by Rose Pressey
“You now, she may have a point,” Charlotte said.
“That’s the only way to explain it, right?” I asked. “Grandma Pearl, did you chase away the bad person?”
She meowed. How would I explain this to Dylan?
I hurried and dressed in a black, tailored Armani dress. It had a white bib collar with gold buttons that ran the length of the front of the dress. Matching gold buttons were on the cuffs. I studied my reflection. I couldn’t get over how classic and professional looking this outfit made me feel. My black Mary Jane heels were trimmed in contrast white ribbon. The strap fastened with a tiny white bow.
“Now that’s something I would wear. Mind if I borrow it?” Charlotte stood behind me.
“No, not at all as long as you wait until I’m not wearing it. I don’t want to be twins.”
“As if,” Charlotte said.
I hated to leave Grandma and Tyler here while I went to breakfast, but I didn’t think Dylan would understand why I had to bring the cats. It was one thing to tell him I saw and talked with ghosts, but to tell him my grandmother was stuck in the cat’s body? He’d have me committed to the nearest insane asylum.
“Grandma Pearl, I’ll be back soon,” I whispered.
I suppose if she chased off the bad person once she could do it again if they returned. I carried the fabric out into the hallway where Dylan was waiting for me.
He smiled. “Gorgeous, as always.”
“Thank you.” Heat rushed to my cheeks.
My heart went pitter-pat when he complimented me. What girl didn’t like a kind word? Now I had to explain this weird piece of pant leg I’d discovered.
“Once the guys are finished we can go.” He motioned. “Though I feel underdressed now.”
Dylan usually had on slacks and a dress shirt for work.
“Oh, wait. I have those jeans that I repaired for you. I’ll go get them.”
I hurried back to the bedroom and grabbed the pants. Grandma Pearl had taught me how to use a needle and thread pretty well. That skill came in handy when working with vintage clothing. There was always a button that needed sewn back on or a hemline coming loose.
When I returned to the living room I handed Dylan the jeans. “As good as new.”
He took them from me. “You didn’t have to do this. I could have taken them to the sewing shop in town.”
I waved my hand. “I wanted to do it. No need to take them just for that little repair.”
He smiled. “Well, thanks again. I’ll go change.”
Dylan headed down the hallway to the bathroom while I watched the officers move around the kitchen. It looked as if they were packing up their stuff.
“What will you do with that gaping hole in the door?” Charlotte asked.
“I’ll have to ask someone to replace the door for me. In the meantime, I have an extra board in the shed that we can nail up there.”
“I hope by ‘we’ you mean you and Dylan, because I don’t think I’d be of any help,” Charlotte said.
I chuckled. “Yes, I mean Dylan.”
“What about me?” he asked as he stepped in the room.
He had changed into the jeans. He looked equally great in jeans and a T-shirt.
“I was discussing placing a board over the broken window until I can have it replaced.”
“The stuff is in the shed, right?” Dylan asked.
“Yes,” I said.
“I’ll have it fixed in no time,” he said.
“There was one other thing I wanted to talk about before we do that,” I said.
Dylan studied my face. “What’s that?”
I showed Dylan the fabric. “I found this in the bedroom. I think the cat found it. This isn’t mine.”
Dylan took the clothing. “You think it was from the person who broke the window?”
“Yes, I believe so. They must have gotten caught somewhere and ripped their pants. I guess Wind Song found it and brought it to me.”
This way I didn’t have to tell him that the cat probably ripped the fabric from the person’s pant leg.
Dylan quirked an eyebrow. “That is one clever cat.”
I chuckled nervously. “Yes, she is special.”
“We’re all finished here,” the officer said as they headed for the front door.
Dylan walked with them and I stepped into the kitchen to clean up the mess. I’d just finished sweeping when Dylan appeared at the back door with the board for the broken window.
I jumped and clutched my chest. “Sorry, I guess I’ll still a little on edge.”
Dylan opened the door and stepped into the kitchen. “We’re all set. I can come over later and hang the new door.”
“I don’t want you to have to do that. I figured I can give it a shot myself.”
Charlotte snorted. “You’re handy with clothing, not home repair.”
I was handy with whatever I set my mind to, although I would admit I’d probably need help. The door would be heavy.
“How about I come over to help?” Dylan asked. “It’s the least I can do for you fixing my jeans.”
I smiled. “Okay, that sounds fair.”
“We’ll be back, Grand . . . I mean, Wind Song, and other kitty,” I said as we headed for the door.
Dylan gave me a strange look. I hoped he wasn’t on to me. How would I even begin to explain what had happened with the cats? Dylan and I left the cats and headed for breakfast. I tried not to worry about what had happened, but that was impossible. Of course the ghosts were in the car with us. They discussed the break-in, which didn’t help ease my anxiety.
Chapter 14
Charlotte’s Tips for a Fabulous Afterlife
Some ghosts are more excited than others.
Learn to be cool in the afterlife too.
After breakfast I couldn’t wait to get to the shop. I wanted to get the Ouija board and see what the cats had to say about the broken window and the mystery piece of fabric. Dylan had taken me back to my house and I’d picked up the cats. Now we hurried through the door and I made a beeline for the board that was stashed under the counter.
“This is exciting,” Minnie said.
“You think everything is exciting,” Charlotte said. “You are even giddy when Cookie takes us to the grocery store.”
“There’s a lot to look at,” Minnie said in a pouty voice.
I pulled out the board and placed it on top of the counter. “Okay, Grandma Pearl and Tyler, please tell us what you know.”
The cats jumped onto the counter. They stared at each other. “I think they’re trying to decide who should go first,” I said.
“Well, someone needs to talk,” Charlotte said in frustration.
After a couple more seconds Grandma Pearl reached out and moved the planchette with her graceful paw.
“I can’t wait to see what they have to say,” Minnie said.
She was practically jumping up and down with anticipation.
I followed Grandma Pearl’s movements around the board, keeping track of the letters.
“What is she spelling?” Minnie asked.
“Don’t know,” I said.
“What do you mean you don’t know?” Charlotte asked. I thought you were keeping track of the letters. Do I have to do everything around here?”
“What I mean is she spelled out the words ‘Don’t know,’” I said.
“How can she not know? They were there when the person broke the window,” Charlotte said.
“We were there too and we don’t know,” Minnie said.
“Oh yes, I suppose you make a valid point,” Charlotte said through pursed lips.
“Wait, she has more to say.” I pointed at Grandma Pearl as she moved the planchette again.
“Maybe she remembered something,” Minnie said.
“I hope it’s something good,” Charlotte added.
I waited with bated breath as Grandma Pearl spelled out other words. Tyler meowed as if he was reminding Grandma Pearl about something else
that had happened.
“Chased away?” I repeated the message. “You chased away the person? Good job, Grandma Pearl. What did the person look like? Did you recognize the person?”
“Slow down with the questions,” Charlotte said. “You’re asking so many that she can’t keep up.”
“Sorry,” I said. “Did you recognize the person? There, I condensed the questions.”
“Perfect.” Charlotte winked.
Again Grandma Pearl swirled the planchette around the board.
“It was dark. Don’t know how to use these cat eyes well in the dark,” I repeated her message.
“Aren’t cats supposed to be able to see in the dark?” Charlotte asked.
“I have no idea,” I said.
“Actually cats have better night vision than humans. It’s because of the higher numbers of rods in their retina,” Minnie said.
Charlotte and I stared at Minnie.
“How did I know that?” Minnie asked with wide eyes.
“I have no idea,” Charlotte said.
“So Grandma Pearl doesn’t know how to use those rods?” I asked. “Was the person male or female, Grandma Pearl?”
Grandma Pearl answered. Female.
“So the woman was wearing the fabric. How did you get it? Did she get her pants leg caught on something?” I asked.
We watched as Grandma Pearl spelled out her answer. I grabbed her pant leg with my mouth and ripped it off.
My eyes widened. “Grandma Pearl!”
Charlotte laughed. “Can you imagine what the woman was thinking when this cat attacked her?”
“I bet she was thinking don’t mess with Cookie Chanel’s cat,” Minnie said.
“Grandma Pearl always was feisty when you made her mad,” I said. “I remember the time she hit a man on the head with her pocketbook because he was getting fresh.”
Charlotte held her stomach and laughed.
Grandma Pearl spelled out a response. He wouldn’t take no for an answer.
“Good for you, Grandma Pearl,” Minnie said.
“So we know it was a woman wearing pants,” I said.
“That narrows it down a lot,” Charlotte said.
“It may not be a great clue, but at least Grandma Pearl chased the person away. Thank you, Grandma Pearl. You saved me.”
Had she saved me from the killer? The thought sent a shiver down my spine. The cats jumped down, and I put the board back under the counter.
“I could have saved you from the killer too, you know?” Charlotte said.
“Really?” I said.
“Yes, I was keeping guard in the bedroom.”
I smiled to myself.
“That’s important too,” Charlotte added.
“Yes, it’s extremely important,” I said.
“Someone has to watch out for you,” Charlotte said.
“That’s my job.” Minnie’s eyes widened. “I mean, that’s what I want to do. Help Cookie.”
Charlotte stared at Minnie. “You’re one strange ghost.”
Minnie chuckled. “I suppose I am.”
Charlotte and Minnie huddled in the corner of the room. They were whispering. Every few seconds they would look over at me.
“What are you all up to?” I asked.
Charlotte gave me a wide-eyed look. “What makes you think we’re up to something?”
“You’re whispering. That always gives it away,” I said.
“That doesn’t mean anything.” Charlotte scoffed.
“But you told me to keep my voice down so that Cookie doesn’t hear us,” Minnie said.
I narrowed my eyes at Charlotte. “Not up to something, huh?”
“You talk too much, kid,” Charlotte said. “You need to learn to filter what you say.”
“Sorry,” Minnie said.
“Okay, tell me what you have planned.” I placed my hands on my hips.
“We’re just discussing helping you.” Charlotte waved her hand as a signal that I shouldn’t ask more questions.
I quirked an eyebrow. “I’m not sure I believe you. Just don’t get any crazy ideas.”
“Never.” Charlotte smiled.
Now that we’d talked to the cats I got down to work. There was a lot to do. I had to add clothing to the racks, work on invoices, and plan out future window displays. I was placing a stunning deep green–colored silk Dior gown on a mannequin. The sleeveless V-neck came down to a fitted drop waist and fell into soft pleats. When I’d found the dress the pleats had been losing their shape, but I’d managed to get them back with a little bit of work. Now it was as good as new.
“That would be perfect with pearls,” Charlotte said.
Minnie clutched her necklace.
“Don’t worry, Minnie. I didn’t mean your necklace.” Charlotte pretended to fan Minnie with her hand.
I’d just fastened the back of the dress when the realization hit me. I knew exactly where the fabric had come from. The thought sent a shiver down my spine. It had come from a pair of pants that I’d given Tyler for the photo shoot. Plus, I’d never received the plaid wool Ralph Lauren pants back. Did the killer have the pants? Sometimes a murderer liked to keep a memento from the crime. That meant it had to be someone with access to the clothing from the photo shoot. One of the models, perhaps? What would I do now?
“What’s on your mind, Cookie? I know you have something cooking in that head. I can tell by the look on your face.” Charlotte crossed the floor and stood in front of me with her hands on her hips.
“I know where the fabric came from,” I said in an excited voice.
“Where?” Minnie raced over.
“They were part of the clothing I gave to Tyler for the photo shoot. I remember it now. Plus, those pants were never returned to me. You know what this means, don’t you?” I asked.
Minnie played with the pearl necklace around her neck. “No, what does it mean?”
“The killer had access to the clothing. It had to be one of the models,” I said.
Charlotte held up her hand. “Not so fast. It could have been anyone who was on that photo shoot that morning. There were assistants, the boyfriend, and who knows who else Tyler came in contact with before he reached the photo shoot that morning. You gave him the clothing the day before the photo shoot. Remember?”
I placed my hand on my hip. “Way to burst my sleuthing bubble, Charlotte.”
“Just stating the facts, dear, just stating the facts . . . I will admit it is highly suspicious though. Good work on remembering the clothing,” Charlotte said.
“I never forget a piece of vintage.” I finished the mannequin and moved to the counter. “Next, I think I need to find out who had access to the clothing.”
“That sounds like a difficult task,” Minnie said around a sigh.
“No one said solving a murder case was easy,” I said with a click of my tongue. “It has to be done though.”
Grandma Pearl meowed, capturing my attention. Or was it Wind Song this time?
“What is it, Grandma Pearl?” I asked.
She made the loud noise again. Since she didn’t move from her spot at the window I figured she wanted me up there for some reason.
“I’m coming,” I said.
“Your grandmother always was sassy, you said,” Charlotte remarked, following me to the window.
I peered out onto the street. It was the typical scene with cars passing by and people strolling the sidewalks. One thing stood out though. Over on the sidewalk, in front of the Much Ado about Books, I spotted Ken and Heather talking. Heather was doing that thing where when she talks with guys she shuffles her foot and looks down. That was odd. She only did that when she had a crush on someone. If she had a crush on Ken she would certainly tell me.
“What are they up to?” Charlotte asked.
Minnie squeezed in between Charlotte and me for a better look. “What is it? What’s happening?”
“I guess they’re just talking. Don’t be so suspicious,” I said.
<
br /> Charlotte scoffed. “As if you’re not suspicious too.”
“I’ll admit I’m mildly curious, but that’s it. Heather would tell me if there was something to tell.”
“Grandma Pearl wanted you to know about it,” Minnie said.
Nevertheless, I continued to watch Heather and Ken. What were they talking about that was so funny? A few more seconds and they broke up the conversation. Ken walked away and Heather hurried across the street toward her shop. Wasn’t she coming in to tell me what they’d talked about? Ken looked back for another glance at Heather.
“Aren’t you going to ask her what is up with them?” Charlotte asked.
“Yes, you should ask,” Minnie said.
“If she wants me to know she’ll tell me,” I said with a wave of my hand.
“I give her less than a day until she asks Heather about this,” Charlotte said, looking at Minnie. “Oh wait, I can ask her now. She can see and hear me.”
Charlotte marched toward the door. I tried to move in front of her, but she passed right through me.
“Don’t you dare,” I said.
“And why not?” Charlotte raised an eyebrow.
“Because I don’t want her to think I was spying on her.”
“You were spying on her,” Charlotte said.
“Yes, but I don’t want her to know that.”
Charlotte groaned. “Fine.”
“And don’t walk through me like that. It creeps me out,” I said.
“Don’t step in front of me and I won’t have to.” Charlotte frowned.
“Maybe they’re throwing you a surprise birthday party, Cookie. When’s your birthday?” Minnie asked.
“February twenty-sixth.”
“Pisces . . . that explains a lot.” Charlotte studied her fingernails.
“Since when do you know about signs?” I asked.
Charlotte shrugged but didn’t comment.
“Oh, guess it’s not a birthday party. Too bad for you. A party would have been fun,” Minnie said with disappointment in her voice.
Tyler meowed, grabbing my attention. He’d been so quiet that I had almost forgotten he was here.
“What is it, Tyler? Is something wrong?”
Should I try to get him to use the Ouija board again? He hadn’t seemed interested earlier when Grandma Pearl had used the board.