by Alexie Aaron
Mia watched as the spirits left the sand trap that they had been caught in. She saw a haggard hatcheck girl and a couple of drunken sots move from the front of the building towards the back exit. She walked past them and looked out the front door.
“Goat man has the two bikers in tow. They are being offered bikes.”
There was a roar of engine sound as the ghostly bikers started up their bikes.
“Someone talk to Ted to get Malloy to open the road to the west. My ear thingy is gone. Tell them the rival gang is leaving. The home team is still in place.” She walked back into the bar and approached the giant man. “Can we remove our dead?”
He nodded and walked towards the front and whistled shrilly. It attracted a large, burly, leather-clothed man. He approached the bar warily. He saw the source of the whistle and smiled.
Mia listened as the two men talked. She left them after getting the okay.
“It’s safe to recover Manny’s body now,” Mia said, tears welling up. “Take him home.”
She sat down against the wall and let herself cry. Whit walked over, sat down next to her and held her. “I’m tired. I want to go home,” Mia sniffed.
“Soon,” Whit promised. “Why are you so upset?”
“I’ll tell you later,” she said and leaned against him.
Beth filmed the biker gang leaving the lot. They moved westward before they disappeared. She brought the camera back into focus and filmed the solemn progression to recover the body of Manny Ramirez. The camera picked up the backward movement of the line of men as they let the police and fire personnel do their work.
Mia sighed and got up. She walked over to the biker as he stared out the door. “You can leave too.”
He stared down at her and smirked.
“Soon you will lose power because the trapped souls have left. You will be nothing more than a shadow seen out of the corner of someone’s eye. Or,” she stopped for effect and smiled widely, enticing the biker, “Or you can hit the open road with your friends. Drive off into the sunset and enjoy the wind and heat of the road. You can come back if you want to. I sense the back door will always be open for you.”
He shrugged and shifted his weight.
Mia continued, “They won’t leave without you. They have been waiting for forty years. You need to lead them away from this place of entrapment. This sand trap. It’s nothing more than a place of murder and evil. You need to go.”
He bent forward and picked Mia up and brought her to his eye level. Whit scrambled to his feet seeing Mia rise in the air. She motioned for him to be still.
“No tricks?” he asked.
“No tricks,” she said evenly.
He set her down, and she held his hand and walked him towards the open door. He walked out into the sunshine for the first time in four decades. He glanced back at the bar that was his prison before striding confidently towards the front of the stone building.
Mia and Beth watched as the big bruiser was offered a bike. He got on and kicked it to life. A mighty roar followed as the other bikes were started. He led the procession out of the lot, giving the cops a wide berth. They too headed west along Route 66.
Whit put a hand on her shoulder and drew her to him. He kissed her tenderly, ignoring everything but her. “Come on, Burt wants you to take a final look around before heading back to the motel.”
Mia nodded, “He’s a pain when I’m PMSing. I just thought you should know.”
Whit smiled and nodded. “I think your cycles are in sync.”
This made Mia laugh.
Chapter Thirty-nine
Mia bent down, picked up her pack, and opened it to make sure Murphy’s axe head was still enclosed. She smiled and stroked the time eroded cast-iron. She placed it lovingly back in the pack. Murphy stood at the edge of the cornfield. She walked over to him. “You did good, Murphy. You once again saved the world. Are you ready to go home? I am.”
Murphy looked down at her and smiled. He mimed wringing out cloth.
“Oh, took a little swim. Bad timing, a bunch of rocks fell on me. Thought you and I were going to walk off into the sunset, but Whit rescued me.”
He looked at her with an expression mixed with disappointment and concern. He shook his head.
“I know. It’s not my turn to go yet.”
Whit watched them from the doorway. He had donned the goggles, one more time, to watch out for any ghostly stragglers. He took in her part of the conversation and was sympathetic to the farmer who watched and waited for Mia. Whit couldn’t let her go and wouldn’t without a fight. He needed her. He sensed that she needed him too. They had a history to forge of their own before joining the light or the likes of Murphy. He gave them a moment before calling to her, “Time to go, hon. The bus won’t wait.”
She shook her head. “Come on, Murph, time to go back to the motel, and then I understand another barbecue at Homely’s to celebrate. He makes the best baked beans.”
~
Mia gently removed the ring and looked at the wound keeping it there had caused. She then took in the gem in the gold setting of the ring and whistled. Whit stuck his head out of the shower and smiled.
“You called?”
“Oh, sorry, just whistling. She moved out of the bathroom and held the ring under the light. “There’s enough carats to feed a field of bunnies for, like, forever,” she said to Murphy who was sitting on the bed sharpening his axe.
She opened up her duffle and secured it within a rolled up pair of socks. She then put her back to the ghost and tried to peel off the wet leather pants.
“This is the last fucking time I’m going to do this!”
Murphy looked alarmed. Whit stepped out of the bathroom and asked, “What? Ghost hunting?”
“No, wear leather swimming. Help me.”
Whit laughed and with some effort peeled the tight pants off her bruised legs. “Oh, honey, those rocks did a number on your legs,” Whit bent down and placed kisses on the biggest of the bruises.
Mia stroked the top of his head for a moment before walking into the bathroom.
Whit got up and worked on drying his hair with a towel.
“Bloody hell!” Mia moaned from the bathroom.
Whit tapped on the door. “Mia, is something wrong?”
“I got my period, and I know I don’t have anything.”
“I’ll go.” Whit pulled on his jeans and remembered at the last minute to grab the room key. He padded in his bare feet over to Beth’s room and knocked on the door.
Beth had just finished dressing when she heard the knock. She opened the door expecting to find Ted, but instead there stood a bare chested Whit. She was speechless.
“Sorry to disturb you, but Mia just got her period, and she didn’t bring any supplies. You wouldn’t by any chance?”
Beth shook herself out of the fantasy she was having of Whit carrying her off and smiled. “Sure. I’m always ready for any emergency.” She disappeared from the door and came back with a few things and shoved them into his hand and shut the door.
Whit was unperturbed as he used to do the shopping for his late wife. He walked back to the room and handed Mia the items through the crack in the bathroom door.
~
Mia sipped through the long straw and sighed. She was sitting on Homely’s step with an icy glass of bliss. Whit was sharing stories with Mike, Fast Eddie, Malloy and the other cops. Murph was contemplating another assault on the maples, and Beth was wrapped around a young fireman. Ted sat down next to Mia.
The two ate in silence, appreciating the food and the drinks. Ted belched and excused himself.
Mia waved the odor of the beer-laced burp away from her face. “Gross.”
“I hear you’re on the rag.”
Mia looked at him horrified.
“I have three sisters,” he said, as if it would excuse his choice of conversation. “At least you’re not knocked up.”
Mia’s face fell.
“Oh no,” he said agh
ast. “You didn’t want to be prego?”
“I don’t know. I had a couple of dreams, and thought why not?”
“Honestly, take a look at how big that guy is. His head is humongous. You will be split in two delivering his kid.”
Mia hit him on the leg. But he continued. “You’ll be covered in baby puke, and I don’t think Murph’s going to want to hang with you with a screaming kid on your shoulder.”
“I guess what you’re saying in your most elegant way is to take my time. Make an informed decision.”
“Yes. Make sure both of you are ready,” he said seriously. “Plus, we have a lot of ghosties to wrangle before you settle down.”
Mia smiled, “I fear you might be right.”
Chapter Forty
Mia climbed the steps, stopped and peered over at Bill who was at his post. He looked at the case of yellow and white diamonds with great longing. She walked up to him and asked, “Is it the diamond or the girl?”
He turned around and looked at the short, blonde young woman standing before him. He said with great sorrow. “Shelley.”
Mia couldn’t hear him in her corporal form, but she knew what he said. She nodded to the museum employee in charge of the security and maintenance of the cases and handed her the ring. Whit and Mia had worked hours on shining up the piece of jewelry. Before it was displayed permanently, it would need professional attention. Right now, Mia thought it looked just fine. The employee opened the case and put the ring into a stand and set it near the other yellow diamonds. She closed the case, and Mia thanked her.
Mia waited for her to leave and addressed Bill again. “I think I found Shelley.”
His eyes lit up.
“I think she’s your Shelley, but I could be wrong. She was wearing that ring.” Mia tapped lightly on the glass.
Bill bent forward and stared at the ring. He looked back at Mia and she saw a tear forming in his eye.
Mia told the gangster about Shelley’s death. How her spirit was trapped for such a long time. “She may be still there.”
Bill shook his head and smiled. He pointed behind Mia. She whirled around.
Shelley stood at the entrance to the Grainger Hall of Gems. She wasn’t looking at the gems, or at Mia who she traveled with via her attachment to the ring. Shelley was looking at Bill.
Mia backed out of the way and busied herself by gazing at the rubies while she kept an eye on the reunited lovers.
Bill held out his hand and drew Shelley to him. She put a hand on his chest holding him off for a while.
Mia sensed that she was explaining herself to Bill. He took her hand away from his chest and kissed it. He then drew her to him and kissed her.
Mia inched her way past the couple and walked down the stairs where Bernard, Ralph and Whit were waiting for her.
“She came with the ring,” Mia told them. “We prayed she would, but I didn’t feel anything. Much like Murphy, she didn’t show herself until she wanted to. She asked for forgiveness and he forgave her. They were making out when I left them.”
Ralph sighed and looked all dreamy-eyed. “After all these years they are together,” he said wistfully.
“Are they going to stay?” Bernard asked.
“I don’t know. Can you keep the ring until we know for sure?”
“I’ll set up the paperwork. It will be on loan to the museum from you, I guess.”
Mia smiled guiltily, “Perhaps it should be from the Roadside Development Corporation, because I found it on their property.”
“I beg to differ. They don’t have mineral rights, and you found it under their property. After all, the yellow diamond is a gemstone,” Whit informed her.
“Mia, sweetie, do they know about the ring?” Ralph asked.
“No, just me, Whit, and Murphy.”
“Then let’s keep it in the family,” he said, his eyes dancing.
“Well that’s settled. I can’t wait for my private tour. Can we start with the dinosaurs?” Whit asked excitedly.
Bernard looked at the man and smiled. “We can start anywhere you want to. You know they are saying that they all had feathers.”
“No,” Whit said in awe. “Really?”
Ralph and Mia lagged behind them a moment. Ralph turned her face towards his. “Now, tell me, are you happy?”
“I’m happy, Ralph. Whit makes me happy.”
“That’s well and good, but I’m talking about you. Are you happy with yourself?”
Mia took a moment to think the question through. Was she happy with herself? She was seeing her abilities as gifts instead of curses. She found a group of friends she belonged with. Her high school crush was in love with her. And Murphy seemed presently okay with the idea. “Yes. Yes, I’m happy.”
“Good that’s all I want.” Ralph hugged her, and before letting her go he added, “And grandbabies.”
Mia just smiled and took his hand. As they walked, she looked at the displays. She saw spirits attached to them. She knew in her heart that the artifacts should be returned to where they came from. Bernard had assured her that this was indeed the trend in most of the museums. A few places they would have to wait for the countries they belonged in to become stable, before risking the return of the priceless examples of their ancient culture. They didn’t want a repeat of what had happened in Afghanistan with the destruction of Buddha statues.
Until then, Mia would be keeping an eye on the attached spirits, making sure they didn’t hurt anyone else.
“Mia,” Whit said as he rushed back to her. “You’re not going to believe this. Bernard is going to let me hold a dinosaur bone.”
Mia nodded and smiled. “Better you than me. I’ve had my fill of old bones.”
“Hey, I’m still here,” Ralph acted put out.
Mia laughed. “Not you silly.” She thought about Murphy’s bones, Shelley’s bones and of those they destroyed of the hag in the hollow. She knew not what the future would bring, but knew that old bones were certainly a given.
***
PEEPs Lite Novellas
PEEPs Lite – more story, less filling. Plagued with my characters’ constant chatter in my head, I’ve decided to tell a few stories in between the novels of the Haunted series. Each novella will deal with one haunt investigated by the PEEPs (Paranormal Entity Exposure Partners) team with Mia and Murphy along for the ride. The novellas start after "Sand Trap," the third book in the series. I hope you enjoy them. Alexie Aaron
Eternal Maze Peeps Lite 3.1
October thirtieth is a beautiful day. Partly cloudy skies top the Carver County Corn Maze where Ted Martin is testing his new micro-com technology on the determined puzzle solvers. It’s a beautiful view from the spotter’s tower with all the colorful flags dancing above the cornstalks, marking the progress of the individual groups. But one flag hasn’t moved in a while. It was issued to two teenage couples and their two young charges. Upon further investigation, Ted discovers that the group has disappeared with the exception of the lone flag bearer who lies dead on the ground.
Ted, fearing that more than a possible kidnapping has occurred, calls Mia who rushes to help in the search. Within a few minutes Ted’s instincts are proven true. There are paranormal entities at play in the corn, and they’re playing for keeps.
Join Mia, Murphy and the PEEPS team as they investigate the "Eternal Maze."
Homecoming PEEPs Lite 3.2
Mike, the face of Paranormal Entity Exposure Partners (PEEPs) has led with his Hollywood jaw, projecting his good looks, while hiding a very important secret from his colleagues. He’s been haunted since he was a child. This may have been the impetus behind him co-founding PEEPs, but it has also kept him from enjoying a good night’s sleep.
After accepting a job offer to go through Mike’s mother’s estate, Mia discovers that Mike’s personal haunt has ties to the ghost town that is Lund, Illinois. Can Mia, Murphy and the PEEPs team uncover the hidden secrets of a town long dead in time to save the life of one of their own?
Darker than Dark
The fourth Haunted Series novel by Alexie Aaron
Chapter One
Gwen didn’t like bedtime. She always felt like she was missing out on something her older siblings were doing. Right now she could hear their laughter as it drifted up from the family room. They, along with her parents, had nestled in to watch a popular television comedy show. Gwen, falling under the too young category, was tucked hastily into bed. The brilliant-colored, handmade heirloom quilt did little to ease the pout on her wide moon face. She pushed herself up until she sat with her back against the wooden headboard and started to plan all the things she was going to do when she grew up. She was thinking about roller skating in the kitchen when the panes in the window shook slightly from the rumble of thunder not too far away.
Gwen nervously stroked her braid of long brown hair while her brown eyes searched the nightlight-lit room. She acknowledged the familiar shadows. The rocker in the corner that was filled with her dolls that sat motionless by the window. The dresser, with its overstuffed drawers barely closed, stood like a sentry by the door that was opened a crack. The bedroom door being ajar was more for her benefit than her parents need to look in on her. Gwen needed to see the hall light. She, like most children, was afraid of the dark. Light was important to her. It turned all the gray things colorful and, most importantly, kept the darker-than-darks away.
She had become acquainted with darker-than-darks early in her life. In her infancy, as soon as she could determine the difference between gray and black, more precisely blacker than black, she could see them. Before that she could feel them. She sensed them move out from the dark corners of the room, across the floor, and wind their way up the crib legs and into the bed with her. They caressed her face and tugged her covers up and down. One had the disturbing habit of entering her ears until she felt the unbearable pressure. She heard the thump of her rapid heartbeat in concert with a much slower one. As a baby she would cry out. Most times this resulted in being picked up and cooed until she fell back asleep.