“They’ve connected?” Nicole asked. “I’m so glad.”
The sheriff closed his notebook and smiled. “I can fill in the rest. You get some sleep.”
“Can I go home?”
“Of course. You may need to come back and testify, but I don’t know if it will be necessary.”
Chapter Thirty-Five
“I asked Sheila to gather your things,” Nicole said. “She’s the only one outside the family that’s been in the Dunning house. They’re at our house for now.”
“Thank you!” Daphne said, “I was tempted to just leave everything behind.”
Brandon spoke to Eric. “Thanks for calling me and letting me know what happened.”
“You’re welcome. I thought she might want her family nearby when she woke up,” Eric said.
“It’s the least we could do after what Daphne did for us. If it hadn’t been for your daughter’s amazing gift, we still would not know what had really become of Stephanie or why Mike was killed,” Nicole gushed.
Daphne saw Ariana roll her eyes, as did Ice, who sent her eldest daughter a slant eyed look.
“I’m glad I could help. Although I am sorry I almost got Eric killed.”
“No, it wasn’t your fault, this is all on Debbie. I can’t believe that woman killed all those people. Including Becky’s mom. All this time we thought it was some stranger who had wandered into town.”
“Speaking of Ramona, I want to show you something,” Eric said, putting his plate down and getting up. Out of his pocket he pulled out his phone and another device and connected them. After turning off the lights, he pointed the device — a projector — to a wall turning it into a mini movie screen.
“Dinner and a movie,” Jason commented.
Daphne immediately recognized the location; it was the parking lot behind the grocery store. She groaned when she saw herself enter the shot. When she started speaking to thin air, she frowned.
“Who are you talking to?” Brandon asked.
“Ramona Martinez,” Daphne whispered.
“It looks like you’re talking to yourself. You look like a crazy person,” Ariana added.
Jason and Ice said “shush,” their eyes fixed on the screen, watching Daphne and listening to her question Ramona.
After watching the one sided conversation, Daphne started to squirm. She did looked like a crazy person. No one watching her would assume her behavior wasn’t odd, it was obvious that she wasn’t talking on the phone. No, it was obvious that she was carrying on a conversation with the air in front of her. Then she saw herself reach her hand out. She knew that this was when she had connected with Ramona. She could see herself changing.
Her movement and posture shifted. She held her arms out to the side, gripping imaginary bags. As walked toward the area under the stairs she spoke. Her voice sounded rough and nasally as she complained about having to take out the garbage even though she was sick. Her speech had a slight accent. As the video neared the end, Daphne saw herself call out, “Who’s there?” Before crumbling to the ground before the screen went dark. She saw Nicole and her mother shudder at the ending.
Eric turned the lights on before reclaiming his devices. Daphne saw everyone in the room turn to stare at her.
Brandon said. “That’s similar to what I saw when you were connected to Miguel.”
“We learned quite a bit from that connection,” Eric added in. “It was the turning point. From Ramona we learned about the book that held the details on the kidnapping of Carmella Romano.”
“I’d forgotten you had filmed it,” Daphne said. “Thank you for showing it to me. I’ve been curious to see what happens when I’m connected to a ghost.”
“You could almost hear Ramona speaking,” Nicole said taking a deep breath. “I think that’s the most terrifying thing I’ve ever seen.”
“Good thing that reporter hasn’t gotten her hands on that video,” Ariana chimed in. Eric and Daphne shared a look, but neither said anything.
“Oh, I don’t know, “ added Jason, “you could turn this into something.”
Daphne frowned, “Like what?”
“A reality show,” Jason said simply. “There are several ghost hunting shows out there, but this is much more impressive and entertaining than any of them.”
Eric and Daphne shared another glance.
“Oh, that’s a marvelous idea,” Ice squealed.
“You could discover why a place is haunted and who is haunting it. Or debunk a haunting if there isn’t really a ghost,” Jason added.
“Or you can help people who are looking for missing family members.” Nicole put in. “I know you may not always see a ghost, but if there was one, you could help them as you did with Stephanie and Miguel.”
“It is also a way to use your journalism degree.” Jason said.
“I’d watch it, and I might even have some places that you could check out. Some of my rental properties in San Francisco have had reports of possible hauntings,” Brandon added. “Although I’m pretty sure some of those could be excuses for people to get out of leases they can’t afford.”
Daphne glanced at Eric, “How about it? You said you’re great at research and you know how to work the camera. We made a pretty good team here. I don’t think I’d be comfortable working with anyone else.”
Eric flashed a grin that made her heart jolt. He nodded, and she grinned back. She’d have to squash her attraction for the guy—pleasure and business didn’t mix. Her excitement about this opportunity was growing. It was the first time she ever felt like she was finally on the right path.
“We’d need funding,” Daphne said to her brother.
“The family can invest. You just need enough to get started. I think this will eventually be self-sustaining,” Brandon assured her.
“Hold on,” Ariana spoke up. Daphne’s pleasure started to crumble around her. She realized that not everyone had been voicing an excited opinion at this prospect. She hadn’t thought about the impact this show might have on her family’s reputation. Which is what she knew Ariana was about to bring up—especially the impact it might have on her own business. After all, who would want to hire someone to fix their world when that someone had a skeleton in the closet like Daphne.
“In addition to all the costs to start the business, you’ll need contracts and insurance. I have some lawyers you can help you get started. You’ll also need a headquarters of sorts. I think that warehouse on pier 50 might work—I don’t think you’ve managed to find a tenant yet?” she asked Brandon.
“That’s a great idea. It’s not too far from the house you inherited from Grandmother.”
Daphne held up her hands. “Wait, you’re ok with this?” She asked Ariana. She was having a hard time recognizing this suddenly supportive sister.
“Of course I am. Why wouldn’t I be?”
Daphne stared at her in disbelief. “So many reasons,” Daphne started. “I’m not even sure where to begin. We’re discussing creating a business around my seeing and connecting to ghosts, something you don’t believe in.”
She shrugged, “I don’t, but others do. Why should that matter?”
“What about how this will impact our family’s reputation or your clientele?”
“Daphne, this is your gift and your decision, you need to figure what you want to do with your life, and not worry about how it will affect the family,” Jason inserted. “Look at the life your mother and I have lead. We use our gifts the way we want to use them. If you want to use your gifts to help others, then you’re going to have our support.”
“As far as my business goes, your having a television show will actually help,” Ariana stated. “Those who hire me will already know about your gift so they aren’t likely to tick me off enough to fire them by making insulting comments.”
“I thought you said you lost busines
s…”. Daphne started.
“Yes, by firing clients. I don’t like to do it, but if they go after anyone in my family, well then I don’t want them as clients.”
Daphne stared at her sister and fought back tears. She knew Ariana still didn’t believe in ghosts, but knowing that she had still defended her against those who spoke against her was a revelation. She felt as if a weight had been lifted. Not only did she have a plan for after graduation, but she had finally found her own calling. A calling that was bringing her family together and not tearing it apart. She had spent her life avoiding her gift. But now that she was open to the idea, she realized the potential was limitless. She would be able to help people, both living and dead. She could help them find closure.
“What do you say Daphne? Want to put on a show?” Eric asked.
“I do, definitely.”
After champagne was smuggled in and the endeavor celebrated, Daphne lay in the hospital bed thinking about her future. Graduation was still several months away, but now she had a plan, and it was something she could start working on right away. As her mind drifted toward the pleasure of getting to work with Eric on a daily basis, she gradually realized the room was getting colder. She had expected visits from the dead wandering the hospital, but so far she had been lucky. She glanced to the end of her bed as a light grew until it revealed her grandmother.
“Mam, I’m so glad to see you.”
The beautiful woman gently shifted her black hair back off of her shoulder as she gazed at Daphne through soft grey eyes filled with love.
“You discovered the ghost maker and stopped her. Very well done my child.”
“You were warning me about Debbie before I left, weren’t you?”
“I knew there was death surrounding your young man, but couldn’t see the source,” she said. It is often that way if the person is not the culprit or the victim. You overcame the danger I warned you about. I am so proud of you. But I have a new concern.”
“Is this about my decision to use my gift more?” Daphne knew it was too much to ask that everyone in her family was happy with the plan.
Margo smiled, “I’m not going to tell you that you can’t do it, but I am going to warn you. You’re inexperienced, and you have much to learn about ghosts. I think it is important to use your gift, but you must take care and you must learn how to protect yourself. The young man you’re teaming up with will be your greatest defender and most reliable partner. Promise me that you’ll be careful in your role as ghost finder.”
“I will, I promise,” Daphne answered solemnly before her grandmother faded away. The warning wasn’t enough to diminish her excitement, but she knew her grandmother was right. She needed more than just her gift. But now, with Eric, she had someone to help watch her back, and she saw her own vision of the future.
* * *
The End
(Until Daphne Returns in The Ghost Finder!)
About the Author
Thank you for reading. If you want to learn more about Daphne and see how her future plays out in front of the camera, please visit my website where you can join my reader’s list, www.karalanebarstow.com.
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The Ghost Maker Page 21