I’d run out of options. It was never easy to pull the wool over Merlene’s eyes. She was sharp and relentless.
“What’s bothering you?” she insisted.
“Nothing’s bothering me.”
“Lucille… I’ve known you too long. You might as well tell me.”
“Look… I didn’t come here to burden you with my problems, Merlene. You’re in the hospital trying to get well, for crying out loud! You don’t need any added stress.”
“I agree,” she said.
“You do?”
“Yes. I don’t need any added stress.”
“Okay, that’s good. We’ve reached an understanding, so let’s change the subject.
She scowled. “Lucille Pfiffer, the only added stress you’ve given me has been your reluctance to be straight with me. You know I don’t like that! We’re supposed to be closer than blood sisters and you make me have to pry the truth out of you and you still haven’t told it! Whatever you have to say can’t be as stressful to me as you not sharing it. When you hurt, I hurt and when you’re hurting, I want to know. I may be in this bed and limited to what I can do physically, but I can be here for you otherwise and you know that.”
She did it—made me feel guilty like she always does.
“All right. All right. I’ll tell you, but I don’t feel good about it,” I said. “You’re already at death’s door. For me to take you further would be murder. Anyway, it’s your funeral.”
“What’re you rambling on about? Who’s at death’s door?”
“Forget it. I’ll tell you what’s on my mind.”
I went on to explain everything: what Mira Cullen, the Indians and Sir Clement had said and also how my visit went with Mayor Bradley.
“That’s heavy stuff!” Merlene exclaimed. “I think you need to contact your neighbors and find out if it’s true what Dr. Cullen said about them also having paranormal activity in their homes.”
“Think so?” I asked.
“Yes! Explain to them what’s going on and get them to sign a petition showing their support for the monument and public apology.”
“What if they all deny having any ghostly activity in their homes and just have me for a laughing stock?”
She arched her eyebrow. “Then just tell them in no uncertain terms that in less than a week’s time, their houses will go up in flames and it’s because of their pride and bullheadedness. As crazy as your story might sound to some, I doubt they’d wanna take the risk of losing, perhaps, their most expensive investment.”
“I agree, but I’d think regardless of what I say, some of them will take their chances and probably chase me out of their yards.”
“Yeah. You’ll probably go running with your tail between your legs, but so what? You would’ve done what you needed to do and this type of thing calls for all pride to be set aside—not just on their part, but yours too. Get Debbie, your next door neighbor, to help you. She’s always had a sensible head on her shoulders.”
I gave what Merlene suggested some thought and eventually concurred.
“You’ll be fine, Lucille; I’d bet my bottom dollar on it. I wish I could be out there helping you with this.”
“Thanks. I know you do, but just focus on getting better,” I said.
Merlene was annoying, for the most part, but she was no imbecile. We’d been through hell together and always came out on the other side, which had a lot to do with common sense.
“Have you told the boys what’s going on?” she asked.
“Not yet.”
“What’re you waiting for? They’re gonna have to know what’s going on sooner or later. Won’t they?”
“I’d rather it be later than sooner,” I said.
Merlene shook her head as if she’d gotten the sudden realization after all these years of how “special” her friend truly was, and not in an endearing way.
“You really need to stop leaving Anthony and Theodore out of the loop. They’re family now, remember?” she remarked.
“’Course, I remember! But don’t caring parents try to keep their kids from worrying unnecessarily,” I returned.
“First of all, Lucille—they’re not your kids, so let’s not get it twisted. Family, yes, without the blood bond, but they’re not helpless, little toddlers running around depending on Mommy. They’re grown men who both have a steady head on their shoulders and since they live in your house, they have a right to know what’s going on.”
I stared at her for a few moments. “Are you finished?”
She sighed. “Guess so.”
I got up and gave her a hug, promising to keep her up-to-date. She had no idea that there was more her son, David, and I would have to come clean about regarding her kidnapping and her ex-husband, but that would have to wait until some time after she’d been discharged from the hospital.
Ces was sitting inside the cab tapping his hands on the steering wheel to the tune of a golden oldie. I could tell from his tapping alone that the old guy had some pep in his step.
“Oh, you’re back!” He quickly stepped out to open the door for me.
“You didn’t have to get out,” I said. “I could’ve easily opened the door myself.”
“Absolutely not, Lucille! You are a lady and should be treated as such.”
I got into the back seat and rested my cane next to me. “So, are you implying that this is what you do all the time for ladies entering your cab?”
“I surely do!” he replied. “If my wife was alive, she’d tell you she never once opened our car door whenever we drove together. I never let her.”
“Aww. That’s so sweet! You’re a real gentleman, Ces.”
We pulled out of the parking space and headed onto the main road.
“So, how’s your friend you went to visit?” he asked.
“She’s coming along really well. Thanks. Should be out soon.”
“That’s great news! I bet she can’t wait.”
“You’re right. I can though.”
“Pardon me?” he asked.
“I love the woman, but the longer she’s in there, I can have some peace and quiet. Let her be the doctors’ and nurses’ thorn for a while.”
Ces laughed so much, he just about cried. It was good to see I’d managed somehow to brighten his day. That’s what I looked forward to during those cab rides. Not sure why I felt it was some sort of mission of mine to bring a smile to the faces of those drivers that worked hard, but I just did. Maybe in my former life or something, I was a lonely cab driver who craved for good company and interesting conversation.
3
_________________
Nilla was on one of her running sprints throughout the house when I arrived home. I figured she was upset about something and I didn’t take long to learn what it was.
“She just had a bath,” Theodore informed me with a large, white towel tossed across his shoulder.
“Uh-oh! You’re in big trouble then,” I said.
“I know.”
Moments later, Nilla slowed down, then made a U-turn for Theodore’s toes. He asked for it whenever he wore those white socks. Seems like the guy could never learn. Those toes of his surely got it and although he felt her teeth on them, she never once bit down hard enough to hurt him.
I laughed it off and went to the kitchen to make a sandwich.
I soon heard keys jingling at the front door, then it opened and shut.
“Hey buddy,” Anthony said to Theodore.
“You’re off early too?” Theodore asked.
“Yep. I just quit.”
“You what?”
I emerged into the living room where this discussion was taking place.
“I’ve had enough!” Anthony flopped onto the sofa. “They decided when I went in this morning to pile up even more work on top of the work they’d already given me, and I realized as I sat there that this whole thing wasn’t making sense any more. I pretty much told them to take their job and shove it—and I left.”
Theodore picked up Nilla and sat down on the couch. “I’m sorry, man. You have any idea what you’re gonna do now?”
Anthony glanced at me and I knew what he was thinking. “I don’t know yet.” He sighed. “But Lucille, you don’t have to worry about me keeping up with the rent. I have enough money saved to last me a while.”
I patted his knee. “I know you do.” And I did—Anthony was a master saver. He never spent money unnecessarily and that guy believed in shopping when there was a worthwhile sale. He handled his finances wisely and the fact that his former employer had paid him well would’ve helped immensely. Theodore, on the other hand, didn’t throw his money around, but he wasn’t as cautious about it as Anthony was, especially when he’d met a new woman who’d hang around for a while.
“Why don’t you start your own business, Anthony?” I proposed.
“That’s a good idea!” Theodore agreed.
Anthony glanced at us both. “What can I do?”
“You’re good at computers,” Theodore replied. “And there’s a big market out there for technicians.”
“I don’t know if I wanna get into that field right now. Even though I’m good at it, the truth is… I think I’ve grown to hate it. I feel I need to do something new—something that I really enjoy.”
“Well, you’re great at interior decorating and even hosting parties,” I said. “Wouldn’t that sort of thing be right up your alley?”
He nodded slowly. “I think so, Lucille.” He even had a slight smile on his face. “I think you’ve hit the nail right on the head!”
“Great! I’d be happy to help devise a plan to get it off the ground. You’d have to advertise online and get some flyers offering your services up in establishments around town.”
“Thanks, Lucille. I really appreciate that.”
“Don’t mention it.”
“Whatever you need me to do, bud, just let me know,” Theodore offered.
Anthony nodded. “I will. Thanks, man.”
After having been petted for a few minutes straight, Nilla seemed to have calmed right down.
“Come to Momma!” I beckoned her after Theodore put her down. And my little princess came running over.
Oh—the kisses I got as I held her in my lap! I gave her a good many too over that cute face of hers. I’m telling you, she’s the most gorgeous animal on the planet with the best attitude too—just like her Momma.
“Do you want a treat?” I asked her, excitedly.
She gave me that intense, affirmative gaze.
“Okay, then. Let’s get treat!”
I put her down again and we both headed into the kitchen where my partially made sandwich was still sitting on the counter undisturbed. I reached over to a corner of the counter and grabbed the bag of chicken-flavored treats and gave one to her. Nilla had the habit of running off into a different room for privacy every single time to savor her treat. I was tempted more than once to try one for myself just to find out what was so special about those darn treats.
I sat on a stool and ate my sandwich, then picked up the nearby wall-mounted phone.
My next door neighbor, Debbie Anderson’s phone rang a couple of times before she picked up. She was pleasant, as usual.
“Hello, dear. It’s Lucille,” I said. “Was just wondering if you were home and up for company for a little while,”
“Sure, Lucille! I’m not doing anything special. Do you want me to come over or you’re gonna come here?” she replied.
I told her I’d come over.
I swallowed the last bit of punch in my glass and headed into the living room. Anthony and Theodore were still chatting.
“I’m going over to Debbie’s house for a bit. See you two when I get back.”
“Okay,” Anthony said, while Theodore nodded.
“Are you taking Nilla?” Anthony asked.
“Surely am. She loves Debbie almost as much as Theodore does.” I smiled.
Laughing, Anthony went and got Nilla’s harness from the coat rack and put it on her.
“All set!” he said, a minute later.
“Thank you, dear. See you guys later.”
* * * *
I was always enchanted by Debbie’s palatial house right next door to mine—and Nilla was too. I released the leash of her harness and allowed her to run up the walkway toward the front door. She knew where she was and who she was about to see. And for some reason, she absolutely loved Debbie and her teenage daughter Judy, in particular. Didn’t seem to care very much for Gary, Debbie’s ridiculously busy husband.
When Nilla arrived at the front door, she barked a couple of times and waited. Then moments later, the door swung open.
Smiling widely, Debbie knelt down and petted her. “How are you, pretty girl?” she said.
Nilla licked her hand, then as Debbie stood up again, Nilla dashed into the house.
“Lucille, come on in!” Debbie placed her arm around my shoulder and we walked inside together.
She led me over to her couch, then sat in the armchair next to it. Nilla had disappeared into one of rooms off the hallway.
“Where’s Judy?” I asked.
“At a friend’s house,” Debbie replied.
“Gary?”
“He’s not home yet. I don’t expect him until later on tonight.”
“Typical.”
Debbie grinned. “You are too much, Lucille.”
“You need to tie that man to the bed. He’s still working like a horse; it can’t be good for his health.”
“I agree.” She sat back and crossed her long, slender legs.
Debbie was wearing tan-colored slacks and an oversized, white tee shirt. Her shoulder-length hair, as usual, had been pulled back into a neat ponytail.
“May I offer you a cup of coffee or tea? Maybe a juice or some punch?”
“I’m fine; thanks.” I cleared my throat. “I came here to ask you a specific question, Debbie.”
“Okay…”
“It may sound sort of strange, but it’s very important that I ask anyway,” I said.
She nodded.
“I’ve never mentioned this to you before, but for the past few years, I’ve had some experiences at the house that were sort of what one would call….paranormal.”
“Really?” She seemed concerned.
“Actually, yes. And I’m wondering if you’ve experienced anything here that might be similar.”
She thought for a moment. “I wouldn’t say that I did.”
I wasn’t sure what to make of her reply and although it seemed sincere, something inside was nudging me that it wasn’t.
“Are you sure?” I asked.
“Yes—yes, I am. We’ve not experienced anything paranormal here at all.”
“Okay...then why have I seen coarse salt tossed in front of your porch several times when I came over, including today? Do you have a fascination with salt, Debbie? If so, why does it have to be thrown outside instead of into your pot, which makes more sense. Doesn’t it?”
She sighed heavily. “Guess you’ve got me. The truth is…we, too, have had our share of paranormal experiences. It’s part of the reason Gary isn’t here most of the time. He intentionally stays away because whatever’s here seems to show itself to him more than to Judy and me.”
“I see.”
“I hear strange sounds around the house, but mostly at night and once, I even saw someone.”
“Oh? What did you see?”
“A shadow figure or something. It was very tall, slim…”
“Very Native American,” I interjected.
“What? You likely saw the Indian I call Skyscraper. There a lot more where he came from which is right next door at my house.”
Her eyes widened. “My gosh! I had no idea…”
“I know. According to the psychic doctor you referred me to, she said a lot of our neighbors are experiencing paranormal activity.”
“Dr. Cullen told you that?”
“Yep.”
“I’d heard about Chloe Dunbar, down the road, claiming to have seen ghosts around her home, but of course, every neighbor I’ve ever spoken to about it think she’s just a nutcase.”
“I always believed Chloe, mainly because I knew what I was seeing in my home—all of this, before I lost my eyesight,” I lied.
“As of late, I’ve been researching ways that you can get rid of ghosts and putting salt in front of doorways was one of the remedies I found,” she said.
“Has it been helping?” I asked.
“Don’t think so. I really haven’t noticed any difference.”
I crossed my legs and relaxed my back against the chair. “Well, I’ve got some troubling news for you, Debbie. Harriet’s Cove is in grave danger.”
She leaned forward. “What do you mean by that?”
“Dr. Cullen was instrumental in getting this information out of the ghosts who had started to ramp up the paranormal activity in my home. Their land was stolen long ago by Chadsworthians and many of them were slaughtered and buried in this subdivision. They have made it clear that they want a government leader to publicly acknowledge what happened to them and also build a monument to them so as to appease their anger and they can rest in peace. And if they don’t get what they want in now...six days… they’re going to burn our beloved neighborhood down to the ground.”
“You’ve got to be kidding!” She was clearly stunned.
“I’m as serious as a heart attack, Debbie. It means that this beautiful house of yours and mine, and everyone else’s around here will go up in flames.”
She got up and started to pace the floor. “My goodness, Lucille! Are you sure about this?”
“You referred me to the psychic, remember? She was right about everything else. Furthermore, the Indian ghosts pretty much confirmed in their own weird way that she was right on point.”
Lucille Pfiffer Mystery Series (Books 4 - 6) Page 9