Truth Is Found

by Morgan Kelley

  She thought about it. While she could hear Bethany when the woman wanted to warn her, Julian was right. He couldn’t. There was no way for him to communicate.

  “Bethany, are you here?” she asked. “If you are, knock once.”

  Julian nearly laughed, but then they heard it.

  Bethany was replying.

  Even Beau was caught off guard. “This is creepy. What the hell?”

  Unfortunately, Julian happened to agree with the man.

  “Once for yes, twice for no, okay?” she asked, waiting for the next knock.

  When it happened, Julian gave her the look.

  It made her want to laugh too. He was so close to the edge, and she always found that amusing.

  “You used to be so sane.”

  Tori grinned. Julian was obviously calming down. The fact that he was willing to joke around was proof.

  As for her sanity...that was saying a lot, especially since they met while she was controlled by nightmares and PTSD.

  “Will she get hurt? Can you keep her safe?” Julian asked, cutting to the chase. He didn't have time or the inclination to fool around with their dead tagalong.

  They waited, and there were two knocks, and then one more.

  “Do you promise?”

  There was one knock.

  “Do you watch us having sex?”

  There was one knock.

  Tori started laughing.

  “Christ! I knew it!” he said, trying not to laugh. If he didn't, he’d just get angry. That’s how insane all of this was. He never thought he’d be having a conversation with the dead.

  Well, not while he was alive anyway.

  Beau looked freaked out.

  Then again, who could blame him?

  He was a soldier, and now he was fighting a battle against things they couldn’t see. This had to be one hell of a shock for him. While he knew what his sister could do, he’d never seen it firsthand. This was the first time he’d seen her playing medium.

  From the look on his face, they knew he wasn’t enjoying it.

  At all…

  “You can head back to the office if you want,” Tori offered. “I know how weird this has to be for you. Hell! It’s weird for me too,” Tori added. “It’s more than anyone should have to handle. I’ll understand.”

  Beau didn't hesitate.

  He moved toward the door.

  “Drive safe,” Julian said, nothing but animosity in his voice.

  “I’m not leaving my sister,” Beau stated. “While this is totally insane, I won’t risk her or walk away. I’m going to go back to the prep room, tell them I smoked half a pack of cigarettes to calm my nerves, and then get back to work. This is just another day in the job. If Littlemoon Investigations is all about the things that go bump in the night, I’m going to accept it like a good soldier. I trust my sister.”

  Julian relaxed.

  He always expected the man to bolt. He hated that he felt that way, but it was the truth. Look at Tori’s mom. The apple didn't fall far from the tree, and Julian assumed Beau would eventually do the same thing.

  The odds were that it was genetic.

  “Don’t look so surprised, Julian. I’m not her. I finally found my sister. I won’t leave her side until I’m one of the ghosts talking to her.”

  Julian didn't want any anger between them. This was Tori’s brother, and she’d accepted Justin without judging him. He wanted to do the same.

  “Beau,” he began.

  He didn't give him time to apologize. “I gotta go. I have a mess to help clean up, and I want to wash these cuts. Who the hell knows what I’ll get? Maybe there’s some ghost rabies, and I’ll start frothing at the mouth and talking in tongues.”

  Tori laughed when he winked at her. “I love you, Beau.”

  “Sis, I love you too. I got your back. Hooah!”

  She repeated it to him. It was something soldiers did to prove they were in for the long haul. It looked like she had quite the team keeping her safe.

  It was nice.

  Together, they watched him leave.

  “Well, this day is going downhill fast. I may need that drink before too long,” Tori said, sitting on the bed.

  Julian was right beside her, holding her hand. “Okay, tell me what you know, and we’re going to go from there. I may not have been a soldier, but I’ve got your back too, Tori.”

  She was well aware. Julian was her best friend in the whole world.

  “All I know is they had to be violent deaths. The way they were screaming, they wanted my attention.” She got quiet. “They suffered, Jules. However they went, it wasn’t a good way to die. That’s what I do know.”

  Her husband wasn’t happy to hear that. It made him nervous to think the same thing could happen to her. Instead of commenting, he did what he did best.

  Julian began making notes on his phone. “What else?”

  “They looked about twelve. I didn't see them for long, but when I could get a good look, they were still young.”

  Julian made more notes. “How were they dressed?”

  She thought about it. “I don’t know. Everything went by so fast, and it was like looking through a cloudy sheet of glass.”

  He knew who would know.

  “Bethany, did they die a long time ago?” he asked, still weirded out by this system they set up, but he was going to use it to ensure his wife was safe.

  They listened, and there were two knocks.

  “In the last twenty years?” he asked next.

  There was one knock.

  Julian tried not to make a big deal about the indentation on the bed beside him. It was moving closer.

  Oh, it was freaking him the hell out, but he’d try and let it go. How had his life gotten so weird?

  Now he remembered. He opened his own damn business, and this was the outcome.

  “Julian?” Tori said, noticing he wasn’t talking.

  “Sorry, I was processing it all.”

  “Bethany,” she said, knowing what had him reacting. She could hear her laughter. “Don’t torment him, or I will get that priest and holy water.”

  Immediately, the indentation moved away from him.

  It was good to see that her threats had some weight. Tori didn't know if they’d work, but Bethany seemed to think so. That was good enough for her.

  “Thank you,” he said, going back to what he was doing before Bethany moved in. “Okay, so we know they didn't die that long ago. Hopefully, this gives us a jumping off point. We’ll start with that and run with it. We might get lucky.”

  Tori listened to him.

  There was buzzing in her ears, and it likely meant that Bethany was amused that he was trying to communicate with her. It gave Tori hope that they could pull this off. Julian was trying, and she had to give him credit for that.

  “What’s next?”

  He knew what he wanted, but it would take a phone call. “I think we should get some help with this one.”

  She was good with that. “Research?”

  “Yep.”

  He pulled out his phone and dialed his office. When Lena answered, he asked to be put through to Christina and Kane. If there were two people, who excelled at digging up dirt, it was them. Christina used every trick to skirt the law and find the information.

  He loved that about her.

  “Yo, boss man, what’s up?” Kane asked, coming on the line.

  “Are you on speaker?”

  “Yes, and it’s just me and the little woman. Justin is in his office, Beckett and Claire are following a fornicator, and we were just doing all the paper work to keep the place up and running.”

  Julian was happy that his team was following the instructions they’d set in place. That was one less worry on his shoulders.

  “Good. Put it away because I need you both for something really important.”

  There was a shuffling of papers.

  “What is it?”

  “We have three dead females,” he
said, telling them the entire story. Of their team, Christina was the definite skeptic in the bunch. Granted, she was coming around after what she saw in Kentucky, but she was still a scientist at heart. That couldn’t be shaken easily.

  “Okay, and?” she asked, making notes.

  “They are unknown and need to be found. Get me their names.”

  There was clicking going on, and finally she was back on the line. “I’m going to run every missing person in that area over the last decade.”

  “Go back twenty years, just in case,” he stated. While they knew what Bethany said, they weren’t going into details. It would take too much time, and then Christina would want to be privy to the parlor tricks.

  That made a mockery out of it, and somehow, Julian didn't think Bethany would like that. They didn't need to piss off their line to the dead.

  “Gotcha. What age do you want me to narrow it down to?” Christina asked. “Adult?”

  Tori finally spoke. “They’re children.”

  The line went quiet.

  Tori knew why.

  Lately, they were dealing with the death of Vivian’s child, and it was weighing heavily on all of their shoulders. The whole team was rattled and a little off kilter.

  Who could blame them?

  “Okay, that’s going to take some time. You’d be shocked how many children go missing every year. I’m going to have to run it against the National Missing Children’s registry. I’ll have them to you as soon as I can.”

  “Thanks, Christina,” Julian stated.

  “How’s the case?” Kane asked, trying to lighten the mood. The call was getting somber.

  “Well, so far we found out that the winery is haunted, someone’s stirring up shit, and a ghost attacked Beau.”

  Christina gasped at that last piece of information. “Is he okay?”

  “Yeah, he’s only scratched up.”

  “Did you take pictures so I can debunk…?”

  Kane slapped his hand over her mouth. “We’ll be in contact. I’ll keep the little woman here focused, and we’ll get you the names.”

  Julian laughed. “Good idea. We’ll talk to you later.”

  When he hung up, Tori yawned. Reaching into his bag, he dug out a granola bar. “How about you have something to eat, and we’ll rest a bit. We have a couple hours before we have to wander around and play investigators.”

  Actually, they should be out there right now, but he wasn’t going to push his pregnant wife. Every time she popped back from being with Bethany, she looked drained. Add pregnancy to that, and it was a serious matter.

  No, he wasn’t wearing her down. It simply wasn’t happening. For the next seven months or so, they were going to take every precaution necessary.

  “I know what you’re doing, Julian,” she said, unwrapping the bar. When a box of juice magically appeared in his hand, she grinned.

  “Do you?” he asked, resting beside her. “What is it that you’re accusing me of now?” Julian teased.

  “Mothering me.”

  He waited for her to rest her head on his shoulder. “Guilty as charged. Sue me for wanting to get food into you and some juice. I’m a horrible, horrible husband. You should divorce me for all my faults. I’m sure the judge will lock me away for all the hideous abuse.”

  Tori snorted. “Yeah, yeah, you’re the worst,” she teased before breaking her granola bar in half and giving him some. “Let’s have lunch together, but I’m not sharing my juice. You had yours,” she teased, pointing at the wine glasses. “Want me to call down and get you more?”

  “Victoria Rose!”

  She giggled, and then popped the food in her mouth. She needed to think about what was coming. It was probably best Julian thought she was sleeping.

  Then there was a knock, and she couldn’t help but laugh.

  “Are you talking to Bethany in your head and behind my back?” he asked, staring at her.

  “No, Jules. Why would I do that?”

  “I have no idea, but I’m thinking you are.”

  Oh, if he only knew….

  Her gift was growing.

  CHAPTER Five

  Three Hours Later

  Yes, it was time to get moving.

  They’d rested for as long as they could, and the party downstairs was already started. There was no doubt that this ‘meet and greet’ was going to be interesting--to say least.

  While they’d rather be out wandering around the winery, they had plenty of time to do that later. After all, it wasn’t like the ghosts were going anywhere.

  Right?

  As they headed down to the main floor, Julian and Tori were assaulted with the sound of tinkling glass, laughter, and piano music. Apparently, the Nelms liked to do it up.

  Julian wasn’t shocked. That seemed about right. After all, the man had married a woman who garnered attention when she entered a room. Daniel must have enjoyed putting on one hell of a show.

  In the midst of the company, they were just glad they had brought more than investigative gear. Tonight was like a social event, and Julian couldn’t wait.

  He wanted to meet everyone.

  If they had people around, that meant they could be suspects.

  Someone was sabotaging the Nelms, and he didn't believe it was three angry dead girls. They might break glasses, but he didn't think they were stealing wine and money.

  It was likely the living who were stirring the shit pot.

  As they arrived downstairs, they easily spotted the hosts of the party. Sheila was drinking with her guests, Daniel was making sure the wait staff was doing their job, and the two youngest Nelms were there too.

  Pearlie was mimicking her stepmother, showing off her assets to the men at the party, and Romeo was behind the bar pouring wine.

  Well, the apples didn't fall far from the tree, now did they? Even though Sheila wasn’t Pearlie’s real mother, the girl had found her idol to mimic.

  Before Julian and Tori could even enter the party, there were two men headed their way. Julian protectively dropped his arm over his wife’s shoulders, almost out of habit.

  “You’re the Littlemoons!” the one said. He then grabbed his partner’s arm excitedly. “We saw you on the news!”

  Yeah, who hadn’t?

  If someone didn't recognize them, then that would be more shocking.

  “Yes, we are. Who are you?” Tori asked, shaking their hands.

  The older man smiled at her. “This is my significant other, Roman Remington, and I’m Mitch Pettigrew. We’re here on a romantic retreat,” he stated, waving his arms flamboyantly.

  From the way the man was dressed, to his mannerisms, there was no doubt who the ‘wife’ in the couple was.

  “Yes, we’re here to taste wine and learn about the process,” Roman added. “We just love the stuff.”

  Well, at least someone did.

  Mitch leaned in and whispered. “Are you here working? Is there a killer here? Oh my God! I’m getting excited.”

  Julian wanted to punch him in the face, but Tori was leading this little fun fest. He was going to trust his wife to handle it.

  “Actually, we’re taking a little vacation. We needed to get away, and someone recommended coming here.”

  Both men looked down at her baby bump.

  “You can’t drink though.”

  Tori laughed easily as Beau arrived with two glasses on his tray.

  “Ma’am, the owners had some sparkling cider brought in for you,” he stated, handing her a glass. “Sir, you get the wine. We’re trying out a nice chardonnay. If you have questions about it, I suggest you talk to Reid. He’s very knowledgeable, and a really great sommelier.”

  “Thank you,” Julian said, taking the hint. “I think I’ll do just that. Are you okay here?” he asked his wife. “You know how much I love wine.”

  Tori wanted to laugh.

  While his words conveyed it, his face didn't. “Yes, babe. I’m sure the gentlemen will keep me company.”

  In
all honesty, Tori wanted to pump them for information. Two gay men at a haunted winery? Yeah, someone had dirt, and she was going to go fishing.

  “She’ll be entertained,” Mitch stated, leading them toward a table with canapés.

  Tori wanted to swoon. They were taking her to the food. This was like the best-case scenario--chitchat and little delicious bites of heaven.

  She loved her job.

  As soon as they were there, he began talking a million miles a minute. “Why are you really here?” the one man asked.

  Tori tried to look confused.

  She had to keep her cover. Tori knew there was a fine line there, and if they suspected they were working, there was going to be trouble.

  Loose lips sunk ships and undercover jobs.

  “I told you that we needed a few days off. We have quite a few employees, and they’re running the shop while we take a break. I’m pregnant, and I can’t keep up anymore.” As if to prove a point, she popped a canapé into her mouth and chewed.

  They didn't need to know it was a total lie.

  Tori was in prime shape, and she could run circles around everyone. Her little girl gave her a reason to keep going, and she wasn’t going to stop until she helped the lost children.

  “Well, it’s odd that you came to a place where you can’t drink.”

  Tori leaned in and dropped her voice low. “Promise to keep a secret?” she asked.

  They both nodded, their eyes twinkling.

  “I hate wine, but I love food. Bringing a pregnant woman to a place that feeds her is always a good reason to hang out.”

  They looked disappointed as she popped some quiche looking thing into her mouth. She made yummy noises to prove her point.

  “You gotta try that.”

  Roman spoke up, “Well, we picked this place because of the history. It’s a great place to immerse yourself in the past.”

  She shrugged. “Yeah, I heard it was a monastery. I know the history. It was a church. There were monks, and blah, blah, blah.”

  Tori hoped that she was playing this right.

  If she didn’t, they’d walk away. That was the last thing she needed. They had to get some dirt.