems to be the problem?”

  The waitress pointed at Regina. “She took my tip from this table.”

  Dylan looked at Regina. “Is that true?”

  Regina stiffened. “Absolutely not. I would never do such a thing.”

  “Then where is the money?” the waitress asked.

  “I don’t know what happened to your money.”

  I moved a little closer. “Is that the money on the floor?”

  A few crumpled dollars lay on the floor next to Regina’s foot. Everyone peered down.

  Dylan picked up the cash. “How much was it?”

  “Seven dollars,” the waitress said. “I noticed when the customer left it, I just hadn’t had the chance to pick it up yet.”

  Dylan counted the money and then handed it to the waitress.

  “I have no idea how that got down there,” Regina said.

  “Well, it was on the table behind her, so I guess it just walked over there.” The waitress glared at Regina.

  Dylan led Regina away from the table. “Maybe it’s time you left, Regina. Do you have a way home?”

  She jerked her arm away from Dylan. “Don’t touch me.” She stormed out the door.

  Since I was standing near the door, I peeked outside to see where she went. I spotted her getting into a car. I was almost sure the driver of that car was Hunter and wondered out loud, “Why would she leave with Hunter?”

  Dylan stood beside me, looking out the window. “Are you sure?”

  “Almost sure.”

  Not only had she left with Hunter, but someone who looked a lot like Victor was in the backseat. Were they involved in something together?

  We decided against dessert and Dylan paid the bill. He held the door open for me and we walked out into the cool night air. An expanse of stars twinkled in the sky like diamonds.

  �
��This wasn’t the romantic ending I’d hoped for,” Charlotte said from over my shoulder.

  Apparently they’d been waiting outside the door for us. I’d have to ask if they’d seen Hunter and Victor waiting for Regina.

  Chapter 27

  Cookie’s Savvy Tips for Vintage Shopping

  Make sure to check if the fabric

  is in good condition.

  If it is ready to fall apart, you will waste money

  and be unhappy with the item.

  In my dream, I heard ringing . . . several rings. Charlotte managed to wake me by yelling at me to answer the phone and I finally realized my cell was ringing. I grabbed the phone from the nightstand. Dylan was calling early. I wondered if something was wrong.

  “Did I wake you?” he asked when I picked up.

  “No, I was just getting up.”

  “You are such a liar,” Charlotte said as she sat on the edge of the bed next to me.

  I was glad Dylan couldn’t hear her comments. “Is something wrong?” I asked him.

  “Maybe he just wanted to hear your voice,” Charlotte said as she studied her perfect French manicure.

  “I’ve been thinking about what you asked last night,” Dylan said.

  “Which question was that? I asked several.”

  “I can take you to see the car, but you can’t tell anyone.” He lowered his voice as if someone might overhear.

  I sat up in bed. “When can we go?”

  “Oh, where are we going?” Charlotte sat up too.

  I couldn’t believe that I’d convinced him to let me have one more look at the contents in Juliana’s car. That conversation had taken place in the car on the ride home. I was glad he’d agreed. Charlotte and Juliana hadn’t seen anything unusual at the café. They’d seen Regina rush out, but that was all.

  “Can you meet me in town in an hour? I can show you before work.”

  “I’ll be there.” I jumped up and rushed over to the closet.