Fashions Fade, Haunted Is Eternal

by Rose Pressey

  “What if there are bad ghosts out here?” I whispered.

  “Don’t worry, Cookie, ghosts can’t kill you. If they could Heather might be gone by now.” Charlotte chuckled.

  “Charlotte! That’s not very nice,” I scolded.

  She held her hands up. “I’m kidding.”

  I quirked an eyebrow. With Charlotte I could never be sure.

  “Maybe there was some kind of significance to the grave where Tyler was found,” Minnie said.

  She wasn’t getting involved with the bickering between Charlotte and me. That was probably a good decision.

  “That could be true.” I stepped closer to the gravestone and shone the light on it. “But what is it?”

  The stone marker was tall and skinny. A simple cross was etched at the top with the name GILBERT MCNALLEY below. The birthdate and date of death were listed underneath that: MARCH 19, 1845 TO AUGUST 23, 1922.

  “He was seventy-seven years old when he died,” I said.

  “Good math,” Charlotte quipped.

  “This still gives me no clues.” I moved the light around the grave. I had no idea what else I thought I might find.

  “Perhaps you should research the name,” Minnie suggested.

  “Yes, I suppose that’s a good place to start.” I shifted the light behind me and turned around. “What’s that?”

  “What’s what?” Charlotte asked.

  “There’s something shiny way over there under the tree.” My light was reflecting off the object.

  We headed over toward the gnarly oak tree. I weaved around the gravestones and stopped next to the trunk. On the ground was a phone.

  “What is it?” Minnie asked as she clung to my side.

  I reached down and picked it up. “Someone lost their phone.”

  “Maybe it’s the killer’s,” Charlotte said.

  I swiped the screen and it lit up. “It hasn’t been here long or it wouldn’t still be charged.”

  “Who does it belong to? The suspense is killing me,” Minnie said. “Can you see a name on that device? Who knew that telephones would be portable and hid in a pocket?”

  Charlotte laughed.

  After examining the phone, I looked at Charlotte. “The phone belonged to Tyler.”

  Minnie gasped.

  “You’re kidding me,” Charlotte said.

  “How did the police miss this?” I asked.

  Charlotte gave me a sideways glance.

  “Don’t even say that Dylan isn’t good at his job,” I warned.

  Charlotte held her hand up in surrender. “Of course not. Someone else missed it.”

  “What information can you find from it?” Minnie asked.

  I scrolled through to the text messages. “There’s a text from a woman named Shanna. This would have been right before Tyler’s death.”

  “That doesn’t mean it has anything to do with the text, right?” Charlotte asked.

  “No, but we need to find this woman. Maybe she knows something about why Tyler would have been killed.”

  “Do you have a last name? How will you find her?” Charlotte asked.

  “The name is Shanna Sizemore. Considering her phone number is here, I think I have a good chance of finding her,” I said.

  Charlotte gestured. “Good point.”

  “What are you waiting for? Go find her.” Minnie motioned for me to move.

  “It’s late. We’ll have to wait until tomorrow,” I said.

  Minnie released an audible breath.

  “What will you do with the phone?” Charlotte asked.

  “I suppose I need to give the phone to Dylan.” I turned the phone over in my hand.

  Charlotte raised an eyebrow. “Right, but not before getting all the information you need from it.”

  “That’s not right. I shouldn’t do that, but I will,” I said.

  “I knew you would,” Charlotte said with a smile.

  Leaves rustled and something jumped down at us from one of the gnarly branches. I screamed and fell backward, landing on the ground. Thank goodness I hadn’t been near the graves. A streak of black zipped across my path and disappeared around a headstone.

  “Cookie, this is no time for relaxing.” Charlotte wiggled her finger in my direction.

  I quirked an eyebrow at Charlotte.

  “What was that?” Minnie asked, clutching her chest. “Cookie, are you all right?”

  I was still trying to catch my breath, but I managed to push to my feet.

  “Thank goodness it was just a cat,” I said.

  “Where did it come from? I think it was trying to attack us.” Charlotte scanned the area, looking for the cat.

  “It jumped from the tree. The cat was probably just scared,” I said.

  Speaking of cats, Grandma Pearl was waiting for us in the car. I needed to hurry back before she got angry. She’d refused to come into the graveyard with us. I pointed the phone toward the ground, allowing the sliver of light to slice through the dark and guide the way. Though it was hard to see, I tried to hurry back out of the graveyard. I was grateful to leave my spooky surroundings.

  Once out of the cemetery’s gate, I paused.

  “What are you doing?” Charlotte had rushed right through me. “I hate when you stop in front of me and I travel through you. It’s like I’ve just been through an amusement park with cotton candy and rainbows.”

  The cat from the tree was now sitting on the hood of my car. He was staring into the car at Wind Song. Charlotte and Minnie followed me, spotting the mysterious feline.

  “Don’t scare my grandmother,” I said, rushing over to the Buick.

  I’d expected the cat to race away once it saw me. However, he remained on the hood, watching Wind Song through the windshield. Wind Song hissed. I wasn’t sure if it was the cat or my grandmother doing that. Knowing Grandma Pearl, if she decided she didn’t like this stranger, it was probably her giving that reaction.

  “Good kitty,” I said as I approached.

  “I hope he doesn’t attack you,” Charlotte said. “Just tell the thing to get lost.”

  I eased closer to the car, hoping the cat would jump off the hood. The cat turned to face me and hissed at me.

  “Well, he’s a friendly one,” Charlotte said.

  “Maybe we should back away until he leaves,” Minnie said.

  Charlotte pointed. “No way. He’s not the boss.”

  “What will I do with him?” I asked. “He won’t let me get near, I’m sure. From the looks of his behavior he won’t allow me to pick him up either.”

  “I’ve never seen a cat that stubborn,” Charlotte.

  “He reminds me of you, Charlotte,” Minnie said.

  Charlotte put her hands on her hips and glared at Minnie.

  “Come on, kitty, I have to go now. Shouldn’t you go home too?” I asked in the sweetest voice possible.

  “He’s not going to answer you,” Charlotte said.

  I raised an eyebrow. “Or will he?”

  “You don’t think . . . ?” Charlotte asked.

  “No, it can’t be,” I said with a wave of my hand.

  “Can’t be what?” Minnie asked.

  “Well, he could be. After all, look at your grandmother.” Charlotte motioned.

  Grandma Pearl was focused on the cat. He was now licking his paws as he remained on the hood.

  “He’s doing this on purpose,” I said.

  “Why would he do that?” Charlotte asked.

  “Oh, now I get it. Maybe if you talk to him like you do Wind Song,” Minnie said.

  “Kitty, is there something wrong?” I asked.

  He stopped licking his paw and meowed. His stare was focused on me.

  “I think that means yes,” Charlotte said.

  “He doesn’t appear sick. What’s wrong, kitty?” I asked.

  If anyone heard me talking to ghosts and a cat, they’d think I’d lost my marbles.

  The cat stayed on the car hood and ventured closer to the open
window of my car, toward my grandmother. Grandma Pearl stopped her verbal warning and stared at him. She must be in shock as much as we were.

  “I guess he wants a ride,” Charlotte said.

  “He might just be lost and scared. I’ll have to try to find his home,” I said.

  The Ouija board was still on my mind. I suppose if I just happened to have the board out and the cat decided to use it . . . No, that was a crazy thought. What were the odds that it would happen again? Though I suppose if it was possible once, it could happen again.

  “That’s good that you want to help him, but how will you get him in the car?” Charlotte asked.

  “Maybe you could catch him with something,” Minnie said.

  Charlotte snorted. “If she wants to put her life in her own hands, I guess she could try it.”

  I inched toward the car. Any sudden move and he could jump and attack me. Although he might run away. I hated to let him get away if he needed help. Someone could be searching for him right now. With his bright yellow eyes he watched my every move. I couldn’t tell if he planned to allow me to put him in the car or if he wanted to attack once I was close enough. I held my breath and reached out for the car door. Thank goodness he hadn’t moved an inch. I opened the door as he watched me.

  “Now what will you do?” Charlotte asked.

  “I don’t have that much planned out yet,” I said.

  The cat pushed to all fours, meowed, and jumped down from the hood. Thank goodness he wasn’t acting as if he wanted to scratch me. He moved around the door and in one leap was inside the car. He sat on the seat next to Grandma Pearl.

  “I can’t believe it,” Charlotte said.

  “I think he wants a ride,” Minnie said.

  Wind Song or Grandma Pearl, whichever was there at the moment, was staring at the cat, but luckily they were getting along.

  “Well, I guess we should get out of here.” I closed the door and hurried over to the driver’s side.

  The cats meowed loudly when Charlotte tried to sit on them. She wouldn’t give up her seat in the front of the car for anyone. With the cats next to me in the middle of the seat, Charlotte on the passenger side, and Minnie in the backseat, I pulled away from the curb and headed home.

  Chapter 9

  Cookie’s Savvy Tips for Vintage Shopping

  Coats and jackets are another great way

  to incorporate vintage clothing into your life.

  They add just the right amount of vintage style.

  I’d brought the cat home with me. He’d refused to eat any of the cat food I had for Wind Song, though he had devoured the tuna I offered and a saucer of milk. I’d have to make a trip to the Piggly Wiggly today and pick up a different kind of food for him. There had to be some flavor he liked. I knew Wind Song would be happy she wouldn’t have to share her food. My grandmother didn’t care. She was just stuck in the cat’s body, so she tolerated the seafood fare. However, Grandma Pearl refused to allow Wind Song to chase mice or any other rodents.

  I’d wanted to use the Ouija board or tarot cards last night. Not that I was totally convinced this cat would say anything. Actually, I was pretty sure he wouldn’t, but curiosity was getting the better of me. Curiosity killed the cat, right? Okay, bad pun, but anyway, I just hoped that saying wasn’t true this time. Besides, the board and cards were back at the shop. It had been a long day and I’d wanted to get home and look at Tyler’s phone. I’d unearthed more information by searching through it. His ex-girlfriend had been harassing him. She’d made no direct threats, but her persistence was unnerving.

  The messages had started less threatening with her writing things like: How can I live without you? Please don’t leave me. They’d escalated to things like: You won’t get away with this. You’ll be sorry for what you’ve done to me.

  The discovery of the phone definitely sent the ex-girlfriend to the top of my suspect list. I was glad that I’d found Tyler’s phone in the graveyard and that I’d seen the messages. Would I be able to contact her? She probably wouldn’t answer my questions.

  I’d called Dylan this morning and told him I had something for him. It wouldn’t be fun explaining exactly how I’d found it. Though it was almost as if it was meant for me to locate the phone. The gate had been open when it normally wouldn’t have been. It was practically like an invitation. Though I doubted Dylan would see it that way. Plus the cat had obviously made the sound, which had alerted me in the direction of the phone. Had he done that on purpose? As soon as I spoke with Dylan and gave him the phone, I’d pull out the Ouija board and see if the cat wanted to chat.

  Right now I was in the Buick and headed toward my shop. Once again Charlotte was beside me with Minnie in the back. Grandma Pearl and the new cat were sitting in the backseat as well. They were actually getting along quite nicely now. I wish I knew what this cat’s name was. Once the veterinarian’s office opened, I’d give them a call so I could bring the cat in and have them scan for owner information.

  Even though I’d been in a hurry this morning, I still took the time to pick out the best outfit I could find for today. Charlotte had suggested evening wear, but I’d told her that was a bit much for this time of day. I’d gone with a pale yellow Gucci dress that buttoned all the way down the front. My shoes were brown heels and my bag matched. The day always felt better when I dressed in vintage from head to toe.

  I pulled the Buick up to the curb in front of the shop and cut the engine. “Well, everyone, looks like we’ve got a busy day ahead of us.”

  “Vintage clothing, check. Communicating with cats via Ouija board, check. Tracking down a murderer, check.” Charlotte ticked each one off with her fingers.

  “All in a day’s work for Cookie,” Minnie said.

  I got out of the car and moved around to the back door. Grandma Pearl knew the routine. I opened the door and she graciously leaped to the sidewalk like a ballerina. She strolled over to the shop’s door to wait for me to open it. Since he showed no signs of moving, I reached in the car to grab the new cat. He wouldn’t know the routine, and he was probably still scared. However, he wasn’t having any of my holding him. He wiggled until he was able to jump from my arms. Once on the sidewalk, he rushed over and stood beside Grandma Pearl.

  “He knows exactly what he’s doing,” Charlotte said. “If I didn’t know better I’d say he’s been here before.”

  To my shock, it appeared that the cat really was aware of what he was doing. Was Grandma Pearl able to communicate with him? This grew crazier by the minute. If I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes I wouldn’t believe it. Had he been here before?

  Once the door was open and unlocked the cats rushed inside. Wind Song was in charge this morning because she took the spot in the window to get sunshine. I suppose Grandma Pearl would talk with us later. I hoped she didn’t wait too long though, because I wanted to hear her opinion on the new cat.

  Everyone hurried inside in front of me. They spread out like I’d dropped marbles on the floor. Charlotte went to the settee. Minnie was at the counter waiting for me. Wind Song was at her favorite spot in the window, and the black cat took the other side. He stared out the window as if he were waiting for someone. I went through my normal routine of opening the shop. The mannequins in the front window needed to be changed, but I’d have to do that later. Recently, I’d found a rare Pierre Cardin gem. It was a shift dress in a stunning shade of turquoise. The piece was more than clothing. It was a work of art and deserved to be displayed as such.

  I’d just started sorting through a few new items when Dylan walked through the door. He wore gray slacks with pleats in the front and a light blue Armani button-down shirt.

  “He’s looking handsome as usual,” Charlotte said. “So easy on the eyes.”

  “He is a swell guy,” Minnie said around a sigh.

  “I like the way his muscles are so proportionate.” Charlotte soaked in Dylan’s appearance from head to toe.

  “I like the way his full lips form a perfec
t pout. And don’t get me started on that thick head of dark hair.” Minnie twisted the pearl necklace around her neck with her index finger as she eyed Dylan.

  “Meeooww,” Grandma Pearl said.

  What would Dylan say if he knew about Charlotte’s and Minnie’s comments? He would probably blush. He might have a tough detective demeanor, but for some things he was still a bit shy.

  He smiled. “Good morning, gorgeous.”

  My cheeks flushed. “Good morning.”

  Minnie placed her cheeks into her hands as she propped her elbows on the counter. She stared at us. “Oh, look at the lovebirds. It’s a match made in heaven.”

  “Mushy and sickening, isn’t it?” Charlotte said.

  “I think it’s sweet,” Minnie said.

  The new cat jumped up onto the counter and meowed loudly at Dylan.

  “Well, who’s this?” Dylan asked, reaching out toward the cat.

  When the cat hissed he quickly moved his hand away. I supposed now was as good a time as any to tell him what I’d done last night.

  “The cat kind of found me,” I said.

  Dylan chuckled. “Funny how they find you, isn’t it? Did he stroll into the shop like Wind Song?”

  I still needed to tell Dylan about Grandma Pearl. How did you tell someone that your dead grandmother was now taking over a cat’s body? It might be easy to speak the words, but once they were out there I’d be under a twenty-four-hour psychiatric hold.

  I laughed nervously. “Yes, that is strange how they find me. He didn’t walk into the shop though.”

  “So where did you find him?” Dylan quirked an eyebrow.

  He had obviously picked up on my uneasiness.

  “You know how Charlotte always has weird ideas?” I asked.

  “Hey, don’t pin this on me.” Charlotte pointed.

  “Well, it was technically your idea,” Minnie said.

  Charlotte glared at Minnie, but Minnie didn’t care. Minnie had this adorable naïveté about her. I doubted Minnie even picked up on Charlotte’s crankiness.

  Dylan studied my face. “Yes, I suppose.”

  “Well, she had another weird one last night,” I said. “You’ll really like this one.”