Walnut Grove House

by Alexie Aaron

“You could hurry it up, Garrett,” Gary complained.

  Cid took his time.

  Later, Jesse watched as the suspended Gary was taught by an invisible hand how to paint the ceiling relief properly. Cid took video from his phone. He thought maybe Burt could work it into a segment.

  Gary was lowered to the floor, but before he could relax, he was pulled along to the utility sink and showed how to clean a paintbrush. He came back flushed. “I don’t know what is worse, being haunted or being mentored?”

  “He could have as easily tossed you out the window,” Cid said.

  “I think it was you who missed the spot, Garrett,” Gary accused.

  Cid smiled. “It’s possible, but it was your responsibility to make sure it was right.”

  Gary opened his mouth but shut it again. He looked around and said, “It’s too bad they’re insane. I’d love to have Pietro on my crew.”

  Cid announced what Gary said in Italian.

  Gary felt a pat on the shoulder.

  Pietro murmured something.

  “He said that he’d love to stay, but his mama is waiting in Heaven for him,” Cid said.

  Gary wiped a tear from his eye. “You know, I never thought that these bruisers could be missing their parents. I’m going to give my dad a call,” he said and walked out.

  Cid picked up an empty box and walked back to the library and packed up the books.

  Jesse leaned on the door jamb watching him. “I was thinking.”

  “Oh no, you know what happened last time…”

  “Cut it out, I’m being serious.”

  “Sorry, go on.”

  “These men traveled across the Atlantic Ocean to find work so they could send money to their families.”

  “They’re no different than Wayne, Carl and Pete who travel across the country for work.”

  “They traveled across the ocean in boats, most likely elbow to elbow, with no idea if they were going to make it or if they were ever going to see their families again. I take it for granted that I can pick up a phone and call my parents,” Jesse confessed. “I don’t call them enough.”

  “I don’t either,” Cid said. “I think I talk to the Martins more when I’m out of town working.”

  “If your parents needed money…”

  “I would send what I have, and I know you would too,” Cid answered. “But I see where you’re going with this. These men did better than we’re doing now.”

  “In my case, I know they did. I’m mad as can be that their deaths were covered up. I can only imagine the heartbreak Pietro’s mother went through when she didn’t hear anymore from her boy.”

  “They would have assumed he was dead,” Cid said. The alarm on his phone went off. “Time to lock up.”

  “I think we’re ready for tomorrow. The foundation wall in the basement still needs seeing to, but that’s not our problem.”

  “I think tomorrow is going to be an interesting day,” Cid said.

  Jon and Blue Daniel watched them leave.

  “It was you that put Pietro up to that stunt, wasn’t it?” Jon accused Daniel.

  “I overheard him telling one of the others about the missed spot. I simply suggested that this would be a good time to fix it.”

  “It took a lot of energy for Pietro to hold him up. He barely made it down the stairs.”

  “Yes. Maybe we’ll have a quiet night without crazy Gallo running up and down the stairs calling for his mother,” Daniel told his friend. He looked at Jon who was staring out the window. “What are you going to do about Faye?”

  “There’s nothing I can do but give her a memory. If the light comes, I’m goin’. I’ve waited too long.”

  Blue Daniel didn’t say anything. He knew his friend was torn between Heaven and Faye. If it were him, he’d choose Faye, but she didn’t look at him the way she looked at Jon. Maybe blue wasn’t her color.

  ~

  “There are nine books here,” Cid told Sally. “Do you realize the amount of energy it took for him to write these?”

  “It’s surprising considering that he and Jon were fed on again and again,” Sally commiserated. “But a true writer doesn’t let anything stand in their way. No paper, I’ll use this book. Where did he get the ink from?”

  “When I was cleaning up, I found the skeletons of pens and the nubs of pencils. He must have stolen them from people when they visited.”

  “I’m sure his thievery will be overlooked when he stands before the pearly gates,” Sally said.

  “Is that your idea of Heaven?” Cid asked.

  “I really didn’t have any idea that the nuns didn’t drill into my head until you held me the first time. Then I knew my Heaven was in your arms.”

  “Sally, that is so beautiful. I’m honored and can’t wait to hold you again.”

  “Cid, I have to be honest with you. I’ve had a gentleman caller four nights running.”

  “Who?”

  “His name is Stephen, and he tells me he’s a friend of yours.”

  “Murphy’s been there with you every night?”

  “He leaves before I call you. I think he takes your asking him to look in on me very seriously.”

  “Or he’s lonely and finds your company to his liking,” Cid growled.

  “Hold on, big fella. He’s your friend, and he’s been very respectable. He tells me stories about his friends, but when it comes to Mia, I can tell he’s holding a lot back.”

  “He could be protecting the nest…” Cid said and winced, realizing he said too much.

  “What does that mean?”

  “Mia would rather tell you about her gifts herself, and Murphy knows this.”

  “Oh, I get it, and that’s fine with me. I hope it goes both ways. I’ve told him a lot about me too.”

  “He can be a bit gossipy but not when it comes to personal information. Now Ted, on the other hand, is a major gossip. Don’t tell him anything you don’t want to become common knowledge. He can’t help himself. Most of what all of us know about Mia comes from Ted.”

  “I did some cooking today,” Sally said. “Mrs. Leighton had a staffing problem that Amy/Ripely told me about.”

  “Amy is as bad as Ted,” Cid said.

  “Anyway, I stepped in, and between the three of us, we managed lunch and supper.”

  “Bravo! What did you serve?”

  “Mini quiches for lunch and then stew and cornbread for dinner. I had to use what they had, and so I made a tomato-based stew.”

  “I’m drooling. We had leftovers. We put a final push on the house. Depending on tomorrow, I may be in Big Bear Lake soon.”

  “I can’t wait. I miss you. I just realized that I’ve spent the same amount of time with Stephen Murphy as you.”

  “Just don’t fall in love with him. I can’t compete.”

  “I promise.”

  “Have a good night. I’ll be dreaming of you,” Cid said.

  “Goodbye, my love,” Sally said.

  Cid turned over and punched his pillow. He dialed Mia’s phone intending to leave her a message.

  “Cid, are you alright?” Mia whispered.

  “I’m sorry, I wanted to leave you a message. I didn’t think you’d pick up.”

  “I’m walking back from the kitchen. I was hungry,” Mia confessed. “I use the phone to navigate this castle. What’s up?”

  “Call off your boyfriend.”

  “Which one? I have so many,” Mia said.

  “Murphy.”

  “I beg your pardon. Is he on the job with you? He’s supposed to be helping Ethan, not bothering you at work.”

  “Has anyone told you what’s going on here?” Cid asked.

  “No. Last I heard, you found a girl you’re head over heels with. I take it, if you were having a problem that I could help you with you with, you would call me.”

  “I’m sorry. You’re really out of the loop.”

  “Evidently.
Does this have anything to do with Father Santos calling me about Roumain’s wife Violine?”

  “Indirectly, as she was a negative elemental, yes. I’m sorry, Mia, I thought you were encouraging Murphy to spend time with Sally.”

  “Wouldn’t he have to be there with you?” Mia asked confused.

  “What did Father Santos say?”

  “Only that he has come across a negative elemental, and I was the only one he knew who successfully defeated one. Cid, I’ve found an abandoned room. I’m sitting down. Please tell me what’s going on. The whole story, not just the highlights.”

  Cid did so.

  “You’ve got this in hand,” Mia said. “I’m proud of you. To answer your question, I didn’t send Murph to spy on your girlfriend. Ethan probably wanted Murphy out of his hair and suggested Murph check on Sally to make sure she wasn’t being railroaded into anything. She’s alone in a rehab facility and probably missing you. Murph is just being neighborly. Ethan probably doesn’t know he’s come back to see her, how many times?”

  “Four nights in a row.”

  “Whoa, no wonder you’re concerned. I’ll talk to him when I get back.”

  “No. I’ll talk to him,” Cid said. “I didn’t know I could be jealous of a ghost.”

  “Murph is more than a ghost, but he’s also your friend. Remember that.”

  “He’s Ted’s friend, but he’d still…”

  “You don’t have to go there, Garrett,” Mia interrupted. “For the record, Murph supports my marriage. And Ted understands the situation. Evidently, you don’t.”

  Cid heard the disappointment in her voice. “Mia, I’m sorry.”

  “I’m tired…”

  “Don’t go!” Cid said. “Give me a chance to make things right.”

  “Cid, this isn’t a discussion for the middle of the night. Murphy is not trying to take your girl. He’s being a good friend and keeping Sally’s spirits up while you’re away. He wouldn’t have returned if he thought she didn’t appreciate his visits. I didn’t send him to interfere - if that’s what you’re thinking? I wouldn’t mess with your love life. I know better than anyone else what it’s like to have people, paranormal beings, and fate messing with my relationship with Ted. How I don’t let this happen is to believe in Ted and believe in myself. I suggest you take some time and see what a great catch you are and what a worthy woman Sally must be to cause this emotional upheaval inside you. As far as Walnut Grove House, you’ve managed the situation well and have the right people helping you. Good night, Cid.”

  Cid listened to the dead air a moment and then sighed. “What have I done?”

  His phone rang. It was Mia. Was she going to lash out? If so, he deserved it. “Mia…”

  “I believe in you, Cid. I know you wouldn’t intentionally hurt me. Try to believe in me. I will have a lot of adjusting to do, but I love you and want you to be happy. You probably have spent more time conversing with Murph than anyone. If he is a threat to my marriage, I hope you would give me a heads-up or cut him off at the pass.”

  “No, he loves you but understands your heart is Ted’s. I’m sorry to jump to the conclusion that you would try to submarine my relationship.”

  “Only you can do that. Make sure that Sally knows that if she enters into a life with you that Ted comes too.”

  “How have you put up with me for so many years?” Cid asked.

  “I love Ted and want him to be happy. I also love you. You’ve never crossed the line with me. You don’t know how freeing it is to be with someone who doesn’t want to jump my bones. I can let my guard down and just be me.”

  “Do you forgive me?”

  “Instantly,” Mia said. “Get some sleep. If things get out of control, remember you have Jesse Holden as your knight. Trust him to come through for you. Good night, Cid.”

  “Good night, Mia.”

  There was a light tap on the door of the bunkroom.

  “Come in.”

  “I was a bit worried you were having an argument with Sally.”

  “I was talking with Mia.”

  “Are you two sleeping together?” Jessie asked.

  “Honestly?” Cid whined.

  “No, I want to know.”

  “No. She’s married to my best friend.”

  “Are the three of you…”

  “You’re way off base,” Cid growled.

  “Has it ever been offered?” Jesse asked.

  “No.”

  “Did you ever consider asking?” Jesse prodded.

  “No.”

  “Huh. I just assumed.”

  “Haven’t you ever had a best friend?” Cid asked.

  “Not as close as you and Ted are.”

  “We don’t have those kinds of feelings for the other,” Cid said. “I have his back, and he has mine. Mia accepted that I was part of Ted’s life from day one.”

  “But yet, you question her about her best friend Murphy.”

  “Yes, I’m a hypocrite. Saint Cid is a hypocrite,” Cid said. “You’ve been around Murphy and Mia, what have you observed?”

  “The ghost is besotted but he’s honorable. Mia isn’t interested in screwing a dead guy or anyone else for that matter. I mean, if she didn’t hit on me, then she’s not looking.”

  “You think very highly of yourself.”

  “I believe in truth. That’s why I ask questions instead of making up the answers. If you asked me whether or not Mia was trying to destroy your new relationship, I would have asked you these questions: Are you sleeping with her? Has she ever not been supportive of any of your last relationships? Are you and Ted lovers?”

  “No, no, and no.”

  “This information would answer the question. No, Mia is not trying to submarine your relationship with Sally by using the dead stud.”

  “Life is so simple with you,” Cid said, pushing his hand through his hair.

  “Yes. I have one last question.”

  “Go ahead.”

  “Are you trying to find a way to submarine your relationship with Sally because it’s too good to be true? Or you’re afraid of commitment?”

  “That’s two questions,” Cid said.

  “I’ve worked with Kiki for a long time, and you two have some similar traits.”

  Cid winced.

  Jesse acknowledge that Cid wasn’t pleased with being lumped in with Kiki but continued, “You look for anyone else to blame when things don’t go the way you want them to. And you’re both insecure.”

  “Gee, are you Freud or Jung tonight?” Cid snapped.

  “How do you feel about Sally?”

  “I think I’ve fallen in love with her. It’s too quick. Things like this don’t happen. It’s illogical.”

  “It happens. You were meant to be together. Carl, who is extremely protective, sees that you’re the man for Sally. Sally is honest with you. You praise honesty. She stepped between you and Faye when Faye scared the crap out of us when she found the safe. She trusted you when you mentioned the Leighton facility. She took on all this paranormal crap like a duck to water. You’re perfect for each other. Stop trying to find reasons to end things just because you don’t think you’ll measure up.”

  “Mia said to trust you. How would she know we’d have this conversation?” Cid asked.

  “Huh. I think maybe she meant to trust me to have your back. She would have no idea I’m so great on saving other people’s relationships. I’m so good, I should do a TED talk.”

  “I think Ted talks enough for everyone,” Cid said.

  “Ha!”

  “Get out of here. We have priests coming in the morning. Bridgeton is supposed to meet with Kiki in the afternoon, and Pete’s in charge of meals…”

  “A day full of adventure!” Jesse said.

  Cid heard him rummaging in the cupboards.

  “Now where did I put my Rolaids?”

  Chapter Twenty-three

  Cid had just
exited the trailer when Father Simon pulled up in his truck. Father Santos got out, dressed in clothes that he had to have taken off the back of a laborer. His Spanish accent was more prevalent than Cid remembered it. Father Simon was dressed in work clothes and did nothing else to alter his image.

  “People look at me and assume I’m an illegal even when I’m wearing my vestments,” he said to Cid.

  “That’s a sad state of affairs,” Cid said. “Come on in. I was just going to make the coffee. Pete’s cooking today, but the guys made me promise to make the coffee. Evidently, Pete and coffee makers are incompatible.”

  “Ethan put a few extra things in the back on Murphy’s recommendation,” Simon said, patting the truck as they walked by. He’s an unusual caretaker.”

  “Murphy or Ethan?”

  “I guess I’d have to say both.”

  The aroma of bacon frying encouraged the men upstairs. Cid left the priests in the common room and walked into the kitchen. Pete had a pile of bacon already fried.

  “Good morning, Cid,” he said. “Do you think the bacon will get soggy in the server?”

  “I don’t think the bacon will make it past the kitchen door. It smells great!”

  “I make Sunday breakfast for the family when I’m home. It makes up for me watching football the rest of the day,” Pete related.

  “I’ve never been a football fan.”

  “You’re from Kansas and you don’t watch football? That’s amazing.”

  “He learned to throw a football from a book,” Jesse said. “He lives with a kid who, if he continues, will be the Gatorade Illinois Football Player of the Year in his senior year.”

  “Dieter’s good but not that good,” Cid said.

  “I beg to differ,” Jesse said.

  Cid poured the first pot of coffee into two carafes, handed them to Jesse to take out into the common room, and set up another pot before he followed him in. Wayne was coaching the priests on how to act and what to say if they found themselves questioned by the homeowner or one of his representatives.

  “It’s okay to write this down,” Wayne said. “I refer to my notebook when giving a quote.”