CHAPTER ELEVEN
Three days later there seemed to be a lull in the influx of patients. They’d seen only five in the last few days and only one of those needed hospitalization. Grateful for the reprieve, the group was able to get things done on the property that had been ignored.
With expansions on the property and the islands, came an increased need for electricity, plumbing, security, and other things to make their lives easier. Although all the homes had the basics, securing it all to withstand strong winds, storms, and possible hurricanes took time.
On the main property Trevon and the team were expanding the greenhouse to ensure fresh produce all year round. At the outskirts of the property, they raised cattle, swine, and chickens for a constant supply of meat throughout the year.
With access to the bayous, rivers, and gulf, fresh seafood was always on the menu, using the fleet of fishing vessels owned by the company.
Work on the big house seemed to be a year-round event. Of course, with a two-hundred-year-old home, the maintenance could be overwhelming. Just repairing and replacing the roof was a monumental feat.
Grant was walking the new seniors through the house, Luke, Cam, Eric, and Hex, showing them all the work that was being done.
“Grant, brother, as usual you’re killing it. The fact that you’re using the same methods as the original builders is truly a testament to you appreciating their craft,” said Cam.
“Well,” he grinned, “I do thank you for that but we have one minor problem you may not want to see.”
“This sounds wonderful,” frowned Luke. “What now? Leaky pipes? Peeling paint? Asbestos?”
“None of those things,” he said walking toward the ten-foot ornate floor mirror. It stretched nearly to the ceilings, leaning on a base of mahogany and marble. The gold gilded frame twisted and turned with cherubs, hearts, angels, and other magical things.
“Wow! I don’t think I’ve ever really looked at this before,” said Hex. “It’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen.”
“Yes. It is,” smirked Grant. “Now, stare into it and tell me what you see.”
“Stare into it? Grant,” said Luke turning to look into the mirror, “what the… What the fuck?”
“Holy shit,” muttered Hex. “What is that?”
“Not what. Who,” said Grant. “Gentlemen, meet Hezekiah Morton.”
“Meet? He’s, uh, he’s inside the mirror,” said Luke. “Wait. Grandma!”
They all covered their ears, including Hezekiah. The man appeared to be in his mid-forties, although considering how he was dressed, it was possible he was much younger.
“Luke Robicheaux, don’t you yell at me like that again,” said Irene suddenly appearing with Matthew. “What on earth is your problem?”
Luke pointed to the mirror, Irene and Matthew both turning, smiling at the figure.
“Mornin’ Hezekiah. I hope my grandson didn’t scare you,” said the old woman.
“He didn’t, Irene. It’s lovely to see you both,” he smiled.
“Grandma. Why didn’t anyone know about Hezekiah?” asked Luke.
“Claudette and Gabriel know. I guess we all forgot to tell you. They’ve been workin’ on findin’ a solution to get Hezekiah out of that mirror.”
“I almost hate to ask,” said Eric, “but why is he stuck in that mirror?”
“A curse. What else?” she said frowning at them. “Hezekiah is a fine-lookin’ man and was even finer in his day. Creole good looks with that beautiful skin and those big brown eyes. He was seen as quite a catch.
“Before you ask, he was here around 1832 or 1833, he can’t quite remember. An old woman who brought spices to the house saw him lookin’ at himself in the mirror. We think she wasn’t right in her head and thought he was bein’ vain. Truth was, he was just admirin’ the mirror.”
“Okay, so can’t we just do something, or say something to get him out of the mirror?” asked Cam. Irene gave him a strange look and shook her head.
“Boy, don’t you think I woulda done that? I’m workin’ on it, so is Claudette and Gabriel.”
The door to the massive dining area opened and Trevon walked in with his son, Smith. The new baby seemed much older than he was, already holding up his head and laughing at everyone.
“Sorry to bother you, Luke,” said Trevon, “I just needed to come through and borrow a book.”
“You’re not bothering anyone, Trevon. While you’re here, this is a new, uh guest, Hezekiah.”
“Oh. Oh, wow. Well, nice to meet you, Mr. Hezekiah. This is Smith,” smiled Trevon. The little boy reached forward, touching the mirror and Hezekiah smiled, placing his hand against the boy’s through the glass.
In a sudden cloud of smoke and mist, Hezekiah stepped forward.
“I-I’m free,” he said in a cracking voice. “Two-hundred years and I am free because of this beautiful child. Thank you!”
“What just happened?” asked Luke.
“Hezekiah is an ancestor of Trevon’s,” smiled Matthew. “His son, an innocent child was able to break the curse by willingly reaching out to touch his hand.”
“I’m related to him?” asked Trevon.
“Distantly,” nodded Matthew, “but it was enough to free him of the curse. Little Smith had nothing but innocence, goodness, and kindness in his heart and that’s all he saw in Hezekiah. Always trust children and dogs for first impressions.”
“What now?” asked the man. Matthew stared at him and shrugged.
“Well, ideally you should have moved on but you’re still here. You’re welcome to join our band of spirits, Hezekiah.”
“Grandpa,” whispered Luke.
“Luke, we’ve never turned anyone away before and we won’t start now. Will we?”
“No. No, I guess we won’t, Grandpa. Hezekiah, what was your profession when you were alive?”
“I am, was, a doctor,” he smiled. “I trained in Europe and came here hoping to do the same. That old witch didn’t like me much because she hoped I’d marry her daughter.”
“Well, you’re here with us now. Safe,” said Matthew.
“Wait. I know medicine has changed a lot in the last two-hundred years but do you think you could help our medical team with a problem?” asked Cam.
“I’d be most happy to try,” he nodded. “I would like to feel useful. And, I should very much like to get to know my ancestor who set me free. Hello, little Smith.”
Trevon just laughed as his son giggled aloud, reaching for the ghost. Matthew touched Hezekiah’s shoulder and suddenly, he was able to feel the soft skin of the baby, lifting him from his father’s arms.
“Come along, Hezekiah,” said Irene. “We’ll introduce you to the others and get you up to the clinic. They’ll be needin’ your help.”
The men watched as Matthew and Irene walked away with Hezekiah. Trevon just laughed, a big, deep, bass laugh, his infant son laughing with him.
“Come on, Smith. We got a book to find,” he said walking into the library.
“Well,” grinned Grant, “are we ready to move on?”
“Grant, please tell me there are no other ghosts inside mirrors. I can’t take it today. I just can’t take it,” said Luke. Grant laughed, shaking his head.
“You know, Luke, I don’t think you’ve ever sounded more like your father than just now.”