9
I couldn’t keep track of how often I wiped my moist palms on my shorts, for it was too many. My body, electrified by her warmth, compressed against my side. Had I been living in a fog my whole life? It took every effort not to pull her into my arms and never let go. Of course, if I had followed through with such a harebrained response, I likely would see the backside of her running away. Oh, but what a lovely backside it would be.
Neanderthal.
I cleared my throat and wiped my hands again. It took me twice as long to read through a page as it normally would have. My head wouldn’t work clearly. She pointed to an odd- looking name and chuckled once. My heart skipped. Does she realize her effect on me? Does she know how much I inwardly rejoiced when I found her on my doorstep?
“Well, that’s the end of this book. Maybe there’ll be something in the next book about other sudden deaths.” She sat straighter, taking the warmth with her, and stretched. “It’s getting darker in here.”
“So it is.” I sat up, moved the laptop to the sofa and stood after she did. “It’s after seven. Are you hungry?”
“I’m always hungry,” she said with laughter.
“Come on, let’s get you settled, and I’ll fix you some bangers and mash.”
“What and what?”
“It’s a British specialty. Sausage, potatoes, and onions.”
“Oh!” she said and laughed again. “Sounds great.”
I waited in the entry hall for her to zip up her luggage, then I led the way to her room—the one across from mine that will always be known in my eyes as Jessica’s room. “Will this do? Or would you prefer a different—”
“No. This will work great. I’ll want you close if anything happens anyway.”
“You can use the wardrobe or dresser if you’d like. You’re welcome to anything. I’ve changed the sheets and Bridgette replaced the used towels with clean ones in the WC—water closet— er, bathroom.”
“Perfect. Thanks.”
“I’ll leave you to unpack.” I moved to head out and stopped when she spoke.
“Unpacking can come later. All I need to do is plug in my camera.” She plugged the camera in the charger then with her hand on her hip proclaimed, “I’m hungry.” She headed out of the room before me and paused while I shut the door. Giving her those few minutes to unpack had been difficult and I rejoiced that her hunger won out. The longer she stayed at my side, the merrier. Now, to figure out how to prolong her stay.
I’d walked these halls once with my feet touching the ground. Oh, to feel the texture of the wooden floors beneath my toes again! What I would not give! Now all I could do was drag my toes through the wood planks, never to feel a thing.
Widow floated melancholy down the hall. She was so drawn into her sorrows that she hadn’t noticed the two pink fleshy beings walking toward her; she moved in their path without any knowledge.
Widow stopped abruptly when she heard a sharp intake of breath.
“Did you feel that?”
Widow’s eyes widened at the sight of the woman called Jessica, standing beside Mr. Gladwin. He shook his head.
“It was as if I’d just walked through a winter’s storm—icy chill and all. Plus, I thought I saw an image ... kinda like a dark room.” She shivered.
“Odd.”
She walked through me? How unnerving!Widow shivered, not because of temperature change but because of the idea of flesh washing through her soul. Wait! “She’s back!”
“Did you just whisper something?” Jessica asked the Master.
“No.”
“Huh. I didn’t think so because your lips didn’t move—unless you’ve neglected to tell me you’re a ventriloquist—which would be awesome, by the way.”
He chuckled. “A stuttering ventriloquist? Boy, wouldn’t that be a hit?”
They continued down the hall, laughing and flirting as their feet padded on the creaking floors. Widow followed, keeping herself from visibility, wanting to know why the woman returned.
“Do you have a video camera?” Jessica asked the Lord of the castle.
“No. I’ve never needed one. Videos are for people with families.”
“Yeah. Unless you count my phone, I’ve never owned one, and I don’t use the video on it much, either.” They arrived at the bottom of the stairs and continued toward the kitchen. “What I would like to do is set my camera up in the blue room and let it run all night. In the morning we’ll see if anything happens and go from there.”
Video? Camera? Such modern slang I will never get used to.Widow settled up high in the corner of the kitchen to continue eavesdropping. They spoke more slang regarding the camera, and Widow grew bored.
“Do you think the camera will pick anything up?”
“Don’t know. But we can’t catch these ghosts if we don’t try.” Catch ghosts! The nerve!
Jessica
Both Danny and I lifted our eyes to the ceiling, where I felt the wave of cool air brush my hair back from my face.
“Did you feel that?” Danny held a knife in his hand over the onion that sat on the cutting board.
“Yeah.”
“Until you came, I don’t remember feeling such activity in my home. I’m not so sure it’s a good thing.” Danny searched the room for another moment before returning to his onion. Tears formed in his eyes, and he used the back of his hand to wipe them away.
“Oh, Danny Boy, don’t cry.”
He laughed and sniffled. “I should’ve never let you see my identification. Why do onions have to be so disagreeable and delicious at the same time?”
“Would you like me to cut them?”
“No. You’ll end up crying as well.”
“No, I won’t. After cutting tons of onions in my college cooking classes, I never have a problem anymore. Me and onions, we get along now.” I used my hip to push him aside and gently took the knife from his hand. “Watch and learn.” With mock speeds, I had the onion sliced and ready for him to toss in the warmed-up cast-iron pan on the gas stove.
“Impressive.” He added a few sausage links to the pan, then a drizzle of cooking wine.
I mentally took notes so I could fix some for my parents when I returned home.
“Now, I’m cheating right now. Normally, I’d cook the potatoes beforehand, but I have a leftover container in the icebox,” he said, stirring the onions.
“I’ll get it.” After a short search, I found the container and returned to his side, taking in a deep breath of the sizzling, savory onions.
He pulled out another pan to warm up the mashed potatoes. We switched places as he moved from one pot to the other. He asked questions about my unsuccessful attempt at finding my longlost relative, and I asked more about his profession and what he does all day working from home. From the drippings in the pan, he created a gravy. He poured the onions, sausages, and gravy over the warmed potatoes on two plates.
“There you have it. Bangers and mash.”
I wiggled my eyebrows and took a bite. “Delectable.”
“It’s the only good thing I can make besides eggs for breakfast.”
“I’ve never had sausage like this, but I think you’ve got me hooked.”
“That was my plan: to get you hooked so you’ll turn into a s— sausage. You know when you eat sausages, you are what you eat, you know ... never mind.”
He’s so cute when he doesn’t make much sense. I wish I could kiss him.I shoved another bite into my mouth before I revealed my inner thoughts. We ate in silence for a moment.
I swallowed and cleared my throat. “What other English delights am I missing out on?”
“Oh, I don’t know. Black pudding, though you have to like cooked blood.” By the look of horror I felt that he must’ve seen on my face, he chuckled and continued, “The Scotts have haggis, which isn’t nearly as odd as black pudding. It tastes like liver and onions meatloaf. Though it’s cooked in sheep’s bladder.”
I couldn’t help my gag reflex that started him off laughing.
“W—we Brits aren’t known for variety.” Thump.
I sat taller. “What was that?”
He studied the ceiling above us. “It sounded like it came from somewhere upstairs.”
“Maybe I should hurry and set up the camera before I miss something awesome.” I shoveled another bite into my mouth.
Danny’s eyes lit up, and a grin spread on his face. “Race ya.” He shoved two bites into his mouth and chewed with vigor.
To have him challenge me with eating food was even more confirmation that he was a match made in heaven. “You’re on!”
After three bites of sausage, potatoes, and onions were lodged in my mouth, I made the mistake of looking up at him. I started to laugh, but feared the food might burst from my lips, so I covered my mouth. He, too, started laughing and held his hand over his mouth, too. I swallowed the last bite, put my hand down, and laughed out loud.
His shoulders shook. “Okay, maybe not such a good idea.”
Once our laughter died, I took the last few bites on my plate and rinsed it in the sink. I followed Danny out of the kitchen and up the stairs. He stood at the threshold of the doorway of the room where I would crash for perhaps only a night or two.
I gathered up my camera from where I’d plugged it in. “You’re technical. Can you figure out what setting I need to make it run all night? And it’s supposed to link up with a computer.”
“Sure.” He sat beside me on the bed and played with the buttons, opening up my laptop and clicking around a bit. “I think I’ve got it figured out.” He stood and headed out the door with both in his arms.
I pulled on his shirt to stop him halfway down the hall. “Do you have electricity throughout the castle?”
“Yes.”
“Even in the blue room?”
“Yes.”
“Then I’ll get the cords. It might save us some battery.” I retrieved the cords and caught up to him. Besides the thump, the only sound in the castle since arriving was our own noise. He didn’t speak as we continued down multiple hallways to the blue room, so I didn’t make a sound either.
Danny flipped the switch that should’ve lit the hallway in the direction of the blue room, but the way remained dark. “Hum. All the light bulbs wouldn’t go out at once. Th—there must be a short.”
“Or maybe it’s just my luck that’s interfering.”
“I’d offer my hand, but they’re occupied.”
“I’ll just hold onto your shirt, so I won’t bump into you.”
“Ah, brilliant. Let’s go.”
He flipped another switch. The lights further down the hall and to the left flicked on.
Danny glanced at me over his shoulder. “Better?”
“Much.”
We arrived at the door of the blue room and pushed the door open. It creaked terribly. Danny flicked the light on. “At least this room has a light.”
“Good thing.” I moved into the room after him.
“Where do you want to set up?”
I scratched my head and ran my fingers through my hair as I searched the room. “Maybe the writing desk?”
“I think that might be your only choice. The other furniture is too high.” Danny set the camera down, peeked through the lens, and adjusted its direction. He synced the laptop with the camera, showing me how we could watch the room live.
I waved to the camera and made a silly face. “Is it ready, then?”
“Ready.” He stood and carried the laptop tucked in his arm to the door. He paused and gave me a questioning look when I didn’t follow.
“I half expected them to jump out at me while we set up. The house was so active the last time I was here.”
“Maybe they will soon.” He held out his hand. My heart soared when our fingers intertwined, and I reminisced about how we had exited the room the last time we’d been in it.
We didn’t let go of each other’s hand until we arrived in the living room and sat on the sofa in front of the cold fireplace.
“We need a fire.” Danny rummaged through the decorative tin
box of logs and kindling beside the fireplace until he found enough to get the fire roaring.
Watching him concentrate on the flames made my heart hurt. Knowing that I’d only be able to look upon such a perfect man for only a few short days ached my soul. Never had I felt this way about parting with anyone. Is this what love feels like? Is it true? Does love really hurt?
Danny sat back in the sofa, but his body didn’t relax. At that moment it seemed our bodies, minds and souls became hyper-aware that we were alone, in front of a fire, and sitting close enough that sparks could fly. What do we do now? Do I make a move? Do I say something? Does he even want me to do or say something? What if I try to hit on him, and he rejects me?
Danny pulled a side table closer and rested the laptop on it. “Let’s see if there’s anything to look at yet.”
Oh, bless you.His suggestion took some of the pressure off. I could relax a bit. “Good idea.” I leaned forward and rested my elbows on my knees to get a better look. Danny sat back. I remained, ready to bolt if he gave any sign he didn’t want me and ready to melt into him if he showed otherwise.
I stared at the screen. Nothing changed. The camera had a night sensor, but everything appeared ordinary. Ten minutes and fifteen seconds went by.
“Jessica.”
“Yes?” I answered without turning to look at him.
“I—I want you to know ... J—just because you’re staying here, doesn’t mean I will ...”
I turned to see him scratching his elbow.
“Im—impose anything on y—y—you. What I mean to say ... d—don’t worry about me trying to make a move on you. I understand your situation and I won’t require anything of you. You’re safe with me.”
It took me a moment to think through his words. Does he want to set me at ease? Or ... does he not want anything to happen? Is this a warning now for me to keep my distance?
My heart dropped like a rock. “Okay.” My voice nearly cracked and I tried to clear the emotion from my voice. “Thanks.” I sat back but kept a handful of inches between us and folded my arms. I couldn’t bear him thinking his letdown hurt me, and I wanted to still be friendly with him, so I struck up a conversation by asking how his family had acquired the castle.
“My grandparents both grew up not far from here. They could see the top of the castle from the street where they lived. It was always a memorable place for them, so when they grew up and my grandpa made his fortune, he bought the place from the original owner’s family. It was in their family for centuries. They only sold it on one condition: that it would never change. Other than maintaining place, we weren’t to change one wall or add on anywhere. The only thing we could do was build a cottage out back out of the fallen stones, and those stones had dislodged nearly a century ago. The furniture has changed, of course, and we had to add appliances, plumbing, and the like, but everything else has stayed true to its original form.”
“Cool. Did you like growing up here?”
“I wasn’t here all my life. I’d stay during the summer months with my grandparents. They passed away when I was in my teen years, and the castle was passed on to my parents. I lived with them for a few years until I attended university. I inherited this home about five years ago when my mother left this life to join my father.”
“I’m sorry. I could never imagine losing my parents. Who would I call if I needed some advice? Who could I turn to when I was having car troubles? Life wouldn’t be the same without them. I’m sorry they’re gone.”
“Thank you. It’s hard, but I get by. I have to.”
I nodded and leaned closer to satisfy my need for human contact. Talking of death always produced the need for connection. I leaned my shoulder against his. I hope he won’t mind. As time passed, my eyes drifted from the laptop screen to the fire and back again. Was I to spend the following day and possibly longer sitting beside someone who did not wish me to? Was it because of my crazy notions? Eccentric behavior? My wide hips? My list of faults went on and on while I leaned against him. The more I thought of all the reasons for him to dislike me or not be attracted to me, the more I convinced myself I shouldn’t even be in his presence. He was on a pedestal, and I could rise no higher than the grass that tickled his toes.
“Jessica?”
“Hum?”
“I think you’re falling asleep.”
I sat up and stretched. “No, I’m not.”
“We should call it a night.” He stood, holding his hand out to help me up. If I hadn’t been shut down, I might’ve stayed close to him as I stood, perhaps leaned closer and looked up at him expectantly, but the sting I felt kept me boarded up like a ghost town.
I gestured to the laptop. “Shall I leave it here?”
“Sure. We’re the only ones here, so there’s no need to move it.”
The way up the stairs seemed long, silent, and lonely, even with Danny at my side. At the door to my room, he scratched his head nervously and said goodnight. I returned my goodnight with a smile and a wave and entered my room. I sighed heavily after flopping face-first onto the bed.
“Maybe I shouldn’t have come,” I said into the blankets. Moving like a sloth, I changed into my knee-length pajama shirt, brushed my teeth, and copied my earlier actions of falling into bed. I pulled the blankets to my neck, blinked up at the dark ceiling, and said, “Goodnight world ... and ghosts. I’ll see you topside.”
It was great to fall asleep so easily, but it didn’t last. I must’ve woken fifty-seven times from midnight to 3 a.m. Each time I would wake with a start, gasping for breath. The only reason I could think of this happening was because of my dreams. Each time I woke and tried to reflect on what I’d dreamed about that could’ve caused so much distress, but I couldn’t remember. From a young child, I could always remember my dreams. Why not now?
At 4:27 a.m, I woke again, but this time something was different. A second went by before pressure forced down on my chest as if someone sat upon my body. My lungs felt as though they were being wrung like a sopping rag. I couldn’t take in any air. I’m going to die! At first, my arms wouldn’t budge. When the haze of sleepiness fully washed away, I flung my arms about as if fighting someone off me, but felt nothing but air … cold air. An echoing deep cackle sounded in my ear and faded away.
I sucked in a breath and then screamed. I sounded like an old smoker trying to sing. I got out of bed, ripped the blanket off, wrapped it around myself, and crumpled to the floor against the wall. The beating of my heart in my ears deafened me to all other sounds, and I wished it would stop so I could listen to the room for any noise. I searched with wide eyes for any movement. Nothing appeared out of the ordinary. With a shaking hand, I quickly grabbed my pillow and exited into the hall. I tapped on Danny’s door. No answer. My screaming must not have woken him. I tried the handle and found his door unlocked.
“Danny?” I whispered. His heavy breathing coming from his
bed didn’t change. “Danny?” Nothing. I stood for what seemed like forever debating whether to wake him up. My shaking eased a bit, but I still couldn’t dislodge the heart in my throat. Regardless of his feelings toward me, I couldn’t be alone tonight. I spread my blanket onto the floor, folded it so I could both lay upon it, draped it over me, pulled the pillow under my head, and tried to get comfortable. I lay on my left side first, then turned to my right, only to find myself staring under the dark, creepy bed.
The boogieman!Images of me screaming while being pulled under the bed raced through my thoughts. I stood in a quick hurry.
“Danny?”
No answer.
Glancing around the room, I found a Victorian cushion chair with wood-carved arms next to a dresser. I climbed into it with my blanket wrapped around me and the pillow up against the wall. I managed to get one leg up into the chair, but the other would not stay put. I tried turning. Nothing.
My tired eyes wandered to Danny’s bed. Unlike all the other beds I’d seen in the castle, his wasn’t a four-poster bed. At the top of the bed stood a large, elaborately carved headboard; at the bottom, the footboard only reached halfway up the mattress. Such a large bed and he sleeps in only a small portion of it. I sized up the bottom left side of the bed and figured I could fit. He’d have never known I was there if I’d woken before he did. With my bedding in my arms, I eased myself onto his bed, careful not to shake the mattress and wake him. Curled in a ball and my blanket tucked under my toes, I laughed inwardly. I feel like I’m six again and sneaking into my parents’ bed after having a nightmare. I’m such a baby.
I almost thought of returning to my room, but the idea of my breath being taken from me again sent chills up my back. I thought ghosts couldn’t hurt anyone.