Resurrecting Harry

by Phillips, Constance

  “He’d never want to be a part of some spiritualist spectacle. He loathed the thought.”

  “Harry Houdini never shied from the spotlight.”

  The truth. It should be a moving argument, but somehow it only proved Bess’s point. “In this, I know my husband’s heart. Please understand.”

  “This is that Erich twisting and warping your mind. He’s arrogant and sly, that’s what Martin said. He thinks Erich and Harry could be brothers, if you only compared their egos.” Gail pushed past Bess and stomped into the kitchen.

  Bess followed, wondering to herself how she arrived at this place. Only Gail and Martin would have the audacity to claim to know Harry better than her, yet somehow they were the two she’d allowed so close. She sobered, realizing just how much she’d accepted their influence.

  Not finding Erich in the kitchen, Gail flipped her attention back to Bess. “Where is he? This spiritual virtuoso?”

  Bess grabbed Gail’s arm, and kept her from crossing into the parlor. She’d had enough of the woman’s condescending attitude and wasn’t going to let her attack Erich, even if she had to twist the truth to get her out of her house. “He’s in bed, still recovering from his illness. Besides, none of this concerns Erich. It’s about me and my Harry.”

  “So, you’re going to stand there and tell me Harry would rather celebrate his greatest escape ever in the privacy of this kitchen than on the stage with the whole world watching.”

  She dug her heel into the floor. Gail could argue all she wanted. Bess knew she was right on this. “If he wanted the world to witness it, he’d have waited for the show.”

  “You’re the one who said he liked to practice an act until you both knew it inside and out. You promised Martin you’d give me the glory of being the one. You owe me this. Harry owes me this!”

  Harry was beloved by all, and what he said carried weight. If he believed Gail to be a fraud, by God, the free world now believed the same. Gail had a right to her pain and anger, but so had Harry. Bess, however, had no obligation to set right what had happened between the two of them. “I’m truly sorry. You’ve been a good friend to me this last year, despite what happened between you and Harry, but that doesn’t make it okay for me to disrespect his feelings and the gift he gave me. Especially not so that others can profit. It’s the last thing he would want.”

  Gail lunged forward and gripped Bess’s shoulder. “You can’t think what Harry wants means a thing to me.”

  “Get your hands off her.”

  Bess lifted her eyes, looking over Gail’s shoulder to see Erich, wearing only his gray wool pants, standing in the doorway. His bare chest and the muscles of his arm rippled as he gripped the door jamb. A shining knight coming to her rescue again. No matter how loudly she protested, when she needed him, he was there.

  Gail pivoted to the intruding voice. “What have you talked her into? I won’t allow you to save the spotlight for yourself.”

  Erich compressed his lips, and the vein running down the side of his neck quivered, but — to his credit — he didn’t move forward. “The last thing I’m interested in is becoming part of some three ring circus that elevates you and degrades Bess. Why don’t you understand? This isn’t up to you or Martin. It’s Bess’s decision.”

  Gail crossed her arms and pushed her right hip forward. “What right do you have to dictate what Bess does?”

  “Every right,” Bess answered. The last thing she wanted was the people she felt the closest to arguing — especially over someone who wasn’t alive anymore. Erich was here though, and he deserved her loyalty. “Erich knows my heart. He’s the only one who’s made any kind of sense since Harry died.”

  “So, is that the real story?” Gail asked. “What would Harry’s legions of fans think? You’re willing to let go of his will, because you’ve lain down with that drifter.”

  Erich closed the distance between Gail and him with firm steps, stopping short of laying a hand on her. “You are no woman to speak of righteous or proper behavior. How Bess chooses to live from this day forward is no one’s business but hers. Not Harry’s fans. Least of all yours.”

  Gail glared at Bess, but the tears cracking her voice said she was more hurt than angry. “This is how it’s going to be? After everything I’ve done for you, and all the help Martin’s given you, you’re going to cast us out because a virtual stranger told you to.”

  “It’s not like that. Since Harry died, I’ve been listening to everyone but his will. When he sent me the message last night, it all came back into focus. I need to move forward. I’m going home. I’m going back to New York and the people who love and care about me.”

  Gail’s mouth hung agape as the color drained from her face. “You are?”

  “Yes. We’re leaving as soon as possible.”

  As if Bess’s words had thrown Gail off balance, she shifted her weight to the opposite hip and crossed her arm in front of her chest. “I won’t stand for that.”

  “You really don’t have a say in the matter,” Erich said, “and neither does your know-it-all husband or his faithful sidekick.”

  The double assault from Bess and Erich rustled Gail’s feathers even more. She blinked her glossy eyes and whisked past Bess without another word. The screen door slammed. A moment later the sound of her wheels spinning in the drive, spitting up as many stones as she disheveled coming in, could be heard.

  Erich’s jaw set as he paced to the window, watching as the car pulled away. “I wish you hadn’t told her we’re planning to leave.”

  “What can she do?” Did it really matter if Gail was disappointed or angry? It ended there.

  “I don’t think that bunch is going to let you or the séance go without a fight. It’s something they were willing to poison me over.”

  Like a dog with a day-old soup bone, Erich refused to let go of the notion. “This again? You have no proof.”

  His spun toward her and leaned back against the counter. “I trust my gut, and it’s telling me those three are up to no good. Your séance was only one step in a master-plan.”

  “I think you have a vivid imagination.” Bess dug her heels in, ready for another argument; instead he walked the length of the counter and back like the caged tigers at the zoo. Something about channeling Harry had changed him, sharpened his focus.

  Stopping in front of the window, he stared out a moment. “Go pack a bag.”

  “What? Why?”

  He tapped his knuckles against the counter. “Damn. I wish I’d finished the brakes on the car. We’re leaving. Right away.”

  “You want to go now?”

  “This minute. Pack a bag. I’m going to go talk to Will, ask him to give us a ride to the train station and keep an eye on the place until we can get settled. We can come back to deal with the house after everything blows over.”

  Bess reached for the back of the chair to steady herself. He was pushing things too far too fast. “Just up and go? Right now?”

  “I think it’s best.”

  She shook her head and planted her hands firmly on her hips. “You’re over reacting, Erich.”

  “I don’t think I am.”

  “What are they going to do?”

  “I don’t know.”

  “Like you said, they have nothing over me if we don’t do the séance. They only have power if I try to recreate or fake something.” Still, Harry had come to her once. Maybe he’d do it again. Especially if Erich’s and her reputations were on the line. “What if we could do it for real? If Harry crossed the boundaries for me, he’d certainly be able to do it for his fans.”

  Erich walked toward her, his head cocked and his posture soft. “Are you having second thoughts, Angel? Because you can’t call this off for me. You have to know in your heart it is the right thing to do.”

  Bess looked away from him. Why was it so hard to let go of Harry? He’d kept his word and in the process set her free. Given how she’d spent the previous night and this morning, she should be able to let
Harry rest in peace and give herself completely to Erich. Somehow it just wasn’t that easy.

  His hands gripped her shoulders, and she knew Erich’s stare was bearing down on her, demanding an answer to his question. She gave herself over to his touch and the way he made her feel — calm and at peace. It was too soon after Harry had delivered his message of love and faith, too soon after meeting Erich, and even too soon after Harry’s death. She was his widow, and she was acting like a teenager, crushing on the gorgeous new man in town. How in the world had it come to this so fast? Was she really willing to pack a bag and run away?

  “What will it be, Bess? Are you going to let go of the past and live your life, or stay here, abide Martin and Gail, and drown in it?”

  She inhaled slowly, and her body trembled as she exhaled. His mouth against her neck comforted her as much as it thrilled her. When he held her close in the darkest part of the night, it sated her.

  Besides, Harry had chosen him.

  “You, Erich. I’ll leave with you.”

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Erich walked toward the deli for a second time in a matter of hours. He couldn’t shake the blaze of anger he’d seen in Gail’s eyes. He recognized that driving need — to not only succeed, but do one better than before or anyone else. It gnawed at one’s gut and could only be quenched with the sweet nectar of victory. She’d burned Harry with it when grief blinded his instincts, and now she was after Bess.

  Gail wouldn’t rest until she was the star of Bess’s séance.

  Maybe he shouldn’t have left Bess alone? With a slow, measured breath, he tried to expel the nervous quiver in his stomach. Gail had just left; it would take her time to get home, complain to Martin and for the two of them to form some sort of plan.

  After gaining Will’s help, the two of them would return together to collect Bess. He would take her out of this god-forsaken place and on a train to a simpler way of life within the hour.

  Once they were back east, he could cement the relationship they had begun to build.

  The bustle of the lunch crowd inside the deli grabbed Erich’s attention. He ignored his first instinct — to push himself behind the counter and demand Will’s attention — and instead got in line behind the owner of the hardware store and his wife. Erich tapped his foot and struggled against the urge to scream as the woman reviewed the menu over and back and then placed the same order both Harry and Erich knew to be her usual. She stepped away, and he approached the counter. “The more things change, the more they stay the same, huh?”

  Will cocked his head. Of course, the statement sounded odd from someone who’d only spent hours in the shop. “What can I do for you, Erich?”

  “I took your advice and talked to Bess. She’s agreed to go back to New York. Can you drive us to the train station?”

  “Sure. When?”

  “Right now.”

  Will laughed, like Erich had just told some epic joke. “It’s the middle of the lunch rush. I can’t take you right now.”

  Why did everyone react like he was an over-dramatic school girl or a small child afraid of the boogieman? The danger was more than a figment of his imagination, and he’d save Bess from it, no matter how many laughed in his face. “I wouldn’t ask if it wasn’t important.”

  “I’ll come by after the shop closes at 3:00.”

  He slammed his hand against the counter. “We can’t wait. I have to get Bess out of town before Gail and Martin hurt her.”

  “What? Erich, I know you’re suspicious of their motives. Heck, everyone is, but you’re taking this too far.”

  “I don’t believe I am.”

  Maybe it was because of his determination, or Will’s own fondness for Bess, but the portly man posture softened, and he weighed the issues. “Do you have proof?”

  “No.”

  “Well, then, I have a business to run. If you’re not going to order something, please step aside.”

  Erich reached across the counter and grabbed Will’s arm. “I’m begging you.” Where had that come from? Harry would rather die than surrender his pride to anyone for any reason. But, to Hell with Harry and his arrogance. Erich wasn’t about to stand idly and let that group of vultures prey on his Bess.

  Will’s jaw set. “The line is stacking up behind you. If you’re so worried about Bess, go back to her place and stay with her. I’ll come by after I close.”

  He slumped back from the counter. If he still had Harry’s face, Will and Bess would believe the threats, and they’d be acting on them. Instead they thought he was delusional. Frustrated didn’t even begin to cover the well of emotions pooling inside him. If he couldn’t get Will to come now, then his advice was second best. Erich would keep watch for the enemy in the interim.

  Stepping out of the diner, he bristled against the cool breeze blowing up the street. He was used to extreme changes in the weather, but that was back east. Southern California endeared itself as the state of non-changing weather. Drastic shifts like what they’d experienced in the last twenty-four hours were rare and only added to his discontent. Erich rounded the corner and hit a brick wall.

  A tall, brick wall wrapped in black leather. Jaden stood in front him, a long, black braid draped over his left shoulder. Not hidden by dark glasses, his eyes sent a chill down Erich’s spine.

  “For every step forward you take, you slide back two.”

  Games and puzzles. Erich was sick of them, especially now that something sinister permeated the air. The scent of evil was so powerful it twisted his belly into knots. Reading a situation: a gift from Harry? Perhaps. “I got an idea, Jaden, either help me out or step aside.”

  “Have you wondered why things have gone from bad to worse since you convinced her to call off the séance?”

  “Let me guess. It has something to do with my selfish love for her.”

  Jaden tossed his head and chuckled. “Love. Surprisingly, that isn’t the gaffe in the plan this time. How well do you know your Proverbs?”

  Erich tried to push his way past Jaden, but that was like trying to wrestle a draft horse to the ground. Jaden held him at bay without any effort what-so-ever.

  Erich said, “I don’t have time for Bible verses. Bess is in danger.”

  “If you don’t remember them and soon, the waiting will be over.”

  Pulling his arm back, Erich prepared to ram it into Jaden’s chest, even if it doing so didn’t clear the path. To his surprise, Jaden evaporated, leaving the street empty. Erich shook off the ominous warning and started running toward Bess’s house. He focused his mind to his body and paced his breathing. The scent of smoke rode the breeze. Maybe someone burning leaves. Another sharp inhale and it became apparent that wasn’t the source. Nor was it the scent of burnt bread or pies put on the sill to cool. This was thicker, heavier, like a campfire accelerated with an igniter and contaminated with plastic and rotten eggs.

  He stopped and scanned the horizon and found the black, billowing smoke rising above the trees and houses. The image of Bess passed out in the chair while the pan burned dry on the stove flashed in his mind.

  Had she tried again to contact Harry? Maybe drank more of that home-made brandy? She wouldn’t. Not after all his warnings.

  Who was he trying to fool? Of course she would.

  Erich’s stomach did a back-flip, but even with its contents pushing upward, he quickened his pace, dashing into the street without looking. A searing pain flashed in his gut, and he cradled his would with his hand. The sound of a fire engine in the distance bore down on him. Wheels squealed, but he didn’t even glance back to see how close he’d come to being run down. His life meant zero in the grand scheme. Bess had to be safe.

  Why did I leave her alone? Why had Jaden stolen precious moments that could have been used to prevent...

  As he came up on the corner of her street, the sight ahead froze him in his tracks. Bess’s neighbors were assembled on the lawn, gawking at the same truck that had whizzed past him two blocks back and was no
w setting up in the driveway. His lungs burned and hands trembled. He’d never forgive himself if Bess was caught inside. Sprinting up the street, he called her name.

  He joined the crowd as a stream of heat billowed over him. The entire house was engulfed in angry, orange flames. He tried to ignore the thought too horrible to consider and shoved through the neighbors he’d never taken a moment to know in this body. A large fireman blocked his progress. “Where do you think you’re going, Bud?”

  “In the house. Bess is in there.”

  The hard, mask-like veil that draped the man’s face didn’t shield his emotions. Erich knew the firefighter’s thoughts mirrored his own. No one was inside that house and still alive. “I’m sorry, sir, but as you can see, there’s nothing left to do.”

  Something in Erich’s gut told him Bess wasn’t caught in the house. Or maybe he just hoped. He’d rather give Jaden back this body in this fire than go on without Bess. He tried to push past the fireman again. “I won’t stand by and do nothing.”

  He never should have left her with such a heavy heart and so many questions. He knew her resolve to contact Harry still lurked, but chose to ignore it. Instead he clung to the notion they had all the time in the world, despite the fact he knew better. Time is fleeting, and fate is a mean-spirited bitch.

  The fire roared again, and a flash of heat smacked him in the face, forcing him to look away. The smell of fuel oil permeated the air. Maybe the fire wasn’t caused by Bess’s carelessness, Martin or one of his cronies. Maybe it’d been that damn furnace.

  “Whoever started this fire intended to leave nothing in the aftermath,” a firefighter said to the one standing next to Erich.

  “You think Mrs. Houdini is still in there?” His partner answered.

  “If she is, God rest her soul.”

  Hope rose above the anguish. Martin and Gail would have no use for a corpse. They needed Bess to repair Gail’s reputation. They’d probably taken her and set the fire to force him into compliance.

  But what to do? Rush to the Cooper’s? That’s what they’d expect, probably want, and it would get him nowhere.