Everyone mumbled their agreement and fell silent.
‘What’s that noise?’ said Luke.
Oh, here we go again, funny ha ha, except… Everyone listened. Aarggh! It was faint music. Walter? Hush! Barbara will find you out. The hairs stood up on the back of my neck. Was that because I was cold? Scoot, Walter, quick as you can, escape.
‘I’ll go down to investigate,’ said Barbara.
No way! I had to think fast.
Chapter 21
‘Let me check it out,’ I said. ‘Honestly Barbara. It’s probably nothing.’
Was that by accident she shone her torch towards my face? I held a calm, polite smile for a few seconds before making my way downstairs. Luke followed.
‘Don’t want you injuring your back, again,’ he said.
‘Whatever.’ I hurried into the Games Room. Phew. Panic over. ‘It’s Terry’s Disco Anthems CD. You and Jess must have left it on.’
I went to the bar and switched it off. On turning around, I almost collided with Luke’s chest, not realising he stood so close.
‘Fearless, aren’t you,’ he murmured. ‘After everything you’ve experienced… Didn’t you worry that there might be a sinister being in here, waiting to throw you in the cupboard again – or worse… make you a target on the dartboard?’
‘Is that supposed to be funny?’ I said, resisting the urge to spread my palm against the firmness of his torso.
‘How is your back?’ he asked, in unfamiliar gentle tones.
‘Um… fine.’ I tried to get past but he put his hands on his hips and didn’t budge. Ooh, this was all a bit Game of Thrones like, with him being stubborn and macho.
‘Did you hear that?’ he said.
Mirroring him, I put my hands on my hips and shook my head.
‘The phantom hose,’ he whispered back. ‘It’s slithering and sliding, coming to get you again.’
‘Yeah, thanks for showing me up by telling everyone about that.’ I couldn’t hold back a smile.
‘Just trying to get to the bottom of what’s going on,’ said Luke, acting all innocent, his quirked up mouth giving away a mischievous nature. ‘Look… I’m sorry, okay? About yesterday… Adam’s an idiot, but I didn’t mean to upset you.’
Wow. An apology? This was unchartered territory.
‘Anyway, you get back upstairs,’ he said. ‘I’m going to check the windows – I forgot to take a look in here. Make sure you don’t walk in the talc and…’ he smiled again, as I rolled my eyes, ‘… I know. You’re not stupid. I’ll shut up now.’
Upstairs on the landing, Rob was waiting for Luke. ‘Well?’
‘Just a CD we left on,’ I whispered. ‘Is Barbara in my room?’
He nodded and signalled for me to go in. Gently, I pushed open my door. Moonlight half-lit the room as Barbara was by the window and had opened the velvet curtains. Outside, the flakes of snow were now big and clunky, looking far too heavy for the delicate way they wafted down.
‘When the spirit made contact – clasped your leg – did the room feel especially warm or cold?’ she asked.
‘Um, I don’t think so.’
‘And downstairs, under the cupboard? You say the spirit spoke to you? What exactly were its words, dear?’
‘“Come out or make a noise at your peril”.’
‘No temperature changes? No draughts?’
‘Just that windy noise – and the scratching from the word it etched on the desk.’
‘It’s odd,’ she said, ‘because ever since I entered this house I’ve felt… welcome; relaxed. Not threatened in any way.’ She fiddled with one of her many rings. ‘Some buildings I walk into, straightaway I’m on my guard, I can just sense that there’s a negative spirit waiting for the opportunity to make trouble.’ She closed her eyes and breathed in deeply. ‘There is the whiff of anger but… and this is going to sound odd…’ She opened her eyes. ‘It’s almost smothered by an aura of politeness. You know, old-fashioned good manners, not wanting to upset people who are innocent bystanders…’
Mouth dry, I sat on the bed. Wow. She was good. But another reason I couldn’t risk telling her about Walter was that Mike Murphy was paying her fee. Whatever I said about the old boy needing more time here, she might move him on, to close the case and keep her client happy. Or trigger-happy Rob might do something more ominous. Or Mr Murphy will find out his uncle isn’t happy and be more careful with his lies about how well they got on.
‘Kimmy?’ she said, quietly. ‘Is there something you want to tell me?’
Without looking her in the eye, I shook my head.
Barbara pulled her cardigan tighter and shone her torch at the photo of me and Adam and smiled. ‘He looks nice. Your boyfriend?’
‘Um, no. We’re not… You see…’ And before I knew it, I was telling her all about the break-up – then meeting Deborah, helping out Melissa… Aarggh! I even let slip about Jess’s pregnancy.
‘It’s been quite an eventful week then,’ she said.
Tears pricked my eyes and I chewed on the gum manically for a second. Where did all that emotion come from?
She squeezed my arm. ‘You’re sensitive. That’s why, perhaps, you’ve connected with something astral, here…?
I said nothing.
‘Kimmy?’
‘There’s a bad spirit here.’ I stared her in the face and folded my arms. ‘That’s what you need to work on. It assaults people and scares them with smoke.’ I stood up and paced around for a moment. ‘SpiritShooters – that’s quite an aggressive name.’
‘I know. Personally I’m not happy with it, but the men – they both own guns. Boys and their toys – I was outnumbered when it came to a vote. Really, what it means is “troubleshooters” – we go into a situation and sort it out. It doesn’t mean we’re out to eliminate any sort of lost soul… And of course not all souls want to depart this mortal coil. Not until they’re ready. Sometimes they have to find closure.’
We looked at each other and inexplicably my eyes felt wet again. Could she sense Walter’s concerns? The door opened.
‘What’s the verdict, Barbara?’ said Rob. ‘Luke’s shown me the two locked rooms – nothing much in there, apart from old furniture and knick-knacks. The EMF meter didn’t spring into life, either.’ He glanced at me. ‘There was no sign of a spooky face near the front window. I had a preliminary scout around downstairs, in the lounge and Games Room.’ He shrugged. ‘Zilch there.’
Just visible through the darkness, Jess, Doug and Luke appeared on the landing.
‘Nothing to report,’ said Doug. ‘Haven’t heard your wind chimes either, Barbara. No knocking, gusts, cold or warm patches. Nothing came up on the camera.’
I looked sideways at Barbara and shivered, wishing we could put the heating back on.
‘I think you might be right on this one, Rob,’ she said and glanced back at me, through the moonlight. ‘Kimmy’s been under a lot of stress lately, and could perhaps have imagined things… like with the hose.’
Jess’s voice cut through the shadows. ‘There’s nothing wrong with us. Whilst I’m not convinced there’s anything paranormal here, don’t forget all of the previous housesitters have scarpered, cos of strange goings-on.’
‘Don’t worry,’ said Doug. ‘We’ve the whole night ahead of us. Who knows what might happen. And even if we rule out a haunting, that’s only the beginning – Rob and I will then come into our own and investigate, try and work out if anyone is sabotaging the attempts to sell this house on purpose. You and previous sitters may be the victims of a cruel joke – some sort of elaborate hoax.’
As we followed the others downstairs, Barbara held me back for a moment.
‘If there’s anything you want to tell me – anyway I can help – just ring our number. Ask to speak to me. I could come round on my own one night with my Ouija board.’ Her voice lightened. ‘And I don’t own a gun.’
I muttered my thanks. Luke switched on the lights and we all made our way downstairs. I
almost collided with Barbara as she stopped dead at the foot of the stairs and stared at the coin on the hallway desk. Oh my God! It had moved. I followed her gaze down to the talc. Wow. No footprints. So how had something got to the desk without walking? Surely Walter wouldn’t have bothered moving the money – which meant that at last the other spirit was putting in an appearance. Rob could blast that one with a paranormal Kalashnikov, if he wanted.
Rob turned off the lights again and took out the EMF meter, whilst Doug immediately lifted up his thermal imaging camera. But whilst we all skulked around downstairs for another hour or so, nothing else happened. Eventually Barbara flicked all the lights back on and I prepared soup and sandwiches. Then the ghostbusting team set up camp in the lounge, for the night. Once more Luke was to sleep next to my room, on the sofa in the office.
‘Night, Jess,’ I called from the landing, as she disappeared into her bedroom. Luke hovered by my door. ‘So, Kimmy, do you still believe in your ghost?’
I shrugged and avoided his eye. ‘I just hope SpiritShooters don’t leave too much mess. Prospective buyers are visiting tomorrow morning. Then I’ve got some last minute cooking to do for the hen party in the evening.’
‘I had a job on, but it’s been cancelled,’ he said. ‘I’ll nip home to change, first thing in the morning, then come back and help you tidy up, if you like; stick around for when the buyers are here – make sure no funny stuff goes on.’
I met his gaze. ‘That’s very…’ Surprising. Yet I wasn’t sure whether to accept his offer. Deborah herself had said he didn’t have the best manner when prospective buyers visited.
‘It’ll make things easier all round,’ he said.
‘I suppose…’ My eyes narrowed as I took in his cocky, teasing smile.
‘You’re at a crucial stage with KimCakes Ltd. You need to be on form tomorrow night – up for networking. Making contacts, that’s your priority.’ He shrugged. ‘And if the investigators come up with nothing, it won’t hurt to have a big, brave man around the house.’
I snorted. ‘Who would that be?’
He chuckled and I joined in. Then I stared at him for several seconds.
‘Is the ghost behind me?’ He grinned.
‘No, it’s just…’ I stuttered. ‘Guess I’d better get some sleep, then. See you in the morning.’
He touched my shoulder. ‘What’s the matter?’
‘You’re the first person – apart from Jess – to really take my business seriously.’
‘What about The Boyfriend?’ he asked.
‘Ex,’ I corrected.
‘Didn’t Adam want you to set up on your own? Why’d he turn up if you’re no longer an item?’
‘None of your business.’
His amazing moss green eyes crinkled.
I sighed. ‘He wants me to get a “proper” job with a pension, benefits… He’s thinking mortgage and savings and I’m…’
‘You want to make a name for yourself?’
‘Exactly! Not that I’m against settling down. But first of all I want to give my dreams my best shot. Live the High Life. Get that big house, go on holidays abroad…’
‘Yeah, right…’ He smirked.
‘What’s wrong with that?’
‘I’m all for running my own business – being my own boss, setting my own agenda – but as for earning megabucks… I’ve worked around here long enough to see that money doesn’t buy happiness.’
‘You mean Melissa?’
‘She puts on a brave face but the paparazzi give her a miserable time. And take the woman at number fifteen – she sleeps with the window cleaner because her husband is some big CEO and always at work.’
Blimey. I pulled a face. That sounded just like Mum’s new neighbour who had a mysterious bald visitor every time her husband worked the factory late shift. Being rich clearly didn’t protect you from everyday problems.
‘Then Cynthia at number five is being treated for a shopping addiction,’ continued Luke.
‘I should have such problems!’ I scoffed.
‘I doubt it – her husband’s divorcing her because of all the lies.’
Ouch.
‘Then Bill at number twelve doesn’t speak to some relatives because he’s sick of lending them money and not getting it back. And number twenty, well, they’re about to declare themselves bankrupt. Gambling, I think…’ He shrugged. ‘I could go on.’
Wow. Who would have thought this idyllic cul-de-sac was filled with such misery and screwed-up folk? It made me think of lottery winners I’d seen in the papers who declared their winnings had brought them nothing but heartache.
‘But goals, they’re good, right? I have a dream – there’s nothing wrong with that.’
‘Couldn’t agree more, and I can tell you’re determined to make it happen,’ he said. ‘I feel like that about my business. The only difference is I picture the customers and staff I’d eventually take on – not the fancy clothes and stuff I’d buy with the profits.’
‘So, you don’t approve?’
‘I didn’t say that. As long as you don’t let your happiness become dependent on how much is in your bank account. Nothing wrong with aspirations as long as you’re prepared to work hard for them and don’t expect anyone else to hand them to you on a plate – that’s what I reckon. Self-respect, a sense of achievement, everyone should aim for that. Just don’t expect working for yourself to be easy.’
‘I’m not that naive,’ I said and lifted my chin.
‘Never said you were. You might want to consider doing an online business course, like I did – whether you need to know about sales and marketing, customer service or financial management… Or perhaps someone in your family has business experience they could pass on. Your mum or dad?’
‘Not Mum.’ Understatement of the year. ‘Never met my dad.’
Those green eyes stared into mine.
‘Mum had a one night stand with a biker when she was sixteen.’ Why was I telling him this?
His tone softened. ‘Must have been hard for you – and her.’
‘She got council housing. Then later, Tom – my brother – his dad stuck around for a while. Mum does her best. She’s… kind of fragile.’ I smoothed down my top. ‘Anyway, I had thought about doing a business course – perhaps at evening school.’
‘Go for it,’ he said. ‘It can only help if things take off and you ever need to go to the bank for a loan.’
‘A loan?’
‘Yeah – to help you expand the business. You might need premises or kitchen equipment or money to back an advertising campaign.’
‘You mean, think big?’
‘Why not? A lot more work came my way, once I invested in some electric hedge trimmers and a shredder.’ He shrugged again. ‘So, I’ll make sure I’m here tomorrow morning?’
‘Yes. Um… that’d be great…’ I eyed him suspiciously. ‘Why are you being so helpful? I just can’t make you out.’
‘Does it seem so unbelievable that I can be a good guy?’
I raised an eyebrow.
He gave a wry smile. ‘I’ve been in a similar position to you, that’s all – went out with a woman for a couple of years. Last spring we broke up. She…’ His cheeks flushed. ‘Kat didn’t understand how I was willing to live on the breadline for a while, until my business took off. She wanted me to go into finance, like herself. Kat had no ambition to find a way to do a job she really enjoyed – she found banking boring but stuck it out because it paid well.’ He bit a nail. ‘I’d rather spend my life renting a one-bedroom flat, if it meant I can still work outside in the fresh air, and be my own boss. Although don’t get me wrong… I’ve got every intention of making my business a success.’
I studied his face – the eyes serious for a change, those firm lips. Perhaps we had more in common than I’d initially thought. I mean, yes, I liked the finer things in life, but the bottom line was – I wanted to spend my life baking. Suddenly a yawn escaped my mouth. Luke yawned back.
‘Huh?’
‘You yawned after I did. Scientists have proven you only do that if it’s someone you approve of.’
‘Now I fancy you?’ he said with a grin.
‘I doubt you have time for anyone else, what with your ego!’ I said, hotly.
‘Don’t be mean,’ he teased. ‘Otherwise I might not come next time you call me in the middle of the night. Where would that leave you?’
Suddenly the lights went out and Doug called up to keep everything quiet. I tried to reply but it was difficult… what with those firm lips of Luke’s pressed against mine! How did this happen? My heart raced and my eyes closed tight. It felt so… Oh God. Tingles everywhere. I pulled away for a second, to subtly swallow my gum and hoped the claim that it would stay in your stomach for seven years was nothing but an old wives’ tale.
He pulled me close again. Why didn’t I draw back, all melodramatic, like in the movies, and tell him off for assuming that I was interested? Instead, I stood up on tiptoe. Without realising it, my arms had wrapped around his neck. My face brushed against his bristly cheeks and with no sense of control, I pulled him tight. Luke had a sharp edge to him. I liked that. It made every cell in my body pulsate with desire. Plus the way he kissed, tenderly across my lips at first and then deeper… It felt animalistic and made me respond in a way I never had with more conservative, regimented Adam. It was no good. I could no longer fight the surge of chemistry that ignited between us and caused explosions of pleasure to wake up unknown parts… But, but… I had to get off this rollercoaster and remind myself I was only at Mistletoe Mansion to salvage my relationship with Adam – not to start an affair with… with Pukey Luke. He was grumpy, arrogant, obnoxious and… I lowered my hands to his chest and pushed him away. Forget Lady Chatterley’s lover, instead I could just see this headline in Infamous: “Lady Cupcakey’s Lover – Kimmy Spurns Adam for Hunky Handyman.”
‘Why did you, I mean, we…It’s not right…’ I stuttered and in a most unladylike manner wiped my mouth with the back of my hand.
Mistletoe Mansion Page 22