by Rose Pressey
Ken had seemed guarded at first with his arms crossed in front of his chest. Now he’d relaxed his arms to his side.
Heather checked the last card, which depicted three small children in a garden. “Open your eyes to what’s in front of you.”
Ken’s eyes widened as he stared at Heather.
Heather gathered up the cards. “Wow, you know, I’m not sure where all that came from. I usually don’t read cards with that much intensity. The energy in here is thick.”
Minnie stood behind Heather. I wasn’t sure why she was smiling, but she seemed happy with Heather’s reading.
“I think you did a great job, Heather,” Ken said. “You’re fantastic.”
Charlotte and I exchanged smiles. Heather blushed at the compliment.
“Yeah, well, thanks.” She stuffed the cards into her bag. “I guess I should be going. I don’t want to be late for my appointment.”
“Thanks, Heather,” I said.
“I’ll call you later.” Heather rushed toward the door.
“Bye,” Ken called out in Heather’s wake.
“That was weird,” Charlotte said.
“I should be going too.” Ken gestured over his shoulder. “Thanks for talking to me, Cookie.”
I reached out and wrapped my arms around Ken. “You know you can talk to me anytime.”
He stared me in the eyes. “I’m glad I have a friend like you, Cookie.”
“Oh stop; you’re going to make me cry,” Charlotte said, wiping at her eyes.
“I’m already crying,” Minnie said with a sniffle.
I released my hold on Ken. “Okay, I should let you go now.”
He touched my chin with his index finger. “I’ll see you soon.”
We watched as Ken walked out the door. I’d felt the energy Heather had talked about. However, the sensation had faded now that Heather and Ken had gone. It was strange, but I had no explanation for it.
“Such a nice man,” Charlotte said dreamily.
“If only we could play matchmaker,” Minnie said. “Who could you set him up with?”
“Oh no, I’m not doing that. It would only cause problems.” I grabbed a hanger for a blouse. “We’ll just mind our own business.”
“Since when do we mind our own business? Problems for who? Ken or you?” Charlotte asked.
“For Ken, of course,” I said.
Minnie and Charlotte looked at each other.
“If you say so,” Charlotte said with a click of her tongue.
Chapter 7
Cookie’s Savvy Tips for Vintage Shopping
If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind gift,
give vintage clothing a try.
The recipient might love a unique piece of jewelry
or a stunning scarf from bygone days.
I flipped the sign on the door. It was late when I finally closed the shop for the evening. Not long ago I’d hired a part-time employee, but she only worked about ten hours a week. I hoped to have Brianna work more when business picked up.
I’d planned on making dinner at home, but now I was too hungry. That meant there was only one thing to do. I decided to stop by Glorious Grits for a quick bite. It was time I paid a visit to Dixie Bryant anyway. The walk from my shop to the diner was a short one, so I left the car parked out front and headed across the street. Wind Song always stayed at the shop while I grabbed a quick bite. Dixie should change her policy about having cats in her diner. Especially since it had been Grandma Pearl’s favorite restaurant.
Of course Charlotte and Minnie were with me as I walked down the sidewalk toward the diner. When a newly acquired ghost arrived in my life, they usually stuck around me like used glue from an old sticker. At least that had been my experience, but maybe it was different for others. Charlotte knew the ins and outs of the ghost world now though, so she had a tendency to pop back and forth between worlds. Charlotte had a beau on the other side, and she was torn between hanging out with her best living friend and her best dearly departed friend. She’d tried to explain all of this to me, but it was a bit difficult to understand. Most of the time I just smiled while she talked.
“Cookie, I’ve warned you repeatedly about the calorie content at Glorious Grits. Or should I call it Un-glorious Grits,” Charlotte said as she walked beside me.
“And I told you I’m having a salad, not an entire cherry pie.” I held my phone up to my ear so that people wouldn’t think I was talking to myself.
“Make sure to get the low-fat dressing,” Charlotte warned.
“What’s low-fat dressing?” Minnie asked.
“You know, without the fat,” Charlotte said. “I’m just trying to keep her healthy, that’s all.”
“I’m so glad you all can discuss my eating habits as if I’m not even here,” I said.
“Any time,” Charlotte said with a smirk.
When I reached the door, I opened it and walked inside the diner. A country song I didn’t recognize played on the radio. Oldies was usually the only thing that ever played on my radio, so I wasn’t aware of any new hits. The smell of burgers and fries drifted through the air. My mouth watered, but I had to remember Charlotte’s words. If she could she’d knock the food out of my hand. The diner was filled with eclectic décor. Various types of art decorated the walls, and red and white tablecloths covered the tables. Dixie was behind the counter ringing up someone’s ticket. She glanced up and a huge smile spread across her face.
“Cookie, I’m surprised to see you.” She handed the customer change and stepped out from behind the counter. “What brings you by?”
She wore jeans, a white T-shirt, and the red and white polka-dot apron. Dixie was petite with short blond hair. She always bounced around the diner like she was on a trampoline.
“I worked late tonight so I decided to stop by for dinner.” I sat on one of the stools at the counter.
“Did you find a lot of gorgeous clothes today?” she asked.
“Yeah, something like that,” I said with a little less enthusiasm than I normally displayed.
“Are you dining in tonight?”
“No, I should get home. I’ll take it to go.”
“What will you have?” she asked with a smile.
“The usual,” I said.
Dixie watched me as she poured a Diet Coke for me. “What happened in the cemetery was terrible. I’m so sorry.”
“Thank you,” I said, taking the drink from her.
She looked around me. “Did a ghost show up?”
I’d told Dixie about the ghosts. I knew she believed me and wouldn’t think I was crazy.
Diners were sitting at the booths nearby, but none close enough to hear our conversation. At least I hoped they couldn’t hear.
“Actually, a ghost did pop up,” I said.
Her eyes widened. “Oh, the photographer?”
“No, her name is Minnie Lynn.” I glanced over at Minnie.
She was looking around the diner and heard me mention her name.
“Who is she?” Dixie asked.
“I’m not sure. She says she’s from the 1920s. So far that’s all the info I have.”
I needed to find out more about her. Of course that would have to be added to my to-do list. Maybe tomorrow I could stop by the library or speak with the town historian.
“Oh wow. That’s interesting, Cookie. How will you find out what she wants?”
“Find out what who wants?” Minnie had returned her attention to me again.
“They were discussing finding out why you’re here. What made you pop up all of a sudden?” Charlotte said.
Minnie’s eyes widened. “Yes, I would love that. Definitely I want Cookie to do that. Only when she has the extra time though. No hurry. We have all the time in the world.”
Minnie winked at me.
“Sorry, the ghosts were talking. What did you say, Dixie?”
“I was asking how you will find out what the new ghost wants,” Dixie said, looking around as if she’d spo
t the ghosts.
“That’s a good question. She doesn’t know. I guess that leaves me with tracking down the info.”
“I don’t know anyone who would have information like that.” Dixie pulled my order from the back service window. “Oh, wait, you should speak with the town historian. She might have info on that name.” Dixie placed my salad in a brown paper bag with the diner’s logo on the front.
“Yes, I was just thinking about that. It’s a good idea. Thank you, Dixie.” I took the paper bag with my dinner.
“This is exciting, but remember you have to solve the murder case first,” Minnie said.
“Don’t you want her to find out about you?” Charlotte asked.
Minnie waved her hand. “Oh, there’s plenty of time.”
“So what’s she like?” Dixie whispered.
Minnie stood closer to my side now. She watched Dixie with her wide big blue eyes.
“She’s a sweetie,” I said. “A charming personality. As long as she doesn’t pick up Charlotte’s bad habits.”
“Hey, I’m right here.” Charlotte scowled.
“Thank you, Cookie,” Minnie said.
Dixie looked around. “How’s Charlotte doing with this?”
Charlotte placed her hands on her hips. “Charlotte is just fine.”
“They get along well,” I said.
“Of course we do. I get along with everyone,” Charlotte said.
“Well, that’s good news,” Dixie said, still searching for the ghosts.
Minnie gestured. “Cookie, aren’t they the men you talked to at the hotel? They told you about Darrin.”
“It is them, Cookie. You should sit in the booth next to them. Maybe you’ll overhear more talk about Darrin,” Charlotte said.
“Don’t you think they will recognize me and stop talking?” I asked.
“Well, it’s worth a shot,” Charlotte said. “What have you got to lose?”
“Nothing, I guess,” I said around a sigh. “Okay, Dixie, I want to get this for here.”
“Sure thing,” Dixie said. “I’ll get you a plate and silverware.”
“Just the fork and a napkin is fine,” I said.
“Eating out of a Styrofoam container?” Charlotte asked with a shake of her head. “What’s next? Eating right off the table with your face down in it?”
“Oh stop, Charlotte, this is no time for one of your fancy dinner parties.”
I walked over to the booth beside the men, trying to act nonchalant. So far they hadn’t looked up. Sliding into the booth, I listened to their conversation. They were talking about cars and weightlifting.
“This is boring talk. I wish we could guide their conversation,” Charlotte said.
“Maybe we can,” Minnie said.
“How can we do that?” I whispered.
“Maybe if they saw something that reminded them of the topic,” Minnie said.
“No offense, honey, but I don’t think that’s possible.” Charlotte gave Minnie a pitying look.
“Did you hear Krissy talking about the murder?” the guy asked.
My eyes widened. I leaned back so I could hear every word. I hoped they didn’t notice my actions. If they knew I was listening they’d stop talking.
“What did she say?” the other guy asked. “Do you think she did it?”
“I don’t know. It’s possible. She claimed she thought it was Tyler’s ex-girlfriend.”
There was a pause in the conversation.
“What are they doing?” I whispered.
“Stuffing their faces with french fries,” Charlotte said.
“I hope they go back to the conversation,” I said.
“I hope so too. They can’t leave us hanging like that.” Charlotte stared over my shoulder at the men.
“Who is the ex-girlfriend?” the guy asked.
Thank goodness they went back to the talk.
“Her name is Tina Fairchild. From what I heard she is a bit crazy.”
Another pause in the conversation.
“He stuffed a french fry in his mouth,” Charlotte said.
“She didn’t want to break up,” he added.
“Crazy ex-girlfriend. That would make sense.” Charlotte lifted an eyebrow. “There’s only one problem with that. We didn’t see her anywhere at the scene.”
“Could she have snuck around the back and left the cemetery some way?” Minnie asked.
“There’s a fence all around the place,” I said.
“Yes, but it’s not a tall fence so she could have jumped over,” Charlotte said.
“That’s true. I suppose she could have done that.” I lifted my fork and took a bite.
I’d almost forgotten to eat.
“Did you say something?” the man asked.
I froze with my fork in midair.
“They’re looking over at you,” Charlotte whispered, as if they could hear her.
When I looked over my shoulder, I realized he was talking to me. Both men were staring at me.
“Oh, we meet again,” I said, trying to act casual.
He frowned. “Were you listening to our conversation?”
“This won’t end well. He looks angry,” Charlotte said.
“I’d say the other one is upset too based on his pinched eyebrows.” Minnie pointed.
“Um, well, I couldn’t exactly not hear. You were talking kind of loud.” I attempted a smile.
The men stared at me. Apparently my smile wasn’t working. The other one had turned around in the booth to get a good look.
When they didn’t speak, I continued the conversation. “Since you brought up the subject though. Could you tell me about this Tina Fairchild?”
One of them laughed. “What are you, a private detective?”
The other one laughed. “Yeah, she’s a real Nancy Drew.”
Now they were making me mad.
“This guy is a jerk,” Charlotte said.
Charlotte’s eyebrows furrowed. She tried never to scowl. The fact that she was now doing it meant she was extremely angry. I’d better get her out of here before she did something to these guys. Like knock their Cokes into their laps.
“I’m not a private eye, but I do care about murder in my town,” I snapped.
“You tell him, Cookie,” Minnie said.
Charlotte stood from the booth and walked over to their table. She crossed her arms in front of her chest, stared at them, and tapped her foot against the tile floor.
The guy closest to me stared for a beat and asked, “What do you want to know?”
“Tyler was having problems with an ex-girlfriend?” I asked.
He set his fork down. “Yeah, but we never saw her.”
“How do you know she was doing anything?” I asked.
“Our girlfriends told us. Tyler told them all about it,” he said.
“What kind of crazy things was she doing?” I pressed.
“How Tina didn’t want to break up and wouldn’t take no for an answer,” the guy farthest from me said.
“That’s not much help. Looks like you’d be better off talking with the models,” Charlotte said.
“What else can you tell me?”
The guy behind me shrugged. “That’s all I know.”
“Thanks,” I said, feeling a bit defeated.
The men stood from the booth. “Nice seeing you again.”
I knew by the smirk on his face that he wasn’t sincere. It didn’t matter though. I had to find Tina Fairchild and ask her some questions.
Chapter 8
Charlotte’s Tips for a Fabulous Afterlife
Talk the living into doing things
they might not normally do.
It’s fun to watch their reaction.
“Why did I let you talk me into this?” I asked as I shone the flashlight around the darkened graveyard.
“Hey, if you walk by a graveyard with an unlocked gate I consider that an invitation.” Charlotte trailed along behind me.
Easy for her
to say. She was using me as a shield. Plus, she was a ghost. If anything happened I’d be the one to deal with it. Minnie was on my other side. She was trying to hold on to my arm as if that offered protection. All I felt was the cold air from her touch. If it made her feel better though I was fine with that.
After finishing the salad, I’d been on my way home when we drove past the graveyard. Charlotte had spotted the open gate and insisted that I turn around. Parking the Buick down the street a bit so that no one would notice it in front of the graveyard, I walked over and entered the cemetery with my knees practically knocking. I jumped at every rustle of a branch and hoot of an owl. Charlotte pretended to be brave, but she was no less scared than me. Though she’d never admit it.
All I had to guide me around the headstones was the tiny light emanating from my phone. I pointed it toward the ground so that I wouldn’t step on something and trip. I hoped not another dead body.
“Why exactly am I here?” I asked. “It’s not as if the police forgot something. Dylan is extremely thorough in his investigations.”
“I’m not trying to insult Dylan. Bless his heart, I know he’s good, but he’s only human, which means he could have missed something,” Charlotte said.
Holding the phone to my face so that the flashlight would highlight my expression for her, I gave her a warning stare. She’d added the “bless his heart” part so it wouldn’t seem like an insult. I knew her tricks.
“Well, there’s no way I would ever tell him that. Plus, what if he finds out I was here? He’ll think I have no faith in him.”
A rustling noise came from my right and I spun the light around.
“There’s nothing there. You’re just being paranoid,” Charlotte said.
“Let’s just look around so I can get out of here,” I said.
“That’s what I’ve been wanting to do if you’d stop chattering.” Charlotte stepped in front of me.
“It’s eerie in here. As if someone is watching us.” Minnie rubbed her arms as if she was fighting off a chill.
The air was warm still, but a cool breeze had blown past. When I came to the area where I’d discovered Tyler’s body, I froze. A chill traveled down my spine. It was even scarier in the dark of night.
