Pleas of the Poltergeist

I restacked the boxes, and I made my way toward the sound of whining dogs.

He glanced up from pouring food into bowls as I approached. “Annie normally does all this, but I gave her the weekend off because of some stuff she has going on in her life. I just wanted to help her out, since she does such a great job all the time.”

“I understand that. It’s not like everyone has a way with animals.” I waited for him to finish. Then we walked out to the deserted parking lot in front of the building, ours being the only cars there in front of the vet hospital.

“There are very few people who can calm them and make them feel better just by talking to them. It’s a true gift.” Wes smiled at the thought. “Anyone who can make my animals feel better is worth their weight in gold.”

My stomach grumbled, suddenly reminding me we’d practically skipped lunch. “We have some time to kill anyway. Let’s go get some late dinner.”

“I can get behind that idea. Besides, I’m going to need a good meal before I go to prison for stealing bones from a church,” Wes joked. “Too soon?”

I grimaced. “Maybe. Besides, as long as we’re quiet and don’t get caught, I think everything will be fine. Growling stomachs, on the other hand, might just be the wrong thing and trip us up.” I giggled as we got into our cars to head to the local pizzeria.

The dinner made up of warm dough, stretchy cheese, and tart tomatoes hit the spot. Hangry tummies abated, it wasn’t long before we both pulled back into the church’s parking lot at the same time.

The sun had finally set, but full dark hadn’t fallen completely yet. The lights in the church office were off, and it made me feel a bit safer to do what we were about to do. I grabbed my handy-dandy flashlight from the car and met Wes outside.

We could see the newly turned dirt, but I hadn’t expected Shadow to be sitting on top of William’s not-so-final resting place. It was as if she had been guarding it for us, or given it was Shadow, making sure we did it right. Since we’d been the ones to dig the hole earlier, it wouldn’t be terribly hard to dig the bones back up.

“Hmm, I guess she didn’t want anyone else messing with William’s bones. That’s kind of cute,” I murmured, carrying the flashlight.

“The cat knows about the ghost?” Wes’ voice went up an octave. “Please tell me she isn’t going to freak out or freak me out while I’m about to dig up bones.”

I swept the beam from my light over the area. “Shadow is sort of a ghost herself. She appears and disappears when needed. We’re not sure how, but she’s connected to the ghosts. All of them. Maggie and Shadow appeared at the same time. Now that Maggie’s gone, Shadow still hangs around,” I explained.

“Wait, I’ve treated Shadow. She’s a real cat.” He strolled over and picked Shadow up. “See? Flesh and bone.”

I scratched Shadow between the ears. “That’s what we’ve thought, but it doesn’t explain how the cat can get in and out of places that are locked. Or from home to the store to here without a vehicle.”

Wes didn’t seem convinced. “Whatever the cat is or isn’t, we still need to get these bones dug up. Hold the flashlight for me please.”

I did as he asked, and we had the bag unearthed much more quickly than the time it had taken to bury it.

“Good thing I didn’t have to touch the bones again.” Wes held the bag up delicately. “Sorry, William. It’s not the fact they’re yours, but the bones of anyone gives me the willies.”

I nodded once. “Well, now that we’ve got the bones again, we’ll have to try another way to get William home.”

9

“Mornings are rough for you, aren’t they?” Janice was staring at me again the next morning as I opened my eyes. The harshness in her eyes irritated me right off the bat.

I got out of bed and glared at her. “Why would you think that?”

“Bad bed head, puffy eyes, and your voice kind of crackles.” Janice looked me up and down. “I didn’t even look this bad and there was a war going on.”

Ignoring her, I put toothpaste on my toothbrush. “I guess you don’t haunt on Sundays?”

She didn’t answer. Not that I expected her to.

So I moved on to another question before I shoved my toothbrush into my mouth. “What did you do during the war?” I spat and rinsed out my mouth.

“I was one of the best nurses during the war. It’s how I met my husband. I saved his life, but clearly, it didn’t earn me his loyalty.” She shrugged as if it didn’t bother her anymore.

“What do you mean?”

“He was a scoundrel even back then. The story he told people was that he tried to save his own man, but instead, he was the one who shot at him. He claimed that he was a hero, but I always knew the truth.”

“Your husband tried to murder someone?”

“Haven’t you been listening to anything I’ve said?” Janice yelled. “He’s a villain.”

I considered her until she disappeared, and I decided to get ready for work.

Work wasn’t eventful, and Don showed up just as I finished closing up. He stopped in front of the already-locked door and waved. His dark hair fell over his forehead, and he looked pretty dashing in his uniform. He held up a bag of take-out, though I couldn’t tell what he’d brought this time.

He winked as I stepped out. “So where are these bones that you were digging up?”

“I left them with Wes. The bones are his many greats grandfather’s. We dug them up from the tunnel and buried them on sacred ground, but we had to steal them back when he didn’t cross over. We have to try something else to help William through to the other side.”

He chuckled as he followed me to my car. “Maybe give me a warning next time so I can alert the night shift to stay away from where you’re going to be digging up bones.”

“I didn’t want to incriminate you.”

Twenty minutes later, we were seated at my home at my kitchen table. “So what are you going to try next? Any ideas?” He took a bite of his burger.

I tasted an onion ring. “Well, I’ve been researching things. I think if we burn the bones, it may allow William to cross over. I’ve got an order placed for the things I need for the ceremony, and they’re coming in tomorrow. Then we’re planning to try it if Wes is able to get away long enough to help.”

“Sounds like you have it worked out, and I hope for your sake and William’s that he’s able to move on.” Don didn’t sound as if he believed most of what I was doing was real.

I took a bite of my chicken sandwich; Don had gotten one of each and given me the choice when we arrived. After several bites, I continued, “Janice, this new ghost that keeps showing up, said some things that bothered me this morning.” I sighed. “I wish that sweet, silent Maggie was here instead. At least she didn’t have that nasally voice... Well, she didn’t talk at all, really.”

Don seemed surprised, but he made no comment.

“You know, actually, I’m really glad Maggie was able to move on, but I would trade her for Janice any day.”

“Maybe you’ll be successful with William this time.” He wiped his face and stood. “I should probably get home. Maybe next time I can take you out someplace, so I don’t leave you with the cleanup.”

“I’d like that.”

We made our way to the front door. “Now keep me informed if you’re going to be digging any more bones up in the middle of the night,” he instructed before stepping out.

“Yes sir.” I gave him a salute. “Will do.”

Without another word, Don left, and I returned to the kitchen to clean up. He’d only been gone just a minute when Aunt Linda came in the door right then with Shadow running in behind her.

I was putting the used plates in the dishwasher when she noticed there were two plates.

She arched an eyebrow. “Did you have a guest?”

“Yeah, Don came over and ate with me.”

“How was it?” Aunt Linda pinned me with a knowing look.

“Um, he was nice. We had a good talk about ghosts and bones of dead people.”

“Oh, honey.” Aunt Linda laughed. “That’s not exactly the subject that will keep a man coming back.”

My cheeks heated. I still hadn’t decided how I felt about Don or Wes, but at least they didn’t seem to mind the ghosts and bones talks. “Speaking of men, how was your evening with the hot fire chief? Did he lower your temperature or heat you up?”

This time, I watched the blush creep up her face, and I tried to hide my grin. At least maybe it would stop her from teasing me about Don.

“None of your business. Besides, we have an early morning tomorrow. Let’s get some rest.” She turned and walked away before I could press her any further.

“We have the same early morning every day,” I whispered to Shadow. “Tomorrow is nothing special. Except for the fact William might be able to find peace. So, it could be a special day.”

What wasn’t special was the fact that Janice was standing next to my bed as I opened my eyes the next morning.

Not wanting to deal with her yet, I decided to try a play out of her book. So I ignored her, got up, and started the coffee as she watched.

“How are you today?” I finally asked her, the coffee drip sounding like heaven to my ears. “Why do you only come here most mornings?”

“I have no idea.” Janice looked thoughtful. “I’m drawn here for some reason. So, I come here. Then I go and mess with my son and granddaughter’s lives. Watching them not able to find their keys is a small sort of karmic justice for taking on my husband’s evil traits.”

Aunt Linda came in a moment later for her coffee. She stopped short.

I glanced from her to Janice. “Aunt Linda, this is Janice.” I handed Aunt Linda the first steaming mug of coffee.

I jerked my head toward my nasally friend. “Janice, this is my Aunt Linda. The woman that raised me after my parents were killed.”

Aunt Linda peered at Janice as she fixed her cuppa the way she preferred it. “You look really familiar. I feel like I’ve seen you before.”

Janice shrugged. “I live to disrupt lives. If either one of you finds out why I’m brought here each day, then please let me know. I’d love to understand why I need to be here every morning and find a way to get out of it. I got better things to do than stand over your bed every morning, hon.” With a flounce, she disappeared once again.

Aunt Linda shook her head. “She is so familiar. I think I might have known her before she died. Hopefully, we can find out who she is. At least she’s not bored when she’s not haunting us.” Aunt Linda took a long drink of her coffee.

“True, but I kind of feel bad for her son and granddaughter. They have no idea how much their mom and grandmother hate them.”

Aunt Linda tsked, but she didn’t add anything else.

We both hurried to get ready to work. It wasn’t like the answer to the Janice question was going to magically appear before the shop opened, now was it?

10

Since Aunt Linda and I had taken different vehicles to work, I decided to stop at Scales and Fur for some herbs I thought might help get William to the other side.

I wasn't there long, but Aunt Linda had gotten to the shop before me and things were ready to open.

She shooed me out of the front. "Why don't you go ahead and do some videos with scent creation while I do the morning rush? It would be a good chance to make some candles to help us restock,” she said, not meeting my eyes.

"Hold on." I caught her elbow. "Are you asking me to make more content?"

"Maybe you were right, and it's good for marketing and whatnot." Her sheepish expression made me want to laugh, but I held it in. Would Wax Wonders never cease? I assumed enough TikTok watchers had come in and told her about the content to finally push her over the edge.

I could have rubbed it in, but I wasn't going to look a gift horse in the mouth. Instead, I gave a mock curtsy. "Aunt Linda, I would be delighted to make more content."

Now in a really good mood, I started working on making candles and videoing the process of how a new scent was created. The door chimed on and off, but Aunt Linda manned the front of the shop.

“Why, hello, my Wax Wonders…” I began.

After doing a couple batches and getting some great videos to upload later, I realized we both probably needed lunch.

Sending both Wes and Don messages, I blanched at the thought of having two dates on the same day if they both responded to me.

"Wes, if you're still good, then we're on for tonight."

"Don, I'm about to venture out for lunch and was hoping you'd join me if you weren't on a call."

My gaze narrowed as I stared at my phone, waiting for it to ding. What did possibly having two dates in a day make me? I hadn’t discussed exclusivity with either of them, and I hadn’t made up my mind between them, not preferring one over the other. My dashing vet with his big love of furred creatures or my uniformed Deputy Don with the southern hospitality and drawl. I currently like them both.

Don was the first to message back.

"I'll meet you at the coffee shop. I'm dying for an egg sandwich from the Jitterbug. You want your usual?"

“Yes,” I texted. “Laura will know what it is.”

I got a thumbs-up emoji from Don. "Aunt Linda,” I called toward the front of the shop. “I'm about to grab lunch with Don. Do you want me to bring anything back for you?"

She stuck her head into the back room. "Sure, bring me back my usual sandwich, but don't rush back on my account." She waved me off with a smile as the entrance chimed once more.

I slipped out the rear exit and around to the front. Shadow was sitting on the sidewalk and fell into step beside me as I moved toward the Jitterbug. Shadow darted inside as I opened the door, and she ventured over to Laura for a few pets, leaving me on my own to greet Don who was already inside and tucking his wallet in his back pocket.

"Hey, I've ordered for us,” he said. “It should be here any minute."

"Great, I'll go ahead and order Aunt Linda's, so it will be ready when we're done."

We picked a table and took our seats. While we waited, we chatted about business and how town traffic was thicker than usual.

His eyes twinkled. "Did you get what you needed for your special project?"

I glanced around conspiratorially. "I think we're good for tonight. I texted Wes to tell him everything is a go, but he hasn't responded yet. I'm guessing he's busy saving animal lives."

"Do you need any help?" Don looked unexpectedly hopeful.

"While I'd love to take you up on it, I think that for this special project, it should just be me and Wes. Well, of course, William too. Thank you for the offer though. I just want it all to work out so that William can cross over and be free." I paused. “Maybe you can help with Janice, once I figure out why she’s hanging around.”

"I get that. Doesn't mean I won't pout just a bit." His smile let me know he was okay with not being there, but maybe looking forward to a bit of paranormal adventuring as I tried to figure out Janice.

I tapped his forearm. "Hey, remember all that stuff you were telling me about the hospital? Well, I found some papers in the back of the vet's office while I was waiting for Wes yesterday. It makes what you said about them misplacing the paperwork seem to be true."

"Really? What makes you think that?"

"The paper I discovered had Kim's grandfather's signature for the destruction of the property notice. He was the governor at the time."

“Wow!” Don let out a low whistle. “I’m not exactly shocked that Kim’s family is involved, especially after hearing all of Kim’s admissions. It really makes me wonder what else her family has done. Making documents disappear wouldn’t be difficult and seems to be their M.O.”

I nodded. "It certainly explains a few things. I can understand why they didn't want those historical diaries coming out, as they would’ve shown the family in a bad light. Especially, given how powerful they were then.”

We finished lunch and discussed why the documents from the old hospital had gone missing and where they could have gone. But nothing we thought of made sense.

Once I was back at the Colonial Candles, Wes had finally replied to my text.

"Come by the vet's office when you get done with work. I'll still be here doing paperwork and ordering supplies."

Later that afternoon, Shadow hopped into the car as I got ready to leave for the vet’s office. I parked the car and walked in through the door without knocking.

Annie and Wes were huddled together, obviously working on something. I couldn’t help noticing how close they were, and I didn’t know how I felt about it. I let the sound of the door closing behind me announce my presence.

Wes looked up. His expression changed, and he instantly moved away from Annie. He didn’t look guilty, not exactly, but he quickly put some distance between them.

I couldn’t help but wonder if there was something going on there. It might be the reason that we hadn’t been on a second date yet. Maybe I wouldn’t have to make a decision at all.

“The order is done, and we’re just finishing up the daily paperwork. I think I’ve got everything I need. Are you ready?”

“Yes.” I was still trying to process what I’d seen and how it affected things between us. Burning bones together made us accomplices, not a couple.

“Annie, if you can lock up for me, I would appreciate it,” Wes asked her, but he didn’t really wait for a response before walking out with me.

Once we were outside, he asked, “Where should we do this?”

“I was thinking it should be somewhere that has special meaning to William. Maybe back where he was murdered?” I suggested.

Wes studied me with a tight look on his face. “I’m not sure that I’m completely comfortable having a fire in tunnels that have already been burned recently. Could we try in Linda’s backyard? Would that be close enough to the tunnels?”

I tapped my chin. “There’s a fence around the yard. Yeah, that might work. No one should question it.”

We each took our own cars, but we walked round to Aunt Linda’s backyard together. I had the herbs, and Wes carried the bones.

I kicked rocks and sticks out of the way of the burn spot we’d selected. “Let’s start the fire first, then we can add the herbs.”

William floated up beside me, and I jumped.

“I can feel it. We’re about to have a breakthrough,” he said. He was so ready to move on.

“That’s great, William,” I murmured.

Wes grabbed some firewood from the pile next to the shed, and he piled it in the center of the cleared spot. He took a lighter from his pocket and bent down to start the fire.