| Mystery and Crime Fiction posted November 21, 2024 | Chapters: |
...15 16 -17- 18... 
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Tracking the bread crumbs, one at a time
A chapter in the book Miracles
Miracles - Chap 17
by Begin Again
Eleanor clenched the railing as she stood on the mansion's dilapidated porch and watched Garth and Danni pull out of the driveway. Part of her was furious because he hadn't listened, but another part felt he'd given her free rein to do things as she saw fit.
Miriam had promised to take her to Donatelli, and she was going to do that with or without him.
"Your FBI friend, he doesn't care about Matthew?" Miriam remained invisible, fearing the girls might come outside, but she was close enough to murmur to Eleanor. "Do you need him to help?"
Eleanor turned toward the sound of the voice. "Absolutely not! My FBI friend's name is Garth, and the woman with him —"
"She's like us. I could sense her aura." Miriam watched the tail lights disappear around the curve.
"Yes, she's like us, and she works with Matthew. She'd never have left if she knew what I was about to say. But they are gone, and now it is up to you and me to protect Matthew and get him to safety. Can you take me to him now?"
Miriam touched Eleanor's arm. "Willow will lead you to the cottage. It's across the field and through the trees. Will you be okay?"
Eleanor laughed. "Miriam, I'm like you. I've been transported across the ocean; I am sure I can make it to your cottage." She reached out and scratched between Willow's ears. "You'll lead me there, right, Willow?"
The mule brayed and swished his tail. Eleanor did one of her magic twitches with her hand and produced a carrot. "Here you go, boy."
Miriam giggled. "Don't go spoiling my mule unless you plan on teaching me that trick." She raised her eyebrow. "Can all of us do that?"
"With practice." Eleanor smiled. "But first, we've got things to attend to."
"Right. Now, don't be too disappointed if he doesn't recognize you. Somedays, I wonder if he even remembers who I am, and I've been caring for him every day."
"You go on ahead, Miriam. Willow and I will be right behind when he finishes his carrot." Willow pushed his nose against Eleanor's hand as if searching for more treats. She laughed, "Don't get greedy, Willow. We've got work to do. Come on, show me where you live."
*****
Miriam was standing in the doorway when Eleanor and Willow arrived. "He doesn't walk too fast anymore."
Eleanor handed the mule another carrot, and he munched away. "Willow did just fine." She inhaled deeply and expelled the air before stepping onto the small porch. "I can't believe how well hidden this place is from the main house. I would never have known it was here."
"I've let all the bushes and vines weave their way about so nobody would come snooping. When the vineyard was being worked long ago, this was the cooling down spot when things got too hot."
Eleanor looked out across the vineyard and nodded. It must have been a lovely spot."
"It was Trevor's dream — maybe Rebecca will make it hers too."
"I know I've not asked, nor have you mentioned it, but do you want to meet Rebecca?"
"I'd like nothing better, but I don't want to alarm the girl. I imagine just learning she had another family has been a big enough shock."
"Don't cut yourself short, Miriam. Having a second chance to be with my friends and family has been a blessing. It's a bit of a jolt for the living at first, but it's also a gift. You'll know if the time is right for you and your granddaughter."
"We'll see, but now it's your time with the young man. Are you ready?"
Eleanor nodded, followed Miriam inside the cottage, and couldn't help but be impressed. Despite its small size, it was immaculate, and it was obvious that every item in the home was precious to Miriam. "It's adorable. That tea set and dinnerware remind me of something similar I saw in Italy."
"It was a wedding gift from my parents. I believe it belonged to my grandmother." Miriam glowed as she ran her fingers around the edges of the plates. "But enough, let's get to seeing your young man. He's in the bedroom. Go ahead and open the door. He's expecting you."
Her breath caught when she saw him — thinner than she'd imagined, his once-strong frame reduced to trembling fragility. She swallowed hard, determined to keep her composure.
Donatelli sat on the edge of the bed, his body trembling as he tried to hold himself upright. He looked up as Eleanor entered, filling the room with a comforting warmth.
She knelt in front of him, her voice a gentle whisper. "Matthew — it's me, Eleanor."
His brow furrowed, his eyes searching hers as if trying to pull a memory from the haze. "I'm sorry. Should I know you?"
A shadow of sadness crossed Eleanor's face, but she smiled. "That's okay. You don't need to remember me right now. Just know that I'm here for you."
Something in his chest tightened, and though he couldn't place her, a deep sense of trust settled over him. "Thank you," he murmured, his voice rough.
She touched his hand gently. "Do you remember anything about what happened?"
He shook his head, and Eleanor's heart quivered when she saw the fear and uncertainty in his eyes. "It's okay. I'll get you help, and it will return to you in time." Unable to stop herself, she leaned forward and hugged him. For one moment, she thought she felt him hug her back. "I've got to go and arrange medical care, but I promise I'll be back. Miriam has taken wonderful care of you, but now it's time to get you away from here before they come looking for you."
He looked confused about who she was referring to but nodded.
Eleanor glanced one more time at him as she left the room. She pulled her phone from her pocket and checked her contacts, thankful she'd kept it from the last time she needed Frank DiVito's help.
Miriam lingered by the door, her worry evident.
It was Frank's private number, so Eleanor knew he would answer. She didn't wait for him to say hello when she heard him pick up. "Frankie, it's Eleanor —"
"Your voice is music to my ears. It's great to hear from you. Are you still keeping my old friend in line?"
"I'm trying, but we both know he's a handful. I hate to ask, but I need your help again. It's Donatelli."
Frank commented, and she chuckled before answering, "Yes, that Donatelli. I promise to explain later, but time is of the essence. He needs to be moved to your hospital immediately with as little commotion as possible." She paused.
"I don't need an explanation, Eleanor. You are my friend, and we help each other."
Eleanor gave him the address, and he told her the helicopter would be in the air and on its way in fifteen minutes with an estimated arrival time of twenty minutes.
"Thank you, Frank. I owe you."
"You owe me nothing. That's what friends are for — I do what I can."
As they were saying their goodbyes, Miriam heard the rumble of an approaching car and peered outside. Her voice raised an octave with fear. "Eleanor — someone's here. Up at the mansion gate."
"Is it Garth?"
"No, I think it's those other law guys that were on the cliff this morning." Miriam turned toward her, frowning.
"Frank, we've got visitors. I'll do my best to hold them off, but please hurry."
Eleanor ended the call and immediately called Jenna. As her daughter said hello, she rushed into what she had to say, "Jenna, you've got company coming. I've no time to explain but be prepared to go with whatever happens. I'm on my way. If they want to come in, act like the place is haunted."
"Haunted? Are you—" Before Jenna could ask questions, the line went dead.
Rebecca stood at the window. "Jenna, there's two men outside walking around. What do you think they want?"
"If I was to guess, they are probably looking for Matthew."
"What do we do if they come to the door?"
"Mom says to act like you think the place is haunted?"
"They're not going to believe me."
"I don't have time to explain, Rebecca, but if my mother is behind this, it'll work."
"Your mother — Eleanor — what can she do?"
"Oh gosh, there isn't a good way to tell you this, but —" Someone knocked on the door, and Jenna blurted out, "My mother's a ghost."
"What? Are you kidding me?" Rebecca stood with her mouth open. "Jenna, that's not even funny."
"Trust me, Rebecca. She's an honest-to-goodness spirit. So be prepared for anything."
The knocking was louder as Rebecca opened the door to Owen Maxwell and Joe DeLuca. Detective DeLuca flashed his badge. "Sorry to bother you, ma'am, but I thought this place was abandoned. Are you okay?"
Remembering what Jenna said, she decided to play along, anything to make them disappear. Stammering, she grabbed his hand, "Detective, come in. I just inherited this place, and it's — it's haunted."
"Haunted, ma'am?" DeLuca couldn't hide his snicker. "Sure, we'll gladly step inside and check around for you. Are you alone?"
"No, my friend is here with me." Rebecca stepped aside and let the two men enter.
"Wow, from the looks of the outside, I'd have never guessed it was so nice in here. You've been busy."
Owen Maxwell spoke for the first time. "You said your friend was here?"
"Yes, she was resting."
Jenna entered the room, knowing that the two men would recognize her. Owen wasted no time. "It's Jenna, right? You're the girl Donatelli was dating." His eyes roamed across Jenna's protruding stomach and then to her face. "You know he's wanted for murder, don't you? It's a criminal offense to aid a wanted person."
Jenna glared at Owen Maxwell, and if looks could kill, she knew she'd be up on murder charges as well. "Matthew didn't kill anyone. I don't know what you are trying to pull, but it won't work."
"So, you're saying he isn't here?" Maxwell questioned, obviously doubtful that Jenna was telling the truth.
"I'm saying you are wasting your time, but feel free to look around." She waved her hand as if saying he was free to pass.
Rebecca moved closer to Jenna. "Look around, but remember I forewarned you that the place is haunted."
As DeLuca opened his notebook to jot down some questions, the pen suddenly shot from his hand and hovered mid-air. His eyes widened as it slowly rotated, then scribbled something illegible in the air before clattering onto the table.
"What the hell—" Maxwell started, but he was cut off as one of the teacups on the sideboard floated toward him. It hung in front of his face momentarily as though inspecting him before tipping just enough to splash tea onto his shoes.
DeLuca jumped to his feet, his chair scraping loudly against the floor. "What kind of joke is this?" he barked.
Rebecca gasped dramatically, clutching her chest. "Oh, it's not a joke! They do things like this all the time!"
A bookshelf creaked, and several books tumbled to the floor and then magically returned to the shelf. The curtains fluttered though the windows were firmly shut. DeLuca's hand hovered near his holster but stopped short of drawing his gun.
The grand chandelier above them began to sway ominously, its glass prisms casting fragmented rainbows on the walls. A low, guttural moan echoed through the room as the house creaked loudly — Eleanor's doing.
"Looking for someone? A ghost, perhaps?" Miriam's voice was hollow. Her words echoed as if spoken from all directions at once.
Eleanor pressed her wet fingers against DeLuca's cheek as an added touch. "Here's a goodbye kiss."
Jenna stepped forward, her expression of feigned concern. "It's been happening ever since we got here. You believe us now, don't you?"
"Believe you?" DeLuca hissed, glancing around as though expecting another object to come flying. "I believe this place needs an exorcist."
A faint chuckle — Eleanor's — echoed through the room, sending a shiver down both men's spines.
"DeLuca, let's get out of here," Maxwell muttered, edging toward the door.
"You don't have to tell me twice," DeLuca snapped halfway to the exit. "Someone else can check this place out, but I've had enough."
As they stumbled onto the front porch, DeLuca rubbed his face, trying to shake off the strange feeling crawling up his spine. "Look, I don't know what's going on in there, but I'm not sticking around to find out."
Still visibly shaken, Maxwell pointed to the distant cliff where a faint light hovered. "Look at that?"
DeLuca squinted, the sound of helicopter blades faintly audible in the distance. "Yeah, I see it. And I don't like it."
The two men exchanged a wary glance before quickly making their way to their car. As they pulled away from the house, Maxwell glanced in the rear-view mirror at its ominous silhouette.
"Next time someone tells me a place is haunted, I'm taking their word for it," he muttered.
DeLuca didn't respond, his gaze locked on the faint light of the helicopter disappearing into the night sky, wondering if it was real or — something supernatural.
*****
Rebecca sank into one of the overstuffed chairs as Eleanor materialized, "Am I dreaming? None of this can be real, can it?"
Eleanor chuckled. "Sorry for the shock, but it was the only plan I could devise on such short notice."
Jenna smiled at her friend. "Told you she was a ghost."
Rebecca shook her head as she tried to accept what had happened. "A ghost." Seconds later, they all broke into a round of laughter, with Miriam watching and smiling from the doorway.
Eleanor clenched the railing as she stood on the mansion's dilapidated porch and watched Garth and Danni pull out of the driveway. Part of her was furious because he hadn't listened, but another part felt he'd given her free rein to do things as she saw fit.
Miriam had promised to take her to Donatelli, and she was going to do that with or without him.
"Your FBI friend, he doesn't care about Matthew?" Miriam remained invisible, fearing the girls might come outside, but she was close enough to murmur to Eleanor. "Do you need him to help?"
Eleanor turned toward the sound of the voice. "Absolutely not! My FBI friend's name is Garth, and the woman with him —"
"She's like us. I could sense her aura." Miriam watched the tail lights disappear around the curve.
"Yes, she's like us, and she works with Matthew. She'd never have left if she knew what I was about to say. But they are gone, and now it is up to you and me to protect Matthew and get him to safety. Can you take me to him now?"
Miriam touched Eleanor's arm. "Willow will lead you to the cottage. It's across the field and through the trees. Will you be okay?"
Eleanor laughed. "Miriam, I'm like you. I've been transported across the ocean; I am sure I can make it to your cottage." She reached out and scratched between Willow's ears. "You'll lead me there, right, Willow?"
The mule brayed and swished his tail. Eleanor did one of her magic twitches with her hand and produced a carrot. "Here you go, boy."
Miriam giggled. "Don't go spoiling my mule unless you plan on teaching me that trick." She raised her eyebrow. "Can all of us do that?"
"With practice." Eleanor smiled. "But first, we've got things to attend to."
"Right. Now, don't be too disappointed if he doesn't recognize you. Somedays, I wonder if he even remembers who I am, and I've been caring for him every day."
"You go on ahead, Miriam. Willow and I will be right behind when he finishes his carrot." Willow pushed his nose against Eleanor's hand as if searching for more treats. She laughed, "Don't get greedy, Willow. We've got work to do. Come on, show me where you live."
*****
Miriam was standing in the doorway when Eleanor and Willow arrived. "He doesn't walk too fast anymore."
Eleanor handed the mule another carrot, and he munched away. "Willow did just fine." She inhaled deeply and expelled the air before stepping onto the small porch. "I can't believe how well hidden this place is from the main house. I would never have known it was here."
"I've let all the bushes and vines weave their way about so nobody would come snooping. When the vineyard was being worked long ago, this was the cooling down spot when things got too hot."
Eleanor looked out across the vineyard and nodded. It must have been a lovely spot."
"It was Trevor's dream — maybe Rebecca will make it hers too."
"I know I've not asked, nor have you mentioned it, but do you want to meet Rebecca?"
"I'd like nothing better, but I don't want to alarm the girl. I imagine just learning she had another family has been a big enough shock."
"Don't cut yourself short, Miriam. Having a second chance to be with my friends and family has been a blessing. It's a bit of a jolt for the living at first, but it's also a gift. You'll know if the time is right for you and your granddaughter."
"We'll see, but now it's your time with the young man. Are you ready?"
Eleanor nodded, followed Miriam inside the cottage, and couldn't help but be impressed. Despite its small size, it was immaculate, and it was obvious that every item in the home was precious to Miriam. "It's adorable. That tea set and dinnerware remind me of something similar I saw in Italy."
"It was a wedding gift from my parents. I believe it belonged to my grandmother." Miriam glowed as she ran her fingers around the edges of the plates. "But enough, let's get to seeing your young man. He's in the bedroom. Go ahead and open the door. He's expecting you."
Her breath caught when she saw him — thinner than she'd imagined, his once-strong frame reduced to trembling fragility. She swallowed hard, determined to keep her composure.
Donatelli sat on the edge of the bed, his body trembling as he tried to hold himself upright. He looked up as Eleanor entered, filling the room with a comforting warmth.
She knelt in front of him, her voice a gentle whisper. "Matthew — it's me, Eleanor."
His brow furrowed, his eyes searching hers as if trying to pull a memory from the haze. "I'm sorry. Should I know you?"
A shadow of sadness crossed Eleanor's face, but she smiled. "That's okay. You don't need to remember me right now. Just know that I'm here for you."
Something in his chest tightened, and though he couldn't place her, a deep sense of trust settled over him. "Thank you," he murmured, his voice rough.
She touched his hand gently. "Do you remember anything about what happened?"
He shook his head, and Eleanor's heart quivered when she saw the fear and uncertainty in his eyes. "It's okay. I'll get you help, and it will return to you in time." Unable to stop herself, she leaned forward and hugged him. For one moment, she thought she felt him hug her back. "I've got to go and arrange medical care, but I promise I'll be back. Miriam has taken wonderful care of you, but now it's time to get you away from here before they come looking for you."
Miriam had promised to take her to Donatelli, and she was going to do that with or without him.
"Your FBI friend, he doesn't care about Matthew?" Miriam remained invisible, fearing the girls might come outside, but she was close enough to murmur to Eleanor. "Do you need him to help?"
Eleanor turned toward the sound of the voice. "Absolutely not! My FBI friend's name is Garth, and the woman with him —"
"She's like us. I could sense her aura." Miriam watched the tail lights disappear around the curve.
"Yes, she's like us, and she works with Matthew. She'd never have left if she knew what I was about to say. But they are gone, and now it is up to you and me to protect Matthew and get him to safety. Can you take me to him now?"
Miriam touched Eleanor's arm. "Willow will lead you to the cottage. It's across the field and through the trees. Will you be okay?"
Eleanor laughed. "Miriam, I'm like you. I've been transported across the ocean; I am sure I can make it to your cottage." She reached out and scratched between Willow's ears. "You'll lead me there, right, Willow?"
The mule brayed and swished his tail. Eleanor did one of her magic twitches with her hand and produced a carrot. "Here you go, boy."
Miriam giggled. "Don't go spoiling my mule unless you plan on teaching me that trick." She raised her eyebrow. "Can all of us do that?"
"With practice." Eleanor smiled. "But first, we've got things to attend to."
"Right. Now, don't be too disappointed if he doesn't recognize you. Somedays, I wonder if he even remembers who I am, and I've been caring for him every day."
"You go on ahead, Miriam. Willow and I will be right behind when he finishes his carrot." Willow pushed his nose against Eleanor's hand as if searching for more treats. She laughed, "Don't get greedy, Willow. We've got work to do. Come on, show me where you live."
*****
Miriam was standing in the doorway when Eleanor and Willow arrived. "He doesn't walk too fast anymore."
Eleanor handed the mule another carrot, and he munched away. "Willow did just fine." She inhaled deeply and expelled the air before stepping onto the small porch. "I can't believe how well hidden this place is from the main house. I would never have known it was here."
"I've let all the bushes and vines weave their way about so nobody would come snooping. When the vineyard was being worked long ago, this was the cooling down spot when things got too hot."
Eleanor looked out across the vineyard and nodded. It must have been a lovely spot."
"It was Trevor's dream — maybe Rebecca will make it hers too."
"I know I've not asked, nor have you mentioned it, but do you want to meet Rebecca?"
"I'd like nothing better, but I don't want to alarm the girl. I imagine just learning she had another family has been a big enough shock."
"Don't cut yourself short, Miriam. Having a second chance to be with my friends and family has been a blessing. It's a bit of a jolt for the living at first, but it's also a gift. You'll know if the time is right for you and your granddaughter."
"We'll see, but now it's your time with the young man. Are you ready?"
Eleanor nodded, followed Miriam inside the cottage, and couldn't help but be impressed. Despite its small size, it was immaculate, and it was obvious that every item in the home was precious to Miriam. "It's adorable. That tea set and dinnerware remind me of something similar I saw in Italy."
"It was a wedding gift from my parents. I believe it belonged to my grandmother." Miriam glowed as she ran her fingers around the edges of the plates. "But enough, let's get to seeing your young man. He's in the bedroom. Go ahead and open the door. He's expecting you."
Her breath caught when she saw him — thinner than she'd imagined, his once-strong frame reduced to trembling fragility. She swallowed hard, determined to keep her composure.
Donatelli sat on the edge of the bed, his body trembling as he tried to hold himself upright. He looked up as Eleanor entered, filling the room with a comforting warmth.
She knelt in front of him, her voice a gentle whisper. "Matthew — it's me, Eleanor."
His brow furrowed, his eyes searching hers as if trying to pull a memory from the haze. "I'm sorry. Should I know you?"
A shadow of sadness crossed Eleanor's face, but she smiled. "That's okay. You don't need to remember me right now. Just know that I'm here for you."
Something in his chest tightened, and though he couldn't place her, a deep sense of trust settled over him. "Thank you," he murmured, his voice rough.
She touched his hand gently. "Do you remember anything about what happened?"
He shook his head, and Eleanor's heart quivered when she saw the fear and uncertainty in his eyes. "It's okay. I'll get you help, and it will return to you in time." Unable to stop herself, she leaned forward and hugged him. For one moment, she thought she felt him hug her back. "I've got to go and arrange medical care, but I promise I'll be back. Miriam has taken wonderful care of you, but now it's time to get you away from here before they come looking for you."
He looked confused about who she was referring to but nodded.
Eleanor glanced one more time at him as she left the room. She pulled her phone from her pocket and checked her contacts, thankful she'd kept it from the last time she needed Frank DiVito's help.
Miriam lingered by the door, her worry evident.
It was Frank's private number, so Eleanor knew he would answer. She didn't wait for him to say hello when she heard him pick up. "Frankie, it's Eleanor —"
Eleanor glanced one more time at him as she left the room. She pulled her phone from her pocket and checked her contacts, thankful she'd kept it from the last time she needed Frank DiVito's help.
Miriam lingered by the door, her worry evident.
It was Frank's private number, so Eleanor knew he would answer. She didn't wait for him to say hello when she heard him pick up. "Frankie, it's Eleanor —"
"Your voice is music to my ears. It's great to hear from you. Are you still keeping my old friend in line?"
"I'm trying, but we both know he's a handful. I hate to ask, but I need your help again. It's Donatelli."
"I'm trying, but we both know he's a handful. I hate to ask, but I need your help again. It's Donatelli."
Frank commented, and she chuckled before answering, "Yes, that Donatelli. I promise to explain later, but time is of the essence. He needs to be moved to your hospital immediately with as little commotion as possible." She paused.
"I don't need an explanation, Eleanor. You are my friend, and we help each other."
Eleanor gave him the address, and he told her the helicopter would be in the air and on its way in fifteen minutes with an estimated arrival time of twenty minutes.
"Thank you, Frank. I owe you."
"I don't need an explanation, Eleanor. You are my friend, and we help each other."
Eleanor gave him the address, and he told her the helicopter would be in the air and on its way in fifteen minutes with an estimated arrival time of twenty minutes.
"Thank you, Frank. I owe you."
"You owe me nothing. That's what friends are for — I do what I can."
As they were saying their goodbyes, Miriam heard the rumble of an approaching car and peered outside. Her voice raised an octave with fear. "Eleanor — someone's here. Up at the mansion gate."
"Is it Garth?"
"No, I think it's those other law guys that were on the cliff this morning." Miriam turned toward her, frowning.
"Frank, we've got visitors. I'll do my best to hold them off, but please hurry."
Eleanor ended the call and immediately called Jenna. As her daughter said hello, she rushed into what she had to say, "Jenna, you've got company coming. I've no time to explain but be prepared to go with whatever happens. I'm on my way. If they want to come in, act like the place is haunted."
As they were saying their goodbyes, Miriam heard the rumble of an approaching car and peered outside. Her voice raised an octave with fear. "Eleanor — someone's here. Up at the mansion gate."
"Is it Garth?"
"No, I think it's those other law guys that were on the cliff this morning." Miriam turned toward her, frowning.
"Frank, we've got visitors. I'll do my best to hold them off, but please hurry."
Eleanor ended the call and immediately called Jenna. As her daughter said hello, she rushed into what she had to say, "Jenna, you've got company coming. I've no time to explain but be prepared to go with whatever happens. I'm on my way. If they want to come in, act like the place is haunted."
"Haunted? Are you—" Before Jenna could ask questions, the line went dead.
Rebecca stood at the window. "Jenna, there's two men outside walking around. What do you think they want?"
"If I was to guess, they are probably looking for Matthew."
"What do we do if they come to the door?"
"Mom says to act like you think the place is haunted?"
"They're not going to believe me."
"I don't have time to explain, Rebecca, but if my mother is behind this, it'll work."
"Your mother — Eleanor — what can she do?"
"Oh gosh, there isn't a good way to tell you this, but —" Someone knocked on the door, and Jenna blurted out, "My mother's a ghost."
"What? Are you kidding me?" Rebecca stood with her mouth open. "Jenna, that's not even funny."
"Trust me, Rebecca. She's an honest-to-goodness spirit. So be prepared for anything."
The knocking was louder as Rebecca opened the door to Owen Maxwell and Joe DeLuca. Detective DeLuca flashed his badge. "Sorry to bother you, ma'am, but I thought this place was abandoned. Are you okay?"
Remembering what Jenna said, she decided to play along, anything to make them disappear. Stammering, she grabbed his hand, "Detective, come in. I just inherited this place, and it's — it's haunted."
"Haunted, ma'am?" DeLuca couldn't hide his snicker. "Sure, we'll gladly step inside and check around for you. Are you alone?"
"No, my friend is here with me." Rebecca stepped aside and let the two men enter.
"Wow, from the looks of the outside, I'd have never guessed it was so nice in here. You've been busy."
Owen Maxwell spoke for the first time. "You said your friend was here?"
"Yes, she was resting."
Jenna entered the room, knowing that the two men would recognize her. Owen wasted no time. "It's Jenna, right? You're the girl Donatelli was dating." His eyes roamed across Jenna's protruding stomach and then to her face. "You know he's wanted for murder, don't you? It's a criminal offense to aid a wanted person."
Jenna glared at Owen Maxwell, and if looks could kill, she knew she'd be up on murder charges as well. "Matthew didn't kill anyone. I don't know what you are trying to pull, but it won't work."
"So, you're saying he isn't here?" Maxwell questioned, obviously doubtful that Jenna was telling the truth.
"I'm saying you are wasting your time, but feel free to look around." She waved her hand as if saying he was free to pass.
Rebecca moved closer to Jenna. "Look around, but remember I forewarned you that the place is haunted."
As DeLuca opened his notebook to jot down some questions, the pen suddenly shot from his hand and hovered mid-air. His eyes widened as it slowly rotated, then scribbled something illegible in the air before clattering onto the table.
"What the hell—" Maxwell started, but he was cut off as one of the teacups on the sideboard floated toward him. It hung in front of his face momentarily as though inspecting him before tipping just enough to splash tea onto his shoes.
DeLuca jumped to his feet, his chair scraping loudly against the floor. "What kind of joke is this?" he barked.
Rebecca gasped dramatically, clutching her chest. "Oh, it's not a joke! They do things like this all the time!"
A bookshelf creaked, and several books tumbled to the floor and then magically returned to the shelf. The curtains fluttered though the windows were firmly shut. DeLuca's hand hovered near his holster but stopped short of drawing his gun.
The grand chandelier above them began to sway ominously, its glass prisms casting fragmented rainbows on the walls. A low, guttural moan echoed through the room as the house creaked loudly — Eleanor's doing.
"Looking for someone? A ghost, perhaps?" Miriam's voice was hollow. Her words echoed as if spoken from all directions at once.
Eleanor pressed her wet fingers against DeLuca's cheek as an added touch. "Here's a goodbye kiss."
Jenna stepped forward, her expression of feigned concern. "It's been happening ever since we got here. You believe us now, don't you?"
"Believe you?" DeLuca hissed, glancing around as though expecting another object to come flying. "I believe this place needs an exorcist."
A faint chuckle — Eleanor's — echoed through the room, sending a shiver down both men's spines.
"DeLuca, let's get out of here," Maxwell muttered, edging toward the door.
"You don't have to tell me twice," DeLuca snapped halfway to the exit. "Someone else can check this place out, but I've had enough."
As they stumbled onto the front porch, DeLuca rubbed his face, trying to shake off the strange feeling crawling up his spine. "Look, I don't know what's going on in there, but I'm not sticking around to find out."
Still visibly shaken, Maxwell pointed to the distant cliff where a faint light hovered. "Look at that?"
DeLuca squinted, the sound of helicopter blades faintly audible in the distance. "Yeah, I see it. And I don't like it."
The two men exchanged a wary glance before quickly making their way to their car. As they pulled away from the house, Maxwell glanced in the rear-view mirror at its ominous silhouette.
"Next time someone tells me a place is haunted, I'm taking their word for it," he muttered.
DeLuca didn't respond, his gaze locked on the faint light of the helicopter disappearing into the night sky, wondering if it was real or — something supernatural.
"If I was to guess, they are probably looking for Matthew."
"What do we do if they come to the door?"
"Mom says to act like you think the place is haunted?"
"They're not going to believe me."
"I don't have time to explain, Rebecca, but if my mother is behind this, it'll work."
"Your mother — Eleanor — what can she do?"
"Oh gosh, there isn't a good way to tell you this, but —" Someone knocked on the door, and Jenna blurted out, "My mother's a ghost."
"What? Are you kidding me?" Rebecca stood with her mouth open. "Jenna, that's not even funny."
"Trust me, Rebecca. She's an honest-to-goodness spirit. So be prepared for anything."
The knocking was louder as Rebecca opened the door to Owen Maxwell and Joe DeLuca. Detective DeLuca flashed his badge. "Sorry to bother you, ma'am, but I thought this place was abandoned. Are you okay?"
Remembering what Jenna said, she decided to play along, anything to make them disappear. Stammering, she grabbed his hand, "Detective, come in. I just inherited this place, and it's — it's haunted."
"Haunted, ma'am?" DeLuca couldn't hide his snicker. "Sure, we'll gladly step inside and check around for you. Are you alone?"
"No, my friend is here with me." Rebecca stepped aside and let the two men enter.
"Wow, from the looks of the outside, I'd have never guessed it was so nice in here. You've been busy."
Owen Maxwell spoke for the first time. "You said your friend was here?"
"Yes, she was resting."
Jenna entered the room, knowing that the two men would recognize her. Owen wasted no time. "It's Jenna, right? You're the girl Donatelli was dating." His eyes roamed across Jenna's protruding stomach and then to her face. "You know he's wanted for murder, don't you? It's a criminal offense to aid a wanted person."
Jenna glared at Owen Maxwell, and if looks could kill, she knew she'd be up on murder charges as well. "Matthew didn't kill anyone. I don't know what you are trying to pull, but it won't work."
"So, you're saying he isn't here?" Maxwell questioned, obviously doubtful that Jenna was telling the truth.
"I'm saying you are wasting your time, but feel free to look around." She waved her hand as if saying he was free to pass.
Rebecca moved closer to Jenna. "Look around, but remember I forewarned you that the place is haunted."
As DeLuca opened his notebook to jot down some questions, the pen suddenly shot from his hand and hovered mid-air. His eyes widened as it slowly rotated, then scribbled something illegible in the air before clattering onto the table.
"What the hell—" Maxwell started, but he was cut off as one of the teacups on the sideboard floated toward him. It hung in front of his face momentarily as though inspecting him before tipping just enough to splash tea onto his shoes.
DeLuca jumped to his feet, his chair scraping loudly against the floor. "What kind of joke is this?" he barked.
Rebecca gasped dramatically, clutching her chest. "Oh, it's not a joke! They do things like this all the time!"
A bookshelf creaked, and several books tumbled to the floor and then magically returned to the shelf. The curtains fluttered though the windows were firmly shut. DeLuca's hand hovered near his holster but stopped short of drawing his gun.
The grand chandelier above them began to sway ominously, its glass prisms casting fragmented rainbows on the walls. A low, guttural moan echoed through the room as the house creaked loudly — Eleanor's doing.
"Looking for someone? A ghost, perhaps?" Miriam's voice was hollow. Her words echoed as if spoken from all directions at once.
Eleanor pressed her wet fingers against DeLuca's cheek as an added touch. "Here's a goodbye kiss."
Jenna stepped forward, her expression of feigned concern. "It's been happening ever since we got here. You believe us now, don't you?"
"Believe you?" DeLuca hissed, glancing around as though expecting another object to come flying. "I believe this place needs an exorcist."
A faint chuckle — Eleanor's — echoed through the room, sending a shiver down both men's spines.
"DeLuca, let's get out of here," Maxwell muttered, edging toward the door.
"You don't have to tell me twice," DeLuca snapped halfway to the exit. "Someone else can check this place out, but I've had enough."
As they stumbled onto the front porch, DeLuca rubbed his face, trying to shake off the strange feeling crawling up his spine. "Look, I don't know what's going on in there, but I'm not sticking around to find out."
Still visibly shaken, Maxwell pointed to the distant cliff where a faint light hovered. "Look at that?"
DeLuca squinted, the sound of helicopter blades faintly audible in the distance. "Yeah, I see it. And I don't like it."
The two men exchanged a wary glance before quickly making their way to their car. As they pulled away from the house, Maxwell glanced in the rear-view mirror at its ominous silhouette.
"Next time someone tells me a place is haunted, I'm taking their word for it," he muttered.
DeLuca didn't respond, his gaze locked on the faint light of the helicopter disappearing into the night sky, wondering if it was real or — something supernatural.
*****
Rebecca sank into one of the overstuffed chairs as Eleanor materialized, "Am I dreaming? None of this can be real, can it?"
Eleanor chuckled. "Sorry for the shock, but it was the only plan I could devise on such short notice."
Jenna smiled at her friend. "Told you she was a ghost."
Rebecca shook her head as she tried to accept what had happened. "A ghost." Seconds later, they all broke into a round of laughter, with Miriam watching and smiling from the doorway.
 Recognized |
Eleanor - ghost detective
Jenna - Event planner, Eleanor's daughter, and falling in love with Donatelli
Garth Woodman - FBI Agent and widower (Allie)
Matthew Donatelli - Bayside's lead detective
John Doyle - Ex-judge and current inmate at Joliet State Prison
Vince Rossi - mob lawyer
Danni - jr. ghost detective working with Donatelli
Rebecca - new girl in town and Jenna's assistant
William - highly skilled crook
Miriam - a spirit from days gone by
Phillip Henderson - Attorney - Wills and Trusts
Bruiser - the bouncer at the Hideway
Tony - the bartender
Crystal - the cocktail waitress
Trevor Cascio - deceased owner of the estate
Owen Maxwell - special prosecutor
Joseph DeLuca - detective
Pays
one point
and 2 member cents. Jenna - Event planner, Eleanor's daughter, and falling in love with Donatelli
Garth Woodman - FBI Agent and widower (Allie)
Matthew Donatelli - Bayside's lead detective
John Doyle - Ex-judge and current inmate at Joliet State Prison
Vince Rossi - mob lawyer
Danni - jr. ghost detective working with Donatelli
Rebecca - new girl in town and Jenna's assistant
William - highly skilled crook
Miriam - a spirit from days gone by
Phillip Henderson - Attorney - Wills and Trusts
Bruiser - the bouncer at the Hideway
Tony - the bartender
Crystal - the cocktail waitress
Trevor Cascio - deceased owner of the estate
Owen Maxwell - special prosecutor
Joseph DeLuca - detective
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