by Vella Day
The sheriff closed her door and motioned we take a seat. “What do you know about Morgan Oliver’s death?” she asked, getting straight to the point. I liked that.
I was just about to dive in when Jaxson spoke up. “We were driving by his house and noticed his front door was open. Seeing how he’s passed, we thought we should mention it.”
The sheriff’s face paled. “Did you see anyone around? Or did you look inside?”
We both shook our heads. “No.” This time I answered.
“Excuse me for one second while I ask someone to investigate.” The sheriff called an officer and told him to check it out. She disconnected and then faced us. “Did you know Mr. Oliver?”
I jumped in. “Not exactly.” I introduced both of us, telling her we lived in Witch’s Cove. “When I heard that Floyd Paxton was mauled to death, it was rather unsettling. Wolves—especially ones that attack—would be terrible for tourism.”
“I agree. But what’s the interest in Mr. Oliver? He’s from Liberty.”
I really wanted to tell her what the ghost had said, but I couldn’t bring myself to do it. I didn’t know Misty Willows, so I couldn’t judge if she’d be receptive or not. “When I found out someone had broken into Floyd’s house and then his favorite relative was murdered shortly thereafter, I wanted to help.”
“I see. Is there anything you know that I might not be aware of about this case?”
I looked over to Jaxson. He must have thought that meant it was his cue to talk. “Only that according to his one neighbor, there had been a man named Joe who visited Mr. Oliver’s house the day before he was murdered,” Jaxson said. “Apparently, Joe wanted to buy Floyd Paxton’s farm, but Morgan wasn’t willing to sell. The discussion became rather heated.”
“I am aware of that altercation.”
“Was Morgan’s house trashed?” I asked.
“I’m afraid so. Do you have any idea what this person might have been looking for?”
“I wish I did. It’s possible it was the same person or people who trashed his uncle’s place.”
“I see. Well, thank you,” Sheriff Willows said. “And thanks for telling us about the robbery,” the sheriff said.
“Sure thing.” I had hoped the sheriff would have said she’d keep us in the loop, but she didn’t. Since she was working with Steve, I bet she’d tell him what was going on. And that meant, I might find out about the conversation.
As if Jaxson could read my mind about needing to leave, he pushed back his chair and stood. When he shook the sheriff’s hand, I swear she inwardly swooned. They were both about the same age, and Jaxson was quite handsome. Having him around had turned out to have been a smart move on my part.
Just as we stepped outside of the sheriff’s department, a man who was dressed in black slacks and a light weight white shirt approached the building and then climbed the steps. My blood pressure dropped, and my heart beat hard. It was Morgan Oliver—only this time he was very much alive.
I grabbed Jaxson’s arm to stop him. He turned to me. “Did you forget something?” he asked.
“No.” I could barely say that word. The man was Morgan Oliver’s double. When he didn’t even look our way, I had to find out if I had lost my mind, so I called his name. “Morgan?”
The man stopped and faced me. “Did you just call me Morgan?”
“I did.” I really wanted to reach out and touch him to make sure he was solid, but I didn’t dare.
He bit down on his lip. “I believe Morgan is my twin brother—or rather was. Did you know him?”
My knees weakened. Had it not been for Jaxson wrapping a supportive arm around my waist, I might have dropped to the ground. “Kind of.”
“Do you two have a moment to chat?” the doppelganger asked. “I came here looking for answers about his death.”
My mouth was so dry, I had a hard time moving my lips. Thankfully, Jaxson jumped in to the rescue. “We did too. We live in Witch’s Cove. How about grabbing a coffee?”
“That would be great. The heat is a bit intense in the sun.”
That implied he wasn’t from here. Or was he? Right now, my mind wasn’t thinking clearly. I did a quick mental scan of the streets. “I think we passed a coffee shop on our way over here.”
“Sounds perfect,” Morgan’s twin said.
I led the way, and Jaxson told him our names.
“Nice to meet you. I’m Trevor Whitehall.”
Why didn’t they have the same last name? They sure looked like twins. Duh. “Were you adopted?”
“I was, but my adoptive parents told me I was an only child. It wasn’t until last week that I just happened to see something on the news about Morgan Oliver’s death. I thought I was imagining things when I saw what looked like my face staring back at me.”
“That must have freaked you out.”
He chuckled. “You could say that.”
They reached a rather cute looking coffee shop with a red door and a new-looking black and white awning. While the three outside café tables were in the shade, I figured we’d be more comfortable sitting inside in the air-conditioned space. I knew I’d enjoy it more.
Once we grabbed an inside table, I ordered a sweet tea, Jaxson asked for a Coke, and Trevor wanted a hot coffee.
“I was on my way into the sheriff’s department to find out more about my twin, when you called Morgan’s name. I’d say that constituted a psychic event. What can you tell me about him?” he asked.
Since Jaxson had been visiting his parents in Orlando during the time Floyd Paxton was killed, I probably could fill in the blanks better. “A few weeks ago, a man by the name of Floyd Paxton was attacked and killed by wolves.”
“Who is that?”
“Morgan’s uncle. I honestly have no idea if Morgan knew anything about the circumstances of his birth.”
“That must have been tough on him to lose a loved one. Go on.”
I could discuss the break-ins in both homes, but Trevor wouldn’t have any idea what might have been taken. The only way we could help each other was if I came clean. “I need to tell you the whole truth about me and Morgan. You will think I’m just some kook, but trust me, I’m not.”
“Tell me.”
I glanced over at Jaxson. With raised brows, he held up his hands. “Go for it. You have nothing to lose.”
I agreed. I started at the beginning—or sort of at the beginning. “There was this magic potion I needed for a spell. I’m a witch by the way.” When he didn’t even blink at the piece of news, I continued. “That spell involved me ingesting this potion. All would have been fine and dandy, had the witch who made it not inadvertently mixed the wrong ingredients. Long story short, the side effect of that mistake enabled me to see dead people—your twin brother’s ghost to be exact.”
Trevor remained quiet for a moment. The server delivered our drinks and then asked if we wanted something to eat. I didn’t. My stomach was already in knots. Once I declined, the two men did too.
Trevor inhaled. “When you saw him, were you able to communicate with him?” I could tell by the slow way he delivered his words that he was finding my story difficult to believe, but I had to give him credit. He didn’t laugh at me.
“We did, but it took a lot of energy on his part. He said someone had shot him in the back. When he twisted around, I could see the blood stain. I think he was so excited that he was visible to someone that he asked me to help him find out who had murdered him.”
Trevor blew on his hot coffee and then took a sip. “To be clear, a complete stranger walked up to you, told you someone murdered him, and asked for your help?”
“I wouldn’t say he actually walked up to me. More like he appeared out of nowhere. And he was fairly translucent.” If he wasn’t before, I think Trevor was reevaluating my sanity.
He cleared his throat. “Why would you help him if you’d never met him before?”
“I got this,” Jaxson said. “Glinda is incapable of keeping her nose out of ot
her people’s business. Though if she hadn’t decided it was her job—as a waitress—to help solve a recent murder case, I, instead of the real killer, might be in jail right now.”
“You’re an amateur sleuth?” Trevor asked.
Iggy thought he was, but I hadn’t even considered it—until now. “Maybe.”
“Good enough for me. What did my twin’s ghost say exactly?”
“Just that he’d inherited his uncle’s farm. I’m not even sure if it had gone through the courts before your brother was killed.”
“Do the police have a suspect?”
“Not that I know of,” I said. “Maybe that’s why Morgan needed my help. I imagine he tried to contact someone here in Liberty, but apparently he wasn’t able to find anyone who could see him.”
“I see,” Trevor said.
“Because Morgan’s uncle lived in my town, he might have thought someone there could help. We are known for our extensive talents in the witch department,” I said.
“That makes sense. Did he say anything else?”
“No. The sheriff from my town showed up in the middle of our conversation, and Morgan disappeared.” I drank most of my iced tea and Jaxson downed his soda. Because the air was thick with uncertainty and disbelief, I wanted to put Trevor on the hotseat for a change. “Can I ask what you do for a living?”
“I’m a sales representative for a medical imaging company. What did Morgan do?”
How sad was it that I didn’t know? “I’m not sure.” I pulled out the paper with Morgan’s home address on it and handed it to Trevor. “This was where he lived. The elderly woman next door seems to have been close to him. She would know.”
Trevor pocketed the piece of paper. “I really appreciate your input and your willingness to help. I’d like to stay in touch. Let’s exchange phone numbers.”
I found out that Trevor lived in Pine Grove, which was only about fifty miles from Liberty. What a shame that the two brothers lived so close, yet were unaware of each other. After we settled our bill, Jaxson and I left.
Once in the car, he glanced over at me. “Was this trip worth it?” he asked.
“Totally. Meeting the ghost’s twin was a bit unsettling though.”
“I can only imagine,” Jaxson said as he started the engine. “What’s your next step in solving the crime?”
He acted like I believed I was the lead on the case. “Nothing.”
Jaxson chuckled. “Glinda Goodall, you aren’t capable of letting this go.”
“I want to let it go and let the two departments handle everything, but now that I’ve met Morgan’s twin, I feel more connected to the case than ever. I can’t ignore it.”
Jaxson grinned. “That’s my girl.”
What did that mean? The two of us didn’t even know each other that well. “From the safety of my home, I want to see if I can find Emma Paxton. Like I said, something seems off about Morgan’s relationship with his uncle.”
“Maybe he didn’t like his aunt. Who’s to say she didn’t run away with another man.”
“You could absolutely be right,” I said.
Jaxson didn’t say anything for a few minutes. Thinking he might need some time to put things in perspective, I kept quiet too.
“Did you know that after I decided not to become a lawyer, I studied computer science?” he blurted.
What? “Drake never told me.”
“That’s because I never told him.”
“Why would you keep that from him? Going back to school is a huge accomplishment.”
Jaxson looked over at me. “Remember, I was the ex-con. I didn’t want to mess up what my brother had built in Witch’s Cove. It was why I didn’t communicate with him very often.”
“I, for one, think it’s cool that you didn’t let your past get in your way of an education.”
“Thanks.” He ran his hand along the steering wheel. “Listen, I want to help with the Oliver case.”
Stun me now. “Really? Why?”
He shrugged. “I don’t have any direction in my life right now. Don’t get me wrong, I like working for my brother, but my goal would not be to stock wine or order different cheeses for the rest of my life.”
“I don’t know. Free wine for life sounds good to me.” I wanted to lighten the mood a bit.
He laughed, as I had hoped. “Just so you know, Drake charges me for the wine.”
“Oh.” I didn’t want to get into those family dynamics. “How do you think you could help? It’s not like you can see Morgan.”
“No, but I am a whiz on the computer. After I finished school, I worked at a tech company. I was relegated to doing rather low-level projects because of my record, but I learned a lot. I can try to locate Emma Paxton for you.”
“That would be great. I’m good with technology—sort of—but hacking into any kind of database is not in my genes.”
He chuckled. “I get it. Let’s keep this between the two of us. I don’t want Drake to think I’m slacking.”
Now it was Jaxson who was being funny. “Deal.”
Chapter Seven
Jaxson parked in front of the wine and cheese store. Because the sign on the front was down, Drake must have returned. Just as I slipped out, I had an idea. “Do you have five minutes to check something out?” I asked.
“Sure. What’s up?”
“I want to go across the street to the parking lot. Maybe Morgan will show up. If he does, I want to ask him a few more questions.”
“Works for me. If Morgan knows his aunt’s new address, it will save me some time.”
“Wouldn’t that be nice.”
I felt a little silly attempting to contact a ghost. Truth was, I wasn’t even sure how to go about it. For all I knew, the ghost could teleport all over the world in seconds and not even be anywhere near Witch’s Cove right now. My best bet was to return to the spot where I saw him last.
“Now what?” Jaxson asked.
“Face me in case Morgan appears. I don’t want people to think I’m talking to myself.”
He flashed me a smile. “You are a trip.”
“I’m serious. Just so you know, I’ve never summoned a ghost before.” I couldn’t help myself from glancing at the sheriff’s department, hoping Steve didn’t come out. I didn’t need him to have any more ammunition about how crazy I was.
“Morgan?” I whispered. “I need to talk to you. It’s about your case.”
If he was around, I figured that would draw him out. Something cold touched my face, and I immediately wiped it away. “Sorry. Is that you?”
“Is he here?” Jaxson asked. He sounded sincere.
“I don’t see him, but I think I felt him.”
Something next to Jaxson wavered and then formed. “What did you find out?” the ghost asked. “If I go in and out, keep talking.”
I looked over at Jaxson. “He’s here. Okay, I learned a lot today, just not who killed you.” I had a few suspects, but I didn’t want to get his hopes up. “We spoke to two of your neighbors. The man next to you said you and some guy by the name of Joe fought with you. What was his last name? And do you think he might have wanted to kill you?”
I realize that was a lot to ask all at once, but I feared he might disappear before I was ready. When Morgan didn’t answer, my hope drained.
“Delaney,” the voice said. “Joe Delaney. He has the property adjacent my uncle’s farm. And yes, he’s my first choice as to who would want me dead.”
“Thank you.” I repeated it so that Jaxson would help me remember the name in case I forgot.
To my surprise, Jaxson pulled out his phone and pressed record. I felt a little better knowing I had a backup. “Do you know who the farm would go to, now that you’re…ah…not around anymore?”
“I didn’t have a will, so no. I’m guessing my aunt. Her name might be on the lease. Or maybe Uncle Floyd’s brother. You should ask Sandy Vickers, my uncle’s lawyer.”
That was such good intel that I repeated the tidbit
to Jaxson in case he wanted to ask a question. “The lady on the other side told us your aunt was living in Phoenix. You don’t think she could have had anything to do with your death, do you?” I asked Morgan.
“Absolutely not.”
When he didn’t elaborate, I continued. “Why did she really leave Witch’s Cove?”
“I wish I knew. Uncle Floyd wouldn’t say, but I had the sense it was her choice.”
Maybe she’d done something she wasn’t proud of. Morgan’s image started to go in and out again. I had to hurry. “You’ll never guess who I met today.”
I waited for Morgan to ask who, but his image vanished and the brush of cold on my cheek implied he was gone.
“He left,” I told Jaxson. “It seems like he only has enough energy to stay for a short time. Darn it.” Jaxson didn’t say anything for a minute, and I didn’t blame him. That was a lot to process.
“You should have asked if he knew his aunt’s address.”
I snapped my fingers and groaned. “I forgot. Darn it. Next time, I’ll write down my questions before I contact him.”
He stared at me for a few seconds. “You really can talk to ghosts, can’t you?”
“At least to two of them.”
“I’ll check out Joe Delaney to see what his story is,” Jaxson said.
A couple walked out of the Bubbling Cauldron Coffee Shop, which meant it was time to skedaddle. “Do you think Drake will believe us?” I asked.
“Us?”
He had a point. “Me.”
“Drake trusts you. I bet he will, but he’ll caution you to be careful. Sticking your nose where it doesn’t belong could get you in trouble.”
“I know. I will take my findings to our sheriff when I’m a bit more sure about my facts.”
Jaxson nodded. “Smart.”
“I’m going to head back,” I said.
“I thought you wanted to talk to Drake,” he said.
“I do, but you can tell him everything.”
“Sure. I’ll do some research and let you know,” Jaxson said.
“I appreciate it.”
Jaxson headed to the wine and cheese store while I returned to the Tiki Hut Grill building. As much as I wanted to get Aunt Fern’s take on things—and maybe Uncle Harold’s—I needed a moment to think things through. I stopped in my tracks. Uh-oh. If I went home, Iggy would grill me, and I wasn’t ready for that either.