Ghostly Issues (A Harper Harlow Mystery Book 2)

by Hart, Lily Harper

  “Lexie doesn’t have a thing with anyone,” Derek countered. “She was my girlfriend, but that’s only because I’m popular and she likes attention. Brandon doesn’t have a shot because he’s not really popular and now she’s going to be getting all the attention she could ever want because I’m dead.”

  “That’s kind of the feeling I got from her, too,” Harper admitted. “Everyone was up at the school yesterday for some summer classes. It’s weird to me that you guys get out so early and then immediately have to go to summer school. I know the school year is truncated here because of old farming traditions, but it seems weird to me that summer school is already in session.”

  “I never had to do that,” Derek countered. “Lexie only has to do it because I refused to do her algebra. She was looking for a boyfriend who was smart in math, but she had no idea my mother did my algebra for me. She’s an accountant. It was easy for her.”

  Harper frowned. She knew Derek’s mother and had no idea the woman could be so easily swayed. “That’s not exactly helping you.”

  “When am I ever going to need algebra?”

  “I … .” Harper didn’t have an answer because she’d never once used algebra since graduating from high school. She decided to refocus Derek’s attention on something important. “Have you remembered anything about your death?”

  Derek shrugged. “It’s weird,” he said after a moment. “I keep having flashes of stuff, but they could be from any time. One minute I’ll be thinking of something I did as a kid and the next minute I’ll be at a party where I had a lot of fun … and got laid. I’m going to miss sex the most I think.”

  Harper bit her tongue to keep a harsh retort at bay. “What about the night you died?” she pressed. “Try to walk me through what happened.”

  “That’s still fuzzy,” Derek said. “I remember being in my bedroom and getting a call from David. He said everyone was meeting in the park to hang out and have a few beers. I don’t remember leaving the house and I don’t remember arriving here. I must have, though, right?”

  Harper knit her eyebrows together. “They said they didn’t see you the night you died. They said they weren’t at the park. Are you sure David called you?”

  “Yeah. Why would they say they weren’t here? David was already on his way when he called.”

  “I don’t know.”

  Derek’s face was unreadable. “Maybe I’m confusing the nights,” he said finally. “I don’t think I am, though.”

  “Keep trying to remember,” Harper instructed. “If you think you were coming here, odds are you were. If you’re blocking what happened to you, it’s probably because you don’t want to remember.”

  “Will I ever remember?”

  “I don’t know,” Harper said, opting for honesty. “It’s different for every ghost.”

  “I always thought you and Zander were playing a game when you said that you could see ghosts,” Derek said. “I guess I was wrong, huh?”

  “Zander can’t see ghosts,” Harper clarified. “He merely has faith that I can.”

  “You can, though,” Derek said. “You’re the only one who can see me. Do you know how awful it is to go to my house and see my parents shutting down and not be able to talk to them?”

  “I’m sure that’s rough,” Harper replied, her heart going out to the boy. He might be brash and insensitive, but he was still a teenager struggling with the loss of his own life. He would never get to do the things he wanted to do. He would never get married and have children of his own. He would never mature beyond his current age. That had to be wearing on him. “You can only do what you can do. Try to remember what happened to you that night. It’s important.”

  “Why?”

  “Because if someone killed you – and I believe that’s what happened – then they might kill again,” Harper said. “It’s too late to save you, although when you’re ready, I can help you move on to a better place. It’s not too late to save someone else.”

  “I never thought about that,” Derek said. “Okay. I’ll do my best.”

  “That’s all you can do.”

  Fourteen

  “Okay, I’ve got the final autopsy results back and there’s some interesting stuff in here,” Jared said, sitting in his desk chair and turning so he was facing Mel as he perused the information.

  Mel looked his partner up and down with a studied eye. “Why do you look different?”

  Jared tore his attention away from the file and focused on his partner. “What do you mean?”

  “You look different,” Mel said. “You’re … different. I don’t know how to explain it. Did something happen?”

  A lot happened, but there was no way Jared was going to talk to Mel about it. He knew the older cop would find out on his own – Zander had loose lips – but he wasn’t the kiss-and-tell type. Well, he’d already told Mel about kissing Harper, so that wasn’t exactly true. He wasn’t the share-the-sex-details type, though. He wouldn’t disrespect Harper in that manner.

  “Nothing happened,” Jared answered, even though he was chalking the previous evening up as one of the best nights of his life. “Do you want to talk about Derek now, or do you want to keep harping on how I look different?”

  Mel shrugged. “Have it your way,” he said. “I’ll figure it out eventually.”

  “I’m sure you will,” Jared said, returning his attention to the file. “So, the preliminary toxicology reports show that Derek was drinking before his death.”

  Mel stiffened. “I … are you sure?”

  “He had a blood alcohol content level of .18. He was drunk.” Jared softened his voice, but there was no way he could ease the blow. Mel wanted to believe Derek was some misbegotten angel brutally ripped out of his life. While drinking teenagers wasn’t a new thing – and it certainly didn’t make Derek a bad kid – Mel and Jared had to look at all of the facts if they wanted to solve the case.

  “I guess I shouldn’t be surprised,” Mel said, rubbing the back of his neck. “That place has always been a party spot. There wasn’t anything else in his system, was there?”

  “That will come with the full toxicology results,” Jared replied. “We don’t know. If it’s any consolation, I have a feeling we won’t find anything worse than pot in his system because he was an athlete. He had to be drug tested, and if he was hitting the harder stuff someone probably would’ve found out before now.”

  “That’s not going to make this easier on his parents,” Mel pointed out.

  “I don’t think anything is going to make this easier on his parents,” Jared said. “The blow to his head was quick and efficient. He died within minutes, and probably lost consciousness the moment he was struck. The medical examiner still can’t say with any certainty that he was hit with something, but since no blood was found on the merry-go-round and that was the only thing hard enough to kill him, he’s ruling it a homicide.”

  “I don’t think that surprises either of us,” Mel said. “Where do you think we should focus first?”

  “I want to look at the kids harder,” Jared said. “I didn’t get the feeling that Lexie was anything but disingenuous while we were there, and the other kids seemed … furtive.”

  “Furtive?”

  “That’s the best way I can describe it,” Jared explained. “They kept trying to focus the conversation on Harper because they didn’t want us asking probing questions about Derek. I can’t be the only one who noticed that.”

  “Well, it was hard to notice anything with all the hormones flying around, but I think you’re right,” Mel said. “I’ll get in touch with Jim and see if he can put a definitive list of Derek’s friends together. Tomorrow we’ll start questioning them alone. It’s harder for them to hide when they’re not in a group.”

  “I agree,” Jared said. “I … .” He broke off when he saw the door to a small department open, allowing Harper entrance. His heart flipped at the sight of her. Their gazes locked across the expanse, and she took a tentative ste
p in his direction. “Hey.”

  Mel glanced over his shoulder and scowled when he saw what entranced his partner. “Hello, Harper. Are you here on a social call or official business?”

  Harper smiled shyly as she moved closer, forcing her eyes from Jared. “Official business.”

  Jared couldn’t help but be a little disappointed. He realized that made him something of a lovesick puppy, but he couldn’t muster the energy to care. “What have you been doing today?”

  “Well, I stopped in at the office, but things were kind of … unproductive … there,” Harper answered. “Then I took a walk and ran into Derek at the park.”

  Mel straightened, his interest piqued. “I’m not sure I believe you see ghosts, just for the record, but out of curiosity, did Derek say anything?”

  “He still doesn’t remember how he died,” Harper said, nervously taking the chair next to Jared when he gestured toward it. “He did say something interesting, though, and I thought you guys should know about it.”

  Mel arched an eyebrow. “Are you purposely dragging this out so you can stare at Jared for a few minutes longer?”

  “No,” Harper said, snapping her head around and blushing furiously. “I … sorry … I … .”

  “Leave her alone,” Jared instructed. “There’s no reason to be mean to her just because you’re upset about the toxicology report.”

  “I’m not being mean to her,” Mel countered. “I’ve known her since she was this high.” He gestured to his knee for emphasis. “She knows I love her. Not all of us turn into mush when she walks into a room, though.”

  Jared rolled his eyes. “What did Derek say?”

  “He said he remembers getting a call from David the night he was killed,” Harper replied. “He said they wanted him to go to the park because they were going to hang out. I personally think ‘hang out’ is code for party, but he didn’t really expand on that.”

  “He was drunk when he died,” Jared informed her. “We just got the toxicology report. I’m guessing he made it there. It’s funny none of the kids mentioned seeing him, though.”

  “No, they all specifically said they didn’t see him,” Harper pointed out. “I don’t know if that means they’re guilty or not, but I think they’re hiding something. Lexie is definitely hiding something.”

  “Yeah, she’s full of herself,” Jared said. “Jim said she thinks she’s going to get through life on her looks and that high school popularity means something in the real world. I think she’s got a rude awakening in her future.”

  “Derek also said that he expected Lexie to be playing on everyone’s emotions so she could be the center of attention and he made an offhand comment about Brandon wanting to see her hoo-ha.”

  Jared smiled. He couldn’t help it. Harper was so cute when she said the word “hoo-ha” he almost grabbed her and kissed her right there. If Mel was otherwise engaged he would have his hands on her without question. “Hoo-ha?”

  “That’s what he called it,” Harper clarified. “He also said he thought he was going to miss sex the most.”

  “Ugh,” Mel said, making a face. “Don’t tell me things like that.”

  “I’m sorry. I thought you would want all of the information,” Harper said. “I didn’t get the feeling Derek was particularly fond of Lexie. He didn’t talk about her as if he cared about her. It was more … perfunctory. Like he needed a girlfriend and knew she would do for the time being.”

  “How did you leave things?” Jared asked.

  “He’s going to try remembering what happened and I told him I would be around to listen if he got any information.”

  “I don’t like this,” Mel said, getting to his feet. “Why would those kids lie unless they did something to Derek?”

  “Don’t jump to conclusions,” Jared said, his fingers moving to Harper’s cheek as if they had a mind of their own. He brushed his thumb over her soft skin and smiled. “Just because they’re hiding something, that doesn’t mean they’re automatically murderers. Derek might’ve fallen someplace else and they moved his body because they panicked or something. We just don’t know yet.”

  “I guess that’s a possibility,” Mel said, turning back. “I … oh, good grief. Are you petting her in the middle of our office?”

  Jared snatched his hand back, regaining his senses. He couldn’t stop himself from touching Harper and now he felt like a teenager about to be scolded by his father. “I … um … what were we talking about?”

  Harper cleared her throat. “I think something had to happen to cause Derek to stay behind,” she said. “I can only think of a handful of ghosts I’ve come across who died by accident. Most of them were killed and their souls clung to this world so they could make sure that someone paid for their murder.”

  “We can’t make a case on your ghost logic, Harper,” Mel said. “I don’t mean to be rude, but if we tell anyone anything you just said we’ll be laughed out of court.”

  “I’m not suggesting that,” Harper shot back. “I’m just saying that I believe he was murdered … or at least something utterly tragic happened that night that he can’t wrap his head around yet.”

  Mel held up his hands in a placating manner. “I’m sorry if I offended you.”

  “I’m not offended.”

  Mel pressed the heel of his hand to his forehead, narrowing his eyes as he watched Jared and Harper silently flirty. “Oh, holy hell! I know why you look different.”

  Jared wrenched his gaze away from Harper. “What do you mean?”

  “You two finally played tickle the pickle last night and now you’re more infatuated with one another than you were yesterday,” Mel said. “I’m such an idiot. It was written all over your face when you walked in here this morning.”

  “Tickle the pickle?” Jared barked out a laugh. “Is that some old saying I’ve never heard before?”

  “Well, you’re not denying it, so it must be true,” Mel said. “Does Zander know? He can’t. If he knew he would’ve called his mother and she would be deluging me with calls to find out if Jared is good enough for Harper.”

  Harper bit her lip. “I … .”

  “Zander knows,” Jared replied matter-of-factly. “We all had breakfast together this morning. Perhaps your family gossip mill is broken.”

  Mel’s cell phone buzzed on top of his desk and he glanced down. “Or perhaps Zander is merely late spreading the gossip,” he said. “This is my sister now. I’ve got twenty bucks that says she’s about to tell me you two got horizontal last night.” Mel picked up the phone and pressed it to his ear. “Now isn’t a good time to … .” He broke off, his face coloring. “You don’t say? Harper has a new boyfriend? I’m shocked.”

  Mel took his conversation to the other side of the room, conveniently leaving Jared and Harper to continue with their flirt fest.

  “You look pretty,” Jared said. “I’m sorry I had to rush out after breakfast. I had no idea how late it was and I needed to run home so I could change my clothes.”

  “It’s okay,” Harper offered. “I understand. The world doesn’t stop just because … .”

  “I shared my pickle with you?” Jared suggested, grinning.

  “I don’t think I like that saying.”

  “It’s an odd one,” Jared agreed, running his fingertips over Harper’s hand. “I don’t think we’re going to be late tonight. We’re going to start pulling those kids in individually for questioning tomorrow. I was thinking that I would pick up steaks, potatoes, and wine before going to your place tonight.”

  Harper was pleasantly surprised by the suggestion. “You want to see me again tonight?”

  “Yeah, we’re going to have a talk about why you’re surprised by that later,” Jared said, keeping his voice low. “As far as I’m concerned, I always want to see you. I need to make Zander his dinner before he has a meltdown.”

  “He’s your biggest fan right now,” Harper said. “I think he’d probably let you out of the dinner promise if you don’t w
ant to cook.”

  “I like to grill,” Jared countered. “Why is Zander my biggest fan? Shouldn’t you be my biggest fan?”

  “I’m trying to be cool so you don’t think I’m a spaz,” Harper explained. “If I say I’m your biggest fan my mind automatically goes to giggling girls at a boy band concert. That’s a freaky thought.”

  “If you want to scream and clap for me, I’ll take it as a compliment,” Jared whispered, pressing a soft kiss to her lips before risking a glance in Mel’s direction and finding his partner glaring at him. “We’re going to have to watch ourselves around Mel. He doesn’t seem to have much of a sense of humor regarding all of this.”

  “I’m sure we’ll figure something out,” Harper said. She was trying to rein in her smile … and failing miserably. “If you’re really cooking dinner for us, you should stop by your place and grab more clothes. I’m going to want to reward you after, and this way you won’t have to rush out again tomorrow morning.”

  “You’re getting bolder,” Jared said. “I like that. That’s a very good idea. What else should I bring for dinner? Do you like vegetables?”

  “Just don’t bring something phallic,” Harper suggested. “I’m not going to be able to touch pickles for a week as it is.”

  Jared chuckled. “You’re so cute.”

  “You sound like Zander.”

  “I’m going to take that as a compliment, even though it makes me marginally uncomfortable,” Jared said. “Now that he’s used the word ‘incest’ in conjunction with you, I don’t want to be compared to him.”

  “You have a dirty mind.”

  “Only where you’re concerned,” Jared said, giving in and kissing her again.

  “All right, we need to come up with some ground rules,” Mel said, disconnecting his phone and tossing it on his desk as he fixed Harper and Jared with a hard look. “I think it’s great you two are all over each other. I don’t want to see it, though.”

  “I won’t stop by again,” Harper said, pushing herself up from the chair.

  “That’s not fair,” Jared protested. “She might have an actual tip for us. You can’t ban her.”