by Ciara Lake
“I’ll be fair.”
“I know you will.” Grace winked then marched out into the breakfast area.
“Let’s get out of here.” Lucy opened the massive walk-in cooler and returned several ingredients to their shelves. “I want to be gone when she’s finished talking to them.”
“Fine. Me too.” At the sink, Avery rinsed her cup. She looked back over her shoulder and watched Lucy close up the cooler. “We have a groom’s cake to make tomorrow. I have a wonderful new recipe. We’ll serve muffins to make breakfast easier. They’re delicious and easy to prepare.”
“Sounds good to me.” Lucy walked over to the dishwasher and opened it. She added the cups left on the counter and closed it, setting it to normal wash. “I’m glad I told Grace.”
“Me too. It’s all good.” Avery’s heart slowed from its previous racing, and relief washed over her.
“You’re a talented chef. I’m continually amazed by what I’ve learned from you. Your school taught you marvelously.”
“It cost enough.” Avery grinned. “I’ll be paying it off for some time.”
“That’s the price of success.” Lucy took off her white jacket. “I want to get home before the storm starts. It’s supposed to be a big one. Not to mention the fact that I’m exhausted. It’s nearly six. We’ve worked a very long day. Although, having some extra cash for the holidays will be nice.” She pulled off the hairnet from over her ponytail. “Did you find anything at Granny Joyce’s shop?”
“Yes, I found this beautiful angel ornament. It was on sale, but it still cost me a pretty penny. I’m happy I got it though. I like angels.”
“I do too. I’m glad you found a treasure.”
“I sure did. You know what the odd thing is? When I hold it, it makes me feel emotional. I cried all over it.”
“Really?”
“Yes, but I actually felt better for it.”
“That’s good.”
“It’s like a talisman of sorts, one with hidden power. I can’t explain it, but it called to me at the store by the way it sparkled and it continued to reach out to me when I got it home. Do you think I’m crazy?”
“No, not at all. But I’m a person who believes in unexplained stuff.”
“I’m not into that stuff.”
“Again, I’m superstitious, so it’s not at all odd to me.” Lucy paused as she shrugged into her jacket. “Hey, if you need to talk, anytime, give me a call. I know it’s hard to be new. I can handle you as my boss and a friend too.”
“Thanks, Lucy, I’ll do that.”
“I’m outta here.” She waved goodbye. “Be safe in the storm.”
“’Kay, I’ll be leaving in a few minutes too. Gonna check supplies real quick and maybe make a fast internet order.” Avery peeked in the pantry and the cooler for all the ingredients she needed for the muffins. “It makes me nervous to start later than usual.”
When she turned around, Lucy was gone. Avery took off her jacket, threw it in the dirty clothes bin, and released her long hair from its net. She was sweating from her hard work combined with the temperature in the kitchen. Dressed in her street clothes, she decided to walk through the main lobby to check out the incoming guests. Several families were waiting for keys to their rooms. When she stepped out onto the back porch, the wind picked up instantly, blowing her hair back from her face. The wind felt refreshing, cooling her down. She crossed to the side of the porch to look out over the inn’s grounds. It was almost dark. Lifting her nose, she inhaled the sea-scented wind as she enjoyed the balmy air.
Smoke drifted in her direction. Then she heard someone cough. “Hey, bitch.” A figure cloaked in darkness stepped into the light. “I have a few words to say to you.” Timothy pointed at her. There was a grimace on his homely face. “Thanks for ratting us out to Grace. You’ll pay.” Timothy was standing under a nearby tree smoking a cigarette. The tip of it glowed red. “You’re gonna be sorry for messing with us. You hear me? Better watch yourself.” He tossed his smoke down and stepped on it. “We were here first, and we’ll still be here after your skinny ass is long gone.” He glared at her.
Avery faced him and raised her chin, looking down her nose at him. “Don’t bother coming to work tomorrow, you’re suspended without pay for two days. Also, there’s no smoking here. Read the signs.”
“Do what you have to do.” He gave her the finger. “I’ll smoke if I want to. You’re just a little bossy bitch with too much to say.” He eyed her with a cruel expression. “You’d better be careful. I hear you live alone. Things go boom in the night around here. Maine is full of ghosts, you know. They might give bossy little pastry chefs like you, your just desserts.” He snickered at his joke.
“Are you threatening me?”
“Nah, just telling you ’bout the ghosts.” He sneered and walked into the darkness.
Avery hovered on the porch until he disappeared. She heard a car start and then the screech of tires. She let out her breath and started the walk to her cabin. Wanting to get home before it got darker, she started walking faster.
She moved quickly until she reached her front door. She was shaken by what had just happened, and her nerves made her fumble with her keys. Finally, she got the door unlocked and rushed inside. Quickly closing the door, she rested against it.
When she lifted her head, she frowned. “Shoot, I should have left some lights on.” However, she could see from the faint bluish glow of the television. CNN headline news was on. Again. And she distinctly remembered turning the TV off. Avery shivered as unease swept up her spine. “Maybe I do have a ghost, one who likes the news.”
Suddenly, a knock sounded on the door she still leaned against. She jumped and skittered back a couple of feet.
“Dear Lord.” She placed her hand over her racing heart. Her chest was tight. She inhaled, trying to calm herself.
Another knock sounded. “Hey, Avery, it’s Norm. Open up, I need to talk to you.” His knocks got louder. Harder. “Please, open up.” His clipped tone sent an eerie chill up her spine.
Her hands shook as she looked around for something to use as a weapon if necessary. Fear chilled her, racing up her spine, then anger set in. With one hand pressed to the door, she raised her voice. “What do you want, Norm? I’ve really had enough today. I’m tired. See me at work tomorrow.”
“Please open up. I really need to talk to you.” The timbre of his voice changed as he pounded on the wood.
“Go away, Norm. I’ve heard enough from your buddy, Tim, already.” Avery walked a couple of feet away from the door and put her purse down on the sofa’s side table.
Norm knocked again. She jerked open the door without thinking and immediately regretted her stupidity.
“What do you want? It’s late, and I’m tired.” She narrowed her eyes at him. “Your buddy Timothy already gave his warning. He earned two days off work without pay.”
“I don’t know anything about any warning. I’m not Tim.” Norm frowned, shaking his head.
“He’s your friend, isn’t he?” Avery crossed her arms. “A pretty close friend from what I can tell.”
Norm’s expression changed. “I’m sorry for whatever Tim said to you. I wanted to tell you…” Norm looked behind her. To her surprise, his eyes widened then he nervously looked back at her, hesitating.
“Tell me what? Make it quick.” She tapped her foot, her impatience growing by the second. “Shall I call security to hurry you along?”
“No, no.” He put his hands up in surrender. “There’s…no need.” Norm was perspiring, and he wiped his brow. “I’ll, uh, be there…early tomorrow. I’ll get it all cleaned up. I’m sorry I’ve been difficult.” His expression went through a metamorphosis of change as she watched him, finally settling in an uneasy smile. He continued to look past her, occasionally nodding.
She glanced over her shoulder and saw nothing to account for his behavior. She turned back to Norm and asked, “Is there something wrong?”
“No.” He raised
his hands in the familiar sign of surrender.
“What were you looking at?”
“I really don’t want trouble. I’m here to apologize. To start on a new foot.” He shook his head, not meeting her eyes. “I was just upset about the job thing.”
“Are you talking to me? You keep looking over my shoulder.” Avery turned again to look behind her. A shadow moved across the room from the television to the kitchen.
“No, I mean yes, I’m talking to you, Avery.” Norm nodded. “From now on, I’ll be cooperative.”
“I hope so.”
“Yes, I will.” He gave her a small, tentative smile. “Have a good evening.” He shifted his weight on his feet before he peered around her. “I’ll let you get settled in for the night. I can see you’re busy.” And with that, he hurried away.
She shut the door and locked it, staring at it for a few seconds. “Very strange.” Avery shook her head as she freed her long hair from its ponytail. She searched the wall for a light switch. When she hit the switch, the lamp by the sofa came on, filling the room with a soft glow. “Goodbye CNN.” She picked up the remote and flipped to an old movie.
Her phone rang just as she headed to the shower. Rushing back to the coffee table, she picked up her phone and saw that the caller was her mother.
“Hello, Mom.” Avery sat down on the sofa, twirling her hair around her finger.
“Hello, Avery. How’s my little girl?”
Avery sighed. “I’m grown up, Mom, with a job and everything.”
“Where have you been all day?”
“At work. I forgot my phone when I went in the second time.”
“The second time?”
“Yes, there’s a wedding tomorrow. I worked a long day today to get ready for it. You know bakers work difficult hours. But good news—I think my boss is excited to hear my ideas to grow the business. She seems to really like me.”
“Oh, wow, how exciting. I knew she would. You’re hard not to like.”
“Thanks, Mom.”
“Take pictures of your cakes. I’m glad you’re getting the chance to do what you love.”
“Yes, I am too. I’ll use the pictures I take to make a design portfolio.”
“This job sounds like it’s off to a good start.”
“It is. How are Dad and Becky?”
“Good. Becky’s at the library studying. Dad ran out to the store. Are things getting better otherwise?”
“Yes, but I still miss all of you. I’m lonely here so I find I’m talking to myself more and more.”
Her mother clucked in sympathy. “I’m sorry you’re lonely. It’s part of being grown up and moving away from home.”
“So true. Today was a better day though. I was too busy to be lonely.” Thunder rumbled, and Avery stood and walked to the window. When she pulled the blinds back, lightning flashed in the sky followed by another rumble. “It’s gonna storm. I guess when it storms close to the ocean, it can be a wild show.”
“Storms by the sea can be very powerful. Don’t go anywhere tonight, and lock your doors.”
“I’m not going anywhere. I’m going to fix a quick dinner then go to bed. Trust me, I locked up. My cabin is kinda off by itself. It’s weird. My television channel keeps changing to CNN. It’s freaking me out.” Avery watched the trees move in the wind, the last of the autumn leaves floating away.
“Oh, I don’t like you being isolated,” her mother said. “Maybe the television is on a timer?”
“Maybe.” Avery shrugged. Probably not a good idea to scare her mother. “I’m okay. I can call security if I need to. Don’t worry about me going out. I’m too beat to be hanging out. And I’ll look to see if the television is on a timer.” Releasing the curtain, Avery sighed. “I have to be at work by three in the morning to get breakfast together and then make a groom’s cake.”
“Take pictures of the groom’s cake too. You be careful going to work so early. I know you have to, but I worry.”
“I will.” Thunder crashed around her, shaking the house a bit. “Hey, Mom, this storm seems to be getting worse. I’d better hang up. I love you all. Say hi to Becky and kiss Dad for me.”
“We love you too. Be careful.” Her mother made a kissing sound.
“Bye.” Avery set the phone on the charger and hurried to jump into the shower before the power went out. As if in warning, her lights flickered.
She showered quickly and dressed in her pajamas. As she walked into the living room she picked up some of her tossed clothes. I really need to clean this place up, but I’m just too exhausted—both emotionally and physically—to do anything right now. She ran her hands through her damp hair, arranging it so it would dry nicely.
Humming, she headed to the kitchen but stopped to look at her angel. She picked it up and caressed the crystal. It was hard with some sharper edges, yet warm to the touch. Its shimmering brilliance intrigued her more every time she examined it. “You’re so handsome. I can’t help but touch you.” She ran her finger over his blade. “I like your sword.” Then she caressed his wings. “Your wings seem more spread out.” Avery examined him closely. “That’s odd, they’re bigger than I remember.” Again, the crystal got warm in her hand, almost hot. As she set it back on the table, she suddenly felt lonelier.
She continued on to the kitchen where she opened a can of soup, put it in a bowl, and placed it in the microwave. Reaching for the coffee pot, she paused. The pot was empty, not a drop remained. “There’s no way it’s all gone.”
Puzzled, she set it down and glanced over the kitchen countertop into the living room. Nothing in her small cottage seemed out of place. When she looked in the sink, there was an extra cup sitting next to a dirty one.
A chill passed over her. She shivered, resting against the counter. The microwave beeped, making her jump. “Okay, I’m freaking out.”
Rinsing the dishes, she placed them in the dishwasher. Carefully, she took the bowl out of the microwave. After grabbing a spoon she took her soup to the sofa and sat down to eat. When she’d finished eating, she placed her bowl on the coffee table and leaned back. Popeye the Sailor Man was playing in the background. Avery’s eyelids grew heavy and she drifted to sleep.
Thunder boomed, jarring Avery awake. She sat up. Wide-eyed, she looked around. This time Fox News was on. “What’s going on?”
Pushing her blanket off, she walked to the window. Rain hit hard against the house, making the windows rattle. Looking outside, she could see the trees nearly bent halfway down as if bowing to a greater power. Again, the earth trembled with the force of booming thunder. The electricity flickered.
She turned to look back at the sofa. “How did this blanket get in here?” Avery stared at it, puzzled. Running her hand through her hair, she pushed it back from her face. “Shut up, Fox News.” She grabbed the remote, flipped to the movie channel, then slammed the remote down on the coffee table. “Maybe there are ghosts.” She giggled nervously, yet uneasiness settled in her gut.
Then she noticed that the angel ornament wasn’t on the coffee table. Stunned, she froze.
“I know it was on the table.” Hesitantly, she turned to look at the other surfaces. Where is it?
Thunder rocked the house again. The rain’s tempo increased. It was nearly deafening. The power flickered, making the lamp and TV go off and then back on. Lightning flashed and her eye caught a sparkle coming from the kitchen table. When she looked closer, she saw it was the ornament.
Avery walked to the kitchen table and picked the ornament up. Again your wings look different. She held it close, fingering the crystal. Odd. Carefully, she carried the angel over to the coffee table, laid it down, and grabbed her blanket. “Now, stay there.”
She picked up her phone, turned off the TV, then walked to her bedroom. She shut the door and locked it. The thunder continued to boom. Occasionally lightning fully lit her room. Holding her phone, she contemplated calling her mom, but instead she called Lucy.
“Hello,” Lucy answered o
n a yawn. “Oh, excuse me.”
“Lucy, I’m sorry to bother you. I know it’s late, but… I don’t know, I’m sorta of spooked.”
“It’s okay. What’s up?”
“When I left work, Tim was waiting for me.”
“He was? He’s got nerve.”
“Yes, he does. He basically threatened me. He told me ghosts were going to give me my just desserts. And he was generally rude and insubordinate. I told him not to come in to work for a couple days.”
“Good, maybe a few days without pay will show him you’re serious. Don’t worry about him.”
“I won’t, but strange things are happening at my cabin.”
“Like what?” Lucy asked.
“Things aren’t where I leave them, like I took a nap and woke up with the blanket on me from my bedroom.”
“The ghost is thoughtful.” Lucy giggled. “Doesn’t sound like a Tim prank.”
“True.” Avery sighed. “Someone drank my coffee too, every last drop.”
“You make a good cup.” Lucy snickered again. “Sorry, I’m trying to take the edge off for you.”
“I know. I just get a sense I’m not alone.”
“Hmm. That’s eerie. Do you think this is related to Tim somehow?” Lucy asked.
“No, how could it be? This place is so small, I’d see if someone was actually here. Wouldn’t I?” Avery sat down on the chair next to her bed.
“Yes, I’d think so.” There was several seconds of silence.
“I know it sounds nuts, but...” Avery leaned back, resting her head on the curve of the chair’s soft back as she stared at the ceiling. “I don’t know, I’m homesick and my imagination is going crazy. Thanks for listening. You go back to what you were doing.”
“Maybe you’re sleepy. We worked hard today. Get some rest, and if it gets worse, call security, or if you need to talk, call me any time.”
“Thanks, Lucy. I appreciate it.” Avery stood up then flopped down on her bed. The softness of the bedding enveloped her body.
