Ghost Who Came for Christmas

by McIntyre, Anna J

“See! I knew it was you.” Danielle climbed out of bed and grabbed her robe.

  “I am sorry. I honestly didn’t mean to leave it on that channel, but I wasn’t sure how to get it back to where it was.”

  “I guess I need to get you your own radio,” Danielle grumbled.

  “Do you think Richard is coming home today?”

  “I don’t know. I imagine Patricia will call the hospital this morning.”

  “Do you think Adam really saw Darlene?”

  “Kind of sounds like she’s haunting Pilgrim’s Point. And I have to wonder, how exactly did he manage to get out of his car before it went off the side of the cliff?”

  “Darlene doing good deeds?” Walt asked.

  “Or penance.”

  “Perhaps. I suppose I should leave so you can get dressed.”

  “I would appreciate it.”

  Walt vanished.

  Ten minutes later, Danielle stepped out from her bedroom into the hallway. She didn’t hear anyone else up yet and guessed everyone in the house—except Walt and herself—was still sleeping. Of course, she didn’t think Walt ever slept.

  Quietly, she made her way downstairs to make coffee. Joanne wasn’t due to show up for another fifteen minutes.

  She thought of Richard and what Adam had told her the night before. Had Cleve really tried to poison Richard? Would this finally be the downfall of Earthbound Spirits? While Danielle considered the various possibilities, she barreled into the kitchen, paying little attention to her surroundings when she came face to face with an intruder: Cleve Monchique.

  Danielle came to an abrupt halt and slowly started to back up, looking for something to grab to use as a weapon. “What are you doing here?”

  “He lied to me,” Cleve told her.

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about, but I want you to leave.”

  “Did you know I arranged Clarence’s death?” Cleve took a step toward her.

  “You need to go. I’m not alone.”

  “I paid someone to kill Clarence. They drugged him first and then put him in the noose.”

  “Why are you telling me this?”

  “I tried to kill Richard too. But, that didn’t work out. Someone saw me. Do you know who saw me?” He took another step in her direction.

  Danielle shook her head. “I don’t know anything about that. Please go.”

  “It was supposed to be the perfect murder weapon—an undetectable drug. One that only shows up on a tox screen if you specifically test for it. But, someone must have told them I gave Richard the drug. But who?”

  “I’m going to scream!” Danielle warned.

  “Why are you going to scream?” Lily asked as she walked into the kitchen.

  Danielle pointed to Cleve.

  “What’s your problem?” Lily walked around Danielle and then walked through Cleve, making her way to the coffee maker. “Darn, you didn’t make coffee yet.” She turned to Danielle. Cleve stood between them.

  “Don’t you see him?” Danielle asked.

  “See who?”

  Danielle let out a sigh of relief. After a moment she announced, “Well, I have good news and bad news.”

  “What’s the good news?” Lily and Cleve asked at the same time.

  “The good news is I’m no longer worried about Cleve attacking me.”

  “What are you talking about?” Lily asked.

  “I wasn’t going to attack you.” Cleve sounded insulted.

  “The bad news—for Cleve anyway—he’s dead.”

  “Dead?” Lily glanced around. “Is he here?”

  Danielle nodded and pointed to Cleve again.

  “What does he want?” Lily asked.

  Danielle looked at the ghost. “What do you want, Cleve?”

  “I wanted you to know, Peter Morris lied to me. He lied to all of us. I ended my life for nothing. This isn’t how it’s suppose to be.”

  “Did Peter know about Clarence, about what you tried to do with Richard?”

  “Yes. He gave the orders. He told me to take my life. He said it was time for me to go home. But, it wasn’t supposed to be like this.”

  “Who blackmailed Darlene to lie about the will? Was that you or Peter?” Danielle asked.

  “It was Peter. But, I got him Isabella’s wills—the original ones. Clarence told me where to find them. All his files were put in storage.”

  “How many others have there been?” Danielle asked.

  “What do you mean?”

  “Has Peter had anyone else killed?”

  “No. I don’t think so. But Clarence was getting demanding, threatening to tell the police Peter knew the truth about the wills. We were afraid Richard was going to change his will—and we had just lost another big benefactor.”

  “How did you know Richard was going to change his will?”

  “He told me at the diner—but we had already decided it had to be done, before Richard lost faith.”

  “I don’t understand, before he lost faith?”

  “We were taught that as long as a believer had faith in the truth when he died, he’d go on to his ultimate destination. I thought that’s where I was sending Richard, before he lost faith.”

  “Why were you so sure he was losing faith?” Danielle asked.

  “Because he found his sister.”

  “His sister? How did you know about that, did Richard tell you?”

  “No, not until we met at the café. But, Richard had had extensive counseling in the beginning under Peter’s supervision. Everyone does. The dreams he talked about—Peter wondered if they were suppressed memories so he hired an investigator to look into his past—his family.”

  “Are you saying you knew Patricia was his sister all along?” Danielle asked.

  “We didn’t know the Patricia staying here was his sister—not at first.”

  “What is he saying?” Lily asked.

  “They knew Richard had a sister out there somewhere.”

  “I was just trying to help Peter—to help Earthbound Spirits,” Cleve said. “But, the truth was a lie, and what am I supposed to do now?”

  “You need to follow the light, if possible.”

  “And if that isn’t possible? Will I be stuck here indefinitely, in this middle world existence?”

  “You can’t stay here, Cleve. But first—is there anything you can tell me that’ll help us stop Morris from doing this to anyone else? You know now, he’s a fraud. Help us stop him.”

  Cleve shook his head. “There’s nothing. I handled everything for him, he told me to clean up and I did.”

  “There must be something…some way we can stop Morris.”

  “I was a fool.” Cleve disappeared.

  “Cleve?” Danielle looked around.

  “Is he gone?” Lily asked.

  “I think so.” Danielle then went on to tell Lily everything Cleve had told her.

  When Joanne arrived a few minutes later, Danielle told her what had happened to Richard the night before.

  “I need to run down to the police station this morning, so if you and Lily can get breakfast for everyone I would appreciate it,” Danielle told her.

  “Has there been news on Richard this morning?” Chris asked as he walked into the kitchen. He had overheard Danielle’s last comment, about going to the police station.

  “No. But, could you come up to the attic with me, Chris? I need to get something up there and wondered if you would help me get it down.”

  “You really don’t need anything in the attic do you?” Chris asked as he walked with Danielle up the attic stairs a few minutes later.

  “No. But, I need to tell you and Walt something, and I figured it would be easier if I did it at the same time.”

  They found Walt in the attic, watching the ocean through his spotting scope. The moment they walked into the room Danielle announced, “I wanted you both to know, Cleve is dead. He was here this morning; I thought you should both be aware; in case he shows up again.”

&nbs
p; “Did Morris kill him?” Walt asked. Danielle went on to tell them about Cleve’s recent visit and what she had learned.

  “I’m surprised to see you here so early,” Joe greeted when Danielle walked into the police station later that morning.

  “I need to see the chief. I tried reaching him on his private cellphone, but he isn’t picking up, and when I called down here, they said he was on another call.”

  “He’s been pretty busy this morning. We have a lot going on.”

  “Is he in his office?”

  “Yeah, but like I said, he’s tied up. Why don’t you tell me what you need, maybe I can help you.”

  “Thanks, but I need to talk to him.” Danielle turned from Joe and started walking to the chief’s office.

  Joe followed Danielle. “I told you he’s busy right now.”

  “I heard you, Joe. But this is important.”

  When they reached the chief’s office Danielle knocked and then opened the door without waiting for an answer. The chief looked up from his desk.

  “I’m sorry, Chief,” Joe said. “I told her you were busy, but she insisted on seeing you.”

  “That’s okay Joe. Leave us alone.” He waved Joe off.

  “Cleve is dead,” Danielle blurted out the moment Joe left the office and closed the door.

  The chief sat at his desk, pen in hand, absently tapping the end of the pen against the desktop. “How did you know?”

  “He visited me this morning.”

  The chief motioned for Danielle to sit down. “It looks like a suicide.”

  “He told me he killed himself. But Morris gave him the orders.” Danielle sat down.

  The chief tossed the pen aside and picked up a piece of paper from his desk. “This is a copy of the suicide note we found with his body.”

  “When did you find him?” Danielle asked.

  “Early this morning. His car was parked down by the pier. He was inside, the suicide note on the passenger seat. Looks like it’s in his own handwriting.” The chief leaned over his desk and handed the note to Danielle.

  “I’m sure it’s his own handwriting.” Danielle read the note. “He’s taking responsibility for everything—even mentions Renton.”

  MacDonald leaned back in his chair and watched Danielle as she read the suicide note. “According to that, Morris had nothing to do with Renton’s death or with the attempt on Richard’s life. Cleve claims it was all him.”

  Danielle tossed the note back onto the desk. “He even mentioned Isabella’s will, covering all the bases to protect Morris. But, you know it’s a lie.”

  “What did Cleve say about Morris’ involvement?” The chief asked.

  Danielle recounted her morning conversation with Cleve’s ghost.

  “Why would he cover for Morris like that, be willing to kill himself?”

  “Was Cleve any different from a suicide bomber?” Danielle asked. “I promise you, when those guys get to the other side and discover there’re no virgins waiting, they’re just as pissed.”

  “I wish there was some way to tie Morris to this. Put him in jail where he belongs.”

  Danielle sighed. “I don’t see how. According to Cleve, he handled everything for Morris. He protected him. I wish there was someway we could stop that charlatan.”

  “At this point, we have nothing to arrest him on. Cleve’s suicide note is Morris’ get out of jail card. When Morris left the hospital last night, he drove to Astoria, had dinner at a restaurant, made a point of being seen. From what I understand, he was quite social. Checked into a motel there, claimed he was too tired to drive home. Called room service and the front desk numerous times during the night, claimed he didn’t feel well.”

  “Establishing an alibi?” Danielle asked.

  “Looks that way.”

  “How did Cleve kill himself?”

  “Gunshot. The weapon was still in his hand. According to the coroner he hadn’t been dead long when they found him. Morris was still in Astoria.”

  “Maybe Morris didn’t physically pull the trigger, but he killed him,” Danielle said.

  Chapter Thirty-Eight

  Danielle stopped by Adam Nichols’ office on the way home from the police department. She found him sitting at his desk, looking at his computer.

  “Knock knock,” she said from the doorway.

  Adam glanced up and smiled, waving her in. “How’s Richard doing this morning?” He turned off his computer monitor.

  “I called home a minute ago. Looks like they’re keeping him over for another day. But he should be able to come home tomorrow, if everything is okay.”

  “That soon? I thought for sure they’d keep him longer than that.”

  Danielle sat down. “I wanted to stop by and thank you again for having the presence of mind to take that envelope out of the trash. According to the doctor, Richard could have died.”

  “Honestly, I have no idea what made me take it. I’m just glad I was able to help.”

  “Richard’s guardian angel perhaps?” Danielle smiled.

  Adam leaned forward, resting his elbows on the desktop. “I was serious last night, when I told you what I saw. I swear, it looked just like Darlene.”

  “Well, she was killed at that spot,” Danielle reminded.

  “Do you believe in ghosts?”

  Danielle smiled. “You tell me. You’re the one who saw her.”

  Adam leaned back. “It all happened so fast. There she was, standing in the glow of the headlight. And then I saw Richard, on the ground. I didn’t know who it was at first, not until I got out of the car and took a closer look. But then, she was gone. Whoever she was.”

  “You read about those sorts of things all the time. Some anonymous savior who appears out of nowhere, saves the day and then vanishes.”

  “Yeah, but that stuff doesn’t happen to me!”

  Danielle smiled, yet said nothing.

  “When you came in here I was trying to retrieve the video I took of Cleve Monchique, spiking Richard’s drink. But now I’m not so sure I took one. I thought I had, and I thought I loaded it to the Cloud but I screwed up somehow. Nothing’s there. So now it will be just Cleve’s word against mine.”

  “I don’t think you have to worry about that. I just came from the police department. Cleve is dead. He committed suicide early this morning and left a note. Confessed to everything—including Clarence’s death.”

  “Are you saying Renton didn’t commit suicide?”

  Danielle nodded.

  Adam let out a low whistle and leaned back. “Damn.”

  When Danielle came home she found Lily and Chris standing in the downstairs bedroom talking, while Joanne changed his sheets. Walt stood quietly in the corner, watching and smoking a cigar.

  “What’s up?” Danielle glanced around the room. She noticed Richard’s suitcase sitting in the corner. Chris’ duffle bag was no where in sight.

  “I’m switching rooms with Richard; I didn’t think you’d mind,” Chris told her. “He’s not going to be able to walk on that ankle for a while.”

  “That’s probably a good idea. Where’s Patricia? I didn’t see her car when I drove up,” Danielle asked.

  “Chris just wants to be closer to your bedroom,” Walt said between puffs.

  For Joanne’s sake, Danielle ignored both Walt’s comment and the look of annoyance Chris flashed Walt.

  “She went to the hospital to see Richard. Ian and Jessica went with her,” Lily explained.

  “I hope Richard has learned his lesson about that shady group!” Joanne said as she shoved a pillow into a fresh pillowcase. “He’s a nice boy, shame he’s gotten mixed up with that bunch.”

  “I hope so too,” Danielle agreed.

  “I think Ian knows what his next story is going to be about,” Lily told her.

  “Earthbound Spirits?” Danielle asked.

  “Yep.”

  Danielle smiled. “Maybe Morris got a pass with Cleve’s suicide, but hopefully Earthbound Spirits w
on’t fare as well after Ian finishes his investigation.”

  The hospital released Richard the next afternoon—on New Year’s Eve. The doctor wanted him to stay off the ankle for a while, so Ian and Chris picked up a wheelchair and had it waiting for Richard when he returned to Marlow House.

  Ian and Lily had made plans for New Year’s Eve, which they decided to cancel—that was, until everyone talked them out of cancelling. When evening rolled around, the current residents of Marlow House—minus Lily—sat in the living room with a fire raging in the nearby hearth. Sadie napped by the fire while Max crawled around under the Christmas tree, batting at low hanging ornaments.

  “That was an excellent dinner,” Patricia told Danielle.

  Danielle’s response was interrupted when the Christmas tree shook, diverting her attention.

  “Max! Stop that, you’re going to knock the tree over!” Walt scolded. Max stopped batting the ornament and then charged out from under the tree and raced from the room. The commotion woke Sadie. She lifted her head, looked toward the doorway just in time to see Max’s tail disappear around the corner. Letting out a short bark, she jumped up and charged out of the room. The sound of their feet running down the hall, into the kitchen, and out the pet door into the back yard drifted into the living room.

  Jessica peeked out the doorway into the entry. “Sadie isn’t going to hurt Max is she?”

  Danielle laughed. “The real question is, will Max hurt Sadie?”

  When Jessica turned to Danielle with a concerned frown on her face, Danielle smiled and said, “No, they’ll both be fine. Not sure how my bushes in the side yard will fare, but those two will be okay.”

  “I’m really sorry I’ve ruined everyone’s New Year’s Eve,” Richard told them. He sat on a chair with his injured foot propped up on a stool.

  Patricia stood up. “Don’t be silly, we’re just glad you’re okay. And anyway, I have something I want to show you.” Without telling anyone what that something was, Patricia left the room and ran upstairs. When she returned a few minutes later, she was carrying an overstuffed manila envelope.

  “What’s that?” Richard asked. Everyone looked at Patricia, waiting for an answer.

  Patricia sat down on a chair next to Richard, the envelope on her lap. “Remember how I told you I stored our things in my car, after I moved out of our apartment?”