The Magic of a Billionaire

by Marie Higgins

  “Sam, stop!” She yanked on his arm, but he pushed her away.

  He continued to kick until the door opened. He reached inside and grasped a bundle of wires, pulling as hard as he could to try and disconnect them. Electricity sparked briefly. He yelped and jerked his hand away.

  “That’s it,” she snapped pulling her phone out of her pocket. “I’m calling Nolan so he can fix this and kick you out of here, Sam.”

  He jumped up and pushed his face right into hers. She stepped backward, afraid of what he might do next. As she stared into the crazy man’s eyes, she wondered how he had become possessed with evil intent so quickly.

  Sam gritted his teeth and glared. “I’m not leaving.”

  The ice in his words made her shiver. She ducked past him and hurried back into the house. The lights had stopped flickering and the doors remained still. Her hands trembled as she tried to find Nolan’s phone number in her phone’s contacts.

  Sam stomped his way back into the house, his shoes coated with dirt and his hands nearly as black, and in a few spots, his fingers were bloody. His very presence disgusted her.

  He paused, glancing around the room. He smiled widely again. “See, I stopped the tricksters. I knew there wasn’t a ghost.”

  “Go wash the dirt off before you soil anything expensive.” She pointed down the hallway toward the bathroom. “It’s the fourth room on your left.”

  Sam walked with a bounce of confidence in his step this time, obviously satisfied with his victory over the so-called ghost. Anger grew inside her as she watched him. She resolved to call the police and kick him out, if necessary. She never wanted to see his face again.

  Once Sam disappeared into the bathroom and had closed the door behind him, she calmed herself enough to find Nolan’s number and call him. Much to her frustration, the call went to his voicemail.

  All of a sudden, Sam’s loud, high-pitched scream ripped through the house. Seconds later it was drowned out by a deep, overpowering voice. “GET OUT OF MY HOUSE!”

  Aaron! She sighed and placed a hand to her heart.

  Sam continued to scream as he struggled to open the bathroom door. Aaron’s laughter filled the air, and Elizabeth couldn’t help but chuckle a little, too. Happiness filled her knowing that her ghost was still making good on his promise.

  Finally, the bathroom door burst open and Sam staggered out, his white face and trembling hands coated with crimson liquid.

  Gasping, she hurried toward him. “What happened?”

  “B-b-blood!” He held up his hands. “Blood came out of the faucet as I was washing.” His wide-eyed gaze looked at his hands again. “Then a man’s voice yelled for me to get of his house... and deep laughter echoed in the room... and in the mirror...” He lifted his wide eyes and looked at Elizabeth. “The magician’s face was in the mirror, looking at me with evil eyes – just as he’d done when I was playing pool.” Sam’s breaths were shaky, and he looked disoriented.

  She didn’t dare laugh. She’d wait until after he left. “Do you want me to call you a taxi? You don’t look well enough to be driving home in this condition. I can tell the ghost really scared you.”

  Color gradually seeped back into his face as his expression turned into anger. “No,” he growled. “No! The ghost didn’t sc-scare me... because there is no ghost! The-there’s obviously a-a-madman living in this house. I’m not staying in this crazy place another minute.” He stepped closer and grasped her arm. “And you’re coming with me. There’s no way I’m going to leave you in this place when a madman is in control.”

  Shaking her head, she yanked her arm out of his grasp. “I’m not going, Sam.”

  His mouth tightened and his eyes darkened. “If you don’t leave with me now, then... we’re through.”

  She shrugged and wagged her fingers at him, grinning with elation. “Have a safe journey home. I hope you have a good life because I won’t be in it.”

  “Fine!” Sam dashed up the stairs, not looking back.

  On unsteady legs, she went to the front door and opened it, planning to slam it behind him as he left.

  Leaning against the thick wood, she breathed easier for the first time in a long time. Finally, her relationship with Sam was over. “Thank you, Aaron,” she whispered and smiled.

  “I TOLD YOU TO GET OUT OF MY HOUSE... NOW!”

  Aaron’s voice boomed from upstairs, rattling the crystals of the chandelier in the entryway.

  It wasn’t long after that, Sam’s frantic footsteps announced his quick departure. His face was white again as he stumbled down the stairs, his arms full of various things he had shown up with. He was nearly running at this point, not bothering to pick up a few of the items that slipped out of his arms. He scowled at Elizabeth but said nothing as he stormed out of the house.

  “Goodbye... and good riddance!” She slammed the door happily and leaned against it, again. She lifted her gaze to the stairs and sighed. “Aaron, if you were here with me right now, I’d give you a big hug. I’ve never been more relieved.”

  A calm silence greeted her, but that was all right. In her heart, she knew he could hear her. After all the energy he had used to get Sam to leave, she knew it would be hard to wait until tomorrow to see him again. The hours wouldn’t pass quickly enough.

  TEN

  AARON RESTED WEAKLY on his bed and stared toward his closet. He hadn’t been able to get rid of his grin for a good hour now. It had been quite entertaining to get rid of Beth’s obnoxious boyfriend, but it had been just as satisfying to hear her words of thanks. When she’d mentioned giving him a hug, excitement surged through him.

  Chuckling, he shifted his position, wishing he didn’t feel so exhausted now. Apparently, that was one of the prices that came along with being a ghost.

  He groaned and flung his arm across his eyes. This wasn’t his choice. None of this should have happened to begin with. If only he’d discovered who had wanted him dead and put a stop to it. Of course, when those accidents started happening to him two months before that dreadful day, he never in his wildest imagination thought that someone actually wanted to kill him.

  Memories of those last moments of his life flashed in his mind. Occasionally, he could still feel the burning pain of the swords slicing up his body. He rested a hand on his stomach to where the final cut had been, still recalling how fast the blood had poured from his body.

  He snapped out of his memories and sat up, moving to the corner of the bed. He pushed his fingers through his hair. He had meant to get it cut two days before that last show, but his car had a flat tire and he’d missed the appointment... one of the many misfortunate things that had happened to him.

  A noise down the hallway alerted him to his houseguest. He smiled again. What would she do if she knew his room was right next to hers? Nolan had put Beth in the room that had been his parents when they were alive.

  Wearily, he stood and walked to the window, gazing out into the breathtaking sunset. He’d give anything to enjoy the beautiful scene with a loving woman – a woman who loved him, and not his money. Of course, he really didn’t need to worry about that now. There wasn’t anything he could do about it, anyway. And yet... he wanted to feel that special closeness with a woman. He wanted to feel true love before he was gone from this world.

  When he’d first laid eyes on Beth Martin, her beauty had captured his interest. However, it was the way she was so curious about his life – and death – that made him want to watch her every second of the day. Although, he couldn’t do that, the next best thing was to watch her when he could.

  It had disturbed him the way her idiot boyfriend treated her, especially when he’d talked to Beth as if she was an imbecile. It had been a few years since Aaron had so badly wanted to punch another man in the face for his lousy treatment toward a woman. There was just something about Sam that burned a hole in Aaron’s gut. That man had needed to be taught a lesson... and Aaron had rather enjoyed being the teacher.

  He laughed softly. He�
�d never seen a man leave the house as quickly as Sam had, and he was delighted to see how Beth slammed the door when the man left. It was the perfect break up for a man that treated women like crap.

  When Sam had taken Beth into that dark tunnel and had continued to harass her, Aaron felt compelled to show himself to her. Rescuing her would gain her trust, which was what he needed. Of course, he wasn’t sure if she could find the person responsible for killing him or not, but it was a chance he had to take. He didn’t want to stay in his haunted situation forever.

  He moved to the wall that separated the two rooms and, willing his energy to his fingertips, pushed aside a picture. Doing so revealed a large, flat lever hidden in the wall. He pushed down on it and slowly, the wall shifted, allowing him to enter a narrow passage.

  These tunnels were cooler than the rooms and, growing up in Arizona, he had sometimes liked to spend more time in the tunnels because of that fact. They were a large part of his inspiration to study magic. He’d had so many ideas and created so many illusions within these walls. His foray into the world of magic had disappointed his grandfather, who had wanted Aaron to take over the Arizona winery. However, Gramps had recognized that Aaron’s heart wasn’t in the wine business. Thankfully, he had understood and supported Aaron’s magic career.

  It was too bad that Gramps couldn’t have protected Aaron when he had really needed saving.

  He moved to a certain place on the wall and shifted aside a small board covering a hole in the wall. This was a special hole. He had found many spots in the mansion that helped to amplify his senses and extend his reach. Using this specific area, he’d be able to see and talk to her without having to move to where she was and risk having her touch him. Her doing so took away most of his energy. He hated that feeling, but at least it was a feeling. Whether or not he was dreaming those things he felt, he was very grateful he could still feel something.

  He stepped into the correct spot, connecting his gaze to her bedroom. Beth was lying on her bed, asleep. Apparently, she’d had the same idea as he had.

  As he watched her, peace filled him. It had been rather nice wrapping his arms around her while they were in the mirrored room. What he had liked the best was the way she looked at him with so much emotion. He didn’t know if she looked at him that way because she was surprised to actually be in a ghost’s arms... or if she looked at him that way because of the things he’d said to her. It didn’t matter though. He had enjoyed that brief moment, even if it had cost him a lot of his strength. He wanted more moments like those.

  And yet, he knew he shouldn’t. What if he started having feelings for her? What if his unresolved business kept him here indefinitely? And what about Beth? She had a life too, and it was separate from his. He would just have to enjoy himself while she was here and cherish the time they had together, since he never knew how long it would last.

  STRETCHING HER ARMS above her head, Elizabeth yawned as she walked out of the bedroom. Her nap was needed, and she felt replenished. She thought about going to the pool tonight, and yet, she wanted to stay in the mansion – stay closer to Aaron’s ghost.

  Earlier, someone from the city had come to reconnect the power, so she was more relaxed now. She went down to the kitchen to find something to eat, but she really wasn’t that hungry. A tall glass of cold water sounded heavenly, but her weariness overruled, and she took out another bottle of water from the refrigerator instead and returned to her room. There was a television in the corner, and she could curl up in bed and watch movies for the rest of the night.

  The moment she walked into her room, she stopped. Something was different.

  An eerie feeling rushed over her and she rubbed her arms, switching the bottle of water back and forth in each hand.

  Her first thought was that Sam had somehow returned and had broken into the house, but as soon as she thought that, she laughed. No, he would not be returning. Aaron had scared the crap out of Sam.

  Slowly, she moved her gaze around the room to see what was out of place – and stopped when she saw the object sitting at the foot of her bed. It was a small rectangular box made of wood. It had intricate designs carved on its surfaces, and the lid was latched closed. Cautiously, she stepped closer. On top of the box was a small scrap of paper. Across the paper was written – Read This.

  She didn’t have to ask who this was from. Her fiercely beating heart told her it was Aaron.

  Inside the box she found a journal. She sat on the bed, folding her legs under her as she opened it up and began to read.

  Documentation started after my grandfather, Jethro Powers, changed his will. Gramps encouraged me to keep a journal for auditing purposes. I have started the journal on the day Gramps’ new will was signed.

  Feb. 1st – Gramps copy of his will was given to Thomas and I after being signed in front of a notary and three of Gramps’ lawyers. The new will states that his money will only go to his grandsons. If the grandsons choose to marry, that is fine, but if / when Thomas or I die, the money will not transfer to our wives. The bulk of the money goes to me because I’m the oldest grandson. Thomas will continue to work in the California winery. Gramps is still healthy, but he’s not as strong as he used to be.

  Feb. 2nd – I talked to ZoAnn about Gramps’ will, and she didn’t take it very well. She complained about the will not being fair. She accused my grandfather of hating her and holding grudges. I’ve never seen this temper on ZoAnn before, and I’m starting to wonder if Gramps was right. Maybe ZoAnn only loves me for my money.

  Feb. 3rd - I broke up with ZoAnn. We had a long talk, and I told her that I still wanted her to be my assistant and my friend. At first, she tried to give me ultimatums, but I convinced her (after increasing her pay and extra bonuses) that she was the only woman who would be my main assistant.

  Feb. 4th – Thomas and I talked over brunch regarding the will. I told him that I still want him to run the wineries after Gramps dies. Thomas agreed since he works in that field anyway, and I don’t. Thomas and I will make a good team despite the differences we’ve had the past months.

  Feb. 10th – I ate lunch right before our practice today, and it really made me sick. I vomited several times and nearly passed out twice. After going to the hospital, they said I had a pretty bad case of food poisoning. Doesn’t make sense. The food was fresh.

  Feb. 15th – It’s taken five days, but my appetite is back, and my strength has returned. However, I still can’t seem to catch my breath. Today while practicing some of the illusions on stage, someone carelessly moved the portable stairs I use in my illusions. The stage lights made it so I couldn’t see the change, and I tripped and fell off the stage. I twisted my ankle and I have a gash on my arm, but thankfully, no stitches were necessary.

  Feb. 20th – Props were faulty today during practice. Nolan discovered it and stopped me from using them before anything happened. I don’t know why all this bad luck is happening to me. Or... is it bad luck at all?

  Feb. 22nd – The tires on my red Mustang were deflated enough to make the car swerve off the road. I was lucky it wasn’t worse. I took the car in to have air put in the tires, but I’m still a little leery.

  Feb. 28th – Another prop was tampered with. This time a safety bar came loose, and Gina fell off the platform. Fortunately, she’s all right. I think I’m going to start checking everything myself. I can’t seem to trust anyone around here.

  March 1st – Today I had an argument with Nolan. This is the first time since we started working together that we’ve disagreed. Nolan had been tracking the show’s finances and pointed out that, somehow, we’re losing money. I don’t understand how because we’re getting more bookings than ever before. Nolan thinks I should get rid of some of my employees. He suggested dismissing our body-doubles and just sticking to regular illusions. I adamantly refused Nolan’s request. The reason the show is becoming popular is because of Jake and Gina’s help. I got so upset at him that I said some things that maybe I shouldn’t have said. But i
t irritates me that he’s trying to run my show and dictate what I should and shouldn’t do.

  March 5th – I was driving home after taking Gina out for lunch, and someone in a big black truck started tailgating me aggressively. Before I could dig my phone out of my pocket to call the police, the jerk driving the big black truck ran me off the road and I hit a tree. The Mustang was totaled. I have a few scrapes and bruises, and a sore neck, but nothing a little make-up can’t hide for tomorrow’s show.

  March 7th – The show went well, thank goodness, but I was nervous the whole time. The next show is in three days at the Rockwell Theatre in Phoenix. There will be a big crowd. All day, wherever I went, I felt as if someone was following me. When I came home, my things were out of place, but my security cameras didn’t show anyone having been in my house. Because of everything that has been happening to me, I’m starting to get the distinct feeling that someone wants me dead. I will not take food or drink from anyone, anymore. Everyone is suspicious.

  March 9th – Rehearsal went well for tomorrow’s show. I’ll be keeping my eye on everyone. I’ll check every prop. I hate that I can’t trust anyone, not even Nolan. Once the show is over, I plan on contacting Chad Howell, my friend who works for the police station, so that he can start investigating these mysterious occurrences that are plaguing me night and day. Who could want me dead? Does this have anything to do with Gramps’ Will? Everything was fine before he changed it. But who would do this to me – and why?

  Elizabeth turned the next page, but there were no more entries. Then again, from what she recalled from that first article she’d read about his death, he died on March 10th.

  Expelling a heavy sigh, she lay back on the bed and stared up at the mirrors. Confusion still filled her head, but it was worse this time. However, one thing remained constant... She still suspected ZoAnn or Nolan of being Aaron’s killer. They both had motive. But Thomas did too, since he would inherit Gramps’ billions upon Aaron’s death.