by Olivia Swift
“Wonderful! America is just like in the films. I can take it all in as we drive,” Branna answered.
“See you later,” Rula said as they left the café in her capable hands. They did a quick detour into Mikey’s camping shop to say hello. Magda called Branston when she was in the car and he said that they should come on over.
“Merle and I are both at the main house just now. We can show you all around.”
Sam changed direction and drove to the ranch. “The new diner is going on the corner here,” he said as they turned off the highway.
“I forgot to ask you what the gold nugget truffles were like,” Branna said as she remembered them telling her about the spirit of the gold miner.
“We’ll find some later,” Magda told her.
“And they taste good once you get over putting actual gold in your mouth and eating it,” Sam laughed as he pulled up outside of the ranch reception area. Magda pointed out that the reception was conveniently attached to the main house where Merle lived, and the gift shop had a spot there as well.
The two visitors gazed around at the size of the place. The log cabins were set out well apart like private homes. Pristine white fencing was everywhere. Each cabin had large decks, recliners and hot tubs. There were signs that directed you to the swimming pool, sauna and shop. Stables and barns were laid out with corrals where several horses grazed. There were huge amounts of parking space and grassy areas leading to a lake.
Merle and Branston appeared at the doorway.
“Welcome to The Panhandle!” Merle said. Branston swept off the enormous Stetson that he wore around the ranch and showed them through to the living room.
“The place is enormous,” Jonno said. “Looks fantastic.”
“Eight years ago, it was a broken-down dump,” Branston said. “Merle hired out a couple of trailers while she did the first renovation herself.”
“Eight years. Gee whizz!” Branna said. “How you must have worked.”
“My cousin used to help out in his spare time because he is horse crazy and always has been,” Magda explained.
“He came as a staff member but he’s so good with customers that he’s now manager and lets me get on with running the rest of the place,” Merle told them. She smiled at Branston as she spoke. The couple had a great relationship.
“Next week, we are having the big Christmas barn dance. Brought it forward so that you wouldn’t miss it.”
“Cowboy outfits with a Christmas touch required,” Magda laughed.
“Come and have a look around. Have you got a lot of land to use at the camping park?” Merle invited.
“For Ireland, it is quite a large area,” Jonno said as he followed her out of the door. “What do customers tell you they like about staying here?”
“Obviously you don’t have horse riding and most of our customers come because they want to pretend to be cowboys,” she laughed. “But they all admit that they like luxury along with it. Lovely places to stay, decks, hot tubs, good food and we put on events all of the time - campfires, hikes, horseback riding, picnics, barn dances.”
“And the Christmas hoedown,” Magda added.
“So, luxury, food, events,” Jonno repeated.
“Personal service,” Branston said. “They love to talk to you about it. If I was Irish, I would make it over the top Irish as well. Feels a bit crazy sometimes to be a rhinestone cowboy but visitors love it.”
The visitors were entranced by the ranch and settled back in Merle’s living room with drinks.
“So, tomorrow night, what are you trying to do?” Branna asked.
“This little girl is the one we are trying to help?” Jonno queried. “Nothing to do with the men who had stuff in the barn?”
“Seems like two different things although little Beth seemed to know that someone was trying to frighten Jemima,” Sam answered. “The police are following up on the men who were in the barn.”
The six of them spent a comfortable time talking about the thing they were all interested in doing, which was all to do with the spirit world. A staff member said that someone wanted to talk to Merle and the group broke up.
“Meet up tomorrow,” Merle said and left Branston to wave the four friends off.
They drove to Sam and Magda’s bungalow and Branna and Jonno were suitably impressed with the two-story addition. The two black and white kittens shot up the spiral staircase, but Crystal and Abigail came to inspect the visitors. Branna sat on the sofa and Crystal climbed on her knee.
“Wow! You are very special,” Magda said. “The others will come now because they wait to see what Crystal does.” Sure enough, the other three came and rubbed around the visitor’s feet when Crystal had given them the signal. Then she left Branna’s knee and looked at Magda’s pocket. The cell phone rang.
“That blooming cat,” Magda grumbled, answered the call and put the phone on the table. Crystal walked sedately over and knocked it onto the floor.
“Crystal!” Magda exclaimed as she picked it up and the picture of a railroad complete with engine showed up on the screen. “She is still showing me railroads and Christmas pictures.”
“And specifically, Christmas elves,” Sam added.
“Clever cat, you are,” Branna said to Crystal and the pretty Birman blinked those blue eyes and purred loudly.
Sam drove the Irish couple back to Alison’s and promised to pick them up the next evening. Alison had plans for the day.
Earlier, Bart had told them which cemetery and the group met up at the gates in the early evening. They were allowed inside as he had cleared their visit with the man in charge. He pointed out where the grave was and told them that an hour was all he could let them stay.
“Thanks very much,” Bart said. “You have been a marvelous help.” He led the way to the grave.
“It is a lonely little stone. All by itself,” Merle said.
“I think people who committed suicide were treated differently back then,” Rula added.
Gina pointed. “Can anyone else see that light?”
“Yes.” Branna could hardly contain her excitement.
“It’s the little dog,” Declan said.
“Make a circle and see if we can find her,” Merle said and started her protection.
She paused and took a breath.
“Eliza Deronda, are you there please? If you can hear me step forward.”
“Please Eliza. We mean no harm, but we want to talk about little Beth,” Magda joined in.
Merle repeated her request and Declan drew a breath.
“I think there is someone taking shape.”
“She is very sad and very scared,” Merle said. “I can feel that.”
“I can see the orb. Is that the dog, Declan?” Gina asked.
“Yes. The dog is trying to draw out the person.”
“Can you see the little dog, Eliza. She is trying to find you for Beth. Please come forward and talk to me,” Merle called.
“Beth needs you, Eliza. She is still at the house and needs her mother. Please step out. We won’t hurt you. Little Beth is a lovely girl,” Magda told the spirit still staying in the shadows.
“You must have been really unhappy to take your life. We are sorry you did that. We only want to help Beth,” Gina joined in. “She and the dog both need you so much.”
“She’s moving forward,” Declan said. “Keep going.”
“I lost my mom when I was little,” Branna said. “I still miss her today. Please come forward and talk about helping your daughter.”
Suddenly Gina said there was another orb and Bart could see the hazy misty shape of something as well. Declan said that the woman was coming forward but still faint.
“She is getting more confident,” he said.
“What does she look like?” Branna asked.
“Slim, in her thirties and with hair very much like her daughter. She is wearing a coat belted at the waist.”
“Are you Eliza Deronda?” Merle asked. “Ma
ke a noise if you are.” There was a pause where everyone almost held their breath and then a faint bang sounded. “Thank you,” Merle added.
“Can you do it again to make sure we know you are there please?” Magda asked and the bang was more definite.
“Now we have to get her to find her daughter,” Sam said. “How do we do that?”
12
“Let’s try,” Merle said. “Hello, Eliza. Thank you for trusting us.” She looked around the circle. “I can feel that she is happier already.”
“I think it’s because of the dog,” Gina said. “The two orbs are close together and the dog seems to be following her - like a real dog would do.”
“That’s right. The dog is really happy and around her legs,” Declan said.
Merle nodded.
“Well spotted, Gina. That might be the way to do it.” She took a breath. “Eliza, can you see your daughter’s dog? Make a noise if you can,” Merle asked again and this time there was a bang. “Thank you. Does that make you feel better?” Another bang.
“Well that is progress, anyway,” Rula said.
“The dog found its way here, so maybe it can show her the way back,” Bart suggested.
“If the dog came because it came with us, maybe we should go back to Jemima’s and see if it follows us back there,” Sam said.
“Eliza,” Merle said, “do you miss your little Beth?” There was a dull thud.
“That felt really sad,” Branna said.
“Eliza,will you follow the dog to see Beth?” There was a pause and then a small and uncertain noise. “I promise you there is nothing to be afraid of.” Another bang and a bit more confident. “I am going to finish now and go to Beth. Do you understand me, Eliza?” Another sound. “Good. Bart, can you call for the dog and we’ll close down? If it doesn’t work this way, maybe Beth will follow us back to her mom. We can just try.”
Bart nodded and called out. “Good dog. Come on. Good boy. Let’s go and find Beth.”
“Thanks,” Merle said and went through her closing down routine. The group shook their arms and legs and talked to each other as they headed back to the gates. Bart thanked the caretaker and gave him an envelope.
“Have a good Christmas,” he said. “Come on. Good dog,” he added into thin air. They drove away to Jemima’s house and Magda called her on the way to say that they were coming and hoped it was okay.
At the house, Jemima met them at the door with a beaming smile.
“It is so much better now there are no noises. Come in. Come in. Oh, Rula, the real estate agent is getting on with this. Thank you.” The woman was bubbling over with happiness. It was such a big difference from the fear of just a few days ago.
“I am so glad it is all working out for you,” Magda told her. “We are hoping the little dog has brought Beth’s mom with him.”
“If this all works out, we owe a big debt to your magic café.”
Magda laughed.
“I would like to think it was magic, but I think that good friends are priceless.”
“Can we set up another circle?” Merle asked and they made the same grouping that they had done before. “Can anyone see an orb to say the dog is with us?”
“Nothing at the moment,” Gina said.
“Maybe it will come if we talk to Beth,” Magda suggested, and Merle went through her routine.
“Beth, are you there, please? Come and talk to us.”
“Beth, can you call for your dog, please?” Magda added and Declan said that the little girl was appearing by the door.
“The orb is there,” Gina said excitedly.
“Yes, the dog is around Beth’s legs and wagging his tail.”
“Beth, we found your mom and I am hoping that she will follow your dog and meet you again. Stay with the dog. Can you do that?” There was a noise and Merle carried on. “Good girl. You are very brave and you helped Jemima. We have made her happy again. That was thanks to you.”
Merle took a breath.
“Eliza, please come and meet your daughter again. Please step out of the shadows and the cold and hold your daughter again.” There was nothing to see or hear. Magda added her voice.
“Beth, your mom is near at hand. Call to her. Eliza, please come and see Beth. She needs you so much.”
“I lost my mom. I know she needs you,” Branna said.
“There is nothing to be afraid of,” Bart joined the call to the woman.
“She’s there,” Declan said, “but she’s frightened to come out of the shadows.”
“Please, please, Eliza. Everyone here is friendly. Everyone wants you to be happy again,” Magda said.
“She is actually there,” Merle added. “That is the best news. We have to get them together.”
“Bart, can you tell the dog to find her. He seems to listen to you?” Sam suggested. The newspaperman nodded and called out.
“Good boy. Where is that good dog? Come on, boy. Find mom. Find Eliza. What a good dog you are.”
“He is listening to you and looking around,” Declan said. “She has moved slightly forward. Try again.” Bart called to the dog again and Gina said that the orb had moved to the corner of the room. Declan agreed and Merle called again to Eliza.
“Can you see Beth’s dog, Eliza? Please follow him. Come out into the light. Leave the darkness behind you. Follow the dog.”
“Don’t be scared, Eliza,” Magda said. “The bad things are all in the past. Hold out your arms for your daughter and she will find you.”
“Good thinking, Magda,” Merle said and called to the girl to find her dog and her mom. “Can you see the dog, Beth?” There was a noise under their feet. Then suddenly Gina grabbed for Bart’s hand. He said he could see it as well and Declan told them that the woman had stepped out of the shadows.
“The two of them have seen each other. The dog is tearing around with delight.”
“The orbs of all of them are going crazy. Can anyone else see them?” Gina called out. Bart said that they were one enormous white mist - all mingled together. Declan agreed and told them that the mother had her arms around the little girl. He thought to himself that he was glad it was dark. The tears were streaming unbidden down his cheeks.
“Oh, thank goodness!” Magda breathed. She could feel the grip of Sam’s hand and knew that he was emotional as well. Merle did not attempt to hide the fact that she was crying.
“We have to concentrate, folks. Imagine the white light. We have to make them see where to go. Hold hands and close your eyes. See in your head a white and pure light shining for them.” Then she took a deep breath and concentrated hard herself. Branston moved out of the circle and put Rula’s hand into Merle’s and then he stood behind her and just supported her with his arms and put his head against hers.
“Go for it, girl,” he whispered and she smiled as she started.
“Eliza and Beth, please look for the light. Find the white light and go toward it together. Take the dog and hold onto each other. Find the light. Find peace and comfort and stay together.” She paused. “You have been a wonderful help to us, Beth. Take your mom and the dog and find the light.”
“The cold, the fear and the bad times are all over, Beth,” Magda added. “Hold onto your mom. Don’t let her go again, and call for your dog. You are my brave, brave girl. Find the light.”
“Concentrate, folks,” Merle told them. “Will them toward the safety of the light.” There was silence from the group as they all tried to see the three spirits move on to peace.
Then Gina called out. “She’s done it!”
“The girl has pulled her mom to the doorway and the dog is at their feet. They are almost gone. They are fading into the light,” Declan said.
“Oh my goodness. We did it.” Magda breathed. Sam put on the lights as Merle moaned and was stopped from falling by Branston’s arms. Magda rushed for a glass of water for Merle and the others mopped at their eyes and started to come back into the real world.
Merle’s eyes op
ened and she saw Branston’s concerned face as she took a sip of the water.
“Thank you everyone,” she said.
“That was wonderful!” Jemima said. “The house can now be free of any trouble at all.”
Rula was weeping as she had her arms around Mikey’s waist.
“I love the house anyway,” she smiled through the tears. “I am just so glad that we managed to let them find each other.”
“Coffee!” Magda said and she and Jemima went to the kitchen to make hot drinks for everyone.
“The sounds have gone. Whatever was in the barn has gone. Beth has her mom. What a lovely Christmas it will be,” Rula declared as she accepted a mug of coffee.
“I think that I would like to check out the basement and the barn to make sure everything is normal, Jemima. Is that okay with you?” Mikey asked.
Jemima said it was fine and she would come as well. In the end, they all went together for a last inspection of the empty basement rooms. There was no speaker and when they shone a flashlight, there was no camera across the street.
The barn was just a barn and Rula said that maybe one day there would be a horse in there again.
“Oh, that is a lovely thought,” Merle said. “That’s what it was meant for.”
They retraced their steps to the front door and went inside. Then everyone just stopped absolutely stock still. They gazed at each other.
“There was nobody in here,” Magda declared. She stepped further forward and picked up a white feather from the floor. The place was covered in them and they all had a sort of magic sparkle to them that was already starting to fade. There was almost a shine in the air and the faint hint of a white mist lingered in the air above the ground.
“Thank you, Eliza,” Rula whispered. “I think you just blessed this house.”
Magda put her arms around her best friend and the two of them shed tears of happiness as it struck all of them that they had succeeded in what they set out to do.
“Collect them in case they disappear,” Branna said. “I can take a little American magic back to Ireland.”