“She’s not here.”
“But you still are.” Martin walked past Erich and laid his long, wool coat over the back of the chair.
“Bess has been a real angel of mercy, helping me when I was sick.” Not that it was any of his business.
“I expected to see her in town today. Will said she hadn’t been around for a few days. Gail and I became worried.”
Why was he worried? If she was in danger, it was from the malarkey they were feeding her – that and the home made brandy she drank and the cigarettes she smoked. But then, his concern was probably a lie too. “Bess told me she called on you yesterday.”
Martin leveled his gaze on Erich. “And she wasn’t acting like herself.”
With Harry’s memories, Erich could read Martin’s body language and now knew that Martin was on a fishing expedition. He was trying to find out just what Erich knew and how important he was to Bess. “There isn’t any reason for you to worry. I’m here to protect her.”
Shaking his head and chuckling low, Martin didn’t even try to hide his amusement. “Doesn’t look like you’d be able to defend her from an intruder right now.”
“But I can defend her from the likes of you and that woman you call a wife.”
Any fun Martin was having vanished with the insult. “I don’t think Bess would appreciate you saying disparaging things to her friends.”
“Harry wouldn’t want you anywhere near Bess or his home.” Erich had no problem declaring that fact.
Martin tipped his head, acknowledging the truth. “But Harry isn’t here to think anything at all. If he were, I’m not sure he’d want you here either. He had a way of scenting out a con.”
Laughing wasn’t the smartest thing Erich had done, but he couldn’t help it. The irony of Martin’s words and the nerve he possessed to say such a thing was just too absurd. “Bess asked me to stay and help her care for the house. I think that includes keeping out the vermin.”
“Bess isn’t in her right frame of mind, and a man who would take advantage of her fragile state isn’t much of a man at all.”
Wasn’t that just Martin’s way? Spin the spotlight onto others to avoid being found out. “I couldn’t agree more. That’s why I’ll have to ask you to leave and never come back.”
“I might be offended if I believed you had any authority here. This is Bess’s home, and my wife and I are quite welcome here. No matter how it would offend Harry or you.” There was confidence and an ease to the way Martin spoke, and it burned a hole in Erich’s gut to know that there was a truth to what Martin said. Somewhere along the line, he’d earned Bess’s allegiance – and once acquired, she rarely wavered from it.
Erich had to wonder if he’d ever be successful in gaining that trust and loyalty for himself.
“I may not have a say in whether you stay or go, but I do know that my heart is pure and my intentions in her life are good. Bess has no business chasing ghosts and pursuing the occult. No real friend would be encouraging her to do so.”
“It wasn’t my idea for her to call out Harry’s spirit. He came up with that scheme all on his own. It pains me to say it’s quite brilliant. Not many men focus on their reputation after they’ve expired.” Martin paused, but a hearty laugh shook his body. “Only Harry. Only Harry.”
Erich’s gut tightened. He’d planned every aspect of the scheme, looking to secure a future and preserve his legacy, and the idea of Martin using that for his personal gain enraged him. “Don’t presume to know Harry’s mind.”
“Like you?”
“I know more than you think.”
“You breeze into her life and home out of nowhere and think that gives you the right to run her affairs.”
“My place in this house and Bess’s life is up to her alone. For as long as I’m here, I’ll be doing everything I can to keep the likes of you away.”
Martin took a firm step toward him. A dark light burned in his eyes. “Listen here, little boy, I don’t have time for this. Don’t think for one minute I’m going to let you waltz in here in the final stretch and ruin what I’ve worked eleven long months to build. Continue to try and discredit me and my wife with Bess and you’ll wish you’d never laid eyes on me.”
Martin thinly skated around the edges of admitting he’d been plotting against Bess. He hadn’t quite said that every interaction with her had been part of a massive scheme, but he’d come close enough to saying that to worry Erich.
What could Martin or Gail possibly gain from the séance? They would never succeed in reciting Harry’s message on their own, and he knew Bess would never just give them the message. Even if it were possible for him or Gail to successfully communicate with the dead, which it wasn’t, Harry’s soul was locked in Erich’s body and would remain silent rather than give either scoundrel one ray of the center stage spotlight.
So what was his angle? “What are you hoping to get out of this?”
Martin picked up his coat from the back of the chair, draping it over his arm. “Hopes and dreams are child’s play. I planted seeds and tended them well. Now, I just have to wait for them to blossom. Please, tell Bess I checked in on her.”
Only after the wood door slammed and Martin was out of sight, did Erich let himself grip the back of the chair and feel the pain still radiating in his side. The length of time he’d been up on his feet was enough strain on his weak body, but Martin’s attitude and air of entitlement in Bess’s life had frustrated him beyond words. Did that snake really just threaten my life?
Erich remembered how Martin strayed from his first wife while she lay on her deathbed. Then, at Gail’s request, he cut ties with his children by Louise. So yes, Martin would follow through on his threat without a second thought.
However, just because he know knew Martin and Gail were working a malicious plot didn’t give him the ammunition to unravel it. Above all, one truth remained. Saving Bess would be an impossible task if he found himself back in a grave.
***
Bess handed the store clerk the dollar bill and flipped her attention over her shoulder when she heard her name called by a familiar voice.
Gail bustled up the small aisle and came to her side. “What a happy accident to run into you today.”
Bess took the change from the clerk and placed the few items into her canvas tote bag, before turning and greeting the woman with a quick hug. “An accident? It seems I’m in town nearly every day as of late.”
“Caring for that young man has kept you busy, but you know, the day of the séance is getting closer and we really need to carve out some time to rehearse and to hone our skills.”
But how to do such a task with Erich in the house? He’d made it more than clear that he didn’t believe in communicating with the dead, and he didn’t think she should waste her time with such endeavors. It shouldn’t matter what he thought, but Bess couldn’t deny that it did. “You’re right. Maybe I can come out to your place in the next couple of days and we can make some plans. Maybe try to connect with Harry on our own?”
“That would be lovely. Just wonderful. How about tomorrow?”
“Can we say the day after? Tomorrow is my day to volunteer at the hospital.”
“Perfect. You’ll come around noon and I will have the cook make a nice lunch for us. We’ll make an afternoon of it.”
Even though her heart was twisted in knots, Gail’s enthusiasm sparked a light in her. “I have to say, it’s good to see you so happy.”
Gail leaned closer. “And I have you to thank for making my life so much brighter.”
“Me? I don’t understand.”
“Thanks to you and your friend’s illness, I no longer have to deal with that Joseph. Not in my home, and not in my life. Between that and having the séance to look forward to, I’m in my own little Heaven.”
Bess dropped her gaze to her shoes. Joseph was a wise man and a friend of hers. Bess thought Gail’s joy at Joseph’s expense was unjust and bordered on cruel, even if she had a reason for
it. “He’s a nice man and a good healer. I wish him well.”
Gail shifted her weight back on her heel and crossed her arms in front of her chest. “I know it’s hard for you to understand why I feel the way I do, but you really need to think about it from my point of view. Martin had a life before me, I understand that, but we are ten years past his old life. Why is it wrong for me to be want to be identified as his wife?”
“I’ve never thought of you as anything but—”
“Not you, Bess. You’ve always been gracious to me, but anyone who knew Louise holds me at arm’s length and blames me for something I had nothing to do with. I didn’t get her sick. I didn’t wish her demise or do anything to cause it, and despite what most people believe I was no more than Martin’s friend until he was free of his marital obligations.”
Bess flipped her attention to her purse and the canvas bag carrying her groceries. “I’m sure that is none of my business.”
“Can I give you some advice?”
Bess met her gaze.
“I know you don’t think so now, but someday, God willing, new love will find you. You’re just too kind of a soul to have to live out your days in mourning. When that happens, I implore you to find a balance between your memories and the here and now. If I hadn’t been so head-over-heels with my dear Martin I would have given him more time to live in his grief, but it’s hard to deny the heart its desire.”
Had that time come? Bess wondered if she could embrace a future with Erich and not let Harry’s memories live between them. The way her heart broke whenever she considered the question made her doubt she was ready. She stepped closer to Gail and offered her friend another quick hug. “Thank you for your advice. It’s hard to imagine anyone else in my life, but if that day comes, I will remember what you said.”
Gail tightened her embrace. “Thank you, Bess. I will see you for lunch the day after tomorrow.”
Chapter Fifteen
When Jaden didn’t invade his dreams with new messages or warnings, he was faced with an endless stream of obstacles between him and Bess to overcome. The longing to return to her side never faded, and peace never settled in. Knowing she was out somewhere alone was worse than being separated by death. Erich gripped the back of the couch and pulled himself up, calling out to Bess.
Her sweet voice didn’t answer his call, so he stood and peered out the window. The sun shone high in the sky and signaled the passing hours — too many for a few quick errands.
Walking out onto the back porch, he lifted his hand to keep the crisp breeze from pushing his hair into his face. Under the large California Live Oak tree, he found her. She’d moved the wrought iron table and its two chairs from the deck. There, she’d laid out a red checkered table cloth and was arranging plates and drinks. Her attention to detail gave him hope. She was looking forward to this meal too. “Let me help you.”
His voice caught her attention, and she started across the yard. “I have everything ready and was just going to come get you. Do you think you can make it?”
“Not quickly, but yes.” He started down the single step and his balance wavered. “Bess...Can I trouble you for your arm, to steady myself.” He prepared himself for her outrage and a lecture reminding him of his proper place, but instead she offered it. Erich fought the urge to reach across his body with his right arm and stroke her forearm as they walked. This moment — so close he could smell her perfume and feel the heat her body radiated — should be enough to ease the fear that haunted his dreams, but a sense of doom twisted his gut, and her touch increased his thirst for her.
“It’s so windy. I’m not sure if this is such a good idea, but you said you were getting cooped up.”
“It’s just what I need. The breeze feels nice after the Santa Ana’s a few days ago.”
As they cleared the side of the house, Bess glanced toward the front yard. They were now visible to the neighbors across the street, and she slipped her arm from his hand. “Last thing we need to do is give Miss Busybody sitting on her front porch over there a reason to gossip.”
Erich chuckled. Every neighborhood seemed to have someone like the silver haired woman. It just so happened this one lived directly across the street. Distant, grainy memories flashed though his mind: images of the woman bending Harry’s ear on the subject of this neighbor or that sandwiched between pictures of her grilling him about the latest contraption he’d brought home. Yes, Miss Busybody — Harry’s nickname for her — without a doubt had noticed Erich’s presence in the widow Houdini’s house, and she had probably burned up the phone lines spreading the news.
Lowering himself to the chair, he took in the spread. Simple but magnificent. Any length of time spent in her presence would be. Cheese sandwiches and some cucumber slices arranged with care on small plates and the scent of fresh squeezed lemons rose up from the pitcher. “I hate being so much trouble.”
Her laugh floated on the breeze, joining the choir of Rock Wrens serenading them. “Nonsense, it was my pleasure.”
He had no reason to doubt her claim. From her eased posture to the almost lyrical tone of her voice, she was the picture of serenity. He flashed her a flirty smile anyway. “I doubt that.”
“No. Really. I couldn’t tell you the last time I ate outside. It was one of the things Harry and I both loved. That’s why I enjoy living here: the weather is often perfect for a picnic lunch.”
“Nothing like back east. Instead of a refreshing breeze, the promise of snow would be in the whistling wind, eh?”
Her fork hit the table with a rattle, and she tilted her head toward him. “You lived out east?”
Had he? No. But the lingering memories of a past life revealed themselves. He couldn’t filter them now, but he could twist them. “Yes, as a child, New York City.”
“Hmph. Another similarity. It’s like our lives have run parallel to each other’s.” She shook her head at the perceived coincidence, but accepted it without question. The wind picked up and moved her large curls, begging him to reach out and tangle his fingers in them, but she’d push away the advance as she had every other one. Except for that one kiss.
Erich took a bite of his sandwich, grateful to have something to focus on other than the pulsing need to touch her. He closed his eyes and concentrated on the breeze against his cheek, but it didn’t cool the heat burning between them. Fluttering open, his eyes focused in on a large, blue tarp toward the back of the shed and the item he knew must be underneath.
How they loved that automobile!
Harry had never taught Bess to drive. It made sense that she kept it out of sight, but he should have noticed it before now. Another nudge from Jaden? Grateful for the help, he asked, “What’s under the tarp?”
The light in her eyes dimmed as she dropped her gaze to the plate. Seconds later, a wistful smile replaced the sadness. “Harry’s automobile. I hate that it’s rusting away, but I haven’t found the strength to sell it.”
“Why don’t you use it?”
She dismissed the idea with a wave of her hand. “I never learned to drive.”
Instead of relying on the memories Harry had created with Bess, Erich realized he could use the car to create their own experiences. Those moments might help strengthen the tenuous bond developing between them. His knee bounced up and down, expelling the built up excitement. “I could teach you.”
“That’s not a good idea.” It was more than her words, her hands crossed in front of her, punctuating her dismissal.
Bess was the most capable person he’d ever known. If she had a want or a need, she always found a way to make it happen. The last eleven months proved her will to survive. So, why was she hesitating? “I’d be happy to teach you.”
She took the napkin from her lap, tangling it with her fingers. “It’s hard to explain. Life goes on, I know. And there is so much I was forced to handle on my own, but there are some things I cannot bear to change. Some memories are too precious to alter. A long drive on a Sunday afternoon is someth
ing I should only share with Harry.”
“Do you think learning to drive will change your past? The memories never have to leave your heart.”
She tipped her head as if she could hear an answer in the wind. “Time steals so much. It’s already getting harder to remember the sound of his voice or how his fingers felt brushing my chin.” She shook her head as if she could shake off the loneliness. “We shouldn’t ruin our picnic with my melancholy reminiscences.”
“I don’t mind listening if you need someone to talk to.” Maybe a good catharsis would unearth every twisted emotion she’d buried in the last eleven months.
“How boring! You don’t want to listen to an old woman’s woes.” She returned her focus to her plate, reaching for her fork.
Bottling up emotion was a typical defense for Bess. He knew it would take an atypical offense to cross that wall. “I wish you’d quit calling yourself an old woman, it’s not how I see you. And I enjoy hearing your stories, even if it seems like your past was so sad.”
“There were more good times than bad, but I’m a realist. Another lesson Harry taught me. I don’t look at the past through rose colored glasses. It was an amazing adventure to live through, but we didn’t plan for the future. We always thought there would be another tomorrow to retire and enjoy everything we worked so hard to achieve. For me, it came last October, only he’s not here to share it.”
“And that makes you angry?”
“Sometimes. Mostly, it’s just sad. I long for lazy picnic lunches where the conversation doesn’t drift to the next show or a new piece of the act. I fantasize we’re enjoying a cool autumn breeze or taking a drive up the coast without his head being wrapped around his next escape.”
Bess’s desires shredded his heart. Were her memories of the past accurate? Had he lived his life so focused on the act that he didn’t take enough moments to appreciate the way the sun reflected off her hair or to soothe her concerns?
No matter how many times she said it, he’d never accept this view as fact. She’d been the only thing that mattered in Harry’s life, and it devastated him to learn she hadn’t a clue. “You wish he were here to spend this time with you, but you don’t have to stay alone to honor your past with Harry.”
Resurrecting Harry Page 15