Ross (The Ghosts of Culloden Moor Book 39)

by Jennae Vale

  “What does that mean?” she asked.

  “It means that they would not take prisoners. The Duke ordered his men to kill every last man left on the field of battle.” It was hard for him to control the anger and sadness in his voice, but he did his best. Cassie had tears in her eyes as she listened.

  “That’s awful. He sounds like a really bad man,” she said as she wiped a stray tear from her cheek.

  “Aye. He was, but the Bonnie Prince wasnae much better. He left all those men to die and never so much as looked back.” His death as he’d relived it over the years never got any easier. If he could go back, he’d have done things differently, so would the others he assumed.

  “Where does the ghost come into the story?” she wondered.

  “Ghosts,” he corrected her. “Seventy-nine to be exact. Seventy-nine men who lost their lives that fateful day and have haunted the battlefield for over two hundred years. ’Tis time for them to move on, but the only way they can is by doing a good deed and when they do they’ll have their chance at revenge on Charlie.”

  “If you were a ghost, saving my life would have been your good deed,” she whispered.

  I am a ghost and if that was my good deed, I’ll be leaving soon. These were words he wasn’t quite ready to say out loud and she didn’t seem to remember him telling her that Soni had sent him to do a good deed, perhaps that was for the best.

  “That was a wonderful ghost story, Ross. It wasn’t very scary though. It was more of a sad story. Is it true?”

  “Aye. I’m afraid so.” He got kind of quiet, appearing lost in his own thoughts.

  Cassie thought about her own life. Her sad story was nothing compared to what those men suffered. She couldn’t remember when the last time was that she’d done a good deed. Instead she had become the recipient of other people’s kindness. Mrs. Santos was always feeding her. Her neighbor Mike was there whenever she needed anything and his wife, Amanda, sent her food and fresh eggs all the time. “I haven’t done a good deed in forever,” she said. “I’ll bet Jason would think it was a good deed if I let him sell the house.”

  “Then why don’t ye?” he asked.

  “I just can’t be nice to him. I know I should let this all go, but I hate seeing him so happy while I’m struggling to keep my head above water.”

  “So ye wish to have yer revenge without the good deed,” he teased.

  “Funny,” she chuckled. “I’ve been carrying around all this hurt and anger for over a year. It’s not fair that he’s getting married and having a life when he took that all away from me the day he decided to have an affair with my friend.”

  “It may nae be fair, lass, but ye have the power to change things for yerself. Why hang on to the one thing that keeps ye tied to the man? Let him have it and get on with yer life. What would ye do if you werenae carrying that hurt? Ye could get married, too. A bonnie young lass such as yerself should nae have trouble finding love.”

  “Do you really think so?” Did she sound as desperate as she felt. She hoped not. She liked Ross. Granted she hardly knew anything about him, but she definitely wanted to know more. “You’re a good man, Ross and saving my life was a very good deed.” Cassie yawned. “I think I’m going to fall asleep now. It’s been an eventful day and I’m exhausted. Maybe tomorrow you can help me get that ring back. That can be another good deed to add to your resume.”

  “With pleasure.”

  Chapter 4

  Ross stayed awake long into the night, watching and waiting for Soni to come for him. Perhaps she knew his good deed wasn’t finished. He watched Cassie as she slept wearing a peaceful smile. He hoped he’d done that for her. He hoped that being here with her would somehow make her life a little easier.

  Cassie thought he was a good man. He wondered if it was true. The heavy cloak of anger he’d worn since the battle had left its scars on him. In life he’d been kind, caring and above all else, honorable. It was important to him to always do what was right, even if it wasn’t what was best for him. His final act of selflessness was on the battlefield at Culloden Moor. As a ghost he’d been restless, angry, and lost. Given this opportunity to do a good deed and reap his reward, he’d been more than ready for his turn. Now that he had it, he wondered. Would having his revenge on Bonnie Prince Charlie really give his soul the rest that it craved or would it go against everything he’d believed to be true about himself?

  The lass who had been peacefully sleeping with her head in his lap became restless. She seemed to be having a bad dream, perhaps reliving the events of earlier today. Ross gently repositioned himself, taking Cassie into his arms and cradling her.

  “All is well, lass. All is well,” he whispered.

  Even though her eyes never opened, she responded by snuggling into his chest, her face peaceful once again. His own eyelids were becoming heavy as he let sleep overtake him.

  Ross awoke from a distinctly unghostly sleep to find himself pleasantly entwined with Cassie. He removed her arm from around his neck causing her to groan in protest. He smiled. He liked the feel of her weight on him, the warmth of her body and the flowery scent of her hair beneath his nose. He hadn’t had a chance to experience love when he was alive and now it seemed unfair to dangle it before him only to have it removed forever. Staying here with Cassie in his arms would be his choice, if he had one.

  A sleepy-eyed lass gazed up at him and snuggled in closer. “Good morning,” she whispered.

  “Good morn,” he replied. “Are ye cold? The fire’s gone out.” He tried to stand, but soft hands pushed him back down.

  “It’s too cold and you’re keeping me warm.”

  “We should rise. If ye’d like me to help ye find the ring, we should go soon, before Soni comes for me.”

  “I’m not sure I’m going to like this Soni.” Cassie wrinkled her nose. “Couldn’t you ask her to let you stay?”

  “’Tis nae part of our agreement,” he said.

  “Do you work for her? Is she your boss?” she asked.

  “Nae. She’s helping me to move on.”

  Cassie frowned, “Move on from what?” He could see she was getting uncomfortable with his answers.

  He’d better tell her. He couldn’t keep putting it off. If she screamed and ran away, so be it. “Cassie, there’s something ye must ken about me.”

  She sat up, wrapping one of the blankets around her shoulders. “Is it bad?”

  “I dinnae believe so, but ye may think it is.” Was it right to tell her?

  “Okay. Just tell me,” she demanded.

  “I’m a ghost.” He held his breath waiting for her to scream or run, but instead his announcement was met with silence. “Did ye hear me?” he asked as the silence continued on longer that he was comfortable with.

  “I heard you, but I don’t believe you,” she challenged. “If you were a ghost I’d be able to see through you.”

  “I was killed at the battle of Culloden Moor over two hundred years ago,” he explained to a disbelieving Cassie.

  She put a hand up to stop him, but he continued on.

  “Soni has given us a chance to move on.”

  “You mean there are more of you.”

  “Aye. Many. As I told ye in my ghost story last night.”

  “You were talking about yourself?”

  He nodded and continued, his voice grave. “We all have awaited our turn to do a good deed. If we’re successful, we’ll have our revenge on Bonnie Prince Charlie and we’ll no longer haunt the battleground. We’ll be able to move on.”

  She was making the most unusual faces as he spoke. Her eyes were moving this way and that. She ran her hands through her hair and across her face. Her lips twitched up and then down. He wasn’t sure what to make of it.

  “If you’re a ghost, prove it to me,” she finally blurted.

  “How?” He had no idea what he could do to prove it.

  “Walk through that wall over there,” she motioned with her hand.

  “I cannae,” he
sadly announced.

  “If you were a ghost you could.” She furrowed her brow and her eyes bored into him.

  “I am a ghost who has been given the gift of life once again, but only for a few short days. No more than two.”

  “So, if that’s true, you only have until tomorrow morning and then you’ll be gone?” she asked.

  “’Tis true and I could be gone sooner. I’ve done my good deed. I’m nae sure why Soni hasnae come for me.”

  “Maybe she’s busy,” Cassie suggested, a tone of disbelief still in her voice. She stood taking the blanket with her. “Or maybe she doesn’t exist,” she muttered as she limped away.

  “I’ll get a fire started,” Ross said.

  “Don’t bother. I’ve got a shop down in the village that has actual heat, hot water and electricity.” She peeked out the window. “The snow has stopped, so we should see about getting down to the car for the ring. I’ve got to open the shop by ten, so we can head there after we get it. We’ll get something to eat when we’re at the shop.” She exchanged her blanket for a coat. “You want to come too, Sammy?”

  The dog wagged his tail and headed straight for the door.

  “Come on,” she called back over her shoulder. “What are you waiting for?” She opened the door and a blast of cold air blew through it. “Brrr…”

  His story had unsettled her. He wished things could be different, that they could go back to the warmth and intimacy of the couch. Instead, Ross rose and strode to her side, wrapping her in his arms to keep her warm. He felt her relax, then put her arms around him. “You’re better than an electric blanket,” she said. Her face buried in his chest muffled her voice. “Let’s get your horse.”

  Ross released Cassie from his embrace and closed the door behind them before hurrying to the garage. Ronan looked surprised to see them as the door rose to find him happily munching on his hay.

  “He looks pretty happy,” Cassie noted.

  “That he does,” Ross agreed. “Come, Ronan, we’ve work to do.”

  Ronan swung his head back down to grab one more mouthful of hay and then turned towards them munching happily.

  Cassie giggled, “How funny!”

  Ross got the horse saddled and ready to go. He placed Cassie on Ronan’s back first and then hopped up behind her. Sammy was happy to run along in front of them, sniffing every tree and bush he came across.

  “There’s a path at the back of my property that runs down towards the stream. Hopefully it will get us all the way to the car.”

  Ross clucked to Ronan. Cassie pointed out the path and he guided the big chestnut towards it. As they rode, Ross wondered why Cassie lived alone in a big house that was cold and dark. He decided to find out.

  “Cassie?”

  “Yes.”

  “Why do ye live all alone in that big house?”

  “It’s my house,” she said, sounding defensive.

  “I ken it, but are ye nae lonely there?” He couldn’t imagine she was happy being alone.

  “I guess so, but I always wanted a cabin in the woods. I don’t know if I’ll ever have one again if I sell it.”

  “’Tis much more than a cabin, lass.” He imagined that three or four cabins could fit inside that monstrosity.

  “I know. I wanted something smaller, but Jason was into a more luxurious house, so we compromised. We got a luxurious cabin,” she explained.

  “If ye sold it, ye could use the money to buy another, aye?”

  Cassie didn’t have a chance to answer as they’d come to the end of the path. Ross dismounted and lifted her down from Ronan. They could see the car up ahead, but brush and a rocky path made it unsafe for Ronan to proceed. “We’ll continue on foot.” He took Cassie’s hand. Ronan whinnied in protest at being left behind. “Dinnae fash, Ronan. We’ll be back for ye.” Sammy scampered ahead of them, seemingly unhindered by the obstructions in the path. “Ye should stay here as well, Cassie. The path is covered in snow and ice. I dinnae wish ye to be hurt.” He let go of her hand, intending to leave her in a small clear space, still far from their destination.

  “I’m going with you. I’m perfectly capable of doing this,” she stubbornly grabbed hold of his hand again and tugged.

  “Are ye sure?” He lifted her chin with one crooked finger. He was impressed with her strength.

  “I’m sure. I’m pretty sore from yesterday, but waiting up here for you to come back isn’t going to change that.”

  He led her down the path, pointing out places where she should take care and holding tree branches out of the way so she could pass. As they approached the car, he heard Cassie let out a big breath.

  “Wow! I really wrecked it! At least it didn’t land in the water.” Her hands went to her mouth as she got as close as possible to check out the damage. Ross motioned for her to stay where she was and to go no closer.

  The car lay on it’s side in a crumpled heap. Ross wasn’t sure where to even begin, but first he wanted to be sure the car wasn’t going to move from the spot where it had landed. “Stay here.” He moved to the car and leaning into it with all his weight, was pleased to see that it didn’t move at all. He motioned for Cassie to join him. “Did Jason tell you where we would find the ring?”

  “No, but I’m guessing it’s in the glove box,” she offered.

  “Where would that be?” He wasn’t sure what the glove box would look like. From where he was standing beside the car door, he didn’t see anything that looked like a box.

  “It should be just inside the window.” She pointed to the window closest to him.

  Ross peered inside the car. The interior looked as bad as the exterior. The box she mentioned didn’t appear to be a box at all.

  “Do you see it?”

  “I do.” Ross reached through the window, trying to unlatch the box. It was stuck. He maneuvered his body further into the car and using both hands tried again. It wouldn’t open. He removed his knife and used it to pry the latch open. After several attempts, it finally fell open. “’Tis open,” he called over his shoulder.

  “There should be a small jewelry box inside.”

  “I’ve got it,” he said, pulling himself back from the window and waving the box in the air.

  Instead of looking happy as he expected, Cassie had her hands over her mouth and seemed to be trying not to scream. He hurried to her. “All is well, Cassie. I’ve got the box.”

  “Your hand!” she cried.

  He looked at his hand and was shocked to see a large chunk of glass protruding from his palm. Oddly it didn’t hurt. “Take the box.”

  Cassie did as he wished, while he pulled the glass from his hand. Both of them watched, mouths agape as the gash in his hand miraculously closed up.

  “What was that? What just happened?” Cassie could hardly stand still. She grabbed his hand and examined it, touching the spot where the glass had been. “I don’t believe it!”

  “We’ve both seen it, so I believe we must.” Ross turned his hand front to back amazed at what he’d seen.

  “You are a ghost!” Cassie cried, backing away from him.

  “I told ye I was. I believe while I’m here I am protected from any harm.” He stayed where he was, not wishing to frighten her.

  Cassie sat down in the snow right where she was. “I need a minute.”

  Ross waited patiently. It made perfect sense to him that she would need the time to accept what she had just seen. He listened to the sounds of the stream as it flowed by them. Icy patches were beginning to appear around the rocks along the banks. It would probably freeze over entirely as the winter progressed and got colder. He hoped Cassie would be warm enough in that big house all alone. He would keep her warm, but she wouldn’t want that now that she knew the truth about him. She’d be happy to have him gone.

  “So you really are going to leave,” she finally said, sounding quite sad.

  “Aye. When Soni comes I must go,” he said, sounding equally as sad.

  “I was hoping you wer
e joking.” She gazed up at him and he could see pain there. Not physical pain, but a surprising pain that told him she wanted him to stay.

  “I’m afraid not.” He dropped his head, staring down at his feet.

  She held the jewelry box in her hands, turning it this way and that as if she didn’t wish to open it. After a moment of looking at him and then looking at the box and then looking at him again, she finally opened it. “Wow! This diamond is huge.” She jumped up from where she sat, but then winced at the stiffness in her muscles. Ross was by her side in a moment to steady her, she leaned back into his chest and he marveled at how well she seemed to fit there. He rested his cheek on her head, feeling the softness of her hair against his cheek, and peered over her shoulder as she turned the ring this way and that to catch the sunlight. It was beautiful. One large diamond in the center, surrounded by smaller diamonds all set in gold.

  “I thought about what you said. I’m going to let Jason sell the house.” She turned to face him. “The old me would have kept this ring and lied to him about finding it. You made me see that my anger is only hurting me. I don’t want to have anything in my life that ties me to Jason ever again. Thank you for helping me see that.”

  Ross nodded his acknowledgement of her words. Perhaps he should take his own advice. His anger and need for vengeance against the bonnie prince had done nothing but tie him to this world where he kept reliving his death over and over again. He wondered if, after more than two hundred years spent haunting Culloden Moor he would be able to forgive and forget. It was something to think about.

  “We should go,” Cassie said, and tried to step forward. Between the cold air and sitting in the snow, he could see that her muscles were protesting every move. Ross immediately lifted her in his arms and much to his surprise, she didn’t object, instead allowing him to carry her back up the slope to Ronan. Sammy led the way, tail wagging and tongue lolling from his mouth. Ross was becoming completely attached to what he was coming to think of as his little family. It would be hard to leave them.