| General Fiction posted July 2, 2024 | Chapters: |
...41 42 -43- 44... 
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The ghosts do their part in rounding up the gangsters
A chapter in the book The Unwilling Heir
The Unwilling Heir - Chap 43
by Begin Again
ENDING CHAPTER 42
As the other gangsters focused on loading the final boxes, Terrence and Tony slipped away. The storm masked their departure.
"We need to get to the river," Tony muttered as they crouched beneath the bushes. "I remember it's not far. We have to get through these trees."
"Then what?" Terrence was doubtful of crossing a river in the storm. "We don't have a boat."
"We'll have to cross it. It's our only chance." Tony recognized the fear in his friend's eyes. "It's up to you, pal. I won't force you, but it's the only way for us to get out."
The rain was soaking them to the bone. Louie's voice crackled through the night as he ordered the men to hurry and finish the job, or they'd answer to him. The awful sound of Louie's voice sealed the deal. Terrence nodded. "Let's go!"
Their fear propelled them through the tangled bushes and dense forest until they emerged into the open air, the river rushing downstream.
"Think we can make it?" Terrence asked, eyeing the turbulent water.
"Only one way to find out." Taking a deep breath, Tony plunged into the river. Reluctantly, Terrence followed.
*****
CHAPTER 43
Seconds in the raging water, Terrence regretted his decision. Rain pelted his face as he kicked furiously, and his arms flailed against the relentless current. His muscles burned from his effort. His lungs screamed for air.
"Tony!" He bellowed for his friend as the muddy water dragged him beneath the surface. Coughing and spitting the filthy river water from his mouth, he screamed once more, "Tony, help me."
By some miracle, he felt a hand grasp his wrist. Their eyes locked as Tony clutched Terrence tightly. A deafening clap of thunder boomed across the sky as Tony shouted, "Don't let go! I've got you."
Together, they battled through the raging water, every stroke a struggle against the river's fury. Lightning split the sky, illuminating the churning waters and the muddy shore in the distance.
Terrence's strength was waning; his arms and legs were sluggish. He could feel the current pulling him down. "Let go, Tony. Save yourself."
"No, we are in this together." Tony dug deeper, praying for strength he wasn't sure he had. "Dear God, please don't let it end like this."
Suddenly, a large tree branch hurtled through the air and crashed mere inches from the boys. With wide-eyed astonishment, they wrapped their arms around it and clung on, floating away as the branch carried them downstream and out of the storm.
Gasping and coughing, they pulled their exhausted bodies onto the muddy bank, collapsing in a disheveled heap. They lay there for a moment, their bodies battered and spent but breathing. Each one was panting heavily, wondering how they were still alive.
Terrence turned to Tony, a faint, tired smile tugging at his lips. "We did it, man. We really did it."
Tony laughed in disbelief. "Yeah, we did."
"Lucky that tree branch came along. I couldn't have lasted another minute.
Tony's eyes drifted upwards at the clearing sky. "Yeah, it just dropped out of the sky." Tony's prayer flashed through his mind. "Came in the nick of time, that's for sure."
"Well, we're safe now." Terrence sighed.
Tony shook his head. "Not just yet. We've got to keep moving."
As the boys struggled to their feet, weighed down by their water-soaked clothing, a sudden chill filled the air, making the hairs on the back of their necks bristle. A mist coiled around them, and a deep, ominous voice shattered the silence.
"Leaving so soon, boys?"
Terrence and Tony whirled around in disbelief to see Benny hovering just above the ground. His eyes glinted with an eerie light. He raised his glass of bourbon and offered a toast: "To saving your life."
Terrence stammered, "Who — who are you?"
Tony gulped. "You — dropped that log — for us to snag onto?"
"Yup, that was me. "
"Are you some kind of angel or something?" Terrence couldn't wrap his mind around what was happening.
Benny laughed and took a long, deliberate sip of his bourbon. "Me, an angel? Naw, not by a long shot!"
Terrence took a step backward. "I never seen a real person float before. So, if you're not an angel —" He swallowed hard. "Are we dead?" His eyes widened as he spun to face his friend, grabbing his wet shirt. "Tony, we didn't make it. We're dead and going to hell."
"Stop it, Terrence! I don't know what's happening, but I know I am not dead." He pinched his friend, who yelped and pulled away. "And neither are you."
Amused, Benny chuckled and allowed himself to materialize fully in front of the boys. "Name's Benny," he offered as he looked at them intensely. "Like the guys you're running from, I used to be a hitman. The only difference is I've been dead a while now. And I've seen what happens to folks who don't change their ways."
Terrence sank to the ground, his body trembling in fear. He could feel his heart pounding against his ribcage. "Did you hear him, Tony? He said — he was dead."
Tony gulped, his voice barely above a whisper. "I heard him." Tony struggled to speak, not wanting to collapse onto the ground like his friend. "What do you want from us?"
The glass of bourbon vanished from Benny's hand as his expression turned serious. "I want a promise. You boys are lucky to be alive right now. Most don't get that chance." He looked at Terrence and Tony, their heads nodding in agreement. "Here's the deal. You swear to me, right here and now, that you'll leave this life behind. No more crime. No more running with the wrong crowd. You straighten up — or I'll be back, and I won't be so nice."
Terrence and Tony exchanged a terrified glance before nodding vigorously. Tony answered, "I promise."
Still unsure what was happening, Terrence followed suit, stuttering, "I promise. I don't want any part of this life anymore."
Satisfied, Benny smiled. "Just remember, I'll be watching."
With those words, Benny's earthly form faded, the mist dissipating into the night, leaving the boys alone on the riverbank.
Tony's eyes darted around the area before speaking. "Did that really happen?"
Terrence's mouth was gaping as he stared at the spot where Benny had been standing, his arm waving through the empty space. "It sure seemed like it did."
"I say let's get out of here."
"But Tony — where are we going? How do you figure we can start over? We got nothing."
Tony shrugged. "I don't know. We'll figure something out."
Benny's voice filtered through the trees. "Here's something to help you choose the right road, boys. Spend it wisely!"
Cash — hundred-dollar bills — began raining from above. The boys scrambled to collect the money, laughing and crying, each whispering a grateful thank you to the hitman.
*****
The men had loaded the panel trucks and were ready to go. The final crates and boxes were being removed from the mansion. The storm had passed, and everyone's spirits were jovial, anticipating the completion of the heist.
Louie stood near his makeshift desk, contemplating Frankie's reaction when he delivered all the loot to his doorstep. He smiled to himself — smugly remembering the black box of diamonds and gems he'd hidden in his own vehicle. "A babe on one arm and a drink in the other on some private beach. That's my kind of living."
"Were you talking to me, boss?" Marco checked the area as he approached, carrying a portrait.
Unaware he'd spoken out loud, Louie scowled at him. "No — don't tell me the thoughts of ghosts are getting to you too."
"Who me? Not a chance." Marcos smirked.
"What you got there?"
"Oh, this, it's a portrait of a mighty fine-looking woman. Thought it would look good hanging in your office."
In the dim moonlight, Louie examined the portrait. "Yeah, she's a looker alright. Bet she was a tiger under the sheets."
Both men laughed, and Louie set the portrait aside. "Let's wrap this up, Marcos. It's time for us to get out of this place."
"Gotcha, boss! The last crates and boxes are being loaded as we speak. I'll go check on it, and we'll be underway." Marcos headed back toward the tunnel entrance.
Louie settled into his chair and pulled the portrait closer, admiring the woman and fantasizing about having her on his arm, among other things.
Suddenly, a sultry voice emanated from the woman. "Hey, doll face. Do you have any plans for later?"
Louie spun around in his chair, his eyes darting in every direction, settling on a group of men nearby. He yelled in their direction. "Which one of you thinks you're funny?"
They were still trying to figure out what the boss was referring to, and each chimed in.
"Not me, boss."
"Honest, I didn't say a thing."
"Swear, it wasn't me."
Still staring at the men, Louie settled back in his chair.
"How about I show you a good time, Louie? I guarantee you it'll be a night you won't forget."
Wide-eyed, Louie fixed his gaze on the portrait. The woman's lips moved, and she blew him a kiss. "Come on, big boy. Show Betty Lou what you got."
Louie jumped out of his chair, yelling at the men. "Get that portrait out of here. Load it in the truck. I'm not paying you to stand around."
One man hastened to Louie's side and grabbed the portrait, staring at the woman. "She's a looker, boss."
Louie screamed, "Get it out of my sight, I said."
The man turned and hurried away, passing Marcos, who had heard his boss's voice yelling, and hurried to see what was happening.
"What's going on, boss? Thought you were going to hang the portrait in your office?"
His voice shaking, Louie snapped, "Nope! Changed my mind. It won't go with the decor." He settled into his chair, breathing heavily. "Just get rid of it. Burn it! Just get it away from me."
As the worker loaded the portrait into the truck and closed the door, the woman's voice echoed one last time, "See you around, Louie."
The worker looked around, shook his head, and headed toward the front of the truck, muttering, "This place is making everyone crazy."
Louie stood, knowing he couldn't leave the mansion fast enough. He muttered, "Ghosts aren't real." But the lingering chill in the air suggested otherwise.
*****
As the drama unfolded in the bowels of the mansion and out in the fields, Noah and several others had gathered in the library.
Noah ran his finger across the dusty shelf. "I'll have to speak to Lorrie about cleaning and clearing out some of this stuff."
"She's had a few other things on her mind, like keeping us all out of danger and especially watching over Sandra and Madeline." Esther scolded Noah. "Remember, you are new to this spiritual society, regardless if you were lord of the mansion."
Noah chuckled. "Relax, Esther. I was merely making conversation. I would never say anything bad about Lorrie. She's got her moods, but her heart is pure gold."
"Yes, it is." Her face softened as she thought of her newfound friend, Madeline. "Lorrie has taken both women under her wing. Madeline's a changed woman, or so I hear. She's been so nice to me. A true friend."
Now, it was Noah's turn to smile. "Yes, my wife is a new woman. I'm pleased that you have found a shared friendship."
"Madeline is very special. I'm going to miss her when we're gone." Esther's earthly form dimmed as the thought of leaving Madeline behind sunk in. "I hadn't thought about it, but she'll be left alone if the treasure is found."
"Not exactly. I've promised James I would stay and help with the sorting out of things."
Esther's glow brightened. "Madeline will like that."
Will entered the room and moved to his mother's side. "Father says it won't be long now. Plans are in the ready when the mobsters leave the mansion. We're to expect a lot of noise and rumbling within the confines, too."
"They're not exploding the mansion, are they? It frightened us all when Sebastian stopped the demons in the ballroom."
"No, Mother, I don't think it's anything to worry about."
"Well, I can't just sit here and wait." Esther glanced around the room at the bookshelves laden with books of every size. All covered with dust. "We have to find that book. After all, we still need to find the real treasure."
"Yes, the book about Italy." Will moved across the room, examining a few shelves.
Noah's brow furrowed in concentration. "I remember seeing it. I believe it was in this library." He, too, pulled several books off the shelf, blew the dust away, and examined the titles. "Books on every topic available."
"Yes, William was quite the collector."
"That he was," exclaimed Will. "Even while I was very young, he always found a book at the market and brought it home to read. Those were some of my fondest moments with him reading to me."
Suddenly, Noah's voice filled the room as he shouted, "I remember where I saw it. It's not this library, it's William's private study. He always kept his favorite books there. I recall Billy telling me the stories of his grandfather reading to him as well."
A spark of hope ignited in Esther's eyes. "William's private study? Are you sure?"
Noah's eyes lit up as he recalled the details. "Yes, I'm certain. Follow me."
He led them through the grand corridors of the mansion, their footsteps echoing in the eerie silence. They arrived at a heavy oak door, its surface adorned with intricate carvings. Noah pushed it open, revealing a room untouched by time. Shelves lined the walls, filled with rare and valuable books, and a large wooden desk stood at the center.
Noah approached the desk, his fingers trailing over its surface. "I know it's here somewhere."
ENDING CHAPTER 42
As the other gangsters focused on loading the final boxes, Terrence and Tony slipped away. The storm masked their departure.
"We need to get to the river," Tony muttered as they crouched beneath the bushes. "I remember it's not far. We have to get through these trees."
"Then what?" Terrence was doubtful of crossing a river in the storm. "We don't have a boat."
"We'll have to cross it. It's our only chance." Tony recognized the fear in his friend's eyes. "It's up to you, pal. I won't force you, but it's the only way for us to get out."
The rain was soaking them to the bone. Louie's voice crackled through the night as he ordered the men to hurry and finish the job, or they'd answer to him. The awful sound of Louie's voice sealed the deal. Terrence nodded. "Let's go!"
Their fear propelled them through the tangled bushes and dense forest until they emerged into the open air, the river rushing downstream.
"Think we can make it?" Terrence asked, eyeing the turbulent water.
"Only one way to find out." Taking a deep breath, Tony plunged into the river. Reluctantly, Terrence followed.
*****
CHAPTER 43
Seconds in the raging water, Terrence regretted his decision. Rain pelted his face as he kicked furiously, and his arms flailed against the relentless current. His muscles burned from his effort. His lungs screamed for air.
"Tony!" He bellowed for his friend as the muddy water dragged him beneath the surface. Coughing and spitting the filthy river water from his mouth, he screamed once more, "Tony, help me."
By some miracle, he felt a hand grasp his wrist. Their eyes locked as Tony clutched Terrence tightly. A deafening clap of thunder boomed across the sky as Tony shouted, "Don't let go! I've got you."
Together, they battled through the raging water, every stroke a struggle against the river's fury. Lightning split the sky, illuminating the churning waters and the muddy shore in the distance.
Terrence's strength was waning; his arms and legs were sluggish. He could feel the current pulling him down. "Let go, Tony. Save yourself."
"No, we are in this together." Tony dug deeper, praying for strength he wasn't sure he had. "Dear God, please don't let it end like this."
Suddenly, a large tree branch hurtled through the air and crashed mere inches from the boys. With wide-eyed astonishment, they wrapped their arms around it and clung on, floating away as the branch carried them downstream and out of the storm.
Gasping and coughing, they pulled their exhausted bodies onto the muddy bank, collapsing in a disheveled heap. They lay there for a moment, their bodies battered and spent but breathing. Each one was panting heavily, wondering how they were still alive.
Terrence turned to Tony, a faint, tired smile tugging at his lips. "We did it, man. We really did it."
Tony laughed in disbelief. "Yeah, we did."
"Lucky that tree branch came along. I couldn't have lasted another minute.
Tony's eyes drifted upwards at the clearing sky. "Yeah, it just dropped out of the sky." Tony's prayer flashed through his mind. "Came in the nick of time, that's for sure."
"Well, we're safe now." Terrence sighed.
Tony shook his head. "Not just yet. We've got to keep moving."
As the boys struggled to their feet, weighed down by their water-soaked clothing, a sudden chill filled the air, making the hairs on the back of their necks bristle. A mist coiled around them, and a deep, ominous voice shattered the silence.
"Leaving so soon, boys?"
Terrence and Tony whirled around in disbelief to see Benny hovering just above the ground. His eyes glinted with an eerie light. He raised his glass of bourbon and offered a toast: "To saving your life."
Terrence stammered, "Who — who are you?"
Tony gulped. "You — dropped that log — for us to snag onto?"
"Yup, that was me. "
"Are you some kind of angel or something?" Terrence couldn't wrap his mind around what was happening.
Benny laughed and took a long, deliberate sip of his bourbon. "Me, an angel? Naw, not by a long shot!"
Terrence took a step backward. "I never seen a real person float before. So, if you're not an angel —" He swallowed hard. "Are we dead?" His eyes widened as he spun to face his friend, grabbing his wet shirt. "Tony, we didn't make it. We're dead and going to hell."
"Stop it, Terrence! I don't know what's happening, but I know I am not dead." He pinched his friend, who yelped and pulled away. "And neither are you."
Amused, Benny chuckled and allowed himself to materialize fully in front of the boys. "Name's Benny," he offered as he looked at them intensely. "Like the guys you're running from, I used to be a hitman. The only difference is I've been dead a while now. And I've seen what happens to folks who don't change their ways."
Terrence sank to the ground, his body trembling in fear. He could feel his heart pounding against his ribcage. "Did you hear him, Tony? He said — he was dead."
Tony gulped, his voice barely above a whisper. "I heard him." Tony struggled to speak, not wanting to collapse onto the ground like his friend. "What do you want from us?"
The glass of bourbon vanished from Benny's hand as his expression turned serious. "I want a promise. You boys are lucky to be alive right now. Most don't get that chance." He looked at Terrence and Tony, their heads nodding in agreement. "Here's the deal. You swear to me, right here and now, that you'll leave this life behind. No more crime. No more running with the wrong crowd. You straighten up — or I'll be back, and I won't be so nice."
Terrence and Tony exchanged a terrified glance before nodding vigorously. Tony answered, "I promise."
As the other gangsters focused on loading the final boxes, Terrence and Tony slipped away. The storm masked their departure.
"We need to get to the river," Tony muttered as they crouched beneath the bushes. "I remember it's not far. We have to get through these trees."
"Then what?" Terrence was doubtful of crossing a river in the storm. "We don't have a boat."
"We'll have to cross it. It's our only chance." Tony recognized the fear in his friend's eyes. "It's up to you, pal. I won't force you, but it's the only way for us to get out."
The rain was soaking them to the bone. Louie's voice crackled through the night as he ordered the men to hurry and finish the job, or they'd answer to him. The awful sound of Louie's voice sealed the deal. Terrence nodded. "Let's go!"
Their fear propelled them through the tangled bushes and dense forest until they emerged into the open air, the river rushing downstream.
"Think we can make it?" Terrence asked, eyeing the turbulent water.
"Only one way to find out." Taking a deep breath, Tony plunged into the river. Reluctantly, Terrence followed.
*****
CHAPTER 43
Seconds in the raging water, Terrence regretted his decision. Rain pelted his face as he kicked furiously, and his arms flailed against the relentless current. His muscles burned from his effort. His lungs screamed for air.
"Tony!" He bellowed for his friend as the muddy water dragged him beneath the surface. Coughing and spitting the filthy river water from his mouth, he screamed once more, "Tony, help me."
By some miracle, he felt a hand grasp his wrist. Their eyes locked as Tony clutched Terrence tightly. A deafening clap of thunder boomed across the sky as Tony shouted, "Don't let go! I've got you."
Together, they battled through the raging water, every stroke a struggle against the river's fury. Lightning split the sky, illuminating the churning waters and the muddy shore in the distance.
Terrence's strength was waning; his arms and legs were sluggish. He could feel the current pulling him down. "Let go, Tony. Save yourself."
"No, we are in this together." Tony dug deeper, praying for strength he wasn't sure he had. "Dear God, please don't let it end like this."
Suddenly, a large tree branch hurtled through the air and crashed mere inches from the boys. With wide-eyed astonishment, they wrapped their arms around it and clung on, floating away as the branch carried them downstream and out of the storm.
Gasping and coughing, they pulled their exhausted bodies onto the muddy bank, collapsing in a disheveled heap. They lay there for a moment, their bodies battered and spent but breathing. Each one was panting heavily, wondering how they were still alive.
Terrence turned to Tony, a faint, tired smile tugging at his lips. "We did it, man. We really did it."
Tony laughed in disbelief. "Yeah, we did."
"Lucky that tree branch came along. I couldn't have lasted another minute.
Tony's eyes drifted upwards at the clearing sky. "Yeah, it just dropped out of the sky." Tony's prayer flashed through his mind. "Came in the nick of time, that's for sure."
"Well, we're safe now." Terrence sighed.
Tony shook his head. "Not just yet. We've got to keep moving."
As the boys struggled to their feet, weighed down by their water-soaked clothing, a sudden chill filled the air, making the hairs on the back of their necks bristle. A mist coiled around them, and a deep, ominous voice shattered the silence.
"Leaving so soon, boys?"
Terrence and Tony whirled around in disbelief to see Benny hovering just above the ground. His eyes glinted with an eerie light. He raised his glass of bourbon and offered a toast: "To saving your life."
Terrence stammered, "Who — who are you?"
Tony gulped. "You — dropped that log — for us to snag onto?"
"Yup, that was me. "
"Are you some kind of angel or something?" Terrence couldn't wrap his mind around what was happening.
Benny laughed and took a long, deliberate sip of his bourbon. "Me, an angel? Naw, not by a long shot!"
Terrence took a step backward. "I never seen a real person float before. So, if you're not an angel —" He swallowed hard. "Are we dead?" His eyes widened as he spun to face his friend, grabbing his wet shirt. "Tony, we didn't make it. We're dead and going to hell."
"Stop it, Terrence! I don't know what's happening, but I know I am not dead." He pinched his friend, who yelped and pulled away. "And neither are you."
Amused, Benny chuckled and allowed himself to materialize fully in front of the boys. "Name's Benny," he offered as he looked at them intensely. "Like the guys you're running from, I used to be a hitman. The only difference is I've been dead a while now. And I've seen what happens to folks who don't change their ways."
Terrence sank to the ground, his body trembling in fear. He could feel his heart pounding against his ribcage. "Did you hear him, Tony? He said — he was dead."
Tony gulped, his voice barely above a whisper. "I heard him." Tony struggled to speak, not wanting to collapse onto the ground like his friend. "What do you want from us?"
The glass of bourbon vanished from Benny's hand as his expression turned serious. "I want a promise. You boys are lucky to be alive right now. Most don't get that chance." He looked at Terrence and Tony, their heads nodding in agreement. "Here's the deal. You swear to me, right here and now, that you'll leave this life behind. No more crime. No more running with the wrong crowd. You straighten up — or I'll be back, and I won't be so nice."
Terrence and Tony exchanged a terrified glance before nodding vigorously. Tony answered, "I promise."
Still unsure what was happening, Terrence followed suit, stuttering, "I promise. I don't want any part of this life anymore."
Satisfied, Benny smiled. "Just remember, I'll be watching."
With those words, Benny's earthly form faded, the mist dissipating into the night, leaving the boys alone on the riverbank.
Tony's eyes darted around the area before speaking. "Did that really happen?"
Terrence's mouth was gaping as he stared at the spot where Benny had been standing, his arm waving through the empty space. "It sure seemed like it did."
"I say let's get out of here."
"But Tony — where are we going? How do you figure we can start over? We got nothing."
Tony shrugged. "I don't know. We'll figure something out."
Benny's voice filtered through the trees. "Here's something to help you choose the right road, boys. Spend it wisely!"
Cash — hundred-dollar bills — began raining from above. The boys scrambled to collect the money, laughing and crying, each whispering a grateful thank you to the hitman.
*****
The men had loaded the panel trucks and were ready to go. The final crates and boxes were being removed from the mansion. The storm had passed, and everyone's spirits were jovial, anticipating the completion of the heist.
Louie stood near his makeshift desk, contemplating Frankie's reaction when he delivered all the loot to his doorstep. He smiled to himself — smugly remembering the black box of diamonds and gems he'd hidden in his own vehicle. "A babe on one arm and a drink in the other on some private beach. That's my kind of living."
"Were you talking to me, boss?" Marco checked the area as he approached, carrying a portrait.
Unaware he'd spoken out loud, Louie scowled at him. "No — don't tell me the thoughts of ghosts are getting to you too."
"Who me? Not a chance." Marcos smirked.
"What you got there?"
"Oh, this, it's a portrait of a mighty fine-looking woman. Thought it would look good hanging in your office."
In the dim moonlight, Louie examined the portrait. "Yeah, she's a looker alright. Bet she was a tiger under the sheets."
Both men laughed, and Louie set the portrait aside. "Let's wrap this up, Marcos. It's time for us to get out of this place."
"Gotcha, boss! The last crates and boxes are being loaded as we speak. I'll go check on it, and we'll be underway." Marcos headed back toward the tunnel entrance.
Louie settled into his chair and pulled the portrait closer, admiring the woman and fantasizing about having her on his arm, among other things.
Suddenly, a sultry voice emanated from the woman. "Hey, doll face. Do you have any plans for later?"
Louie spun around in his chair, his eyes darting in every direction, settling on a group of men nearby. He yelled in their direction. "Which one of you thinks you're funny?"
They were still trying to figure out what the boss was referring to, and each chimed in.
"Not me, boss."
"Honest, I didn't say a thing."
"Swear, it wasn't me."
Still staring at the men, Louie settled back in his chair.
"How about I show you a good time, Louie? I guarantee you it'll be a night you won't forget."
Wide-eyed, Louie fixed his gaze on the portrait. The woman's lips moved, and she blew him a kiss. "Come on, big boy. Show Betty Lou what you got."
Louie jumped out of his chair, yelling at the men. "Get that portrait out of here. Load it in the truck. I'm not paying you to stand around."
One man hastened to Louie's side and grabbed the portrait, staring at the woman. "She's a looker, boss."
Louie screamed, "Get it out of my sight, I said."
The man turned and hurried away, passing Marcos, who had heard his boss's voice yelling, and hurried to see what was happening.
"What's going on, boss? Thought you were going to hang the portrait in your office?"
His voice shaking, Louie snapped, "Nope! Changed my mind. It won't go with the decor." He settled into his chair, breathing heavily. "Just get rid of it. Burn it! Just get it away from me."
As the worker loaded the portrait into the truck and closed the door, the woman's voice echoed one last time, "See you around, Louie."
The worker looked around, shook his head, and headed toward the front of the truck, muttering, "This place is making everyone crazy."
Louie stood, knowing he couldn't leave the mansion fast enough. He muttered, "Ghosts aren't real." But the lingering chill in the air suggested otherwise.
*****
As the drama unfolded in the bowels of the mansion and out in the fields, Noah and several others had gathered in the library.
Noah ran his finger across the dusty shelf. "I'll have to speak to Lorrie about cleaning and clearing out some of this stuff."
"She's had a few other things on her mind, like keeping us all out of danger and especially watching over Sandra and Madeline." Esther scolded Noah. "Remember, you are new to this spiritual society, regardless if you were lord of the mansion."
Noah chuckled. "Relax, Esther. I was merely making conversation. I would never say anything bad about Lorrie. She's got her moods, but her heart is pure gold."
"Yes, it is." Her face softened as she thought of her newfound friend, Madeline. "Lorrie has taken both women under her wing. Madeline's a changed woman, or so I hear. She's been so nice to me. A true friend."
Now, it was Noah's turn to smile. "Yes, my wife is a new woman. I'm pleased that you have found a shared friendship."
"Madeline is very special. I'm going to miss her when we're gone." Esther's earthly form dimmed as the thought of leaving Madeline behind sunk in. "I hadn't thought about it, but she'll be left alone if the treasure is found."
"Not exactly. I've promised James I would stay and help with the sorting out of things."
Esther's glow brightened. "Madeline will like that."
Will entered the room and moved to his mother's side. "Father says it won't be long now. Plans are in the ready when the mobsters leave the mansion. We're to expect a lot of noise and rumbling within the confines, too."
"They're not exploding the mansion, are they? It frightened us all when Sebastian stopped the demons in the ballroom."
"No, Mother, I don't think it's anything to worry about."
"Well, I can't just sit here and wait." Esther glanced around the room at the bookshelves laden with books of every size. All covered with dust. "We have to find that book. After all, we still need to find the real treasure."
"Yes, the book about Italy." Will moved across the room, examining a few shelves.
Noah's brow furrowed in concentration. "I remember seeing it. I believe it was in this library." He, too, pulled several books off the shelf, blew the dust away, and examined the titles. "Books on every topic available."
"Yes, William was quite the collector."
"That he was," exclaimed Will. "Even while I was very young, he always found a book at the market and brought it home to read. Those were some of my fondest moments with him reading to me."
Suddenly, Noah's voice filled the room as he shouted, "I remember where I saw it. It's not this library, it's William's private study. He always kept his favorite books there. I recall Billy telling me the stories of his grandfather reading to him as well."
A spark of hope ignited in Esther's eyes. "William's private study? Are you sure?"
Noah's eyes lit up as he recalled the details. "Yes, I'm certain. Follow me."
He led them through the grand corridors of the mansion, their footsteps echoing in the eerie silence. They arrived at a heavy oak door, its surface adorned with intricate carvings. Noah pushed it open, revealing a room untouched by time. Shelves lined the walls, filled with rare and valuable books, and a large wooden desk stood at the center.
Noah approached the desk, his fingers trailing over its surface. "I know it's here somewhere."
Satisfied, Benny smiled. "Just remember, I'll be watching."
With those words, Benny's earthly form faded, the mist dissipating into the night, leaving the boys alone on the riverbank.
Tony's eyes darted around the area before speaking. "Did that really happen?"
Terrence's mouth was gaping as he stared at the spot where Benny had been standing, his arm waving through the empty space. "It sure seemed like it did."
"I say let's get out of here."
"But Tony — where are we going? How do you figure we can start over? We got nothing."
Tony shrugged. "I don't know. We'll figure something out."
Benny's voice filtered through the trees. "Here's something to help you choose the right road, boys. Spend it wisely!"
Cash — hundred-dollar bills — began raining from above. The boys scrambled to collect the money, laughing and crying, each whispering a grateful thank you to the hitman.
*****
The men had loaded the panel trucks and were ready to go. The final crates and boxes were being removed from the mansion. The storm had passed, and everyone's spirits were jovial, anticipating the completion of the heist.
Louie stood near his makeshift desk, contemplating Frankie's reaction when he delivered all the loot to his doorstep. He smiled to himself — smugly remembering the black box of diamonds and gems he'd hidden in his own vehicle. "A babe on one arm and a drink in the other on some private beach. That's my kind of living."
"Were you talking to me, boss?" Marco checked the area as he approached, carrying a portrait.
Unaware he'd spoken out loud, Louie scowled at him. "No — don't tell me the thoughts of ghosts are getting to you too."
"Who me? Not a chance." Marcos smirked.
"What you got there?"
"Oh, this, it's a portrait of a mighty fine-looking woman. Thought it would look good hanging in your office."
In the dim moonlight, Louie examined the portrait. "Yeah, she's a looker alright. Bet she was a tiger under the sheets."
Both men laughed, and Louie set the portrait aside. "Let's wrap this up, Marcos. It's time for us to get out of this place."
"Gotcha, boss! The last crates and boxes are being loaded as we speak. I'll go check on it, and we'll be underway." Marcos headed back toward the tunnel entrance.
Louie settled into his chair and pulled the portrait closer, admiring the woman and fantasizing about having her on his arm, among other things.
Suddenly, a sultry voice emanated from the woman. "Hey, doll face. Do you have any plans for later?"
Louie spun around in his chair, his eyes darting in every direction, settling on a group of men nearby. He yelled in their direction. "Which one of you thinks you're funny?"
They were still trying to figure out what the boss was referring to, and each chimed in.
"Not me, boss."
"Honest, I didn't say a thing."
"Swear, it wasn't me."
Still staring at the men, Louie settled back in his chair.
"How about I show you a good time, Louie? I guarantee you it'll be a night you won't forget."
Wide-eyed, Louie fixed his gaze on the portrait. The woman's lips moved, and she blew him a kiss. "Come on, big boy. Show Betty Lou what you got."
Louie jumped out of his chair, yelling at the men. "Get that portrait out of here. Load it in the truck. I'm not paying you to stand around."
One man hastened to Louie's side and grabbed the portrait, staring at the woman. "She's a looker, boss."
Louie screamed, "Get it out of my sight, I said."
The man turned and hurried away, passing Marcos, who had heard his boss's voice yelling, and hurried to see what was happening.
"What's going on, boss? Thought you were going to hang the portrait in your office?"
His voice shaking, Louie snapped, "Nope! Changed my mind. It won't go with the decor." He settled into his chair, breathing heavily. "Just get rid of it. Burn it! Just get it away from me."
As the worker loaded the portrait into the truck and closed the door, the woman's voice echoed one last time, "See you around, Louie."
The worker looked around, shook his head, and headed toward the front of the truck, muttering, "This place is making everyone crazy."
Louie stood, knowing he couldn't leave the mansion fast enough. He muttered, "Ghosts aren't real." But the lingering chill in the air suggested otherwise.
*****
As the drama unfolded in the bowels of the mansion and out in the fields, Noah and several others had gathered in the library.
Noah ran his finger across the dusty shelf. "I'll have to speak to Lorrie about cleaning and clearing out some of this stuff."
"She's had a few other things on her mind, like keeping us all out of danger and especially watching over Sandra and Madeline." Esther scolded Noah. "Remember, you are new to this spiritual society, regardless if you were lord of the mansion."
Noah chuckled. "Relax, Esther. I was merely making conversation. I would never say anything bad about Lorrie. She's got her moods, but her heart is pure gold."
"Yes, it is." Her face softened as she thought of her newfound friend, Madeline. "Lorrie has taken both women under her wing. Madeline's a changed woman, or so I hear. She's been so nice to me. A true friend."
Now, it was Noah's turn to smile. "Yes, my wife is a new woman. I'm pleased that you have found a shared friendship."
"Madeline is very special. I'm going to miss her when we're gone." Esther's earthly form dimmed as the thought of leaving Madeline behind sunk in. "I hadn't thought about it, but she'll be left alone if the treasure is found."
"Not exactly. I've promised James I would stay and help with the sorting out of things."
Esther's glow brightened. "Madeline will like that."
Will entered the room and moved to his mother's side. "Father says it won't be long now. Plans are in the ready when the mobsters leave the mansion. We're to expect a lot of noise and rumbling within the confines, too."
"They're not exploding the mansion, are they? It frightened us all when Sebastian stopped the demons in the ballroom."
"No, Mother, I don't think it's anything to worry about."
"Well, I can't just sit here and wait." Esther glanced around the room at the bookshelves laden with books of every size. All covered with dust. "We have to find that book. After all, we still need to find the real treasure."
"Yes, the book about Italy." Will moved across the room, examining a few shelves.
Noah's brow furrowed in concentration. "I remember seeing it. I believe it was in this library." He, too, pulled several books off the shelf, blew the dust away, and examined the titles. "Books on every topic available."
"Yes, William was quite the collector."
"That he was," exclaimed Will. "Even while I was very young, he always found a book at the market and brought it home to read. Those were some of my fondest moments with him reading to me."
Suddenly, Noah's voice filled the room as he shouted, "I remember where I saw it. It's not this library, it's William's private study. He always kept his favorite books there. I recall Billy telling me the stories of his grandfather reading to him as well."
A spark of hope ignited in Esther's eyes. "William's private study? Are you sure?"
Noah's eyes lit up as he recalled the details. "Yes, I'm certain. Follow me."
He led them through the grand corridors of the mansion, their footsteps echoing in the eerie silence. They arrived at a heavy oak door, its surface adorned with intricate carvings. Noah pushed it open, revealing a room untouched by time. Shelves lined the walls, filled with rare and valuable books, and a large wooden desk stood at the center.
Noah approached the desk, his fingers trailing over its surface. "I know it's here somewhere."
Sandra Monroe - fledgling crime investigative reporter
Detective Ryan Hamilton - a ghost
Judge William Parker - the grandfather and ghost
Will Parker - the father and ghost
Judge William Parker (Billy) - the grandson and ghost
Benny Gonzales - The Hitman - a ghost
Lorrie - the housekeeper - a ghost
James Matthews - writer living in the mansion's carriage house - a ghost
Noah Wakefield - deceased
Madeline Wakefield - widow
Tim - Sandra's father and a ghost
Victoria - the ghostly FORMER mistress in the 1800s
Esther - a female ghost from the 1800s, hoping to reclaim what's rightfully hers
Sebastian - once a lover and friend of Victoria's but now a celestial being
Frankie Saladino - mobster boss
Louie Frisella - Frankie's #1 man
Marco - a wanna-be fighting his way up the ranks
Maurice - head of a rival crew
Vinny - a ghost of William's past
Sgt. Patrick O'Rielly - William's friend from the past and a ghost
Jack O'Rielly - police officer and grandson of Patrick (a mortal)
Michael Sullivan - a rookie with the police force (a mortal)
Les Miller - CEO of Crime Stoppers Gazette and Sandra's boss
Annie - Sandra's assistant
Tyler - the local sheriff
Tony and Terrence - two bumbling wanna-be gangsters
Pays
one point
and 2 member cents. Detective Ryan Hamilton - a ghost
Judge William Parker - the grandfather and ghost
Will Parker - the father and ghost
Judge William Parker (Billy) - the grandson and ghost
Benny Gonzales - The Hitman - a ghost
Lorrie - the housekeeper - a ghost
James Matthews - writer living in the mansion's carriage house - a ghost
Noah Wakefield - deceased
Madeline Wakefield - widow
Tim - Sandra's father and a ghost
Victoria - the ghostly FORMER mistress in the 1800s
Esther - a female ghost from the 1800s, hoping to reclaim what's rightfully hers
Sebastian - once a lover and friend of Victoria's but now a celestial being
Frankie Saladino - mobster boss
Louie Frisella - Frankie's #1 man
Marco - a wanna-be fighting his way up the ranks
Maurice - head of a rival crew
Vinny - a ghost of William's past
Sgt. Patrick O'Rielly - William's friend from the past and a ghost
Jack O'Rielly - police officer and grandson of Patrick (a mortal)
Michael Sullivan - a rookie with the police force (a mortal)
Les Miller - CEO of Crime Stoppers Gazette and Sandra's boss
Annie - Sandra's assistant
Tyler - the local sheriff
Tony and Terrence - two bumbling wanna-be gangsters
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