by K E O'Connor
Lady Camilla instantly tensed and snapped the locket shut. “They are both gone now. It is all over.”
I looked at Katie and noted the sad expression on her face. “Perhaps you could still talk to Katie as if she was here? You might find that a comfort.”
“That’s ridiculous.” Lady Camilla placed the locket in her pocket. “There’s no point in talking to thin air. I would appear insane.”
“You would appear like a woman missing her child,” I said. “I often talk to my imaginary friends.”
“Then perhaps I have employed the wrong person for this position.” Lady Camilla’s steely gaze shifted to me. “I want someone of sound mind and body to do this job. I was concerned because of your medical condition that required a dog.” She pointed into the corner of the room, where Flipper sat, his eyes fixed on Katie.
“My health is not a problem,” I said. “And I promise you, my mind is sound as well. I was only suggesting it because it might bring you some relief. It can be difficult not knowing what happened to a person you love.”
Lady Camilla’s shoulders hunched. “Everybody I care about leaves me. I am used to it.”
“Who else has left you?”
Lady Camilla walked back around the desk and sat down. “My husband.”
“I thought he died?”
“He did. That means he still left me.”
“He can’t have had much choice about that, though. It’s not like he divorced you or ran away with another woman.”
Lady Camilla let out an unladylike snort. “As if he’d dare. Now, you need to get back to work. There are bills to pay, and I have several letters I require you to take down before I retire for the day. You will not be able to leave until those tasks have been completed.”
I suppressed a grimace, returned to my seat, and flipped open the check book.
The more Lady Camilla opened up to me, the more it seemed unlikely she was involved in her daughter’s death. But she was the only woman in the household. If it wasn’t Lady Camilla, then who could it be?
I looked at Katie, but her form was already fading. Maybe she was mistaken. I needed to speak to her and Johnny again, and see what they remembered about the night they died.
Chapter 15
As I hurried to the kitchen to have dinner with Helen, I got a message from Zach, asking me to meet him the next day. I grinned as I sent back a message saying I was looking forward to it. I’d look forward to it even more if I could resolve this ghost mystery and stop worrying about Katie and Johnny. But my list of credible suspects was running out, and I wasn’t sure which way to turn next.
Helen greeted me at the kitchen door with a smile.
“Looks like you’ve had good news,” I said to her.
“I’ve been planning my next date with Henry.” Helen gestured to the table and I sat down, Flipper by my side, ever hopeful for some dinner treats. “What extravagant plans has he got lined up for you?”
“He’s not certain yet, but he suggested a ride in a horse-drawn carriage, champagne and strawberries, and maybe a trip around his estate as well,” said Helen.
“All on one date? He must really like you.”
“He’s a gentleman,” said Helen. “He’s going to sweep me off my feet. And I’m happy to let him.”
“And so he should,” I said. “You’re a real catch.”
Helen checked the contents of the oven, and a rich, spicy smell drifted out towards me. “I must admit, I’m nervous about it. I do like him. And perhaps, when things get serious, we can double date. Do you think Zach will like Henry?”
“Of course he will,” I said. “I’m meeting Zach tomorrow on my day off, so can check and see what he thinks about double dating.”
“So long as it’s not one of Zach’s favorite long walks across a muddy field with the dogs, I don’t mind what we do together,” said Helen.
“I love walking too,” I said. “Dates don’t always need to be horse rides, champagne and glamor.”
“Yes, but having to traipse around a field will not give me a chance to show off my new shoes.” Helen grinned at me. “Men always love high heels.”
I shook my head as I grinned at Helen. “I’ve been thinking about our ghosts.”
Helen hurried away from the stove and sat opposite me. “Have they given you any more clues to go on?”
“Katie appeared briefly today, but only to stand next to her mom. She didn’t tell me anything useful. But Lady Camilla did.”
“I don’t suppose she confessed to the killings, did she?”
“No, but amazingly, she opened up a bit. She told me she missed Katie but had to cut her out of their lives because of Johnny. She’s still paying a private eye to investigate where Katie is, though. She still has hopes of finding her alive.”
Helen flapped a dishcloth over her shoulder. “That is sad. Lady Camilla is on the frosty side, but no one should lose a daughter like that.”
“A part of me wanted to tell her that Katie was watching us, but that would have led to instant dismissal. She even told me off for saying I had imaginary friends I spoke to.”
Helen raised eyebrows. “Maybe not a good idea to tell everybody that. Your ability is an odd one.”
“I was only trying to comfort her,” I said.
“So, where now?” asked Helen.
“Let’s keep our focus on Ranulph,” I said. “He’s got the most to gain from Katie dying. Lady Camilla only had two children. Now Katie’s gone, Ranulph will inherit everything. And that’s worth killing for.”
“Dinner will be another forty minutes,” said Helen. “And I saw Ranulph by the garage not so long ago. Why don’t we go and see what we can find out from him now?”
“Katie and Johnny are sure a car was involved in their deaths, so if Ranulph is hiding something in the garage, it’s a good place to start.” I stood and headed to the door. “And he did try to give me his dead sister’s car. Maybe we can get him talking about that and he might let something slip.”
Helen washed her hands and then followed me and Flipper into the hallway and outside, walking around to the garage.
The doors of the garage were wide open, and Ranulph’s backside was visible as he leaned into a sleek black car.
I pushed Helen towards him and gestured for her to start a conversation.
“Ranulph, we’re so glad to see you,” said Helen brightly. “We’re at a loose end and wondered if you’d like to entertain us.”
Ranulph jumped out of the car, banging his head against the door as he did so. He rubbed his forehead and frowned. “Thought you two didn’t want to be entertained by me.”
“Don’t be silly, of course we do,” said Helen. “Why don’t you tell us about some of these lovely cars of yours?”
Ranulph shrugged. “Most of them aren’t mine. The Bentley is Mommy’s, and she uses it to be chauffeured around in. The red one in the corner is my sister’s car. I use the Mercedes most of the time or this little convertible.” He patted the roof of the car he stood next to.
“You can’t drive all of them?” Helen pouted. “But you must be an amazing driver.”
I struggled not to roll my eyes at her over-the-top sweetness.
“I drive whatever I like,” said Ranulph as he puffed his chest out. “But I’m busy right now.”
“Are you sure you can’t spare us any time?” asked Helen.
Ranulph ran his gaze over both of us. “Maybe later.”
“Some other time, then.” I gave Helen a discreet wink and we both turned and walked away.
“Wait! Perhaps I have got time now.” Ranulph hurried after us, gripping his chubby hands in front of him. “Why don’t we go for a drive? You can get a good speed on these country lanes, and there are never any police around telling you to slow down.”
I wasn’t sure about going for a joyride with Ranulph, but it would give us a chance to be alone with him. I nodded at Helen.
“Just a quick ride,” said Helen. “Why don’t we
take the red car?”
“Yes, that’s my favorite,” I said.
“It’s not mine, but we can go in that if we must.” Ranulph hurried ahead of us and opened the doors of the car. “One of you will have to get in the backseat, it’s a bit of a squash back there.”
“Not to worry,” said Helen. “Flipper and I can fit in the back easily. You sit up front, Lorna, and have a nice chat with Ranulph.”
“Great idea.” I hopped into the seat after Helen and Flipper were in, and Ranulph closed the door behind me.
“Does the dog have to come?” Ranulph eyed Flipper suspiciously, who sat next to Helen with his tongue hanging out.
“He’s very good,” I said. “Flipper rarely sheds fur, and he only bites if you provoke him.” And you’re not going to do that, are you?”
Ranulph scowled. “Very well. Let’s go for a ride.”
We all buckled up, and Ranulph turned the engine over, a deep, rumbling purr emitting from the engine as he pressed his foot on the gas pedal.
“You do know how to drive?” asked Helen, worry tracing through her words.
“Of course I do,” said Ranulph. “I only have nine points on my licence.”
“Only nine! That’s good to know.” I gripped the door handle. Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea after all.
Ranulph laughed as he pushed a pair of aviator sunglasses over his eyes. “I hope you like to go fast.” The back wheels of the car protested as we shot out of the garage and along the gravel driveway.
I caught Helen’s gaze in the rearview mirror and grimaced at her. She returned my expression as she wrapped her arms around Flipper.
“I’ll put the top down,” said Ranulph. The soft top of the car rolled back over our heads and my hair blew across my face as the speed increased.
He fishtailed the car out of the driveway and onto the narrow country lane that passed the house. “Where do you fancy going? We could drive out to the coast if you like.”
“Just a short journey will do,” I said. “And maybe you should slow down.” I shut my eyes as we narrowly missed a pheasant who dashed across the road.
“Nonsense. I’ve been driving these lanes for years. I can do this route with my eyes closed.”
“Make sure you don’t!” shouted Helen.
Ranulph laughed. “Don’t worry, I’m in control here.”
I doubted that very much. “Did you go out driving in this car with your sister?”
“Rarely,” said Ranulph. “She didn’t like me in her car. Said I made it messy.”
“As if you’d do such a thing,” said Helen.
“Exactly. Besides, I have my own cars. This one is too small for me, really. Pedals are set up for a woman. My sister had small feet.”
“Do you think she’ll come back for this car?” My lips squeezed together to stop from screaming as we screeched around a corner.
“Shouldn’t think so,” said Ranulph. “Why, are you still considering my offer of having the car?” He flashed me a smile.
“No, I don’t need a car.”
Helen squeaked as a tractor rumbled out of a farm entrance in front of us.
Ranulph slammed on the brakes and blasted his horn. “Idiot! Why don’t you watch where you’re going?” He manoeuvred the car around the tractor and sped off again as the farmer yelled curses at us.
I raised my hand in an apology as we shot around the next bend. “That’s not bad advice,” I said to Ranulph.
“I can drive this thing with no hands on the wheels.” Ranulph demonstrated by lifting his hands from the steering wheel.
I grabbed hold of it. “Eyes on the road! I really like my life!”
“Me too,” said Helen. “Maybe we can turn around now?”
“Oh no, I’m having fun,” said Ranulph. “I want to show you the sights. I don’t think either of you have been out much. It’s lovely around here.”
“Did Katie liked the area?” I asked him.
“Why all the questions about my sister?” Ranulph glared at me. “You didn’t know her when she was alive, did you?”
“I don’t think so,” I said. “But from what I’ve heard, she sounds like a nice lady. I’m surprised people don’t seem sadder about her vanishing.”
“What’s to be sad about?” asked Ranulph. “I never got on with her. Well, she wasn’t terrible, but I would have preferred a brother. Now, that would have been fun. We could have gone hunting together. I never could convince Katie to pick up a gun. And as for trying to get her to fish, she used to squeal every time I hooked a catch, and insist I put it back into the water unharmed. She took all the fun out of things.”
“She sounds like just my sort of person,” I said. Anyone who was kind to animals was okay in my books.
“She would have been if you’re a boring stick in the mud,” said Ranulph. He glanced over at me and his eyes widened. “Hang on a second, you’re not involved with that dodgy, private investigation firm Mommy’s got looking for Katie? Is that why you’re here?”
“No, nothing like that,” I said hurriedly. “As you know, I’m working for your mom. But I’m just curious about your sister. It makes your mom sad when she talks about her.”
“Mommy never talks about Katie,” said Ranulph. “She doesn’t care she’s gone. She hates the family name being tainted. Katie being dead is the best thing that could have happened. Keeps the family name intact.”
“That’s a horrible thing to say.” Helen whacked Ranulph on the back of his head.
He spun around his seat and glared at her. “That hurt!”
“Eyes on the road! Eyes on the road!” I shouted as Ranulph narrowly avoided driving into a ditch. The back end of the car shook as he struggled to regain control.
He let out a triumphant yell as he pressed his foot on the gas pedal. “You see, I’m an excellent driver.”
We shot around a corner, on the wrong side of the road, and into the path of an oncoming truck.
Helen and I screamed, as Ranulph veered off the road, and smashed through a hedge.
Chapter 16
I groaned, my shaking fingers going to my stinging forehead. They came away covered in blood.
I twisted around in my seat, to see Helen sitting in the back, her cheeks pale and her eyes wide. Flipper was leaning against her.
“Are you two okay back there?” I asked her.
“I think so,” whispered Helen, who still had her arms firmly wrapped around Flipper. “Flipper is fine too. What about you? You’ve cut your head!”
“The stupid airbag didn’t go off,” I muttered, as a headache developed behind my eyes.
“Don’t have airbags in this model.” Ranulph lifted his head from the steering wheel. “My neck hurts.”
“You’re lucky not to have broken it,” said Helen. “What kind of idiot stunt were you pulling, shooting around the corner without being able to see what was in front of you?”
“There are never trucks coming along this lane,” said Ranulph. “Dumb driver must have been lost.”
“That’s hardly the point,” said Helen. “You should have been more careful. You have valuable cargo on board.”
“Complaining, annoying cargo on board,” said Ranulph. “I need help getting out. The door’s stuck on this side.” He tugged at the handle on the door and then flopped back into his seat.
“You can stay right there for all I care,” said Helen. “Lorna, Flipper and I are leaving now.”
“You can’t leave me,” whined Ranulph. “I’ve been hurt. You need to be my nurses and make sure I’m not mortally wounded.”
“I wish you were,” muttered Helen. “Besides, Lorna’s hurt as well, and she needs to get some help.”
“The cut on my head isn’t bad.” I touched the growing lump on my forehead.
“Lorna, get out of the car, and let me and Flipper out of the backseat,” said Helen.
I looked over at Ranulph. “Are you really hurt?”
“A bit,” grumbled Ranulph. �
��Not that your mean friend cares about that.”
“Well, you did almost kill us. She has a right to be angry with you.” I climbed out of my seat, and let Helen and Flipper out, my knees wobbling as I did so. I ran my hands over Flipper several times checking him for injuries, but he was unharmed and snuffled the cut on my head gently before licking my cheek.
“There’s nothing wrong with me,” I said to him, appreciating his concern. I stood and walked to the other side of the car. We’d landed in a ditch, and as I walked around the front, I saw how lucky we were. If we’d carried on another few feet, we’d have been impaled on some farm machinery partially concealed behind the bushes.
“Get me out of here,” said Ranulph as he honked the car horn. “I feel sick.”
“Serves you right,” said Helen. “You should have been more careful when you were driving.”
“It’s got nothing to do with the way I drive,” said Ranulph. “Be nice to me, I might have an internal injury.”
“To your brain, if you have one of those,” said Helen.
I tugged on the handle of Ranulph’s door, which refused to move, but after leaning most of my weight backwards, it pulled open with a screech as the metal ground together.
Ranulph fell out of the car and dry heaved for several seconds.
“He’s such a charmer,” said Helen, as she walked over to join me as I peered down at Ranulph.
“I think he’s scared himself,” I whispered.
“We should get back to the house,” said Helen. “I need to patch up your head, and dinner will be ruined if we don’t hurry.”
I felt my knees tremble as adrenaline flooded through my body. I pulled out my phone. “Let’s call for some help. We’ll have to get this car towed to the house and get a lift at the same time.”
“Don’t let Mommy know what’s happened.” Ranulph stood up, his skin the color of sour milk. “She’ll be furious I’ve taken this car out. She never lets anyone touch Katie’s things.”
“I don’t care what Lady Camilla thinks,” I said. “We’re in need of help. Do you think Billy will assist us?”