The Ghoul Next Door

chapter Two

Taking in a deep breath, I prepared myself for what I might find. Since spirits talked to me and I talked to them, if I didn’t mentally prepare myself, the spirit could take over, drain my energy, and I’d be in big trouble. “Okay, I’ll go up and check it out.”

“Larue, why don’t you let me go check it out.” Callahan touched my arm.

I wrapped my fingers around his hand and squeezed for reassurance. “Callahan, if it’s a spirit, it may hide from you. But if I go up, the person will know that I can communicate. I really appreciate the offer though.”

How sweet was he? He’d been through hell ever since he’d met me and I wouldn’t have blamed him if he’d never spoken to me again. Lucky for me, he didn’t choose that route.

He sighed, then let go of my arm. “Just be careful.”

I made my way toward the stairs, then eased up each one. I didn’t look over my shoulder, but I knew Callahan and Mindy watched my every move. I felt their stares on my back. Unfortunately, I was wearing my baggy sweatpants that said ‘Got ghosts?’ on the rear end. They had seemed like a cute idea at the time. Regrettably, now I knew Callahan was watching the words as they ascended the steps. Not so cute anymore.

When I reached the landing at the top of the stairs, I pulled down the little ladder from the ceiling that led up into the attic. The space was nothing but pitch black when I stared up into it. It was now or never. After climbing to the top, I poked my head in the opening and looked into the dark space. Alone in a spooky attic with spiders, mice, or ghosts… it was not where I wanted to be at the moment. I could think of many more enticing scenarios—number one being in bed with Callahan’s arms wrapped around me. But if I had to pick between the insects, rodents, or spirits, I’d much rather have the ghosts. Although some of the ghosts could be very ornery.

Air escaped my lips as I exhaled, made my way up the rest of the stairs, and stepped onto the attic floor. It didn’t help that I was afraid of heights too. Ghosts were about the only thing I wasn’t afraid of.

“Is anyone up here?” I called out.

A lame way to approach a ghost maybe, but there was no magic way to summon a spirit. They didn’t have a special code. There was no response, only silence filled the air. Then after a few seconds, a rustling noise sounded from the corner. Oh heavens, please not a rat. Or even a squirrel or a possum.

“If there is someone here, please speak to me,” I said.

I swore that was when I heard a cough. Since I was pretty sure possums or rats didn’t cough, I felt a little bit better knowing that a wild animal wasn’t waiting to eat me. Of course, now I had to worry about whether this was a demonic force. That was a whole different story that I didn’t want to have to deal with at the moment. I would for Mindy, but I really just wanted a break for a day. Was that too much to ask?

“What’s going on up there?” Callahan called from downstairs.

“Everything’s fine,” I said, trying to sound confident.

The ghost would never speak to me as long as Callahan or Mindy kept talking to me. That was why I’d always liked to go on investigations alone. Not as many distractions. I appreciated his concern more than he’d ever know though. No one had ever expressed as much concern for me as he did.

“Who are you?” I asked. With any luck the spirit would answer and we could get this show on the road. There was a comfy bed calling my name.

Still no answer. The spirit was playing games with me.

“I know you’re here,” I said as I moved further into the room, trying to avoid banging a knee. “I heard you moving and coughing.”

Then the thought hit me: maybe Mindy had a squatter in her home. That could be very dangerous. If it was a spirit though, I wouldn’t leave without it speaking to me.

“Look, you’ve been bothering my friend and this is her home. So if you’re not going to speak with me, then you need to leave.”

When the words left my lips, a mist materialized in the corner of the room. I watched the form of a person take shape. It was a man in his mid-thirties. He was wearing a gray pin-striped suit and looked as if he’d stepped straight out of the Fifties. He had a cigarette dangling from his lips, but no smoke came from the tip. He puffed, then smiled at me.

“The name’s Grant Fine. I’ve been a resident of Magnolia since 1919. That’s the year I was born… a good year in-deed. Those were the good old days,” he said in a gravelly voice.

So much for a relaxing evening—I knew the ghosts would find me somehow. If they didn’t come to me, I went to them.

“It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Fine. My name is Larue Donavan and I’ve been a resident of Magnolia since 1987. Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, why are you in my friend’s attic?” I asked matter-of-factly.

“That’s none of your business,” he snapped.

I scoffed. “So that’s how it’s going to be.” Who did this guy think he was? “Look, this is my friend’s house. You’re on her property. I think you owe her an explanation.” I glared at him.

I hated being mean to the ghost, but sometimes it was the only way.

“I don’t owe her anything. Why should I tell her anything?” He took another drag from his ghostly cigarette.

“It’s the polite thing to do, that’s why,” I said, crossing my arms in front of my chest.

He tapped ashes off onto the floor, but they disappeared before they even hit the ground. “I’m dead.” He looked me straight in the eyes. “I don’t have to be polite anymore.”

What was I supposed to say to that? He had me there.

“Well, whatever you say, but you can’t stay here in her home. If you tell me why you’re here maybe I can help you. I’ve done this a time or two.” Hmm. That sounded weird. Maybe I needed to clarify what it was that I did.

“That’s thrilling, but I don’t need your help. I’m fine. Mr. Fine.” He cackled at his joke.

I glared. “I don’t think you are fine. You’re dead and hiding out in an attic, smoking an imaginary cigarette. That’s not my idea of fine.”

I hated to be so blunt. The truth hurt, but I had to tell him. He didn’t answer, and before I asked another question, he disappeared in a puff of smoke just like rings floating up from his fake cigarette.

I looked around at the space. Was he hiding behind a box? No way had he left. I didn’t trust him. If he had gone, I knew he’d return. I had to help Mindy. She was my best friend and I couldn’t let her down.

“I know you’re still up here. Come on out.” My voice carried across the space.

No answer.

“Come out, come out, wherever you are,” I sang.

I was now playing hide-and-seek with a ghost. Awesome. I walked around the attic, the floor creaking with each step. I picked up Mindy’s discarded Ab Roller and set it to the side. Peeking around a dress form and finding nothing, I figured it might be time to give up. From all the way downstairs, I felt the tension flowing up from Mindy and Callahan. I knew they were wondering what the heck I was doing. I had to hurry.

After looking around the small space, and not finding my cranky ghost, I had no choice but to leave him up there. Sweat beaded on my forehead. I had to get out of there before I had a heat stroke. I knew this ghost was playing games with me. Before I gave up for good, or gave up the ghost rather, I stepped out of the attic, pretending to leave. I’d play his game better than he did. I waited a few seconds, then eased back in. Sure enough, he was back in the corner, lounging against the wall and puffing on that ghostly cigarette. He thought he was so smart. I would outsmart him.

“Ha, I got you.” I pointed.

He scowled. “What the hell do you want with me? Leave me alone.”

“I told you what I want. I want you to leave this house.”

“No!” He tossed the cigarette on the ground and crossed his arms in front of his chest.

Was he pouting? I felt like if I offered him an ice cream cone he would leave just like a kid.

I wiped my forehead. “Look, it’s hot in here. Why don’t you come with me and we can discuss this situation in depth.”

There was no way he would agree to this, but what other options did I have? I had to at least ask.

He looked me up and down. “Yeah, okay. You’re good-looking enough. I guess I can go with you.”

I rolled my eyes. “Gee, I’m flattered. Thanks a bunch.”