The pieces of the puzzle were beginning to fall into place, and a few more questions might actually solve Florence’s murder. In the meantime, I needed to be ready just in case Eugene didn’t take Ophelia up on her offer to cross over.
I hadn’t realized how much Ms. Ophelia loves her husband, dear hexed one. Locking him inside that box might just create yet another poltergeist underneath the roof of this manor.
“That magic was supposed to ensure the Ashton tradition continued through the generations.” Eugene’s words were somewhat distorted in an eerie tenor. “Change the will back to the way it was.”
“Please don’t break the circle,” Piper requested softly, speaking specifically to Wilbur. The older man had believed it was the Ashtons themselves causing all their problems, even though he knew there to be spirits roaming the estate. “It’s important to keep talking to them to find out what happened to Ms. Florence.”
Murder, my sweet Piper. The poor woman was murdered in her own home.
“Eugene, look at what you’ve done,” Ophelia said, practically begging her husband to listen to her. She glided across the floor, becoming ever closer to her husband. Faye, Izzy, and Joshua practically shoved the coffee table forward as they attempted to steer clear of Ophelia. “You took the life of a family member.”
The one thing you must understand about the supernatural realm was that each day presented something new to us. Even in Pearl’s two thousand years, there were still things that occurred for the first time.
Like now. Oh, I’m beginning to need another spot of warm cream.
In between the space that Ophelia had left between her and Eugene, a mirage of some sort appeared as if it were playing on a movie screen. We all stared in disbelief as the night Florence fell to her death was replayed in front of us in full living color.
Eugene was basically begging Florence to change back the will as he followed her down the stairs. Of course, the matriarch couldn’t hear him and continued to descend, finally reaching the landing. Eugene’s warning came through as clear as day when he all but threatened to take over her body to see to it that things were put back in their rightful place.
We were all wrong, dear hexed one. Mr. Eugene wasn’t trying to murder Florence. He wanted to take control of her vessel long enough to ensure that the Ashton family tradition was carried out to his request. It was nothing more than a tragic accident.
“Eugene, you saw to it that our children, our children’s children, and so on were taken care of for many generations to come,” Ophelia reassured him, though I could still sense Eugene’s reluctance to let things be. “You stayed long enough to see your dreams fulfilled, but only our family knows what is right for them on this side of the veil. It’s time to rest now, Eugene. Please, come with me.”
You realize that it’s not that simple for Mr. Eugene to cross through the veil now, right? Regardless that he never intended to kill someone, forgiveness plays a key role in whether a spirit can find peace.
I began to quietly explain to the Ashtons that they had a choice to make. It was clear that Eugene had only meant to protect his legacy, for some reason believing that following tradition was vital. A lot of people back during that time were superstitious, and he’d taken it entirely too seriously.
“He murdered our mother,” Joshua whispered fiercely, all the while Ophelia kept trying to coax her husband to join her on the other side. “I can’t even believe this is happening! A ghost killed our mother? This is insanity!”
Welcome to our world, Mr. Joshua.
“We can change it back,” Faye murmured, keeping her distrustful gaze on the two spirits. She was still frightened, and rightfully so. No one could predict what would happen if his energy became even more vexed than before due to realizing the damage he’d done to his family. “I’ll sign the papers, allowing you to run to the estate. All that mattered to me was that my sister understood that our home meant as much to me as it did to her.”
Joshua was already shaking his head, apparently having come to terms with his mother’s decision. Right now, his anger was focused on Eugene’s spirit…and I couldn’t blame him one bit.
Forgiveness is not easy, dear hexed one.
There was something in Pearl’s words of wisdom that told me there was a deeper meaning to her sentiment, but I was a bit too distracted to ponder on her reply.
“Joshua.” Knox surprised everyone by saying the man’s name, garnering everyone’s attention but the two spirits. Ophelia was openly weeping as the mirage faded away, leaving Eugene near the blazing fire that was only somewhat contained within the hearth. I’d been keeping my attention on the burning logs in case I needed to use my magic to prevent a catastrophe. “It will take you years to accept what has happened to your mother, let alone process what her death has done to your family. Right now, you have two entities that don’t belong here. The only way to—”
Knox broke off what he wanted to say versus what was more appropriate, and I gave him credit for his restraint.
I give his mother all the credit. Mrs. Emeric did an amazing job with our hairy colleague, did she not?
“What I’m trying to say is that everyone, including your mother, deserves peace.” Knox tilted his head toward the two spirits still communicating with one another by the hearth. “No one believed Ms. Ashton when she tried to tell anyone who would listen that the manor was haunted, and in the end, it cost your mother her life. She’s obviously crossed through the veil, but only the three of you can see to it that the remainder of your family is at peace. It was a tragic and horrifying accident, but don’t allow anger to eat away at your soul.”
I wonder if it’s the lycanthropy that makes him so wise or if his mother just did that good of a job raising him…
“Joshua, they can only remain seen to us for a smidge longer,” I announced, already sensing that the energy in the room was waning. “The three of you either offer forgiveness or…”
I’m glad you allowed their imaginations to run away with the latter choice. Mr. Eugene’s rage could continue to morph until this manor is no longer inhabitable.
“Ophelia? Eugene?” Izzy called out with a tremor in her voice. She took it upon herself to speak for the family, which was probably for the best. “It’s time for the two of you to be at peace. We know that you didn’t intend to hurt our mother, and she’s waiting for you on the other side.”
“Everything I worked for…and I ended up hurting one of my own,” Eugene replied in anguish, his fury and guilt easily discernable from the way the blazing fire crackled behind him. “I gave my life to ensure our family was taken care of after my death. What have I done?”
“We are taken care of, Eugene,” Faye explained, tears filling her eyes. “Family meant everything to Florence, and she read those journals every day to become closer to all of you. We will make sure that your legacy is protected. It’s time for you to go with Ophelia, the woman who dedicated her life to you. Join her in the afterlife…and find peace.”
Izzy was openly crying now, nodding her agreement while she tried unsuccessfully to gain some measure of composure. Truthfully, I wasn’t even sure there was a dry eye in the room…and that included me.
And me.
“Patricia and Theodore are waiting for us,” Ophelia said softly, holding her ethereal hand out for her husband. “It’s time for us to go, Eugene.”
Part of the energy that contained the rage and guilt began to dissipate slowly, allowing the fire behind the two apparitions to ever so gradually return to its normal size. To show that we trusted these spirits to do as requested, I concentrated on the white oak box until the lid slowly closed.
We no longer needed the failsafe plan.
One can never be too careful, dear hexed one. Speaking of which, what do you suppose ever happened to that voodoo doll?
“My family…”
“Yes, our family,” Ophelia agreed with Eugene as the two entities now faced the three Ashtons…including the older couple s
itting across from them. “Gertrude and Wilbur, thank you for taking care of them over the years.”
Now wasn’t the time to ask about the voodoo doll or where Eugene had come into such an item. I didn’t want to be the reason he stayed behind. He and his wife had been trapped here for far too long as it was.
True, but I’ve always had a hard time with pesky loose ends. Another quick peek throughout the manor couldn’t hurt, could it?
“I’m so sorry for the pain I’ve caused.” Eugene’s remorse was evident. The very act of misfortune he’d committed in this very mansion had been his worst fear—hurting his family. “I never intended…”
“We know,” Izzy replied with a small hiccup as she finally regained some of that composure she’d been seeking.
“Rest in peace,” Faye and Joshua both said in unison, their heartfelt farewell seemingly doing the trick.
We all watched in amazement as Ophelia and Eugene gradually faded away, crossing through the veil to join their children. The rhythmic ticking of the grandfather clock seemed to be louder than before, filling the silent void that remained behind with their departure.
Beautiful. Just beautiful.
Pearl’s reply to Ophelia and Eugene crossing over into the afterlife told me that I was definitely a bit jaded.
Really? I wouldn’t have guessed.
I’m just saying that I’m not so sure I could have been as forgiving as the Ashtons. It took a special person to be able to reach that level of peace, and quite honestly…I was envious.
I’m sure there’s a self-help app we could find on your phone to help you with that itsy-bitsy problem.
“Normally at the close of a séance, I would thank the spirits for joining us,” I began, ignoring Pearl. Besides, I had no doubt that curiosity would get the best of her, and she would roam the manor and the grounds of the estate to ensure that the voodoo doll was not somewhere on the property. “Seeing as they’ve already crossed over, I’ll just leave it at this—rest in peace, Ophelia and Eugene.”
I loosened my grip on Orwin and Joshua’s hands, prompting them to do the same with the others. Izzy and Faye held each other, with Joshua rubbing his sister’s shoulder in empathy. After all, it wasn’t every day that the families of those murdered got this type of closure.
Piper and Orwin concentrated on Gertrude and Wilbur, who were in somewhat of a state of shock after witnessing such a phenomenon. The older couple seemed out of breath, but I had a feeling they wouldn’t be leaving at first light. Gertrude even reached across the coffee table, offering her hand to Faye. The two women clasped each other’s fingers in comfort, seeking solace in each other’s shared experience.
Another case had ended, offering Knox and I a chance to find a cure to these hexes that had taken over our lives. If Ammeline Letty Romilda stood in front of us and asked for forgiveness, I wasn’t so sure I’d be able to give mine.
What did that say about me and who I am?
Miss Lilura, you do everything in your power to ensure that those victims in your visions do not meet the fate you see for them. I daresay that says a lot about your true character. No one can reach perfection, dear hexed one…not even you.
Chapter Fifteen
Morning had dawned bright and early, but I slept through the sunrise. I hadn’t even wanted to crawl out of bed at noon. That exhaustion I’d been fighting had won, and I’d all but crawled up to my room and fallen into bed shortly after bringing the séance to a close.
Piper wasn’t even in the room when I opened my eyes, which led me to believe she was already downstairs with the others.
“Pearl?”
No answer.
It was a toss-up as to whether the know-it-all familiar was searching the manor for the elusive voodoo doll or she was in the kitchen enjoying a spot of warm cream before we hit the road back to the campsite and our expensive mobile Batcave.
I’d wanted to follow up with our conversation last night about perfection, but I guess that discussion would have to wait until later.
I wasn’t seeking perfection.
At least, I didn’t believe I was pursuing such an unattainable goal.
I’d put it this way—I was searching for a way to get my life back.
Today was another day to reach that objective, so I tossed the comforter to the side to get ready for our next case. Of course, that case was regarding a medium and my hex. Either way, it was rare that I got this amount of privacy in the morning. I was going to enjoy every minute of the peace and quiet.
An hour later, I was carrying my bag down the long and winding staircase. Not a blip of energy could be sensed near the landing. It was good to know that this manor was now cleansed and could return to its normal operation after so many years.
“…if we advertise on the travel sites.”
“…bring in more revenue for the upkeep of the grounds.”
“I love that idea. What do you think about…”
I smiled upon hearing the Ashtons having a family meeting in the great room. No animosity could be heard, and there was no doubt that the Ashton Manor would remain open to the public. Their history should be shared, and those remaining relatives would see to it that Eugene’s legacy continued on.
I didn’t even tell you a knock-knock joke.
“Good morning, Pearl,” I replied quietly, still grinning at another successful case. “Did you ever find your voodoo doll?”
Unfortunately, no. Let’s just hope that such an object remains buried. Like you, I’d hate to see the truce this family has accomplished to all be for naught.
It was good that I hadn’t responded to Pearl’s concern immediately, for Gertrude was standing behind the high-top desk in the small alcove in the foyer. It was one thing for her, Wilbur, and the Ashtons to think we were some type of paranormal investigation team…it was entirely another to explain that we were witches.
And a werewolf. I’d say that Mr. Emeric came through for us extremely well last night, wouldn’t you?
“Good morning, Ms. Lilura,” Gertrude greeted, having just finished talking with Piper. The two women were grinning as if they were in on a secret. “You missed breakfast, but I can whip you up something for lunch. It won’t take me—”
“Thank you, Gertrude, but I’ll just grab something on the road.” I crossed the marble tiles, setting my overnight bag on the cold floor. “How is everyone this morning?”
“Still in shock,” Gertrude answered honestly. She gestured toward the great room. “But Wilbur and I are very grateful for the outcome. This is our home, too, and we were devastated to have made the decision to leave. That’s changed now, thanks to all of you.”
“I’m glad things worked out for you.” I didn’t hesitate to reach out and allow the older woman to hold my hand. “If you ever have any…problems, please call us.”
You never cease to amaze me, dear hexed one. I don’t believe I’ve ever heard you make such an offer before. Progress.
I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. There had been a small coffee machine that made individual cups in our suite, but I hadn’t consumed nearly enough caffeine to banter with Pearl.
My sweet Piper made sure I had my breakfast this morning, along with a spot of warm cream. Delicious. Just delicious.
“Orwin, Knox, and I have already said our goodbyes,” Piper said, holding the strap of her cross-body purse. She must have stored her bag in the Jeep while I’d been sleeping. “They’re outside, ready when you are.”
Now might be a good time to let you know that the alien hunter plans on taking a quick detour. It’s a good thing I’m riding back with you and my sweet Piper. I’m not so sure I can stand to hear another thought about a UFO somewhere at the bottom of Lake Superior.
“Gertrude, thank you for everything.”
“No, dear. Thank you,” Gertrude reiterated with a small smile, squeezing my fingers a little tighter in gratitude. “Now, you go on in and say goodbye to the Ashtons. They’re expecting you.”
Piper soundlessly stepped away and made her way out the front door, while I reluctantly walked over to the French doors. I would have preferred to slip out quietly, but I understood their need for closure. Thankfully, our goodbyes were short and sweet, with the promise if we ever needed anything in return…all we had to do was call.
Another first. You realize that garnering favors isn’t such a bad thing, Ms. Lilura. One never knows what resources we’ll need in the future.
With a final wave to Gertrude and Wilbur, who’d joined her at the counter, I was finally able to draw a breath of the refreshing air outside. Fall had definitely arrived, if the chilly temperature was anything to go by.
“Let me get your bag for you.” I wasn’t sure if Knox had been walking the grounds and happened to be near the door when I exited the manor or if he’d been waiting for me. “Did you get enough sleep?”
How kind of him to ask. Did I mention that I’d love to meet his mother? She did an exceptional job raising such a gentleman.
“Yes, I did,” I replied, relinquishing my hold of the handle. I was glad I’d put on my black leather jacket. The gusts of wind coming across the grounds were rather sharp. “I appreciate you guys waiting for me. I crashed hard after last night.”
“It’s understandable.” Knox shortened his stride to mine, letting me know that he had something he wanted to say without the others listening in. “Listen, I appreciate you taking my reservations about this case seriously.”
I could sense that Pearl had given us privacy, which wasn’t surprising given her propensity for etiquette.
“Knox, there’s a lot about the supernatural that you haven’t learned.” I slipped my hands in the pockets of my jacket to keep them warm. The sun was resting behind some clouds, preventing its warmth from touching my skin. “There are things that even I haven’t encountered, but that’s due to my wanting to live a normal life. Had I stayed with the coven, I might have been better prepared to deal with Ammeline.”
The Squeaky Ghost Gets the Curse Page 13