M.J.,herpartnerGilley,andtheirclient,thewealthy,delishDr.StevenSable,areathis family'slodge,wherehisgrandfatherallegedlyjumpedtohisdeathfromtheroofalthough Sablesaysitwasfoulplay. Butthepatriarch'sisn'ttheonlyghostaround.Theplaceislousywithsouls,allwithsomething togetofftheirghoulishchests.NowM.J.willhavetotoquelltheclamorandlistenforavoice withtheanswers... Thisbookislovinglydedicatedtotwowomenofprofoundbeautyandintellect:AdellChase, mysouthernbelloftruthandthewisestwomanonearth;andKarenDitmars,abellainher ownrightandthecoolestwomanontheplanet. Acknowledgments Here'sanewsflashwritersareselfishpeople.Truthis,creativetypeslikemearedrivenby oneimpulsetomakeupaworldinwhichwegettocontroleverythingandeveryone.We decidewhoentersandwhoexits,whattheweatherwillbe,whowillhookupwithwhom,who willwinandwhowilllose.Itmakesusfeelpowerfuland,inallhonesty,hasrelativelylittleto dowiththinkingaboutwhatwillmakeanyoneelsehappy.

eelsehappy. Whichiswhy,attheendofpoundingoutthreehundredpluspages,weareoftensurprisedby howmanyofourfriends,colleagues,fans,andfamilyhavegenerouslyhelpedusperfectour creations.AndIsupposethat'swhattempersusabit,toknowthatwhilewemaylovetoplay God,westillneedsomeangelstohelpusgetitright.It'stheseangelsthatI'dliketohumbly thankrightnow:

 Firstandforemost,myincredibleeditor,MollyBoyle,whotakesmyoverlywordy,addictedto adjectivesmanuscriptsandturnsthemintowhatImeanttowrite.Molly,you'resogoodat whatyoudothatyouhavenotjustimpressedmeyou'veblownmeaway.I'munbelievably gratefulforallyourpatience(didn'tknowyou'dneedsomuchofthatwithme,didyou?),your hardwork,andyourfantasticinstincts.YouandIshallmakeonehelluvateam,girlfriend thankyou,thankyou,thankyou! Next,myastoundingandamazingagent,JimMcCarthy.WhatcanIsaythatIhaven'tsaid before?(No,seriously,helpmeouthere,cuzeverytimeImentionyou,Igushandgushand I'mrunnin'outofgushythingstosay!)LOLTruly,Jim,Ithinkyoumustbesomesortof cosmicgiftfromtheBigGuyupstairswhoeithertookgreatpityonmeorgotmemixedup withsomeotherfarmoredeservingschmuckwhenhesentyoumyway.Andjusttobeclear iftherewasascrewup?I'mnotgivingyoubackever!Soplanonstickin'around,sugar;we gotsalooooongwaytogojustyet. AdellChaseandKarenDitmars,towhomthisbookisdedicated:Ladies,I'vebeensoluckyin mylife.EverywhereIgo,Imeetthebestofhumanity,andafewofthem,likeyou,Iamblessed tocallfriends.Youtwoleavemebreathlesswithyourwisdom,yourcourage,andyourwillto bestrong,independent,smart,andcapablewomen.WhenIgrowup,IswearIwanttobejust likeyoutwo! MysisterSandyUphamandmybrotherandsisterinlawJonandNaokoUphamyouguys havenoideahowmuchIloveyouandhowverymuchyoursupportmeanstome.I'msoproud ofyouthreefantastichumanbeingsthatI'mluckyenoughtoberelatedto.Hugehugsand kissescomin'yourway! Also,arelativenewcomertomytroupeoffavoritepeopleonearth,MichaelTorres,akaThe Boy.Thankyousomuchfortheincrediblewayyouinspireme,cheermeon,andneverhave anunkindword.You'resuchabeautifulman,M.T.,bothinsideandout,andI'mbeyond thrilledthatyou'vecomeintomylife.ThatmorningphonecalltocheermeonwhenI'minmy

writingslumpissuchagift;pleaseknowthatIappreciateandadoreyouforthatandsomuch more. Dr.StephenPap,whogavemetheinspirationforDr.Delicious,thankyoufirstandforemost forfixingmyhandwhichisallhealednow,thankGodandalsoforbeingsogenerouswith yourboyhoodstoriesandbackground.Itoldyouthatyou'dmakeagreatcharacterIwasn't wrong. Andlastbutcertainlynotleast,pleaseletmethankallmyincrediblefriendswhohavenever waveredintheirsupport,love,andencouragement:KristySchiller,NoraBrosseau,Silas Hudson,LaurieComnes,PipaTerry,BettyStocking,JaaNawtaisong,andLeanneTierney.You guysrock,andI'msograteful.:) Content Chapter1 Chapter2 Chapter3 Chapter4

 Chapter5 Chapter6 Chapter7 Chapter8 Chapter9 Chapter10 Chapter11 Chapter12 Chapter13

 Chapter14 AbouttheAuthor Chapter1 "Goodmorning,MissHolliday,"therealestateagentcheerfullygreetedmeoutside84 DartmouthStreet. "Hi,there.YoumustbeCassandra,"Isaid,shakingherhand."PleasecallmeM.J." "You'reyoungerandprettierthanIthoughtyou'dbe,"shecommentedasshenervously twistedthepearlsatherneck. "Thankyou,"Isaid,thenquicklygotdowntobusiness."Iknowwetalkedalittleonthephone, butwhatcanyoutellmeaboutthishouse?" Cassandrapaledslightlyandlookedupatthethreestorybrownstone,aturnofthecentury gemthatwasrightathomeinBoston'sopulentBackBayneighborhood."I'vehadthelisting foralmostayear,which,asyoucanimagine,isunheardofhereintheBackBay.Brownstones likethisonesellaroundhereinamatterofweeks,notmonths."

 "Stickershock?"Iasked. "No,nothinglikethat.Atonemillionit'sanabsolutesteal!Andwe'vehadalotofinterestinit, despiteitshistory.Buteverytimewegetclosetomakingadeal,thebuyerbacksout.Theyall saythesamething:Theplacejusthasbadenergy." "Yousaidsomeonewaskilledinside?" Cassandranodded."Yes,thedaughterofthecurrentownerswasrapedandmurderedalittle overayearago." "That'sawful,"Isaid,lookingbacktowardthebrownstone."Didtheycatchthekiller?" "Hewasshotbypoliceashetriedtomakeagetawayouttheback.Unfortunately,theyarrived toolatetosavethegirl." "So,really,twopeoplediedinthehouse." "Yes,Isupposeso,"shesaid.

"Andwhat'sbeenhappeningsincethen?" "Well,"shesaid,herhandgoingbacktotwistthepearls,"everytimeIshowthehouseIgetthe feelingI'mbeingwatched.Andmorethanthat,sometimesIfeellikeI'mbeingfollowed. Peoplecomeinanddon'tseemtowanttostay.Mostfolksjusttakeatourofoneortwo rooms;thentheyleavelikethey'rebeingchasedout." "Isee,"Isaid,butIhadafeelingtherewasmore."Isthatall?" "No,"shesaidafteramoment."TheotherdayIwasshowingthehousetothiscouplewho reallyseemedtobeokaywiththehistoryoftheplace.Theyconsidereditagoodtradeofffor suchabargain.Butjustasweweregettingreadytoleave,weallheardawoman'sscream fromoneofthebedroomsupstairs.IthoughtsomeonehadcomeinwhileIwasshowingthe couplearound,soIranupthereandlookedalloverbutnoonewasthere.Then,justasIwas comingbackdownstairs,Ifelt"Shepaused. "What?" "Ifeltsomeonetouchme." "Likeahandonyourshoulderorsomething?" "No,"shewhispered,hereyeslargeandfrightened."Likesomeonetouched meinappropriately."

 "Ah,"Isaidwithanod.NowIknewwhotheaggressorwas."Okay,ifyou'llunlockthedoorI'll gettowork." "Canyoureallyhelpus,M.J.?" "That'swhatIdo,Cassandra,"Isaid."I'maghostbuster.Givemeafewhoursandletmesee whatIcando." Cassandrafollowedmeupthesixstepstothefrontdoorandunlockeditforme."You'llbeall rightintherebyyourself?"sheasked,herfacesuddenlyworried. "I'llbefine,"Isaidconfidently.I'dfacedscarierstuffthanthisbefore.Pausingasthedoor swungshutbehindme,Imovedintothefoyerand,lookedaround,settingmyduffelbagdown inthecornerbythestaircase.Iwantedtogetthelayofthingsbeforereachingintomybagof tricks. Iletmyeyestravelaroundtheroom,gettingafeelforthebrownstone'sconfiguration.The frontfoyerhadseveraldoorwaysleadingtotherestofthehouse.Tomyrightacorridorledto thekitchen.Thelivingroomwasdirectlyinfrontofme,andofftomyleftwaswhatlookedlike astudy.FrommybackpocketIpulledoutmyelectrostaticmeter,asmallgadgetthat measuresvariancesinelectrostaticenergy.Iheldmyarmoutandwaveditinacirclearound thefoyer,notingthethick,luxuriouscarpet,highceilings,crownmolding,andexpensivewall covering.Thedigsweredefinitelyopulent,andevenwithoutfurnitureyoucouldtellthisplace oozedmoney.And,accordingtomyelectrostaticmeter,theplaceoozedsomethingelse,too.

Withaneyeontheneedlebouncingbackandforthacrossthegauge,Imovedaheadthrough thefoyerandintothelivingroom.TheneedlegaveajoltasIedgedovertotheFrenchdoors thatswungoutontotheterrace.Theneedlebouncedagain.Iputthelittlegadgetintheback pocketofmyjeansandclosedmyeyesforamomentandgotmyselfcentered. BeforeIwasaghostbuster,Iwasaprofessionalmedium,whichhasproventobethemost beneficialskillformysuccessrateasatopnotchbuster.Inotherwords,Icansenseenergies thatbothhavecrossedovertotheothersidesuccessfully,andthosethathavebecomestuck, or"grounded,"asweliketocallit.In84DartmouthIhadimmediatelypickeduptheenergies oftwogroundedspirits,onefemaleandonemale.Idecidedtofocusonthefemalefirst. MovingawayfromtheFrenchdoors,Ifollowedthesmalltuginmysolarplexus,heading throughthehallwayandupthestairs.AsIclosedinonthefemaleenergy,somethingslightly disturbinghappened.Ifeltthemaleenergy,whichwasthickwithillwill,begintofollowme. "Backoffalittle,pal,"Isaidquietlytohim."I'lldealwithyouinamoment." Themaleenergydidn'twanttolisten,butcontinuedtoshadowmeuptothesecondfloor, whereIpausedonthelandingbeforecontinuinguptothethirdfloor.There,attheendofthe hallway,Isawadarkshadowdartintooneofthebedrooms."It'sokay,"Isaidtotheshadow. "I'mnotgoingtohurtyou."Iwalkeddownthehallandintothebedroom,andnoticedan immediatedipintemperature.Icrossedmyarmsandshiveredslightly,feelingtheicycoolness penetratemyclothingandmyskin,seepingintomybones.I'dnevergottenusedtothedeep chillthatcomeswithrubbingupagainstspectralactivity,butIpushedmydiscomfortasideand focusedhardonthetaskathand."What'syourname,sweetheart?"Iaskedtheempty bedroomsoftly.' Therewasnoresponse,butIcouldfeelthefearemanatingfromthewoman'sspirit.Isensed herinthecorneroftheroom,andsureenough,mymind'seyeflashedanimageofayoung womaninherearlytwenties,crouchedandcoweringbythewindow.Imovedovertothat areaandfeltthetemperaturedipevenlower.Ikneltdownandclosedmyeyestoconcentrate. Isaidaloud,"I'mheretohelpyou.Hecan'thurtyouanymore,honey.AndI'llmakesurehe doesn'tgetawaywithwhathe'sdone.Pleasetalktome.Tellmeyourname."

 WithreliefIfeltthenameCarolynfloatintomymind.Ismiledsadly.Thepoorthingnotonly hadshebeenrapedandkilledbythebeastbehindme,butnowshewasstuckinaconfusing stateoflimbo.Wherearemyparents?sheaskedmedesperately. "They'resafe,butthey'reveryworriedaboutyou,Carolyn.They'veaskedmetohelpyou.Will youallowmeto?" Iopenedmyeyesandstaredattheblankspaceinfrontofme.Icouldn'tseeCarolyn,butI coulddefinitelyfeelandhearher.Shedidn'tanswermerightaway,soIcontinuedtotryto winherover."Ipromisetokeepyousafe,butyou'vegottotrustme.Iwillguideyouhome, butIcan'tdothatifyou'reunwilling.Willyoutrustme?" Hepromised! "Hepromisedwhat,honey?"Iknewshewastalkingaboutherattacker. HepromisednottohurtmeifIcooperated! Isighedheavily.Theratbastard.Iwasgoingtoenjoydealingwithhim."Iknow,myfriend,I know,"Isaidgravely."Helied.Butthat'sinthepast.Hecannothurtyouagain.Iabsolutely forbidit."

Wherearemyparents?Thispleawasevenmoreurgentinmyheadthanthefirsttimeshe'd askedme.Carolynwascomingclosetopanicking,andifshedidI'dlosecontactwithher.She wouldnodoubtseekthecomfortofthelimboplanethathoveredjustbeyondtheonewe existedon.Thiswaswherelostspiritstypicallyhungout,comingintoourrealityonlywhen theywerestrongenoughtodealwithwhathadhappenedtothem. "Carolyn,youmustlistentome,"Isaidsternly,hopingthecommandwouldsnapheroutof herdesiretorun."Youhavetostaywithme.Icangetyououtofhere,butonlyifyoudo exactlyasIsay.Iwillguideyoutosafety,butweneedtobequick" He'shere!sheinterruptedme.Hide!We'vegottohide! "Damnit,"ImutteredasIturnedaround.Sureenough,anominousdarkshadowhunginthe doorway,floatingbackandforthintheopening.IfIdidn'tdosomethingquickly,I'dlose Carolyn."Stayrighthere,Carolyn,"IsaidasIstoodup."I'mgoingtogetridofhimifyouhide righthereuntilIreturn.IpromiseI'llhelpyoufindyourway.Willyouwaitforme?" AfeelingthatIcanonlydescribeasanodtouchedmymind."Goodgirl,"Isaid,walkingtoward theblackshape.AsIgotcloseIcouldseemybreathasIexhaled,andmyteethwantedto chatter.Iresistedtheurgetoshiverandwalkedpurposefullyattheblackshape. Istoppedwhentheshadowdisappearedinfrontofme.Tomyrightcamealoudthumping noise.Isnappedmyheadtowherethenoisehadcomefrom,butonlythewallstaredbackat me."Sothat'showwe'regoingtoplayit,huh?"Iwhispered,thengatheredmyangerand shouted,"Listen,youmiserableslugofhumancompost!Youcoward!Youevil,vileexcusefora man!Ithinkyou'reafraidofme,andI'llbetyoudollarstodoughnutsthatyouwon'tfollowme ifIleavethisroom,becauseyoudon'thavetheguts!"WiththatIdashedoutoftheroom,and immediatelyfeltthedarkmaleenergygivechase.

 Itoredownthehallwayandgrabbedthebanister,turningthecornertojumpdownseveral stairsinoneleap.Thedarkenergybehindmeseemedtothrumwithexcitementasmy adrenalinesurged.Icouldfeelhimtryingtogatherhisstrength.Inamomenthewouldtry somethingdirty,andImadesuretokeeponehandontherailingforbalance.Itwasagood thingIdid,becauseinthenextmomentIfeltahardthudinthecenterofmyback,anda microsecondlaterastrongtugonmyrightbreast."Yousonofabitch!"IsworeathimasI shookitoffandcontinueddownthestairs."I'llgetyouforthat!"IsaidasIreachedthefirst flooranddashedtomyduffelbag.Iscannedthelivingroom,lookingforwhatIknewhadtobe there,andfeelingtheslow,pricklysensationofsomethingsnakingaroundmyneck. Iscowledandmovedforwardintothelivingroom,searchingthewallsintently."Eureka,"Isaid afteramoment."Gotcha,youratbastard!"Imovedclosertostudythesmallblackholethat I'dspottedintheatmospherejustabovethewall.Theholewasnothingmorethanasmall onefootbyonefootsectionofairrightnexttothewallthattothenakedeyelooked vaporousandwastintedalightgray.Icouldsensetheenergybehindmeshiftfromhungryto nervous."Youdidn'tthinkIknewaboutthislittledoorwayofyours,didyou?"Isaidovermy shoulderasIsettheduffeldownandsquattedtopulloutmydrill."Let'sseehowmuchofa bullyyouareafterwecloseupthisbadboy,shallwe?" Idugoutthreespikesmadeofmagnetizedmetal,andahammertohelpdrivethemhome.The forcebehindmethuddedintomybackwithallhismight,andIpitchedforwardasmyheadhit thewall."Youass!"Isaid,turningtofacehim.InfrontofmeIsawthedarkshadowagain,and inmymind'seyeconjuredafacethatwasmeanandfullofrage. Stop!heshoutedatme. Ilaughedandheldmydrilluptohim."Timetoshuttheportal,"Isaid,andturnedbacktothe wall.Mydrillwasbatteryoperated,whichpreventedthelikesofhimfromscrewingaround toomuchwithit,andallowedmetobeginthedrilling.

 No!hescreamedagain,andtomyrighttherewasanincrediblyloudbang! Ilaughedathisfutileefforts,andafterI'dcompletedthreeholesIturnedaround."Notso toughnow,areyou?" Theblackshadowhoveredinfrontofme,andIcouldsensethathisattentionwasquite focusedonthethreespikesatmyfeet."Thisisyourlittlegateway,isn'tit?"Isaid,pointingto theareawhereI'ddrilledtheholes."Well,letmetellyousomething,pal.I'mnotgoingto standforit.Youhavetensecondstomakeachoice.IfyoustayhereIwillhelpyoucrossover totheotherside,whereyou'llhavetofacewhatyou'vedoneandbeheldaccountable.Oryou canheadthroughherenow,andbelockedindownthereuntilyou'rereadytofaceyourown demonsandgohomeonyourown." Theenergyinfrontofmewaveredforamoment,andforasplitsecondIthoughtI'dconvinced himtoletmehelphim.ButIwassorelydisappointedwhenthemiserablescumgrabbedmy boobagain!Igrowledlowinmythroatandwhirledaround,snatchingthemagneticstakesand insertingthefirstintothehole.BehindmetherewasanaudiblemalescreamasIliftedmy handwiththehammer,preparingtodriveithomeontheheadofthespike."Doordietime, buddy!"Iyelled,andbroughtthehammerdown.AsplitsecondbeforeImadecontactwiththe spikeIfelttheghostbehindmedashintotheportalIwaspreparingtoclose."Coward!"I roaredathimashisenergydissipatedintothewall. Ifinishedpoundinginthatstake,thenmovedontotheothertwo.AfterI'dfinishedIstood backalittle,eyeingmyhandiwork.Thewallwasamess,withplasterandbitsofdrywallonthe floor,butatleasttheportalwasgone,nevertoreturnthatis,aslongasthestakeswerein place. Ituckedthedrillandhammerintomyduffel,thenquicklywentbackupstairs.Tomyimmense reliefIcouldsensethatCarolynwasstillhoveringinthecorner."Hey,there,girl,"Isaidgently

asIeasedintotheroom."I'msureyouheardeverything.He'sgone,Carolyn.Themanwho hurtyouisgoneforgood." I'mafraid,Ifelthersay. "Iknowyouare,buttrustme:Icanhelpyouwiththat.First,showmewhathappened." Idon'twantto. "Iknow,Iknow.Butsweetheart,Ineedtoseeit.Webothneedtoseeit.Takemetotheend ofit,ifthebeginningandthemiddleweretoopainful.Takemetothattimerightbeforeyou foundyourselfconfusedandlost." Therewasapullingsensationtomyright,andIlookedovertothefarcorneroftheroom.I sawastruggletakingplace.Carolynwasnakedandbleedingfromhernose.Herattackerwas standingoverherandhadhergrippedbythethroat.Shewasclawingathim,hereyeswild withterror.MyowninsidestightenedasIwatchedthesceneunfold.Thiswastheworstpart ofthejob.Seeingwhatreallyhappenedtoinnocentpeopleinthosefinalterrifyingmoments wasanawfulthingtoexperience. "That'sgood,Carolyn,"Isaid,hatingthatIwasputtingherthroughthis,butknowingitwas absolutelynecessary."Nowgoalittlebitfurther,honey.Gobeyondthatmomentwhere you'refightingforyourbreath."

Thescenechanged,andIsawCarolyn'smurdererdropherlimpbodyonthefloor.Hishead thensnappedupasIheardthefaintsoundofasiren.Inthenextinstantthekillerdashedout oftheroom,leavingCarolynlyingwhereshewas. "Good,honey,"Isaidwhenhisimagehadlefttheroom."That'sterrific.Now,Ineedyouto focusonyourbodyforamoment.Canyouseethat?" Ineedtogetup!shesaid.Ineedtorunaway! "Butyoucan't,canyou?"Isaid."Youcan't,Carolyn,becauseyou'renotbreathing.See?"Isaid, pointingtothelifelessimageofher."Yourbodyhasdied,myfriend.It'stimeforyoutoaccept that." Ihadasudden,almostoverwhelmingsensationofdeepsadnessinmychest,andIknewthat Carolynhadfinallyregisteredthatshewasdead. Isaid,"Carolyn,listentome.Eventhoughyourbodyhasstoppedfunctioning,yoursoulneeds tomoveforward.Icanhelpyoudothat,butyou'llneedtodoexactlyasIsay.Payclose attentiontomywordsandfollowmydirectionsandI'llgetyououtofhere,okay?" Withrelief,Ifeltthatmentalnodcomeintomymind."Goodgirl.Now,aboveyouIwantyou tosenseagreatbrightlightcomingdownfromtheheavens,throughtheceiling,and descendingontoyourhead.Canyousensethis,Carolyn?"

Therewasapause,andthen,Yes. "Wonderful!You'redoinggreat!"Ipraised."Now,asthislightenvelopsyou,Iwantyoutofeel itswarmth,itsgoodness,itspurity,anditslove.Canyoufeelallofthosethings,Carolyn?" Anotherpause,thenanexcited,Yes! "Awesome!Now,infrontofyouthereshouldbeapath.Itmaylookabitlikeatunnel; sometimesit'sdifferentdependingontheperson.Canyouseethispath?" Ican. "Great.Ineedyoutobeverybraveandtakeastepontoit.Itleadstomoreofthelight,more ofthatlovethatyou'resensingrightnow.It'sagoodpathtofollow,andwhileyou'reonityou willneverbehurtagain." Iheldmybreath,waitingforCarolyntomakethatnextoh,socriticalmove.Ifsheblanched,I'd havetocomebackandtrytocoaxheroveranothertime.Ifshewentforit,she'dfindherway totheothersidewithoutworry.FinallyIsensedsomethinglikeacceptancefromher,andright beforeIfelthermoveforward,Iclearlyheardhersay,TellmyparentsIlovethem.TellthemI'll lookafterMidnightandI'llbeallrightnow. Ismiledbrightly."IpromiseI'llgetthemessagetothem,girl.Youtakecareokay?"Butshe wasalreadygone.InthenextinstantIbecameawareofthesilence.Iopenedmyeyesand

lookedaround.Theroomwasempty;therewasnoenergyinitbesidesmyself.AsIsentout myintuitivefeelers,theroomfeltwarmandcleanandhappy.Ismiledandstoodup,and, glancingatmywatch,IrealizedIneededtogetamoveon.Mynextclientwasmeetingmeat myofficeinaboutahalfhour. Imademywaybackdownthestairs,retrievedmyduffel,andheadedoutthedoor. Cassandra'scarwasparkedinfrontofthebrownstone.Imetheratthebottomofthesteps andshesaid,"Well?How'ditgo?" "Ghostisclear!"Isang.Ilovedthatline. "Yougotridofit?"sheaskedme,peeringanxiouslyupthestairs. "Yep.AndthereareafewthingsIneedtotellyoubeforeItakeoff." "Goahead,"shesaidasshefishedaroundinherpurseandpulledouthercheckbook. "Carolynhasamessagethatneedstobedeliveredtoherparents.Shesaysthatshe'lllook afterMidnight,andthatshe'sgoingtobeallrightnow." Cassandragasped."Oh,my,"shesaid.

"Thatmessagemakessensetoyou?" "Well,yes.MidnightwastheKettlemans'cat.IknowthatbecauseIhaveafewcatsofmyown, andMrs.Kettlemanwasveryfondofherpet.LastweekwhenIcalledtotellherthatwehad anofferonthehouse,shesoundedsosad.WhenIaskedherwhyshesaidthattheyhadtoput Midnighttosleepthatmorning;thepoorthinghadkidneyfailure." "Good,thentheKettlemanswillknowthatthemessagetrulycamefromtheirdaughter." CassandrascribbledinhercheckbookwhileIwentonwithmydirections."Also,thereare threespikespoundedintothelivingroomwall "Therearethreewhatdrivenintowhere?"Cassandrasquealed.Oops.Imayhaveforgottento disclosethatsometimesIneededtomakeafewhandyadjustmentstothearchitecture. "Itwascompletelynecessary,Cassandra.Itwaseitherpoundinafewstakesorhavethis househangonthemarketforanotherfewyears." "Butwhy?"sheaskedme. Iinhaledandtriedtoexplain."ThemanwhomurderedCarolynwasasnastyindeathashe wasinlife.Energieslikehimoftencreateaportalordoorwaytoalowerplaneofexistence wheretheycanbecomestrongerandmoredeviant.Theonlywaytocombatthemistoshut theiraccessbacktothisplane,andthatmeansclosingtheportal."

 "Okay,"saidCassandra."IthinkI'mfollowingyou." "Thewaytoclosethemisbyusingmagnetsthatcreateabarrier,becausetheyscrewupthe electromagneticenergyoftheportal.ThestakesIusedarehighlymagnetic,whichshouldkeep thatnastymanfromeverbotheringanyoneagain." "ButhowamIsupposedtoexplainstakesdrivenintoawalltoprospectivebuyers?"Cassandra askedme. "Youhireahandymantocomeoverandpatchoverthestakes.They'redrivenfarenoughinto thewallthat,withalittlespackleandsomepaint,noonewilleverknow." Cassandralookedrelieved."Well,Icanhandlethat,"shesaidwithachuckle."Isthereanything else?" "Nope.Thataboutdoesit.Thehouseiscleanandclearandshouldn'tgiveyouanymore trouble,butjustincase,here'smycard,"Isaid,extendingittoher."Andifyouknowof anyonewhocanbenefitfromourservices,I'dappreciateitifyou'dpassitalong." "Ofcourse,"shesaid,takingmycardandgivingmeabroadsmile."Thankyou,M.J.,I'llgeta handymanoverhererightaway."

ItookmyleaveofCassandraandjoggedtomycar,checkingmywatchagain.Iwascuttingit reallyclose. Afewfeetawayfrommyauto,Ihitthebuttononthekeychaintoreleasethelocks.Thecar gaveatootofthehorn,andfrominsideIheardaperfectmimicofthenoise."I'mcomin', Doc,"IsaidasIpeeredthroughtheglass.MyAfricanGrayparrotsatperchedonthesteering wheel,bobbinghisheadinexcitementasIreachedforthehandle.SlidingintotheseatIasked, "What'sup,Doc?" "Doc'scuckooforCocoPuffs!"heansweredback,flippinghisredtailandbobbinghishead. "You'recuckooallright,"Isaid,givinghimapatontheheadasIstartedtheengine. AttheageoftwelveI'dreceivedDocasaChristmaspresentfrommyrathereccentric grandmother,Pearl.She'dgivenmethesixmontholdbirdonlythreemonthsafterI'dlostmy mothertocancer.It'dbeenherverycleverwayofcoaxingsomelifebackintome,asI'd refusedtospeakawordsincethedeathofmymother. GrandmaPearlhadofferedmethenoisybirdthatday,andevennowherwordsstillranginmy ears."MaryJane,"shesaidasIopenedthecageandextractedtheparrot,myeyeswidewith wonder,"thisisauniquetypeofparrotthatbondsforlifewithonlyoneperson,soyoumust takespecialcaretotreathimwithrespectandfriendship.Hewilllearntotalksoon,soyou'll needtoworkonhisvocabulary,andmakesurethewordsyouteachhimareacceptablefor politesociety,becauseonceanAfricanGraylearnsaword,theyneverforgetit." She'dsaidthatlastbitwithawink,knowingfullwellthatIwasthesortofkidwhowouldnot limitmypet'svocabularyifIcouldgetawaywithit.

 I'dnamedmybirdafteranoldrelativeofmine,theinfamousDr.JohnHenryHolliday,whohad survivedthegunfightattheOKCorral,andcalledWyattEarphisbestfriend.DocHollidaywas mygreatgreatgranduncle,andIlikedtothinkthatI'dinheritedallmyrebelliousgenesfrom him. Thathadbeenanimportantyearforme,asnotonlyhadIlostmymotherandgainedDoc,I'd metGilleyGillespie,mybestfriendandbusinesspartner.OnthefirstdayofschoolI'dbeen wanderingaroundontheplaygroundwhenI'dnoticedalittleboywasplayingwithtwoG.I. Joefigures.Somethingaboutthewayhewasmakingtheminteractfascinatedme.I'dstaredat himasheplayedwiththedolls,andthemomenthe'dcrashedthemtogetherandmimicked kissingnoisesIknewIhadtomeethim. We'dbeenbestfriendswithinfiveminutes,andithadbeenGilleywhohadconvincedmeto fleemyhighschoolgraduationpartyandtheGeorgiabackwaterwherewe'dgrownupforthe brightlightsofBoston,wherehehadafullscholarshiptoMITandI'dhadfarfewerprospects. We'dsharedatinyapartmentonCambridgeStreet,andwhileGilleywenttoschoolmajoring incomputerscience,I'dwaitressedandworkedoddjobs.ThenonefatefulnightGilleyhad comehomeandannounced,"Igotyouagig." "Whatkindofgig?"I'dsaid. "There'sthisgirlinmyHTMLstudygroup.Herfatherjustdied,andshecan'tconcentrate.We havefinalsinthreedays,andIneedhertohelpmethroughthisexam.Itoldheryoucould makesureherdadwasokay.She'scomingoverinanhour."

 EversinceIwasaverylittlegirlI'dbeenabletocommunicatewithpeoplewhowerenolonger living.InthebeginningI'dcalledthemspookers,asmostofthemwereslightlyspookytoa littletykelikeme,butafewIrecognized,likemygrandfatherandmyauntCarol.Gilleyknew aboutmytalent,andhadneverevenbattedaneyewhenI'dmakegeneralcommentstohim like,"Iwassittingonthesubwaytodayandthiswoman'sdeadhusbandtoldmehe'd suspectedallalongshewasreallyalesbian.Nowheknowsforsure." AndasirritatedasIwasatGilleyforsettingmeuplikethat,whenthegirlarrivedIknewIhad tohelpher.Iconnectedhertoherfather,bothhergrandparents,andafriendwho'ddiedina caraccident.Astheverygratefulgirlgotuptoleave,sheaskedmehowmuchIcharged. Now,I'mnotdense,butforwhateverreasonithadneverevenoccurredtometocharge moneyforthis,soIthinkIchargedhersomepaltrysum,liketwentydollars.Andafterher sessionI'dhadsixmorephonecalls,allfrompeopleexcitedtohearfromtheirdeceased relatives. TherestwashistoryI'dhadaboomingpracticegoingbythetimeGilleygraduated,andhe'd graciouslytakenovermanagingmyappointmentswhiledoingsomecomputerhackingonthe side.Ourbusinesschangedforeverafterwe'dgottenanunusualrequestfromawomanwho wasafraidtostayinherownhome.Aformerroommatehadhangedhimselfthere,andsince thenthingshadbeenweird. Itwasmyfirstbust,andthehighIgotfromitmademequitthemediumbusinessanddive headfirstintoghostbusting,whichI'vebeendoingeversince. ****

 Mycellrang,shakingmeoutofmymusings."Holliday,"IsaidasImovedDocfromthesteering wheeltomyshoulder. "Whereareyou?"Gilleydemanded. "I'monmyway,Gil.Takeachillpill." "M.J.,"hebeganGilley'sbigonlectures."Youhaveanappointmentin,liketwenty minutes!" "AndI'mamerefifteenaway,myfriend.Besides,youshouldbeproudofme.I'vealready collectedontheKettlemancase." "TheoneintheBackBay?" "Yep.Andbeforeyouremindmethatyouwereright,letmejustcongratulateyouonyour businessacumen." "Toldyouso,"hesaid,soundingsmug.IthadbeenGilley'sideatostartadvertisingtothereal estatecommunity.He'dbeenactivelysolicitingbrokersforafewweeksnow.

 "Youjustcan'tresistsayingit,canyou?"Iansweredwithachuckle. "It'smynature;whatcanIsay?Soaboutthisnextcase.IhavethescooponthisDr.Sable." "Cyberspyingagain?" "Iftheinformationexists,Imightaswelllookatit.Anyhoo,thisguyisworthbigandIdo meanbigbucks.Dr.StevenSableisthesonofAndrewJacksonSable." "Thattycoonwhooffedhimself?"Iasked,rememberingthenewsarticleI'dreadafewweeks ago. "That'stheone,"Gilleysang."Andhehasmajorconnections.M.J.,ifwepullthisoneoff,we couldbesittingpretty.WecouldbecomeafadforrichpeoplealloverNewEngland.You know,folksatcocktailpartiescouldaskoneanotheriftheirhomehasbeenbustedornot.We couldbethenextbigthing!" Irolledmyeyesandstifledthelaughthatwantedtoburbleupfrommythroat.Gilleywas alwayspredictingourimminentsuccess."Sure,sure.Sowhatelsecanyoutellmeabouthim?" "Oh,nothinginteresting"Gilleysaidquickly.Iknewhewashidingsomething.

 "Gil,"Isaid,myvoicedroppinganoctave,"'fessup.What'dhedo?" "Nothinghorrible,"Gilleysaid."He'sjusthadalittletroublewiththeIRSrecently." "Taxevasion?" "Nothingprovenyet.Imean,noindictmentshavecomedownsofar." Igroaned."Idon'twanttotakeworkfromacriminal,Gil." "M.J.,he'sinnocentuntilprovenguilty.Let'sjusthearhimout,okay?" "Fine,"Isaid,sighingatthetraffic.IwasstuckbehindashinyblackAstonMartin,acarthat hadtheabilitytogofromzerotosixtyin,like,threeheartbeats,buttheguydrivingthisone wasploddingalongdoingtenunderthepostedspeedlimit."Crap,"Isaidintothecellphone. "What'sthematter?"Gilleyasked.

"I'mstuckbehindtheBatmobile,andIcan'tmovearoundthisguy."Inoticedwithirritation thatthedriverhadhisheadcockedtooneside,talkingonhiscellphone."Man,Ihatepeople whotalkontheirphonesanddriveatthesametime." "Goodpoint.Letmeletyougo,"Gilsaid. "Uhright.Seeyouinfifteen,"Isaid,andhungup.Groaning,Iwaitedforaholeintrafficthat wouldallowmetoscootaroundthemoron,butthingsjustweren'tgoingmywaytoday.My eyeskeptinchingbackandforthtotheclockonthedash."Comeon,dude,"Imuttered."Just moveoveralittlesoIcangetaroundyou." Afterfourmoreblocks,anopportunitycameupformetoshootpasttheAston.AsIstomped onthegas,Irolleddownmywindowandyelled,"Getoffthefriggin'phone!" Themaninthecarnexttomeglancedover,andhisblankexpressionseemedtoask,What? IgavehimaquicksnarlwhileDocsquawked,"Getoffthefriggin'phone!I'mcuckooforCocoa Puffs!" **** Wearrivedwithbarelyaminutetospare,andIwastednotimeasIburstthroughthedoor. "You'regoingtogivemeaheartattackoneofthesedays,"saidamanaboutmyheight,with

thickbrownwavyhair,astrongjaw,andaRomannose,ashepointedtoaclockandhanded meafolder. "Iknow,Gil,Iknow,"Isaid,hurryingintomyoffice.JustasIhadputDoconhisperchIheard thefrontdoorofoursuiteopenandGilleyannouncejovially,"Goodmorning!YoumustbeDr. Sable.Sonicetomeetyou." DiscreetlyIshutmydoorandtossedmyjacketonthecoatrackinthecorner,satdownbehind mydesk,andpulledopenthefile.Apictureofahandsomemanwholookedtobeinhismid tolatefiftiesstaredbackatme,andIscowledasIreadtheheadlineofthearticle:Wealthy FamilyHeirQuestionedforTaxEvasion."Great,"Isaidwithaheavysigh. BeforeI'dhadachancetoreadthroughthefile,mydooropenedandinhustledGilleywitha lookofabsolutegleeonhisface."Ohmigod!M.J.,thisguyisgorgeous!" "Thedoctor?"Iasked,takenaback,becauseGilley'stastesneverventurednorthofhisown age. "Yes,he'sbeautiful,delicioushe'sDr.Delicious!" "Dr.Delicious!Dr.Delicious!"Doccalledfromhisperch. "Great,"Isaid,lookingoveratmyparrot."That'sallIneed."

 "Anyway,he'sfillingoutthepaperwork,andI'llsendhimrightin.Remember,bepolite,M.J. Wecouldusethisjob." "Yeah,yeah"Isaid,wavinghimaway. IskimmedtherestofthearticleandmovedontoanotheronethatdocumentedAndrew Sable'sdeath.ThearticlewasheavyonAndrew'sbackgroundasashippingtycoonandlighton detailsofhisdemise.Theofficialcausewaslistedassuicide,andnofurtherinvestigationwas planned.Iswitchedmyattentionovertotheothersideofthefolder,whereGilleyhadjotted hisnotesfromthetelephonecallhe'dreceivedfromDr.Sablethreedaysearlier. SablewasinterestedintalkingtotheghostofAndrew,whichhewasconvincedwascurrently hauntingthefamily'shuntinglodgeinupstateMassachusetts.Ifinishedscanningthenotesas mydooropenedagainandinsteppedGilley.Withahugesmileandagrandsweepofhishand heannounced,"M.J.Holliday,thisisDr.StevenSable." Istoodupandcamearoundmydeskasaverytall,broadshoulderedmanwithblackhairand ebonyeyesmovedthroughthedoorway.Heheldlittleresemblancetothemaninthearticle, asthiswasclearlysomeonemuchyoungerandmoreethniclooking."Hello,Dr.Sable,"Isaid, extendingmyhandtoshakehis."I'msorry,butIthoughtyouwereolder,"Isaid,shootinga lookatGilley. Gilleyglancedatthefileonmydeskandquicklyexplained."ThisisDr.StevenSable,the Second." "Ah,"Isaid,noddingmyheadandgesturingforhimtositdown.

 Takinghisseat,Dr.Sablesaid,"Thankyouforseeingme,MissHolliday."Hisdeepbaritonewas lacedwithanaccentIcouldn'tquiteplace. Gilleyexcusedhimself,givingmeawinkasheshutthedoor,andIresistedtheurgetorollmy eyes,sinceIcouldclearlyseehisfeetinfrontofthecrackatthebottomofthedoor.My partnerthoughtnothingofeavesdropping. "PleasecallmeM.J.,Dr.Sable,"Ioffered. "ThenpleasecallmeSteven,"hesaideasily,withahintofasmilethatfurtheraccentuatedhis goodlooks. Uhoh,Ithought.ThelastthingIneedisaclientthisattractive."So,tellmewhatbringsyou here?"Isaid,gettingrighttothepoint. "Imayneedyourassistance.Mygrandfatherhaspassedaway,andIwouldliketoemployyou totalkwithhimandfindoutthetruthofwhathappenedthedayhedied." AsIlistenedtoSteventalk,Icouldn'thelpbutfocusonthesoundofhisvoicemixedwiththat unusualaccent.ItseemedtobeacrossbetweenLatinandEuropean,andthesoundwassilky, asifheweremeltingabiteofchocolateonthebackofhistongue.Andtherewasalsoa measuredcadencetohisspeech,asifhewerethinkingofthewordsinhisnativelanguage first,thendoingthetranslationbeforespeaking."I'msorryforyourloss.Ihadheardyour grandfather'sdeathwasruledasuicide."

 "Incorrectly,"Stevensaid,hisfeaturestensing. "Isee,"Isaid,studyinghim."Andwhydoyoususpecthedidn'tcommitsuicide?" "Hishowdoyousayit,thiswomanwhocleanstheresidence?" "Hishousekeeper?" "Yes,that'sit.Shesaidmygrandfatheraskedforoatmealthemorninghedied." NowIfigure,giventhestuffIdoforaliving,thatI'veseenandhearditall.ButI'llhaveto admitwhenStevenmadethatstatementitwasreallyhardnottolooksurprised."Come again?"Iaskedwhenheofferednofurtherexplanation. "Thenightbeforehisdeathmygrandfathertelephonedmeandsaidthathe'dbeentohis physician,whosuggestedhischolesterollevelwaselevator." "Elevator?"Iasked,workinghardtohidemysmirk."Ithinkyoumeanelevated."

Stevenwavedhishand."Yes,yes.Itwaselevated.AsIwassaying,mygrandfatherdidn'tliketo takepills,soheaskedifIhadanyadviceforhim.Itoldhimtobeginwithhisdiet,andtry oatmealinsteadofhisusualbaconandeggs." "Uhhuh"Isaid,tryingtoconnectthedots."Sobecausehetookyouradviceandhadoatmeal forbreakfastyouthinkhewasn'tsuicidal." "Correct,"Stevensaid,noddinggravely."Mygrandfatherwasnotdepressed.Heenjoyedhis lifeandwasinexcellenthealth.Hewasn'tinpain,andhismentalstatewasverygood.Soyou canseetherewasnoreasonforhimtoturntosuicide." "Howexactlydidyourgrandfatherdie?"Iasked.ThearticleI'dreadhadbeenlightonthegrim details. "Itismybeliefthathewasforcedofftheroofofhishuntinglodge." "Longwaydown?"Iasked,picturingalogcabininthewoodssomewhere. "Threefloors." "Ouch,"Isaid,wincing."Areyousurehedidn'tjustfalloutawindoworsomething?"

"Thewindowsonthethirdstoryareallhowdoyousay,pushedback?" "Recessed,"Ioffered. "Yes,recessedabovetheroofofthesecondfloor,whichcomesoutoverthewestsideofthe lodge.Mygrandfather'sslipperwasfoundontheroof." Inodded."Whichmeanshewouldhavehadtoclimbthroughthewindowandlowerhimself ontotheroof,thenwalkseveralfeettotheedge." "Correct,"Stevensaid. "Sowhowouldgainfromyourgrandfather'spassing?" "Itwouldbeeasiertotellyouwhowouldn't,"Stevenrepliedwithafrown. "AndGilleytellsmethatyou'vewitnessedyourgrandfather'sghostwalkingthelodge's property?"

"Yes,lastweekend.Iinheritedthelodgefrommygrandfather,andIdecidedtospendthe weekendthere.Iarrivedlateatnightandwentstraighttobed.InthemiddleofthenightI heardmygrandfather'svoice.Hecalledtome." "Couldhavebeenadream,"Icommented.Ididn'treallythinkitwasadream,butdecidedit mightbewisetoplaydevil'sadvocateandseejusthowseriousthisyoungdoctorwas. "Itwasnotadream.Iwasawake.Andthen,whenIwenttothehallwaywhereIheardhis voice,hewhisperedmynameinmyear,andIfelthistouchonmyback,butwhenIturned aroundhewasnotthere." "What'dyoudo?" Stevensmiledsheepishly."Imustadmit,Igatheredmythingsandquicklyleft.Itfrightenedme agreatdeal." Iinhaledabreathandsatupstraight.Leaninginovermydesktorestmyelbowsonthe blotter,Isaid,"Okay,Steven.GilleyandIwillgivethisago.We'llneeddirectionstothelodge andakeytogetin.AndIknowGilleyhasalreadytalkedtoyouabouthowdifficultitcanbeto communicatewithghosts,soifImakecontactthere'snoguaranteethatyourgrandfatherwill telluswhathappenedtohim." "Iunderstand,"Stevensaid."WhichiswhyIamcomingwithyou."

"Excuseme?"Iasked,cockingmyhead. "DidIsaysomethingincorrectly?"heaskedme. "No,yousaidthatlastbitfine;it'sjustthatwedon'tallowclientstoaccompanyuswhenwe doourthing." "Whynot?" Iblinkedathimafewtimes.Thetruthwas,otherthanthinkingtheywouldgetintheway,I hadn'treallythoughtupagoodreasonwhynot."Because,withallduerespect,you'lllikelyget intheway.GilleyandIworkalone." Stevengavemealookthatsaidhewasn'tbuyingit.Afteramomenthesaid,"M.J.,Iam believingyouthatyouandyourpartnercanworkmycasealone,butIamstillhowwould yousaywithconcernoverallthisthingyoudo." "You'reskepticalaboutourabilities,"Iclarified. "Yes,septical.Iamaseptic."

IpulledmylipsintoagrimacesothatIwouldn'tsputteragiggleatSteven'suseorabuseof theEnglishlanguage."Isee,"Isaidafteramoment,tryingtothinkofawaytoconvincehim therewasnofrickin'wayI'dallowhimalong. Stevencontinued,"So,ifIemployyou,itwillbewiththe...eh,term?" "Condition." "Yes,conditionthatIwillbeinvolvedinthiserbust,asyousayonyourWebsite." Iraisedaneyebrowandrepliedfirmly,"Sorry,Doc,GilleyandIworkalone." "DociscuckooforCocoaPuffs!"myparrotannouncedfromhisperch. Steventurnedinhischairtolookatmyparrot."Funnybird,"hesaid. "He'snottalkingaboutyou,"Iwasquicktoexplain,mentallyslappingmyselfforusingDoc's nametoaddressSteven. "Dr.Delicious!Dr.Delicious!"Docsang,flutteringhiswingsandsidesteppingalonghisperch.

 Stevenchuckled."Veryvocal." "Getoffthefriggin'phone!"Docyelled,bobbinghishead. AtthatStevenlookedsharplyatmeandasked,"Whatkindofcardoyoudrive?" "AVolvo,"Iansweredtentatively. "Whatcolor?" "Silver,why?" "ThismorningwhenIwascomingtohere,awomaninasilvercarshoutedatmetogetoffmy cellphone,thenhowdoyousayshezigzaginfrontofme?" Igulped."Cutyouoff,"Isaid. "Yes,cutmeoff."

 "Doc'scuckooforCocoaPuffs!" Ifeltmyfaceflush."Ha,ha.Yeah,sorryaboutthat,"Isaid,mortified."Iwasrunningalittlelate forthisappointmentandobviouslyIdidn'trealizeitwasyou." "Iwasonthephonewiththehospital.Oneofmypatientswasindistress." "Again,I'mreallysorryaboutthat,"Isaid,kickingmyselfundermydesk."Igetgrouchywhen I'mlateforanappointment." "Popgoestheweasel!"Docchirped.Imadeamentalnotetoremembertomovethatperch outbyGilley'sdesk,really,reallysoon. "Ifyouarepreventingmefromcomingalong,MissHolliday,thenIseenoneedtotalkany more,"Stevensaidformally,hisvoicesuddenlytight. Istaredathimunblinkinglyforafewmoments,irritatedthathewastryingtobackmeintoa corner.FinallyIextendedmyhandacrossthedeskandsaidcrisply,"Itwasapleasuremeeting you,Dr.Sable.Thankyouforcomingin,andgoodluckfindingsomeonetohelpyouwithyour case." Chapter2

 AfterSableleftandI'dduckedoutonGilleyandthetantrumhewasabouttothrowattheloss ofamajorclient,IdecidedthethingIneededwasagoodcupo'joe.Thisbroughtmeto Starbucks,whichwasamereblockaway,andfromthereIcrossedthestreettomyfavorite hangoutMamaDell's. Now,MamaDell'sisalsoacoffeeshop,atleastintheory.Theplaceisalwayspacked,butthe allureisdefinitelynottheJava.Thepatronsdon'treallyknowwhyMama'ssecretbrewtastes liketar,butthefactthatabsolutelynooneiswillingtotellMamaaboutitmakesforoneofthe bestinsidejokesinArlington. MamaDellisfromSouthCarolinaandhasadelightfulSouthernaccentthatbringsoutmyown. ShecametoBostonthirtyoddyearsagoonafullscholarshiptoHarvard,majoringin biotechnology,andmethersoulmate,atall,kindmanknownonlyastheCaptain. Togetherthetwoworkedonsomebiophysicsprojectthatresultedinapatentandahuge chunkofmoney.Theytooktheirbundleofcashandinvesteditinacoffeeshop.Theinteriorof MamaDell'sisinviting,withplentyofoverstuffedloveseatsandcomfychairsarrangedincozy littlegroupingswherepacksofpedestrianscanmingleandhangout. Onashelfbythedoorarerowsoforiginalandoftenhilariouscoffeemugsgatheredfrom allovertheUnitedStatesandafewforeigncountries.Regularscomein,discreetlypourtheir Starbuckscoffeeintotheirfavoritemug,headtothecounterforapastry,andloungetheday oreveningaway. I'dfirstmetDellandtheCaptaintwoyearsagotheywereoneofmyveryfirstclients,and they'dcalledonmetoridtheplaceofahyperactivepoltergeistwhoinsistedonsmashingall theoriginalcoffeemugstopieces.Ithadtakenmealmostaweek,butI'dfinallycorneredthe

ghostofaBritishsoldierwho'dbeentrappedsincetheRevolutionaryWar,andsenthimonhis surlyway. InatownfullofNewEnglandaccents,IfoundalittletasteofhomewheneverIwasaround Dell,andIhadquicklybecomearegular. Ibreezedthroughthedoor,tuckingmyStarbuckscoffeeundermycoat,andIlookedformy mugonthewall,frowningwhenIcouldn'tfindit. "Morning,M.J.!"MamaDellsangwhenshesawme. "Hey,there,Dell,"Isaid,stillscanningtheshelvesfortheHalloweenmugwithablackcat paintedonthecupandahandleshapedlikeaghost."Haveyouseenmymug?" "I'vegotitinthedishwasher;someonewasinearlierandusedit.Itshouldbeoutina moment.Whydon'tyougohaveaseatandI'llbringitoverwhenit'sclean.Youtakeitblack, right?"sheasked. Damn.I'dforgottentheextraemptycupIusuallyorderedatStarbucksjustincaseDell managedtofillmycupwithherblack,syrupybrewbeforeIhadachancetodumpmyown coffeein."Yep.Great.Black.I'llbeoverthere,"Isaid,pointingtomyusualtableandthe familiarfaceIsawsittingthere.

DellhurriedintothebackwhileImademywayovertotheblondwomanseatedatourtable bythefireplace."Mornin',M.J.,"shesaidasIapproached. "Hey,Teeko,goodtoseeyou,"Irepliedtomybestgirlfriend.Teekoisnotactuallyhername, mindyou.It'sacombinationofherinitials,K.O.,plusaTonthefrontbecausethewomanisa totalknockout.KarenO'Nealisfivefeet,sixinchesofuttergorgeousness,withlonglegs,blond hair,andveryblueeyes.Thereisalsoanairofsupremeconfidenceabouther,butwithouta hintofcondescension. Todayshewasdressedinherusualstylefabulouswearingkneehighsuedeboots,silk gauchopants,andabeautifullowcutembroideredsilkblousethatshowedoffthe"ladies" somethingfierce."Geez,Karen,"IsaidasIsatdown."Tryingtoputsomeone'seyeoutwith thosethings?" Teekolaughedandmovedherlaptopovertomakeroomforme."What'swrongwithallowing thegirlsalittleairandsunlight?"sheasked.Atthatmomentagentlemanwalkingbyourtable trippedoverachairandspilledcoffeealloverhimself. "You'reahazard,"Iwhisperedwithagrinaswewatchedhimmophisshirtwithhisnapkin. "Youshouldcomewithroadflaresandsometrafficcones." "SohasMamaDelltoldyouyet?"sheaskedme,changingthesubject. Toldmewhat?"Iasked.

"Abouttheguy?" "Whatguy?" "Theguyshewantstosetyouupwith." "Noooo,"Isaidwithagroan."Teeko,youhavegottohelpmeouthere.Thelastguysheset meupwithchewedwithhismouthopen,andthatwasthemostattractivethingabouthim." Teekogiggled."Itcouldn'thavebeenthatbad,"shesaid. "Hehadhairplugs!"Iadded,grabbingherarmasIsawMamamakingabeelinetowardme, Halloweenmuginhand. "Well,I'veseenthisone,M.J.,andallIcansayisyummy." "You'rekillingme,"IsaidundermybreathasMamareachedourtable. "Hereyougo,M.J.Black.Justlikeyoulikeit."

 MycupfromStarbuckswascarefullyhiddenundermycoat,andasIlookedatMamait becameclearshewaswaitingformetosipthecoffeetomakesureitwastomyliking.Teeko hidagrinasIsmiledgamelyandraisedthemugtomymouth.MakingaloudslurpynoiseI sippedjustatinybit.Itwasgodawful."Mmmmm!"Isaid,chokingitdown."Perfect.Thanks, Dell." Mamarockedontheballsofherfeet,abiggrinonherface."It'smyspecialrecipe,"shesaid. "Delicious,"Isaid,andcoughed,thenquicklyclearedmythroat,muttering,"Damnallergies." Teekostifledagiggle. "I'msogladyou'rehere!"Mamasaidwithalittlehandclap."KarenandIjustmetthemost wonderfulmanand" "I'mbusytonight,"Isaidquickly. "Youare?"Teekosaid,lookingatmewithbiginnocenteyes.I'dhavetokillherlater. "Yes,"Isaid,givinghertheevileye."Ihaveaghostbusterthing." "Can'tyougetoutofit?"Teekoasked.Yep,shewasdefinitelymincemeat.

 "Nope." "Isthisthatbigjobyou'vebeenworkingon?"Teekoaskedme.Ahhh.Finally,somehelp! "Yep.Sureis." "TheoneGilley'sbeentalkingabout?"Iwasn'tsurewhereshewasgoinghere,butIlikedthe direction. "Uhhuh.Theveryone,"Isaid,noddingmyheadvigorously. "Oh,well,inthatcase,Mama,"shesaid,turningtoDell,"youcancallourmanandtellhim M.J.wouldbehappytomeethimonSaturday,becauseGilleyexpresslytoldmethatyour nightofffromthisbigcasewasSaturday."Crap.Teekowasbackonmyshitlist. "Perfect!"Dellsaidwithasnapofherfingers."I'llgocallhimrightnow.M.J.,youaregoingto lovethisone!AndyouknowI'mrarelywrongaboutthesethings!"sheaddedasshebustled off. Now,itwastruethatMamahadacertainreputationtouphold.Afterall,shewasthepremier matchmakerinthemetroBostonarea.Andshereallydidseemtohaveaknackforbringing therightcouplestogether.Itwasalsotruethathertrackrecordwassomewhereinthe

ninetiethpercentilebutwhenitcametome,thatwomancouldnomorefindmesomeone suitablethanshecouldbrewagoodcupofcoffee. AsMamahurriedawayIturnedonTeeko."Whatareyoudoingtome?"Iaskedhersharply. "Youneedtodosomethingotherthanwork,work,work" "Ilikework,"Isaid. "andsitaloneinthatcondoofyourslettingthebestyearsofyourlifedriftby,afraidof puttingyourselfouttherebecauseyoumightgetrejected." Iscowledather."It'snotthateasy,Teek,"Isaid.Shegavemealookthatsaid,Oh,please,soI elaborated."Firstofall,Ireallydolikemywork.AndI'minthemiddleoftryingtobuildthis businessanddonotneedthedistractionofarelationshiprightnow." "Soyouwork,"Teekosaidwithashrug."Plentyofbusysinglesgettogetherandmakeit happen.Goingoutwithsomeonedoesn'tmeanyoubecomejoinedatthehip,forGod'ssake, M.J." Again,Iscowledather."Granted.Butalongwithmyverybusyschedule,it'sjustnoteasyfor me."

 "It'snoteasyforanybody,myfriend,andyetpeopledopairup." "Normalpeoplepairup,notpeoplelikeme." "Peoplelikeyou?Whatdoyoumeanbythat?" Iswirledtheblackliquidaroundinmymugforaminutebeforeansweringher."Teeko,most mendonotwanttodateawomanwhocantalktodeadpeople.Theythinkit'sfreaky,weird, hell,eventhatguywiththeplugscouldn'twaitforthenighttoend.I'mjusttiredofseeingthat lookintheireyes,isall." "Whatlook,specifically?" "ThatI'mcuckooforCocoaPuffs,"Isaidborrowingaquotefrommyparrot. Karenthrewherheadbackandgaveaheartylaugh."M.J.Holliday,"shesaid,shakingher headbackandforth."I'veneverknownyoutobeafraidofanything.You'rethebravest womanIknow,infact." Irolledmyeyesandstaredatthewall.Thisentireconversationwasreallymakingme uncomfortable.Teekocontinued."YouwalkintoplacesspookierthantheAmityvilleHorror, anddealwithstufftwiceasfreaky,butgoingoutonalittledatehasyoucluckinglikea chicken."

 "It'snotthatI'mscared,"Isaiddefensively."Ijustdon'tfeellikedealingwithit." "Whatyouneedtofindisarealman.Someonewho'snotintimidated,"Teekomused."AndI swear,thisguythatDellandImettoday,hejustmightbeabletogiveyouarunforyour money." "He'sprobablyacommitmentphobe,"Igroused.SometimesIcanreallybearayofsunshine. Teekolaughedagain."He'snotacommitmentphobe,andtrustme,Iamanexpertatspotting those." "HowisJohnthesedays,bytheway?"Iaskedher,referringtoherbeauofthreeyears,John Dodge. Teeko'ssmilewavered."Actually,"shesaid,turningherattentiontoherowncupofcoffee,"he proposedthenightbeforelast." Thatgotme.Johnwasaverywealthyrealestatetycoon,andhadrecentlybeenvotedoneof Boston'smosteligiblebachelors.IthadalwaysbeenmyfirmbeliefthatJohnlikedhis bachelorhood,andheneverseemedthetypetogetdownonbendedkneeanddotheright thingbyKaren,sothisnewswasquiteasurprise."Hewhat?"Iasked.

"IgavehimthemarrymeorI'mgoneultimatum,andheproposed." "You'reengaged?"Isaid,readytothrowmyarmsaroundherinagianthug. "No." "No?" "Isaidno." "DidImisssomething?" "M.J.,"shesaid,turningtome."IrealizedthemomentIgavehimthespeechabouttakingthe plungeorI'moutofherethatitwasthewrongwaytogetwhatIwanted.WhatIwantwhat I'vealwayswantedisforittobeJohn'sidea.Forhimtolovemesomuchthathewaswilling tomakethecommitmentallonhisown." "Sowhathappened?"Iasked,reachingouttosqueezeherarm. "Ilefthim."

 "Youdidn't!"Isaid. "Yes.We'redone,"shesaidasInoticedthesmallestquivertoherbottomlipbeforeshe clearedherthroatandshookherheadalittle,tryingtoholdittogether. Isatthere,stunned.TeekohadbeendatingJohnsolongthatIdidn'tthinkthey'deversplitup. Truthfully,I'dalwaysthoughtthatiftheendevercame,itwouldbeJohn'sidea.Thefactthat Karenhadhadthecouragetowalkawayfromsomethingshe'dwantedsomuchandaman she'dabsolutelyadoredflooredme."Iamsosorry,"wasallIcouldsay. Teekosmiledsadlyatmeandreachedovertosqueezemyhand."Don'tbe,"shewhispered. "I'mfine." Icockedaskepticaleyebrowather. "Seriously,"shesaid,andthesmilebrightenedjustabit. "Sonowwhat?"Iaskedher. "NowIletMamafixmeupwithwhomevershewants,"shesaid,indicatingthepaperwork she'dbeenworkingonwhenIwalkedup.

 InoticedthatitwasoneofMama'sprofilesheets,wheresingleapplicants,likegullibleme, filledoutanextensivequestionnaire."You'rereallyjustgoingtothrowyourselfoutthere?"I asked. "Youbetcha,"Teekosaidwithasmile."Youcan'tletlifepassyouby,M.J.You'vegotto becomeanactiveplayerincreatingyourownfuture.You,morethananyone,should understandthat." Shehadmethere.HowmanygroundedspiritshadIcomeacrosswhoweresimplystuck becausetheyrefusedtomoveforward,whileallaroundthemthelivingmarchedonwiththeir livesasthespiritsjustresentfullywatched? WithasighIsaid,"Whenyou'reright,you'reright,Teeko.Okay,I'llgoonthisdate,buttellme abouttheguy.Ishenormal?" Karensmiledbrightlyatme."Oh,he'ssonotnormalyou'resuretofallforhim."Shelaughed. Icockedmyheadather."He'sweird?" "No.Mostdefinitelynotweird.He'sfabulous,andcompletelynotwhatyouwouldpickfor yourself." Iscowledather."Sowhywouldyouthinkhe'sagoodmatchforme?"

 "Becauseyourtrackrecordprovesthatyoujustcan'tpick'em,M.J." Shehadmethere."Whatdoeshelooklike?" "Nope,"shesaid,holdingupherhandandshakingherhead."Youwillgetnodetailsfromme. You'lljusthavetoapproachthiswithanopenmind." "Thathasneverbeenmystrongsuit,"Iadmitted. "Whichisexactlywhyyou'llneedtoadoptitasyournewattitude.Now,I'vegottogo.Callme Sundayandletmeknowhowitwent."Andwiththatshegotup,gavemeapeckonthecheek, andheadedovertoMama'stoturninherprofile.Iwatchedthefireinthefireplacefora while,thinkingaboutallshe'dsaidandstrugglingwithhowrightshewas. Gilleyhadbeensayingthesamethingtomeforyears,andafterawhilehe'dgivenup, knowingIwasjusttoodamnstubborntochange."It'sallset,"Iheardofftomyleft. IlookedupandsawMamabackatmytable,herexcitementbubblingoverasshebounced againontheballsofherfeet."What'sallset?"Iasked. "Tomorrownight.He'sgoingtomeetyouatTango'satsixthirtysharp."

 Ah.Theblinddate.MaybeIcouldmilkMamafordetails."Sotellmeaboutthisfabulousman,"I said,puttingonmymostinvitingsmile. "Oh,no,"Mamasaidwithachuckle."Teekotoldmenottotellyouanything.Shedoesn'teven wantmetotellyouhisname,becausesheknowsyou'lljusthaveGilleycyberspyonhimand findlotsofexcusestogetoutofgoing." Crap.Foiledagain."Okay,sohowwillIknowhim?"Iasked,tryingtohidetheimpatienceinmy voice. "He'llbewearingblack,"Dellsaid. "Thatnarrowsitdown." "Itoldhimyou'dbewearingthesame." "Ah,"Isaid,givingheralook."Funeraltheme.Thisshouldbebucketsoffun!" "Trytohaveagoodtime,"Mamasaid,apleainhervoice.

 Ipulledinthesarcasmandreachedforherhand,"Okay,Mama.Sorry.I'lldomybest." "Ihaveagoodfeelingaboutthisone,M.J.,"shesaid. Ifailedtoremindherthatshe'dhadagoodfeelingabouttheotherfivedudsshe'dfixedmeup withandsimplynodded."Okay,Mama.I'llbethere,inblack,atsixthirty." Mamaseemedtorelaxandleanedintogivemeahug."That'smygirl,"shesaid. "Awww.AHallmarkmoment,"Iheardbehindher,andIlookeduptoseethatGilleyhad arrived."What'dImiss?"heaskedasheploppeddownintheseatTeekohadbeensittingin. "I'vesetM.J.uponadate,"Mamasaid,releasingme. "Andsheletyou?"Gilleysaid,givingmeawink. "Shehadverylittlechoiceinthematter.KarenandIdoubleteamedher." "Ooooh.Youplayrough,"Gilleysaid."When'stheblessedevent?"

 "Tomorrownight.Gilley,wouldyoumakesureshe'sdressedandready?"Mamasaid. "What'stheattire?"Gilleyasked. "I'msittingrighthere,youknow,"Igroused. Mamaignoredme."Black.Iknowshe'llgoforpantsandabaggysweater,butmaybeyoucan getherintosomethingalittlemorevava?" "Leaveittome,Mama.I'llevenaddsomevoom,nocharge." "I'mleaving,"Isaid,gettingupfromthetable. "You'renotgoinganywhere,M.J.Weneedtotalk,"Gilleysaidsternly. Mamaglancedathim,thenbackatme,andsaid,"I'dbettergetbacktothecounterandhelp theCaptain.Thelunchrushshouldstartanysecond."Andwiththatshewasgone.

Reluctantly,Isatbackdownandlookedatmybusinesspartner.IcouldtellGilleywasmiffed.I knewI'dplayeditwrongwhenI'dannouncedtohimthatwewouldn'tbetakingtheSablecase andboltedforthenearestexit."What'sonyourmind,Gil?" "Don'tbecoy,M.J.WehadasolidleadwithDr.Sable.Whatthehellhappened?" ItookacovertsipofmynowcoldStarbuckscoffeeandshruggedmyshoulders."Wecouldn't reachanagreement." "Wasitoverprice?Becausewecouldstillcuthimadeal." "No,itwasn'tprice." Gilleywaitedmeout,andIdidmybesttofillthepregnantsilencebystirringmycoffee."I'm waiting,"Gilleysaidafterafewmoments. Isighedandmethiseyes."Hewantedtobeapartofthebust." Gilleygavemeapuzzledlook."And?"

"Andnothing,"Isaid,lookingbackatthefire."Ididn'twanthimtogetinourway,soIturned himdown." Gilleytookseveralsecondstosputterincoherently,beforeraisinghisvoiceafewoctaves. "Youcannotbeserious!" Iscowledathim,"PrettysureIam,Gil." "M.J.,"hebegan,hisvoicelowandirritated."Doyourealizewehaven'thadareallygood paycheckinseveralweeks?" "IjustgotpaidontheKettlemanjobtoday,"Iinterjected. "Whichbarelycatchesusuptocurrent!"Gilleyscreeched.Seeingseveraleyeslookinour direction,heclearedhisvoiceandtriedagain."Wecannotkeepdoingthis,"hesaidtome."I gotintothispartnershipwithyoubecauseIthoughtithadpotential,andfromdayoneyou havesetlimitsthathaverestrictedourincome.Ihaveamortgagetopay,andsodoyou!"he chastised. "I'mfullyawareofmyfinancialobligations,"Isnappedback. "Thenwhy,M.J.?Whywouldyouturndownsuchagoodandprofitablejob?"

 IfrownedasIsearchedforareasonGilleywouldaccept."Because,"wasallIcouldcomeup with. "Becausewhy?"Gilleypressed. "Becauseweworkalone,Gil!Theminuteweinviteourclientsalongonabustisthemoment welosecontrol." Gilleyshookhisheadbackandforth.Icouldtellhewasstrugglingwithhispatience."Youcan't haveitbothways,myfriend,"hefinallysaid. "I'msorry?"Iasked. "Youcannotdowhatyoudoandexpectthatthereisonlyonewayyou'regoingtogetthejob done.Ifweturndowneveryonebuttheoneswhofitspecificcriteria,thenwe'llgobankrupt." "Ididn'trealizeweweredoingsopoorly,"Isnapped. "That'sbecauseIdothebooks.Youwon'tallowmetobookreadingsanymore,whichquite franklywaskeepingussolidlyintheblack.M.J.,you'vegottobewillingtocompromise. Runningyourownbusinessistoughenough,andmayIremindyouthatweliveinoneofthe mostexpensivecitiesinthecountry?"

 Ididn'treply,butsimplyglaredathim.ApparentlytodaywasLectureM.J.Day. Gilleyignoredtheglareandcontinued."Now,IwantyoutothinkaboutwhatI'vesaid.And youthinkhard,becauseifyouwantmetocontinueinthispartnershipthenyou'regoingto havetobewillingtomakesomeallowancesforourclients." "Soit'scometothat?"Iasked,shockedthatGilleywasplayinghardball. "It'scometothat,"Gilsaid,andstoodup."I'mheadedtoameetingwithanothergroupof Realtors.Doc'sbeenfedandwatered.I'llcallyoulaterandwecandiscussoptionsforyour dateonSaturday,andbyoptionsImeangetyourMasterCardout,becausethereisnothing evenremotelysuitablehanginginthatclosetofyours." "Gil"Istarted,wantingtosaysomethingthatwouldmakethingsallrightbetweenus. "GohomeandthinkaboutwhatI'vesaid,"Gilsaid,cuttingmeoff.Andwithaquickkissonthe topofmyheadhewasoff. IsatthereinMamaDell'sforalittlewhile,wonderingwhythewholeworldwantedtopickon me,thendecidedtoshakemyselfoutofmyfunkbytakingawalk.WithawavetoMamaDell,I headedoutthedoorandbegantowalkthefewblocksthatmakeupArlingtonCenter.

Igazedwithoutlookingintostorefrontsmadeupofquaintboutiquesandgiftshopsasmy thoughtsloopedaroundtheconversationsI'dhadthatmorning.FirstwithDr.Sable,thenwith Teeko,andfinallywithGilley.IthinkIwasmostupsetbyGilley'sultimatumnotthatIcould blamehim. ItalsosuckedthatIknewhewasrightonthemoney.IfGilleft,I'dbetotallyscrewedthe manevenbalancedmycheckbook.WhatwasIgoingtodowithouthim? AsmythoughtscontinuedtoswirlIlookedupatthestorefrontIwaspassingandstopped short.There,inthewindow,wasagorgeousblackcocktaildress.Isnickeredtomyself, becauseitwassoobvioustheuniversehadsetmeup,thentookabigbreathandwalked inside.Iwasmetbyapleasantlyplumpyoungwomanwhocouldn'thavebeenadayover nineteen. "Hi!"shesaidenthusiastically. "Goodafternoon,"Ireplied. "Needsomehelp?" "Isawthatdressinthewindow,"Isaid,pointingbehindme."CanItryiton?" "Sure!Whatareyou,aboutasizefour?"

 "Aboutthat,"Isaid,thankingmyselfformydailyrunandahealthymetabolism. "Thedressrunssmall,soI'llbringyouasixjustincase." Gee,justwhenIwasridingasizinghigh."Great.WheredoIgo?"Iasked,turningmyhead aroundthesmallboutique. "Rightoverthere,"shesaid,pointingtoacurtainedroomofftomyleft. ThreeminuteslaterIwasstaringatmyselfinthemirrorandthinkingthatImustdefinitelybe crazy.Thedresswaswaytooshort.Okay,soitwasalsowaytoolow.ThiswasadressTeeko wouldwearinaheartbeat,butdiditreallysuitme?Justthentherewasaknockontheoutside ofthedressingroom."How'sitgoinginthere?" "Uh"IsaidasIscowledatthemirror. Withoutwarningthecurtainwaspulledasideandthesalesclerkpokedherheadin."Ohmigod! Youaretotallysmokin'inthatdress!"shesquealed. Iwincedatthepitchinhervoice."Youdon'tthinkit'stooshort?"

 "Noway,youhavegreatlegs." "Toolow?" "Foryouoranun?"sheasked.Ah,aclevernineteenyearold. "I'mserious,"Isaid,hikinguptheneckline. "SoamI,"shesaid,steppingforwardtogentlytugthenecklinebackdown."Honest,youlook amazing.DidyouknowyoucouldbeSandraBullocks'ssister?" Igetthatallthetime,andwhileIloveSandyandthinkshe'sabrilliantactress,aftersomany yearsofbeingrememberedasthechickwholooksjustlikeher,Iwaswishingmyfacewerea littlelessfamiliar."SoI'vebeentold,"Isaid,turningaroundtoviewmyrear."Doesmybutt lookbig?" "No,"shesaidwithagiggle."Andevenifitdid,guysareintobigbutts.You'vesogottabuythis dress!" "Gilleywouldbeproud,"IsaidquietlyasIturnedbackandtriedtosquaremyshoulderssoit wouldappearIwassomeoneconfidentenoughtowearthistypeofthingeveryday.

 "Who?" "Noone."Isighed."Okay,I'lltakeit,butjustincase,what'syourreturnpolicy?" **** Laterthatnight,whileGilleycookeddinneratmyplace,Imodeledthedressforhim.Ithought hiseyesweregoingtopopoutofhishead."Dialnineoneone!"heshouted. "What?"Iasked,alarmed. "Emergency?"hesaid,puttinganimaginaryphonetohisear."Comequick!We'vegota womanonfireoverhere!" "Iknewit,"Isaid,headingbackintothebedroom."I'mreturningitinthemorning." Iheardquickfootstepsbehindme,andjustasIwasabouttoturnaroundIheardasnipping sound.

"Hey!"Iyelled,whirlingaroundtocatchGilley,scissorsinonehandandsalestagintheother. "Gil,whatareyoudoing?" "YoureturnthatdressandIwillpersonallyspankyou,"hesaidwithagrin. "It'snotme!"Icomplained,reachingforthezipper."Idon'tevenknowwhyIboughtit." "Becauseforthefirsttimeinforeveryouhadaclearthought?"Gilleysaid."M.J.,youhave beenalittleoldladysinceyouweresix.Isn'tittimeyoukickedyourheelsupandhavealittle funalready?" "Okay,"IsaidfrommybedroomasIpulledthedressoverthetopofmyheadandshrugged backintomysweats."Soriddlemethis:WhatifImeetthisguyandIhatehim?ThenIwill havejustspentafortuneonadressI'mnevergoingtowearagain." Therewasanaudiblesighfromthehallway."Don'tyougetthatit'snotaboutthisonedate?" Gilaskedme. "Whatdoyoumean?"Isaid,comingoutofthebedroom. "Thatdressisaboutyougettingoutofyourcomfortzone,whichiswhatI'vebeentryingtotell youtodoforlike,ever."

 "Ah,"Isaid,pouringmyselfaglassofwine."SowhyisitsoimportantIcomeoutofsaid comfortzone?Imean,Ihappentolikemyzone." "Why?" "Whywhat?" "Whydoyouliketoplayitsosafeallthetime?" Ithoughtaboutthatforalong,longmoment.FinallyIsaid,"Becauseitkeepsthingssimple.All theseyearsI'vebeenhappyhangingoutwithyouandputtingmyenergyintoourbusiness." "Notbuyingit,M.J.,"Gilsaidtome."WhatIthinkisthatyou'vebeensoafraidtorevealthe realyoutheonethat,sure,talkstodeadpeoplethatyou'velockedyourselfawayfromany chanceoflove.Yourapproachsincehighschool,hasbeen,'I'mgoingtogetrejectedanyway, sowhytry?'" "Andifyou'llrememberhighschool,itwasnopicnicforeitherofus." Gilbeamedatme."Thethingis,sweetie,thatwe'renolongerinhighschool.Grownupsare usuallyalotmoreopentoandtolerantoffolkslikeus."

 Ismiledathim."Folkslikeus?" "Quirky,"hesaid,walkingovertothestovetostirtheplumsaucehewascooking. "HowdidIendupsuchamess,Gil?"Iaskedhim. "Well,itwasn'tforlackofmetryingtogetyoutodosomethingdifferent." IlookedathimjustasDocsquawked,"Dr.Delicious!" "I'vebeenthinkingaboutwhatyousaidtomethismorning,"Isaidthoughtfully. "Icantell,"hesaid,pointingtomybedroom,whereI'dleftthedress."You'vebeensoul searching." Ismiled."IguessIhave.Anyway,Ithinkyou'reright.MaybeIhavebeenalittletoorigid.Any chanceyoucancallDr.Sableandaskhimforanotherinterview?"

"Ilefthimavoicemailthisafternoon,"Gilleysaidwithagrinashepulledaporkroastfromthe oven."Andbythewaytomorrowwearegoingshoeshopping,becauseyoucannotwear Birkenstockswiththatdress." **** ThenexteveningIdecidedtowalkthefourblockstoTango's,anArgentineansteakhousethat wasaparticularfavoriteofmine.BythetimeIwasablockandahalfintoitIreallywishedI'd drivenmycar,becausemyfeetwerekillingmeinthethreeinchheelsGilleyhadforcedmeto buy.AndtheskintightwowserofadresskeptridingupeverytimeItookmorethanfoursteps. BythetimeIreachedthefrontofTango'sIhaddecidedtosplurgeonacabhome.Walking intotherestaurantIshookmyhead,allowingthemanycurlsGilleyhadputinmyhairtonight tofluffoutalittlemore,andunbuttonedmycoat.Iwasmetbythehost,whogavemeone lookandputhishandtohisheart,"Seorita!Youarebreathtaking!MayIgiveyouatablein thewindowtoattractallthemenintowntonight?" Igiggledandgavemyhairanotherflip."Hello,Estevan.I'mactuallymeetingsomeonehere,so I'llsitwhereveryou'veputhim,"Isaid,nonchalantlyscanningtherestaurant. "Andwhoareyoumeeting?"Estevanasked. "Uh"Isaid,suddenlyrealizingIdidn'tevenknowmydate'sname."Youknow,that'sagood question.I'mononeofMamaDell'sdinners.Isthereasinglegentlemanherewaitingon someonefromMama's?"

 "Why,yes,thereis!"Estevansaid,lookingathisseatingchart."Ijustescortedamantoatable afewminutesago,andheiswaitingonhisperfectmatchfromMamaDell's." Iwasalreadyannoyed."I'mnotsosurewe'reaperfectmatch,"Isaidquickly."Actually,thisis ourfirstdate." "Isee,"Estevansaidashetookmycoat."Well,afterheseeshowbeautifulyoulooktonighthe mayconsideryousuch,no?" "Let'shopenot,"Isaidasmystomachbunched.Ihatedmenwhomovedtooquickly. "Rightthisway,"Estevansaidasheledmetowardadarksection.AsweapproachedatableI clenchedmyteethtohidemydisappointment.Themanseatedatthetablehadareceding hairline,largeears,andfishylookinglips.Historsowasthin,alongwithhisshoulders,andhis eyeshadanervouscasttothem.Hewasdressedinabrilliantgreensuedejacket,white turtleneck,andblackpants.Itsuitedhimhe'dmakeagoodturtle. Asweapproachedhelookedatmeandhismouthhungopen.Iforcedaplasticsmiletomylips whileinwardlyvowingtoboycottMamaDell'sforever.Estevanstoppedinfrontofthetable andsaid,"Seor,yourguesthasarrived." "Whoa,"Turtlesaid,lookingupatme.

Stillsmilingtightly,Istuckoutmyhandandsaid,"Hello,I'mM.J.I'mpleasedtomeetyou." "Whoa,"Turtlesaidagain. EstevanpulledoutmychairandIsatdown,wonderinghowIwasgoingtogetthroughthe eveningwithChattyCathyhere."Iloveyourjacket,"Itried. "Whoa." Inoddedmyhead."Yeah,yousaidthatafewtimesnow,"IsaidasIsnappedmynapkinand smootheditontomylap. Turtlegulpedaudibly. Iheldinasighandwentforsmalltalk."Iwasexpectingsomeoneinblack.Imean,MamaDell saidthatyouwouldbedressedinblack." Turtleogledmesilently,hiseyescrawlingfrommychestuptoaboutmyneck,thenback again.Ieyedthebreadbasketandthoughtabouttossingarollathispointyheadtogethis attentionbacktomyface."Anyway,"Isaid,dippingmychintotrytomeethisgaze,"likeIsaid, mynameisM.J."

Turtlegavemyeyesaquickglance,thenheadedsouthagaintorestonmydcolletage. "Andyouare?"Isaidthroughgrittedteeth.Iwastwosecondsawayfrompullingbackmychair andrunningforit. "Tooovercomebyyourbeautytospeak,"adeepbaritonesaidovermyleftshoulder. IturnedinmychairtoseeStevenSablegrinningatme.Ialsonoticedhewaswearingblack pants,ablacksilkshirt,andablackblazer.Gilandmybirdwereright:Hewasmostdefinitely delicious."Hello,"Isaid,lookingbackandforthbetweenTurtleandSteven. "AreyouheretomeetthemanfromMamaDell's?"heaskedme,themischievousgrinnever leavinghisfeatures. "You'remydate?"Iasked,standingquickly,ahugesenseofrelieffloodingthroughmeasI realizedIdidn'thavetospendonemoresecondwithWhoaTurtle. "Yes,"Stevensaid."AndIbelievethisishis,"headded,indicatingawomanbehindhimwitha blondpageboyandadarkgreenblouse. TurtlelookedfrommetotheblondeandsaidtoSteven,"That'sokay;Ilikethisgirlbetter."

Theblondelookedinsulted,soIwastednotime.Grabbingthewomanbythearmbeforeshe hadachancetorun,Isaid,"Ha!Heissuchafunnyguy!Boy,areyougoingtohaveagoodtime tonightorwhat?Nowsityourselfrightdownhere,honeyseethat?I'vealreadywanneditup foryou.Okay,youtwomakesomemagictogether,andremember,thewinehereisfabulous!I suggestabottleeach."AndwiththatIgrabbedSteven'shandandpulledhimbackoverto Estevan. "Seorita,Iammostsorry.IdidnotrealizeMamasentmetwocouplesfordinnertonight." "That'sfine,Estevan,don'tworryaboutit.Butnowwe'llneedatable,preferablyasfaraway fromthemasyoucanget." "S,s.Come,Iwillputyouinthewindowsothatpassersbycanseewhatbeautifulpeople frequentmyrestaurant." AminutelaterStevenandIweresittingprettyatatablebythelargepicturewindow.Estevan hadbustledofftogetusacomplimentarybottleofwine,andIrealizedthenthatIwas strugglingwithwhattosaynext.Wesatthereforafewmomentslookingatourmenusand takingsmallpeeksateachother.Idon'tknowwhyIhadn'tnoticeditthisafternoon,but Stevenhadmarvelousfeatures:strongjaw,fulllips,fabulouseyelashes.Takinghimallin visually,Icouldn'thelpbutwonderwhythisrich,goodlookingdoctorwouldneeda matchmakertofixhimup.Heseemedthetypetobedrippingwithwomen,agirlineveryport, sotospeak.Catchingmelookingathimthoughtfullyheasked,"Youwishtoaskme something?" "No,"Isaid,myeyesdartingbacktomymenu."Wellyes,"Isaidasecondlater.

"I'mlistening,"hesaid,stillgazingathisownmenu. "It'sjustthatofallthepeopleIwouldexpecttoneedMamaDell'sservices,youaredefinitely notoneofthem." "Whywouldyousaythat?"heaskedmeasheclosedhismenuandsetitdowninfrontofhim. "Haveyouseenyou?"Iasked,wavingahandathim. "Everymorninginthebathroommirror,"hesaidmatteroffactly. "YouknowwhatImean,"Isaid."Don'tgirlsjustthrowthemselvesatguyslikeyou?" "Guyslikeme?" "Yeah.Youknow,rich,handsomedoctortypes?" Stevenchuckledandsweptahandthroughhisblackhair."SoyourimpressionofmeisthatI amhowdoyouAmericanssaynotgettingany?"

 Iblinkedathimafewtimes.Wasthatmyimpression?"No,"IsaidasIclosedmyownmenu. "It'sjustthatIwouldthinkthatyouwouldlookatthistypeofthingasawasteoftimewhen youcouldjustaseasily" "M.J.,IcanassureyouthatIamnothavingtroublegainingtheattentionofthewomen,"he said,thedeeprumbleofhisvoicereverberatingoffthewindowpanenexttous. "Confident,arewe?"Isaid. "No.Iamjuststatingthetruthofthings." "Thenwhygotoamatchmaker?" Hechuckledsoftlyasheleanedinoverthetabletowardme,holdingmygazewithhisblack eyes."Ididnotgotoamatchmaker.AfterleavingyourofficeIstoppedforanespresso.WhileI wasatthisshopforcoffee,ImetthecharmingpatronknownasMamaDell.Shebegantalking withmeandtoldmethatsheknewofabeautifulwomanImustmeet,andsheofferedto arrangethisforme.AtfirstIwascautious,butshepersuadedmewithherehSouthern hospital." "Hospitality,"Isaid,smirkingabit.IhadtoadmitthatIfoundSteven'sabuseoftheEnglish languagequitecharming.

"Yes,yes,"Stevensaid,wavinghishand."Shallweorder?"heaskedasourwaiterappearedat ourtable. Bythetimewe'dgivenourorderandhadourglassesfilledwithwine,I'dmanagedtogeta littlegriponmyattractiontothemaninfrontofme,andIdidthatbyremindingmyselfthatif Ididn'tbringSable'sbusinessback,Gilleywouldhaveagiantcow.Sadly,thatmeantIcouldn't verywellmixbusinesswithpleasure.WhathappenedafterSteven'scasewassolved, howeverwell,I'djusthavetoleavethatuptofate. "Asithappens,"Ibeganinmymostprofessionalvoice,"Ihadmybusinesspartnertrytoreach youafteryouleftouroffice." "Yes,Ireceivedhisvoicemail,"Stevensaidcoolly. "I'vehadachancetodiscussyourtermswithhim,andIbelievewecanreachanagreement thatwillbemutuallybeneficialtoallparties." "Isee,"Stevensaidashepickedupthebasketofbreadandofferedittome.AfterIdeclined, hepulledoutapieceandbeganbutteringit."You'rewillingtoallowmetocomealong?" "Yes,"Isaid,studyingStevenclosely.Ididn'tknowwhatitwaswiththisguy,butIwashavinga heckofatimegettingagoodreadonhim."Thatis,inpart,yes." "Inpart?"heasked,meetingmyeyesagain.

 "I'mnotaprivateinvestigator.I'maghostbuster.AndeventhoughIhatethatparticular connotation,itdoesspecifywhatIactuallydo.Ihelpthosepoorsoulswhoarestuckbetween thisworldandtheonebeyondtomoveforward,tobustoutoftheirprison,sotospeak,and gotowheretheybelong.If,indoingthat,thetruthofyourgrandfather'sdemisecomesout, well,then,that'sjustgravy.IcannotguaranteethatwhatIdiscoverwillbesatisfactorytoyou." Stevenstudiedmeforawhile,chewinghisbreadandlookingthoughtful."Sotellmethis:How amItoknowthatyouarenotlying?" Ifrownedatthequestion."Excuseme?" "Asyouindicated,Iamquitewealthy.Andinthistimeofsorrow,mostvulnerable.HowdoI knowwhatyousayistrue?" Now,Igetthisquestionallthetime,butthewayStevensaidit,withjustahintof condescension,pissedmeoff."Howdoyourpatientsknowwhentheycometoseeyouthat you'reforreal?"Isnapped,crossingmyarmsandsittingbackinmychair. "BecauseIhavediplomasandcertificateswhichprovethatIwenttoschool,graduated,and passedthemedicalboardsinbothGermanyandthiscountry.Didyougotoschoolforthis?Do youhavediplomasIcansee?" "Yes,Iwenttoschool,butnotforthis.Theydon'tteachwhatIdoincollege,Steven."Ididn't bothertellinghimI'dspentonlytwoyearsinacommunitycollege.Bestnottoelaboratehere.

 "Youseemydilemma,then,"hesaid,wipingthecornersofhismouthwithhisnapkin."Iwill needsomekindof"hepaused,searchingfortheword"proofbeforeIagreetohireyou." "Youknow,it'samazingtomethatyoudoctorsgetstereotypedasegomaniacs.Truly,you're oneofthehumbleones,"Isnapped.Mytemperwasflaring.Ididn'tcareifthismanwas delicious.Currentlyhewasoneofthoseappetizersthatlookedgoodonabuffetuntilyoutried atinybite;thenyouwantedtostuffitintoacocktailnapkinbeforethehostesscouldseeyou. "Humilityhasnothingtodowiththis,"Stevensaid."Inmycountry,womenlikeyouare scorned.TheyaretheGypsiesthatpreyontouristsandusetheirmagictrickstodeceivethe foolish.Nooneinmystandingwouldeverthinktohiresomeonelikeyou.AndIamonly consideringthisbecauseIamwithouthope.So,youwishmetohireyou?ThenIwillneedto seesomeproofofyourabilitiesbeforeIdoso."Hefinishedbyleaningbackinhischair.The suspiciouslookhegavemesaidthathewouldbewatchingmecarefully,waitingtocatchmein anysleightofhand. Isnappedmymouthshut,realizingthatithadbeenhangingopenslightlyasIsoakedinthat Stevenwasassociatingmewithpettythieves."Firstofall,"Ibegan,myvoicedangerouslylow, "IamnoGypsy.Iamalegitimatebusinesswomanwithauniquetalentthatveryfewpeople possess.Second,andmostimportant,whatyou'renotgetting,"Isaid,stabbingafingerathim, "isthatyoudon'tmaketherules,Doc.Ido." WiththatIgottomyfeetandthrewmynapkinonthetable.Iwasabouttoturnonmyheel whentheinsultofbeingreferredtoasapossiblecharlatangotthebetterofme.Hesitatinga momenttoturnmyinternalintuitiveswitchtotheonposition,Isnapped,"Youwantproof? Fine,here'syourdamnproof.SomeonenamedMiguelsaystotellyouhewasstupidtohave goneswimminginthatriverwhenthecurrentwastoostrong.Hesaysit'snotyourfaultthat youdidn'tjumpinafterhim.Hesaysyoudidtherightthingrunningforhelpinstead,because ifyouhadtriedtosavehimonyourown,youwouldhavedrownedtoo.

 "AndsomeonenamedRitaislaughingaboutsomethingtodowithanobjectthathadreligious value,andshe'spointingtoyouandwhatyoudidwithit.It'ssomethingshewouldhavebeen veryupsetaboutwhenshewashere,butnowsheseesthehumorandthinksitwasvery funny." IfinishedmylittledemowithaflourishasIreacheddownandgrabbedmypurse.Glancing backupasIturnedtoleaveIgotahugemeasureofsatisfactionfromthelookofcompleteand uttershockonSteven'sface."Stillwanttoseemydiploma?"Idemanded.Whenhedidn't answer,Isaid,"Didn'tthinkso,"andstormedoutoftherestaurant. Chapter3 Itwaschillyoutside,andthewindhadpickedup.Theairwasthickwithmoisture,andthe cloudsoverheadwereanominousgray.Istruggledquicklyintomycoat,pullingthebelttight aroundmywaistandturningupthecollar.IcouldonlyhopeI'dmakeithomebeforethefirst raindrops.Takingastepforward,myveryspikyheelcaughtinacrackinthesidewalk,andasI triedtotwistitloosetheheelcameoff."Sonofa!"IhissedasIstoppedtopickuptheheel. "Whyme?"IaskedplaintivelyasIshoveditintomycoatpocketandlookedaroundforacab. Therewerenonetobefound."Rassafrassarassa!"Igroused,andbeganlimpingquickly downthestreetupthreeinches,downthreeinches,upthreeinches,downthreeinches.To makemattersworse,theupanddownofmywalkwasmakingmydressrideupevenmore thanithadbefore.Imust'velookedlikeafreakbobbingupanddown,pullingatmydress. IgotaboutahundredyardswhenoutofthecornerofmyeyeIsawacarkeepingpacewith me.IstoleaquickglanceandnoticedashinyblackAstonMartincrawlingalongbesideme.I snappedmyheadbacktothesidewalkandconcentratedonmyupdownwalk,discreetly pullingonmydressandfeelingmycheeksgrowhotatthespectacleIhadcreated.

"M.J.!"IheardStevencallfrominsidehiscar. "Goaway!"Isaid,andkeptwalking. "CanIofferyouaride?"heasked. "Go.Away,"Irepeated,myjawclenchedandmybrowslowered. TomyhorrorIheardStevenchuckle."It'sabouttostartraining,youknow." Theverymomenthefinishedthissentence,theskyaboveuslitupwithabrightlight,andthe crackofthundercausedmetojumpafoot.Ilookedfromhimtotheskyandsnarled,butkept limping. "You'regoingtogetwetinamoment,"hecoaxed,stillfollowingalongbesideme."Whydon't youletmetakeyouhome?" IgavehimoneofthedirtiestlooksIcouldmuster."Ifyoucareaboutseeingtomorrow,Sable,I wouldsuggestyouputthatcaringearandmovealong."Andthentheskyopenedupand watercamepouringdown.Ishriekedandpulledthecollarofmycoatupashighasitwould go,whilelookingforanawningthatIcouldduckunder.

JustasIspottedoneablockaway,therainstoppedhittingmeinthefaceandInoticed someonestandingtomyright.IlookeduptoseeStevenholdinganumbrellaoverheadand wearingawidegrinonhisface."Come,letmetakeyouhome." Ilookedfromhimtohiscarparkedrightnexttous,thentotheawningwaydownthestreet.I wascold,wet,andthreeblocksfromhome,nottomentionthattherewasablisteronmyfoot thesizeofTexas. "Fine,"Isaid,givingin.StevenopenedthepassengersidedoorformeandwaiteduntilIwas settledinbeforeheshutthedoorandwentaroundtothedriver'sside.Inoticedwithateensy bitofreliefthattheseatsintheAstonwereheated. WhenStevenwasseated,Isaid,"Iliveafewblocksfromhere.Justkeepheadinginthis directionandmakealeftatthatbrickbuildingbythefirestation." Stevenclickedhisseatbeltandsaid,"Buckleup."HethenwaiteduntilIgroanedandfastened myseatbelt.Amomentlaterwewerezippingdownthestreetatagoodclip,andIalmost relaxeduntilwepassedmycondo. "Hey!"Iyelled,pointingbehindmeasweflewpast."Thatwasmystop!" "Yes,yousaidthatearlier." "Youweresupposedtostop!"Iyelledathim.

 "Idecidedtodosomethingbetter." "Better?Whatcouldbebetterthantakingmehome?" "Takingyoutomyplace." "What?!" "Takingyoutomyhousetocookyoudinnerandapologizeformybehaviorintherestaurant." Iwasspeechless.Ijustlookedathimforalongmomentwithmyeyeswideandmymouth open,thinkingabouttheseveraldifferentresponsesthatIcouldlobathim,butnothingfelt reallyappropriate.Isettledfor,"Oh." FifteenminuteslaterweenteredapartofBostonwiththekindofrealestatethatcamewith pricetagssohighthatifyouhadtoask,"Howmuch?"youmostdefinitelycouldn'taffordto livethere.WestoppedinfrontofanelegantbrownstonelituplikeaChristmastree.Every singlelightinthehouseseemedtobeon,andafewofthewindowshadthecurtainspulled backtorevealsnapshotsofthelovelyinterior.

"Hereweare,"hesaideasily,thenlookedatmyfeet."Hey,oneofyourheelscameoff," Stevensaid. "Nothinggetsbyyou,doesit?"IdeadpannedasIgotoutofthecar.WhileIheldtheumbrella, StevenunlockedthefrontdoorandhelditopenformewhileIdidtheupdownthingintohis house. AsIenteredthefoyer,mybreathcaught.Thefrontentrywasgorgeous.Itbecameapparent thatStevenhadmarveloustasteasIglancedaroundatthewhitemarblefloor,goldenyellow walls,andelaboratemolding.Abeautifulvasewasartfullydisplayedonapodium,anda carpetedstairwaywithanironrailingledtothesecondfloor."Likewhatyousee?"Steven askedme,aconfidentsmirkturningupthecornersofhismouth. "It'lldo,"Isaid,puttingwhatIhopedwasabreezylookonmyface."ButI'dwatchyourelectric bill.Lookslikeyouhaveeverylightintheplaceswitchedon." Steventookmycoat,hangingitintheclosetbeforeshruggingoutofhis."Myhomewas brokenintorecently,andthepolicesaidthatextralightingwasagooddetriment." Ismiled."Youmeandeterrent." "Yes,yes,"Stevensaidwithanotherwaveofhishand."MyEnglishisnotsogoodasitonce was.Now,howaboutdinner?"

"Ah,yes,youpromisedmesomeeats,"Isaid."Ionlyhopeyoucancookaswellasyoucan decorate." Stevensmiledwolfishlyatme."Oh,Icancook,allright,"hesaid,andtookmyhandasheled meoutofthefrontfoyer. Ihobbledthroughacorridorandaroundacornertothekitchenthatwouldputmost restaurantstoshame.Therewerewalnutcoloredcabinets,stainlesssteelappliances,ahuge gaspoweredstoveandwarmingoven,andcountertopscoveredinbrownandblackmarbled granite."Sit,"Stevensaid,pointingtoanislandwhereInoticedtwostoolsartfullysituatedat oneend."Icanapologizeandcookatthesametime." TakingmyseatandremovingmyshoesIasked,"What'syourspecialty?Grilledcheeseon whitebread?" "Iamcookingyoushrimpscampioverangelhairpastawithawhitewinesauce." "Ah,"Isaid,raisinganeyebrow."Well,ifyou'reoutofwhitebreadandcheese,Isupposethat's anokayalternative." "AsIsaid,Imustapologizeformyrudebehaviorattherestaurant,"hesaidashepulleddown abottleofwinefromabuiltinwinerackabovethesink."AllmylifeI'vebeenamanof science.Mymothertriedtogivemeasenseoffaithaswell,butI'vealwaysthoughtthatifyou can'tehmlikewitharuler?"

"Measure,"Isupplied. "Yes,ifyoucan'tmeasurethisthingthenitcouldnotexist.Allofmyeducationandtraining saysthatwhatyoudocannotbedone.Andyet,youcandoit." "It'sagift,"IsaidsmuglyasStevenplacedaglassofwineinfrontofme. Helookedatmeforalongmoment,andIcouldtellthemanofsciencewasbattlinghardwith themanoffaith.TellmeaboutwhatyousaidatTango's.Howdidyoudothat?" "It'sjustsomethingIwasbornwith,"Isaid."It'smyfirmbeliefthatlifecontinuesafterwedie, butwhatbecomesdifficultiscommunication.Sotherearepeoplelikemewhohavea heightenedsenseofawareness,notunlikesomeonewithamusicalearinaworldfullof peoplewhoaretonedeaf." "Youcanhearthesedeadpeople?" "Absolutely.Butthecommunicationisn'talwayscrystalclear.It'ssometimesverymuffled,and evenonagooddayI'mluckytocatchabouteverythirdorfourthword." "Whatdotheytellyou?"

"Theirnames,howtheydied,whothey'rerelatedto,stufflikethat.It'sprettybasic." "Howdoesthishelpyoubusttheghost?"Stevenaskedashetossedsomeshrimpintoafrying pan. Ismiled."Ghostbustingisalittledifferent.ForyearsIdealtonlywithconnectinglivingpeople withtheirdeceasedrelatives,orpeoplewhoknewtheyweredead.Butmostghostsdon't realizethattheirphysicalbodieshavedied,andtheyfloatbetweenourworldandaplace that'smistyandconfusing.GilandIhelpthesewhatwecallearthboundspiritsfacethefact thattheirphysicalbodieshavestopped,andoncethey'veacceptedthatthey'renolonger living,theymoveontowheretheybelongquitenicely." "Andwheredotheybelong?" "Youmightthinkofitasheaven,butIlikethetermtheothersidebetter." Stevenwassilentformanyminutesashefinishedcookingourmeal.Finallyheslidahealthy portionofaromaticshrimpandpastaontoaplateandhandedthistome."Eat,"hesaid,and camearoundtojoinmeatthecounter. Itriedthedish;itwasdelicious."Soyoucancook,"Isaid. "Icandootherthings,too,"Stevensaid."MaybeonedayIwillshowyou."

 Ifeltmyfaceflush,andItookalargesipofwine,thengotbacktothetopicathand."AsIwas saying,GilandIhelptheseconfusedspiritscrossovertothenextplane,butsometimeswe encounteranenergythatisdeviantinnature,andthatmakestheghostbustingalittle trickier." "How?" "Thesearepeoplewhowerereallybadinlife,andforobviousreasonstheydon'twanttohead upstairstofacetheBigGuy.Instead,theycreateadoorwaytoalowerplane,andtravelback andforthbetweenourplaneandthislowerone.WhenIcomeacrossthemIofferthemtwo choices:Headupstairsandmeetyourmaker,orgetlockedintoyourportalforever." "Thisissoundingdangerous,"Stevensaid. "Itcanbealittlediceyattimes,"Iadmitted,thinkingbacktoyesterdaymorning."Butaslong asyoukeepalevelhead,youcanusuallycomeoutontop."TwirlingthepastaonmyforkI askedhim,"TellmeaboutMiguelandRita." Steventookalongsipofwinebeforeheansweredme."WeweretenyearsoldwhenMiguel drownedintherivernearmyhomeinArgentina.WehadbeenplayingwhatyouAmericans callsocceronthebanksoftheriverwhentheballwentintothewater.Ithadrainedtheday beforeandwedidn'trealizethewhatisthewordforfastwater?" "Ithinkyoumeancurrent."

 "Yes,that'stheword.Wedidn'trealizethecurrentwassostrong.Miguelwentinaftertheball anddisappearedunderthewater.Iranforhelp,butwhenwegotbacktothebankhewas gone.Hisbodywasfoundlaterthatnightaboutamiledowntheriver.Ialwaysfelterwith guilt?" "Responsible,"Isaid. "Yes,that.Responsible,"hefinishedquietly. InmyheadIfeltsomethinglikeavigorousheadshakeno."Hesaysyou'renottoblame, Steven.Heisinsistingthatitwasn'tyourfault,andtherewasnothingyoucouldhavedone differently.Youwouldhavedrownedtoo." Henoddedandgaveasmallshrug,thenswirledthewineinhisglass,takingamomentbefore hespokeagain."Ritawasmymother'saunt.Shewasaniceenoughwomanbutverystrong withtherules?" "Strict." "Yes,strictandreligious.Shelivedwithusandlookedaftermewhilemymotherworked, whichIhatedbecauseRitainsistedwespendlonghoursprayinginfrontofalargestatueof theMadonna."

"Howoldwereyou?" "Five,"hesaid."OnedayRitawascalledtoaneighbor'shouseandIwasleftalonetoprayin frontofthestatue.InmylittleboymindIthoughtthatifIcouldhidetheMadonnathenI wouldnothavetopraysomuch,soIgotaropeandmadeaerlikewithaloop?" "Noose?"Isaid. "Yes,noose,andItieditaroundthestatue'sneckandtriedtopullituptothefloorabove."My eyeswidened.Oh,God,hadhereallyhangedtheVirginMary? "IpulledandIpulled,butmyarmsgrewverytired,soItiedtheropearounda"Hepaused andpointedtoacolumninthelivingroomadjacenttothekitchen. "Youtieditaroundacolumn,"Isaid,andfeltagiggleinthebackofmythroatasIvisualized StevenasafiveyearoldthinkinghecouldhoistastatueoftheVirginMaryoutofview. "Well,"Stevensaid,"thatwaswhenRitareturned.AllshesawwastheBlessedVirginswinging byherneckbackandforth.Sheranscreamingfromthehouse." Ibegantolaugh."Whatdidyourmothersay?"Iasked.

"ShetoldRitatostopwithallthepraying.Itdidn'tseemtobeworking." Webothlaughed,andthenIswitchedtopics."I'massumingyoumovedheretosettleyour grandfather'saffairsandclaimyourinheritance?" "ThatandIwasmadeaverygoodofferfromBostonUniversitymedicalschool.Ihavealways likedAmerica.IonlywishIhadchosentocomeherewhilemygrandfatherwasstillalive." "Youthoughtyouhadmoretime,"Isaid,feelingthewaveofguiltcomingoffofhim. "Yes.Butitwasnottobe.Thus,IhavemadeapromisethatIwillfindoutwhatreally happenedthedaymygrandfatherdied." "Thatmusthavebeenashock,"Isaid."Yougethereandyougotothelodgeandyouseeyour grandfather'sghost." Stevennodded."ThatishowIknewsomethingverybadhadhappenedtohim.Hisspiritwas notatrest.Ioweittohimtohelphimhowdidyouputit?Tohelphimcrossover." Ismiled."We'llgethimthere;nottoworry.Whereisthishuntinglodge?"

"Westofhere,veryclosetotheNewYorkborderinasmalltowncalledUphamshire." "Whywerethepolicesoquicktoruleitasuicide?"Iwonderedoutloud. "Therewasanotefoundonthetableinthebedroomwherehefell." Icockedmyheadslightly."Heleftasuicidenote?" "Eitherhedid,orsomeoneelsetryingtomakeitlooklikeasuicide." "Whatdidthenotesay?" "Itwastypedandithadtwolines:'Don'tblameyourself.ThisiswhatImustdotomakethings right.'" "Cryptic,"Isaid. "Whatisthisword?"Stevenasked.

"Cryptic.Itmeansmysterious.Thelineaboutmakingthingsrightsuggestshefeltguiltyabout something." "ThisisthelinethatIstrugglewithtoo.Whatcouldmygrandfatherhavedone?" "That'sagoodquestion,andonethatwe'llneedtoaskhimwhenwefindhisghost.Bythe way,whofoundhim?" "Hiswhatwasthatwordyouusedthismorning?ah,yes,housekeeper,Maria.Shecame backfromthemarketandfoundhimontheground." "Didshehaveanythingtogainbyhisdeath?" Stevenshookhishead."Justaverysmallfundwhichmygrandfatherhadsetasideforherold age.Mariahadbeenwithmygrandfatherforalmostthirtyyears." "Wasthereanyoneelseinthehousewhenhedied?" "No.Willis,whowasthekeeperofthegroundsformanyyears,wasathiscabin,whichmy grandfatherrecentlyhadbuiltforhimandwhichissomewherenearthemainhouse,buthe saidhedidnotseeorhearanythingunusualthatday."

"Haveyoudecidedwhetheryou'regoingtohireus?"Iasked. "Iwouldliketo,butagain,ImustinsertIcomealong." "Insert?" "Yes.Youknow,todemand." Ihidasmile."Youmeaninsist." "Thattoo,"Stevensaid,standing."Wewillleavetomorrow.Ihavealreadytoldthehospital thatIwillbetakingsometimeoffthisweektotendtomygrandfather'saffairs." "FineIagree,andwecanstarttomorrow.Butwe'llneedtoestablishsomegroundrules first." "Goodidea,"Stevensaid,thengrinnedasheeyedmeandsaid,"Rulenumberone:Youmust wearthatdressatalltimes."

Ilaughedandfeltmycheeksgrowhot."Nicetry.No,groundrulenumberoneisthatyoumust stayoutofmyway.Ineedtofocus,andIcan'thaveyoudistractingmebygettinginthe middleofwhatI'mdoing." "Agreed,"hesaid."What'snext?" "Groundrulenumbertwoisthatyouwillletmebethejudgeofwhentocrossyour grandfatherovertotheotherside." Stevengavemeapuzzledexpression."Meaning?" "Meaningthatifyourgrandfatheristrulytheoneyouheardatthelodge,andheisstuck,then mymainobligationistogivehimsomerelief.It'snofunforthem,Steven.Groundedspiritsare oftenfrustrated,scared,andonthevergeofpanic.IgiveyoumywordthatIwillattemptto findoutifhewasalonewhenhediedorifsomeoneelsewasinvolved,andthedetailsleading uptohisdeath,butIwon'tdothatifitmeansdelayinggivinghimsomepeace.Andevenifhe doesrememberwhathappenedthedayhedied,hemaynotbewillingtosharethosedetails withme.Again,I'lldomybest,butI'mnotinthistosolvewhatyoubelievetobehismurderas muchasIamtohelphimgettowherehebelongs." IsawconflictinSteven'sfeatures,andIknewhewasstrugglingwiththatdecision."Fine,"he saidafteralongpause."Anythingelse?" "No,Gilleywillbeintouchwithyouinthemorningtoworkouttherestofthedetails."I glancedattheclockabovethestove."It'sgettinglate,andwehavealongdayaheadofus.I shouldgethome."

 Stevenwalkedmetothehallwayandhelpedmeintomycoat,thenheldthedoorforme.AsI steppedoutsideInoticedtwothings:First,ithadstoppedraining,andsecond,thebushesnext tomegaveaterrificshrugandthenashadowyfigureflewoutoftheendoftherowandfled downthestreet.IwassostartledthatIjumpedstraightintoSteven,whofellbackwardtoland withathudonthemarblefloorwithmerightontopofhim."Thereareotherwaystoletme knowyouwouldliketohopmybones,"hesaidplayfully. Ishookmyhead,bothatwhathadjusthappenedandhiscomment."It'sjumpyourbones,and amanjustranoutofyourbushes!" Steven'seyeswidenedandhegotupquickly,helpingmetomyfeetaswell."Wewilldothis jumpinglater;nowImustcallthepolice." BeforeIhadachancetorespondhe'dgonebackintothekitchentodial911.Thepolice arrivedinarecordbreakingthreeminutes,andItoldthemwhatI'dseen,butcouldn'tgivea descriptionotherthanthatadarkshadowattheendofthebusheshaddartedoutandrun downthestreet.TheypromisedtopatroltheareaandreportbacktoSteveniftheyfound anyonesuspiciousintheneighborhood. Afterthey'dgone,Stevensetthehousealarmandagainmotionedmeoutthedoor.Thepolice weregoodtotheirword,aswesawthemmakingtheirwaydownthestreetwiththeir spotlightonandcombingthedarkershadows. WhenwegotintohiscarIasked,"Didn'tyousayyourhousehadbeenbrokenintorecently?"

"Yes.AbouttwoweeksagoIgotacallfromthepolice,whoweresummonedtomyhouseby thealarm.Theyfoundabrokenwindow,butitdidn'tappearasifthethiefhadmadeitinside beforebeingscaredawaybythealarm." "Doyouthinkthatwashimcomingbacktotryagain?" "Let'shopenot." "Mightbegoodtohaveahousesitterstayatyourplacewhilewe'reupstate,"Isuggested. "Yes."Stevennodded."Iwillhaveoneoftheinternsstaythereuntilwecomeback." WedrovetherestofthewaymostlyinsilencebacktowardArlingtonCenter,andIpointedto mycondowhenwedrewclose."I'mjustupthere." Stevenpulledintomydrivewayandparkedinfrontofthesidedoorofthebuilding.Iturnedto wishhimgoodnightwhenhishandscuppedmyfaceandheplantedagloriouskissonmylips. Hislipsweresmoothandwarmagainstmine,andthekissstartedoutlightandsoftbut deepenedquicklyashistonguefoundmine.Ifeltdizzy.IthadbeenalongtimesinceI'dbeen kissedsopassionately.Stevenpulledawayandlookedatme"Whatwasthat?"Iwhispered. "MotherDellwantedafullreportaboutourdate,andgooddatesalwaysendwithakiss."

 "So,you'rejustbeingthorough?" "I'mathoroughguy,"hesaid,andkissedmeagain,thistimewithasmallmoan. Damn.Ilovemenwhomoanwhentheykissyou.Itisthesexiestsoundintheworld.Andthen hewaspullingawayandsittingbackinhisseatwithasatisfiedsmileonhisface."Nexttime, maybewecanjumpthebones,"hesaid. Ishookmyheadalittletoclearit."Justsoyouknow,Ihavearuleaboutmixingbusinesswith pleasure." "Ah,"Stevenrepliedwitharollofhiseyes."Moregroundrules." "I'mabythebookkindofgirl." "Yeah?Well,thatmakesoneofus,"Stevensaidashegotoutofthecarandheldthedoor openformeasIexited. HewalkedmetothedoorandIinsertedmykeyandopenedit,thenfeltanarmsnakearound mywaistandpullbackmeintohisbroadchest.Amomentlaterwewerekissingagain,andI realizedI'djustthrowntherulebookoutthewindow.

 Chapter4 GilleywassittingonthecouchwhenIenteredmycondo."Iwaswonderingwhenyou'dcome home,"hesaid,pointedlytappinghiswatch. "It'sonlyeleven.What?YouwerethinkingI'dbebackbyeight?" "Well,afterIgotoutofMamaDellwhoyourdatewaswith,Ifiguredyou'dbebackaboutthe timethewinewasserved." Igavehimalookandcrossedmyarms."Icanbediplomatic,youknow." Gilleysnortedandpulledhislegsupontothecushion.Pattingthespacenexttohimhesaid, "Come,sit,andtellmeeverything!" Iwalkedovertohimandsatdownwithasigh."There'snotalottotell,"Ibegan. "Isthatwhyyourlipsareallredandswollen?"heaskedme,cockinganeyebrow. Irubbedthemsubconsciously."It'scoldoutside.Theymustbechapped."

 "Really?"hesaid. Iwidenedmyeyesinnocentlyandchangedthesubject."Anyway,StevenandIworkedoutan agreement.We'vebeenhiredtoworkonhisgrandfather'shuntinglodge." "Goodgirl!"Gilleysaid,clappinghishands."Whendowestart?" "Tomorrow." "What?Areyoukiddingme?" "What'sthebigdeal?" "Thebigdeal,M.J.,isthatmynightvisioncameraisstillintheshop.AndIthinkmy spectrometerisonthefritzandneedsatuneup.Theonlythingsthatareworkingwithany sortofregularityarethethermometerandthemonitorsinthevan." "Whycan'tyoujustgototherepairshopinthemorningandseeiftheycanhurryitup? Stevenhassomethingstowrapupatthehospital,sowewon'tbeleavinguntillate afternoon."

 "Fine,"Gilleysaidmoodily."GivemethedepositchecksowehavesomecashandI'llgetitout ofhock." Oops."Uhyeah,aboutthatdepositcheck" Gilleynarrowedhiseyes."Pleasetellmeyougotadepositcheck." "Igotadepositcheck." "Really?"heasked,hisvoicesoundinghopeful. "No,Gil.Ididn't.Iforgot,andI'msorry." Mypartnerglaredatme."Maybeifyouhadyourheadonbusinessratherthanonplaying tonguetagI'dhaveacheckrightnow." "I'llcallhiminthemorningandhavehimcutonerightaway,okay?"Isaid,exasperated.

"Goodforyou.Now,howwasdinner?" "Itwasgood." "What'dyoueat?" "Shrimpscampioverangelhairpasta." "Wastherewine?" "Yes,areallygoodchardonnay." "Didhelikeyourdress?" "Thewayhecheckedoutmycleavagesuggestedhedid." "Wastheredessert?"

"Nope.WetalkedbusinessandIcamestraighthome." "Howwasthekiss?" "Reallygood,he'sgotgreatliHey!" "Gotcha!"Gilleylaughed. "I'mgoingtobed,"Isaid,gettingtomyfeet. "Goodidea,"Gilleysaid,standinguphimself."Ifwe'regoingonthislittleexcursionImightas wellgetinsomenightlife." "You'regoingout?Now?" Gilgavemeawinningsmile."Aboy'sgottahavehisfun,sugar." "Fine.ButI'mgoingtobeinyourkitchenexpectingyoutobereadytorollatninea.m."

"Oh,please,"Gilsaidwithaflipofhishand."You'llbeinmykitchenexpectingcoffeeand cinnamonrolls." "Well,aslongasyou'rebaking,"Isaid,smiling,thenheadedtomybedroomasGilwalked towardthedoor.Rememberingsomething,IpausedandturnedbacktoGilley."Listen,canyou domeafavorinthemorning?" "What'sthat?" "CanyoudoyourcomputerhackingthinganddigupanydirtyoucanfindonStevenandhis father?Theonepersonhehasn'tmentionedtomeishisdad,andhowhefitsintoallofthis. Seeifyoucanfindoutanythingabouttheirrelationshipforme." "Fatherandsondon'tgetalong?" "I'mnotsure.Thefactthathefailedtomentionhimatanypointinourconversationsuggests it,andAndrewhadtoleavethebulkofhisestatetosomeone.Itmightbethatheleftmoreto grandsonthantoson.Canyoualsodosomediggingabouthowmuchtheoldmanlefttoeach ofthem?" "Anythingelse?"

"Yeah,ifyoucanhackintotheBackBay'spolicedepartment,Ineedthescooponabreakinat Steven'splace.Hementionedthattherewasanattemptedburglarythererecently,and tonightIsawsomeoneinhisbushes." "Someoneinthebushes?Didyoucallthepolice?" "Yes.Mightwanttocheckouttheresultsofthattoo.It'sjusttoomuchofacoincidencethat he'shadtwoincidentsinsuchashortperiodoftime." "So,I'msupposedtogettheequipmentready,packthevan,anddoallthisresearch?"Gilley askedmeashishandswenttohiships. "Yeah.Right.Waytoomuchonyourplate.Letmetakecareoftheequipmentandthebank. Wecanbothpackthevan,andthatshouldleaveyouenoughtimetofindoutwhatyouneed." "Deal.Seeyouinthemorning,"hesaid,andbreezedoutthedoor. WhenhewasgoneIpeekedunderthecanvasthatcoveredDoc'scage.Thebirdwasperched withhiseyesclosed,hisbreathingslowandsteady."Night,Doc,"Iwhispered,andblewhima kiss.Heopenedonegrayeye,thencloseditagainandwentbacktosleep. Walkingdownthehalltomybedroom,Iranafingerovermylips.Theyfeltwarmandalittle swollen.Iallowedtheteeniestofsmilesformyself,andtrottedofftobed.

 **** ThenextmorningpromptlyatnineIwasinGilley'skitchen,muginhandandreadytoeat somerolls.IfoundGilleyalreadyuptoo,dressedinawhiteterryclothrobewithhairdamp fromtheshower.AndeventhoughIknewhe'dhadonlyafewhours'sleep,hehonestlylooked noworseforthewear. "Havefunlastnight?" "No,IhadBradleylastnight,"Gilleysaid,givingmeawink. "Isn'thethatrealestatebrokeryou'vebeenworkingforleads?" "Theveryone,"Gilleysaidhappily. "Well,gee,Stella.I'mgladyougotyourgrooveback,notthatyoueverlostitinthefirstplace," Isaidwithagrin. GilleycameovertowhereIwasstandingandpouredmeacupofcoffeewhilehegavemyhip aplayfulbumpwithhis."Onelastflingbeforeweshipout,"hesaid.

 "Uhhuh.Say,I'vegottoaskyousomething,"Isaid."Andyou'renotgoingtolikeit." "Soundsserious,"Gilleysaidashepeekedintotheoventocheckontherolls. "No,it'snot.It'sjustthatImayneedyoutohelpmeinsidethehousewhenwedothisbust ratherthanstayinginthevan." ItwasalittleknownfactthatGilleywasterrifiedofghosts.Hewastotallyopentotheideaof havingmeventureintospectrallyinhabitedplaces,buthe'dbethelastonetosetfootina hauntedhouseuntiltheghostwasclear.Latelyhe'dbeenbeggingoffthesmallerjobsand goingwithmeonlyonthebiggerbusts,wherehisrolewastodrivemetothelocationand monitormyprogressfromthecomfortandsafetyofthevan.Gilhadthreemonitorssetup insidesothathecouldwatchthefeedfrommynightvisioncameraandrecordthereadings frommyspectrometerandthermometer,butitwasmyfirmbeliefthatheturnedoffthevideo feedandonlylookedforspikesintemperatureandelectromagneticenergy. Weneverspokeaboutitinpublic,soasnottoembarrasshim,butGilleywasclearlyterrified ofthingsthatmightgobumpinthenight."Youmustbejoking,"Gilsaid,hisvoicetingedwith alittlepanic. "No,buddy,I'mafraidnot.IneedyoutoruninterferencewithStevensothathedoesn'tgetin myway.Myimpressionofhimisthathe'sthecurioustype,andthathe'llwanttoaskmeall kindsofquestions,soifyouthinkit'sokayforhimtocomealong,thenI'llneedyoutobabysit him."

"Whycan'thestayinthevanwithme?"Gilleyasked,andInoticedanevensharperriseinhis voice. "Youcantrythat,butmyguessisthathe'llwanttobewheretheactionis,andhewon'tlike sittinginavanwatchingmonitorsallnight." "Butbutbut"Gilleystammered.Ialmostfeltsorryforhim,especiallywhenIknewhow scarysomeofmyexpeditionscouldbe. "Nobuts,Gil.Ineedyou.Endofstory." Gilleymovedovertothesmalltableinhiskitchenand,sittingdownwithathump,hegaveme aratherpainedexpression."Butwhatifaghostattacksme?"heasked. Isuppressedtheurgetolaugh."Gil,"Isaidsoftly."Noghostisgoingtoattackyou.It'sjust Steven'sgrandfather,afterall.I'llprotectyou."Gilleydidn'tlookconvinced,soIoffered, "Listen,ifStevengetsscaredandwantsout,youcanleavetoo,okay?" "Youpromise?" "Ipromise."JustthentherewasadingandGilleyjumpedupfromthechair."That'sour breakfast.M.J.,whileIgettherollswouldyoumindgettingmyslippers?Myfeetarefreezing."

 IlookedatGil'sbarefeet."Sure,"IsaidasIheadedintohisbedroom.OncethereIstopped short.Therewasasnoringsoundcomingfromunderthecovers.TiptoeingovertoGil'sbedI tookacloserlookandsawthetopofamessystrawberryblondhead.Shakingmyhead,I grabbedtheslippersandlefttheroom.WhenIhadtradedGil'sslippersforasteaminghot breakfastroll,Iasked,"IsthatthefamousBradleyinthere?" Gillookedpuzzled,thenaskedincredulously,"Ishestillhere?' "Yep.Snoringupastorm."IgiggledasIpoppedabiteofbunintomymouth. Gilleysighedwearily."Honestly,"hesaid."Imean,itwasbadenoughthathewantedtostay andcuddlelastnight,butIthoughtforsureI'dwokenhimwithallthebangingaroundIdid beforegettingintotheshower.You'dthinkhe'dhavethedecencytowakeupandleave, already." "Aww,"Isaid,laughingathim."Agayman'slove.Isthereasweeter,moreromantickind?" Gilheavedasighandsaid,"YouknowwhatIthinkit'stimefor?" Knowingwherethiswasgoing,Isaid,"Youwouldn't."

"Ithinkit'stimeforafiredrill,"Gilsaid,andwiththathewalkeddeterminedlyintohis bedroomasIfollowed,tryingtostophim,butitwastoolate.Hereachedtheheadofthebed andshouted,"Ohmigod!Fire!Fire!" Bradleysatboltuprightfromthecovers,hiseyeswideandpanickyashelookedaroundthe room."Wha?"hemanaged. "Fire!"Gilleyhollered,wavinghisarmswildlyabovehishead."MyGod,man!Runforyour life!" Bradleythrewthecoverstothesideandleapedoutofbed,bucknakedashedartedfirstone way,thentheotherinaclearsearchforhisclothes.Gilley,meanwhilehadmovedovertothe footofthebedandwastossingashirtandpantsatBradley."Here!"hesaid,hurlingapairof shoesatthepoorman."Nowgetoutbeforethesmokegetstoothick!"Foremphasisheadded afewloudcoughs. Bradleycaughtclothes,andrushedtoshovehisskinnylegsintothepants,hoppingaroundon onefootashetriedtoedgetowardthedoor."Whataboutyou?"heaskedashefinallygothis pantsup. "We'rerightbehindyou!"Gilsaid,grabbingmyhandandmovingquicklytowardthedoor. Bradleydashedaheadofus,rushingthroughthecondountilhestoppedcoldinthelivingroom andlookedthiswayandthat,asitappearedhewaslookingforsomething. "Move,man!"Gilleyshouted,wavinghimtowardthedoor.

 "Mykeys!"Bradleysaidfrantically."Ican'tfindmyfriggin'keys!" Gilleyrolledhiseyesandscootedovertothekitchencounter."Here!"hesaidwithanother loudcoughashetossedthekeysacrosstheroom."Nowrunbeforeweallfrytoacrisp!" BradleynoddedandplungedtowardthedoorthatGilleyheldopenforhim,stillhugginghis shirtandshoestohischest.Icouldn'thelpbutfeelsorryforhim.Thatis,untilhepauseda momentinthedoorwayandlookedwideeyedatGilleytoask,"Soyou'llcallme?" Gilleystoodsmuglywithhishandonthedoorhandleandallsenseofpanicgoneashereplied, "Ofcourse,"andshutthedoorinBradley'sface. "Thatwasterrible,"Isaidtohim,tryingreallyhardtolookserious. "Welcometothegayman'sonenightstand,"hesaid,stuffingacinnamonbunintohismouth. AftergivingGilleyashortlectureabouthisdeplorablebehavior,Iwentbacktomyplaceto packenoughclothesforacoupleofdays,getDocreadyfortravel,andorganizetheequipment toloadintothevan. AlthoughBillMurrayandhisgangneededlotsofbellsandwhistleswhentheywentonacall, trueghostbustingreallyrequiresonlyacoupleofgadgets.Nightvisionvideocamerasareneat littledevices,butwickedexpensive.We'dpurchasedoursoneBay,andthethingneverreally

workedright.Digitalcameraswereanabsolutemust,asmostspectralbeingslovesaying, "Cheese!" Infact,GilleyandIhadquiteacollectionofinterestingphotographs.Wehadpicturesof orbitallightsinallcolors,darkshadows,andevenoneortwotransparentportraitswherethe facialfeaturesoftheghostinquestionshowupremarkablywell. Forproperghosthuntingoneshouldalsohaveseveraldigitalthermometers,voiceactivated recorders,lasertripwires,andagooddeckofplayingcardsthoughtheseareusedmoreto cureboredom,asghostbustingcanbealong,dulljobattimes. AfterloadingthevanIcalledSteventoconfirmourdeparturetimeandtoslipinthefactthatI neededachecktocoverexpenses.Hetoldmehehadtogooutandrunsomeerrands,but thathe'dleaveanenvelopewithmynamehiddenunderthewelcomemattandIcouldpickit upanytime. I'lladmitthatIwasalittledisappointedIwouldn'trunintohimthatmorning,thenquickly shookthatthoughtfrommyheadandtriedtofocusonmylipsImeanmyjob.Yeahmy job. IhittheATMonceI'dretrievedSteven'scheckandthenracedacrosstowntoReese'sCamera andVideo,whereIretrievedournightvisioncamera."Hey,M.J.,"Joe,themanager,said. "Howyabeen?"Iaskedhimasheplacedthevideocameraonthecounter.

"Goodnowthatit'sstartingtowarmup.IthoughtMaywouldnevergethere.YouandGilley onanotherjob?" "Yeah,gotoneupstate,andI'mgoingtoneedthisbaby.Isshefixed?"Iasked,indicatingthe camera. "Sortof,"hesaidskeptically. "Thatdoesn'tsoundfixed,Joe." "Hey,it'snotmyfault,M.J.Ithinkmaybeoneofthemspooksgotintoyourcameraor something,becausesometimesthisthingworksgreatandothertimesitdon't.I'vetakenit apartandputitbacktogether,andthereain'tathingwrongwithitthatIcansee." Iscowled."Howoftendoesitworkright?" "AbouteveryothertimeIturniton,"Joesaid. "Inotherwords,it'sonlygotafiftyfiftychanceofworking?" "Icouldsellyouanotherone,"hesuggested.

 "Howmuch?"Iasked,crossingmyfingersthattherewassomekindofterrificsaleonnight visionvideocameras. "Foryou?Agrand." "Agrand?Areyoucrazy?IgotthisoneoneBayforhalfthat!" "Anditworkshalfthetime,sothereyougo." IhandedJoeacheckfortherepairandsaid,"Thanks,Joe,butI'lltakemychanceswiththis oneforalittlelonger." "Wegotpaymentplans,youknow,"hesuggested. Inoddedandpickedupmycamera."I'llkeepthatinmind." NextIheadedtothepetstoretopickupsomebirdfoodforDoc,thenmademywaybackto myplacetoseeifGilleyhadgottenbackfromtheoffice,wherehewasdoingtheresearchon Stevenandfollowinguponafewbusinessleads.

 GilhadtakenmycarwhileItookthevan,andasIpulledintomycondocomplexInoticedhe'd parkeditinmyslot.Good,hewashome.Istoppedinsideandfoundhimjustcomingoutofhis condowithafolderinhishandandhisbackpackslungoveroneshoulder."Hey,"hesaidwhen hesawme."Iwasjustabouttocallyouonyourcell.Youreadytohittheroad?" "WehavetowaitforSteven,"Isaid,movingdownthehalltomyowndoor. "DidyougetthecamerafromReese's?"heasked. "Yes,andit'sstillnotfixed,"Igroused. "Wereallyneedanewone,"Gilleysaid. "Thenstartplayingthelotto,Gil,becausethat'stheonlywaywe'regoingtobeabletoafford one." "Oneofthetripwiresisonthefritztoo,"headded. "What?"Isaid,turningtohimasweenteredmycondo.

"Andtwoofthedigitalthermometersaren'treadingaccurately." "Howisitthatallofourequipmentisfailingatthesametime?"Iasked. "Youknowhowitiswiththiselectronicstuff,M.J.,"Gilleysaid."They'reverysensitive,and whenyouusethemthewaywedowell,they'renotgoingtolast." Gilleywasreferringtothefactthatmanyofthepoltergeistsweencounteredscrewedaround withourequipment.Electricityisonethingthatghostscancontrolfairlyeasily,andthat meansthatanythingwithacircuitboardisfairgame."So,howdoweoperateifwecan'teven affordthebasics?"Iasked. "Youcoulddosomereadings"Gilleysuggested. Igroaned."Gil,Iamsoburnedoutonthatstuff.It'semotionallydraining,andIdon'thavethe patienceforpeoplewhorefusetoletguiltorangerorbitternessgo."Manyofthelastreadings I'ddonehadbeenwithpeoplewhoweren'tinterestedinhearingfromaspecificdeceased familymember,andoftenthatwasthestrongestenergycomingthrough.I'dgrowntiredof tryingtoconvincethelivingtopleaseforgivethedeadandmoveon.Deadpeopleneverhold ontoresentmentonlythelivingdothatanditpissedmeoffthataspiritcouldworksohard totrytocommunicatewithsomeonewhowasdeaftothemessage. "Iknow,M.J.,butitisameanstoanend.Willyouatleastconsiderit?"

"Fine,"Isaid,andhandedhimDoc'scagewhileIgrabbedmysuitcase."Comeon;let'swaitfor Steveninthevan." Stevenarrivedlessthantenminuteslater.Helookedfreshlyshowered,dressedinjeansanda whitebuttondownshirtwiththecuffsrolleduptomidwrist.Inotherwords,helookedgood enoughtoeat."Goodafternoon,M.J.,"hesaidtome."Gilley,goodtoseeyouagain." Gilleyactuallygiggledbeforecatchinghimself."Steven,goodtoseeyouaswell." IcutGilleyalookandnoticedthathisfacewasbrightred.Theboyhadacrush.Howcute."So whereareweheaded?"IaskedSteven. "We'lltakethepikewesttoINinety;thenwe'llwanttotakeRouteTwentytoRouteSeven, andfinallyovertoRouteFortyone.Yougotmydirectionsthismorningwiththecheck?" "Igotthem,"Isaid,pattingthefolderundermyarm. "Good.Itsoundsmoredifficultthanitis.Justpayattentiontothesignsonceyougetonto RouteSeventowardUphamshireandyouwillfindit." "Howlongwillittakeustogetthere?"Iasked.

"Notlongthreeandahalfhoursunlessyouslowmedown,"hesaidwithawink, "Nottoworry,"Isaid,narrowingmyeyesandturningthekeyintheignition."I'veseenyou drive.GilleyandIwillwaitforyouatthelodge."AndwiththatIsteppedonthegas. "Thatwasn'tverynice,MJ.,"Gilleysaid. "Hey,hestartedit,"Isnapped."Besides,whilehe'soffdragginghisheelsyoucantellmewhat youdugupabouthisrelationshipwithhisfather." "Itain'tpretty,"Gilleysaid. "Howbadcoulditbe?" "Thinkdisownment,andyou'dbeclose,"Gilleysaidasheopenedhisfolderandbegantoread hisnotes."StevenAndrewJacksonSableourSteven'sfatherwasslappedwithapaternity suitfromanArgentineanwomannamedRosaSardoniainnineteeneightyone.Sheclaimed thatshehadbeenhismistressfortenyears,andthathefatheredherchild.Seniordeniedthe claimandfoughtthesuit,refusingtogiveuphisbloodforatest,evengoingsofarastoskip thecountryforawhilewhenitlookedlikethejudgewasgoingtoorderhimtogiveitup." "Ican'tbelievehewouldbesuchajerkaboutit,"Isaid.

 "DidIhappentomentionthatStevenSeniorhasbeenmarriedforthirtyfiveyearstoaCorrin Wharton?" "TheCorrinWhartonofMichaelWharton'sMiracleMile?"Iwasreferringtoawomanwhowas thedaughterandsometimespokeswomanofamassivecollectionofautomotivedealerships ownedbyMichaelWharton,whowashimselfaNewEnglandlegend. "Yep.Ifoundareferencethatsaysshe'sworthaboutahalfabilliondollars." Iwhistledlow."Theplotthickens." "Indeed.AndoneofthegossipcolumnsIreadsuggestedthatMrs.WhartonSablehaddonea tidylittlejobofprotectingherassetswhenshemarried,withaprenup.IfStevenSenior divorcesher,hegetsonlyamillionorso." "HencehefledtoEuropewhenthingsgotdicey.Sheneverfiledbasedonallthegossip?" "No.Thesamegossipcolumnistsuggestedtherewasashortseparation,afterwhichSteven Seniorhasbeenkeptonaveryshortleash." "Howdidthepaternitysuitend?"Iasked,anxiousforGiltofinish.

 "Ah,yes.IcameacrossasmallarticlewhichreportedthatAndrewSablewasnottoopleased withhisson'sbehavioranddidsomethingdramaticaboutit." "What?" "Heoffereduphisownbloodsample,knowingtheresultswouldatleastshowStevenand AndrewwererelatedifStevenSeniorwasthefather." "You'rekidding,"Isaid,alittleshockedthatAndrewwouldgooverhisson'sheadlikethat. "Nope.Andsoonafterwardasettlementwasreachedwiththemother,Rosa,butitwaspaid forbyAndrew." "Andrewmusthavebeenonehellofaguy,"Isaid. "Yep,"Gilleyagreed."Anyhoo,Rosawinsasizablechunkofmoney,andshedoesthesmart thing:ShesendsSteventoboardingschoolinGermany,thenameofwhichIcouldn'tpossibly pronounce." "Germany?"

 "Yeah.Ilookeduptheschool'scurriculum.It'samazing.It'slikecollegefortenyearolds,and onlythesmartestkidsgraduate." "I'massumingthatmeansourStevenisabrainiac,"Isaid. "Andthensome.Hegraduatessummacumlaude,winsafullscholarshiptoatopGerman collegewithanothernameIcan'tpronounce,thengoesontomedicalschool.Again,he'sat thetopofhisclass.HeinternsatsomehospitalinBerlinandspecializesincardiology.Afew yearslaterheandtwootherdoctorsinventsomesortofgadgetthatallowssurgeonsto operateonabeatingheart." Myeyeswidened."Iftheycanoperateonabeatingheart,thentheywouldn'tneedbypass, wouldthey?" "Bingo.AsfarasIcantellthisgadgethasn'tbeenapprovedforuseintheUnitedStatesyet, butBostonUniversityhasbeenitchingtogetStevenhereforthepastyearorso,sothatwhen itisapprovedtheycanreaptherewardsofhavingcardiologistsfromallovertheglobecome heretolearnhowtouseit." "Themanwillbesetforlife,"Isaidwithalittleenvy."Andhowoldishe?"Iasked,notwanting tosoundtoointerested. "Thirtyfour,"Gilleysaidwithasmirk.

 "Twoyearsolderthanme." "Ayearandahalfyourbirthday'snextmonth." IrolledmyeyesatGilleyforsplittinghairs."Thanksforthereminder.Pleasegoon." Gilcontinued,"IfoundsomerecordsthatshowthatStevenspenthischildhoodsummershere. LooksliketheoldmanhadbothStevenandhismotherashispersonalguestseverysummer untilStevenwenttocollege." "Where'shismothernow?" "Shediedtwoyearsago.Cancer." "Andnowhe'sjustlostAndrew,theonlyotherfamilyhe'sknown." "Whichiswhyit'ssoimportantforhimtogettothebottomofwhathappenedtoAndrew," Gilleymused. "Anythingelseyoucoulddigupaboutthefather?"

 "Lots.Forstarters,whenStevenSeniorreturnedfromduckingthepaternitysuithetriedto havehisoldmandeclaredincompetentsothathecouldtakeoverthefamilyfortune." "Nice,"Isaidsarcastically."Thisguyjustoozeswarmandfuzzy.I'massumingAndrewwasable tothwartthateffort?" "Hedidonebetter.Hegavepowerofattorneyovertohisgrandson,thenleftthebulkofhis estateworthabouttenmilliontoJunior." "Gameover,"Isaidwithasmile."That'llteachSenior." "Thefathercouldstillcontestthewill,"Gilleysaid. "Yeah,butherunstheriskofhavingtosuccumbtoanotherDNAtest,andIdoubtifCorrin wouldliketoknowforsurethatherhusbandfatheredsomeoneelse'schild.Forthemoment shecanfloatinaworldofdenial.Thepresswouldhaveafielddaywithit.Plusshemighthave forgivenhimthirtyyearsagoforhisindiscretions,butitcouldbeawholenewballgamethis goaround.Idon'tknowthatI'dwanttoriskadivorceifIwerehim." "Whichexplainswhyhehasn'tchallengedthewillyet.Andhe'sgotthosenastyIRSagents afterhimrightnow,buthedoeshavethebestdefenseteamintowngoingtobatforhim.He justhiredLanfordandGroman,sohe'llprobablypayaheftyfineandbeonhismerryway."

 "DidyoufindoutanythingontherecentbreakinsatSteven's?" "Accordingtothepoliceblotteracallcameinfromthealarmcompanyalittleovertwoweeks ago.Someonehadbrokenabathroomwindowandwasapparentlyscaredoffbythealarm. Nothingappearedtohavebeenstolen,andthepolicewerequicktochalkituptoprobable teenvandalism." "Couldbe,"Isaid."Butwhataboutlastnight?" "Noonesuspiciouswasseenintheneighborhood,buttheincidentwasreferredtothepolice captaintoputasmalltaskforceongettinganeighborhoodwatchprogramgoing." "Iamcontinuallyamazedatwhatyou'reabletodigup,"ImusedasIlookedaffectionately overatGil."Goodjob,honey,"Iadded,andGilleybeamed. Justthenfromthebackseatcameasquawk."Doc'sup,"Gilleysaid,andreachedintothe backseattoundothedooronDoc'scage. Liftinghimout,Gilleygentlybroughthimupfrontandplacedhimonmysteeringwheel."Hey, doll,"Isaid,givinghimapeckonthebeak."Who'saprettyboy?"Isang."Who'sapretty, prettyboy?" "Dr.Delicious!"Docchirped.

 "Youthinkso?"IaskedasGilleylaughed. "Dr.Delicious!Getoffthefriggin'phone!"Docsquawked. Justthenweheardacarhorn,andGilandIturnedtoourlefttoseeablackAstonMartin zoompast. "Lookslikehe'soffthephone,"Gilleysaid. "Great."Iscowled."He'llbeatusthere."Andjusttoaddinsulttoinjury,anothercar,agray sedan,zoomedpastusaswell.Igrippedthesteeringwheelandpunchedtheaccelerator, determinedtokeepupwiththegooddoctor.Wetrailedthreecarsbehindforafewhours,and InoticedthatthegraysedanseemedtobeheadedintheexactsamedirectionasSableandus, eventhroughthethreehighwaychangeswehadtomake,butIdidn'tdwellonit.Finallyour gasguzzlingvanforcedustoexitoffthehighwayinsearchoffuelandIfiguredI'dlostthe race,butasithappenedwecaughtuptoSableabouttwohourslater,withnosignofthegray sedan. WewerecruisingonRoute41,perthemapthatStevenhadgivenus,whenwesailedbya dinerwithamudsplatteredsignadvertising,HOTGRINDERS!andwenoticedtheAstonparked outfront. IlookedtoGilley,whoreadmymindandsaid,"Yeah,Icouldeat."Doublingbackwecruised intotheparkinglotand,aftersecuringDocinhiscage,headedinside.

 WespottedSteven'sprofilerightaway.Hewassittingatatablewithaplatefullofgrinderand abeautifulblondeperchedonthearmofachairrightacrossfromhimasthetwogiggledand flirtedwitheachotherlikeoldchums.IfeltmylipstightenandmyfistsballjustasGilleysaid, "Uhoh." TurningtowardthefrontcounterIsnapped,"Let'sgetthattogo." SilentlyGilleyfollowedmetothecounterandwewaitedforsomeonetohelpus.Afterashort waitthebeautifulblondeatSteven'stablesidledupbehindthecounterandsaid,"WhatcanI getforyou?" Ilookedatherforabeatbeforesaying,"That'sokay.I'mnotreallyhungry,"andheadedback outtothevan.Afterwrenchingopenthedoorandslidingintotheseat,Islammeditshutand jammedthekeyintotheignition.IwasabouttopeeloutoftheparkinglotwhenInoticedthat Gilleywasn'tinthevan.Momentarilyconfused,Ilookedaroundthelotandsawnosignof him. Idrummedmyfingersonthesteeringwheelforwhatfeltlikeaneternity,irritatedbeyond beliefthathehadobviouslystayedbehindtoorder,leavingmetostewaloneinthevan.With agrowlIleanedmyheadbackontheseatandclosedmyeyes,tryingtoquelltheattitude. JustaboutthetimeI'dchilled,therewasataponthewindow,andIopenedoneeye.Steven stoodtherewithabaguptothewindowandabigtoothygrin."Hungry?"heasked.

Irolleddownthewindowandasked,"Where'sGilley?" "I'mrighthere,"Gilleysaidasthepassengersidedooropenedandhegotin. "It'sgood,"Stevensangashejiggledthetogobag."Iusedtocomehereasaboywithmy grandfather.Bestgrindersintheworld." "Itdidn'tlooklikeyouwereeatingmuchinthere,"IsnappedbeforeIcouldstopmyself. Stevenraisedaneyebrow."Really?"hesaid."Whendidyoucomeinside?" Gilleycoughedloudlynexttome."What?"Iasked. "Gilleysaidyouwereoutinthevan.Hesaidyoudidn'tliketoexperimentwithdinerfood,butI convincedhimthatthiswasanexception." "Ah,"Isaidwithanod."Yes,that'sright.Iwaswaitingoutinthevan." "Butyousaidyousawmeinthere,"Stevensaid,hiseyebrowstillarchedcuriously.

 "Yes.Ihadtousetherestroom." "Isee,"Stevensaid,agrinonhisfacethatIbadlywantedtoremove."Hereisyourdinner, then.MaybeGilleycandrivewhileyoueat." "That'sokay,"Isaid,takingthebag."I'llletGileatfirst." TherewasanothercoughnexttomeandGilsaid,"UhIateinthediner." Iswiveledmyheadovertohimandnarrowedmyeyes."Really?" "Idon'tminddriving,"Gilleysaidmeekly."Honest,youshouldeat,M.J.We'veprobablygota longnightaheadofus." IstuckoutmytongueathimandturnedbacktoseeStevenlookingatmeexpectantly."Fine,"I said,gettingoutofthevan.AsIwasabouttostepdown,twostrongarmsencircledmywaist. "Letmehelpyouthere,"Stevensaid,liftingmeoutofthevan.

"Thanks,"Isaidquickly,andtriedtomovepasthim,thoughhisarmslingeredonmywaist. "Yougonnaletmego?"Iaskedafteramoment. "Iamconcernedforyou,"Stevensaid,hiseyessearchingmyface. "Really?"Iasked,rollingmyeyes."Andwhywouldyoubeconcerned?" "Yourfaceisred,"hesaid,archingabrow."Perhapsyoushouldrideinmycar,whereIcan keepaneyeonyou." "PerhapsIshouldn't,"Isaid,andpushedoutofhisembrace.WhenIgotbackin,Gilleygave mealook."What?"IaskedasIfastenedmyseatbelt. "Sweetie,"hesaid,shakinghishead,"ifsomeonethatgorgeouseverwantedmetotakearide inhisverycoolcar,I'dcertainlywastenotimeyelling,'Shotgun.'" "Justdrive,Gilley,"Igrowled. "It'samazingyou'renotstillavirgin,"hemumbledashestartedthevanandpulledoutafter Steven.

Wecontinueddown41forawhileandIatemyturkeyandcheesegrinder,whichwas surprisinglygood.AfterfinishingthesandwichIwatchedthesceneryglidebyandtriedto relax.Thefartherwedroveonthisstretchofhighway,thelesstrafficweencountered.Houses werebecomingsparse,andthewoodlandwasthickoneithersideofus.Theminutestickedby asInoticedtheafternoonsungivingwaytodusk. BythetimeStevenpulledofftheroad,thelastthreadsoflightwerebarelystreamingacross thesky.WesawSteven'scarmakearightandwefollowed,enteringalong,windingdriveway. Wewereimmediatelyenvelopedbytreesoneithersideofus,whichformedalong,dark tunnel.Thetreeswerehugemaples,manyofthemthick,withknottytrunksandlowhanging branchesthatbrushedourcar.Finallythetreespartedtorevealanenormouslawn.We traveledalongsideit,thetreesononeside,thelawnontheother,untilwecameuponthe Sablehuntinglodge. AsItookinthestructure,Iwouldhavebeenthelasttocallita"lodge."Itlookedfarmorelike acastletome.Thehousewashugethreefullstorieswithlightgraymasonwalls,ablack slateroof,andanimposingwroughtirongate.Acirculardrivewayloopedinfrontofthe building. GilleypulleduprightbehindSteven,andaswegotoutourmouthshungopeninawe."You like?"Stevensaidashecameupbesideus. "It'smagnificent,"Gilleysaid. "What'sthat?"Iasked,pointingtoawindowonthethirdfloor.

 "Lookslikeatelevision'son,"Gilleysaid,lookingtowhereIwaspointing. "Uhoh,"Stevensaid. "What's'uhoh'?"Iasked. "Watchforit,"heansweredcryptically. Wewaitedafewsecondsuntilsuddenlyalightflashedinanotherwindow.Thenanother windowlitup,thenafewmoreallsimultaneously.Despitemyexperience,I'dneverseen anythinglikethis,andIfeltthehaironmyarmsstanduponend. "Whoa,"Gilleysaid,gulpingashegrippedmyarm."That'sspooky." "WhenIfirstinheritedthishouse,Ihiredalocalwomantohelpeh...inventorymy grandfather'sthings.Thedayaftershestartedshecalledandsaidshewouldnotbereturning becausethetelevisionskeptturningonbythemselves." "We'veseensomethingsimilarinthepast,"Gilleysaid,andIknewhewasreferringtoahouse wedidinBellinghamwherearadiointhekitchenkeptturningonbyitself."Butneversomany devicesallatonce."

 Icountedeachflickeringlightandasked,"HowmanyTVsareinthehouse?" "IfIremembercorrectly,therearetwelve." "Icounteleven,"Isaid,andjustthen,asifoncue,anotherlightflickeredonattheground floorlevelofftomyright."Okay,alltwelveareworkingandaccountedfor.Comeon,guys; let'sgosavesomeelectricity." Iturnedbacktothevanandpulledopenthedoor.Grabbingmybackpackandmyduffelbag fullofequipment,Imarchedupthesteps.GilleyandStevenfollowedme,Gilleylookingrather pale.Afterfiddlingwithhiskeys,Stevenunlockedthedoor. Asthedoorswungopen,thefirstthingtohituswasthesoundoftwelvetelevisionsturnedup fullblastallthroughoutthehouse.Theoddthingwas,theyallseemedtobeonthesame channel,somethingtodowithbassfishing.Isettheduffelandmybackpackdownand motionedwithmyheadtowardmyright.GilleyandStevenfollowedmeasIheadedtoward thenearestblaringset. FlippingonafewlightsasIwent,wemadeourwaytothekitchentoturnoffthefirstTV.To besure,Ialsounpluggedit,thenturnedtoGilleyandStevenandsaid,"Itmightbebestifwe splitupandturneachsetoff.I'lltakethegroundfloor;Gil,youtakethesecond;andSteven, whydon'tyoutakethethirdandfourth.IonlynoticedoneTVthetopflooranyway." "Splitup?"Gilleysaidanxiously."Doyouthinkthat'swise,M.J.?"

 Iblinkedathim."Whatdoyoumean,doIthinkit'swise?" "Couldbedangerous,"Stevensaid,andInoticedhe'dgonealittlewhitetoo."Foryou,"he addedquicklyashiseyesdartedaroundthekitchen."Iwouldhatetothinkofsomething happeningtoyouasaguestinmyhouse." "Isee,"Isaid."So,youthinkit'sbetterifwestaytogetherinanemptyhouseandtakethree timesaslongtoturnoffallthetelevisions?" "Well,he'sgotapoint,M.J.Itcouldbedangerous,"Gilleysaidanxiously,lookingwithlonging towardthevanoutside. Iscowledatthetwoofthem.ThiswasexactlywhyIdidn'twantStevenalonginthefirstplace. "Fine,gentlemen.Comealongthen.Let'sturnthesetsoffsowecanfocusonyour grandfather,Steven." WemovedfromroomtoroomsearchingoutthetelevisionsasStevennavigatedthehousefor us.Inawayitdidworkout,becausetheplacehadagazillionroomsandoneofuswasbound togetlost. WhenthelastsetwasturnedoffandunpluggedIsaid,"Thatdoesit!Nowwecangettoour baselinetestandgettheequipmentsetupand"Iwascutoffbyanoisethatsoundedlikea loudmotorcomingfromdownstairs.Welookedatoneanotherquizzically,listening.

 "Whatisthat?"Gilleysaid. "Idon'tknow,"Stevenanswered,movingoutoftheroom.Wefollowedhimtothestaircase andlistenedagain.Wecouldhearvoicestalkingoverthemotor,anditgrewlouder,asifit wereamplifiedandcomingcloser.Andsuddenlyweknewwhatthenoisewas,justasitstarted comingoutoftheroomwehadjustvacated. "That'simpossible,"Stevenwhispered,andweturnedbacktotheroom,whereaTVwas blaringatfullvolume.Onthescreentwomendroveaboatanddiscussedcastingtechniques. Evenmoreunsettling,thetelevision'splugwasoutoftheelectricalsocketandsittingonthe floor. "M.J.,"Gilleywhined."Dosomething!" "Whatexactlywouldyoulikemetodo,Gil?"Iaskedhim.I'dneverseenanythinglikethis before."It'snotlikeIcanjustsnapmyfingersand"Istopped.JustasI'dactuallysnappedmy fingers,everysetseemedtohaveshutoff.Wealllookedatoneanother,listeningforanysign thatasetwasstillonsomewhereinthehouse."Shit,"Iwhispered."Thisisgoingtobeatricky bust." "Idon'tthinkIlikethis,"Gilleywhined,movingclosertomeandreachingouttosnagmy jacketasifImightleavehisside. "Perhapsweshouldgotoahotelforthenightandcomebackinthemorning?"Steven suggested."Imean,"headded,clearinghisthroat,"youtwomustbeverytiredfromthetrip."

 "Greatidea!"Gilleysaid,lettinggoofmyjacketanddashingoutoftheroom."Comeon,M.J.! Let'sgogetsomerest!"Andwiththathebolteddownthestairs. Stevensmiledatme,thenwentafterGilley.Ihadnochoicebuttofollowthem.BythetimeI'd madeitdownstairs,GilleyandStevenhadgrabbedalloftheequipmentandmybackpackand wereluggingitouttothevan.Fasterthanyoucansay,"Boo!"theyhadittossedinandwere readytoroll."Guys,"Isaid,tryingtoslowthemdown,"Ithinkweshouldstay." GilleylookedatmetoseeifIwasserious,thenmadeahugeshowofstretchinghisarmswide abovehisheadandyawning."Man!Iambeat!ThatwasamuchlongercarridethanI expected.Idon'tthinkIcouldpossiblystayuptonighttohelpyou.Ithinkweshouldcome backtomorrow." "Idon'twantyoutothinkyouneedtoworkthroughthenight,"Stevenadded."I'mnota howdoyousay...driverofslaves.IfGilley'stired,Ithinkitwouldbebettertocomebackin themorning." Justthenthewholehouselitupandthenoiseoftwelvetelevisionscouldbeheardblaring frominside.Gilleydidn'twaitformetotrytotalkhimintoit;hesimplyjumpedinthevanand startedtheengine.Steventurnedawayfromthehouseandmovedtohiscarinahalfwalk, halfjog.Irolledmyeyes,tookonelastlookatthehouse,andmumbled,"Fine." Chapter5

Stevenledthewaytotown,abouttenmilesbackfromthewaywe'dcome.Asignwelcomed ustoUphamshire,population4,056.StevenparkedinfrontofatwostoryVictorian,andwe waitedwhilehegotoutandwalkeduptoGilley'swindow."Weshouldstayheretonight,"he said. "Wherearewe?"Iasked,peekingoutatthehouse. "Helen'sBedandBreakfast.She'sanoldfriendofmygrandfather.YoutwowaitherewhileI makethearrangements."Gilleynoddedagreeably,andStevenheadedinside. WhenhewasoutofearshotIgaveGilleyasmallwhapontheshoulder."Weshouldhave stayed,Gil." "M.J.,"Gilleybegan,"youknowwhatmyjobis.I'mavanman.Itwasyourideatogetmetogo insideandhelpout,soyouhaveonlyyourselftoblame." "WhoseideawasittoallowStevenalong?"Iretorted. "Oh,comeon!"Gilleyinsisted."ThoseTVswerefreakingmeout!" "Theycan'thurtyou,andyouknowit,"Iinsisted."Geez,Gil!IfI'dknownyouweregoingtoact likeasissygirl,Iwouldhavecomealone."

 "Iwasn'ttheonlyonewhofledthepremises,"Gilleygroused."YourDr.Deliciousboltedtoo." "He'snotmyDr.Delicious,"Isnapped. "Whatever,"Gilsaid,turningawayfrommeashemuttered,"Pleaselettherebeaminibarin theroom." WewaitedinsilenceforthenexttenminutesuntilStevencametrottingout."I'vegottenusa coupleofrooms.Helenispreparingthemnow,andtheywillbereadyinaboutahalfhour. Anyoneupforadrink?" "Iam!"Gilleysaid. "Great,"Stevensaid,notwaitingformetoanswer."There'sabarwithinwalkingdistance.We canleavethecarshere." Gilleywasoutofthecarinaflash."Let'sgo!"hesaidhappily. Isatforaminuteanddebatedgoingforadrinkwiththetwoofthemorsittingitoutinthe van."M.J.?"StevensaidwhenhenoticedIhadn'tgottenoutofthevan."Youarefollowing?"

 Isighed,lookedatDoc,whohadhisheadtuckedunderhiswingandwasfastasleep,and decidedmaybeadrinkwasn'tsuchabadidea."Yeah,"Isaid. WithStevenleadingtheway,wewalkedtoabarjustdownthestreetcalledDowntheHatch. "Quaint,"IsaidasIreadthesign. "Notontheinside,"Stevencountered.Hewasright.Insidetheplacewasdefinitelyadivebar, withwoodpaneledwalls,dirtyfloors,andthesmellofgreaseandoldbeerhangingintheair. Wefoundaboothandsettledin.Stevenflaggedawaitress,and,afterwegaveherourorder,I scopedouttheplacewhileGilleyandStevenstruckupaconversation.Ididn'tjoininontheir banter.IwasstillalittlemiffedatGilleyforboltingsoquickly.Wehadareputationtoprotect, andifwordgotoutthatonehalfofourteamwasabigfatchicken,thenourreferralbusiness couldbeinjeopardy. Myeyeswanderedaroundthebarfrompatrontopatron,takinginthelocals,whenIfelta thudagainstmyenergy. ThewayI'mabletopickupthepresenceofsomeonewhohascrossedoverisbyfeelinga senseofpressureagainstmyenergy.Thinkofitasifyoureyeswereclosedandyoufelt someoneinvadeyourpersonalspace.Formethefeelingisahundredtimesmorepronounced, andthere'snowaytoturnawayfromitonceithappens. WhenIfeelthis,Ihavetwochoices:Icanacknowledgetheenergyandstrikeupatelepathic conversationwithit,orIcanignoreitandhopeitgoesaway.Itriedthelatterroute,asallI

wantedtodowashaveadrink,headbacktotheBandB,anddoafaceplantintoapillow,but theenergythumpingagainstminewasn'thavinganyofit. Finally,aftertakingasipofmycranberryandvodka,Iopenedupandthought,Iamopen.What isityouneedtosaytome? ImmediatelyIfeltapowerfulshatteringsensationaroundmychest.Myeyewasdrawntothe doorwayandadarkstainimbeddedinthewoodfloor.GettingupfromthetableIwalkedover togetabetterlook,andwhenIcameclosetothestainIsawinmymind'seyethebodyofa manlyingonthefloor. ComingbacktothetablewhereGilleyandStevenwerebothwatchingmewarily,Iasked, "Whowastheyoungmanmurderedoverthere?" "What?"StevenaskedashelookedfrommetowhereIwaspointing. "Therewasayoungmanmurderedinthatdoorway.Hesayssomeoneshothim." "You'retellingmethisplaceishauntedtoo?"Stevenasked,hiseyeslarge. "Getusedtoit,"Gilleyexplained."Anystructureolderthanfiftyyearsusuallyhassomething walkingaroundinsideofit."

 "Ihaveneverheardofamurderhere,"Stevensaid. "HisnamebeginswithanL,"Isaid,stillconversingwiththeyoungman."Larry,liketheThree Stooges." "He'stalkingabouttheThreeStooges?"Stevenaskedme. "Youknowthem?" "Ofcourse.IhavewatchedtheminbothArgentinaandGermany.Theyareveryfunnymen." "Ithinksotoo!"GilleysaidwithadreamylookatSteven. "AsIwassaying,"Isaid,wantingtopullthembacktothemurderhereatthebar."Ifhe'sable toreferencetheThreeStoogesthenthatwouldgiveusatimeframeofwithinthelastseventy fiveyearsorso." Stevengotupsuddenlyandheadedovertothebar.Wewatchedashemotionedforthe bartenderandspoketohimbrieflywhilepointingtoourtable.Thebartendernoddedand headedintotheback.Steventhenreturnedtoourtableandsaid,"Theowner'saguynamed Chris.Hisfamilyhasownedthisplaceforfiftyyears."

 Aminutelaterashortandextremelyrotundmanwithwhitehairandpronouncedjowls waddledovertous.HelookedlikeoneoftheWeeblesIhadwhenIwasakid.Stoppingatour tablehesaid,"Goodtoseeyoubackintown,Dr.Sable.Jebsaidyouwantedtoaskmeabout thehistoryofthisplace?" Thethudagainstmyenergyincreasedtenfold,andIblurtedout,"Whowaskilledoverthere?" Chris'smilkyeyesswiveledtome."Excuseme?" "Thatoldstainonthefloor,"Isaid,pointingtoit."SomeonenamedLarrywasshotoverthere, wasn'the?" "Youareporter?"hesnapped,suddenlydefensive. "No,"Ianswered."I'mamedium." "Idon'tcareaboutyoursize,honey.HowdoyouknowaboutLarry?" Ismiled."Iwasn'treferringtomysize.I'mthekindofpersonwhotalkstodeadpeople,and rightnowthisguyLarryissayinghewasshotinyourdoorway."

 Chris'sjawdroppedslightly,andhelookedfrommebacktoSable.Hebarked,"Thissomekind ofjoke?" "No,thisisnojoke.Ihaveseenitformyself.Shereallycantalktothedead." Chriswaitedamoment,perhapstoseeifanyofuswouldburstoutlaughingattheprankwe werepulling.Larrybuzzedinwithanothermessage."Larrysaysyou'vebeentalkingabout puttinginanewfloor,butitwon'thelp.You'llalwaysseeastainoverthere,"Isaid,pointing withemphasisbacktothebloodstain. ChrislookedtowhereIpointed,thennarrowedhiseyesatme.Ilookedhimstraightinthe eye,myexpressioncalmbutserious.Afteramomentheseemedtomakeuphismindand turnedawayfromourtabletowaddleafewstepsanddragachairbacktousbeforetakinghis seat. "Thatwasoverfortyfiveyearsago,"hebegan."Mydadhadjustboughtthisplace.Therewas thisgroupofyoungpunksintown,goodfornothin's.Theyhadbeencausingalotoftrouble forthelocalbusinesses,smashingwindows,breakingandentering.They'drobyoublind,then gothatonestepfurtherandtrashuptheplace.Backthen,notalotofpeoplecarried insurance,soitwasevenhardertorecoverfromsomethinglikethat.Afewfolksevenwent outofbusiness. "Thepoliceweren'tmuchhelp;oursheriffhadbeeninjuredinWWTwo,andhewasuseless. Mydadknewitwasjustamatteroftimebeforethegangtargetedhim,sohespreadtheword thathewasn'tgoingtoletthepunksgetawaywithit.HeandIcampedouteverynightfora wholeweekwithourhuntingrifles,takingturnsonwatchaswewaitedforthemtostrike.Sure enough,onenightthegangbrokeawindowandthreeof'empiledin."

 Larryhadstoppedbangingonmyenergy.ItseemedhewaslisteningtoChristoo."Therewere onlythree?"Gilleyasked. "Yeah,"Chrissaid."WelearnedlaterthattheycalledthemselvestheStooges.Iguessthey werebigfansofLarry,Moe,andCurly." Stevenlookedsharplyatmeandmouthed,Whoa. IwinkedathimasChriscontinued."DadandIwatchedfrombehindthebarastheycamein andwereabouttotrashtheplace.ThenDadyelled,'Freeze!'andtheydidforasecond,but thenoneofthempickedupachairandtosseditatus.Weduckedandcameupshooting.Iwas soscared;Imean,Iwasonlyaboutnineteenatthetime." "AndLarrywaskilled,"Isaid. "Yeah.Whenthedustsettledonewasinjured,theotherhadrunoff,andthethirdwasdead onthefloor,rightwhereyoupointed.TothisdayI'mnotsureifitwasmybulletthatkilled him,"Chrissaidsadly. Larrybuzzedathoughtintomyhead.Themessagehadasenseofurgency."Larrysayshe's sorry,Chris." "Sohe'sreallyhere?Youcanhearhim,forreal?"

 "Ican,"Isaid."Hekeepsrepeating,'TellhimI'msorry,'overandover.Ithinkthat'sthereason he'sbeenhangingout,refusingtocrossover.Hewantstoapologize." "PleasetellhimIsaidall'sforgiven,andI'msorryforthewayitworkedout." IfeltLarry'senergybegintorecedehe'dheard."He'ssteppingback,"Isaid.BeforeLarryhad achancetocompletelydisconnectfromme,Iencouragedhimtoleavethisdimension."He's gone,"Isaidwhenheseveredtheconnection. "Thisissomefriendyou'vegothere,Steven,"Chrissaid. "She'sbeenonesurpriseafteranother,"Stevenreplied. Ifeltmycheeksgrowhot."It'snothing,"Isaid. "Sorryaboutyourgranddaddy,bytheway,"ChrissaidtoSteven,thenadded,"Say,youshould haveyourfriendseeifshecantalktohim." Stevengaveawinktome."That'stheplan."

 "Youonyourwaytothelodge?"Chrisasked. "Wejustcamefromthere,"Gilleyanswered. "Oh?Felttheneedtocheckoutthetownwhileyou'reatit,then?"Chrisagain. "Actually,"Stevensaidasheswirledhisdrink,"we'restayingatHelen'sforthenight.There havebeensomeratheruhunusualthingsgoingonatmygrandfather'swhichweplanto investigateinthedaylight." "Yeah?"saidChris,motioningtooneofhiswaitresses.Aftershebroughthimadraft,whichhe tookahugeswigof,hecontinued,"Iheardthere'vebeensomeweirdlightsandnoisescoming fromthehouseeversinceAndrewdied,andIknowMariagaveyouhernotice.Sheget spookedandquit?" "Thehousekeeper?"Gilleyasked.Ismirked,becausetheonlywayGilcouldhaveknownthat wasbyeavesdroppingontheconversationI'dhad"privately"withSteveninmyoffice. StevennoddedatGilleyandansweredChris."I'mnotsureitwasthat.Shetoldmethatnow thatshehadherretirementfund,andtherewasnoonetolookafteratthehouse,shewas betteroffmovinginwithhersisterclosertotown."

Chrischuggedthelastofhisdraftlikewater,givingmeagoodindicationofwherehis significantgirthcamefrom."Well,Ibettergetbacktowork.Yourtab'sonthehouse,Steven. Andthankstoyou,miss.Thatwasquiteaperformance." Ismiledathim,knowinghe'dprobablyfeltguiltyaboutLarry'sdeathfordecades."Anytime, andthanksforthedrinks." AfterChrishadgone,Stevensaid,"Comeon,it'sgettinglate,andI'mthinkingMissHolliday willwanttogetanearlystart." "MissHollidaywantedtogetstartedearlier,butwashamperedbyhertwofleeing accomplices,"Isaidwithachuckle;thenIgotserious."Listen,fellas,"IsaidtoStevenand Gilley."Ifwe'regoingtodothis,Ineedyoursolemnvowthatnomatterwhathappens,we're notleavinguntilwe'vedoneourbesttomakecontactwithAndrew.Deal?" "Deal,"Stevensaidfirmly. GilleyfiddledwiththezipperofhisjacketforamomentuntilIpokedhim;thenhefinallygave in."Yeah,okay.ButIstillreservetherighttoheadtothevanandmonitortheequipmentif thingsgettoodicey." Isighed,pattingGilleyontheback,andsettledforthat. ****

 ThenextmorningIcamedownstairswithDoconmyshoulderandwasgreetedbyatall,rather plumpwomanwholookedtobeinherlatefifties,withtight,curlyblondhairandsmooth, creamyskin."Goodmorning!"shesaidcheerfully."I'mHelenScottsdale,theproprietor." "Nicetomeetyou,"IsaidasIshookherhandandintroducedmyself.Docgaveawhistleand cockedhishead. "Oh,whataprettybird,"shesaid,notingDoc. "Doc'sdelicious!"hechirped."Doc'sapretty,prettybird!" "Parrots,"Isaidwithachuckle."Theyhavesuchbigegos." Helengiggled."Steven'sinthediningroom.There'sscrambledeggs,bacon,andtoast.Would yourbirdlikesomefruit?" "Doc'saprettybird!"Docsaid,bobbinghishead. "OneorderoffruitfortheFrootLoop,"Iquipped,givingDocaplayfultugonhistail.Heturned inacircleonmyshouldertoshowmehewasallthatandabagofchips.

 IheadedintothediningroomandfoundStevenseatedattheheadofthetablereadinga paper."Morning,"IsaidasItookmyseat. Helookedoverthetopofthepaperandsaid,"Goodmorning,M.J.Didyourestwell?" "Notreally,"Isaidhonestly."It'shardformeinstrangeplaces." "Hardforyou?" Itookascoopfulofeggsfromadishinthecenterofthetablebeforeexplaining."Let'sjustsay I'mlikeapayphone,andontheothersidepayphoneslikemearereallyrare.SowhenIshow upinaneighborhood,there'salineofpeoplewaitingtomakeacall." Stevensetthepaperdowncompletely."Idon'tthinkIamunderstandingthispayphone analog." "Analogy,"Icorrected,andtookabiteofeggsasIthoughtabouthowtobetterdescribemy struggletogetsomesleep."Helen'sdeceasedrelativesallwantedtotalktoherlastnight.Asif theyweretryingthroughmetomakealongdistancephonecall.Theywereallfightingtobe heard,fromawomannamedBettyorBetsy,whoIthinkisHelen'smother,toabrotherfigure namedBrian.AndsomeguynamedArnoldwastrulyobnoxious.Hewouldnotletmesleep.He keptgoingonandonaboutgoingtothelake,andhedidn'tknowitwouldhappenwhilehe wasonhisfishingtrip.Whateverthatmeans."

 AsIfinishedthatsentencetherewasaloudcrashfrombehindmeandSteven;wejumpedat thenoise.IturnedinmychairandsawHelenstandingthere,ashockedexpressiononherface, andashatteredplatethathadheldfruitforDoconthefloor."DidyousayArnold?"sheasked breathlessly. "Uh"Isaid,lookingatSteven.Ihadn'trealizedshewasrightbehindme."Yes.DidSteventell youthatIcanhearpeoplewho'vedied?" "Hementionedit,"shesaidasshebentovertopickupthepiecesofporcelain.IsetDoconthe armofmychairandcameovertohelpher. "I'msorry,"IsaidasIbentbesideher."I'mnotthemostsensitivepersonsometimes." "No,that'sfine,"shesaidquickly,andInoticedherhandswereshaking."ButcouldIjustask youwhatdidArnoldsayagain?" ImethereyestherewassomethingtherethatclearlytormentedherandwithoutwarningI feltArnoldcomethumpingintomyenergy.Igotupholdingsomeoftheporcelainandfruit, andshestoodtoo."Hesaysthatheneverwouldhavegonetothelakeifhe'dknown somethingwascomingsoon.Hesayshenevershouldhaveleftyoualone." AtearformedinHelen'seyeandsliddownhercheek.Shegulpedandturnedawayintothe kitchen,andIstoodtherestupidlyforabeatortwo,stillholdingthebrokenplateandfruit. Stevencameupbehindmeandheldouthishands."Givemethose,"hesaidgently,andI

handedhimtheshards.HefollowedafterHelenasIwentbacktomyseatfeelingtotally ashamedofmyself.Meandmybigmouth."Goodjob,M.J.,"Isaid,swirlingtheeggsaroundon myplate. "Goodjobatwhat?"Gilleyaskedashetookupachairacrossfromme. "Nothing,"Isaiddismissively."Justmakinganassofmyself." "Again?"hequipped."Iwouldhavethoughtyou'dhadenoughofthatbynow." "Gee,Gil,gonnatakethatcomedyroutineontheroadanytimesoon?"Isnapped. "Hey,"Gilleysaid,becomingserious."M.J.,don'tbelikethat.Ithoughtweweremakingfun. Whathappened?" BeforeIgotachancetoanswer,Stevencamebackintotheroom.Takinghisseat,heputhis handovermineandsaid,"She'sfine.Justtakenbysurprise.Arnoldwasherlatehusband. Whenshewaspregnantwiththeirson,hewenttothelaketodosomefishingandHelenwent intoearlylabor.Aneighbortookhertothehospitalandwordfinallymadeitswayoutto Arnold.Whilehewasrushingbackhelostcontrolofhiscarandwaskilled." "That'sterrible,"Isaid.NowonderArnoldwasbombardingme.I'dhavebeendoingthesame thing."Ifeellikecrap.Ihadnoideashewasbehindme."

 "Noharm,nofoulball,M.J.,"hesaidtome,andgavemyhandasqueeze. Ismiledathisblunderasfrombehindusweheardasniffle,andHelencamebackintothe roomcarryingafreshplateoffruitforDoc."Sorryaboutthat,"shesaid,settingtheplatedown infrontofhim."Itwasjustashock."Hervoicetrailedoff.Shegavemeasmallpatonmy shoulderandhurriedoutoftheroom. "Whatdidyousaytoher?"Gilleyasked. BeforeIhadachancetorespond,Stevencutin."What'stheplanforattackingtoday?" Gilflashedmeagrin,andIwasgratefulforthechangeofsubject."Theplanofattackisthis,"I saidconfidently."ThefirstthingIthinkweshoulddoisremoveallofthetelevisionsfromthe house.Normally,I'dprefertokeepthemtomonitortheghost'smovementsfromfloorto floor,butwithsomanyforhimtoplaywith,Ithinkitcouldgetabitchaotic." "Good,"Stevensaidwithanod."Thenwhat?" "ThenGilleyandIwillneedtodoabaselinetest." "Whatisthisbaselinetest?"

 "Werecordthedimensions,temperature,layout,andelectromagneticenergyineveryroomof thehouse." "Whatisthatfor?"Stevenasked. "Sothatwecanmonitorchangesthroughouttheday.Asuddendroporincreasein temperaturecanindicateaghostisafoot,"Iexplained."Wealsoputsometriggerobjectsin thoseroomswethinkaremostactiveandbeforeyouask,atriggerobjectissomethingthat canbeeasilymovedbyaspiritandmayattracttheircuriosity.Weusethingslikeasmalldish ofsand,orahouseofcards,orabookstoodonend.Weknowwe'vegotspectralactivity whenoneoftheseobjectshasbeenmovedorshowssignsofbeingtamperedwith,"I explained. "We'llalsoneedtotakeadigitalphotographofeachroom,"Gilleysaid. "IknowIsoundrepeating,"Stevensaidwithagrin."Butwhy?" "We'llbelookingfororbs,corkscrews,vortexes,andsparks,"Gilleysaid,andjustasSteven openedhismouthtoaskforanotherclarificationhesaid,"Orbsaresmallballsoflightthatare theeasiestformaghostcantake.Corkscrewsareswirlingbandsoflight,indicativeofaghost orspiritcominginfromanotherdimensiontoours.Vortexesaretheportalsspiritstravel throughwhentheygofromthisdimensiontotheother." "Yes,M.J.toldmeoftheseportalsearlier.Doyouthinkmygrandfatherisusingone?"Iknew whyhelookedworried.Ihadtoldhimthatonlybadenergiesneededthem.

 "No,Idon'tthinkhe'susingone.Buttheremaybeanotherenergyinthehouse,andwe definitelywanttoclearthelodgeofallgroundedspirits,bothgoodandbad." "IfmycolleaguesbackinGermanycouldseemehavingthisconversation,"hesaidasheshook hishead."Iamafraidtheywouldpullmymedicallicense." Ismiled."Itcanbealittlesurreal.Thatis,untilyou'veexperiencedwhatIhave." "Youtworeadytogetgoing?"Gilleysaid,wipinghismouthandscootingbackhischair. "Ready,"Isaid,standingupandtakingDocoffthearmofthechair."Doyouthinksomeone shouldcheckonHelen?"Iasked. "Ithinkit'sbesttoleaveheralonefornow.I'llcalllaterandmakesureshe'sokay,"Steven said. **** WedecidedtoleaveDocattheBandB,thinkingthatwithamischievousandenergetic poltergeistlooseitmightmakesensetokeephimtuckedawayattheinn.Twentyminutes laterwe'dmadeitbacktotheSablehuntinglodgewithoutincident.Gilleydrovewithawhite

knuckledgriponthewheelaswecamedownthelongdriveway."Yousureyou'reuptothis?"I askedhimseriously. "Yeah,"hesaidgrimly."ButI'mstillreservingtherighttoheadtothevanifthingsgettoo freaky." Ilaughedandgavehimapatontheback."PoorGil.Lookwhathavingacrushonan unavailablemanhasbroughtyouto." "Saywhat?"hesaid,cuttingmealook. "Dr.Delicious.Youhaveacrush." "No,notthat,"Gilsaid."Iwasaskingabouttheunavailablepart." Ilaughedattheseriouslookonhisface."He'sstraight,buddy." "He'sEuropean;it'sthesameasbeinggay." "He'sLatin,"Isaid.

 "Oh,Istandcorrected,he'snotgayhe'sbi." "Whateveryouneedtotellyourself,honey,"Isaid,surrendering. WeparkedthevanbehindStevenagainandgotouttounload.Oncewehadallofthe equipmentpiledontothefrontsteps,Stevenopenedthefrontdoor.Thethreeofuswalkedin, listeningintentlyforthesoundofablaringTV.Weweremetwithonlysilence,soIturnedand begantobringintheequipment.GilandStevenjoinedme,thoughmorethanonceIcaught thempausingtolistenagain. "Televisions?"Gilleyaskedoncewe'dhauledinallourstuff. Nodding,IturnedtoSteven."IstheresomeplacewecanstoretheTVssotheywon'tget damaged?" "There'sawinecellarbelowthekitchen.Theyshouldbeokaydownthere." Imotionedwithmyhandinanafteryougesture,andwebeganwiththenearestTVsonthe groundfloor.WhileweworkedIgotachancetoscopeouttheplaceinthedaylight.Itwas incrediblyimpressivefora"huntinglodge."Icountedfourteenroomsonthemainflooralone, completewithgourmetsizedkitchen,drawingroom,solarium,library,formaldiningroom, sunroom,andindoorpool.Thefurnishingswereopulent,mostlyFrenchantiques,andsuited theplacewell.

 AsGilleyandStevencarefullytookthefirstTVtothewinecellar,Ihadamomenttomyselfin thekitchen.Testingthesurroundingsforspiritualenergy,Iclosedmyeyesandsentoutmy radar.Igotahitrightaway,butitwaselusive.Maleenergy.Older.Asenseofconfusion seemedtosurroundhim,andthenIfeltitdriftaway.Iopenedmyeyesandlookedoutthe window.Theviewoverthesinkshowedthegrounds,andtotheright,thesideoftheindoor pool'swallextendedoutfromthehouse. Myintuitionwasdrawntothatarea;infact,Ifeltagreatsenseofurgencytogothere.Looking leftIsawadoorthatledoutside."Guys?"Icalleddownthestairs."I'llberightback."Iheaded outthedoor. OutsideIheldmyhanduptoblockthesunI'dleftmysunglassesinside.Iblinkedafewtimes andfollowedmyintuitiveinstinct,stoppinginfrontofthefarwalloftheindoorpool.Ibent downandtouchedtheground,whichwascoveredwithleavesanddebris.Inmymind'seyeI sawarake,andsmiled.Yeah,thisspotdefinitelyneededalittleattention.Standingup,I couldn'tunderstandwhyI'dbeentuggedoutheretothisspot,soIlookedaround.MaybeI'd gottenitwrong? Behindmewasashortlawnbeforethickwoods,whichspannedasfarastheeyecouldsee.I feltcompelledtogotothewoods,butdecidedI'dbetterwaituntilafterwe'ddoneour baselinetest.IturnedbacktowardthehousejustasIfeltanother,muchstrongerpulltomy right,andpausedforamomenttoassessthatpullonmyenergy.Whenaspiritwantsmetogo inacertaindirection,Ioftenfeelasenseofbeingtuggedrightorleft.Themoreforcefulthe tuggingfeeling,themoreurgentlythespiritwantstogetmyattention. Thisparticularpullwasincrediblyintense,muchstrongerthantothewoodsorbythepool. Curious,Ifollowedthetugandendedupinfrontofalargewindow.Peeringthroughthe window,IcouldseethatIwasnexttothelibrary.Isteppedawayandfeltanothertug,thisone straightup.Iputmyhandonmybrowagaintoshieldmyeyesfromthebrightsunandlooked up.Somethingcaughtmyattentioninawindowonthethirdfloor.IcouldhaveswornIsawa curtainmove.Ibackedupandkeptstaringatthewindow.Itdidn'tlookopen,sonobreeze

shouldhaveruffledthecurtain.Then,onefloorbelowit,Isawoneofthesheercurtainsgivea distinctswishofmovement,followedbyadark,shadowyfigurepassingbehindit. "M.J.!"Gilleycalled,andIjumped. "What?"IaskedasItoremygazeawayfromthewindowtoseeStevenandGilleystandingby thekitchendoor. "What'sup?"Gilsaid. "IthoughtIsawsomethingupthere,"Isaid,pointingtothewindow."Steven,whosebedroom isthat?" Hetookamomenttoanswer,alookofshockonhisface.Finallyhesaid,"Thatismy grandfather'sbedroom.Andthatspotyou'restandingonisrightwheretheyfoundmy grandfather'sbody." Imovedoverinspiteofmyself.StevenandGilleywalkedover,andthethreeofuslookedfrom thegroundbackuptothebedroom. "Ithoughtyourgrandfatherfellfromthethirdstory,"Gilleysaid.

"Hedid.Hisshoewasfoundontheledgejustabovehisbedroom,andthewindowwasopen fromthatbedroom,"Stevensaid,pointingtothebedroomdirectlyoverAndrew'sroom. "Weird,"IsaidasmyeyesmovedbackuptothewindowaboveAndrew's."Icouldhavesworn Isawmovementupthere,too." "Yousawsomeone?"Stevenaskedme. Ishruggedmyshoulders."Isawsomething.Notsurewhat,atthispoint." Gilleysaid,"Whatdidyousee?" "Isawthecurtainmovefirstonthethirdfloor,thenonthesecond,andthenadarkshadow passedinfrontofyourgrandfather'sbedroomwindow.Myguessisthateithersomeone'sin yourhouseorit'sAndrewmakinghispresenceknown." Turningtowardthehouse,Stevensaid,"Onlyonewaytofindout." WefollowedStevenbackinsideandthroughthemazeofroomstothefrontstaircase. Climbingthestairs,wemadeourwaytothesecondfloor."Ican'tbelieveyourgrandfather tookallthesestairs,"Gilleysaidashepuffedhiswayup.

"There'sanelevatorleadingfromthekitchentohissuite." "Well,whydidn'twetaketheelevator?"Gilleycomplained. "Ittakesforeverandmakesahorribleracket."JustasStevenfinishedwehearditfor ourselves,asaloudclangingnoisecamefromaroomattheendofthehallwayonthesecond floor. Werantotheroomjustastheelevatordoorsclosed."Comeon;it'sheadedbacktothe kitchen!"Stevensaid,andracedbackoutoftheroom.Wechasedafterhimatfulltiltdown thestairsaswetriedtobeattheelevator.Asweranwecouldstillfaintlyheartheracketofthe elevatorasitgroaneddown.Pantingfiercely,wereachedthelandingandranbacktothe kitchenjustastheelevatorcametoastop. Stevenhaltedinfrontoftheelevator,holdinganarmoutacrossmystomachinaprotective motion.Gilleycameuponhisothersideandwebracedourselvesasthedoorsslowlyopened. Chapter6 WithaterrificgroaningsoundthetwindoorsseparatedwhileIpreparedmyselfforbattle againstanynastypoltergeist.Astheopeningbecamelargermyeyesdartedabouttheinterior, lookingforanythingthatcouldjumpoutatus,butwhenthedoorsfinallystoppedmovingwe allstaredatanemptyinterior.Gilleyblewoutthebreathhe'dbeenholding,"Ohmigod!Thatis soweird!"

Stevensteppedforwardintotheelevator.Isawhimshiverandasked,"What?" "Itislikeiceinhere,"hesaid,andturnedinacirclewithhisarmsoutstretched. Gilleywhippedadigitalthermometeroutofhisbackpocketandturnediton.Heextendedhis armintotheelevatorandreadthegauge."He'sright,"hesaid,movingthethermometerin andoutoftheelevator."Fiftytwodegreesinsidetheboxcar,"heannounced,thentooktwo stepsbackandresetthegauge."Andseventyfourouthere.Definitepoltergeistactivity,"he said,settinghisjaw. "Wecan'tassumeanythingyet,Gil,"Icautioned,andjustasIsaidthisIsawStevenwobblea littleinsidetheelevator."Steven?"Iasked,steppingtowardhim.Iwatchedashiseyesrolled backslightlyinhisheadandhetookanunsteadystepbackagainsttheboxcar."Shit!"Iswore, andrushedtohisside,catchinghimaroundthewaistashiskneesbuckledandtheicycoldhit me. "Ifeelweird,"Stevensaidweakly,andputhishandtohishead. "Helpme!"IsaidtoGilley."Weneedtogethimoutside,now!" "What'shappeningtohim?"GilleyaskedasherantotheothersideofStevenandwebeganto movehimoutoftheelevator. "He'sabsorbingtoomuchenergyhecouldblackoutanysecondifwe'renotquick!"Iyelled.

 WemanagedtogetStevenoutside,whichwasnomeanfeat,sincethemanwassubstantially tallerthanbothofus.Onceoutonthelawnweeasedhimdowntoasittingposition,andI quicklystraddledhislegsandgrabbedhishead,whichseemedtobebobbingaroundonhis shoulders."Steven!"IcommandedinasternvoiceasIlookedintohisunfocusedeyes."Listen tome!You'veabsorbedsomeoftheenergyintheelevator.Youneedtolistentomyvoiceand mentallycometoit.Doyouunderstand?" "Mmm...uhmmm...mmmm?"Stevenmumbledincoherently. "What'swrongwithhim?"Gilleyaskedmeinahighpitchedvoice. "Ithinkthatwashisgrandfatherintheelevator,andIthinkhejustcameinfromthemist. Steven'sabsorbedsomeofthatresidualenergy,andhe'sfeelingreallyspaceyrightnow.Ina minutehe'lleitherloseconsciousnessorcomebacktousandstarttofeelnauseous." Gilleyedgedbackeversoslightly."Whatdowedo?" "Trytotalkhimback.Buddy,canyougetmesomewaterfrominside?" "Youwantmetogobackintherealone?"heaskedme,hisvoicestillsqueaky.

"Damnit,Gil!Getmesomefriggin'water!"Isnappedimpatiently. "Okay,okay,"Gilsaid,andjumpeduptoheadtowardthehouse. IcontinuedtoholdSteven'sheadinmyhandsasItalkedtohim."Steven,"Isaid,"youmust hearme.Ineedforyoutomentallycomeforwardtomyvoice.ThinkaboutthewordsthatI'm saying.Trytomakesenseofthem.Ineedyoutofeelthesunshineoveryourheadandthe groundyou'resittingon.Here,"Isaid,takingonehandoffhisfacetoplacehispalmonthe ground."Doyoufeelthetextureofthegrass?Canyousmelltheflowerscloseby?Reallytryto sensethosethingsforme,okay?"Stevenmumbledagain,butafterafewblinksIcouldseehis eyesbegintofocus."That'sit,"Isaid."You'redoinggreat.There'sabreeze.Canyoufeelthat? Andtherearebirds;doyouhearthem?" Stevengavemeatinynod. "Goodjob;you'redoinggreat.Justkeepfocusingonmyvoice,andfeeleverythingaround you." "Here'sthewater,"Gilsaidquietlyfrommyside. "Thanks,honey,"Isaidsoftlytohim,feelingbadaboutsnapping. "WhatelsecanIdo?"

 "He'scomingbackonhisown,butitwon'thurttorubhishandsandfeet." "I'monit,"Gilsaid,andquicklymovedtotakeoffSteven'sshoes. AfewminuteslaterStevenseemedtobejustaboutbacktonormal."Thatwasterrible,"he said,holdinghisstomach."Ifeelawful." "Giveitalittletimeyet,"Icoaxed."Thenauseawillpassinaminute." "Whathappenedtome?" "Theelevatorprobablycontainedagreatdealofyourgrandfather'senergy.It'sasmall, confinedspacethatcanfillupquickly.Sowhenyouwentrushinginthereyouabsorbedalot ofit,andyourgrandfatherhadjustcomeinfromthemist,orthatmiddleplane.Sowhenyou soakedupthatenergyyouwouldhavefeltlikeyou,yourself,weregoingto'thatplane." StevenlookedatGil."ImustbewoozyIcan'tunderstandathingshe'ssaying." "You'renotalone,"Gilsaidwithawinktome.

"Inotherwords,Steven,youprobablyfeltlikeyouwerefadingrightoutofyourbody,"I clarified. Stevennodded."Yes,"hesaid."ThatisaverygoodwaytosaywhatIfelt.Itwaslikeaballoon. Iwasfeelinglikeaballoondriftingaway." "Exactly.Nowtrytotakeasipofthewater." Hedidandthenlookeddownathisfeet,wheremypartnerwasgivinghimonehellofafoot massage."Gilley,"hesaidwithaslightwave."Thatisfeelingverygood,butIthinkyoucan stopnow." Gilflushedslightly."Justdoingmyduty,"hesaidwithasmile. "Ifeelbetter,"Stevensaidafteranotherminute."Thesicknesshaspassed.WhydidIfeel that?" "Noonereallyknowsforsure.Butalotofpeoplewhohaveyourexperienceoftenfeelsickto theirstomachsforashortperiodafterward." "Willthishappentomeagain?"Stevenasked.

"There'satrickthatyoucandothemomentyoufeelthatfrosty,inyourbonescold.Just imaginethatyourlegsarelikethetrunkofagianttreeandthatyourrootsgodeeplyintothe ground.Thetermiscalled'grounding,'anditworksverywellforkeepingyoufirmlyinyour body." "Ishalldothisfromnowon,"Stevensaid,andtookanothersipofwater. "Canyoustand?"Iasked. "Yes,"Stevensaid,gettingtohisfeet."Iactuallyfeelfinenow." "Great,butIstillthinkyoushouldtakeiteasyforalittlewhile."IlookedoveratGilleyand said,"Comeon,Gil.We'vebeenoffprotocolsincewestartedthisthing.Let'sgettherestof theTVsintothewinecellarandgettothebaselineASAP." ForthenexthalfhourGilandIfocusedonmovingthetelevisionsintothewinecellarasSteven lookedon.Iworriedaswetookaverylargeflatscreendownthestairsthattherewouldn'tbe enoughroom,butaswecamedownthestepsIcouldseeitwasamuchbiggerspacethanI'd anticipated."Wow,"Isaidaswesetthetelevisiondownagainstabackwall."Thisishuge." "Mygrandfatherlovedfinewine,"Stevensaid,followingusdown."Inhislateryears,someof hismedicationspreventedhimfromdrinkingany,sohegavemuchofhiscollectionawaytohis goodfriends."

Iwalkedovertoarackthatstillheldafewbottles."Iseehekeptthebestforhimself." "Actually,thosearewinesfromArgentinaandGermany.Mygrandfatherlikedmetofeelat homewhenIvisited." "Ah,"Isaid,andsetthebottledown,lookedofftomyright,andnoticedthreestepsdown leadingtoacloseddoor."Wheredoesthatgo?"Iasked. Stevencameovertomyside."Idon'tknow,"hemused."Ithinkitleadstomorestorage." "Oh,myachingback,"Gilleywhinedbehindus."Howmanymoreofthesethingsarethere?" "Three,"Stevensaid,turningawayfromthedoorandheadingupthestairs."Andonlytwoare asheavyasthatone." "Remindmenexttimetostayhomeanddopaperwork,"Gilleygrumbled,andfollowedafter Steven. Istayedbehindforamoment,gazingatthedoor.IsuddenlyfeltasifIweremissing something.

"M.J.?"Gilleycalledfromthekitchen. "Coming!"Isaid,andturnedawayfromthedoor.I'dworryaboutitafterthebaseline. Ittookustherestofthedaytogetthebaselinetestdone.Webrokeforaquicklunchof cannedsoup,thenwentbacktowork,mappingouteachroomandtakingmeasurements.For allmyprotestsathavingStevenalong,Iwasactuallygratefulforadistractionfrommy constantlycomplainingpartner.Gilleydefinitelywasn'tcutoutforthiskindofjob.Hewas usedtosittinginhisvanandjottingdownthemeasurementsIcalledouttohimoverthe walkietalkie.Ourbaselinesusuallytookanhourortwo,duetothenormalsizedhouseswe workedon. Bycontrast,theSablelodge,or"theManse,"asGilhadcometocallit,heldthirtysevenrooms notincludingthecellar.Duskwasbeginningtosettleaswefinisheduponthethirdfloor. Wantingtoconcentratesolelyonthebaseline,Ihadavoidedopeningmyenergytoanytugs, pushes,pulls,orthumps,thoughI'dcertainlybeenjerkedaroundinseveralrooms.Andrew's bedroomwasthestrongest,alongwithoneoftheguestbedrooms,butI'dalsofeltafew ticklesinthesolariumandthelibrary. "That'severything,"Gilleysaid,finishingthelastmeasurement."Canwegoeatnow?" "Ithinkwemust,"Stevensaidtohim."Bythenumberoftimesyou'veaskedaboutfood,you mayneedashotofinsulinifwedon'tfeedyousoon." "Ihappentobehypoglycemic,"Gilleysaiddefensively.

 "Shouldweeathere?"Iasked. "No,weshouldnot.ThereisawonderfulplaceintownthatI'mquitefondof.Isitallrightto leavetheequipmenthere,orshouldwepackit?" "Let'sleaveit.Icanhaulintwoofthemonitorsfromthevantorecordanyweirdactivitywhile we'reatdinner."Asifoncue,thelightsintheroomflickeredon. "Whoa,"Gilsaid,aswealllookedatthelightfixtureoverourheads."Comeon,"hesaid, tuckingapencilbehindhisear."Let'sgetthemonitorshookedupbeforewemissanything." WehadthemonitorsmovedinsideandtheDVRsettorecordabouttwentyminuteslater,just asthelastthreadsofduskwerecoatingtheskywithshadesofpurple.GilleyandIgotinthe van,andStevencametomywindowbeforegettinginhisAston."Willyouneedtocheckon yourbirdbeforewegototherestaurant?" Ismiledathisthoughtfulness."No,thankyou.Doc'sgotplentyoffoodandwater,andIput himinfrontofawindow,soheshouldhaveplentytolookat.He'sfastasleepbynow, anyway." "Okay,then,justfollowme."

Wedrovebehindhimbackthroughtowntothewestside,oppositeHelen'sBandB,and pulledintoadrivewayatAnnie'sSteakhouse.Gilleyparked,andwegotouttocatchupwith Steven.Onthewaywepassedagraysedanthatlookedveryfamiliar,andIpausedbrieflyin frontofit."What'sup?"Gilsaid,lookingbackatme. "Icouldhaveswornthiswasthecarthatpassedusonthewayupheretoday." "TheoneyouthoughtwastrailingSteven?"Gilleysaid,comingbacktotakealook. "Yeah,"Isaid. "Well,thatmakessense,"Gilsaid."Seetherimofthelicenseplate?UphamshireMotors.It'sa localcar." "Ah,"Isaidwithanod."Thatexplainsit.Comeon,then;let'sgetsomegrub."WemetSteven atthefrontdoor,andIwassurprisedthattherewasalinewaitingtogetin."Waithere," Stevensaid,andslippedinside.Hereturnedamomentlaterandgaveuseachawink. "Shouldn'tbelong,"hesaidconfidently. Sureenough,notfiveminuteslaterSable,partyofthree,wascalledtothefront,andwewere escortedtoourtable."How'dyoumanagetocutinfrontofallthosepeople?"Iasked.

Stevensmiledasheopenedhismenu."Theownerhasaheartcondition.Ayearagoheflewto Berlinandmyteamoperatedonhim.Imighthavelethimknowonthedrivefromthelodge thatIwasintown,andveryhungry." IshookmyheadwithagrinandbeganperusingwhenIfeltacoldprickleonthebackofmy neck.Ishivered,butthefeelingwouldn'tleave.FinallyIlookedupandspottedavery handsomegentlemanacrosstherestaurant,withgrayhair,finefeatures,andpiercingblue eyesthatwerecurrentlyshootingdaggersatourtable.Alarmed,IputmyhandonSteven's arm. "Yes?"Stevenaskedme. Ididn'ttakemyeyesoffthemanacrossthewayasIasked,"Who'sthat?" Steventurnedtolook,andtherewasapausebeforehemadeahissingnoiseandsaid somethingthatsoundedanawfullotlikeaGermanswearword. Alarmed,GilleyandIbothlookedathim."What?"Iasked. "Ohmigod!"Gilleysqueaked."That'sDr.StevenSableSenior!" Myheadsnappedbacktothemanatthetable."You'rekidding!"

 "No.It'shim,"Stevensaidwithvenominhisvoice. SableSeniorwasseatedataboothwithanothergentleman.Aswewatchedthemwatchus,I sawSeniorsaysomethingtohiscompanion,thenreachforhiswallet.Afterslappingsomebills downonthetablehestood,alongwiththeothergentleman,andlefttherestaurant. "Wow,"Isaidastheyexited."Iguesshe'sheadinghometopolishhisfatheroftheyear trophies." Stevensnorted."Morelikeassholeoftheyear." "Andwecanseethere'snolovelostonthissideofthefence,either,"Gilstated. "Damntrumpet,"Stevenreplied. Gilley'sfacecurledupasheattemptedtoholdinalaughatSteven's'continuedattemptsat Americancolloquialisms."UhIthinkyoumean,'damntootin'.'" "Thismeanssomethingdifferent?"

"CanIaskarelevantquestion?"Isaid,wantingtobringthembacktothesubject."What'syour fatherdoinghere?"WewerenearlyfourhoursoutsideofBoston.SomehowIdoubtedSenior wasthekindofguywholikedtotakeadriveinthecountry. "Ihavenoidea,"Stevensaidashestoodup."ButI'llbedamnedtootingifI'mnotgoingtofind out.Canyouordermeasteak,mediumrare,withabakerypotato?" Inodded."Definitely." "Youtwogetwhateveryoulike,"Stevensaidoverhisshoulderashewalkedaway."I'llbeback soon." Weordereddinnerforthethreeofusandatemostoftheappetizer,savingsome,sincewe thoughtStevenwouldbebackatanymoment.Ourfoodarrivedwithoutanysignofhim,andI askedthewaitresstotakehissteakbackandkeepitwarm.Lookingaroundtherestaurant,I begantoworryandsaid,"Wherecouldhebe?" "Shouldwegolookforhim?"Gilsuggested. Isighedandturnedbacktomyfood."Noneofourbusiness.We'reonaneedtoknowbasis." Gildovehappilyintohissteak,untroubledbytheappearanceoftheseniorSable.Iwasn'tso easilydistracted,andcutupmysteakwhilestealingglancesaroundtherestaurant,hoping Stevenwouldreappear.

 GilleyhadfinishedhissteakandwaspolishingoffhisbakedpotatowhenStevencamebackto thetable."Sorryaboutthat,"hesaidashescootedintohisseat. "Isentyourfoodbackundertheheatlamp,"Itoldhim."It'sprobablydriedoutbynow." Hesmiledgratefullyatmeandmotionedtoourwaitress."Noworry;they'llcookmeanother." Gilleyasked,"Didyoufindoutanything?" "Yes,andno,"Stevensaidashepulledhissaladforwardandraisedhisfork."Manyofthe localsandemployeesherehaveseenmyfatherintownsincemygrandfather'sdeath." "What'shedoingupthisway?"Iasked. "Nooneknows.He'salwayswiththesamegentleman,andtheyspeakinhowyousay,quiet speaking?" "Hushedtones,"Ioffered.

"Yes,that,andwheneveroneofthewaitressesgoestothetable,myfatherandhisassociate stoptalking.Peoplethinkheisuptonogoodthings." "DoyouthinkithastodowiththeManse?"Iasked,usingGilley'snickname. "IfyouareaskingifIthinkhewantstotakeitfromme,no." "Whynot?Theplaceishuge;it'sgottobeworthabundle." Stevenstoppedchewingtolookatmethoughtfully.Afterswallowinghesaid,"M.J.,outhere thathouseisworthabouttwomilliondollarsandisthemostexpensivepropertyforfifty miles.Myfather'sestateonthewaterinBostonisworthabouttwentymillionalone.Ican't seehimbotheringwithmygrandfather'slodgebecauseitwouldbeawayfromhisfriendsand hiswork,anditwouldbeveryhardtosell." "Maybeforthefondmemories,then,"Gilleyremarked. Stevenscoffedandpushedhissaladawayasourwaitressreappearedwithafreshlycooked steak.Aftershe'dgonehesaid,"Idoubtit.Mygrandfatherandmyfatherdidn'tgetonso good.Especiallyaftermyfathertriedtogetmygrandfatherdeclaredmentallyincompetent." "Soundsliketheyhadaprettycontentiousrelationship,"Isaid.

 "Tosaytheleast.Infact,ifitweren'tformygrandfather,thecourtsmightnothavegranted thepaternalsuitmymotherfiled." "Yourgrandfatherintervenedinapaternitysuit?"Gilsaid,tryingnottogiveawaythatwe alreadyknewthewholehistorybehindtheSables. "Yes.MyfatherhadfledtoEuropewhenhewassummonedtocourtwithabloodsampleto determinepaternityforme.Mygrandfatherheardofthecase,metmymotherandme,and decidedIwashisgrandson.Hesubmittedhisownbloodandsettledthesuithimself.Hewas verygeneroustomymotherandme." "Arethereanykidsbetweenyourfatherandhiswife?"Iasked. "No.Mygrandfatherwouldnottalkverymuchaboutmyfatherandhiswife,butonedayhe didsaythatMrs.Sabledidnotlikechildren." "Andyourfatherneverwantedchildreneither?" "Idon'tknow,"Stevensaidashecleanedhisplate."We'veneverspoken." "You'rekidding,"Isaid."Never?Notevenonce?"

 "No,"hesaid,shakinghishead. "Andthefactthatyou'veinheritedmostofyourgrandfather'sholdingsprobablyisn'thelping youtwogrowcloser,"Isaid,asIfeltGilleygivemealittlekickunderthetable. "HowdidyouknowI'dinheritedmostofmygrandfather'sholdings?" Ismiledsweetlyathim."Luckyguess?" Stevengavemeanevenlook,thenswiveledhisgazetoGilley."Didn'tyoutellmeatyour officethatyoudothishowyousay,"heaskedashemadeachoppingmotion,"onthe computer?" "It'scalledhacking.I'macomputerhacker,andiftheinformationexists,there'snoreasonwhy Ishouldn'tatleastattempttolearnaboutit,"Gilexplained.Steven'slookgrewdark."What canIsay?We'rethoroughaboutcheckingoutourclients." "Isee.Well,inthefuture,pleasefeelfreetoaskmeinsteadofdoingthishackingthing,okay?" Gilleysaluted."Noted."

 Turningbacktome,Stevenasked,"Nowthatyourbaseballtestiscomplete,whatwillyoudo tomorrow?" Iheldinagiggle."Baselinetest,andthethingthatwe'lldoisyourghost,"Isaidsimply. Stevenlookedexasperated.TurningtoGilleyheasked,"HowdoImakehertellmewiththe details?" Gilturnedtome."Ithinkhewantstoknowspecificallyhowyouwillgoaboutthat." Igavebothofthemasmile."Whenwewererecordingthebaseline,Ifeltafewtwingesin someoftherooms.Myfirststepwillbetogobacktothoserooms,placesometriggerobjects, andsetupsomelasermovementdetectors.Gilcanmonitorthoseremotely,andwhenweget somethingIcanheadtothatlocationandtrytomakecontact." "Iknowaboutthesetriggerthings,butwhatarethesemovingdetectorsfor?" "Ghostslovethingsthatmakenoise.Thinkofthetelevisionsthatkeptturningon.Oncewe've isolatedthroughthetriggerobjectswherethehighestlevelsofactivityare,we'llplacemotion detectorsinthoseroomsandseeifourghostlikestosetoffthealarms.Ghoststendtobe habitual.Theyrepeatbehaviorsoverandover.Mythinkingis,thereareoneortworoomsthis spiritthinksofashomebase,andit'sinthoseroomswhereIneedtoidentifyandtrytomake contactwithit."

 "Whatwillyoudoonceyoufindtheghost?"hewantedtoknow. "I'llattempttoconfirmthatit'syourgrandfather,andifitis,thereasonwhyhe'sstuck betweenworlds.Ifwegetlucky,andhe'swillingtotalktome,he'llbeabletogiveussome goodinformation." Stevennoddedashesatbackintheboothandconsideredthegameplan."Shouldwegoback tothelodgenow?" Gilleygaveatremendousyawnandpattedhistummy."M.J.,I'mexhausted.Can'tweletthe monitorsdotheirthingandgetsomerecordings,thengobacktomorrow?" Iconsideredtheidea,andhadtoconcedethatwithallthewalkingaroundthehugemansion andcarryingtelevisions,Iwasprettywhippedmyself."Youknow,Gil,that'snotabadidea." Gilleyseemedtoperkupashebeamedhisthanksatme."That'sfantastic.Wecangetstarted firstthinginthemorning." Inodded,thenthoughtofsomethingandsaid,"Itmightbebettertowaituntilafternoon.Do yourememberlisteningtotheweatherreportonourridehere?Itsaidafternoon thunderstormsareexpected." Stevengavemeaconfusedlook."Whydoesthataffecttheplan?"heasked.

 "Ghostslikeitdamp,"Gilleysaid. "Huh?"Stevensaid. "It'seasierforghoststomakeanappearancewhenthereismoistureintheair.Rainisterrific ghosthuntingweather,andthunderstormsareevenbetter.Itchargestheairwith electrostaticenergyandistheequivalentofgivingaghostapowershake,"Iexplained. "Haven'tyoueverseenanoldscarymoviewhereit'sthunderingandlightningoutsideand everyone'srunningfromthethingsthatgobumpinthenight?"Giladded. Stevenchuckled."IthoughtthatwasjustyourAmericanHollywoodthing." Foldingmynapkinandsettingitonthetable,Isaid,"There'sdefinitelytruthtoit.Whatit meansforusisthattomorrowcouldgetverylong.Becausenomatterhowfreakedoutyou twoget,I'mnotleavingthathouseuntilI'veattemptedtomakecontact." StevenandGilleybothlookeddownatthetabletop.Gilleyclearedhisthroat,thenwhispered toSteven,"Wecanalwayshangoutinthevan."

Irolledmyeyesandsaid,"Youtwoarepathetic.Comeon.We'llneedtogetagoodnight's sleeptonighttogearupfortomorrow." Stevenpaidthebillandwegotuptoleave.Aswewereheadingout,Gilleyexcusedhimselfto therestroomandtoldustoheadbacktogetherandhe'dcatchuplater.Igavehimasmall, panickedlook,asthatmeantI'dhavetorideinSteven'scarandbealonewithhim,buthe dashedintothemen'sroombeforeIhadachancetoargue. "Afteryou,"Stevensaidasheheldopenthedoorformetoexit. "Where'reyouparked?"Iasked,tryingnottosoundnervous.Ididn'tknowhowIfeltabout Steven.Icouldadmitthatwe'dsharedamomentwhenhe'ddroppedmeoffatmyapartment theothernight,butthemoretimeIspentwithhim,themoreIthoughtitwasbettertokeep mydistance.Hewasthekindofguywhocouldcertainlytemptyouintofallingforhim,butthe momentyougottooinvolvedhe'dbreakyourheart.Andifthere'sanythingI'mabigclucking chickenabout,it'sheartbreak. "Aroundback,"heanswered,andtookmyhandtoleadmethroughthelot. Isubtlypulleditbackandsaid,"Oh,Iseeit.Rightoverthere."Iquickenedmypace. BehindmeIheardhimsnicker.Iignoredhimandmadeittohiscar,whereIstoodnexttothe passengersidedoor,waitingforhimtoreleasethelocks.Hedidn't,butcontinuedtowalk towardthecar.Givinghimahint,Isaid,"Wanttohitthelock?"

Hedidn'tanswer.Insteadhesidledupnexttome,holdinghiskeysupformetoseeashesaid, "Thebuttonisnotworkingsogood." "Ah,"Isaid,edgingclosertothecardoor."Soyou'vegottomanuallyunlockit?" "Mmhmm,"hesaidashepressedhisbodyclosertomineandreachedaroundmetoinsert thekey."Ineedtogetitfixed,"hemurmuredclosetomyear. Igulpedandleanedbackagainstthecarinanefforttocreatealittledistancebetweenus.It wasfruitlessthemoreIleanedaway,themoreheleanedin.Wedgedbetweenhimandthe car,Ifoundmyselftryingnottonoticehowmysenseswerefillingupwithhim.Hesmelledlike sandalwoodsoap.Hisbodywasleanandfirmagainstmine,andhisbreathfeltwarmagainst myneck.Slowlyheplacedthekeyinthelockandbegantoturnit,drawingoutthemomentas Isquirmed,tryingtokeepholdofmyhormones. "Damn,"hesaidashestoppedturningthekeyandloweredhislipstomyneck. MybreathcaughtasIfeltthewarmthofhismouthonmyskin."What'swrong?"Iasked,my voiceontheedgeofpanic. Pullinghislipsawayfrommyneck,hemovedtomyearlobeandsaid,"Thekey'sstuck." Tryingtostopmyselffrompressingagainsthim,Isaid,"Letmehaveagoatit,"asItwisted awayfromhim.

 "Greatidea,"hesaid,andpulledmebacktofacehimashekissedmewithsuchpassionIgave in. Reflexivelymyarmswentuptoencirclehisneck,andmyfingerstangledthemselvesintohis hair.Hereacheddowntomywaistandpulledmyhipsintohis.Eitherhehadadoublerollof quartersinhispocketorhewasdamnedgladtoseeme. Ourkissdeepened,andsodidourneed.Iletgoofthelocksofhairwrappedaroundmyfingers andtrailedonehanddownhisspine,insertingitintothebackofhispantsandgrindingmy hipsfartherintohis. Stevenpulledawayfrommylipsashesuckedinabreath.Reachinguphemovedhishand undermyblouseandcuppedmybreast.Hethenloweredhislipstomycollarboneandtraced thelengthofitwithhistongue.Igrippedhisbuttocksandgaveasmallgaspashisfingersslid downmywaistandintomyjeans. Hegroanedandmovedhislipsbacktonibbleonmyearlobe.Myeyesrolledup,andinthe backofmymindatinyvoicewhisperedthelastvestigeofcommonsenseIhadleft,begging metobeawareofwhereIwasandwhatIwasdoing.Iblinkedandshookmyhead,tryingto clearit.Steven'shandmovedtoteasemyleftbreast,andwitheffortImanagedtosay,"We can'tdothishere." Stevenraisedhisheadandgavealookaroundtheparkinglot.Luckily,nooneseemedtobe around,butasifoncueweheardvoicescomingaroundthecornerofthebuildingtowardus. Withaheavysighhenodded,steppedback,andclosedmyblouse."Yes.Youareright.Let's returntoHelen's."Hethenreachedaroundme,turnedthekey,andwinkedashepulleditout andopenedthedoorformetogetin."Guessitwasn'tstuckafterall."

 IgavehimalookasIgotinandquicklystraightenedmyclothing.Aswepulledoutofthe parkinglot,wespottedGilleycomingout.Hegaveusacuriouslookaswewavedathim,asif tosay,You'restillhere? Igroaned."He'sgoingtogrillmeonwhattookussolong." "TellhimIbangedintoafriend,"Stevensaidwithaslygrin. Ilaughed."Youmeanbumped,"Icorrected,andthengrewserious,choosingmywords carefully."Listen,Ithinkweshouldcoolituntilafterwe'rethroughhere."Stevendidn't answer."It'sjustthatIneedtoconcentrateonthetaskathand.Ittakesalotofmyenergyto makecontactwithaspirit,andevenmorewhenthatspiritisaghost.Ican'taffordtobecome distracted.Doyouunderstand?" "Itwasjustakiss,M.J.,"hescoffed."Hardlyworthhavingadiscussionover." Iinhaledsharply.OfallthethingsI'dexpectedhimtosay,averbalslaplikethatonewasn'ton thelist.Afteramoment,andwithiceinmyvoice,Isaid,"Well,then.Aslongaswe'reclear." StevenandIdrovetherestofthewaybacktotheBandBinsilence.Themomenthiscarcame toastopIwasoutthedoor,angerfromhisrebukebuildingasIclimbedthefrontsteps. PushingthroughthefrontentranceIdidn'twaitforhim,andmovedquicklytothestairs leadingtomyroom.IcouldhearhimbehindmeasIreachedthelanding."MJ.,"hecalled,but Iignoredhim.

 "MissHolliday,"hesaidalittlelouder,asIturnedtowalkdownthehallway. Istiffened,andwithoutturningIsnapped,"What?" "I'msorry." Itookadeepbreath,waitedabeat,thenbeganwalkingagain."Goodnight,Dr.Sable,"Isaid, notlookingback. **** ThenextmorningDocwokemeatthefirstsignoflight."YMCA!"hesang."It'sfuntostayat theYMCAA!" "Doc,"Ihissedasmyeyessnappedopen."Shhhh!You'llwakeeverybodyup." "Youngman,getyourbuttoverhere!"Doccontinued,undauntedbymyeffortstoshushhim.

"Doc!"Ihissed. "Isaidyoungman!It'sokaytobequeer!"Docsang,bobbinghisheadandmovingsideways backandforthacrosshisperch. Groaning,Iscootedoutofbedandhurriedovertohiscage.HecontinuedwiththesongasI madeamentalnotetothumpGilleysoundlyforteachingDochispubliclyembarrassing rendition.Openingthecage,Iretrievedmybirdandstrokedhisfeathers.Docstoppedlong enoughtowhistleandsay,"Docwantsacracker!" "Docisacracker."Ichuckled.Walkingwithhimovertomyduffelbag,Ipulledoutacontainer oftreats."Here,"IsaidasIgavehimone."Thisshouldtideyouoveruntilbreakfast." Docgavemeaheadbobashecrunchedonthetreat."Nicebum;whereyoufrom?"he squawkedinbetweennibbles. Igiggledandwalkedhimbackovertothewindow,whereIsatdowninachairoverlookingthe frontdriveway.IstaredWearilyoutatthefirstredraysplayingacrossthesky.Iwasreminded ofaphrasemyfatherusedtosay:"Redskyatnight,sailor'sdelight.Redskyatmorning,sailor takewarning."Isquintedattheedgeofthehorizon,whereIcouldseethefirstsignsofcloud coverrollinginfromthesoutheast.DocchirpedandIlookeddownathim."What'sup, sweetie?" "Whoyougonnacall?"Docaskedme."Ghostbusters!"

Irolledmyeyes.WhenI'dfirstsuggestedtheideaofprofessionalghostbustingtoGilley,he'd rentedthemovieGhostbusters,andheandDochadwatcheditoverandover.AtfirstI'd thoughtitwascutewhenDocbeganparrotingquotesfromthemovie.Nowitgratedonmy nerves,andwasdownrighthumiliatinginpublic. "Doc,don'tsaythat,"Isaidtohim,knowingfullwellhe'dignoreme. "Lookattheassonthathunkaman!"hequipped.GilleylovedtopeoplewatchwithDocfrom ourofficewindow. Ilaughed.Ithadbeenaverylongtimesincehe'dusedthatone. Docwhistled."Hey,sailor!Whydon'tyoucometomyport?" "Great,"Imumbled."I'vegotagaysidekickandagayerbird."' "Dr.Deliciousgoesbyebye!" Ilookedatmybirdcuriously.I'dneverheardhimputthatparticularcombotogetherbefore, andintuitivelyIlookedoutside.Sureenough,InoticedSteven'scarwasn'twherehe'dparked itthenightbefore.SettingDoconthebackofthechairIwenttotheotherwindowforabetter viewofthedriveway.

 Ourvanwasthere,andnexttoitwasanemptyspace,followedbyarowofotherguests'cars. "Weird,"Iwhispered.TurningbacktoDocIsaid,"Doyouthinkweshouldcheckitout?" Docgavemeaheadbobandawhistle. "Metoo."IgotdressedandloadedDocontomyshoulder,thinkingthatifIlefthimalonein theroom,he'dcontinuetomakealotofnoiseandwaketheotherguests.Wecreptoutofmy roomandintothehallwayandImademywaytoGilley'sroom.Pressingmyearagainstthe door,Icouldfaintlyhearthesoundofsoftsnores."Gilley'sstillasleep,"IsaidtoDoc.Hegave meanotherheadbobandwemoveddownthehall. IrememberedthatSteven'sbedroomwasattheendofthehallnexttothebathroom.I walkedquietlytohisroomandhoveredjustoutside,wonderingwhatI'dsayifhesuddenly openedhisdoorandsawmestandingthereatfiveinthemorning.Glancingatthebathroom,I decidedtogowiththeobvious.Puttingmyeartothedoor,Ilistenedintently,butnosounds couldbeheard.Stevenwaseitheraquietsleeperorhewasn'tinhisroom. Hemusthavegonesomewhereinthemiddleofthenight.Hewasadoctor,afterallmaybe he'dhadanemergency.Thenagain,whatifhewasinhisroom,andhiscarhadbeenstolen?I didn'tknowthecurrentpriceofanAstonMartin,butmygutsaiditwasnorthofanythingI couldeverafford.Maybesomethiefhadtakenit. Isteppedbackfromthedoor,debatingaboutwhattodonext.Finally,Ifiguredthatifthere wasachancemycarhadbeenstolen,I'dwanttobewokenup.Igavethedoorasmallknock. Afterafewmomentsofsilence,Iknockedagain.Stillnothing."Okay,sonoone'shome"I whispered."Orhe'saheavysleeper.MaybeIshouldtrythedoorandseeifit'sopen?"

 Docreachedupwithhisbeakandtuggedgentlyonmyear."Yeah,I'mwithyou,"Isaid, reachingforthedoorhandle.Myheartpoundingatmyinvasionofhisprivacy,Iturnedthe knob,andthedoorclickedopen."Open,sesame,"Iwhispered.Igentlyeasedthedooropen farenoughtotakeapeekinside.Theroomwasempty. Ipushedalittlefartherandsteppedintotheroom,justtomakesure.Thebedwasrumpled, andlookedsleptin.Steven'sduffelwasn'tinsight,andneitherwereanyofhispersonal belongings."Okay,"IsaidtoDoc."Wheredoyouthinkhe'srunoffto?" "Doc'saprettyboy!"hesquawked. "Shhhh!"Isaid,puttingagentlehandonhisbeak."Comeon,pal.You'regonnagetmein trouble."Welefttheroomandheadedbackdownthehallway. Makingmywaydownstairs,Iheardsoundscomingfromthekitchen.Curious,Iwentto investigateandfoundHeleninherbathrobehummingassheslicedupfruitbythesink. "Morning,"IsaidasIcameintothekitchen. "Eeek!"sheshrieked,droppingtheknifeandraisingahandtoherchest. "Sorry!"Isaid,asIcameovertoher."Ididn'tmeantoscareyou."

Helentookdeepbreathsasshetriedtocalmherself.Afteramomentsheregainedher composureandpickeduptheknife."Ididn'trealizesomeonewasupthisearly." "It'smybird,"Isaid,indicatingDocperchedonmyshoulder."Hewashungry." "Hi,Doc,"Helensaid,holdingupapieceofcantaloupe.Docwhistled. "You'vegotafriendforlife,"Isaidashetookthefruit. "CanIgetyousomecoffee?"sheaskedme. "I'dlovesome,thanks."Itookaseatinoneofthechairsatasmalltableinthekitchen,and Helenbroughtmemycoffee. "Ihopeyougotabetternight'ssleeplastnight,"shesaid."Mylatehusbandwasn'tkeeping youupagain,washe?" "Arnold?No.He'sbeenquieteversinceIgaveyouhismessage."

Helennoddedandgotbacktochoppingfruit.Sheputseveralpiecesofcantaloupeinabowl andsetthatdowninfrontofmeandDocwithasmile.DocwhistledandIfedhimafew pieces,enjoyingthecompanionablesilenceandagoodcupofcoffee. AfteramomentIaskedcasually,"DidStevenhappentomentionanythingaboutheadingback toBostonthismorning?" "No,"shesaidasshereachedforacartonofeggs."Why,hasheleft?" Inodded."Hiscar'snotinthedriveway,andhedidn'tanswermyknockonhisbedroomdoor thismorning."Idecideditwasbesttoleaveoutthepartaboutopeningsaiddoorandtakinga lookylooinside. "Iwouldn'tworryoverit,M.J.,"shesaid,crackinganeggonthesideofalargebowl."I'msure he'sfine." Inodded."IthinkI'llgoforarunbeforebreakfast." "Soundsgood,"shesaid."Istartservingrightatsixo'clock." ItookDocbacktomyroomandputhiminhiscage.Nowthathe'dbeenfed,hewascontent tolookquietlyoutthewindow.

 Ichangedintosweatsandheadedbackdownstairs,pokingmynoseintothekitchenagain, whereHelenwasputtingthefinishingtouchesonbreakfast,andtoldhertotellGilleythatI wasoutforarunincasehewokeupandwaslookingforme. "Haveagoodjog,"Helensaid."IfStevencomesback,I'lllethimknowtoo." "Thanks,"Isaid,carefulnottoletmyirritationabouthisabsenceshow. Iheadedoutsideintothecoolmorninglightandinhaleddeeply.Itwastheperfect temperatureforarun,nottoohotandnottoocold.Ididafewstretchesforawarmup,then sprinteddownthepavement. Itookthemainroadthroughtown,aptlynamedMainStreet,stickingtofamiliarterritoryat first,thengotbolderandjoggeddownasidestreetthatledtoamoreresidentialpartoftown. Thehousesherewereneatandsimple.Manyofthemhadwhitepicketfences,andreminded meofbackhomeinGeorgia.Someoftheresidentswereup,gatheringpapers,wateringlawns, walkingtheirdogs.Otherhouseswerestillandquietastheirownerssqueezedinonemore hourofsleep. AfterrunningparalleltoMainStreet,Icutbackuptowarditthroughanothersidestreetand ranrightpastablackAstonMartinparkedinsomeone'sdriveway.Myheadwhippedbackto takeasecondlookasIrealizeditmustbeSteven'scar.Panting,Itrottedbacktocheckitout, andsureenoughIsawhislittleMDtagonthelicenseplate.

AfteroglingthecarforafewsecondsIlookedupatthehouseitwasparkedinfrontof,asmall onestoryranchwithwhitetrimandlightblueshutters.Theblindswereclosedandtherewas nowaytotellifanyonewasawakeinside. Istoodnexttothecarforafewseconds,wonderingwhatStevencouldbedoinghereatsixin themorning.Curiousabouthisarrivaltime,Imovedtothehoodandfeltit.Itwascooltothe touch.Thatmeanthe'dbeenhereforawhile,orallnight. Iscowledatthatthoughtandlookedbackupatthehouse.Justthenthefrontdooropened, andwithastartIcroucheddownbehindthecar,afraidI'dbeseen.Withmyheartpounding,I duckwalkedovertoarowofbushesandmovedbehindthemforcover.Icouldheartwo peopletalking,onefemalevoicelightandamused,theothermuchdeeperandaccented.Their conversationcametomeinlittlebitsandpieces,notenoughtoputtogetherandtellwhat theyweretalkingabout. Takingahugechance,Ipeekedupoverthebushes,spottingStevenandayoungwoman talkingandlaughingastheywalkedovertohiscar.Thewomanwaspretty,withlongblond hairtiedupinaponytail.Shelookedfamiliar,andittookmeasecondtorealizethatshewas thewaitressatthegrinderrestaurant.OnceStevenputhisarmaroundherandgaveherakiss ontheforehead,Ididn'tbothertohangaroundandwatchtheshow.Instead,withmy stomachinatangleofknots,Iinchedbackdownandwaddledalongtherowofbushestothe backyard.FromthereIcutthroughanotherlawntothestreetbehindtheoneI'dbeenonand startedjoggingagain. IranmuchfartherandharderthanI'dplanned,tryingtoworkoutwhatitmeantthatSteven hadspentthenightwithanotherwomanafterkissingmesopassionatelytheeveningbefore.I finallycametotheconclusionthatI'dbeenrightallalonghewasaratbastardanditwasin mybestintereststokeepmydistancefromhim.OnceIfinishedthisjob,hewouldbecomea distantmemory.

AnhourandahalflaterIreturnedtotheBandB.GilleymetmeasIcamethroughthedoor, outofbreathandsweaty."GoodLord,girl,"hesaidwhenhesawme."What'dyourun,a marathon?" "Morning,"IsaidasIwavedhimoffandturnedtowardthestairs."Ifanyoneneedsme,I'llbe intheshower." Iwentuptomyroom,gatheredsometoiletriesandcleanclothes,andheadedintothe hallway.AfterclosingmydoorIturnedandbumpedrightintoabroadchest."Goodmorning," StevensaidasIbackedup. "Hey,"Isaid,lookinganywherebutathim. Hereachedforwardandranafingeralongmywethairline."Beenoutforarun?" Isnappedmyheadaway."Ineedashower,"Isaid,andmovedaroundhim. "I'llsay."Hechuckled. Iturnedbackandgavehimafrigidlookbeforewalkingtothebathroomattheendofthehall. "Areyoustillmadatme?"heasked.

Ididn'tanswerhim.InsteadIwentintothebathroomandshutthedoorbehindmewithout lookingback."Jerk,"Imuttered. Aftertakingasteamyhotshoweranddressing,Iheadeddownstairs.Gilleywasstillatthe kitchentable,slurpingcoffeeandreadingthelocalpaper."Hey,"IsaidasIgotaplatefromthe buffetHelenhadsetup. "Morning,sunshine,"Gilleysaid."Sleepwell?" "Prettygood." "Wanttotellmewhyyou'reinamood?" "WhosaysI'minamood?"Iasked,grabbingsometoast. "Youneverrunlikethatunlesssomethingorsomeonehaspissedyouoff.I'mguessingithasto dowiththefactthatacertainsomeonerolledinherethismorningafterapparentlybeingout allnight?" "Ihatethatyou'resofreakishlyperceptive,"Igrumbled,sittingdown.'

"It'sagift,"Gilleysaid,settingdownthepaperwhilehewaitedformetotalk. "Didyouaskwherehe'dgone?"Iaskedhim,takingabiteofbacon. "Steven?No.It'snoneofmybusiness,"Gilleysaid. "Isawhim,"Iadmitted."Iwasoutrunningandsawhiscarparkedinsomedriveway.AndImay havepausedtocheckitoutandcaughthimandthatprettywaitressfromthegrinder restaurantcomingoutthedoorallfriendlylike." Gilleyarchedaneyebrow."Definefriendly." "Theyhadtheirarmswrappedaroundeachother." "AndI'mjustguessingherebutmybetisthatyoutwogotalittlefriendlywitheachother lastnightintherestaurantparkinglot,too?" "Howcouldyouknowthat?"Idemanded.

"Iwasdoingalittleflirtflirtwithoneofthewaitersinsidetherestaurantafteryoutwoleft. Wetalkedforagoodfifteenminutes,andwhenIcameoutyoutwowerejustpullingoutof thelot.Plusyouhadthatlookonyourface,"hesaidsmugly. "Whatlook?" "That'Oh,no!Gilley'sgoingtoknowwhatI'vebeendoing'look." "Whatever,"Isaid,wavingmyhandandtryingtobrushthewholethingoff."It'snobigdeal. He'saplayer.Icould'vetoldyouthatwhenwestartedthisgig." "Butyoulikehim,"Gilleysaidtome. "Youlikewhom?"Stevensaidfrombehindme. GilleyandIbothjumpedandthengaveapanickedlooktoeachother.Gilsavedthedaywhen hesaid,"Bradley.ThisguyIjuststarteddating.IintroducedhimtoMJ.theothermorningand Iwasgettingheropinionabouthim." "DoyouknowwhatIthink?"Stevensaid,takinghisseatnexttome.

DiscreetlyIedgedmychairalittlefartheraway,whileGilleysaid,"No,butI'mthinkingyou're abouttotellus." "Ithinkyoushoulddatewhomeveryouwant.Don'twaitforsomeonetogiveyoutheokay.If youlikethisguy,thenthat'sallthatmatters." Irolledmyeyesandsetmyforkandknifedown.I'dlostmyappetite."Thankyou,Dr.Phil,"I said,andgotupfromthetable."Now,ifyou'llexcuseme,IthinkI'lltrytotakealittlenap beforewehitthehouselateron." AsImademywayupthestairs,IcouldhearStevenaskGilley,"What'sherproblem?" Ididn'twaittolistenforGilley'sresponse.InsteadImademywaybacktomyroomand ploppeddownfacefirstonthebed."What'sup,Doc?"mybirdchirpedfromhisperchbythe window. Turningtolookathim,Isaid,"Mensuck." Docwhistledandcockedhishead.TherewasapauseasIsawhimtryingtoworkoutthe sound.Afteramomentherepeated,"Mensuck!" "Great,"ImumbledasIturnedmyfacebackintothepillow.

 Chapter7 Thecrashingsoundofthunderwokeme.That,coupledwithDoc'sfranticsquawking."Help! I'vebeenshot!"hesaidasaloudcrackechoedacrossthesky.Iblinkedthesleepoutofmy eyesandgotupquickly.Dochatedthunderstorms,andI'dforgottentotakehimawayfrom thewindow. "Shhhh,"Icooedtohim,movinghiscageacrosstheroom.Mybedroomwasdim,andIcould hearthepoundingsoundofrainagainstthewindowpane."It'sokay,Doc.You'llbeokay." "I'vebeenshot!"hesaid,andflappedhiswings.Hewasclearlyagitated,sinceheusedthat phrasewheneveranyloudnoisescaredhim. "Youhavenotbeenshot,Doc.Comeonnow;it'sokay.Justalittlestorm,nothingtobe frightenedabout."Behindmewesawaflash,followedbythesoundofaloudrumble,closer thanthelastone.Docflappedhiswingsandturnedinacircleonhisperch. Justthentherewasaknockonmydoor."M.J.?"IheardGilleycallfromthehallway. "Doc'sbeenshot!"myparrotsquawked."Gilley!Docneedshelp!" Gilleyopenedthedoorandcamein."Heupsetbythestorm?"

 "Yeah.IforgottotakehimoutofthewindowbeforeIfellasleep." "YMCA!"Docsang,flutteringhistailwhenGilleycameover."Doc'saprettyboy!" "Icameuptogetyoufromyournap,"Gilleysaid."It'smidafternoon,andthestormstarted early.Ithinkit'sagoodtimetoheadovertothelodge." "Sure.LetmejustgetDocsettledandI'llmeetyoudownstairs."AfterGilleylefttheroomI strokedandtalkedsoftlytomybirduntilhesettleddown.Whenhestoppedsquawkingat everylittleburstofthunder,Iputacoveroverhiscage,grabbedmyduffelbag,andtiptoed outoftheroom. IfoundHelenbackinthekitchenagainandaskedherifshe'dlookinonDocalittlelater.She happilyagreed. ImetGilandStevenonthefrontporch.Itwasrainingsomethingfierce,andthestormshowed nosignsofsubsiding."Ready?"Stevenaskedme.Inodded.Gilwinkedatmeandtookoff downthestepsinthedirectionofthevan.IwasabouttofollowhimwhenStevengrabbedmy arm."Whyareyougivingmethiscoldelbow?"heasked. "Saywhat?"Isaid,tryingtoeasemyarmoutofhisgrip.

Heletgoofmyarmandsaid,"You'reavoidingme.Why?" "Ah,"IsaidasIrealizedwhathemeant."Thecoldshoulder.I'vebeengivingyouthecold shoulder." "Yes,thecoldelbowandthecoldshoulderandthecoldarm.Whyhaveyoubeendoingthis?" Istoodthereforamoment,wonderinghowtoplayit.ShouldItellhimthetruth?Oravoidthe factthatI'dseenhimcomingoutofthathousethismorning?Ioptedforthelatter."I'vebeen focusingonthejob,that'sall.LikeIsaid,Ican'taffordtobecomedistracted.Youdowantme tohelpyourgrandfather,don'tyou?" Steveneyedmeforalongcoupleofseconds.Hewasn'tbuyingit.Ithoughthewasgoingto pressthepoint,butinsteadhenoddedandmotionedformetogoaheadtothevan. IracedthroughtherainandgotinwithGilley."Whatwasthatallabout?"heaskedme. "Nothing.Justlayingthegroundrulesagain.Comeon,"Icoaxed."Weknowtheway.Let'sgo." Gilleyshookhisheadasiftosay,I'llneverunderstandwomen,andpulledoutofthedriveway. Forthemostpartwerodeinsilencetothehouse,onlycommentinghereandthereaboutthe strengthofthestorm.

 Whenwepulledintothelongdriveway,Icouldfeelmyadrenalinepumpingthewayitalways didwhenIhuntedghosts.Itwaspartlythethrillofthechase,partlythechallengeofmaking contact,andpartlythesatisfactionofhelpingatrappedspiritcrossover. Aswegotclosertothehouse,Inoticedsomethingodd.Gilleysawittooandasked,"Whose caristhat?"beforeIhadachance. "Don'tknow.ButIhopeStevendidn'tthinkbringinginreinforcementswasagoodidea." "Reinforcements?Whatkindofreinforcementswouldhebring?" "Goodpoint,"Isaid,stilllookingatthecar.Aswepulledupbesideit,wecouldseetherewas nooneinside.JustthenIlookeduptoseeafewlightsoninsidetheSablehouse. Gilparkednexttothecar,andwewaitedforSteventopullinbeforegettingoutandmakinga dashtothefrontsteps."Who'shere?"Iasked,shakingtherainoffme. "Maria,"Stevensaid. "Thehousekeeper?"Iasked.

 Stevennodded,andGilasked,"What'sshedoinghere?" "I'mnotknowing,"Stevensaidashetriedthedoor.Itwasopenandwewalkedintothefront hall."Maria?"Stevencalled. Wewaitedafewbeatsandfinallyheard,"Coming!"fromsomewhereonthesecondfloor.We watchedthestairsuntilalovelylookingolderwomanwithblackhairandbrowneyes appearedatthetopofthestairway.Shecarriedabookandabluemohairafghaninonehand, andwiththeothershegrippedtherailingasshemadeherwaydownthestairs."Steven!"she saidwhenshesawhim."Hello!Ididn'texpecttoseeyouhere.How'veyoubeen?"sheasked asshewalkedforwardwithapronouncedlimp. "I'mfine,"hesaidassheopenedherarmswidetoembracehim."Whatareyoudoinghere?" heaskedherafterthey'dgiveneachotherafirmhug. "Oh,it'ssilly,really,"shesaid,aflushgoingtohercheeks."AfteryourgrandfatherdiedIwas soupset,justhadaterribletime.AndIleftbehindsomeofmypersonalbelongings.Thisismy grandmother'safghan,"shesaid,holdingitupforustosee."Iwantedtocomebackandgetit beforeyousoldthisplaceoff." "WhosaysI'mselling?"Stevenaskedher. "Youwanttokeepit?"sheasked."Well,that'swonderful!Oh,Steven,IknowAndrewwould besoproudofyou."

 "Thankyou.Howisyourhip?Inoticedyourlimpisworse." Shewavedhimoff."NowthatIdon'thaveallthesestairstoclimb,it'snotsobad.Justhurts morewhenitrains." Stevennodded."Theremaybesomearthritissettingin.Anoldinjurylikethatcanbeproneto arthritis." Mariasaid,"Canyoubelieveit'sbeentwentyfiveyearssinceItookthattumble?Thatwasthe firstyearwehadyouherewithus,andyouweresuchagoodboytohelpmewithallmy choreswhenmyhipwassosore.Ishouldhaveknownbettertoo.Thesestairshavealways givenmearunformymoneyI'veslippeddownthemmorethanonce,youknow." "Youshouldbetakingtheelevator,"Stevensaid. "Thatoldbucketofbolts?Naw,thethingtakesforeverandmakesfartoomuchnoise.I'm muchmorecarefulnowinmyoldage.Don'twanttoenduplikemysister.Shespendsmostof hertimeinbednursingabadknee." "Areyoutwogettingalongwelltogether?" "Yes,yes.Weneedeachothernowthatwe'retheonlyfamilyleft."

 "Goodtoknowyou'rewithfamily,"Stevensaidkindly.Then,rememberingus,hesaid,"I'dlike youtomeetMissM.J.HollidayandGilley" "Gillespie,"Gilsaid,andextendedhishandforward.Mariashookourhandsandsaid,"Pleased tomeetyou." "Theyareheretodosomebusting,"Stevensaidwithasmile,likehewasMr.Cool. "Somewhat?"Mariaasked. "We'reghostbusters,"Gilleysaidproudly."Dr.Sableheresaysthatyou'vehadsomestrange occurrenceshappeninginthishouse,andM.J.andIareheretogettothebottomofthem." Marialookedworried."Isthatwhytherearen'tanytelevisionsinthebedrooms?" "AlloftheTVshavebeenmovedtothebasement,"Isaid."Theywerebecomingdistracting." Maria'spensiveexpressiondidn'tchange.TurningtoStevenshesaid,"You'llbecareful,won't you,Steven?"

 "Ofcourse,Maria,ofcourse." Marianodded,hereyeslargeandsorrowful.ReachinguptotouchSteven'sfaceshesaid,"You looksomuchlikeAndrew,youknow?"Stevenbeamed;thenMariasaid,"Letmegetoutof yourway,then."Shetuckedthebookshe'dbeencarryingunderherarmas,onSteven'sarm, shelimpedtothedoor. "Goodtoseeyou,Maria,"Stevensaid,andthetwohuggedagain. "Nicewoman,"Gilleysaidwhensheleft. "Sheis,"Stevensaid."Shewassoupsetwhenmygrandfatherdied.It'sgoodtoseehersmile again." Clappingmyhandstogethertogettheirattention,Isaid,"Okay,gentlemen,timetofocus. Gilley,let'stakealookatwhatthemonitorsrecordedfirst." Thethreeofusmovedoverintothedoorwaythatledtothestudywherewe'dproppedthe monitors.Theyhadbeenprogrammedtopickupthereadingsfromthespectrometer,the thermometer,andthenightvisioncamerawe'dmountedinthemasterbedroom.Aswegot closetothemmyheartsank;themonitorswereoff.Gilnoticedittooandmovedaroundto theplugs,whichwereremovedfromthesockettheyhadbeenpluggedinto.

"Crap,"hesaid,holdinguptheplugsforustosee. "Plugthembackin,Gil,andseeiftheygotanything." Gilleydid,andslowlythemonitorsandtheDVRcametolife.Gilleyhittherewindbuttonand almostinstantlyitclicked,thenstopped."Thatisnotagoodsound,I'mthinking,"Stevensaid. Gilhittheplaybuttontorevealabouttenrecordedsecondsofstillemptybedroom,andthen allwegotwasfuzz. "Sobasically,themomentwehitthebuttonandsteppedoutsidetheplugscameoutofthe socket,"Isaid,disappointmentevidentinmyvoice. "Nowwhat?"Stevenasked. Irritatedwiththewastedeffort,IturnedtoGilleyandsaid,"Buddy,canyoubringthefloor planwedrewforthebaselinetothekitchenandwe'lltalkaboutrolesandresponsibilities?" Gilleysalutedandclickedhisheels."Ayeaye,Capitn!" "Canyoupleaseleavethesarcasmbehind?"IaskedasIledthewaytothekitchen.

 "It'snotinmynature,"Gilleysaid,pickingupthefloorplanandfollowingafterus. "Here'sgood,"Isaidaswereachedthebreakfasttableinthekitchen.Gilleyspreadoutthe floorplanandIgotoutmypen."ThisistheareaIthinkweshouldstartin,"Isaid,circlingthe masterbedroom."Wedefinitelywanttosetupavigilinthereforawhile.I'llopenupmy intuitionandseeifAndrewwantstomakecontact.Ialsothinkit'sagoodideatospendsome timehere."Icircledtheguestbedroomonthethirdfloor."Andhere,"IaddedasIcircledthe library. Stevennoddedashewatchedmecircleroomsandpointarrowstolocationsforthetrigger objectsandmotiondetectors."Soundsgood,"hesaidagreeably. LookingtomakesureGilleywasalsoonboard,Icontinued,"AfterIconductmysearchinthe masterbedroom,IcanmoveontotheotherroomstoseeifIcanpickupanythingthere." "Andifnoneofthoseplacesprovesgoodhuntingground,isthereanywhereelseyou'dliketo try?" "Ialsogotatugoutside,nearthewoods,butwiththisweather,maybeweshouldwaitforitto clearupabitbeforewecheckitout." Stevennodded."Good.Gilley,whydon'tyoutakethemasterbedroomandI'lltakethe library?"

 "What?"Gilleyscreeched."Waitasecond,we'resupposedtodothesevigilsalone?Ithought weweregoingtodothemingroups!" "Thatwouldtakethreetimesaslong,"Isaid."Andbesides,atthefirsthintofanythingweird justyellout,andtheothertwoofuswillcomerunning." "M.J.,areyoucrazy?Icouldbedeadbythetimeyougettome!" IrolledmyeyesandgaveGilalook."Youcannotbethatscared,"Isaidtohim. "Iam,M.J.!Iam!"hesaid,hisvoicesharpandpanicked. "Oh,forPete'ssake,Gil!"Isaid,throwingupmyhands."Fine.Comewithmethen.Wecan hangoutinthemasterbedroomtogether." "I'drathergotothelibrarywithSteven,"Gilleysaidmeekly. Iscowled."I'llbetyouwould,"Iretorted.ToStevenIsaid,"Hecanshowyouhowtoworkthe digitalthermometerandspectrometer.Ifafterawhilenothingweirdishappening,comeon upstairsandhangwithmeinthemasterbedroom.Thenwecanallgouptothethirdfloor guestroom."

 "Soundsgood,"Stevensaid,andpattedGilleyontheback."Comeon,Gilley.Let'sbustsome feathers." "Bustsometail,"IheardGilleysayasthetwomovedoutofthekitchen. Imademywayupstairstothemasterbedroomasquietlyaspossible.IhadmyEMFreaderout andpointedinfrontofmetoseeiftherewasalreadysomeactivitygoingon.Allreadingswere normal. WhenIreachedthesecondfloorIheardsomething.Thump,thump,thump,soundedovermy head,closetotheceiling,thoughnotnecessarilycomingfromthefloorabove.Icockedmy headandlistened,andafterafewsecondsitsoundedagain,butthistimeitwasalittlefarther downthehallfromwhereIwasstanding. Ilookedbackdownthestaircase,wonderingifIshouldalertthefellas,butdecidedto investigateonmyown.Icreptupthestairstothethirdfloorandwatchedtheneedleonmy meterjumpasthenoiseitemittedbecameahighsqueal."Someone'safoot,"Isaid. WhenIreachedthethirdfloorIclickedthemeteroffandlistened.ForalongtimeIheard nothing,whensuddenlytherewasathunderousbam!rightbehindme.Ijumpedafootand backedupagainstawall,myheartpoundingandmybreathingshallow. "M.J.?"IheardGilleycallfromdownstairs."Wasthatyou?"

 "No,"Iyelledback."Iwasgettingsomereadingsuphereandcameuptoinvestigate.Ihave thedistinctimpressionthatsomeonedoesn'twantussnoopingaround." IheardfootstepsonthestairsandlookedovertheedgetoseeStevenjoggingup.Whenhegot tomeheputaconcernedhandonmyshoulder."Youokay?"heasked. "Fine,"Isaid,shruggingitoff."Sometimesyou'llrunintoanenergythatisparticularly confrontational." "Mygrandfatherwasagentleman,"hesaid,lookingpuzzled."Ican'timaginehe'dwantto hurtyou." "Goodtoknow." "Ican'tbelieveyouleftmedownthere!"Gilleypantedashereachedthetopofthestairs. "Fromnowon,nobodytakesoffaloooooneAhhhhh!" StevenandIwatchedasGilleyseemedtobeyankedbytheshouldersfromaninvisibleforce. Hiseyesopenedwideashisbodyarced,armsflailingandmouthopenashebalanced precariouslyonthestair'sedgeforananosecondbeforeflyingbackwarddownseveralstairs. Thestaircaseshudderedashisbackhitit.Likeanawfulmovieplayinginslowmotion,wesaw hislowerbodycurlupoverhisheadashetumbledlikearagdolldowntherestofthestairs.

 "Gilley!"IscreamedasIshotafterhim,jumpingdownseveralstairsatatimetotryinvainto stophisawfulheadoverheelstumble.IcouldhearStevenrightbehindme. WecaughtuptoGilleyashehitthebottomofthestairwellwithanotherfrighteningthud, landingonthemarblefloorflatonhisrump."Unnnnh!"hecriedasherolledontohisside. "Oh,myGod!"IsaidasIbentdown,myhandsshakingasIplacedthemgentlyonhis shoulders."Gil!Whereareyouhurt?" Gilleytriedtotakeabreath,butthewindseemedtobeknockedoutofhim.InaflashSteven wasathisside."It'sgoingtobeallright,"hesaidinalow,calmvoice."M.J.,letgoofGilleyand letmetakealook." ImovedasidejustasGilleyfinallytookashudderingbreath,followedquicklywithawheezing plea:"Getmeouttahere!" "Injustamoment,Gilley.FirstImustmakesureitisallrighttomoveyou."Iwaitedanxiously whileStevenfeltallalongGilley'sbody,checkingforanysignsthatsomethingwasbroken. Gilley'sbreathingwasreturningtonormalandsowashisvoice. "Ithurts!"hecried."Oh,mybum,ithurts!Pleasejustgetmeouttahere!" FinallyStevengavemeanod."M.J.,canyouhelpmegethimuptothebed?"

 "Nooooooooo!"Gilleysquealed,andbothStevenandIwinced."Don'ttakemeupthere! Pleasejustgetmeoutofthishouse!" Stevengrimaced,"Gilley,weneedyoutoliedownand" "No!"Gilleyscreamed."Don'ttakemeupthere!M.J.,please!" "Let'sgethimtothefrontporchandwecantalkaboutwhattodowithhimnext,"Isaid.Iwas sorackedwithguiltabouthavingforcedGilleyalongthatIwaswillingtoofferhimanycomfort Icould. Stevengaveareluctantnod,andwemovedGilleyoutthedoor.Wesethimdowngently,andI hurriedbackinsidetograbanarmloadofcushionsoffthesofasinthesolariumandathrow thatwasdrapedoverachair.Runningbackoutside,ImadeasmallmakeshiftbedforGilley, easinghimontothepillows. StevencontinuedtofeelalongGil'sbodyandaskedhimquestionsaboutwherethepainwas. WhiletherainpoureddownIstoodhelplesslyby,wringingmyhandsandprayingthatGil wouldbeokay. FinallyStevenseemedsatisfiedwithhisexamofGilley."Well,"hesaid,standingup."Ihave goodnewsandbadnews.Whichdoyouwantfirst?"

 "Thegoodnews,"Gilleysaid,lookingupatuswithsuchapatheticpuppydoglookthatI wantedtocry. "Yourinjuryisnotterminal." Thecommentwassounexpectedthatitcaughtmecompletelybysurprise.Ifeltthecornersof mymouthturnup,andbegantogiggle.Itookadeepbreathandtriedtoshakeitoff,butthe moreItriedtostiflethegigglethemoreIcouldn'thelpit.Steventooletoutasmallchuckle, buthequicklystoppedasGilleyshotusbothadirtylook. "Andthebadnews?"Gilasked,hiseyesnarrowingatmeasmyshouldersshookwithsilent laughter. "Ithinkyourcoccyxhasafracture." Gilleygavehimablanklook."Mycoccyxhasafracture?" "Yes,"Stevensaidgravely,thengavemeasubtlewinkandadded,"Youseemtohavebroken yourfairytail." Thatdidit;Ibegantohowlwithlaughter.Stevenchuckledrightalongwithme,andthemore welaughedtheharderitwastostop.

 "I'msogladyou'reenjoyingyourselvesatmyexpense!"Gilleysnapped."Wouldyoustillbe laughingifI'dbrokenmyneck?" Thatsoberedme.Itookanotherdeepbreath,wipedthetearsoflaughterfrommyeyes,and clearedmythroat."No,Gil.AndI'msorry.Itwasjustseeingyoutumbledownthosestairs shookmeup,andIsupposeI'mjustrelievingsomeofthattension." Gilleygavemehalfaneyeroll."Itreallyhurts,M.J." "Iknow,"Isaid,squattingdownnexttohim,trulyashamedofmybehavior."AndIcouldn'tbe moresorryforinsistingthatyoucomealongintothehouseonthisbust." "Itoldyou,I'mavanguy!" "Agreed,"Isaid,andrubbedhisarm.LookingupatStevenIasked,"Doweneedtocallan ambulanceortakehimtothehospital?" "Wecan.Gilley,doyouhaveinsurance?" GilandIsharedanuncomfortablelookwitheachother."Thepremiumsareoverfivehundred dollarsamonth,"Gilsaid."M.J.andIcan'tswingthatkindofexpenditurerightnow."

 "Howmuchwoulditcost?"IaskedwhileImentallyaddeduptheavailablecreditontheplastic inmypurse. "That'swhyIaskedifyouhadinsurance.WiththistypeofinjurythehospitalwouldtakeXrays andprobablyprescribebedrest.Itwouldcostyouaboutahowdoyousaytheslangfor moneyoverhundredsbig?" "Grand,"Imoaned. "Yes,agrand,andtheresultwouldbethesame.IamthinkingthatIwillwriteyoua prescriptionforthepainandtakeyoubacktoHelen'sforbedrest." "HowlongwillIhavetostayinbed?"Gilasked. "Untilthepainsubsidesenoughthatyoucanmovearoundfreely.Youshouldbebackto normalinfourtosixweeks." "Fourtosixweeks?!ButIhaveahotdatenextFriday!" "Withwhom?"Iasked.OtherthanBradley,whomGilleyhadherdedoutofhislifewiththefire drill,hehadn'ttoldmeaboutanyhotnewprospectsonhisdancecard.

 "Idon'tknowyet!"hesnapped."ButifIcan'twalkaround,howamIgoingtofindone?" IgavehimasympatheticpatonthebackandfocusedonSteven."We'llneedtogethimback totheBandB;thenyouandIcancomebackhere." "Youcannotbeserious!"Gilleysaid."M.J.,it'sfartoodangerousinthere!Somethingpushed medownthosestairs!" Ilookedbackatthehouseforamoment,swearingIhad,glimpsedadarkshadowpassingin frontofthewindow.ThenIlookedupatSteventoseehisreaction. "I'mstillin,"hesaidfirmly. Itriedtohidemyrelief.TherewereplacesthatevenI'dbeennervoustowalkinto,andthis housewasquicklybecomingoneofthem."Good.Ifwehurry,wecanmakeitbackbeforeit getsdark." "It'saplan.Canyouhelpmegethimintoyourvan?" WegotGilleyloadedintotheback,wherehecouldliedownonastackoffluffy,cushions.As hemutteredaboutmurderouspoltergeistswedrovebacktoHelen's.Afterexplainingthat

Gilleyhadtrippedonthestairs(wedidn'twanttofrightenher),wegothimtohisroom,and forcompanyIputDocinwithhimwhileStevenwenttothepharmacyandfilledaprescription forpainkillers. "M.J.,"GilleysaidtomeasIturnedtoleavetheroom. "Yes,Gil?" "Idon'tlikethisjobonebit." "Iknow,"Isaidtohim."I'llbecareful." StevencamebackashortwhilelaterandgaveGilleyapainpill.WhenweweresureGilwas okay,wemadeourwaybacktothevananddroveinsilenceforawhileuntilheasked,"Have youeverseenanythinglikethat?" "Yes,"Isaid."AndI'veheardaboutmanycaseswherepeoplehavebeentrippedorpushed downstepsbefore.It'smorecommonthanpeoplethink." "Sotheseghostscanbequitedangerous?"

Inodded."Absolutely.That'swhyit'sagoodthingtohavesomeonelikemearound.Whena poltergeistbecomesangry,theycanfunnelthatangerintoaffectingphysicalobjects.Ionce gotacallfromafranticmotherwhosesonwaspusheddowntheirbasementsteps.Itturned outthehousewashauntedbyalittleboywhowasjealousofthewoman'sson.Hewasa doozytocrossover,butIeventuallygothimthere." "Youknowwhatissoodd?"Stevenmused."Maria'sfalltwentyfiveyearsago.Mymotherand IhadjustarrivedfromArgentinaforthesummer,andMariaspokeSpanish.Shetoldmehow shehadbeengoingupthestairswiththeclothesfromwashing?" "Laundry." "Yes,withlaundry,andshefeltsomethingpullather." "Wereyouherewhenshefell?" "No.Wearrivedafewdayslater.Herhipwasfractured,andmygrandfathersetupabedfor herinthestudy.Theoldmanfussedoverherthewholesummer.Itwasquitesweet,actually." "Thatmixesthingsupabit,"Isaid. "Whatdoyoumeanwithmixup?"

 "ItsoundslikeMariawaspushedbythesamepoltergeistthatshovedGilley.AndIswearIfelt afemaleenergyonthestairswhenIwasgoingupthem.Inotherwords,itcouldn'thavebeen yourgrandfatherthefirsttimeithappened;hewasstillalivewhenMariawasinjured.Itseems wehaveasecondghostinthathouse." "Iamthinkingthatitisbestifwegluetogether,forsafety." "YourtakeonEnglishslangisreallyquitecharming,youknow?" "Iamacharmingguy,"hesaid,wigglinghiseyebrows. "I'msurprisedthatit'snotabitbetter,though.Didn'tyouspeakEnglishwithyour grandfather?" "No,wemostlyspokeGerman.MygrandfatherservedinWorldWarTwohewasaGerman translatorsoafterIwenttoboardingschoolthere,heandIcouldtalkverywell." "Ah,thatmakessense.So,prettymuchyou'dpickupwhatyoucouldhearduringthesummer untilyouwerewhat?Eighteen?" "Sixteen.Igraduatedearly."

 Wepulledintothedrivewayofthelodge.Afterparkingthecarweenteredthefrontdoor, bothalittlemoreonguardthanthelasttimewe'dcomeintotheentrancehall."Wherewould youliketofocusfirst?" "Sceneofthecrime,"Isaid,gesturingtowardthestairs."Ithinkit'sbetternottofocuson triggerobjectsandmotionsensorswhenwehaveaghostmorethanwillingtomakecontact. Comeon;let'sheadupandseewhatwesee." "Keepholdoftherailing,"Stevencautionedasweclimbedthestairs. Idid,andwemadeourwayupwithoutincident.Whenwereachedthethirdfloorwemoved awayfromthestairsandstoodwithourbacksagainstthewall,waitingandwatching.Aftera fewmomentsStevengavemeanexpectantlook,andIsaid,"Givemeasec."Iclosedmyeyes andfocusedmyenergyoutward,searchingforsignsofournotsofriendlyspectraltenant. Afterconcentratingontheareaforalittlebit,Ifeltaverysmalltuginthedirectionofthe guestroomI'dfirstnotedonthefloorplan.MotioningtoSteven,Iheadedthere,continuingto feelforactivityonmyradar. WhenwegottothebedroomIlookedaround.Theroomwaspaintedasoftlavender,witha creamcoloredbedspreadembroideredwithviolets.Therewasaframedphotoonthe nightstand,anditcalledtome.Ipickeditupandlookedattheimageofawomanofabout thirtywithwavybrownhairandrubylips.Shewaslaughingassheheldupajartothecamera. "Who'sthis?"IaskedasIofferedthephototoSteven.

 Hestudiedit."Idon'tknow,"hesaid. "Yourgrandmother,perhaps?"Iasked. "No.Shewasblondandmuchheavierand,fromwhatIrememberofherbeforeshedied, unhappy." "Asourpuss,huh?" "Justlikeherson,"Stevensaid."Hmmm,"hecontinuedasheflippedtheframeoverand pulleditaparttorevealthebackofthephoto."'Maureen,nineteensixtytwo.'" "Who'sMaureen?"EvenasIsaiditIfeltacoldprickleatthebackofmyneck.Thetemperature aroundStevenandmeseemedtoplummet,andwhenIexhaledIsawmybreath. "Whatthe"Stevensaidashelookedsharplyatme,hiseyesnervous. Iputmyfingertomylipsandwhispered,"Someone'shere."Ithenopenedupmyintuition againtofeelastrongpulltowardarockingchairacrosstheroom.IputmyhandonSteven's armandmotionedtowardthechair."Overthere,"Iwhispered.

 "Theghost?"heaskedme. Asifinanswerthechairbegantocreakbackandforth,allbyitself.Iwaswaryofitatfirst.If thiswastheghostthathitGilleythenithadatemper.IntuitivelyIreachedoutinthedirection ofthechair.Whoareyou?Iaskedinmymind. Thechairpickedupspeedandbegantorockinearnest."HolyMotherofGod!"Stevenhissed, hiswhisperurgentandfrightened."M.J.!Whoisit?" "I'mworkin'onit,"Isaidsoftly.ThistimeIdispensedwithusingtelepathy.Maybethisghost wantedtohearmespeak."We'vecomepeacefully,"Ibegan,mytonelowandmeasured. "We'reheretohelp.Wesimplyneedtoknowwhoyouareandwhyyou'rehere,andwecan helpyou." Thechairstoppedrockingabruptly.IfelttheinitialMinmyheadloudandclear,andthen small,roundorbsoflightbeganbuzzingaroundthetopofthechair,zippingbackandforthlike flies."Whoa"Stevensaid."Lookatthat!" "Maureen?"Icalledtothechair."Maureen,isthatyou?"Myanswerwasthechairflipping backwardontoitsbackastheorbsoflightscatteredtothefourcornersoftheroom.Steven andIduckedasoneortwocamestraightatus. Aswelookedupfromourcrouchedpositions,Inoticedthetemperaturehadreturnedto normalagain."Isitgone?"hewantedtoknow.

 "Fornow,"Isaid,sendingmyradaroutagainjusttobesure. "YouaskedifthatwasMaureen.Youdonotthinkthatwasmygrandfather?" "No.Theenergywastoolighttobemale." "Pardon?" "Maleversusfemaleenergy.Maleenergyweighsmore." "Iamnotunderstandingthisthingthatyouaresaying.Pleaseexplainhowitweighsmore?" Ismiledpatientlyandsaid,"Tomemaleenergyisthickerandheavierthanfemaleenergy.This ghosthadlightenergy.Itdefinitelyfeltfemale.Plus,theinitialIgotwasanM." "Youtalkedtoher?"Stevenaskedme."Whatdidshesay?"

Ishookmyheadandheldupmyhandinastopmotion."Ididn'thaveachancetoreallytalkto her.Shewastooagitated.She'sangryaboutsomething,andI'mnotsurewhatitis.Angryisn't good,justsoyouknow.Itmakesreasoningwiththeghostalotharder." "Butwhereismygrandfather?" "Idon'tknow.Areyousureyouheardhisvoicethatnight?" "I'mpositive,"hesaidfirmly."Itwasasifhewerestandingrightbehindme." "Well,itwouldbeniceofhimtoshowup.MaybeIcouldgetastraightansweroutofhim." MyvoicetrailedoffasIfeltthesmallesttugonmyenergyfromthedirectionofthewindow. Distracted,Imovedclosertogetalookoutside. Stevenfollowedmeasheasked,"Whatisit?IsMaureenhereagain?" "No,"Isaid,andpulledbackthesheercurtain."Somethingelse"Andthatwaswhenwesaw him.Threestoriesdownanelderlymanwalkedacrossthebackyard,headingtowardthe woods.Fromthisanglewecouldn'tseehisface,butoncehereachedtheedgeofthewoods hepausedandturnedslowlyaroundtofacethehouse.Heliftedhischinandlookedup, scanningthehouse,andstoppedwhenhegottothewindowwewerestaringoutof. Mybreathcaught,andIcouldfeelStevenshakingbesideme."MyGod,"hesaidbreathlessly. "It'sPapa."

 Andrewliftedhisfinger,pointedtous,andthenhevanishedintothinair. **** FifteenminuteslaterIwasblowingonacupofteadowninthekitchen.Stevensatnumblyon oneofthestoolsbytheisland,histhoughtsclearlyelsewhere."Here,"Isaid,puttingthe teacupunderhisnose."Drinkthis.It'llhelp." "Itwashim,"hemutteredashetookthetea."Thatwasmygrandfather." Inodded."Lookslikeit.Sowhatwehaveherearetwoghoststhatneedourhelptocross over." "Ineedtoknowwhathappenedtohimfirst,"Steveninsisted. Isighedandlookedintomyowncupoftea."ItoldyouIwouldtry.Butitisn'tmytoppriority." "Whycan'twejustwaituntilwegetouranswersandthenyoucancrosshimover?"

"Because,beingtrappedbetweenworlds,Andrewissuffering.He'sprobablyfrightenedor confusedorevenguiltridden.Mytoppriorityisseeingthathemovesonasquicklyaspossible. Ifhedidinfactkillhimself,thenthisistherightthingtodo.Ifsomeonepushedhimoffthe roof,well,thatmaybeoneforthepolice." Steven'sheadsnappedup."Yousaidpushed.DoyouthinkMaureencouldhavepushedhim likeshepushedGilley?" "Anything'spossible.AndifshewasresponsibleforAndrew'sdeath,there'snotalotwecan doaboutit." "Can'tyoulockherupinherwindow?" "Youmeanherportal?Ijustdon'tgetthefeelingshe'sanegativeenergy,Steven.Imean,I knowshetookatugonGilley,butI'msensingtherewasmoretothisstorythanweknowright now.Ithinkshehadareasonfordoingwhatshedid,butIcan'tfigureoutwhatitisyet." "IfshemurderedmyPapa,Iwantyoutolockherup." "WhatamI,thecosmicjailer?"Ishotathim,andwhenhelookedoffendedIsoftenedmy tone."Ireallythinkit'sbetterifwetrytogatherasmanyfactsaspossiblebeforewemakea conclusion.Fornow,I'mnotgoingtolookatMaureenasanegativeentity,atleastnotuntil weknowforcertainonewayoranother,okay?"

Stevennodded."Okay." "Now,"Isaidpurposefully."Weneedaplanofattack.MyguessisthatMaureenhasexerted enoughenergyforthenight.Ittakesquiteabitofstrengthtogiveusthelittleshowsheputon forusupstairs.Andthatgoesforyourgrandfatheraswell." "I'mconfused,"Stevensaid,scratchinghishead."Whatisallthistalkofexertingenergy?" Isighed."Ghostscanwalkaroundamonguswithoutbeingseenorfeltatall.Itdoesn'ttakea lotofenergytodothat,butoncetheytrytotakeotherforms,that'swhentheyampupthe wattage,sotospeak." "Huh?" Itriedagain."Therearethreeformsmostghoststakewhentheywanttogetourattention: orbs,shadows,andfullview.Mostghosts,asIsaid,travelaroundunseenandunnoticedfora periodoftime,buteventuallytheymaytrytomakecontact.Thefirstformtheymaytryisa smallballoflight,justliketheoneswesawupstairs." "Okay,I'mwithyou,"Stevensaid. "Then,ifthey'restrongenough,theymaygoforappearingasadarkshadow.Oftenthese shapesdon'tlookhuman,justlargeblackblobsmovingacrossthewall.Othertimestheir

shadowscanlookquiterealandappeareventhoughthere'snolighttonecessarilycasta shadow." "Spooky." "Theyoftenare.Nowthethirdform,andtheonethattakesthemostenergy,isafullphysical form.Mostghostscansustainthisforonlyafewmomentsbeforetheytireanddisappear,just likeAndrewdidtonight." "Somygrandfatherusedupallhisenergytowalkoutsideandpointatus?" "Absolutely.Heshouldbequietforseveralhoursatleast." "ButMaureenonlytooktheorbitalform.Shemightstillbenearby." "It'spossible,butmakingphysicalobjectsmoveisalsoatremendousexertionofenergy.She gavethatrockingchairaridetonight.AndifshealsopushedGilleywell,thathadtotakeit outofheraswell." "Wheredoesthatleaveus,then?"

"Withsomequiettimetosetupafewmoretriggerobjectsandacouplemoremotion detectors." Stevennodded."Okay,let'sgetstarted." ForthenexthourheandImethodicallyputthesensorsandtriggerobjectsinalltheroomsI hadidentifiedasbeinghot,plusafewothersthatStevensaidhisgrandfatherlikedtohangout in.Finally,theonlyroomleftwasthewinecellar. Weopenedthedoorleadingdownstairs,andStevenflippedonthelights.Ablastofcoldairhit usaswetroopeddownthestairs."Holdit,"Stevensaidasheheldhisarmout,haltingmy progress."Feelthat?" "Yes,"IsaidasIfeltthetemperatureshift."That'sweird,"Imuttered. "What?" "Myradarisn'tbuzzing.NormallywhenI'menteringaroomwherethere'sanenergy,I'llget thissensationthatletsmeknowI'mnotalone.I'mnotgettingthathere." Stevenpulledhisarmbackandasked,"Shouldwecheckitout?"

"Mostdefinitely,"Isaid,andmovedpasthim. WhenIgottothebottomofthestairwellIletmyeyesrovetheareawhilemyradarcontinued tosearchouttheentitycausingthetemperaturechange.Still,nothingbumpedmyenergy field. Stevensidledupnexttomeandsaid,"IthinkIknowwhyyou'renotgettinganything." "Youdo?" "Yes.Lookoverthere." IdidandIwassurprisedtoseethedoorleadingtomorestoragespaceflungwideopen."Ah,"I saidasIputmyhandoutinthatdirection."That'swherethecoldairiscomingfrom.Someone openedthedoor." "Thequestionis,who?"Stevensaid. "Ididn't,"Iwasquicktosay.

"Iknow.IwasthelastpersondownhereafterwebroughtthatfinalTV,andwhenIwentback upstairsIrememberthatthedoorwasclosed." "Well,"Isaidruefully,"ghostsdolovetoopendoors." "Theydo?"heasked."Why?Don'ttheyjustwalkthroughthem?" "Oh,theydothattoo.ButifIhadtoguessastowhy,I'dsaythatopeningorclosingdoors makesthemfeelpowerful.Commandoverthephysicalmakesthemfeelconnectedtothe spacetheyoccupy." "YoubelieveMaureenormygrandfatheropenedthisdoor?" "Looksthatway." "Comeon,"Stevensaid."Let'stakealook." Wewalkedtothedoorandpausedinthedoorway,squintingintothedimlightaswelooked through.Iwassurprisedtodiscoverthatinsteadofaroom,alongtunnelopenedupinfrontof us."Whoa,"Isaid."Ithoughtyoutoldmethiswasaroomusedforstorage."

StevenlookedjustassurprisedasIdid."That'swhatIthoughtwashere." "Doyouknowwhereitleads?"Iasked. "No,"hesaid,peeringintothedarkness. "Well,"Isaid,movingforwardintothetunnel."There'sonlyonewaywe'regoingtofindout then." "That'swhatIwasafraidof,"hemumbled,andfollowedme. Thetunnel'swallswerefortifiedbybrick,andthefloorwascement,justlikeinthecellar.Our footfallsechoedaswewentforward,butafterabouttenfeetwebothstoppedbecausethe lightwastoodim.IputmyhandonSteven'sbackandsaid,"Idon'tthinkitmakessensetogo muchfartherwithoutbeingabletoseewherewe'regoing.There'saflashlightinthevan,butI wanttoseeifwecanpickupsomethingoncamera,andthenightvisionvideocamisthebest toolforthat." "Whereisthiscam?" "Upstairsinoneofthebedrooms."

"Let'sgetit,"hesaid,andwebothturnedandheadedbackoutofthetunnel. Makingourwayupthestairs,Stevenaskedme,"Didyouhappentopickupanyspiritsinthe tunnel?" "Nope.Butthen,Ididn'texactlyhavemyradaronwhenwemadeourwayintoit.I'llmake sureIturnupthevolumewhenweheadbackdown." Afewminuteslater,armedwiththenightvisioncam,weclatteredbackdownthecellarsteps. Stevenwasinfrontofmewhenhehaltedsuddenly."Whatthe?"Iheardhimsay. PeekingaroundhisshoulderIsawwhatstoppedhim.Thedoortothetunnelwasclosed."Did youshutthedoorwhenwewentupstairs?"Iasked. "Nope,"hesaid,andmoveddownthestepstothedoor.Puttinghishandonthehandlehe turnedtheknobandtugged,butthedoorheldfast. "What'sthematter?"Iasked,comingtohisside. "It'slocked,"hesaidashetrieditagain,andthedoorheldfirm.

"You'rekidding,"Isaid.Stevensteppedasideandgavemeanafteryou,gesture.Igavehima raisedeyebrowandmovedtotrythedoor.Itwaslockedtight."Doyouhaveakey?"Isaid. "No,butIhaveaphone,andIknowofalocksmithintown." "Goodidea.Whileyou'recallingonthatI'mgoingtogooutsideandseeifmaybethere'saway intothetunnelfromuptop." Stevennoddedandfollowedmeupstairstothekitchen,wherehetookoutthephonebook andbegantoflipthepages."I'llhelpyououtsideassoonasI'mdonewiththecall,"hesaid. Igavehimathumbsupandheadedoutthedoor.Luckilyithadstoppedraining,sincewater washellonthecamera.NightwasfallingasIwentovertowhereIthoughtthetunnelwas.I triedtogaugefromthehousewherethetunnelmightbe,butIkeptbumpingintothewallof theindoorpool.Icouldn'tseeanyhiddenstairsortrapdoorsburiedintheground,andthe moreIlooked,themoreconfusingthelayoutbecame. Stevenjoinedmeafewminuteslater,carryingaflashlight."Locksmithwillbehereinthe morning,"heannounced."Didyoufindanything?" "No,andit'sthestrangestthing.Seethat?"Isaid,pointingtoasmallwindowatgroundlevel. "That'sthewindowinthecellarthatfacestotherightofthestairwell.Thedoortothetunnel istotheleftofthat,whichmeans"

"Itgoesunderthepool,"Stevenfinished. "Yeah.Butthat'sgottobewrong.Imean,whowouldconstructatunnelunderapool?" "Wouldbeverydangerous,"Stevensaidashescratchedhischinandlookedfromthewindow tothewalloftheindoorpool. "Exactly.Plus,Ihavetowonderwhysomeonewouldbuildatunnelinthefirstplace.Your grandfathermusthavehadareasonforitsconstruction.Anyideas?" Stevensmiledandshookhishead."Mygrandfatherwasabitonthewhatisthewordyou useecstatic?Likethenicewayofsayingsomeoneisunique?" Ismiled."Ithinkyoumeaneccentric." "Yes,thatiswhathewas.Andthereisnowaytoknowwhatwouldhavemotivatedhimtodo that." "Iguess,then,wewaituntilmorningtofindout." "Iguesswedo.DidyouwanttogobacktoHelen's?"

 "No,"Isaid,reachingforhisflashlight."Thankyou,"Isaidwhenhegaveittome."Ithinkit's betterifIstayhereandtrytomakecontactwithyourgrandfatherorMaureen." "Good.There'saplaceintowncalledAngelo's.Theyhavereallygoodpizza,andtheydeliver. I'llgoorderforus.Youcomingin?" "Inaminute.Iwanttocheckaroundouthereforabit,"IsaidasIswitchedonthebeamand playeditacrossthelawn. "Giveascreamifyoufindanything,"hesaid,andmovedofftoward,thehouse. "Youmeanshout,"Imurmuredashewalkedaway.Imovedtheflashlightbeamaroundthe lawn,searchingforanyoutsideopeningtothetunnel.Ihadnowayofknowingwhetherthe tunnelevenopenedupaboveground,butmyguttoldmeitdid.TheproblemwasthatSteven andIhadgoneonlyashortdistanceintothetunnelwhenthelightgottoodimtosee.That meantthatIcouldn'tbesureaboutanytwistsorturnsthetunnelmighttakeafteracertain point.NordidIknowhowlongitwas,butsomehowIknewIwasintherightarea. AsIwalkedacrossthelawninthedirectionofthewoodsIsuddenlyhadtheverydistinct feelingIwasbeingwatched.Istoppedwalkingandlookedaround,thinkingmaybeStevenwas watchingmefrominsidethehouse,butwhenIcheckedIcouldseehimthroughthekitchen window,punchinginanumberonthephone.

Iturnedinacircle,tryingtofeelwherethesensationwascomingfrom,andmyeyeskept movingbacktowardthehouse.Iscannedthekitchenwindowagainandmybreathcaughtin mythroat.RightbehindStevenwastheshadowyfigureofanoldermanstandinginthe entrancetothediningroom.Stevenwastalkingonthephone,completelyunawarethat anyonewasbehindhim.Iranstraightforthekitchenwindow,wavingmyarmstogetSteven's attention.AsIgotwithintwentyfeetorsoofthewindowIsawSteven'sheadsnapupandour eyesmet.IstoppedandpointedasImouthed,Behindyou,athim.Heseemedconfused,soI cuppedmyhandsaroundmymouthandyelled,"Behindyou!" Steventurned,gaveonehellofashout,anddroppedthephone.Asplitsecondlatertheghost ofAndrewSabledisappeared. Chapter8 "You'resureyou'renotpickinghimup?"Stevenasked. "AndrewSableisoneslipperyghost,"IsaidasImovedbackintothekitchenaftersearching theentiregroundfloor."Ikeepreachingout,encouragingareply,buthewon'tanswerme." "Maybeit'swhatyou'rewearing,"Stevensaid,lookingatmyjeanssweaterandhikingboots combocritically."Mygrandfatherlikedtheladies.Youshouldchangebackintothatdressyou woreforme." Iscowledathim."Firstofall,whatI'mwearingisperfectlyacceptableghostbustingattire. Second,Ididnotwearthatdressforyou."

 "Youhavewornitoutwithothermen?"heaskedme,andhisconfidentgrintoldmeheknewI hadn't. "Maybeit'snotmehe'snotrespondingto.Maybehe'sjustappalledthathisgrandsonsqueals likealittlegirl,"Isnipped. "Ouch,"Stevensaid,puttingahandoverhisheart."Iamwounded." Hisunwaveringsmilesaidotherwise."Sorry,"Isaidanyway,feelingbadaboutthecomment."I getsnappishwhenmybloodsugargetslow.Howlongbeforeourpizzaarrives?" "Let'shopetheydeliveritatall,"Stevensaidwithasmallchuckle."Ibelievethemanwhotook theorderwasalittleupsetafterIyelledinhisear." "GotanythingIcansnackon?"Iaskedhopefully. "Therearesomecrackersinthepantry.Youmayhelpyourself,"hesaidashewavedhishand inthedirectionofasetofdoubledoorsnexttothefridge. Iwenttothepantry,openedthedoor,andgasped.Stevenmusthaveheardmebecausehe asked,"Whatisit?Isithim?Areyoupickingupmygrandfather?"

 "Inamatterofspeaking,"Isaid."Checkitout." Stevencameovertomeandlookedin.Hismouthhungopen."Thatissofreakingout!" MyheadswiveledtoSteven."Youreallyshouldn'ttrytouseAmericanslangjustyet,"Isaid. Stevenignoredmeandcontinuedtolookatthepantry."Haveyoueverseenanythinglike this?" "No,"Iadmitted."We'lldefinitelywanttotakeapicture;Ithinkit'sprettyunique,andGilley andIhaveacollectionofoddstuffonourWebsite."Thepantrydidn'toffermuchintheway offoodsomedrygoodslikecereal,flour,sugar,andpasta,alongwithsomecanned vegetablesandsoups.Theunusualthingwasn'tinthecontents.Itwasinthewaytheywere displayed. Everyitemhadbeenturnedupsidedown,saveone.AcontainerofQuakeroatmeal,rightside up,satfrontandcenter,prominentlydisplayedamongalltheotherupsidedownitems."What didItellyou?"Stevensaidasheliftedthecontainer."Mygrandfatherwantedtoliveahealthy life.Hedidn'tcommitsuicide,andthismessagefrombeyondhisgraveprovesit." "I'llneverdoubtyouagain,''Isaid,andtooktheoatmealfromhimtoexamineitmoreclosely.

Justthentherewasabongfromthefrontofthehouse."Pizza'shere,"Stevensaid,andwentto getthedoor.Iputtheoatmealbackexactlyasithadbeenanddugmydigitalcameraoutof mypocket.AftertakingaquickpictureIclosedthepantrydoorandturnedaroundtofacethe areawhereI'dseenAndrew.AgainIfocusedallofmyenergyonattemptingtomakecontact.I closedmyeyesandreachedoutinmymind.Andrew!AndrewSable,ifyou'rehere,please speaktome! Iwaitedandfinally,withthesoftesttouch,IgotamessagethatsoundedlikeMwas troubleMyeyessnappedopenandIwalkedforward,attemptingtomakeastronger connectionwithhim. I'msorry;Ididn'tcatchthat.Couldyourepeatthat? Andrewdidn'treply.Igotfrustratedandsaidloudly,"Mwastrouble?" "Who'strouble?"Stevensaidbehindme. IjumpedbecauseIhadn'theardhimcomeupbehindme."Youscaredme!"IsaidasIwhipped around. "SothenI'mtrouble?"hesaidplayfully."Comeon;we'lleatandyoucantellmewhatI've donethistime."

"Youhaven'tdoneanything,"Isaid,followinghimovertothecounter,whereheputdownthe pizzaandopenedthelid."Man,doesthatsmellgood!"Isaidashegotmeaplateandaslice andhandedmeasoda."Whatkindisitagain?" "Chickenparmesan." "Kindofaweirdcomboforpizza,"Isaid,pickingupmysliceandtakingabite."Okay,soit's fantastic,"Imumbledasthedeliciousmixofroastedchicken,parmesancheese,andahintof garlicplayedacrossmytastebuds. "WhenIcamehereforthesummerholidays,mygrandfatheralwaysletmeorderpizza wheneverIwanted.ItwasoneofthethingsImissedwhenIwouldgobacktoGermany," Stevensaid,takinghisownslice."Now,whatisthisaboutsomeonewhoistrouble?" "WhileyouweregettingthedoorIdidonelastcallouttoseeifAndrewwouldanswerme.He did." Steven'spieceofpizzapausedmidwaytohismouth."Whatdidhesay?" Ishookmyheadandscowled."Itwasweird.Itsoundedlike'Mwastrouble.'" "Who?"

 "M.Butclairaudientinformationisn'talwayscrystalclear.HecouldhavemeanttheletterM, theletterN,oreventhenameEm,likeEmma." Stevenscratchedhisheadasheconsideredthepossibilities."Howdowefindoutforsure?" IchewedonthebiteofpizzaI'djusttakenbeforeanswering."Ithinkweneedtogowiththe obviousfirst.IthinkweneedtocontinuetomakecontactwithMaureen." "She'stheM,"Stevensaidflatly. "Notnecessarily,butifAndrewwassayingtheletterM,thenitfits.Alongwiththefactthat shemostlikelypushedGilleydownthestairs." "Iamtellingyouthis,"Steveninsisted."Shemusthavepushedmygrandfathertoo.Offthe roof." "Youcan'tkeepjumpingtoconclusionshere,Steven.Andevenifshedidpushhimofftheroof, westillneedtofindoutwhathewasdoingontheroofinthefirstplace.Ithinkweneedtobe cautiousabout"Iwasinterruptedbyaloudclangingnoisethatmadebothofusjump. "It'stheelevator,"Stevensaidashesetdownhispizza."Comeon;it'sgoingupstairs!"

 Weracedoutofthekitchenandovertothestaircase,wherewedashedupthestepsasfastas wecould.Reachingthesecondfloorwewerebothoutofbreath,butdidn'tpauseasweranto themastersuiteandstoodinfrontoftheelevator,waitingoutthelasttensemomentsbefore itincheduptoourlevel.Butinsteadofstoppingtheelevatorpassedthesecondfloorand continuedtoclimb."It'sheadedtothethirdfloor!"Isaid,andboltedoutoftheroomwith Stevenhotonmyheels. AgainStevenandIclimbedthestairsanddasheddownthehallway,unsurewheretheelevator wouldstop."Wheredoesitletoutonthisfloor?"Iasked. Stevenlookedupanddownthehallway."Idon'tknow,"hesaid."I'veneverseenitgopastthe secondfloor." Wehadnochoicebuttowaitforthecreakingtogetlouderandlouderaswelistenedintently, readytodashintotheroomwhereitstopped.AtfirstIthoughttheelevatorwouldletoutin theguestbedroomwherewe'dseentheorbs,butaquickpeekinthatdirectionshowedus therewerenodoorsforittoletoutin. Finallythecreakingceased,andweknewtheelevatorhadcometoastop.Itwashardtotell where,though,soStevensaid,"Thedoorsmustbehidden.YoulookinthatroomandI'lllook inthisone.Screamifyoufindthem." Iranintotheguestbedroomandlistenedintently,searchingtheroom.Icouldhearthe faintestwhirringsoundcomingacrosstheroomfromoneoftheclosets.Ihurriedovertoit andopenedthedoor.

BehindthedoorIfoundanemptywalkinclosetoutfittedwithelevatordoorsontheopposite sideoftheentrance.AsIwatched,thedoorsslidopenandIfeltthetemperatureplummet. "Steven!"IcalledasIopenedupmyradar."Inhere!" IheardSteven'sfootstepscomepoundingtowardme,butmyattentionhadshiftedtowhat wassittingontheflooroftheboxcar.Isteppedforwardtoretrievetheobject,andjustasI lifteditStevenwasbehindme,asking,"What'sthat?" "Honey,"IsaidasItwistedtheglassjararoundinmyhands. "What'sitdoingintheelevator?" "That'swhatI'dliketoknow,"Imuttered. "Whatdoyoursixcentssay?"heasked. "Mysixthsense,"Icorrected."Holdthis,"Isaid,givinghimthehoneyandclosingmyeyes.In mymindIreachedouttotheenergyandaskedittocomeforwardandtalkwithme.Ihadthe sensethatthisenergywasfemale,andinmymindIcouldpictureherclearly.Shehadbrown hair,aboutshoulderlength,endinginashortcurlatthebottom.Hereyeswerehazel;her nosewaslongandnarrowandmatchedherchin.Ididn'tthinkshewasverytall,afewinches shorterthanme.Herbuildwasaveragetoalittleplump,andsheworealongskirtandawhite blouse.Iheldthevisionofherforonlyasecondortwo,longenoughformetoidentifyher, andthenshewasgone.

"It'sawoman,"Isaid. "Youcanseeher?" IopenedmyeyesandlookedatSteven."Yes.Andshelooksveryfamiliar.Hangon,"Isaid,and crossingtheroomIpickedupthephotoframedonthenightstand."It'sher,"Isaid. "You'resure?"heasked. "Yes.Isawthiswoman,butolder." "Howmucholder?" "Twentyorthirtyyears,butI'mconvincedit'sher." Frombehindusweheardacreakingnoise,andStevenandIlookedateachotherforabeat, thenlookedtothecorneroftheroom,wheretherockingchairwasagainrockingbackand forth.Icalledoutinmymindtothechair,knowingthewomanI'dseenwasrockingit.Whoare you?Iasked. Followthebees.

 "What?"IsaidaloudasStevenlookedatmecuriously. "Ididn'tsayanything,"hesaid,thinkingI'dbeenspeakingtohim. Followthebees. AgainIcalledoutwithmymind,Okay,I'lldothat,butpleasetellmewhoyouareandwhyyou don'twanttomoveon.Icanhelpyou. Therockingchairstoppedrockingabruptly,andthetinyflyingorbswe'dseenearlierappeared againandbeganwhizzingaboutthechairinlittledartingmotionsthatlookedexactlylikea groupofbeeshoveringaroundabeehive. "There"Isaid,pointingthemouttoSteven.Wewatchedwithourmouthswidewhilethe littleorbsseemedtobuzzaroundthechair;thenonebyonetheycrossedtothewindowand outofthepaneasiftheglassweren'tthereatall. "Whatarethose?"Stevenwhispered. "Ghostbees,"IsaidasIlookedoutthepanetoseewheretheywent.Theybuzzedaroundin thedarkness,whitedotsofreliefagainstthedarknessofthenight.Stevencameupbesideme,

andwelookedonasthelittlegroupofthemmadetheirwaydowntogroundlevelandacross thelawn. "Wherearetheygoing?"heaskedme. "Idon'tknow,butwe'resupposedtofollowthem." "Howdoyouknow?" "Maureentoldme,"Isaid,andpointedtotheclusteroforbsastheystoppedjustbeforethe woodsandbuzzedinatightlittlecircletoandfro."Comeon,"Isaid,grabbinghishandand pullinghimawayfromthewindow."We'vegottofollowthem." Weranbackdownthesteps,andIstoppedforamomentatthebottom,unsurewhatpath wasbesttogettotheghostbeesintime."Thisway,"Stevensaid,andheadedofftomyleft. Wepassedthroughthefoyer,whereStevenpausedtograbtheflashlightfromthesidetable I'dsetiton,thenoutthroughthelibraryandintotheyardthroughaFrenchdoor.Tomyrelief theghostbeeswerestillthere.Themomentwegotwithintenfeetofthemtheystoppedtheir swirlinghoveringandonebyonemadetheirwayintothewoods. "Canyouswitchonthelight?"IwhisperedtoSteven.

 Heclickeditonandthebeampointedtothegroundinfrontofus.WithasuckedinbreathI realizedthebeeshadbeenhoveringaboveawellwornpathinthewoods."Look,"Isaid, pointingitouttohim. "Comeon,"hesaid,movingforwardontothepath."Let'snotlosethebees." Eventhoughtherainhadstopped,theskyabovewasstillthickwithclouds,andnomoon shonethrough.Theairwascoolanddamp,andIshiveredjustalittleinmylightsweater, hopingweweren'tinforalongtrekthroughthewoods.Theghostbeesledusinawinding directionthatexactlymirroredthepathwewerewalkingon.IfollowedrightbehindStevenas hefocusedthebeamoftheflashlightonthepathwhilekeepinganeyeontheorbsjustahead. Wewalkedintowhatfeltliketheheartofthewoodsastheeeriedarknessenvelopedus. IcouldseeStevenbristlewitheverytwigsnapandrustleofleaves,andonceortwicehe pausedandlookedbehindus.Iwasn'tasnervous,buthadtoadmittomyselfthatIwasn't happyaboutgoingsodeeplyintothewoodsatnight,especiallygiventhecooltemperature. WehadwalkedforawhilewhenoneparticularlyloudtwigsnapgotthebestofSteven.He stoppedandturnedtowardme."Someoneisfollowingus,"hewhispered. "It'syourimagination,"Icoaxed."It'sspookyouthere." "No,M.J.,"hesaidflatly."Someoneisfollowingus."

 IwasabouttochuckleandtrytoconvincehimthathewassimplyimaginingthingswhenI heardtheunmistakablesoundofwhatwasclearlyfootstepsnotfifteenyardsbehindus.My eyeswidenedatthenoise,andsilentlyInoddedtoSteven.Heheardittooandpulledthe beamup,flashingitinthedirectionthenoisehadcomefrom. Nothingbutwoodsappearedinthelightofthebeam."Who'sthere?"hedemandedashe movedthebeamacrossthearea. Therewasnoreply. Ilookedbacktowardwheretheghostbeeshadbeenandletoutasmallgasp. "What?"hewhispered. "Theorbsaregone,"Isaid,pointingbehindhim. Stevenwhirledaround,andIwatchedhisshouldersslumpashesawforhimself."Where'd theygo?" "Idon'tknow,"Isaid,squintingintothedarkforanyhintofthelittlelights."Maybefarther downthepath?"

 "Comeon,"hesaid,andpointedthebeamdownonthegroundagain."Maybewecancatch up." Wecontinuedalongthepathforaway,searchingfortheorbsinvain.FinallyStevenstopped andsaid,"Thisisnogood.Thelittlethingsaregone." "Doesitmakesensetoassumetheycontinueddownthepath?" "Notinthedark,"hesaid,anddroppedhisvoicetoawhisper."Andnotwhilewe'rebeing followed." Idiscreetlystoleaglancebehindme."You'reright.Let'sheadbackandpickthistrailupinthe morning." IgaveStevenanafteryouarmmotion,andhegavemeaplayfulnudgeashepassedmeonthe path.IgiggledasIcameoffbalancealittleandsteppedbackward,andthatwaswhenwe clearlyheardsomeonerunthroughthebrushtoourleft. Stevenwhippedthebeaminthatdirection,andforaninstantsomeoneorsomethinggray seemedtodartoutofsight."Whatthe"hesaid,andsteppedoffthepathinthedirectionof whateveritwas. "Hey!"Isaidashebegantocrashthroughthewoodstowardit."Waitup!"

 Ihurriedafterhim,buthehadmuchlongerlegsandcouldleapoverfoliagewithfarmore ease,nottomentionthathehadtheflashlight,whileIwasleftguessingwheretogointhe darkness. Oneofmyguesses,infact,waswayoff,becauseafterboundingforward,myleftlegwasheld incheckbyabranchthatsentmetumbling."Ooomph!"IsaidasIcrashedtotheground,my shinstrikingastumpthatsentshootingpainsallthewayuptomyhip.Igrabbedmylegand groanedforaminuteortwoasmyeyesstungwithtears."Shit!"IhissedundermybreathasI rubbedmyshin. Whenthepainhadstoppedthrobbingenoughformetositup,Ilookedaroundandcouldn't seeStevenortheflashlight'sbeamanywhere."Great,"Isaidintothedarkness."Thanks, buddy.Nicejoblookingoutforyourpartner." SlowlyIgottomyfeetandtookatentativestepforward,ignitingfreshpainintomyleg."Son ofa"IsaidasIbenttoclaspmyshinagain.Whenitsubsided,Istoodup,hoveringononeleg andfeelinginthedarkforsomesupport.Closebywasasmalltree,andIhobbledclosertoit andheldon,tryingtoshakeoffthethrobbingpain. "Comeon,M.J.,"Isaidtomyself."Youcandothis.It'snotthatbad."Myvoiceshooknotso muchfromthepainasfromtherealizationthatIwasalone,inthemiddleofastrangedark forest,withnowayofknowinghowtogetmyinjuredbuttoutandbacktothehouse.Plus, whathadbeenadamp,chillynighthadnowturnedintoafullonteethchatterer.Therewas nowayI'dbewarmenoughtomakeitthroughthenight. "Great,"Igroused,asIbegantoshiverinearnest."Thisisjustgreat."Atthatmomentalittle breezeblewastrandofhairintomyeye,andwithanimpatientwaveIbrusheditaway.The

breezecamebackanddidtheexactsamething.Annoyed,Ipushedthestrandawayagain,and justthenInoticedatinylittleorboflightdancinginfrontofmyeyes. Iblinkedtwiceandsaid,"Hello.Where'dyoucomefrom?" Inanswertheorbdidaloopdloopandswirledafewfeetaway.Ismiledbecausethe movementremindedmeofTinkerBell.Thelittleorbdancedbacktome,didanotherloopd loop,andwhizzedaway."Youwantmetofollowyou?"Iasked. Theorbmovedupanddown,mimickingaheadnod,thenzoomedanotherfewfeetaway. SlowlyIlimpedafterit,andafterjustafewyardsofhavingmyfeetsliponrootsandfoliage, thegroundsmoothedoutunderneathmyfeet.Ipausedandfeltdownwithmyhands.It appearedtheorbhadledmebacktothepath. Ismiledandcontinuedtolimpforward,carefulnottotripagainasIfollowedtheorbuntilI couldseethelightsfromthehouse.JustasIlookedfromthehousebacktotheorbit disappearedwiththetiniestofpoppingsounds."Thanks,Tinkerbelle,"IsaidasIlimpedoutof thewoods. IheadedpainfullyinsideandcalledoutasIenteredthekitchen,"Steven?" Nooneanswered.Iwentintothemainhallandtriedagain:"Steven?Areyouhere?"Stillno answer.

Ifrownedandlimpedbacktothekitchen,whereIsettheteakettleonthestoveforacupof teatowarmmybonesandpulledastooluptothesinksoIcouldtendtomyshin. Pullingthelegofmyjeansup,Iexaminedthehugeweltformingafewinchesbelowmy kneecap,andalong,angryscratchontherightside. Igrabbedapapertowelfromthedispenseranddabbedthescratchwithcoolwaterjustasthe teakettlebegantowhistle.Icarefullyhoppedoffthestoolandgotacupandteabagfromthe cupboard.AsIwaspouringthehotwaterIlookedupthroughthewindowtoseethewildbob ofaflashlightbeambouncingupanddownthroughthewoods.IcouldalsofaintlyhearSteven callingmyname. IfIhadn'tbeensotickedoffthathe'dleftmebehind,Iwouldhavegonerighttothedoorand calledhiminside.Instead,IlethimflounderaroundinthewoodsuntilIsawthebeampause justattheedgeofthelawn. KnowinghehadseenmefromthelitwindowIdidalittlehandwaveandtookasipoftea.The beammoveduptothewindowforasecond,thendowntotheground,whereitswayedwith determinationacrossthelawn.InafewmomentsIsawSteven'soutlineashecamecloserto thelightsofthehouse. Hebangedopenthekitchendooranddemanded,"Wherehaveyoubeen?" Iturnedtofacehim,thelegofmypantsstillrolledupabovemyknee."Youleftmeinthe woods,Pedro,andifitweren'tforthoseorbsI'dstillbeouttherelostandcold,soifIwereyou I'dberelievedthatmypartnermanagedtogetbackheresafeandsound,insteadofbeingso pissy."

 Steven'seyesfocusedonmyinjuredshin."Whathappenedtoyou?"heaskedflatly. "IwastryingtokeepupwithyouwhenItrippedonarootandsmackedmyshinonastump." Stevensettheflashlightonthecounterandcameovertome."Sitdownandletmelookatit." "It'sfine,"Isaid. Steventookanotherstepcloser,invadingmypersonalspace."Sitdown,"hesaidsoftly. Withhisbodysoclose,myheartbegantothumpalittlefasterinmychest,andIfeltthefirst ticklesofperspirationalongmybrow."I'vealreadyrinsedthedirtout;allitneedsisalittle ice,"Isaid. Stevengavemethesamekindoflookaparentgivesachildwhentheirpatiencehasrunout; thenhetookthemugofteastillinmyhand,placeditonthecounter,andinonequickmove bentlow,scoopedmeupintohisarms,andcarriedmethefewstepsbackovertothebar stool."Hey!"IsaidasIwasbeingliftedup. "Shhhh,"hesaidashedepositedmeonthestool."Settledownandletmelook."

 Icouldfeelheatcomeintomyfaceashiswarmhandsfeltalongmyshin.Iwincedafewtimes ashepressedonmyskinwheremostoftheswellingwashappening,andletoutonebig "Yeowch!"whenhetappedonthespotthattookthebruntoftheblow.Steppingbackhesaid, "It'snotbroken,butyou'regoingtohaveabadbraise." "Thanks,"Isaid,andbegantorolldownmypantleg. "Holdon,"hesaid,placinghisfingersaroundmywrist."It'sbettertoiceitfirst."Iwaitedwhile hewenttothefreezerandextractedapackageofpeas.Hegrabbedtheotherbarstooland proppedmylegonitbeforegentlyplacingthepeasonmyinjury. "Yikes."Iwinced. Stevensmiled."I'llberightback.HoldthisinplaceuntilItellyouto,okay?" Inoddedashewalkedoutofthekitchen,andamomentlaterIheardthefrontdooropen. Afterafewmoresecondshecamebackinside,carryingalittleblackduffelbag,whichhe depositedonthecounternexttome,andfromitextractedavialofsomeantiseptic,some gauze,andafewcottonballs.Next,hesatdownnexttomeandcleanedthenastyscratchthe stumphadmade.Heplacedabandageonit,thengentlyeasedthepackageofpeasbackon top. "Feelingbetter?"heaskedafterhe'dputhisfirst:aidkitbacktogether.

 Inodded,stilluncomfortableathiscloseproximity."Yeah,it'sstartingtonumbup." "Keepyourweightoffofitfortherestofthenight,"hesaid,reachingformycupoftea. "Gotit,"Isaid,extendingmyfreehandforthecup.BeforegivingittomeSteventookasipand heldmyeyesoverthebrim.Thelookhegavemewasasmolderingone,andwithoutthinkingI bitmylowerlipandsquirmedeversoslightly. OnecornerofSteven'smouthlifted,andhesettheteadownonthecounteragain,justoutof myreach. "CanIhavethatback?"Iasked. Steven'seyesstillheldmineashesaid,"Caffeinewillkeepyouup.AsyourdoctorIthinkit wouldbebetterforyoutosleep." Irolledmyeyesandleanedforwardtoretrievethecup,whichStevenmovedfartheroutof reachagain,playingwithme.Ishothimanirritatedglareandleanedwayover,tryingto snatchthemugbeforehehadachancetomoveit.Hewastooquickforme,andpickeditup withachuckle,tookonelongslurp,andsaid,"Youreallywantitthatbad,eh?"

"I'mcold,andI'dliketowarmmyselfupbeforeyoudrinkitalldown,"Isnapped. "Well,whydidn'tyousayso?"Stevensaidashemovedtowardmeagainandsetthecupdown rightnexttome. IturnedtopickitupwhenIfeltafingerundermychin,liftingmygazebackupandawayfrom thecupashebentlowandkissedme."Ididn'tknowyouwerecold,"hecooedashislips movedtomyearandhebegantonibbleonthelobe. "AllIneedisthetea,"Isaidhoarsely,tryinghardnottogaspashislipsmoveddowntheside ofmyneck. "Shhhh,"hesaidsoftly,andmovedbacktomylips. Thepackageofpeasfelloutofmyhandandontothefloorwithaslapasmyhandswentupto hisneck.Hepulledhisfaceawayfrommineforonebriefsecondatthesoundofthepeas hittingthefloor;thenhekissedmemoredeeply,andthistimeImoaned.Afterafewmore secondsStevenpickedmeupagainandcarriedmetothestairs.Ilookedupthelongstaircase andsaidtohim,"Icanmakeit,youknow." "Goodtoknow,"heanswered,andmarchedupthesteps.Wereachedthefirstfloorandhe headeddownthecorridortothemastersuite.Therehelaidmegentlyonthebed,then crawledonthebed,hishipsrestinglightlyonmineandhistorsohoveringovermeashe proppeduponhiselbowstostareintomyeyes.Hespentamomentcombingmyhairoutonto thebedspreadandlookingatmesohardthatIsquirmedagainsthim."God,you'resexy,"he said.

 Iwouldhavereturnedthecomplimentbuthe'dalreadyloweredhismouthagaintocover mine.Hiskissdeepenedasmypulsequickened. Myfingerssliddownhisbackandgrippedhisass,whichwassmallandfirmandoh,sosexy. Stevenpushedhishipsforwardintomine,andImoanedagainasIfeltthefirmnessofhim betweenmylegs.Asecondlaterhewasoffmeandstandingnexttothebed,andIhelda whimperincheckashiswarmthandweightmovedaway. AsheshruggedoutofhisshirtIcouldseewhatafabulousbodyhehad.Broadshouldersand definedpectoralmusclestapereddowntoaflatstomachandsmallwaist.Hisupperchestwas crestedwithblackhairthatformedaTdownalonghisbreastboneandmeanderedinapath thatdisappearedbelowhisbelt.Iheardalowchuckleandlookeduptoseehiseyesdancing withmerriment."Likewhatyousee?" Iraisedoneeyebrow."Whatelseyougot?" Stevenlaughed."Plenty,"hesaidwithconfidence. "I'llbelievethatafterI'veseenthefullmonty,"Iquipped. Stevengavemeasexygrinandbegantoslowlyunbuttonhisjeans.JustasIwasabouttoseeif montywasinfactapython,ahugecrashrangoutrightbelowourbedroom."Holycrap!"I squealedasIjumpedoffthebedandhurriedthroughthedoor,Stevencloseonmyheels.

 "Whatroomdiditcomefrom?"Iaskedaswegottothestairs. "Thelibrary,"hesaid,andstartedaheadofme.Wecrestedthelandingandturnedthecorner intothelibrary,surveyingthescene.Oneofthegiantbookcasesthatlinedthewallhad toppledover,strewingbooksallovertheroomandsmashingawingchair."MyGod,"Steven whispered. Myantennawasupandscanningtheroom.Ifeltthevestigesofsomethingparanormal,butit washardtotellwhetheritwasmaleorfemale.Forsomereasonitfeltmixed."Whodidthis?" Stevenaskedasheturnedtome. "Theybothdid,"Isaid. "GrandfatherandMaureen?" "Feelslikeit,"Isaid."Theybothseemalittlepissy,butIthinkit'switheachother,notatus." "Areweindangerofanothertempertrampoline?" Igrinned."Tempertantrum.Andno,oncetheypushedoverthisbookcasetheybothzipped backintothemist.Idon'tfeelthemhangingaroundhere."

 Stevenbentoverandpickedupabook."Whatamess,"hesaid. "Yep.We'dbettergetstarted,"Ireplied,andbentdowntopickupanarmfulofbooks. "Orwecangobackupstairsandworryaboutthisinthemorning,"hecoaxed. Iavoidedlookingathim.ThetruthwasthatI'dbeendamnclosetojumpinghisbonesjust now,andhonestly,I'mjustnotthatkindofgirl."Ithinkweshouldpickthisroomupandkeep avigil.AndrewandMaureenareveryactive,andIbelievetheymaytakeashortbreatherand comebacktocausesomemoremischief." "Myideasoundslikemorefun,"Stevensaid. "Myideawillkeepussafe,"IrepliedasIputastackofbooksonthenearbydeskandturnedto him."Besides,youalreadyhadyourfunthismorning."ThecommentslippedoutbeforeI'd hadachancetothinkaboutsayingit,andIimmediatelyregrettedit. "I'msorry,what?"heasked. "Iwasoutforajogthismorning,"Isaid,blowingoutasigh.Therewasnowayoutofitnow."I sawyoucomingoutofthatwoman'shouse.Youtwolookedquitechummytogether."

 Stevenactuallylaughed."AnddidyourecognizethewomanIwaswith?" Ilookedathim,anditwasmyturntocockmyhead."Yes,"Isaid."Shewasthewaitressatthat grinderrestaurant." "Annaliseisaveryoldfriendofmine,"hebegan. "I'llbet." Hesmiled,asifhewereamusedbyaninsidejokeIwasn'tprivyto,thenmovedovertowhereI wasleaningagainstthedeskandtracedalinefrommycheektomycollarbonewithhisfinger. Themovewassolightitmademewanttoshudder,butIstiffenedinstead."Duringthe summerholidayswhenIvisitedmygrandfather,hewouldpayhertowatchaftermetogive mymothersometimeforherself,"heexplained. "Shewasyourbabysitter?"Iasked,alittlesurprisedbyhowfarbackthey'dknowneachother. "Yes,"hesaidwithabroadsmile."ThatfirstsummerIwaselevenandshewassixteen.Ihada ercrashintoher?Youknow,tolikesomeoneolderthanyou?" "Youhadacrushonher,"Isupplied.

 "Yes,Iwascrushing.Itfeelsthesamewhenyouareayoungboyandsuddenlytheseurges develop,youknow?" "Didsheeverreciprocate?"Aforwardquestiontoask,butheseemedtobeopeningup,andI wantedtoknow. "No,Iwasn'ttheSableshewasinterestedin,"Stevensaid,andtherewasthesmallestbitof venominhisvoice. "What?" "Shewasmuchfonderofmyfather,"hesaid. "You'rekidding,"Isaid,watchinghimcloselyforanyhintofdeception."ButIthoughthestuck toBoston?" "Mygrandfatherwasaforgivingman.Healwaysheldontothehopethatmyfatherwould comearound.SohewouldinvitedearoldDadupforaweekend,butmyfatherwouldrefuse tocometothelodgewhileIwashere.TheywouldmeetintownatHelen'sandtalk,andafter afewdaysStevenSr.wouldgobackhome." "So,whathappenedbetweenAnnaliseandyourdad?"

 "AnnaliseisHelen'sniece.Sheworkedatthebedandbreakfastforafewyears,andthat's howshemetmyfather.Mymotherheardfromsomeofthelocalsthatsheandmyfatherhad anaffair,andthisupsetmymother,becauseshehadthoughthemightstillloveher.Thatwas whenIwasfifteen,andafterthatmymotherrefusedtocomehereduringthesummers." "So,Annaliseandyourfatherhadanaffair,andthenheendeditandthatwasit,right?"Ihada feelingtherewasmoretoit,butIwantedtoseewhatStevenwouldtellme. "No,unfortunatelynot.Annalisebecamepregnantandhadababygirl." "Yourfatherhadanotherillegitimatechild?" "Idon'tknowforsure,"Stevensaidashewentbacktostrokingmycollarbone."Annalisenever toldmeoranyonewhothefatherwas.Buttwelveyearsagoshegavebirthtoalittlegirlshe namedShanah." "Doesn'tShanahwonderwhoherfatheris?"Iasked. "Shanahdoesn'twondermuchatall.She'smentallyhandicapped.Annalisetriedtogivebirth athome,butthebabywasdeprivedofoxygen.Shanahnearlydied."

"That'ssosad,"Isaid,feelingashamedofmyselfforprying. "Yes,itis.NowAnnaliseworkstwojobsanddoesthebestshecantotakecareofher daughter.SheknewIwasintown,sincewestoppedforagrinder,andlastnightshecalledme inapanicbecauseShanahwasn'tbreathingproperlyoneofhermanyhealthconditions.I wentovertohelpandstayeduntilthismorning." "Isee,"Isaid,lookingbackdownatmyfeetagainandfeelinglikeanidiot."Sorryaboutgetting snippy,then." "Onthecontrary,"Stevensaidasheliftedmychinwithhisfinger."Ilikeitthatyou're interested."Andwiththathekissedmedeepandlong,thenpickedmeupandputmeinthe matchingwingchairacrosstheroom."Nowstayoffyourleg.Iwillcleanthismessup.Youcan keepmecompanywithyourgreatcharmandwit." Thatmademelaugh,andIdidkeephimcompany,withaminorinterruptionwhenImadea calltocheckonGil,untilaboutthreea.m.,whenwebothcurleduponthelongsofainthe roomandfellasleep. Chapter9 Overcoffeethenextmorning,StevenandIdiscussedwhatwethoughtwe'dseeninthe woods."I'veseenallkindsofghosts,phantoms,andthingsthatgobumpinthenight,butthat flashofgraywasn'toneofthose.Ithinkitwashuman,"Isaidflatly.

"Youthinksomepersonwasactuallyfollowingus?" "Couldbe." Webothpuzzledonthatforabit,wonderingwhatsomeonewouldbedoinginthemiddleof thewoodsfollowingthetwoofus."Butwhyarewesointeresting?"Iasked. "Thatwoulddependonwho'sdoingthefollowing." Icontinuedtoponderthesituationbeforesaying,"Plus,afterallthat,weneverdidfindwhere thoseorbswantedtoleadus." "Oddhowtheydisappearedthemomentweheardsomeonebehindus,"Stevenmused. "Ormaybenot,"Isaid,lookingpointedlyathim."Maybewherevertheorbswereleadingus wasforoureyesonly." "That'swhatIamthinking,"Stevensaid."Buthowdowegettheorbstocomebackandlead ustowheretheyweretakingus?" "Maybewecanfinditonourown,"Isaid.

 "Youarethinkingaboutthepathinthewoods?" Inodded."Yep,Toto,Ithinkthat'stheyellowbrickroad.Andifwereallylookatthestarting point,I'llbetyoutenbucksit'sthesamespotyourgrandfatherwalkedtowhenwesawhim fromtheupstairswindowtheotherday." "Okay,then,"hesaid."We'llgoafterthelocksmithgetshere." "Say,"Isaid,curiousaboutsomething."Youspentlotsoftimehereasakidyounever noticedthispathinthewoods?" Stevenblushedslightly."Ineverwentnearthewoods,"headmitted. "Whatkiddoesn'twanttoexplorethewoods?"Iasked. "Thekindthatnearlygetsbittenbyacoyoteinthefirstweekthathevisitshere,"hesaid. "TheywerearealproblemaroundherewhenIwasyoung,andtheyareveryscarylooking creatures." Inodded."I'mwithyouonthatone,"Isaidwithashudder."Andthenoisetheymakeisthat awfulorwhat?"

 "Itcanbequitefrightening,"Stevensaid."ButIhaven'tseenonearoundsincewegothere,so maybethey'renotasmuchofaproblemasbefore." "Let'shopeso.Anyway,I'dliketocheckoutthattunnelifwecan,"Isaid."Oncewegetthat dooropen,Idon'tthinkit'sagoodideatoletitcloseonusagainwithoutknowingwhereit leads." Stevensmiled."Okay,haveityourway.Creepydarktunnelfirst,scarywoodsfullofugly coyotessecond." Igiggled."YourEnglishisimproving,"Isaid. "Iamjigsawwiththat,"hequipped.Ididn'thavethehearttotellhimthathe'dgottenGilley's "jiggy"mixedupwithapuzzle. Wewaitedanhourforthelocksmithtoshow,whichallowedusenoughtimetoshower,get dressed,andmunchonsomedrycereal.Thedoorbellfinallyrangaroundninethirty,andan oldergentlemanwithapatchonhisshirtthatread,MICKEY,wasatthedoor."Youtwocallfor alocksmith?"heasked. "Comein,"Stevensaidasheheldthedoorwide.

Mickeyenteredandtookinthelargehall.Heletoutalowwhistleofappreciationandsaid, "Thisissomeplaceyougothere,Dr.Sable." "Thankyou,"Stevensaid."Thedoorweneedhelpwithisthisway,"hecalledasheledMickey throughthehallwaytothekitchenanddownthestepstothecellar. Ifolloweddutifullybehind,watchingthestairsasIwentdown,whenInearlycrashedinto Mickeybecausethefrontofthelinehadhalted."What'sup?"IaskedSteven,whowasholding uptheline. Mickeysaid,"Doesn'tlooklikeyou'llneedalocksmithafterall." IpokedmyheadaroundMickeyandsawwhattheholdupwas.Thedoortothetunnelwas wideopen. "Mickey,"Stevensaid,turningtothelocksmithbutgivingmealook."Ineedyoutochangethe lockonthisdoor.AndI'llwantanextrakey." "Noproblem,"Mickeysaid,andmovedaroundSteventogettowork. Icamedownthelastfewstepstostandnexttohimandsaid,"Youknow,I'dreallyliketoknow wherethistunnelends."

 Stevennodded."Metoo.Whenhe'sdone,Ithinkweshouldgoin." "Worksforme." Wewaitedforthelocksmithtocompletetheswitchonthelock,andStevenpaidhim,then showedhimout.WhileheandMickeyheadedupthestairs,Itookthelibertyofventuringinto thetunnelabit,butitwastoodarkformetogomorethanafewfeet.Troopingupstairs,I grabbedtheflashlightandmynightvisioncameraandwentbackdown.Stevenjoinedmea momentlater."Youready?"heaskedme. "Yes.Here,youkeeptheflashlight,butdon'tturniton.We'llfindourwaythroughthe viewfinderofthis,"Isaid,holdingupthecamera."Itshouldpickupanyweirdspectralstuff thatwewouldn'tbeabletoseewiththeflashlighton." "Gotit,"Stevensaid,andtogetherweproceededintothetunnel,eachofuskeepingahandon thewalltohelpguideus.We'dwalkedaboutfiveorsixyardswhenIhearddripping.Pointing thecameraup,Inoticedwhatlookedlikeseveralbeadsofwatercomingofftheceiling. "Steven,clicktheflashlightonasecandpointitupthere,"Idirected,myvoiceechoing throughthetunnel.Hedid,andwhatwesawmadeusbothgulp."We'reunderthepool,"I saidnervously. Stevenreachedupandtouchedoneofthespotsasheconsideredmyquestion."Yes,"he agreedashetracednotjustonecrackbutseveralastheysnakedtheirwayacrosstheceiling ofthetunnel.Ashecheckedthelargestclusterofcracksinthemiddleoftheceilingtomake surewewerefairlysafebeforeheadinginfarther,Inoticedablackboxtapedtothecornerof

theceilingwithawirecomingfromit.Thinkingitmustbesomesortofelectricalbox,Iwas gratefulitdidn'tappeartobeconnectedtoanythingcurrentlyconductingelectricity.Itwould bescarytohavealivewiredownherewithsomuchwater. "Thisisnotgood,"Stevensaidashepointedthebeamattheceiling. "Howbadisit?"Iaskedasalarmbellswentoffinmyhead. "BadenoughformetosaythatIthinkweshouldfindoutwhat'sattheendofthisthing,then getoutofhereandclosethatdoorforgood." "Doyouthinkit'ssafeenoughevenforthat?" Stevenknockedontheceilingwithhisfist.Noadditionalwaterleakedout."Ithinkitwillhold longenough.Thesecracksaren'tgood,butIdon'tthinkthey'regoingtogivewaysoon.Let's keepgoing,butmakeitquick." StevenclickedofftheflashlightandIhelduptheviewfinderagainaswewenton.Atonepoint thetightspacecametoasharpcornerthatwasimpossibletoseearound.Stevenhesitatedas hegottotheturnandsurprisedmebygrippingmyshouldertightly. "What?"IaskedturningtheviewfinderonhimsoIcouldseehim.Hemovedhisfingertohis lipsandmadeashushingsound;thenhecuppedahandtohisear,lettingmeknowhe'dheard

something.Ikeptmymouthshutandlistenedhard,andsureenoughwecouldheardistinct footstepsfromaroundthecorner. IlookedbackupatSteven,hiseyeswideashedeterminedwhatthenoisewas.Leaning forwardhewhisperedinmyear,"We'renotalonedownhere." Inoddedandwhisperedback,"Ican'tsensewhoitis." "No?" "No.I'mreachingoutwithmyantennae,butI'mnothittinganykindofspiritenergy." "Maybeit'snotaspirit,"hewhisperedback.Therewasapausebetweenus,andIblinkedin thedark,unabletoseeanythingunlessIhelduptheviewfinder.Thatgavemeanidea,andI whisperedtoSteven,"Wecanpointthecameraaroundthecornerandlookthroughthe viewfinder.Hopefullywhoeveristherewon'tbetoofaroutofcamerarangeandwe'llbeable toseewhoitis." "Goodidea,"Stevensaid,andmovedmearoundinfrontofhim.WithSteven'schestatmy backIheldthecameraupatananglewherewecouldbothseethroughtheviewfinderand pointedthelensaroundthecorner.Justoutofclearviewthereappearedtobeafigure movingdeeperintothetunnel.Iwasconvinceditwasn'tspectral,astherewasnoenergy comingfromitthatfeltspiritual."It'saman,"IwhisperedbacktoSteven.

"Couldbeawoman,"hesaid."Wecan'ttellfrombackhere." "Isaywefollowslowandquietlikeuntilwecangetabetterview." "Afteryou,"hesaidintomyear. Imovedsoundlesslyaroundthesharpcorner,whichwasatightfitformeandaneventighter oneforSteven.Oncewe'dclearedtheturn,Iheldthecamerainfrontofusandweboth movedforwardontiptoe.Mypalmsgrewsweatyasweinchedclosertotheshapeinfrontof us,whichwasgraduallyturningfromagrayblobintosomethingdecidedlyhuman.Stepby stepweclosedthespacebetweenus,andwewatchedasthefigurestoppedwalkingandbent downtotheground.IfeltSteven'sgriponmyshouldertighten.Suddenlyinfrontofusalight flickered,causingmetosquintintotheviewfinder,andIquicklylookedupfromittothereal lightahead.Wecouldjustmakeoutthebentformofsomeonecroucheddownandfacing awayfromus.Iloweredthecameraasweheadedtowardthelight,untilSteventrippedonmy heelandIletoutasmallgasp. Thelightimmediatelywentout,plungingusallintodarknessagain.Iquicklyraisedthecamera andlookedthroughtheviewfinder,butallwecouldseewerethelegsofourintruderrunning upwhatlookedlikestepsattheendofthetunnel. "Stop!"Stevenyelled,knowingwe'dbeenheard."Whoareyou?"hesaidaswejogged forward.Ablindinglightshoneinthedarkness.Webothstoppedtoshieldoureyes;thenwe heardabangaswewereplungedbackintototaldarkness."Hello!"Stevensaidagain,but therewasnoreply,andIknewthatwewerenowaloneinthetunnel."Steven,"Isaidurgently. "Turnontheflashlightandlet'srunafterhim!"

Stevendid,butatthatexactinstanttherewasatremendousexplosion.Thesoundwaslike lightningstrikingrightnexttous.Theexplosionandresultingtremorreverberatedthroughthe tunnelandknockedustotheground.IlandedontopofSteven,whorolledmeunderneath himandcoveredmewithhisbulkasdustanddebrisshowereddownsecondsbeforewater camepouringinallaroundus. WescrambledupandIgrabbedtheflashlightfromtheground,wherethewaterwasquickly risingaboutourfeet."Thepool!"Iyelled."He'sblownaholeinthepool!" Steventookmyarmandyankedmebehindhimasweranaheadtothestairs.Wedashedup butstoppedshortastheflashlight'sbeamreflectedoffalargewoodendoor.Stevenpulledat thehandle,butitwaslockedtight."Damnit!"hesaidashebackeddownafewofthestairs, thenracedupandthrewhisshoulderagainstthedoor.Itshuddered,butheldfirm."That bastard'sshutusinhere!"heyelled,poundingonthedoorwithhisfist. Ijoinedhiminpounding,bothofuscallingforhelp.Panting,Iturnedaroundandnervously aimedtheflashlightbackdownthestepsandnoticedthatthesecondstairwasquickly disappearingasthewatercontinuedtopourin."Whatdowedo?"Iasked,tryingtokeepthe panicoutofmyvoice. Stevenansweredbythrowinghimselfagainagainstthedooronelasttime,butitheldfirm.He wassilentforamomentasherubbedhisshoulder;thenheseemedtomakeuphismindand hesaid,"Wegoback." "Wewhat?'

"Howisyourbackstroking,M.J.?"hesaid,anddasheddownthestairs,takingmyhandand pullingmealong. "But,Steven!"IsquealedasIwadednowinkneedeepwater."Wecoulddrowngoingthis way!" "Yes,thatistrue,"hesaidoverhisshoulder."Butifwestayhere,wewilldefinitelydrown. ThatpoolisOlympicsizedandfourteenfeetdeep.Thereisenoughwatertofilltwoofthese tunnels." "Shit!"Isaid,workinghardtosteadythebeamoftheflashlight,whichkeptgettingwetasI struggledtowalkthroughtherisingwater."Couldtheoddsbeanymoreagainstus?" Asifoncuetheflashlightwentout.NexttomeIheardStevensay,"Thatwouldbeayes." Chapter10 ItrudgedforwardinthedarknessasthewaterroseabovemychestandIwasquicklyforcedto swimwhiletryingdesperatelynottopanic.IcouldfeelStevennexttome,periodicallypulling onmyshirttomakesureIwaskeepingpacewithhimaswefollowedalongthewallofthe tunnel.Asmylaboredbreathingreverberatedoffthewalls,Icouldsensetheceilingjustabove myhead,andknewwehadverylittletime."Steven,"IsputteredasIkickedandpaddled. "I'mhere,"hesaidwithanothertugonmyshirt.

 "Howarewegoingtogetoutofthis?" "Weneedtoreachthebeach,"hesaid,hisvoiceremarkablycalmforaguyabouttodrown. Mymindworkedonthatforaminute."Whatbeach?"Iasked. "Youknow,"hesaid,hisvoicebouncingoffthesidesofthetunnel."Wheretheholeis." "Youmeanbreach,"IpantedasIcontinuedtokickwithmylegsandpullwithmyarms. "Yes,thattoo,"hesaid."Whenthewaterreachestheceilingitwillstopcomingin,andifthe holeisbigenoughwecanswimthroughittothepool." "Justlikethat?Weswimthroughthehole?"Iasked,myhoperising. "Yes.Unlessthepoolcollapsesontopofus;thenourgoosewillbehowyoudosay burned?"

Igroaned."Howmuchtimedoyouthinkwehavetomakeit?"Mylegsandarmswerequickly becomingtired. "Idon'tknow,soyoumustswimasfastasyoucan,okay?"hesaid,andgavemyarmapull forward. Igulpedandconcentratedonmakingitdownthetunnel.Fortunately,aboutthetimemyhand couldeasilytouchtheceiling,wemadeittothesharpcorner."Hurry!"Stevenurged,pulling meinthedarkaroundtotheotherside.Thissectionofthetunnelwasnowdimlylit,astwenty yardsaheadofuswecouldseethewaterpouringinthroughathreefootgapintheceiling. "We'reclose!"Stevensaid,andwebothpushedourselveshardthelastfewyardstothehole. Wetreadedwaterarounditasthewaterinchedupfartherandfarther. "Whatnow?"Iasked. Stevenmovedbehindmeandgrabbedmearoundthewaist.Breathinghardinmyearfrom thedifficultswim,hesaid,"Wemustwaitforthetunneltofillallthewayup.Thenweswim throughtheholeandgetoutofthepoolasfastaswecan.Therestofthefloorcouldcollapse atanymoment,sodon'twalkonit.Justswimtotheedgeandpullyourselfout." Inoddedandwaitedthoselastanxiousmomentswhilewatermovedeverclosertotheceiling. StevenandIstrainedtostayclosetotheholeandbreathetheremainingairuntilwewere completelysubmerged.Finally,nosestouchingtheceiling,wetookonelastgulpofairand movedclosertothehole,waitingforthepressuretoequalizesothatwecouldswimup throughit.Secondstickedby,myheartpoundedhardinmychest,andfinallyIfeltStevengive meagreatshoveforwardandupthroughthehole.

KickingandstrokingashardasIcould,Iplungedupoutofthetunnelandintothepool.Witha fewmorekicksIclearedthesurfaceasmylungswereabouttoburst.Igulpedtheairhungrily beforeInoticedthatStevenhadn'tcomeupyet. LookingdownIcouldseethehole,andinthecenterofitheseemedtobestruggling.Alarmed, Itookanothergulpofairandswambackdowntohim.Hewastuggingatsomethingaround hiswaist,andIsawthatthebackofhisbeltwascaughtononeofthejaggededgesofsteel stickingoutoftheconcrete.Reachingforhim,Ipushedhiswaistdownandworkedtounhook thebelt.Ittookmeafewtries,butIfinallygothimfreeandthatwaswhenIfelthimgolimp. Turningaroundinthewater,Ihookedmyarmsunderhisshouldersandclaspedmyhands acrosshischest,thenkickedmylegswithallmymight.Wemovedafractionofaninch.My lungsscreamedforair,andmyheartpoundedhardinmyearsasIlookedupatthesurface, whichseemedathousandfeetaway.Iglancedbackdownatthepool'sbottom,justafootor twobelow.StillholdingtighttoStevenwithonearm,Iusedtheothertopushusbackdown, tryingtogetasfarawayfromtheholeasIcould,thencrouchedandwithallofmyremaining strengthpushedofffromthefloorofthepool.Wecoastedseveralfeetup,andIkickedand usedonearmtomakeittothetop. IgaspedasIclearedthesurface,strugglingtopullSteven'sheadabovewatertoo.Ihadno ideaifhewasabletotakeabreath,butI'dworryaboutthatinamoment.Rollingontomy side,Iheldhimwithonearmandusedtheother,alongwithmylegs,tomakeittotheshallow end.Finallymyfeetfoundthefloor,andIdraggedSteven'slimpbodyforwarduntilIhadhim inaboutafootofwater.Iheardaloudgurglebackinthedeepend,andknewthatthehole wasgivingwayandthewholefloorofthepoolwasabouttocollapse. Pantingandexhausted,ItuggedStevenovertotheladder,tryinghardnottofocusonthefact thathislipswereturningblue.Iclimbedquicklyoutofthepoolandlaydownonmystomach, and,reachingforhim,Ihookedmyhandsunderhisshouldersandpulledwithastrengthborn ofsheeradrenaline.AnothergurglecamefromthedeependjustasInearlylostmygripon him,andwithatremendousgrowlIheavedhimfromthelipofthepoolontothedeck.Ashis feetcameovertheedgetheholeinthebottomofthepoolexpandedwitharumblethat shookthefoundation,andagiganticgapopenedstraightupthemiddleofthepool.

 MybreathingwassolaboredIcouldbarelyremainconscious,andmylimbsfeltlikelead.More thananythingIjustwantedtoliedownforamomentandcatchmybreath,butthelightblue tingetoSteven'slipshadspreadnowtohischeeks,andIknewIhadverylittletimeleft.I crawledtohisheadandtilteditback,thankfulthatI'dhadlifeguardtraininginhighschool. Pinchinghisnose,Iopenedhismouthandtookahugegulpofair.Iblewdownintohisairway butfeltitconstricted.Itriedagain,andagain,andfinallyheconvulsedandagreatgulpof watercameupoutofhismouth.Iturnedhimsidewaysashebegantocoughandretch. "ThankGod,"Ipanted,easinghimuptoleanonmeafterhe'dcougheduptheworstofit. IttookseveralminutesbeforeStevenwasabletotalk.Finallyhemanagedtosay,"Icouldn't getoutofthatdamnhole." "Itwasyourbelt.Itgotcaught." Henoddedandcontinuedtohackandwheeze.Iwaitedhimout,holdingontohischestaswe sattheredrippingandregainingourstrength.Afterawhilehegaveapattomyhandsand rasped,"Thankyou." Ismiled."You'rejustluckyIrememberedmyCPRtraining." "Youdidchestcompressions?" "Uhno,"Isaid,suddenlyrememberingthatIhadn'teventhoughtaboutcheckingfora pulse.

 "Youjustblewintomymouthanditworked,huh?" "Let'snotforgetaboutpullingyoutosafetyandgettingyourbuttoutofthepool,"Ireminded him. Stevenleanedtothesidesothathecouldlookintothepool."Wewerealmosttoasted,huh?" Ismiledtiredly."Yep.Ourgoosewasalmostburned." Squeezingmykneehegotslowlytohisfeet."Comeon,"hesaidtome."Let'sgetoutofthese wetclothesandgofindthesonofabitchwhotriedtokillus." **** Anhourlater,asourclothestumbledaroundinthedryer,Stevenwasoutsidewrappinguphis talkwiththelocalsheriff.Iremainedinsidesippingsomehottea,ensconcedinabathrobethat hadcomerightoutofAndrew'scloset. Thesmellofaspicyaftershaveseemedtocompetewiththescentofchlorinestillonmyskin asIwatchedthemthroughthewindowandthoughtaboutwhocouldpossiblyhavewantedus

dead.Onthatfront,StevenandIwerebothinagreementsomeonehadwantedtodrownus, andhadluredustothebasementwiththeopendoortothetunnel. Beforethesheriffarrivedwe'dhadachancetotalkaboutit,andStevenhadsaid,"Whoever thatwasinthetunnel,itwasdefinitelyhuman." Inodded."Yep,that'sasafebet.LasttimeIchecked,noteventhecleverest,mostactivespirit I'veevercomeacrosscouldsetoffanexplosive." WefellintouncomfortablesilencebeforeStevensaid,"Sothequestionis,whoandwhy?" IwasstillponderingthatasIsawthesherifffliphisnotebookclosedandhandStevenacard.A minuteortwolaterStevencamebackinsideandthesheriffdroveoff."Sowhat'dhesay?" "Hesaidweweretwoluckypeople,especiallyafterhegotalookatthecellarandwhat'sleft ofthepool."Waternownearlycoveredthebasementsteps.Besidescallingthesheriff,Steven hadalsocontactedhisinsurancecompanyandaplumber.Theplumbercouldn'tcomeout untilthedayaftertomorrow,andtheadjusterwantedtowaituntilallthewaterhadbeen drainedbeforeassessingthedamageandwritingacheck.We'dbeenadvisedtostayaway fromboththepoolareaandthecellar.Gee,andStevenandIweresoclosetoperfectingour synchronizedswimmingroutine. "Sowhatnow?"IaskedasIwalkedwithhimthroughthefronthallandbacktothekitchen. Stevenduckedmyquestionuntilhe'dgoneintothelaundryroomoffthekitchentoretrieve hispantsandshirt.Comingbackout,hetossedmemyownclothesandsaid,"Nowweget dressedandheadbackintothosewoods."

 **** Oncewewereclothedwewalkedovertotheedgeofthewoods,wheretheorbshadledus thenightbefore."Shouldbeeasiertofollowthepathinthedaylight,"Isaidasmyeyesswept thebrushinfrontofme,lookingforthepath. "Notjustyet,"Stevensaidashelookedatthegroundleadingawayfromthehouse.Looking theretoo,Inoticedanindentationinthelawnthatcamefromthewalloftheindoorpooland outacrossthelawninaline,beforeturningsharplyandenteringthewoodsjustdownfrom wherewestood."Thisway,"Stevensaid. Whenwegottothespotwherethelawnstoppedandthewoodsbegan,wesawthe indentationcontinue,butitwasmuchhardertosee,givenallthefoliage.Wepokedaroundin thegeneraldirectionwethoughtthetunneltraveled,lookingbackatthehousetocheckthat wewereoncourse.Butthescrubbecametoodense,andweknewwewereofftrackwhenno exitfromthetunnelcouldbefound. "Wheredidwegowrong?"Iasked,scratchingmyhead. Stevenlookedaroundhimandplacedhishandsonhiships.Theremustbesomethingaround here,"hemused,andsuddenlyhisfacelitup."M.J.!"hesaidexcitedly,thenpointedtoour right."Overthere,look!" Iturnedtowhereheindicatedandsawwhatlookedlikeatinystreamleakingoutfrombehind atreedirectlyacrossfromus.StevenmovedtowarditandIfollowedhim.Sureenough,when weroundedthetreewecouldseeanarrowdoor,cleverlybuiltintothesideofthetree,asa

steadyflowofwaterleakedoutofthetreeandpuddledaroundourfeet."Thisiswild,"Isaid, tryingthedoor.Itwaslockedtight. "Comeon,"Stevensaid,leadingmeawayfromthetree."Weknowwherethatleads,butwhat wedon'tknowiswherethispathgoes." Iswiveledaroundtoseethatthestreamwasactuallymadepossiblebyapaththatledaway fromthetree.Watercovereditinitspathofleastresistance,butaswewalkedalong,the watereventuallybecamesidetrackedandnothingbutthedrypathremained. Wewalkedatleastahalfmile,untilwecameabruptlytoarathersmallcottagealmost completelyengulfedbythewoods. "Wherearewe?"Iaskedaswesteppedoutofthewoodsontoasmallwalkwayleadingtothe frontdoorofthecabin. "Ithinkwe'reatWillis'shouse,"Stevensaidashelookedaround. "Yourgrandfather'sgroundskeeper?" "Yes,"Stevensaid,raisinghishandtoknock."Thismustbethecabinmygrandfatherbuiltfor himlastyear."

 Iloweredmyvoiceandasked,"Whyhaven'tweseenhimbeforenow?" Stevensmiledatmewithoutansweringandknockedveryhard,threetimes.Welistenedas someonecalledfrominside,andafterweopenedthedoorIknewexactlywhywehadn'tseen Willis. "Steven!"afraillookingblackmaninawheelchairsaidaswesteppedinside. "Hello,Willis,"Stevensaid,movingtohimandsquattingdownnexttothewheelchair."Howis theleg?" "Oh,it'llbeallright,"Willissaid,smilingashereachedouttoclaspSteven'shand."That'sthe thingaboutdiabetes:Youcan'tletitgetyoudown."Helaughed. IcouldseethatWillis'srightlegwasproppeduponafootstoolinfrontofthechair. "MindifIexamineit?"StevenaskedashemovedtoinspectWillis'sleg. "Youdoctorsareallalike,"Willissaid."Youknowyourdaddywasjusthereaboutanhourago, andhe'salreadyfussedoverit."

 Stevenpausedeversoslightlyasheasked,"Myfatherwashere?" "Yeah.EversincewelostAndrewhe'sbeencomingupheretocheckonme.AndIknowthe twoofyoudon'tgetalong,butI'lltellyou,yourfatherisagoodman.We'vebeenhaving ourselvessomegoodtalks,heandI." "Really,"Stevensaid,andIwatchedashisbackseemedtostiffen. "Yep.He'sbeentryingtotalkmeintomovingbacktoJamaicaPlainwithmydaughter;you rememberher?"Willissaidashepointedtoaseriesofphotographsonthemantelabovethe fireplace. "Iremember.Howisshegettingalong?"Stevenasked. "Janelleisdoinggreat.Shebecameanurse,youknow.Worksinthesamehospitalasyour father,infact.AndI'dlovetomovebackwithher,butthere'snosenseinbeingaburdenon yourchildren.That'swhyyourfather'sbeentryingtogetmewell.He'sbeentalkingtome aboutthisnewdrughe'sworkingonthatmightbeabletohelpoutanoldmanlikeme,"Willis said."Hesayshethinkshecanevengetmebackupandwalkin'." StevenlookedhardatWillis."Doesmyfathercomehereerwithfrequency?"

Williscockedhisheadinquisitivelyandthoughtaboutitforamoment."Ithinkjustabout everycoupleofdaysforthepasttwomonthsorso." "That'sgreat,"Stevensaidtightly,andstoodup."Listen,"hesaid,walkingovertositona nearbycouchandpattingtheseatnexttohimforme."Wearehavingsomebigtroubleatthe lodge." "WasthatwhatIheardearlierthisafternoon?IwastakinganapwhenIthoughtIheard thunder,butwhenIwokeuptherewasn'tacloudinthesky,"Willissaid. StevennoddedandstartedtoexplaintoWilliswhathadhappenedtousearlier.Whilehe talked,Itookamomenttolookaroundthesmallcottage.Theplacehadthelookandfeelofa logcabin,withlogwalls,hardwoodfloors,andanAframeroof.Astonefireplacedominated thelivingroom,andbehindwherewesatIhadnoticedagalleystylekitchen. Myeyefinallysettledonasmalltablebythefrontwindow,whereachessboardwassetup withwhatlookedlikeagameinprocess.AsIlookedatthearrangementIfeltmyradarbegin tohum.TheletterAdriftedintomyhead,andsomethingthatsoundedlikeadrewbuzzed aroundinsidemymind. IelbowedSteven,whostoppedtalkingandturnedtome."What?" Ipointedtothechessboard."Watch,"Isaid.

JustasSteventurnedtolook,wecouldclearlyseeoneoftheblackchesspiecesmoveacross thechessboardandknockoveroneofthewhitechesspieces.AsthathappenedIfeltasense ofcelebrationattheedgeofmythoughts."Hesays,'Iwin,'"IsaidasIgotupoffthecouchto takealook. FrombehindmeIheardchucklingandthesqueakofawheelchairasWillisfollowedmetothe table,parkinghiswheelchairoppositetheotherchairthere."Well,wouldyoulookatthat," Willissaid."Thatoldmanstillknowshowtoplay." Iknewnothingaboutchess,butunderstoodassoonasStevenjoinedmeandannounced, "Checkmate." "Andrew'shere,"Iwhispered. "Ofcoursehe'shere,"Willissaid."He'sbeenplayingchesswithmealmosteverydaysincehe died." StevenandIbothturnedtoWilliswithamixtureofshockandsurprise."Hasheeverspokento you?"Iasked.Sometimestheaveragelaypersoncouldbeabetterconduitthanatrained medium. "Spoken?Youmeanhavewehadourselvesaconversation?" "Yes,"Isaid.

 "Well,sure.ButI'mafraidI'vedoneallthetalkingandhe'sdoneallthelistening.Icanfeel whenhe'saround,whichhappenstoberightaroundthistimeeveryday.That'showIknew somethinghadhappenedtohim,yousee.WehadachessgameplannedandAndrewnever showed.Icouldhardlybelieveitwhentheytoldmehowhe'ddied,"Willissaidashiseyes becamemoist. "Wearenotbelievingiteither,"Stevensaid.Turningtome,heasked,"M.J.,canyoutalkwith him?" "I'mtrying,"Iadmitted.I'dbeencallingouttoAndrewinmymindforseveralseconds,hoping hewouldacknowledgeme,buthewouldn'tcomeforward.Thinkingofsomething,Isaid, "Willis,Ineedyoutodomeafavor." "What'sthat?"heasked. "IneedyoutotellAndrewthatit'sokaytotalkwithme.I'mheretohelphimmakesenseof things." "Whoareyou,anyway?"Willisasked,reallylookingatmeforthefirsttime. Stevenblushed."That'smyfault,"hesaidtomebeforeturningtoWillisandexplaining."I'm sorryformymanners.Willis,thisisM.J.Holliday.Sheisheretotrytofindoutwhathappened tomygrandfather.Sheisanexpertintalkingwithpeoplelikehim.Peoplewhocan'tmoveon towheretheybelong."

 "Youmeanshetalkstoghosts,"Willissaidsuccinctly. "Yes." Thenwhydoessheneedme?" Ianswered,"BecauseAndrewmaynotbeableto.seemeuntilyoupointmeout.Yousee,I thinkheiscurrentlystuckinhisdailyroutine.Hecanseeyouandknowstointeractwithyou, buthemaybeunwillingtoacknowledgeanythingoutsideofhiscomfortzoneinhiscurrent stateofconfusion.It'smybeliefthathehasn'trealizedhe'sdied,Willis." WillislistenedintentlytomeandseemedtoabsorbwhatIwassaying."I'mwithyou,"hesaid afteramoment."SowhatdoIsay,exactly?" "Justcallouthisname,tellhimyou'dlikehimtotalktomeforabit.ThatI'mheretohelphim sortthingsout.Ithinkhemightlistentoyou." Williscreakedbackwardawayfromthetableandpointedhischairtowardthebiglivingroom. "Andrew,"hesaidinacommandingvoice."It'sWillis.IhavecompanytodayandI'dlikeyouto joinusforsomeconversation.Youknowyourgrandsonisheretovisityou,andhe'sbrought alongaladyfriend.HernameisM.J.,andshe'sheretotalkwithyou."

IclosedmyeyesasWillistalkedandopenedmyintuitivemindaswideasIcould.Rightafter Willisstopped,IfeltAndrew'senergycomeforward.Hello,Andrew,Icalledinmymind. Hello.Havewemetbefore?heasked,hisenergystrongandourconnectionveryclearnowthat Ihadbeenintroduced. No.I'mafriendofSteven's.We'vecometovisityouandlearnaboutyourfall. Myfall? Yes,Andrew.Alittlewhileagoyouhadoatmealforbreakfast;doyouremember? Therewasapause,then:Yes.Thatwasthismorning.I'mlookingaftermyheartthesedays. Ismiledinwardlyattheironyandcontinued,Sowhathappenedafteryouhadyourbreakfast; canyouremember,Andrew? Anotherpause.Iwentupstairstomakeaphonecall. Whodidyoucall?

 Roger.Iwantedtomakesurehetookcareofthings. Thenwhathappened? Therewasalongsilence.FinallyAndrewsaidfaintly,Somethinghappened. "Whathappened?"Isaidoutloud,myeyestightlyclosedasIconcentrated.Icouldfeel Andrewpullingawayfromme,asitwasharderandhardertohearhim. Idon't,hesaid.Ican't "Andrew!"Iinsisted."Don'tgoyet!Youmusttellmewhathappened!" NoMtroublegethelp!Withasuddennessthatstartledme,theconnectionbroke.Icould feelAndrew'senergyseverfrommine.IopenedmyeyesandstaredrightatSteven,who lookedanxious."Whathappened?Whatdidhesay?" Myshouldersdrooped."Hewouldn'ttellmeeverything,butImanagedtogetalittle informationoutofhim."

Tellus,"Willissaid. "HesaidthatonthemorninghediedhefinishedhisbreakfastandwentupstairstocallRoger tomakesurehetookcareofthings.ThensomeonewiththefirstinitialMorsomeone nicknamedEm,maybeanEmily,waseitherintroubleorwascausingtrouble,andhetriedto gethelp,butthenhejumpedbackintothemistandthat'sallIgot." StevenranahandthroughhishairandturnedtoWillis."Doyouknowwhomygrandfather wastalkingabout?" Willispuckeredhislipsinthought,thenslowlyshookhishead."YourgrandfatherandIkept limitedcompany,Steven.It'strueIworkedforhimforalmostfortyfiveyears,butour friendshipwasrestrictedtothiscabinandourdailychessgames." "Soyou'resayingyoudidn'tknowanyofhisacquaintancesorfriendsonafirstnamebasis?"I asked. "Inanutshell,"Willissaid."ButIdoknowthis:EverytimeItrytotellyourfatherthatAndrew wasn'tthekindofmantocommitsuicide,hechangesthesubject.SoI'mgladthatyou're lookingintothis,Steven.Somethinghappenedtohimupthere,andIknowinmysoulthat Andrewcouldn'thavetakenhisownlife." AthoughtseemedtooccurtoSteven,andheasked,"Willis,onthedayofmygrandfather's death,didmyfathercomehere?"

"No,Ican'tsaythatIrememberhimcomingbythatday,"hesaidtous."Buthewasherethe weekbefore.IrememberbecauseAndrewwasangrywhenhecametoourchessgame.He wasn'tonetohanghisfamily'slaundryout,eventome,buthewassoangryfromsomething thathadjusthappenedthatheletitslipthatyourfatherwasafool,anditwastimeAndrew taughthimrightfromwrong." "Andyouhavenoideawhathewasreferringto,"Isaid. "Ididn'tpress.Itwasnoneofmybusiness." Stevennoddedandoffered,"Isthereanythingyouneedbeforeweleave?" Willissmiledgoodnaturedly."Naw,thankyou,Steven,butMariashouldbecomingovera littlelaterwithsomegroceriesforme." "I'mgladtoseeyouaretakingcareofeachother,"Stevensaidkindly."Itwasgoodtoseeyou, Willis.We'llbeatthehouseifyouneedanything." StevenandItookourleave.OnceoutsideInoticedthatthesmalldirtroadledtoadrivewayto thesideofthelogcabinthatIassumedwasthewayWillisandthosewhotookcareofhimgot toandfromthecabin.Ipointedtothedriveandsaid,"Anyonecouldcomedownthatroad, parkalittlewayawayfromthecottage,andmakeitontoyourproperty."

"Iwasjustthinkingthesimilarthing,"Stevensaid."WhatIwanttoknowiswhoknewabout thetunnel,andwhydidmygrandfatherhaveitbuilt?" "Yousaidyouspentsummershereasakid;youneversawanyhintofit?" "None." "Unfortunately,yourgrandfatherisn'tverytalkative.He'sstillinseriousdenial." "Denial?" "He'snotwillingtoacceptthathe'sdead.He'sactingasifnothinghashappenedtohim,and he'sjustgoingthroughhisdailyroutine." "Howdowegethimtoacceptthathehasdied?"Stevenasked. "Wefindoutwhathappenedthatmorningonourown,andrepeatitbacktohim." Stevengavemeasidewaysglanceandsaid,"Iwasafraidyouweregoingtosaythat."

 Ismiledandcontinued,"WestartbyfindingoutwhothisRogeris.Comeon;Ihappentoknow someonewho'sperfectforthiskindofjob." Wewalkedbacktothehouse,whereIimmediatelywenttothekitchentoretrievemypurse anddigoutmycellphone.PunchinginthespeeddialIwaitedandwasrewardedwitha"Hi, M.J.How'sitgoingoverthere?" "Fine,fine,"Isaideasily,notwantingtoworryGilleyoverthedetailsofnearlygettingkilled. "How'sthefairytail?"Ikidded. "Hurtslikeagodmother,butI'msufferingthroughit." "Ihaveajobforyou." "ThankGod,Iwasstartingtogetbored." "IwasabletoconnectverybrieflywithAndrewalittlewhileago,andallIcouldgetoutofhim wassomethingaboutaphonecallheplacedtosomeonenamedRoger.Ineedtoknowwho thisRogeris,andifandwhenyoufindout,Ineedyoutotrytogetsomeinfoaboutwhatthey mighthavetalkedabout.Pullthephonerecords,askaround,figureitout." "Gotit.Anythingelse?"

 "Yes.There'sasecondghostinthishouse.HernameisMaureen.Andrewkeepsreferringto eithertheletterMorsomeonenamedEm,likeEmily.Nosearound;maybesomeofthelocals knowwhothisMaureenwasandwhatherconnectionwastoAndrew.Also,seeifthere'salink toanEmorEmilywhileyou'reatit,justtocoverallthebases." "I'monit.I'llcallyouonyourcellwhenIgetsomething." "Thanks,Gil.Hopethetushfeelsbettersoon." IclickedoffwithGilleyandsetthephoneonthecounter.What'dhesay?"Stevenwantedto know. "He'salloverit." "Doyouthinkhe'llfindoutsomething?" "Ido.Gilley'sawhizatthisstuff.Trustme." Stevennodded,thenpushedawayfromthecounterhe'dbeenleaningonandsaid,"Timeto go."

 Icockedmyheadathimandasked,"Whereto?" "Thesecondbranchoffthepath.Ibelieveitleadssomewhere.Rememberthelittleorbitals?" "Youmeantheorbs?" "Yes,thosetoo.Theywereleadingussomewhereonthesecondbranchbeforewelostthem.I thinkweneedtofindoutwhereitgoestointhedaytime." StevenandIexitedthekitchendooragainandsearchedforabitattheedgeofthewoods tryingtofindthepath,asitwaswellhidden.Wefinallylocateditandmovedforwardonthe trail,passingthetreewiththehiddendoorandcontinuingondeeperwithintheforest. Afterabouttwentyminuteswecouldseeabreakinthetreesahead.ItuggedonSteven's sleevetomakesurehesawittoo,andhelookedbackatmetosay,"Iseeit.Come;we're almostthere." Webrokethroughthewoodsafewmomentslaterandsawthatwestoodonahilltopthat overlookedalargeopenfield.Immediatelyvisiblewasasmallhouse,downthehillandtothe right.

Thehouselookedlikesomethingoutofastorybook,paintedabuttercupyellowwithbright blueshuttersandalargebluedoorwithaheartshapedwreathoverit.Windowboxes bloomedwithspringflowersoneverysillofthehouse,andawhitepicketfenceencloseda smallyardaroundtheperimeter.Awalkwayledfromthedoortothegateofthefenceand wasalsolinedwithflowers.Totherightofthehousewasadrivewaythatdumpedoutontoa dirtroadthatheadedsouthanddisappearedattheendofthefieldtotunnelthroughmore woodland. Atthebackofthehouselittlewhitehutsdottedthelandscapeeveryfiveyardsorso.I wonderedwhattheywere,butmyattentionwasredirectedbySteven,whonudgedmeand pointedafewfeettoourleft.Ilookedoverandsawatombstone,anditwasthenthatI realizedthatthepathwe'dbeenonleddirectlytothegrave. Wewalkedoverandsquatteddowntotakeabetterlook,noticingfreshflowersatthegrave. Stevenreadtheengravingandmymouthfellopen."'MaureenEmerson.Bornnineteen twentyseven.Diednineteenseventyfour.'" "Thewomanfromthephoto,"Isaid. "Whowasshe?"Stevenasked,andIshruggedmyshoulders.Ihadnoidea. "Let'swalkdowntothehouse.Maybewecangetsomeanswers,"Isuggested. Stevennodded,andwebothheadeddownthehill.Iwasalittleselfconscious,asIrealizedwe mightbetrespassingonthisperson'sproperty."Doyouthinkweshouldhavecomebythe road?"Isaid."Youknow,sothatthesepeopledon'tthinkwe'vebeensnoopingaroundon theirland?"

 "It'snottheirland,"Stevensaid."Itwasmygrandfather's,whichmeansthatit'snowmine." Wearrivedatthehouse,andStevenopenedthelittlegateformeandbowed,allowingmeto enterfirst.Ismiledathistheatricsandwalkedtothefrontdoor,givingitaheartyknock.We waitedseveralmoments,listeningtothesilencebeforeIknockedagain.Stillnoresponse,soI turnedtohimandasked,"Nowwhat?" "Let'scheckaroundtheback,"hesuggested,andwewenttotherearofthehouse. Thebackyardwasjustastidyasthefront,withclosecutgreengrassandagardenliningthe house.Therewasalsoasmallsittingareawithtwometalchairsandatable.Everythinglooked freshlypainted,planted,andwellmaintained.Stevenheadedovertoawindowandcuppedhis eyestopeekinside."Steven!"Ihissed."Don'tdothat!" "Whynot?"hesaid,stilldoingthePeepingTomthing. "Whatifsomeone'sinthere?" "Thenthey'llcometothebackdoorandyellatme,andwecanaskthemaboutMaureenand whythey'reonmyproperty."

"Maybeyourgrandfatherrentedthemthishouse?"Ioffered. "Ifhedid,thenhedidn'ttellmeaboutit,"Stevensaid,backingawayfromthewindow. "Sowhatdidyousee?"Iasked,curiousaboutwhattheinteriorlookedlike. "Ohho,"Stevensaid,smilingatme."It'snotokayformetolookin,butitisokayforyoutoask mewhatIsaw?" Inarrowedmyeyes."Yeah,yeah,whatever.Justtellmewhatyousaw." Steventhumbedtowardthewindow."That'sthekitchen.Veryneatandcleaninthere,justlike outhere.Iamthinkingthatanolderwomanliveshere,nokidsandnohusband." "Sonowyou'rethepsychic?"Isaidwithasmirk. Stevensmiledbroadly."Youdonotneedtobeapsychictoputcluestogetherandknowabout things." "Whatkindaclues?"

 "Well,"hesaid,rubbinghischin,"thereisonecupandonebowlinthedishrack.Curtainsand thepaperonthewallareveryfemalewithlotsoflace?" "Frilly?"Isupplied. "Yes,thattoo.Also,thereisnonewspaper,justabookonthecounter." "Whatdoesthathavetodowithanything?" "Menlikethenewswiththeirmorningcoffee.Women,ontheotherarm,enjoysomeromance withtheirtea." Iscowledathim.Hewasjusttoosmugforhisowngood."Greatjob,Sherlock,butwhileyou werepeeringintowindows,Iwastakingaganderatsomethingfarmoreinteresting." TherewasthesmallestsaginSteven'ssmugsmileasheasked,"What?" Igaveathumbwaveovermyshoulders."Behindus.Thoselittlehuts?Thosearebeehives."

Stevensquintedinthedirectionofthehives."Yes,thatisimportant.Comeon;let'sgosee them." WeapproachedwarilyasIcountedtwelvehives.Aswenearedthem,wecouldseethatat leastsixwereactivehives,andthesewerealllocatedontheleftsideofthegroup.They buzzedwiththeenergyofthousandsoflittleyellowandblackhoneybees. StevenandIkeptasafedistancefromthem,andstoodsilentlyforalittlebitaswelistenedin awetotheircollectivehum.Motioningwithhishead,Stevenmovedclosertothesixhiveson theright,whichweresilentandobviouslyabandoned. Uponinspection,Inoticedthatthesehiveswerealsomoreweatherbeaten.Theirpaintwas chippingandthewoodwaswarped.Iwonderediftheywereolderthantheotherhives. Perhapstheyhadbeentheoriginalsixandtheothergrouphadbeenbuilttoreplacethem. StevencontinuedtowalkforwardwhileIhungbackabit,afraidthattheremightstillbeabee ortwohoveringaboutinsidethem,readytostingme.Iwatchedashewalkedinacircle aroundthefirstwoodenbox,andlosthimaroundthebacksideashekneltdown."Find something?"Icalledtohimwhenhedidn'treappearrightaway. Iwaitedanotherbeatortwo,wonderingwhathecouldbedoingbackthere,whenhepopped backintoviewandheldsomethingupformetosee.Itlookedlikealargerustedfunnelanda plastichose,bothveryoldandverydirty."Whatisthat?" "Privateproperty,"Iheardawoman'svoicesayfrombehindme,rightbeforeIheardthe distinctmetallicsoundofthecockingofashotgun.

 Chapter11 Steven'seyeswidenedandhissmilefalteredjustbeforehedroppedthefunnelandthehose andraisedhisarmsabovehishead.Ifollowedsuitandturnedeversoslowlyaround. "Stateyourbusiness,"awomanwholookedverysimilartoMaureen'sphotosaid,asshe leveledtheshotgunfirstatSteven,thenatme. "We'rejustlooking,"IheardStevensay. "You'retrespassingonprivateproperty,"thewomansnapped."Givemeonegoodreasonnot toshootyou." "Okay,howaboutthis.Howaboutwe'renottrespassing,"Stevensaid"Iownthisland." Iwaswatchingthewomanclosely,andIsawthegunlowerafractionasshetookhereyeoff thesighttostareupatSteven.Themomentpassedandsheloweredhereyetothesight again."What'syourname?"sheasked. "Dr.StevenSable.MygrandfatherwasAndrewSable."

 Myheartwaspoundinginmychestbynow,thetensionofhavingalargegunpointedrightat mesendingadrenalinezippingalongmyveins.Thewomanheldherpositionanothermoment, andjustwhenIthoughtweweregoingtohaveourselvesalittlestandoff,sheabruptly loweredthegun."I'msorryaboutyourgrandpa,"shesaid. "Thankyou,"Stevenreplied,loweringhisarmsandcoiningovertostandnexttome."Thisis M.J.Holliday,"headded,andseeingthatmyarmswerestillraisedhighabovemyhead,he putahandonmyarmandloweredit."Youcanputyourhandsdown.Idon'tthinkshe'sgoing toshootus." Thewomancrackedasmileatme."You'recompletelypale,"shesaid. Inoticedsuddenlyhowrapidmybreathingwas."Canyoublameme?" StevenwrappedanarmaroundmyshouldersprotectivelywhileIfocusedveryhardongetting ittogether."So,whoareyou?"heboldlyaskedthewoman. Sheregardedusamomentbeforeanswering."Thename'sMirabelle.Thisismyhouseandmy land." "Iambeggingyourdifference,"Stevensaidevenly. IrolledmyeyeswhenMirabellegavehimaquizzicallook."Hebegstodiffer,"Itranslated.

 "Yes,thattoo,"Stevensaidimpatiently."Mygrandfatherpurchasedsixhundredacreshere, andbuiltthelodgeinthemiddle.Ibelieveyou'reonhisland." Mirabellesmiled,butitwasn'tafriendlyone.Itremindedmemoreofacrocodile."Youare correct.ThiswasAndrew'sproperty.Hedeededovertwelveacrestomymotherfortyyears ago.Andwhenshepassedon,Andrewmadesureitwenttome.Youcancheckthecounty recordsifyoulike." ItwasSteven'sturntosmiletightly."Whywouldhedothat?"heasked."Whatconnectiondid yourmotherhavetomygrandfather?" "Gin,"Mirabellesaid,thecrocodilesmilewidening. "Asinrummy?"Iasked,totallyconfused. "No,asinbootleg.ThissectionofMassachusettsusedtobemadeupofdrycountiesfora couplehundredmiles.Timeswerewhenyou'dhavetodrivecleartoBostontobuyabottleof hooch.Andrewsawaneedwithinthecommunity,andhefilleditviamymother,whomade thebestdamnbootlegginaround." "SoI'mconfusedaboutthistwelveacres,"Stevensaid.

Mirabellehoistedtheguninherhandtohershoulder,andthesuddenmovementcausedme tojump."Easy,there,girl.I'mnotgonnahurtyou,"shesaidwithachuckle."Whydon'tyouall comeinforteaandI'llexplainittoyouniceandslow."Andwiththatsheturnedonherheel andwalkedawaytowardthehouse. IlookedatStevenwithwideeyesandsaid,"Shecan'tbeserious." Stevenseemedtostudyherforamoment."Sheseemstobe." "I'mnotgoingintherewiththatcrazywoman!"Ihissed,keepingmyvoicequietlestIupset theguntotinglunachick. "Okay.I'llfillyouuplater,"hesaid,andbeganfollowing. Myjawfellopenashewalkedoff."Damnit!"Isworeundermybreath."Thisisabadidea, M.J.,"ImutteredtomyselfasIcaughtuptoSteven."Iseeonebodypartinherfridgeand I'mouttathere!" "Agreed,"hesaid,andruffledmyhair. TheinsideofMirabelle'shousewasmuchliketheoutside.Thedecorwasbrightandspringlike withoutoverdoingit.Shemotionedusintoherlivingroom,whichwaspaintedagrannyapple greenwithdarkwoodaccentsandpatternedslipcovers.StevenandIsatsidebysideonthe

couch,heinarelaxedposition,meontheedgeoftheseatreadytoboltatthefirsthintof trouble. "IhaveEarlGreytea;willthatsuityou?"sheaskedfromthekitchen. "That'sfine,"Stevensaidforbothofus,thenlookedatmeandwhispered,"Willyourelax?" Iscowledathimandheldmygroundontheedgeofthecouch.Ilookedaroundtheroomand somethingcaughtmyeye.IcouldhaveswornIsawmovementinthehallwayjustofftheliving room.ItwasthenthatInoticedmyenergywashummingandIgotatuggingsensationfrom mysolarplexus."Someone'shere,"IsaidquietlytoSteven. "Huh?"hesaid,givingmeafunnylook. Ididn'trespondtohim;insteadIclosedmyeyesandreachedoutintuitivelytotheshadowy figureI'dseeninthehallway.Hello?Canyouhearme?I'mM.J.,andIwon'thurtyoubutI'dlike toknowyourname. Mirabelle'smom Myeyessnappedopen.IturnedtoStevenandsaid,"Maureenishere."

StevensatforwardandlookedintothehallwayIindicatedwithaheadnod."Ithoughtshewas atthelodge?" "Theycantravelquiteeasily,"Isaidtohim."It'snotthatfaraway,afterall." "What'snotthatfaraway?"Mirabellesaidasshecarriedinatrayofsteamingteaandcookies. "Nothing,"Stevensaid,andgavemealookthatsaid,Shhhh. "Thisisalovelyhome,"Icommented.InmyheadIheard,Thankyou. Mirabelleofferedthetrayofteaandgingercookiesfirsttome,thentoStevenasshesaid, "Yes,itis,andquitepopularthesedays." "Pardon?"Stevensaidashetooktheteafromthetray. "There'saRealtorintownwhosayshehasacouplefromNewYorkwhowanttobuyitlock, stock,andbarrelforahugechunkofchange."

Somethingaboutherstatementmademefeelworried.Ipuzzledoverit,thenasked,"How wouldacouplefromNewYorkevenknowaboutthisplace?Imean,itseemsprettyfaroffthe beatenpath." Mirabelleshookherheadandmadeatskingsound."Thepastyearorsoallsortsofoutof townershavebeencomingupthiswayandsnoopingaround.They'reallfromNewYork,and theythinktheycanthrowtheirmoneyaroundandussimplefolkwilljumptotheirevery whim.Infact,that'swhoIthoughtyoutwowerewhenIcamehomefrommywalk.Ifigured thegunwasagoodwaytoscareoffanyfolkswhothoughttheycouldwaveacheckbookatme andgetmetoplaynice." Shedidn'tanswermyquestion,andIwasabouttopushthepointwhenStevensaid,"You weretellingusearlieraboutthisbootedginandthedeedtothisproperty?" "Ah,yes,"Mirabellesaid,takingaseatontheloveseatdirectlyacrossfromus."Idon'tknow thefulldetailsofthebargainmymomandyourgranddadstruckbackintheday,becauseit wasbeforeIwasborn.ButbythetimeIwasfiveIwashelpingMomwiththesieveshiddenin thebeehives.Everyoneintownthoughtshewasscratchingoutherlivingmakinghoneyand sellingitatthelocalmarkets,wheninfactthatwasjustacoverfortherealoperation. "SheandAndrewhadquitethebusiness.She'dmakethegin,andmaybealittlewhiskeytoo; theninthemiddleofthenightsheandIwouldcarrythesebigjarswithhoneylabelsthrough theforest,followingapaththatledtoatreenotfarfromthatbighouseAndrewhad." "Howlongdidthisgoonfor?"Stevensaid.

"Untilshediedinnineteenseventyfour.Ihadjustturnedseventeenthen.Infact,Ithinkitwas ayearortwobeforeyoushowedup,"Mirabellesaid,givinghimalittlewaveofherhand. "Youknewaboutme?" "Suredid.Yourgrandfathertalkedaboutyouallthetime." "Heusedtovisityou,then?"Stevensaid,andInoticedhowsofthisvoicehadbecome. "Coupletimesaweek.He'dcomethroughthewoodsandplaceflowersonMom'sgrave,stay fortea,thenleave.Hisvisitsgotshorterandmoresporadicastheyearswentby,butevery onceinawhileI'dseehimupthere,placingflowersonhergrave,andIknewhestillcared." AgainIfeltatuginmysolarplexusandIgottheoddestthought.Itsoundedlike,Tellaboutthe ball.Inmymind'seyeIsawaChristmastree.IlookedatMirabelleandasked,"What'sthe dealwiththeChristmasball?"thinkingperhapsshehadgottenaspecialpresentasachildfor ChristmasandthiswassomefondmemoryhermotherwantedMirabelletotalkabout. Mirabelle'sreactionwasunexpected.ShelookedatmeasifI'dsaidsomethingsooffensive thatIdeservedtobeslapped.Itwasamomentbeforeshesaid,"So,you'veheardabouthow shedied?"

Ishookmyheadandsaid,"No.I'msorry;perhapsIshouldexplain.I'mapsychicmedium,and rightnowyourmotherisbehindyouinthathallwayaskingmetohaveyoutalkaboutsome sortofballthathastodowithChristmas." IhadtogiveMirabellecredit.Sheseemedtotakemyprofessioninstride,becauseshenodded atmyexplanationandsaid,"AndrewthrewabigpartyatChristmasinnineteenseventyfour andinvitedmymotherandme.Iwasn'tfeelingwell,anddecidedtoskipit.Momalmost stayedhometoo,butIinsistedshego.She'dbeensoexcitedbytheinvitation,andshe'd boughtherselfaspecialdresstowear.Irememberhowbeautifulshelookedstandinginthe doorwayrightbeforesheleft.SheblewmeakissandthatwasthelasttimeIeversawher." "Whathappened?"Iasked. "Themorningafterthepartythesheriffwasatmydoorsayingthere'dbeenaterrible accident,andMomhadfallendownthestairsattheSablelodge.Someonesaidtheysawher heelcatchonthetopstair,andtherewasnothinganyonecoulddoforher.Herneckhadbeen snappedandshe'ddiedinstantly." AtthatmomentsomethingpushedmehardfrombehindandIfelloffthecouchandontothe coffeetableinfrontofme.Stevenleanedforwardandgrabbedmeundertheshoulder,"M.J.? Areyouallright?" "I'mfine,"Isaid,completelyembarrassed."Idon'tknowwhathappened."Iknewthatthe pushhadcomefromMaureen.Sittingbackonthecouch,Istraightenedmyshirtandmotioned forMirabelletocontinue.

"That'stheendofit,"shesaidsadly."MomdiedandafewweekslaterAndrewcamehereand saidthatthehousenowbelongedtome.HeexplainedthatMomandhehadstruckabargain manyyearsbeforethatmadethehouseandtwelveacreshersaspaymentforservices rendered." "So,shesuppliedhimwithgin;heresolditandpaidherwithland,"Isaid. "Yes." "Whatwasbetweenyourmotherandmygrandfather?"Stevenasked."Whyisherpicturein hishouse?" Mirabelleblushedslightlyandfussedwithhernapkin."Theyhadalongandsecretromance," shesaid. Curious,Iasked,"Whywasitsosecret?" "BecauseAndrewwasmarried.HiswifeoftenstayedinBostonwordhaditshedidn'tlikeit uphere.Andrewwouldgohuntinghereontheweekends,andMomwouldheadovertohis place.Theybrokeuponlyonce,andthatwaswhenshegottiredofwaitingforAndrewto divorcehiswife,soshetookupwithmydadandmarriedhim.Iwasbornayearlater,andDad leftwhenIwastwo.Fromthatpointforwarduntilshefelldownthestaircase,mymotherand Andrewhadaregularthing.TothisdayI'mconvincedshewastheloveofhislife."

"So,yourparentsdivorced,"Stevensaid,morestatementthanquestion. "No,"Mirabellereplied."MymotherwasadevoutCatholic.Shethoughtitwasokayfor Andrewtodivorce,butitwasn'tachoiceshewaswillingtomake." TurningtoStevenIasked,"Whendidyourgrandmotherdie?" Thelateeighties.Ineverlikedher." "Shewasabitterwoman,"Mirabellesaid,thencaughtherself."I'msorry.Ididn'tmeanto insultyourfamily." "Donotworryoverit,"Stevenwasquicktosay."Itwascommonknowledge." MirabellesmiledandgaveStevenanod.Thensheglancedupattheclockandsaid,"Ireallydo havetogetamoveon.Thebeesneedsomeattentionbeforeitgetstoolateintheday.Come byanytimeandwecanchatagain,"sheoffered. "Aslongasyoudon'tgreetuswiththegun,"Stevenkidded. Mirabellegiggled."Promise."Sheshowedustothedoor.

 Wemadeourwaybackupthehill,andStevenaskedme,"Whathappenedintherewhenyou fellforward?" "Maureenpushedme." "Pardon?" "Maureengavemeashove,"Isaid,givinghimadirectlookthatsaidIwasn'tkidding. "Why?" "Idon'tknow,butnowweknowwhopushedGilleydownthestairs,andI'mguessingweknow thatMariadidn'ttriponherlittletumbleeither.Maureen'sintentonpushingpeople." "Soshereallycouldhavepushedmygrandfatherofftheroof,"Stevensaid. Iconsideredthatbeforeansweringhim."Iknowthatit'spossible,Steven,butinmygutIjust can'tseeithappeningthatway.WhenMirabellewastalkingaboutAndrewandMaureen, therewassomethinginMaureen'senergythattoldmeshelovedAndrewverymuch.Ican't seehermurderinghim."

 "Thenwhyallthispushing?"heaskedme. "Ithinkshe'stryingtotellussomethingaboutwhathappenedthenightshedied.Idon'tthink herheelcaught.Ithinkshewaspushed,andshe'sreenactingwhathappenedtoher."Steven lookedatmethoughtfully,andjustashewasabouttospeak,mycellphonebleeped. "I'vegotdirt,"GilleysaidwhenIpickeduptheline. "Dish,"Isaid. "IgotahitonyourghostMaureen,whoselastnameisEmerson.Sheownedsomeproperty smackdabinthemiddleoftheSableland." "That'soldnews,"Isaid."StevenandIdiscoveredthat,like,anhourago." Gilleymadeasnarfingnoiseontheline."Hello!"hesaid."Couldyouhavetoldme?" "Sorry,weweresortofinthemiddleofthings.Butletmeaskyou,didyouhappentogetany infoonhowshedied?"

 "Hangon,"Gilleysaid,andIcouldhearhimtypingintothecomputer."Herobitsaysshefell downasetofstairsonChristmasEve.Waitasec,"hesaid,andIheardmoretyping."Herewe go,localpaperhasanonlinearchive,thankGod.Mostofthesesmalltownsaren'tthat sophisticated.MaureenEmerson,longtimeUphamshireresidentblah,blah,blah...yadda, yaddafoundit.SaysshewasattendingtheAndrewSableChristmasEveballwhenherheel caughtonthetopstairandshetookatumble,snappingherneckandkillingherinstantly, accordingtoaneyewitness." "Doesitsaywhotheeyewitnesswas?" TherewasapauseonGilley'sendasheskimmedtherestofthearticle."Nope,justsaysitwas oneoftheattendees." Iscowled.Whyweren'tthingsevereasy?"Gil,here'sthedrill.IthinkthatMaureenwasthe ghostthatpushedyoudownthestairstheotherday,butIdon'tthinkshemeanttohurtyou.I thinkshewasrelivingthenightshedied.Ithinksomeonepushedherdownthestepsandthen claimedtohaveseenherheelcatchonthestair." "That'salotofassumptions,M.J." "Yeah,"Isaid."ButmygutsaysI'mright.CanyoudigalittledeeperintoMaureen'sdeath? Maybefindsomeonewhomighthavebeenatthatpartythatnight?" "M.J.,thatwasoverthirtyyearsago!"

 "Iknowit'salongshot,Gil,butifanyoneisgoingtoworkalittlemagiconthatendofit,it's you." "Justdon'texpectamiracle,"hegrumbled. "Also,"Icontinued,"IneedyoutolookintothebackgroundofMaureen'sdaughter,Mirabelle. Ithinkshe'sclean,butthefactthatsheknowsherwaythroughthewoodstothesecret entranceoftheSablehousehasmealittlebothered." "Whatsecretentrance?" I'dforgottenthatIhadn'tfilledGilleyinonthetunnelcavein,andIdidn'twanttoopenup thatcanofwormsrightnow."Nothing,justworkonbothofthose,wouldya?" "AlongwithworkingonthisRogerguy,too,Isuppose." "Yep.Alongwiththat,"Isaid,smiling.IknewIwasgivingGilleyalotofwork,butitwashis forte,afterall. IfilledSteveninonGilley'sendoftheconversationaswemadeourwaybacktothelodge throughthewoods.Whenwegothomewewerebothfamished,sowedroveintotowntoeat. Whenwearrivedatthelocaldiner,Stevenhesitatedaswewereabouttowalkin,looking throughthewindowoftheeatery."What'sup?"Iasked.

 "Myfatherisinthere." "You'rekidding,"Isaid,lookingthroughthewindowmyself."Didyouwanttogosomewhere else?" "No,thiswillbefine.Comeon." Weheadedinside,andseveralpeoplelookedupaswewalkedthroughthedoor.Steven's fatherwasn'toneofthem,anditwasobviousthathewassoengrossedinhisconversation withanothermanthatunlesswemadeapointtocallattentiontoourselves,hewouldhardly noticeourpresence.Steventookadvantageofthisandwalkedaroundthebackofthe restaurant,thencircledbackandtookaseatdirectlybehindhisfather'sbooth. MyeyeswidenedandIshookmyheadathisboldness,butincredibly,hisfathertooknonotice ofus. "Ifthepermitsaresignedwithinthenextfewmonths,howquicklycanwebreakground?"we heardStevenSeniorsay. "We'llbeabletomovefast,"theothermansaid."I'dsaybythefollowingweek,aslongas there'snoholdupatthecountyoffice."

"I'mworkingonmakingsuretherearenounexpecteddelays,"StevenSeniorsaidwithahintof amusementinhisvoice. "I'llbetyouare,Dr.Sable,"themansaidwithadrylaugh."Theonlymatterleftisgainingthe deedsforphasetwo.Youknowwhat'llhappenif" "Whydon'tyouletmeworryaboutthat,Jim,"StevenSeniorinterrupted."Yourfocusshould remainonthejobathand." "Yes,Dr.Sable,"themansaidquickly."Ididn'tmeantoimply" "Ofcourseyoudidn't,"StevenSeniorsaidashiscellphonechirped.Ipeekedoverthetopof mymenuasheanswereditcurtlywith,"Didyougetit?"Therewasapause,then,"Good. Meetmeinthelobbythisevening,"andhehungupthephone."Shallwego?"hesaidtohis acquaintanceashestoodupfromthetableandthrewseveralbillsdown. Justthenourwaitresscameoverandbegantalkingaboutthespecials,soanyfurther conversationStevenandIcouldhaveheardwasdrownedout.WithregretIwatchedthetwo menleavethediner. Afterwe'dplacedourorderIsaid,"SoundslikeDaddyisworkingonamajorproject." "Mmmmm,"Stevensaidthoughtfully."Myfatherhasalwaysthoughthimselfimportant."

 "Seemslikehe'sgotsomesortofconstructionprojecthereintown." "Curious,don'tyouthink?"Stevensaidtome."He'sneverbeenaverycaringman,andyet he'sbeenlookinginonWillis.Hisprofessionisinmedicine,yethe'snowworkingona constructionproject." Icockedmyheadsideways."Youthinkhe'suptosomething." "Yes." "Couldbeacoincidence,"Isuggested."Maybewhilehewasupherecheckingonhisoldfriend Willis,someoneapproachedhimaboutinvestinginaprojectthatwastoogoodtopassup?" Stevenseemedtoconsiderthatforamoment."Ijustcan'tseethatlogic,"hefinallysaid."My fatherhasnevercaredaboutanyonebuthimself.Thisiswhyhegotintotroublewiththe medicalboardthreeyearsago." "Yourfatherhadtroublewiththemedicalboard?" "Hislicensewassuspendedforhowdoyousaymovingthingsinyourfavor?"

 "Manipulating?" "Yes,formanipulationoftheresultsofamedicaltrialhewasconducting." "Sotellmeabouttherelationshipbetweenyourfatherandyourgrandfather,"Isaid.Iwas curiousaboutthiswholeSablefamilydynamic."Howdidthetwoofthemgetalongbeforeyou camearound?" Steventwirledhisforkashesaid,"Mygrandfathertoldmethatwhenhewasaboy,he dreamedofgoingtomedicalschoolandbecomingadoctor.Hisfather,however,wouldhave noneofit,andpushedmygrandfathertotakeoverthefamilybusiness,mostlytimberand mining.Whenmygrandfatherhadason,hepushedhimtofulfillthedreamhenevercould. Butmyfatherflunkedoutofmedicalschooltwicebeforefinallygraduating." Thewaitressinterruptedourconversationwhenshearrivedwithourlunch.Aftershe'dgone Stevencontinued,"Somyfathergraduates,butdoesn'tdoanythingwithhistraining.Instead, hegoestoSouthAmericaandbecomesaehplayingboy?" "Hebecomesaplayboy,"Isupplied. "Yes,thattoo,andhefinallycomestoArgentina,wherehemeetsmymotherandbeginsa longaffairwithher.WhenhegetsbacktotheUnitedStates,mygrandfatherissofuriouswith hisbehaviorthathewillnotgivehimanymoremoney.Headviseshimtousehismedical trainingtoearnhiswayintheworld."

 "Ouch,"IsaidasImunchedonafry."Talkabouttoughlove." "Exactly.Somyfatherhasjustenoughmoneytomakeitthefewmonthstostudyforhis medicalboards,whichhebarelypasses,andhebeginspracticingmedicine.Thetroublefor himisthatittakestimetobuildhispractice,andmyfatherwasnotknownforhispatience. "Withinsixmonthsofopeninguphispractice,hestartsupagainwithhiscollegegirlfriendand proposes." "He'smarriedtoCorrinWharton,right?"Isaid. "You'veheardofher?" "I'veheardofherfilthyrichdaddy,"Isaid,givingmyeyebrowsabounce. "Ithinkitwasloveatfirstsight,"Stevenmocked. "SohemarriesCorrin;thenwhat?"

"Myfatherthinkshe'sintheclear,andgoesbacktotheoldlifestyleoflongvisitstoArgentina andmakingfalsepromisestomymother.ThisisaboutthetimeIwasconceived,andasmy mothertellsit,everythingwasgoingalongwelluntilmyfatheriscaughtwithmymotherbya friendofCorrin's." "Theplotthickens,"Isaid. "Pardon?"Stevenasked."Whatthickens?" "Thingsbecomecomplicated,"Iexplained. "Very,"hesaid."MymothersaidthatmyfathertoldherhehadtogobacktoBostontotake careofthemesscausedbyhiswife'sfriend,butthathewouldbebacksoonandthetwoof themwouldeventuallymarry." "Soletmeguesswherethisisheaded,"Isaid,thinkingthatStevenluckedoutwhenhegothis apparentgoodsensefromhismother."Yourmotherneverseeshimagain." "Banjo,"Stevensaid,pointingapretendgunatme. "Bingo,"Icorrectedwithagiggle."Thetermis,'Bingo.'"

"Banjo,bingo,"Stevensaid,wavinghishand."Anyway,whenmyfathergetsbacktoBoston, hiswifethreatenstodivorcehimifhedoesn'tstopplayboying,andtomakesurehedoesn't getintotroubleagainshemakeshimgobacktohismedicalpractice.Shealsohiredandpaid hisnursingstafftokeepwatchonhimandreportdirectlytoher." "Anddidtherelationshipbetweenyourgrandfatherandyourfathereverimproveafteryour fathertriedtodeclarehimincompetentforacknowledgingyouasanheir?" Stevennodded."Yes,butonlyontheerlikeonthetopofthewater?" "Surface,"Isaid,thentookabiteofsandwich. "Yes,surface.Afterafewyearsmyfatherbecamearegularvisitoratthelodge,except,of course,duringthesummer,whenIwashere;thenhewouldcomeuponlyonceortwiceand stayintownatHelen's.Thetwomenwouldgooutontheirhunts,somethingIneverenjoyed, butwhichbothofthemseemedtolike.Still,Idon'tthinkmygrandfathereverfullytrustedmy fatheragain." "YoustillbelieveStevenSeniorwasonlyplayactingtogetbackintoAndrew'sgoodgraces?" "Myfatherwasonaveryshortdogleash,"Stevensaid."Hecouldnotdoanythingwithouthis wifeknowingaboutit.Hisonlyfreedomwasupherewithmygrandfather." "Butyourgrandfatherwasn'tbuyingit,"Isaid,morefactthanquestion.

 "Exactly." "Sohowisthatyouendedupinmedicine?Imean,yourfatherhardlysoundslikethekindof manyou'dwanttofollowinthefootstepsof." "Thatisthetruehowdoyousay,likeiron?" "Irony,"Isupplied. Stevennodded."WhenIwasasmallboy,mymothertriedveryhardtogivemetheimpression thatmyfatherwasagreatmanofmedicine,andthatthereasonhewasnotabletocomelive withuswasbecausehewasbusysavingsickchildrenaroundtheworld." "Poorwoman,"Isaidsadly."Shemusthavefeltbadaboutyournothavingafatherfigure." Stevennodded."Shedid.BythetimeIcametovisitmygrandfatherandlearnedthetruthof myfather'scharacter,IalreadyhaditinmyheadthatIwantedtobeagreatdoctortoo." "Yourgrandfathermusthavelovedthat.Thesonhehastopushintothatcareer,buthis grandsongoesintoitwillingly."

 "Yes.Anyway,mygrandfatherinsistedIhavethebesteducationpossible.Heandmymother discussthis,andshesuggestsaboardingschoolinGermany.HercousinmarriedaGermanand theyliveclosetotheschool,soIhadfamilynearbytomakemelesslonely." "Youmusthavemissedyourmother,"Isaid,watchingSteven'sfaceclosely. "Oh,believeme,Idid.ButIsawheronholidaysandwhenshewouldcometostaywithme duringthesummertovisitwithmygrandfatherhere.Intheend,itwasforthebest.Igotto learnGermanandEnglish,andIcansaythatI'vetraveledtheworld." "Soyouspeakthreelanguages?"Iasked,ratherfascinatedbyhowworldlyStevenwas. "Five.IalsospeakFrenchandItalian,butEnglishismymostrustylanguage." Igavehimawinkandasked,"Yourfatherreallyneverwantedanythingtodowithyou?He nevermadeanyattemptatalltogettoknowyou?" "None.WhichiswhyIbelievethatmygrandfatherlefthisfortunetome,andnotmyfather. HeknewthatStevenwouldneveracknowledgemeashisrightfulheir,sobynamingmeinhis will,hecouldensurethatIwasreallyaSable."

"Didyourfatherknowyouweregoingtoinheriteverything?" Stevensmiled."Oh,Idoubtit.WordleakedtomeinGermanythatheuhwhenyou'reso angryyougokaboom?" "Exploded?" "Yes,thattoo.Hewentkaboomandexplodedatthereadingofthewill." Ilaughed."Comeon.Let'sgocheckinonGilleyandseeifhe'sfoundoutanythingfurther aboutourlistofinterestingpeople." Welefttherestaurantandgotbackinthecar,headingtowardHelen'sbedandbreakfast.I lookedlazilyoutthecarwindow.WithmyfullstomachandthegruelingeventsofthatdayI foundmyeyelidsfeelingheavy.Westoppedatoneofthetown'sthreestoplights,andIforced myeyelidsopen,tryingtostayawake.JustthenIsawSteven'sfathercomeoutofasmall, standalonebuildingwithamarqueethatread,ROGERDILLON,ATTORNEYATLAW."Wait,"I said,reachingovertosqueezeSteven'sarm."Lookoverthere." "Heseemstobeeverywhereweare,no?"Stevenremarkedashisfatherturnedthecorner andheadedtoaRollsRoyceparkeddownthesidestreet.Behindusanothercartootedits horn.Stevenputthegearshiftintofirst,andagainIputmyhandonhisarm."Yes,andtakea lookatthesignabovethestore."

Thedriverbehinduslaidonthehornslightlylongerthistime.IsawSteven'sjawtightenashe noticedthesign,andthenhesteppedonthegasandpulledovertothecurb,parkinginfront ofJeanie'sFabrics."Let'sgo,"hesaid,andhoppedout. Ifollowedsuit,andwewalkedhalfablocktothebuilding,pausingatthesidestreettoseeif thecoastwasclearofStevenSenior.Itwas,sowewentin. TheinteriorofRogerDillon'slawofficewasatestamenttotaxidermy.Adozenorsostuffed andmountedanimalheadslaidclaimtoeverywallandopensurfaceofthelobby.Notwo headswereofthesamespecies.Therewasadeerhead,abearhead,andafoxhead,along withmoreexoticcreatureslikeagazelleandazebra.Therewaseventheheadofarhinoceros, andInoticedthatpartofitshornhaddecayedwithageandwasstartingtoflakeoff. ThescenewaslikesomethingoutofanAlfredHitchcockmovie.Itwastrulycreepy. Thesmallroomwaspaneledindarkwood,andathreadbaregraycarpetcoveredthefloor. Theairhungheavywiththesmellofmustandoldpaper.Thereweretwobattlehardened chairsthatlookedaboutascomfortableassittingonthefloor. Alittlebellabovethedoorhadjingledwhenwecamein,andfromthebackweheardavoice say,"Berightwithyou!" "Whatisthisplace?"Stevenwhispered.

"ThefrontlobbytotheBatesMotel,"Isaid. "CanIhelpyou?"atinymanwithroundfeaturesandoliveskinsaidfrombehindthecounter. "Hello,"Stevensaid,extendinghishandtotheman."I'mDr.StevenSable.IthoughtIknew mostofthetownspeople,butIdon'tthinkwe'veevermet." ThemanregardedStevenforamomentbeforeshakinghishand.Hecouldn'tbemuchtaller thanfourandahalffeet,butwascolorfullydressedinabrowntweedsuitandorangebowtie. Hehadlargeblueeyesandshortwhitehairthatstuckupinoddplaces.Overall,hereminded meofanOompaLoompa. "Goodtofinallymeetyou,Steven,"themansaid."Iknewyourgrandfatherwell.HeandIhad afewgreathuntingtripstogether,althoughInevercouldgethimtocomeoutonsafariwith me." Stevensmiledasheshookhands."AreyouthegreathunterRogermygrandfatherwasalways talkingabout?" IcouldsensethatStevenwaslying."Andrewtalkedaboutme?"Rogersaid,hislittlechest puffingup. "Hedid.Hesaidyouwereaverygoodhunter."

 Rogersmiledbroadly."Ineverknewhefeltthatway.Heusedtoteasemealotaboutallmy trophies,"hesaid,wavinghishandatthewalls."Butmaybeitwasjusthisway.Say,didyou knowyoujustmissedyourfather?" "Didwe?"Stevenrepliedcasually."That'stoobad.Iwouldhavelikedtocatchupwithhim." "Ididn'tknowyoutwowerespeaking,"Rogerremarked."ButIsupposeAndrew'sdeathhas broughtyoucloseafteralltheseyears." "Mmmm,"Stevensaid,allowingRogertothinkwhatheliked. "SowhatcanIdoyoufor?"Rogeraskedus. Steventurnedawayfromthecounterandwalkedovertotheclosestwalltoinspectthe trophiestheremoreclosely.Hesaidlightly,"Iheardyouwereoneofthelastpeopletotalk withmygrandfatherbeforehedied.Iwasthinkingyoumightwishtosharewhathisfinal thoughtswere,orwhatyoutwotalkedabout." AcloudseemedtocrossoverRoger'sface."I'mafraidIcan'tdothat,"hesaid."It's confidential." Steventurnedawayfromthetrophywall."Howcoulditbeconfidential?Mygrandfatheris dead.Idon'tthinkhewouldmindifyousharedthiswithus."

 "Hemightnotmind,buttheotherpartyinvolvedwould." Stevencutmeaquicklook,andsaid,"Ah.Isee.Isthatagrizzlybear?" Rogerbeamed."Why,yes,itis.Buttherealbeautyisinmyoffice.Igotapolarbearaboutten yearsagoupinCanada.They'reoneofthemostferociouspredatorsonearth,youknow." "Youaremakingajokewithme,"Stevensaid."Youshotapolarbear?" "Yep.Hadhimstuffedandmounted.Thatsetmebackoneprettypenny,letmetellyou!" "CanIseeit?"Stevenaskedexcitedly. "Sure,comeonbackandI'llshowyou."Rogerwavedhisarmasheturnedtowalkbackdown thecorridor. Steventurnedtome."Coming?"

"Actually,I'mpooped,andI'dlovetotakeaminuteandjustrest.I'llstayrightherewhileyou boysgohaveyourfun."AndwiththatIsatinoneoftheweatheredchairs. StevenandRogerdisappeareddownthehallwaywhileIputmyheadbackagainstthewalland closedmyeyes.AboutthetimeIwasbeginningtonodoff,Iheardsomeoneclearhisthroat. Openingoneeye,IsawRogerstandingbythecounter."Youtwodoneswappinghunting stories?"Iasked. Rogerbeamedatme."Yourboyfriendsayshedoesn'thunt,whichisashame,becausehesure seemsinterestedinit.He'sinthemen'sroom.Hetoldmetocomecheckonyouandmake sureyouweren'tmad,sincewetooksolong." "I'mnotmad,"Isaid,sittingupandyawning. Rogerfiddledwithhisblazerasheseemedtostruggletocomeupwithatopicthatdidn't involveguns,wildanimals,ortaxidermy.Istoodupandstretched,hopingStevenwouldn'tbe toomuchlonger."YouandAndrewwereclose,huh?"Iasked,tryingtofilltheuncomfortable silence. "No,notreally.WewerebothmembersoftheUphamshireHuntingAssociation,buthe preferredduckandquail,whileIlikemorechallenginggame.Wedidn'tseeeachother regularlyoutsidemeetings."

"Ah,"Isaidwithanod.Thismanwasdull,dull,dull."Whatkindoflawdoyoupractice?" "Idabbleinalittlebitofeverything,"Rogersaid."Fromrealestateandtaxlawtodivorceand separation,withalittlebitofbankruptcythrowninforgoodmeasure.I'mtheonlylawyerin town,soit'sgoodtobewellversedinalotofdifferentareas." "Isee.Say,Roger,maybeyoucanhelpmeout.IreallyhavetosaythatIlovethisarea,andI'm consideringpurchasingavacationhome.ArethereanyRealtorsyoucouldrecommend?"Iwas thinkingaboutwhatMirabellehadsaid,thatshewasbeingchasedbyaRealtorwithanoutof towncouplewhowantedtobuyherhome.Somethingaboutitseemedfishy,andIwantedto checkitout. "There'sonlyoneRealtorinthisarea,CurtBancroft.He'sonMainandSecondStreet.Wesend eachotherbusinessnowandthen." "Thanks,Roger."JustthenStevenreappeared,holdinghisstomachalittleandwearinga sheepishlook. "Sorry,"hesaid."ThatchiliIhadforlunchhadanargumentwithmystomach.M.J.,you ready?" "Suream.Nicemeetingyou,Roger." "Likewise,"hesaid,andwatchedusgo.

 WhenwewereclearofthebuildingIsaid,"Chili,huh?IcouldhaveswornIwatchedyoudown aburger." "Whattimedoyouhave?"Stevenasked,avoidingmycomment. "Fourthirty,"Isaid."Why?" "Followme,"hesaid,andcrossedthestreetintoahardwarestore. "Whatarewedoinghere?"Isaidwhenwe'dmadeitinside. "Howyousaytomaketheminutesgobywhileyouarewaiting?" "Passingtime." "Yes,wearepassingtimefornow,"hesaidashepulledmedownanaislelinedwithgarden hosesandlawntools.Igavehimaquizzicallook,andallhesaidwas,"Iwillexplaintoyouina halfhour.Justfollowmyleadershipfornow."

Weputteredaroundthehardwarestorelongenoughtocatchtheattentionoftheproprietor. "CanIhelpyou?"askinnymanwithareallybadcomboverasked. "Wearejustborrowing,"Stevensaid. "Browsing,"Isaidquickly."Hemeanttosaybrowsing." "Uhhuh,"theskinnymansaid,notbelievingusforasecond."LetmeknowifIcanhelpyou," hefinished,andsidledbacktohisseatatthecounter,wherehewatcheduslikeahawk. "Nowwhattimeisit?"Stevenaskedme. "Fiveafterfive,"Itoldhim."Andanytimeyouwanttofillmeinonwhatyou'reuptowouldbe okaybyme." "We'llwaitanothertenminutes;thenwe'llleave.Helpmelookforsomethingtobuy.That manatthecounterislookingangry." Weboughtsomewashers,afewscrews,andawrenchforawhoppingfiveninetyfiveand exitedthestore.IfollowedclosebehindStevenaswemadeourwaybackacrossthestreet.I wasreallycuriousaboutwhathewasupto,butsomethingtoldmeIwasn'tgoingtolikeit.

Stevenpausedinfrontofthenowdarkenedattorney'sofficeandpeekedthroughthewindow. Iwasbeginningtowonderabouthim,asheseemedfartoocomfortablepeepinginonpeople. Turningtome,hesaid,"Aroundback."Thenhemovedofffromthedoorandmotionedforme tofollowhim.WhenwegotaroundtotheothersideIstoppedinmytrackswhenIsawwhat heintendedtodo."Noway!"IsaidasIwatchedhimtugonawindowaboutshoulderhigh. "Yesway,"hesaidsternly."Nowcome.Ineedyoutogothroughhereandopenthebackdoor. Thewindowistoosmallforme,soyouwillhavetogo." "Areyououttayourfriggin'mind?"Iaskedhimwithoutbudging."That'sbreakingand entering!Whatifthere'sanalarm?Whatifacoprollsup?WhatifRogerisstillinthere?" Stevengavemealevellook."Iaminmymind,M.J.Thereisnoalarm,andthereisonlyone sheriffhere,whoismostlikelyonthehighwaygivingouttickets.Rogerhasleftforthe evening.Hetoldmehewashavingdinnertonightwithanoldfriendandhewon'tbebackuntil tomorrow.Wecangetinandgetoutwithoutcausingnotice.Nowcomeon." Inotedthathefailedtocommentonthebreakingandenteringthing,anditirritatedmethat hewasignoringmypleasforcommonsense.Insteadhehadhishandscuppedandhislegs braced,readytotossmethroughthewindowwithoutanyregardformysqueakycleanrecord. "Ican'tbelieveI'mdoingthis,"IgrumbledasIwalkedoverandputmyfootinhishands."Just incaseyouwerewondering,thisisgoingtocostyouextra." "Sendmethebill,"hesaid,andhoistedmeup.Iwasn'tpreparedforhowquicklyI'dbeshoved through,andlandedhardontheotherside.

 "Owwww!"Isaidfromtheinsideofthebathroom,noticingonlynowthatmyheadhadbarely missedthetoilet."Thisissogross,"Isaid,gettinguptobrushoffmyhands. "Thebackdoorisoutthebathroomandtotheleft,"Stevensaidashepokedhisheadthrough thewindow. IgrumbledasIexitedthebathroom,rubbingmyhandstogetherandthinkingabouthowmany germsI'djusthadacloseencounterwith,whenIbumpedintosomethingverylargeandvery furry.IstumbledandinhaledsharplyasIfeltclawsdigintomyback."Yikes!"Isquealed,and whirledaway,pressingmybackagainstawallandtakinggreatbiggulpsofair. "M.J.?"IheardStevencallfromoutsidethebackdoor."Areyouallright?" "Fine,"Icalled."JustbumpedintoPetethepolarbear."Ilookedupandupandupatthe mountedthing,whichhadtobetwelvefeettall.Igaveashudderandcontinuedaroundtothe backdoor.IletSteveninandthenwentbackoutside,whereIturnedandstaredathim, foldingmyarmsandgivinghimalookthatmeantbusiness. "Whatareyoudoing?"heaskedme. "I'mstayingouthere,"Isaid."Iwantnopartofthis,sowhateveryou'regoingtodointhere, godoitandIwillbeouthere,safe,sound,andmindingmyownbusiness."

Stevengavemeascowl."ButIneedyourhelp,"hesaid."Itwillgomuchquickerifyouare along." "Andifwegetcaughtwegotojail.Idon'tknowaboutyou,butIhearthatprisoncanbeareal drag." "You'renotgoingtoprison,"Stevensaid,blowingoutasigh."Ihavemoney,M.J.Peoplewith moneydon'tgotojail." "Really?"Isaid,puttingmyhandsonmyhips."TellthattoMarthaStewartandLeona Helmsley." "Please?" "No." "I'llpayyouextra." "Howmuchextra?" "I'lldoubleyourfee."

 "Triple." "Twoandahalftimes." "Twopointsevenfive,andyouletmedriveyourcar." Steven'seyesnarrowed."Sorry,can'tdothecar.She'sspecial." "SoamI,"Isaid,notbackingdown. WestaredateachotherforafewsecondsbeforeStevenfinallygavein."Fine.Comeonthen; let'sgetmoving." ImoseyedpasthimandthoughtImustbejustascrazyashewas.WemovedintoRoger's officeandStevenpointedtothefilecabinets."Seeifyoucanfindmygrandfather'srecords." "Whatareyougoingtodo?"

Stevenmovedovertothedeskandpulledoutthechair."I'mgoingtoseewhat'sonRoger's computer." "Thisissoinsane,"Isaid,andpulledopenthefilingcabinet. Neitherofusspokeagainforseverallongminutes.IcouldhearSteventappingbehindmeasI lookedthroughalltheSsinRoger'sdrawers,comingupemptyonthenameAndrewSable. Iwonderedifperhapshisfolderhadbeenmisfiled,soIstartedwiththeAsinthetopdrawer andbegantoworkmywaydown.ItwaswhenIgottotheEsthatIfoundsomething interesting."Well,wouldyoulookatthat,"Isaid,andpulledupafile. Stevengruntedbehindme,andIheardtheprinterclickon."Makeaphotocopyofwhatever youfind.Thecopierisdownthehallbehindthecounterinthelobby." Irolledmyeyesathowhe'dbecomesofamiliarwiththelayoutofRoger'soffice.Icertainly hadn'tnoticedthecopier,butthenagain,IfiguredIhadn'tbeentheonewiththisgiantmaster planforbreakingandenteringinthefirstplace. Iscooteddownthehalltothecopierandswitchediton,waitingwhileithummedtolife, makingnoisesthatservedonlytomakemeevenmorenervousthanIalreadywas."Comeon, comeon,"IcoaxedasIwatchedthedigitalreadout,waitingforittoturnfromWARMINGUP toCOPY.Afterwhatfeltlikeaneternitythescreenfinallygavemetheokay,andIwastedno timelayingthepapersontheglassandhittingtheSTARTbutton.WhenIwasthroughImade suretheoriginalswereinorder,gatheredupthecopies,andswitchedthebuttontoOFF.

 JustasIwasabouttobreatheeasierIheardaclickbehindmethatfrozemeinplace.Thiswas followedbymoreclicking,andallkindsofalarmbellswentoffinmyheadasIsearchedthe areaforahidingplace.Someonewasunlockingthefrontdoor.Asthedoorstartedtoopen andthelittlebellaboveitdinged,Ishrankdownlowbehindthecounterandcreptovertothe copier,wedgingmyselfbetweenitandthewallwhileprayingthatmyfeetdidn'tstickoutfar enoughtospotfromtheothersideofthecounter. IwaitedanxiouslyasIheardsomeonecomeinthedoor,thencloseitbehindthem.BelatedlyI realizedIhadn'thadachancetowarnSteven,andasmyheartpoundedinmychestloud enoughformetoworryaboutitbeingoverheard,Ithoughtforsureourgoosewascollectively burnedonceStevenwasdiscovered. Ipeekedcarefullyaroundtheedgeofthecopierandsawsomeonewalkbythecounterand downthecorridor.Icouldn'ttellifitwasRoger,butthatwaswhoIassumeditwas.Pullingmy headback,Irackedmybrainforawayoutofthismessasmyearsstrainedtohearthe momentofsurprisewhenhemetSteveninhisoffice.Thesecondstickedby,however,without apeep,andIbegantowonderifsomehowmypartnerhadmanagedtosneakouttheback beforebeingseen. Ifthatwerethecase,thenthatwouldleavemehereholdingthebag.Isqueezedmyeyesshut asIfoughttothinkofawayout.Steadyingmyresolve,IeasedoutofthesmallspaceI'dbeen hidingin.Hearingnothing,Icrawledovertothecounter,whereIquicklytuckedtheoriginals backintothefile,hurryingtohidethecopiesinmyjacket,thenshovedthefolderundersome otherfileslyingonthecounterandhurriedtothedoor. There,Ihesitatedasplitsecond,listeningcarefullyforanyhintoffootsteps,thenslowly openedthedooracrack.JustasIwasabouttopullitopenanddashoutIrememberedthe bellatthetop.Reachingup,Iclutchedthebelltokeepitfromdingingandeasedthrough, closingthedoorslowlytokeepthebellsilent.WithreliefIheardthedoorclickshut,andI quicklywalkedawayfromit.

 OnceIhadmoveddownthestreet,Icheckedupanddowntheblocktoseeifanyonehad noticed.Therewasnooneonthesidewalk,andnoonecamerunningoutofthesurrounding businessespointingatmeandyelling,"Thief!"soIfiguredIwasintheclear. IlookedaroundforanysignofSteven.WhenIdidn'tseehim,Iwalkedbacktohiscarand waitedwhatseemedlikehoursbeforehefinallyreappeared."Wherehaveyoubeen?"I demandedwhenhewaswithinearshot. "Huggingapolarbear'sbuttforhalfanhour.Wherehaveyoubeen?" "Youhidbehindthepolarbear?" "Youdidn'tanswermyquestion,"Stevensaid. "IsneakedoutthefrontdoorwhenRogerwentdownthehallwayintohisoffice.Iwassure he'dseeyou." "IwascomingdownthehallwaytocheckonyouwhenIsawthehandleonthedoorturn.Ihad nochoicebuttogobackandhidebehindthebearuntilheleft.Andthatwasn'tRogerinthe office." "Itwasn't?"Iasked."Thenwhowasit?"

 Steven'sbrowsloweredandhesaid,"Myfather.Come.Let'sgoseeGilley.There'salittle hackingjobI'vegotforhim." **** WegottoHelen'sBandBafewminuteslaterandmadeourwayinside.Bythistimeitwas darkandgettingalittlechilly,soIwasgladtoseeafireburninginthefireplacewhenwe entered.Gilleywasonthecouchsittingonanenormouspillowwithanafghanoverhislegs, typingawayfuriouslyonhislaptop. "Hey,Gil,"Isaidwhenweentered. "Oh!Hey,youtwo,"hesaidwithsurpriseashesawus."Ididn'texpectyouguystonight,but I'mgladyou'rehere.M.J.,I'vegotdirt!" "Tellus,"Stevensaidashetookaseatinawingchair. Gilleysquirmedwithexcitementashebegan."Okay,soyouknowhowyouaskedmetodig intoMaureenandMirabelle'spast?Well,thisMaureencharacterwasreallyawildone,letme tellyou!Accordingtomyresearch,shehadacriminalrecordinPhiladelphiathatincluded bootleggingandloansharkingbeforeshecleanedupheractandmovedtoUphamshire.

"Shegotajobworkingatyourgrandfather'shouse,Steven,andbyallaccountshefavoredher abovehisotherpaidhelp,becausetherecameapointwhenaparcelofhislandwasactually deededovertoher." StevenandIsmiledateachotherasGilleytoldusthingswealreadyknew.Neitheroneofus wantedtopointthatouttohimjustyet,sowelethimcontinue."AndAndrewSabledidthat foronlyoneotheremployeeinalltheyearsthatpeopleworkedforhim." "Hegaveaparcelawaytoanotheremployee?"Stevenasked."Who?" "LastyearonesquareacreandthedomicileonitweredeededovertoaMr.WillisBrown." Stevennodded,thensignaledforGilleytocontinue."So,thedeedswerebothheldinlife estates,butwhenMaureendied,Andrewrecordedanextensionofthefirstlifeestateto includeMirabelleaswell." "Lifeestate?"Isaid."What'sthat?" "Itmeansthatwhentheydiethelandwouldrevertbacktomygrandfatherandhisheirs," Stevensaid.Ilookedathimquizzicallyandheexplained,"Mygrandfatherlikedthelegalparts ofrealestate.HetaughtmesomethingsaboutitwhenIwasgrowingup."

Gilleybobbedhisheadupanddowninagreement."Yes,andnowhere'swhereitgetstricky. Accordingtocountyrecordsthereiscurrentlyanissuebeforetheprobatecourtregardingthe lifeestateheldbyMirabelle,claimingitisnotvalid." "Whywoulditnotbevalid?"Stevenasked. "TheplaintiffisarguingthatMirabellewasnotoflegalagewhenthelifeestatewasdeeded over.Inotherwords,youhavetobeeighteentoholdtitletoproperty,andwhentheproperty wassignedovertoMirabelle,thesuitarguesthatshewasonlyseventeen." Steven'sbrowsfurrowed."Howcouldanyonebutmebechallengingthat?" "Anyonecanbringasuit;theydon'tnecessarilyhavetobeconsideredaninterestedparty," Gilleysaid. "Yourdatewiththatrealestateagentisreallypayingoffforyou,isn'tit,Gil?"Ikiddedhim. "Bradleyisafountainofinformation,"Gilleysaidsmugly. "Sowhoisthisplaintiff?"Stevenwantedtoknow.

Gilley'seyesdanced,andIknewhehadsomethingreallygood."Yourfather,"hesaid dramatically. "That'sridiculous,"Stevensnapped."WhywouldmyfathercareifMirabellehadaparcelof landthatbelongedtome?" AgainIsawGilley'seyesshinebrightly,andIdidn'tthinkIwasgoingtolikethisansweronebit. "Ithinkit'sbecausehe'sgettingreadytolaysomekindofclaimtoit.Steven,didyouknow thatallofyourgrandfather'slandinUphamshireisbeingheldinlifeestatebyyouandyour survivingheirs,assumingyouhavesome?" MyeyesdartedovertoSteven,whoopenedhismouthtosaysomething,butseemedtostop midthought.Afteramomentinwhichwewaitedforhimtospeak,Iasked,"Sowhodoesitfall toifsomethinghappenstoStevenandhehasnoheirs?" "Hisfather,butonlyontheconditionthatStevenSeniornameabloodrelatedheir,"Gilley announcedjustasdramaticallyashehadthefirsttime. "SoAndrewhadthelastlaugh,"Isaid,lookingpointedlyatSteven."Heresentedthefactthat yourfatherneverclaimedyouashisson.somuchthatheforcedtheissuebyaddingthat condition." Gilleywasnodding."Inordertolaypermanentclaimtotheproperty,oneorbothofyouhasto nameanheir.Thiswouldputadamperonyourfather'seffortstochallengethewillunlesshe's gotanotherchild,andeventhenhe'dhavetoproveyouweren'tadirectrelation."

 "Whatifthereisnoheir?"IaskedGilley. "Thenthepropertywouldremaininlifeestatetothegrandsonuntilhisdeath,thenpassonto thefather,ifhewerestillalive,orhisnamedheir.Ifthereisnoheironthefather'ssidethen thepropertywouldreverttothestate,withtheconditionthatthelodgebemaintainedasa historicallandmark." "Whilethepropertyisinlifeestate,cananyoneselloffpartsofit?" "No,accordingtoBradley.Thepropertywouldhavetoremainintact;however,ifSteven Seniorhadalegitimateclaimtothepropertyandnamedanheir,thepropertywouldcomeout oflifeestateandbehistodoanythinghewantedwith." "Inotherwords,ourfriendrighthereandhisheirscanliveonthepropertyonlyuntiltheir deaths,buthisfathercanlayfullclaimtoitifStevenJuniorisoutofthepictureandhisfather claimsanheir?" "Correct,"Gilleysaid. "Isthelandthatvaluable?"Iasked,turningtoSteven. "No,"hesaid,shakinghishead."ExceptforthelodgeandWillis'shouseandMirabelle's property,it'sundevelopedforest.Thisistheonlytownforaboutfiftymiles,andthenearest

highwayisfortymilestotheeast.Ican'tunderstandwhymyfatherwouldbeinterestedinit assumingheevenis." "Oh,Ithinkhe'sinterested,allright,"Gilleysaid."Thinkaboutit,Steven.He'sbeenupherea lot,accordingtothelocals,alwayswithsomeotherguyinasuit.Andhebringsaclaimagainst Mirabelleforsomethingthatdoesn'tevenbelongtohim.There'smoretothisstory,andifI wereyouI'dwatchmyback." Giventhelittleswimwe'dtakenthatmorning,Ididn'treallylikethewaytheselittlefactswere addingup."So,StevenSeniormayhaveavestedinterestinStevenJuniorbeingoutofthe picture,"Isaid,givingaknowinglooktothedoctorinthecorner. "Ifhe'sresponsibleforthismorning,"Stevengrowled,asoureyeslocked,"I'llkillhimmyself." GilleyswiveledhisheadbackandforthbetweenmeandStevenasifhewerewatchingatennis match."AmImissingsomething?" ItookthatopportunitytoreachintomyjacketandpulloutthecopiesI'dmadeofthefilefrom Roger'soffice."Givenallofthisnewinformation,"IsaidasIunfoldedthepaper,"Ithinkyou shouldhavealookatthis." Iputthepapersonthecoffeetableinfrontofmeandspreadthemoutsothatwecouldall seethem."Uhoh,"IsaidasIlookedcloselyatthem.

"What?"Gilleyaskedashepeeredovermyshoulder. "UhitlookslikeIputthecopiesbackinthefolder,andthesearetheoriginals." "Hopefullynoonewillnotice,"Stevensaidashegotoutofhischairtocomeover. Gilleyreachedforwardandpickedthroughthepapers,studyingthemforamoment."There arethreeseparatedeedshere.Look,"hesaid,pointingtothesecondsheet."Thechaingoes likethis.ThisisthelifeestatetoMaureen,whichthenrevertsthepropertybacktoAndrewin nineteenseventyfour,whenshedied.Thisone,recordedinnineteenseventyfour,rightafter Maureendied,deedsthepropertytoMirabelle,whichclearlylistsherageaseighteen." "AndrewmusthavewantedtomakesurethepropertywenttoMirabelle,maybeas consolationforhermother'sdeath." "That'splausible,"saidGilley. "Thenwhyisthereanotheronethere?"Iasked,pointingtothethird. Gilleypickeditupandglancedatitbeforesaying,"ThisdatemarksitaweekbeforeAndrew died.It'ssignedbutnotrecorded,andit'samirroroftheother,onlyitlistsMirabelle'sbirth dateofDecembersecond,nineteenfiftyseven"Gilleypausedashelookedbacktothe originaldeed."Andthisdeedlistsherbirthdateasnineteenfiftysix."

 "SoAndrewknewhehadtocorrecttheoriginaldeed.Thisone,"Isaid,tappingtheunrecorded document,"isthedeedthatshowshertruebirthdateandwouldensureshegetstoliveinher housefortherestofherlife." Gilleysighed."Yes.Becausethefirstdeedwasrecordedwithafalsebirthdate,itisn'tlegal.All thatneedstohappennowistorecorditwiththecountyclerkandbedonewithit." "Thenwhyhasn'tRogerrecordeditbynow?Mygrandfather'sbeendeadforthreemonths. What'stakinghimsolong?"Stevensaid,pointingouttheobvious. "AnddoyouthinkyourfatherwassnoopingaroundRoger'sofficelookingforthis,or somethingelse?"Iasked. Gilley'sheaddidthetennismatchthingagain."Waitasecond,"hesaid.''Whereexactlydid yougetthisfrom,M.J.?" Igatheredupthepaperswithanonchalantshrugofmyshoulders."Nevermindaboutthat, Gil.Ineedyoutokeepdoingwhatyou'regoodat,whichistorootouttheinfo.ThistimeI wantyoutoconcentrateonStevenSenior.Weneedtoknowwhyhe'ssointerestedinthis parcelofland." "Waitaminute,"GilleydemandedasIgotupandstretchedwithayawn."Youtwoareholding outonme!"

 Stevengottohisfeetaswellandmimickedmystretch."Iamsolikeashrub,"hesaid. GilleyandIbothlookedathimbeforeIbrokeintoasmile."You'rebushed,dear,not shrubbed." "Yes,thattoo,"Stevensaidwithaflipofhishand."Ifyouneedme,I'llbeinmyroom." "Metoo,"Isaid,followinghimtowardthestairs. "Hey!"Gilleysquawked."Comeback!You'renotplayingfair!" "Night,Gil,"Isaidwithawaveofmyhand. "It'sagainstthelawtobemeantothehandicapped!"hesquawked. **** Later,afterI'dputDoctobed,Iheardasoftknockonmydoor.Ihurriedtoanswerit,afraid thenoisewouldwakemysleepingbird.IopenedthedoortofindSteveninapairofblack

boxerbriefsandamatchingTshirt.Inhishandheheldtwosnifterswithsomesortofamber coloredliquid."Nightgown?"heasked. Ileanedagainstthedoorjambandfoldedmyarmstogether."Ithoughtyouwereshrubbed andheadedtobed?" Stevenraisedoneofthesnifterstohislipsand,lookingatmeovertherim,hesniffedthe contents."Doyoulikescotch,M.J.?" Ismiled,likingthemixofhisforeignaccentwiththedeep,masculinetimbreofhisvoice."I've beenknowntoknockbackafewshotsinmyday." Stevenheldouttheothersniftertome,hiseyeslingeringonmineuntilItookit.WhenIdid, hepushedintomyroom."Comeonin,"Isaidsarcastically. Heignoredthecomment."Ilikethisroom.Ithashowdoyousayluck?" "Luck?"Iasked,closingthedoor. "Yes,Ithinkthatisthewayyousayitwhensomethingiswarmandinviting."

"Doyoumeancharm?" "Yes,yes,that'sit,"hesaid,swivelingaroundtofaceme. Icockedaneyebrowathimandasked,"So,whatareyoureallydoinghere?" "Havinganightgown." Irolledmyeyes."It'sanightcap,notnightgown." "Evenbetter,"Stevensaidasheeasedovertomybedandsatdown.WhenIshookmyheadat him,hepattedthebedspreadandsaid,"Come,sitwithmeanddrinkyourscotch.Ipromise nottonibbleyou." "Biteme,"Icorrected. "Thatisnotverynice,"hesaid,soundingslightlyoffended. "What?"

 "Biteme.Thatiswhatthekidsaresayingwhentheyarenotsonice,correct?" Igiggledandmovedovertothebed,sittingnexttohim."Theexpressionisnot,'Ipromisenot tonibbleyou,'it's,'Ipromisenottobiteyou.'" "Ah,well,thatmakesnosense.WhywouldIpromisenottobiteyouwhenyoutastesogood?" hepurred. IputmyhandonhischestasIgavehimastern,"Buddy,let'sjustdrinkourdrinkandtalkour talk,okay?" "Mywayismorefun,"hereplied,givinghiseyebrowsawiggle. "Soyoutellme,"Ianswered."Now,aboutthislittlelanddealthatyourfatherseemstobeso interestedin.Doyouhaveanyideawhyhewouldcareaboutthepropertyyouownuphere?" "None.Ofallthepropertymygrandfatherowned,thisseemstobetheleastvaluable.Yes,itis alotofland,butit'snotnearlyasvaluableassomeoftheotherholdingshehad." "Didyouknowyourgrandfatherputthepropertyinlifeestate?"

 Stevennodded."Preferably." Igavehimaquizzicallookandcockedmyheadtotheside."Comeagain?" "Preferably.Youknow,ontheedge,ortheoutside." "Peripherally?" "Yes,whatdidIsay?" "Nevermind.Anyway,youweresaying?" "Iknew,butitdidn'tclickinmyhead.HisattorneyscalledmeinGermany,andIwasstillso stunnedtohearofhisdeath.Irememberthemfillingmewithdetails,butmybrainwasnot keepingwithit.Ididn'tevenrealizetheimportanceofituntilGilleywastalkingaboutit downstairs." "Isee.Soletmeaskthemilliondollarquestion:Doyouthinkyourfatheristryingtokillyou?"I hadfinallysaidthethingthatwasreallybotheringme.AndeventhoughIknewthatSteven andhisfatherhadnorealloveforeachother,Istillcouldn'tfathomafatherkillinghisown son.

 Stevenswirledtheamberliquidforalongmoment.Hethentookasipand,withoutlookingat me,said,"He'salwaysbeenthekindofmanwhowouldstopatnothingtogetwhathe wanted." Mychesttightened."Inotherwords,nowthatweknowhehasamotive,youandIneedtobe especiallycarefulaboutwhattunnelsandpathswefollowinthedark,huh?" "Iwouldsayyes,thatiscorrect." "Soletmeasktheotherquestionthat'sbeenbotheringme" "Theansweristhesame,M.J.,"Stevensaid,cuttingmeoff."Heisthetypeofmanwhowould stopatnothingtogetwhathewanted.Evenshovinghisownfatheroffaroof." Theroomfellquietasweboththoughtaboutthat.Itriedtothinkofsomethingcomfortingto say,butnothingcametomind,andjustasIwasabouttotrytochangethesubjectby mentioningtheweather,Stevensaid,"Ithinkit'stimeforbothofustohitthestraw." "Hay,"Icorrected,butStevendidn'tseemtonotice,becausehewasalreadyupandwalking towardthedoor. "Ishallseeyouinthemorning?"hesaid,morequestionthanstatement.

 "Yes,"Isaid,givinghimasympatheticsmile."Getsomerest,Steven,andthanksagainforthe nightgown." Chapter12 ThenextmorningIwokeearly,anxioustobeupandmoving.Icreptdownstairsandpokedmy headintothekitchentosayhitoHelen,whowasbusypreparingblueberrypancakes."You goingoutforarun?"sheaskedme. "Yeah,shouldbebackintimetogobbleupsomeofthose,though,"Isaid,pointingtothe battershewaspreparing. "Goodtoknow."Shesmiled."DoesDoclikeblueberries?" "DoesPollywantacracker?"Ilaughed."Thatbirdwilldevouranykindoffruitexcept pineapple.Forsomereasonhe'sgotanaversiontoit." "I'llputsomeinabowlforhimandyoucanfeedhimwhenyougetback,"shesaid. "Thanks,Helen.IftheboyswakeupbeforeIreturn,justtell'emI'moutforarun."

 Iwentoutsideanddidafewstretches,morejusttosayIdidthantoreallystretch.OnceI'd gonethroughthemotions,Icrossedthestreetandbegantojog. Forme,thereisnothingbetterthananicerun,especiallyonaclearspringmorning,whenthe airisstillcrispandthedewisheavy.Ifelttheusualachesandpainsassociatedwiththatfirst halfmile,butastherestofmyjointsandmuscleswokeup,Ireallygotintoitandbeganto pushmyself. IheadedinprettymuchthesamedirectionIhadtheotherday,wonderingifitwasagood ideatorandownthestreetwhereI'dseenSteven'scarparkedinfrontofacertainwaitress's cutelittleranch. Ihadn'trememberedtocheckthedrivewayforhiscarthismorningmymindhadbeenon otherthings.NowIwasfacedwiththemoraldilemmaofstickingmynoseintobusinessthat wasn'tmine.AfteralittlebackandforthIdecided,Thehellwithit,andpointedmytoesdown thatstreet,concentratingonappearingdisinterestedandaloof. AsIpassedAnnalise'shouseIallowedmyeyestoroamoverthedriveway,andwhatIsaw therenearlybroughtmetoahalt.ParkedneatlyinfrontofhergaragewasashinysilverRolls Royce,indicatingStevenSeniorwasinresidence. "Sonofabitch,"IpantedasImadeaUturnandjoggedovertogetabetterlook.Ipaused alongherfenceandpretendedtostretchoutacharleyhorse,keepingoneeyeonthehouse, hopingsomeonewouldcomeoutandImightcatchabitofconversation.Nothinghappened, andIbegantoworrythatallmymassagingofmylegmightbeoverdoingitalittle,soIturned andbegantorunagain.

 WhenI'dgoneaboutahalfmileIdoubledbackasanexcusetogetanotherlook,andtomy surprisethecarwasgone."Shit,"IsaidasIpassedthehouse.IfI'dhungoutalittlelonger,I mighthaveseensomething. IpickedupthepaceonthewaybacktotheBandBsoIcouldfillGilleyandStevenin.OnceI reachedtheinnIstoodoutsideforaminute,holdingthestitchinmysideandwaitingtocatch mybreathbeforegoinginside. "I'vebeenlookingforyou,"StevensaidfromthedoorwayasIwalkedupthestairs."Didyou haveagoodrun?" Inodded."Yep.AndagoodthingIdid,becauseIsawsomethingmightyinterestingafew blocksthatway,"Isaid,pointing. "What?" "Yourfather'scarparkedinfrontofthatcutewaitress'shouse." Steven'sfacewentpurpleinlessthantwoseconds."Youarepullingonmyleg,"hesaidina voicethatsoundeddangerous.

"Nope,"Isaid,justaweebitsmugly. "Thatbastard,"Stevenspitashestormeddownthesteps. Iwatchedwithsurpriseashepassedmeandheadedtohiscar,fishingaroundinhisjeans pocketforhiskeys.Whenhehauledthemouthelookedbackupatmeandasked,"Coming?" Inoddeddumblyandmovedbackdownthestairs,belatedlyrealizingthatImustlookand smelllikehell."Idon'tsupposeIhavetimeforaquickshower?"IaskedasIapproached. "Thiswon'ttakelong,andyoulookgood.Ilikeyouhotanddrippy,"Stevensaidwithasmall grin. "Gee,stopwiththelovetalk,"IsaidsarcasticallyasIgotintohiscar."It'sgonnagotomy head." WearrivedatAnnalise'shouseinshortorder,andStevenwastednotimemarchingrightupto thehouseandpoundingonthedoor.Itwasopenedamomentlaterbytheveryprettywoman I'dseenbutnevermet."Steven!"shesaidwithwarmth."Ididn'texpectyou.Areyouhereto checkonShanah?" "Annalise,weneedtotalk,"Stevensaid."Canwecomein?"

 AnnaliselookedabittakenabackbySteven'stone,butsheopenedthedoorwideandwe troopedonin.AsweenteredIfeltafamiliarknockingsensationonmyenergythatcaughtme offguard.Itwascomingfromtheendofahallwaylocatedoffherlivingroom,andwhile StevenmadetheintroductionsIallowedmyselftoopenuptotheenergyfromthehallway. Isensedalittleboy,fullofmischief,withthenameSamuel.Hisenergywassonoisyand intrusivethatIhadnochoicebuttoacknowledgehim."It'snicetomeetyou,M.J.,"Annalise wassayingtome. "Likewise.Uh,I'msorrytothrowthisatyou,butwhoisSamuel?" AnnaliseblinkedatmeasherperkymouthturnedintoanO."Excuseme?" "Samuel.Hesaysheplayswithyourdaughter." AnnalisegaveStevenalookthatquestionedmysanity."She'samedium,"Stevenexplained. "Shetalkstodeadpeople." Annalisegaspedassheturnedbacktome."Oh,mygoodness!"shesaid."Shanahhasbeen talkingaboutthislittleboynamedSamwhoplayswithher!Ithoughtitwassomechildfrom herschool,buteveryonceinawhileI'llcatchhertalkingtosomeonewho'snotintheroom, andshe'sbeenclaimingit'sthislittleboy."

Inodded."Hesaysthatheusedtolivedownthestreet.Hesaysthatheknewyoubefore, whenyouwerewithJohn?" Annalisegaveanotherlittlegasp."Thatwasmyhighschoolboyfriend!Andtherewasalittle boyaboutablockawaywhowashitbyacar,andIthinkhisnamewasSam!" Inodded."Hesayshismotherisstillcloseby,andshewon'tletgo.Hesayssheblamesherself, anditwasn'therfault." Annalisenodded."Mrs.Trenton.Shelivesaloneinthathouseandhardlyevercomesoutside.I heardthatshe'dgoneinsidetoanswerthephonewhileSamwasinthefrontyard,anda momentlaterhewashitbyacar." "Samsaysit'sreallyimportantthatyouletherknowhewasheretodayandtoldhertoletgo ofherguilt.Hesaysthathe'sbeenstayingwithBillorBillyandLizorElizabeth.Hesaysthey aretakinggoodcareofhim,andsheshouldn'tworry." "I'lltellher,"Annalisesaid. "Hasthislittleboycrossedover?"Stevenasked. Ismiledthathewasbecomingsofamiliarwithmylingo."Yes,he'ssafelyontheotherside,but he'sworriedabouthismother,andthatkeepshimcomingbackheretocheckonher.Healso likesplayingwithyourdaughter,Annalise."

 "Ihavegoosebumps,"Annalisesaid,herbigblueeyeswideandunblinkingastheystaredat me."Isthereanythingelse,M.J.?" SamwasfadingfastfrommyenergynowthatI'dgottenthemessageout."No.That'sallhe hadtosay.He'llbebacklatertoplaywithShanah." Atthatmomentapetitelittlegirlwithlargeeyesbehindgiantroundglassescamedownthe hallwayontiptoe."Comeout,comeout,whereveryouare!"shesaid.Iwatchedherasshe peekedintoaroomoffthehallwayandcameforward.Ismiledather,knowingshehadavery specialplaymate. Seeingus,Shanahstoppedforamoment,thenmovedovertohidebehindhermother'slegs. "Shanah,"Annalisesaid."YourememberSteven." ShanahlookedupatSteven,thenhidherfaceagainbehindhermother."Andthisishisfriend M.J.ShejusttalkedtoSam." Shanahpeekedupcuriouslyatmeandsaid,"We'replayinghideandseek." Isquatteddowntobeateyelevelwithher."Iknow.Hesaidhehadtogohomeforabit,but he'dbebacklatertofinishthegame."

Shanahnoddedandthenboltedawayfromhermother,skippingbackdownthehallwaytoher room.Weallwatchedheruntilshe'ddisappeared;thenStevenasked,"How'sherbreathing been?" "Bettersincetheothernight.Andthankyouagainforcomingover.IknowIshouldhavejust takenhertotheemergencyroom,butit'stwentyfivemilesaway,andknowingyouwereclose bywasahardthingtopassup." "Thinknothingofit,Anna,"Stevensaidgently."Now,whatwasmyfatherdoingherethis morning?" Annaliselookedtakenaback,butrecoveredquickly."Honestly,wherearemymanners?"she saidasadiversion."Come,come.Intothekitchen.I'vegotfreshcoffee."Withthatshedarted pastus. Wefollowedherthroughanarchwayandintoatinykitchenwithasmalltableandthreechairs setupagainstonewall.Annalisebusiedherselfpullingdownthreecupsfromthecupboardas shesaidoverhershoulder,"PleasehaveaseatwhileIpouryouafreshcup." StevenandIsatandwaitedwhilesheservedusthewarmbrew.Itookasip;itwasdelicious. "Youmakeagoodcupofcoffee,"Isaid. Annalisetookherseat,fullycomposedagainasshereplied,"Thankyou.Ipayalittlebitextra forit,buteveryoneneedsanindulgence,right?"

"Areyougoingtoanswermyquestion?"Stevencutin. Annalisefiddledwiththehemofherblouse."Heshoweduplastnight,Steven.WhatwasI supposedtodo?" "Tellhimtogotohell,"hesaidbluntly. Annalisegavehimadarklook."HesaidhewantedtoseeShanah.Hesaidhe'dheardshe'd beenhavingsomehealthissueslately.WhichheprobablyheardthroughAndyatthe pharmacyrunninghismouthagain,buthewantedtomakesureshewasokay." "Whywouldhecare,Annalise?"Stevensaidmeanly. Iwatchedthetwooftheminsilence,wonderingaboutthehistoryhere.Itwasobviousthat therewasmoretotheAnnaliseandStevenSeniorstorythanIwasprivyto."He'schanged, Steven." "Bullshit." "Hesaysthathewantstobeapartofherlife.He'swillingtostepuptotheplateandtakecare ofus."

Stevenstudiedherforalong,tensemoment,hismouthathinlineofangermixedwith frustration.Then,veryquietly,hesaid,"Annalise,please.Bewiseaboutthisman.Hewillsay thesethings,andthenhewillleavejustthewayheleftmeandmymother.Youwillbe hurtingyourselfandShanahbytrustinghim." ItwasAnnalise'sturntogetangry."That'senough,"shesnapped."Thisisnoneofyour business,anyway.Iappreciateallyou'vedoneforus,Steven,butyou'relettingyourown feelingsofresentmentforyourfathercoloryouropinion.I'lldecidewhat'sbestforShanahand me." Stevenheldhergazeuntilshewasfinished."Ijusthaveonequestionforyou,"hesaidquietly. "Howcanyoubesurehe'sreallychanged?Thatthistimewillbedifferent?" "Ilookedintohiseyes,Steven;hewasn'tlying.Hetoldmeitwastimehesteppedupandtook responsibilityforShanah.He'sevenwillingtotakeapaternitytest." Steven'sfacedarkened,andIfoundmyselfalittlefrightenedbythelookhewasgivingthe tabletop.Afteranawkwardsilencehesaid,"Come,M.J.It'stimetogo." IgaveAnnaliseanapologeticshrugofmyshouldersandgotupaswell."Thankyouforthe coffee,"IsaidasIfollowedhimthroughthekitchen. "Don'tmentionit,"shesaid,notturningaround.

WemadeitbacktotheBandBwithoutfurthercomment.Steven'smoodseemeddangerous, andIdidn'twanttopokethebear,soIletitgo.WhenwegotinsideIhurriedupthestairsto shower,thencamedownwithDoconmyshoulder. Gilleywasseatedatthediningroomtable,sippingcoffee,thebigpillowhe'dusedonthe couchfirmlytuckedunderhimonthechairatthetable."Hey,girlfriend,"hesaidhappily. "Docwantsaberry!"mybirdsquawked. "Hey,Gil,"IsaidasItookmyseat,andsetDoconthetabletonibbleatthebowlofblueberries thatHelenhadsetout. "Where'sDr.Delicious?"Gilasked. "Idon'tknow,"Isaid,lookingaround."Probablyupstairsbeinggloomy." "Didyoushuthimoutlastnight?"Gilaskedwithagrin. MycheeksflushedasIreachedfortheplateofpancakesinthemiddleofthetable."Noooo,"I said,stretchingthewordout."Isawhisfather'scarparkedinfrontofthatwaitress'shouse thismorningonmyjog,andwhenItoldhimaboutitheinsistedongoingoverthere."

"Heconfrontedhisfather?" Iforkedabitofpancakeintomymouthbeforeanswering."No,hisfatherhadgonebythen. Buthedidconfrontthewaitress." "What'stheconnection?"Gilwantedtoknow. "ItappearsthatStevenSeniormayhavefatheredanotherchild." "Thewaitress!" "Thewaitress'sdaughter.Thepoorlittlegirlismentallyhandicappedandsufferingfromafew otherhealthissues." "DoesshelooklikeStevenSenior?" Ishruggedmyshoulders."Mostlyshelookslikehermom,buttheremightbearesemblance. You'dhavetodoabloodtesttobesure,butitwasprettycleartomefromtheconversation thatSeniorisheadedinthatdirection."

Gilleythoughtaboutthatforabitbeforesaying,"So,thiswouldbeanheirhecouldcontrol, someonewhowouldneverchallengehim.Someonehecouldlockawayinsomeinstitutionif hewantedto" Gilley'svoicetrailedoff,andIpausedwiththeforkhalfwaytomymouthasIrealizedSteven Seniorcouldandprobablywoulddojustthat."Awww,man,"IsaidasIsettheforkdown. "Ihadn'tthoughtofthat.You'reright.He'sgotenoughmoneythathecouldprobablyget custodyofherfromhermother.Thenhecouldlockherawayfortherestofherlifeandnot worryabouthergrowingupandbecomingapainintheass." "Whichleavesonelittlestickingpointleft,"Gilleysaid. "StevenJunior." "Bingo." Isighedandpushedmyplateaway."Whichstillbegsthequestionofwhyisthisneckofthe woodssoimportanttoSenior?It'sundevelopedforest.What'stheattraction?" "Notsure,M.J.,"Gilleysaid."ButIplantofindout." "Youready?"weheardfromthehallway.

 Ilookedup,andGilleyswiveledinhisseattoseeStevenstandingthere."Where'reweoffto?" Iasked. "Backtothelodge.Iwantyoutotrytomakecontactwithmygrandfatheragain.Ineedto provethatmyfatherkilledhimsoIcankeephimfromhurtingAnnaliseandShanah." JustthenHelenrushedinfromthekitchenholdingthephone."Steven!"shesaid,hervoice sharp."It'syourhousesitter.Hesaysthere'sbeenabreakinatyourhouse!" Steventookthephone,andGilleyandIlistenedashetalkedforafewminutesinshort, clippedsentenceslike,"When?"and,"Wherewereyouatthetime?"andfinally,"Whatwas taken?"Heendedthecallshortlyafterthat,andwelookedathimexpectantly."Someone brokeintomyhomelastnightandmadeamessofmybathroom." "Whatwouldtheywantinyourbathroom?"Iasked. "Probablydrugs.ThethiefmayhaveknownI'madoctor." "Howcomeyou'rejusthearingaboutit?"Iasked,wonderingwhytheinternstayingathis househadn'tcalledhimearlier.

"Myhousesitterworkedthemidnightshiftlastnight,andwhenhegothomehecalledmycell phone."Icockedmyheadsideways,wonderingwherehewasgoingwiththis.Stevenadded, "TheoneIleftinthepool." IlookedatGilley,whowasalsostrugglingtofollowalong."Whywouldyougoswimmingwith yourcellphone?" "It'salongstory,"Isaidquickly."Comeon,Steven;weneedtogetamoveon."AndIgotup, givingDocakissonthetopofhishead."Callmeifyoucomeupwithsomething,Gil,"Isaidas StevenandIheadedtothedoor. "Gotcha,"hesaidwithagrin."Goodluck,youtwo." **** AsweheadedouttotheAstonIsawthatelusivegraysedancruiseslowlybytheBandB.I triedtoglanceinthewindowtoseewhowasbehindthewheel,butthewindowsweretinted andIcouldn'tgetagoodlook."What?"IheardStevenask. IglancedbackatSteven."Nothing,"Isaidwithashrug,butinsideIdidn'tliketheuglyfeelingI gotwhenIthoughtaboutthatcar. StevenandIdrovebacktotheManseinstonysilence.Hisdarkmoodofearlierhadn't changed,andIwasprettysurehearingthathishousehadbeenbrokenintoforasecondtime

wasn'thelpingtolightenhisframeofmind.Ratherthantrytotalktohim,Iallowedhimto simmerforabit. WearrivedatthelodgeandStevencoastedhiscarintoaslotnearthefrontdoor.Oncehe'd putthecarintoparkheturnedtomeandoffered,"I'msorryI'vebeenirritated.I'mworried abouthowthingsareunwrapping." "DoyouwanttocalltheCambridgepoliceandfollowupwiththem?"Iasked. "Notrightnow.Idon'tthinkIcankeepmytemperfromgoingkaboom." IsmiledalittleasIopenedthecardoor."Gotit,butjustrememberI'moneofthegoodguys, okay?" "Iamnotingthis,"hesaid,followingmeupthefrontstairstothedoor.Wegotinsideand listenedforanynoisethatmightindicatethatAndreworMaureenwasafoot.Weheard nothing,andStevenlookedtomeforthenextmove. Inoddedandclosedmyeyes,centeringmyenergy,andthenopenedthatconduitinmybrain thatcouldhearwhatotherscouldn't.Andrew?Icalledoutinmymind.Maureen?Iwaitedafew heartbeats,thenopenedmyeyesandmotionedtoSteven.Ihadfeltthesmallestoftugsfrom thethirdfloor.

StevenandIclimbedthestaircaseinsilence,pausingeveryfewstepstolisten.Aswemounted thesecondfloorlandingwebothheardathumpfromoverhead."Whatwasthat?"Steven whispered. "Ithinkit'sMaureen,"Isaid,andcontinuedtoclimb."Comeon;shemightbewillingtotalkto me." Wemadeourwaytothethirdfloorandquietlywalkeddownthehallway,earsstrainingfor theslightestsoundthatmightindicateaghostwasafoot.Asweapproachedthebedroom wherewe'dseenMaureenweheardamuchlouderthump,followedbyadraggingnoise. Stevenjumpedandgrabbedmyshoulder."Ithinkthere'ssomeoneinthere,"hewhisperedin myear. Inoddedandwhisperedback,"It'sMaureen.Comeon.Shewon'thurtyou." Wemovedslowlyintothedoorwayofthebedroomandlookedaround.Nothingseemedout ofplace,butthehaironmyarmswasstandingonend."It'scoldinhere,"Stevensaidashe rubbedhisarms. Hewasright;thetemperaturefeltfrigid.Wemovedfartherintotheroom,waitingand watching.Nothinghappened.Finally,IdecidedtocallouttoMaureentotrytoprovokea reaction."Maureen?"Isaid."Weneedtotalktoyou.Pleaseletusknowifyou'rehere." ImmediatelyafterIsaidthattherewasacrackbehindus,andStevenandIjumpedaswe turnedaround.Ipointedtothenightstand,wheretheframedpictureofMaureenwasnow facedown."Thankyou,Maureen,"Isaid."Iknowyoucanhearme,andIneedyourhelp.

Andrewisintrouble.He'sstuckandhecan'tmoveforwarduntilweunderstandwhat happenedtohim.Canyouhelpus?CanyouguideustohelpAndrew?" Therewasamomentwhennothinghappened,andthen,withoutwarning,ahugechestof drawersontheoppositewallrattledandmovedforwardseveralinches.Stevenagaingripped myarm."Goddamn!"hehissed."Idon'tlikewhenshedoesthat." Ismiledandpattedhishand."She'stryingtoshowussomething,"IsaidasIwatchedthe bureau.Idecidedtoreachoutagaintoher."Thankyou,Maureen.Iseeyou'reoverbythe bureaunow.ButwestillneedyourhelpwithAndrew.Ithinkyouknowwhathappenedtohim. Icanhearyouifyou'rewillingtotalk.Pleasetrytocommunicatewithme." WithoutwarningIfeltashriekinmymindsoloudIdroppedtomyknees."Unnh!"Isaid, holdingmyheadinmyhands. "M.J.?"Stevensaid,hisvoicealarmed."What'shappened?" WitheffortIgottomyfeet."Shescreamed,"Isaid. "Shedid?"heaskedme,likehe'dmissedsomething. "Yes,inmyhead.Shescreamed.Ikeepgettingthiswaveofangerwithher.She'sdefinitely veryupsetaboutsomething."

 "Well,thisisridiculous,"hegroused."Imean,wecan'tkeepgoingaroundchasingthegeese withthiswoman.Maybesheisintendingtoleadusinthewrongdirection?Rememberthelast time?Shesaidfollowthedamnbees,andlookatwhathappened" Suddenlythegiantbureauseemedtojiggle;thenwebothjumpedasitcamecrashingtoward us."HolyMotherofGod!"Stevenyelledashepulledmeoutoftheway."She'stryingtokill us!" AgainIheardaloudshriekinmyhead,whichcausedmetowince,butthentherewasaword thatfollowedthatIwasabletocatch.Lettersitsaid. Myeyewenttothebureau,andcautiouslyImovedovertoit."Whatareyoudoing?"Steven asked."M.J.,keepawayfromthereandlet'sgetoutofhere!Thiswasabadidea." Iheldupafingertomylipsandgavehimapointedlook.Ididn'twanthimtoupsetMaureen anymorethanshealreadywas.Hegavemeascowlinreply,andIfeltanothertugtowardthe bottomofthebureau.Iwalkedcarefullyaroundthesideovernearthewall,andthatwas whenIsawasmallpackofletterstapedtotheunderbellyofthebureau. IlookedupatStevenandshothimasmile."She'snottryingtokillusafterall,"Isaidtohimas Ireacheddownandtuggedthelettersfree."She'stryingtoshowussomething." Stevengavemeapuzzledlookandcameovertoinspectthebundle."Whatarethese?"he asked.

 Isiftedthroughthem,tryingtodeterminethatmyself.Therewereabouttwentyletters,old andwornandwritteninalovelyfluidstyle.Thoughtheywereinenvelopes,nothingbutthe wordAndrewwasonthefront.Iopenedthefirstoneandbegantoread. Mydarling,Andrew, Thankyouforalovelyeveninglastnight.Ihadsuchawonderfultime.Ineverwouldhave guessedyouknewsomuchaboutthestars.Howspecialitwastowalkinthemoonlight, holdingyourhandandfeelingliketheluckiestwomanalive.... "They'reloveletters,"IsaidasIflippedthroughthepages. "Tomygrandfather,"StevensaidasIopenedoneandbegantoread."Andthey'resignedby Maureen." "Really?"Iasked."ThisoneissignedM.Didshespellitoutinyours?"

 "No,butit'scleartomewhoMis." "Idon'tknow,"IsaidasIfeltMaureencomeintomyenergyandgiveashakeofherhead."I don'tthinkMaureenagreeswithyou." "Whoelsecoulditbe?Imean,wealreadyknowtheyhadanaffair." "Mirabelle?"Iasked. "Ewwww,"Stevensaid."Ican'timaginemygrandfatherbonkingamotheranddaughter." "Bonking?" "Yes,youknow.Likewhatwealmostdidtheothernight." Inarrowedmyeyesathim."Thetermisboinking,andifthat'swhatyou'recallingwhatnearly happenedwithustheothernight,thendon'teverplanonitactuallyhappening." "Hey,"hesaid,sweepingmyhairbehindmyear."Thatwasrudeofme.Iwouldnotbonkyou."

 "Boink,"Isaidadamantly. Stevengrinnedatme."Come,let'staketheselettersdownstairsandreadthem.Ican'tfinda date.Canyou?" "No,"Ianswered,shufflingthroughtheenvelopesIhad."There'snopostmark,sothese weren'tmailed.WhoeverwrotethemmusthavegiventhemtoAndrewdirectly,whichmeans shewouldhavebeenlocal." "Let'sgotothekitchentoreadthem.Iwanttogetoutofthisroombeforemorefurniture attacksus." StevenandIheadedbackdownstairstothekitchen,andweeachpulledupabarstool.WhileI readthroughastack,Stevenmadesometeaforbothofus,thenjoinedmeatthecounter,and wereadinsilenceuntilwe'dmadeitthroughourpileofletters. "Whatdoyouthink?"heaskedmeasIputdownthelastletter. "Thischickreallylovedyourgrandfather,"Isaid.

"Kindofhowyousayconsumedwithhim?" "Obsessed." "Yes.Sheseemstobeobsessedwithhim." "Yep.Andcompletelyjealousofyourgrandmother.ShekeepsreferringtoherastheEvil Queen.So,atleastweknowthesewerewrittenwhileyourgrandmotherwasstillalive." Stevennodded."Whichwouldputitaboutnineteeneightyeightorearlier." "AndMaureendiedintheseventies." "See?"Stevensaidtome."SoitcouldhavebeenMaureen." "Yes,"Iconceded."Butmygutsaysit'snot." "Anothermysterytosolvethen."

Ishuffledalltheletterstogetherintoonepileonthecounter."Noneofthismakesanysense. WhyweretheselettershiddeninMaureen'sbedroomifMaureendidn'twritethem?Whowas thismysterywoman,andwhatthehelldoesithavetodowithyourgrandfather'sdeath?" Stevenrubbedhischinthoughtfully."Maybenoneofit'sconnected,"hesaid."Maybe Maureenisupsetthatsomeoneelsehadanaffairwithmygrandfather,andthat'sthereason forheranger." InoddedasIthoughtaboutthat."Still,"Isaid,"Ithinkthere'smoretothisstorythanwe realize." "Wheredowegofromhere?"Stevenasked. Ihoppedoffthebarstool."There'saleadortwoleftthatwehaven'ttrackeddownyet.Come on;weneedtogobackintotown." Chapter13 Wearrivedintownalittlewhilelater,andItoldStevenwhereIwantedtogo.Pullingup alongsideaspiffylookingVictorian,wegotoutandcheckedthenameplateonthefront entrance:CURTBANCROFT,REALTOR. Aswewereabouttoheadinside,Ifeltasmalltugtomyrightandhappenedtoturnmyhead. Justdownthestreetfromwherewe'dparkedsatashinysilverRollsRoyce.ItappedStevenon

theshoulderandpointedtohisfather'scar."Theguyalwaysseemstohavethesameinterests wedo,"Isaid. IwatchedasSteven'sbrowdarkened."Come,"hesaid."It'stimetofindoutwhatthatbastard isupto." Whenweopenedthedoorweheardthesoundofadoorbell,announcingourpresence.A womanaboutmyage,withlongredhairandglasses,lookedupasweentered."Good afternoon,"shesaidwarmly."DidyouhaveanappointmentwithMr.Bancroft?" "No,"Isaidquickly,takingthelead."Butwewereinterestedinpurchasingsomeland,andwe heardyouguyswerethebestRealtorintown." Thewomangiggled."Thatmighthavealittlesomethingtodowiththefactthatwe'retheonly Realtorintown.Mr.Bancroftisbusywithanotherclientatthemoment;thenhehasa luncheonappointment.CanIpencilyouinforoneo'clockthisafternoon?" Stevenopenedhismouth,butIgavehimasmallslaponthebackandsaid,"Thatwouldbe great.Pencilusin;thelastnameisHolliday.We'llgogetsomelunchourselvesandbeback then."WiththatIturnedandwalkedout,hopingStevenwouldfollow. Hedid,butnotbeforegrabbingmyarmonthefrontstepsandasking,"Hey,whatwasthat about?"

"It'scalledplayingitsmart,"Isaid."Ifyougointherewithgunsblazingandhalfcocked,your fatherisn'tgoingtotellyouanything.He'sobviouslydoingbusinesswithpeopleinrealestate, solet'spokearoundabitbeforewestartpointingfingersandalertingthemediathatyourdad isaratbastard,okay?" Stevensurprisedmebybreakingintoagrin."Youarecutewhenserious,youknow?" Irolledmyeyesandheadeddownthesteps.LookingbackIsaid,"Comeon.Let'sgetsome lunchandcomeupwithagoodstorysothatwedon'tmakeBancroftclamuplikeRogerdid." **** AnhourandahalflaterwewereseatedcomfortablyinCurtBancroft'soffice,waitingforhim togetbackfromhislunchdate.Steven'skneebouncedupanddown,andhecrackedhis knucklesenoughtimesformetowanttogetupandswathim,soItriedtodistractmyselfby takinginthedecorofBancroft'soffice. Theroomwasahoneyyellowwithrichwhitemolding.Thereweretwowatercolorsmounted onthewall:oneofasailboatandtheotherofaharbor.Bancroft'sdeskwasneatlyorganized, nofilesorpadsofpaperformetosnooparoundinwhilewewaited. Finally,tenminuteslateandfullofapologies,Bancroftbreezedintotheroom,histieaskew andalipsticksmudgeonhiscollar."SosorryI'mlate,"hesaidtryingtocatchhisbreath.

"Noproblem,"Stevensaideasily."Wehaveallday." Bancroftmovedaroundtohissideofthedeskandsatdown.Hewasaboutaninchortwo tallerthanSteven.Hisfacehadprobablyoncebeenhandsome,buthadgrownsoftlikehis bellywithmiddleageandtoomanycarbs.Hishairwasbrownandlookedfreshlymussed,and hemusthavecaughtmestaringatit,becausehewasquicktotrytosmoothitout."Windyout there,"hesaidquickly. "Really?"Isaidwithasmirk."Ihadn'tevennoticedabreezetoday." "Juststartedup,then,"Bancroftsaidashescootedhischairforward."Now,whatcanIdofor youfolks?" "We'refromBoston,"Ibegan."Andwewereupthiswayaboutamonthago,visitingmy parents,wholiveinNewYork,whenwegotlostandendedupinUphamshire.Well,Ifellin lovewithitimmediately,andI'vebeenjustnonstopabouthowsmittenIamwiththisneckof thewoods.I'vebeengoingonandonaboutittoPeterhere,"Isaid,pausingtosqueeze Steven'sarm.Oncue,heflashedasmileatBancroft."Andeventhoughbothourjobswould keepusinBoston,somedayI'dliketoretiresomeplacebetweenthereandmyfamily." "You'dliketoseeaboutbuyingalittleland,then?"Bancroftsaid. Clappingmyhandsenthusiastically,Isaid,"Yes!"

Bancroftleanedinoverhisdesk,restingonhiselbowsandplacinghishandstogetherina steeple."Youdefinitelycameattherighttime,"hesaid."Ihavetheinsidescoopthat Uphamshire'srealestateisabouttoshootthroughtheroof." "Youdon'tsay?"Iasked,suddenlyintrigued."Bigbusinessmovingin?" Bancroftsmiledknowingly."Better.There'sahighwaysettoconnecttheMass.Pikewith RouteEightyfivethroughtoNewYork.Thatmeanswe'llbeonthefasttrack,andlandaround herewillbeworthamint!" "Really?"Stevensaid."Whenisthishighwaybeingfinished?" "Withinthenextthreeyears,"Bancroftsaid.Thenhemotionedforustocomecloser.When weleanedin,hesaidinalow,excitedtone,"AndImetwithagentlemanearlierwhoinforms methatamajorpharmaceuticalcompanyislookingatpropertyjustnorthofheretobuilda hugefacility!" "Apharmaceuticalcompany?"Iasked. "Yes.YouknowhowMassachusettslawsaresofriendlytowardallthatstemcellresearch stuff?Well,apparently,NewYorkisn'tnearlyasopentotheidea,andamajorplayerinthat marketislookingtorelocatewithouthavingtouprootalloftheiremployees.Thisnew highwaywouldbringthemherewithouttoomuchfuss."

"Andyousaidthatthisfacilitywillbejustnorthofhere?"Stevenasked. "Yes.There'salargechunkoflandthatwouldbeaprimelocation,"Bancroftsaid,pointing north."It'smostlyundevelopedforestupthatway.Perfecttobuildon,especiallysincethe highwaywillrunsoclosebyit." IwatchedSteven'sfacebegintodarken.Hewasgettingangry,andIneededtodistracthim pronto.Igaveapointedglanceatmywatchandcried,"Oh,mygoodness!Honey,Icompletely forgottotellMomweweren'tgoingtomakeitforlunch!She'sprobablygotthefoodlaidout forusandiswonderingwhereweare." Steventurnedtomeandgavemeaconfusedlook."Really?" "Yes,oh,thisisterrible!Mr.Bancroft,I'msosorry,butI'mafraidwe'vegottorun.Mom's goingtobesodisappointedifwedon'tshowup.We'llbesuretocomebacksoon,especially nowthatweknowthatlandaroundhereisgoingtoappreciatesoquickly."Igotupand hurriedtowardthedoor."Honey?Areyoucoming?" Stevenhesitatedinhischair,andIknewhewasdebatingwhethertofollowmeorcontinue pumpingBancroftforinfo.Tomyimmensereliefmycellphonewentoffatthatexactmoment and,haulingitoutofmypocket,IsawthatitwasGilley."Hey,Mom!"Iannouncedwitha flourishasIansweredthecall. "M.J.?"Gilleyasked.

"Yeah,Iknow,we'retotallylate,butweareonourway,Ipromise.Weshouldbethereinhalf anhour.Comeon,Peter,Mom'swaiting!" Stevenhadlittlechoicebuttogetupandfollowmeoutoftheoffice.Ikeptrambling nonsensicallyintoGilley'searuntilweclearedthebuildingandIcouldexplaintohimthatwe hadn'tbeeninanareawherewecouldtalkfreely."Ithoughtitmightbesomethinglikethat," Gilleysaid."So,here'sthescoop.IknowwhyStevenSeniorwantsthatproperty." "There'sahighwaycomingthroughtownandamajorpharmaceuticalcompanyislookingfor landtobuildaplanton,"Isaid. TherewasapauseonthelinebeforeGilsaid,"Youalwaysbeatmetothepunch!" Ismiled."Yeah,butit'snicetoknowwe'vebothgotthesamestory." "Well,Imayhaveoneeensylittletidbitmorethanyou.Didyouknowwhoisontheboardof directorsforthatpharmaceuticalcompany?" "I'lltakeDr.StevenSableSeniorfortwohundred." "Bingo!"

"What'sthat?"Stevenaskedmeaswepausedbythecar. QuicklyIexplainedtohimthatGilleyhadcomeupwiththesamescoopwehad,butwiththe addedtidbitabouttheboardofdirectors.NextItoldGilleytoholdon,andIhitthespeaker buttonsowecouldalltalkwithease."WhatIdon'tunderstand,"Isaid,"iswhyyourfather thinkshecansoeasilygethishandsonthisproperty.Imean,ifsomethinghappenstoyou, Steven,wouldn'tpeoplenaturallyassumehehadahandinit?" "Maybesomethingdoesn'thavetohappentome,"Stevensaid. "Whatdoyoumean?"Gilleyasked. Stevenkickedatsomedirtandseemedtostrugglewithsomethingbeforespittingout,"He maynotbemybiologicalfather." "What?"GilleyandIsaidtogether. AgainStevenkickedatthedirtandavoidedeyecontact.Takingabigbreath,hefinallysaid, "Whenmymotherwasverysickwithhercancer,shetoldmethatbeforeIwasbornshe wantedtomakeStevenjealousandleavehiswife.Shesaidshetookanotherman,aforeigner fromHungary,asherlover.WhenStevenfoundoutthetruthofthis,hechasedtheotherman outoftownandmymotherneversawhimagain.

"Soonafterthatmymothersaidshebecamepregnant,butIhavealwayswonderedwhichwas myrealfather.ThatiswhyIhaveresearchedthepaternitycaseagainstmyfather.Itistrue thatmygrandfathersuppliedhisownbloodsample,butheputawhatisthewordwhenone thingdependsonanother?" "Stipulation?"Gilleysaid. "Yes,that'stheword.Heputastipulationonthesettlementthattheresultsweresealedfora hundredyears.It'spuzzling,doyounotthink?" "Inotherwords,"Gilleysaid,"yourfatherorwhoyouthinkisyourfatherhasalways suspectedyourmotherbecamepregnantbytheotherguy." "Yes.AndthisiswhyIthinkhecontinuestorejectme.Ithinkitisonlyamatteroftimebefore hefightsmeontherightsoftheestate." "He'dhavetosupplyaDNAsample,"Isaid."Butatleastyou'dallknowforsure." "Ibelievehe'smadeuphismindthatI'mnothisson,"Stevensaid,lookingatmeforthefirst timesincehebegantellingthestory.HiseyesseemedsovulnerableandsadthatIreachedout andsqueezedhishand."AndIbelievehe'sjustwaitingtogettheotherlifeestateholdersout ofthewaybeforecomingafterme."

"WhichbringsusbacktoWillisandMirabelle,"Isaid."Gilley,youseemtoknowalotabout thislifeestatething.WeknowthatSeniorisattemptingtochallengeMirabelle'srighttothe propertyincourt,butwe'veheardfromWillisthatSenioristakingadifferenttack.He'sbeen checkinginonhim,andtryingtooffersomemedicalassistance.What'sthatangle?" "Hecouldbetryingtobuythelandfromhim,"Gilleysaid. "ButIthoughtthatifyouheldthepropertyinlifeestateyoucouldn'tsellit?"Iasked. "Youcan'ttoanyoneotherthanwhomthelifeestatewouldrevertbacktouponyourdeath.In otherwords,foraprice,WilliscouldgiveuphislifeestaterightstothepropertyonlytoSteven orStevenSenior." IturnedtoSteven."RememberWillissaidthathewasthinkingaboutmovingbacktoJamaica Plaintobeclosertohisdaughter?" Stevenwasnoddinghishead."Makessense,"hesaidashedwelledonit."HebuysoffWillis andputspressureonMirabelleincourtbecauseshewon'tsell." Thinkingaboutthat,Iadded,"Youknow,Ireallythinkweneedtogohaveanotherchatwith Roger.Thefactthathe'shadherdeedinhishotlittlehandsandhasn'trecordedityetbothers me." Stevennodded."Doyoustillhavetheoriginal?"

 "Yes." "Good.We'llrecorditourselveslater,butIagreewithyouthatweneedtoconfronthim.Then wewillneedtowarnMirabelle." "Anythingyouwantmetoresearch?"Gilleyasked. Ihitonagoodidea."Gil,Stevenhasn'tcontactedtheCambridgepoliceyetbecausehe'stoo pissedoff.Canyouhackintotheirsystemandfindoutwhatthepolicereportsays?There's somethingreallybotheringmeaboutthiswholething." "I'monit,M.J.I'llcallyouwhenIfindoutsomething." WegotintoSteven'scaranddroveovertoRoger'soffice.Asweparkedatthecurb,I'lladmitI wasabitnervousreturningtothesceneofthecrime.Ishookitoffasweapproachedand walkedthroughtheofficedoor,tryingmybesttoadoptanairoftotalnonchalance.Aswe enteredtheoffice,however,Ifeltmyheartskipabeat. Theplacewasashambles.Therewaspapereverywhere,andmanilafolderslitteredthefloor. StevenandIgaveeachotheralook,andIwhisperedtohim,"Didyoudothis?"

Hescowledatmeandreplied,"No.Ileftitlikeitwaswhenwebrokein."Fromthebackofthe officeweheardsomeoneswearloudly,followedbyasmallcrash."Hello?"Stevencalledashe putahandonmyshoulder,preparingmetoboltifnecessary. ThecursingpausedasStevencalledout.ThenweheardRoger'svoiceask,"Who'sthere?" "It'sDr.Sable,"hesaid. "Ihaveit!"Rogersaid."Ithastobehere.Justgivemealittlemoretime!" StevenandIbothlookedateachother,andIshruggedmyshoulders."Howmuchmoretime?" heasked,playingalong. Rogerappearedfromtheofficeandstartedtosay,"I'llhaveitbytheend"whenhenoticed us,andthatwaswhenheseemedtocatchhimselffromsayinganythingmore."Oh,it'syou," hefinallymanaged."Ithoughtitwasyourfather." Inarrowedmyeyes.Ihadjustrealizedwhathemustbelookingfor."Weknowwhatyou'reup to,"Isaid. Rogernarrowedhisowneyesback."Upto?"hesnarled."WhatwouldIbeupto?"

IfeltthefamiliarknockingIgetwhensomeonewho'scrossedoverwantstosendamessage.I openedupandimmediatelyfeltanolderfemale'senergywithanamethatbeganwithanL.In mymindIinvitedhertospeakhernameslowlytome,andIgotLily."Lilyhasamessagefor you,"Isaidtohim. Roger'sfaceblanched,andhismouthdroppedopenabit."Whatdidyousay?" "Lilywantsyoutoknowshe'sverydisappointedwithhowyou'rebehaving.Shesaysthatshe didn'traiseacheatoraliar,andthatsomeonenamedMaxwouldneverapprove." Rogerstaggeredforwardafewsteps,hiseyesbigassaucersandhishandproppedagainstthe walllikeheneededthesupport."Howcouldyouknowthat?" "Lilyalsosaysthatshethinksthecaryou'redrivingisfineandthere'snoneedtobuyanew one."Rogerstoodwithhismouthagape."Shealsosaysthatifyousellthefamilyhome,you'll livetoregretit,becauseMiamiBeachisnotallit'scrackeduptobe." Roger'skneesseemedtobuckleas,withoutfurtherado,hesatdownwithahardthumpon thefloor."Mom?"hesaid."Isthatreallyyou?" "Who'sGeorge?"Iasked,gettingthefeelingofanoldermalefigurenow. Rogershookhisheaddumblybeforeheseemedtomaketheconnection,andheoffered,"My grandfather."

 "Georgesaysthateventhoughhehadmoretrophiesthanyou,there'snoneedtocontinue killingtheseanimals,especiallywhenthey'realreadyendangered." Rogerblinkedatmeafewtimesandmovedhismouthupanddown,butnowordscameout. "Thisisawesome,"Stevenwhispered."M.J.,keepgoing." Ididn'treallyneedtheencouragement,butgavehimaquicksmileallthesame."Georgealso saysthathe'sgladyoustillhaveoneofhisguns,theonewithapearlhandle,right?" Rogernodded."Yes,it'sinmydeskathome." "He'sveryproudofyou,butheagreeswithLilyaboutthispaperthatyou'rekeepingsecret.He doesn'twantyoutodothat.Hesaysshowittothepublic." Roger'slowerliptrembled."Ican'tfindit,"hewhispered. "What?"Stevenaskedhim.

"Ican'tfindit!"hesaid,andscrambledtohisfeet,thenquicklyheadedovertothecounterand dugaroundinapileoffolders.Pullingoutoneofthemheannounced,"Thecopiesarehere, buttheoriginalisgone!" IshotaquickglanceatStevenandpulledmyjacketalittletighter.ThefolderwastheoneI'd madecopiesof,andtheoriginalsthatbelongedinitweresecurelytuckedintomyjeanjacket pocket."Whatspecificallyareyoulookingfor?" "It'sadeed,"Rogersaidashesetthefolderdownandburiedhisfaceinhishands."Your fatherwasgoingtopaymeabundletodeliveradeedtohim,andIcan'tfinditanywhere." "Isee,"Stevensaid."Howmuchisthisbundle?" "Twohundredthousanddollars,"Rogerblubbered. "Andwhendidyoumakethisdealwithhim?"Stevenprobed. "Afewdaysbeforeyourgrandfatherdied.He'ddonesomeresearchonthelandaroundhere andcomeupwiththedetailthatMirabellewasn'tofrightfulagewhenthepropertyher motherheldinlifeestatewasdeededovertoher.Andrewknewitatthetime,butfiguredno onewouldeverfindout.Yourfatherstartednosingaround,andwordgotbacktoAndrew.He calledmetoprepareanotherdeed,whichIdid,andhesignedit,butinsteadofrecordingit rightaway,Iheldontoit."

"AndhowdidStevenSeniorfindoutabouttheseconddeed?"Iasked. Rogerglancedupatme,hisfacecontortedinguilt."Icalledhimandtoldhimaboutit.I offeredtosellittohim,butwecouldn'tagreeonaprice.AfewdayswentbyandAndrew calledmetoaskifI'drecordedityet.IpanickedandcalledStevenSeniortotellhimthedeal wasoffIhadnochoicebuttorecordthedeedandthenextthingIknew,Andrewwas dead." Steven'shandscurledintofists."So,letushelpyoulookforit,"Iofferedquickly."WhenI mean,ifwefindit,wecanmakesureitgetsrecordedandmakeamends,okay?" Rogernoddeddumbly."It'sgottobeheresomewhere,"hesaidasheshuffledmorepapers around. "Yougolookintheback,"Ioffered."MaybeIcanaskLilyandGeorgeforsomehelp." Rogersighedheavily,thenheadedbackdownthehallwaymuttering,"I'msorry,Momand Granddad." "Isthedeedonyou?"Stevenwhispered. Ipattedmyjeanjacketandsaid,"Gotitrighthere.Let'swaitaminuteortwo,announcethat we'vefoundit,andgettothecountyclerk."

 "No,"Stevensaid."WehavetowarnMirabellefirst.ThemoreIthinkaboutthis,themoreIam surethatmygrandfatherwaskilledbyhisownson.Ifmyfatherlearnswe'reonourwayto recordthedeed,itcouldputMirabelleindanger.Remember,sheonlyholdsthepropertyin lifeestate.Ifshedies,itrevertsbacktome." "Goodpoint,"Isaid,andmovedtothecounter.Ilookedatthepileofpaperandfolders clutteringthearea,wonderinghowIcouldpretendtolocatethedeedwithoutRoger suspectingI'dhaditallalong.Thinkingofsomething,Imovedovertothecopierandpushed ononeendofit,movingitawayfromthewall.Ipulledoutthedeedfrommyjacketand announced,"Foundit!" Rogercamerunningbackdownthehallway."Youdid?"hesaid,hisfacenowhopeful. "Yep.Itwasbehindthecopier.Must'veslippedbacktherewhenyouweremakingthecopies." "Here,"hesaid,holdingouthishand."GiveittomeandIpromiseI'llrecorditrightaway." Stevensteppedinfrontofhimandstoodtallandimposingashesaid,"Idon'tthinkso." Rogerseemedtoshrinktoanevensmallersize.HelookedsodisappointedIcouldn'thelpbut offer,"Lilythinksit'sbestifStevenandItakecareofthis.Youunderstand,don'tyou,Roger?" "Ofcourse,"hesaidashischeeksgrewflushed."I'llneedtocleanupthismessnowanyway."

 Ismiledathimandtuckedthedeedbackintomypocket."Comeon,Steven.Let'shitthe road." Wastingnotime,wedrovebackinthedirectionofthehouse.Aswegotclose,Stevenbeganto scantheterrainforthelittledirtroadthatwouldleadustoMirabelle's.Wearrivedatthe drivewayleadingtothelodgeandStevengrumbled,"Damn.Howdidwemissthat?" Wedoubledbackandtriedagainbutcouldn'tfindtheentrance."Guesswe'rejustgoingto havetogothroughthewoods,"IsaidasweheadedinthedirectionoftheManse. Stevennoddedandwedrovetothelodge,thenwalkedaroundtothebackandlookedforthe pathwaythatwouldleadustoMirabelle's.Thedayhadturnedovercastandwindy,andI glanceduprightbeforethefirstdropletsofrainbegantofall."Great,"Stevensaidashetoo lookedup."Lookslikewe'regoingtogetwetagain." IsmiledathimasIpulledmyjackettighteraroundme."Atleastweknowwhothebetter swimmeris." Stevenchuckledandmovedovertome."Yeah,butwealsoknowwho'sabetterkisser,"he said,andwinked. Igavehimabroadgrinandreplied,"Yep.Iwinagain.Ah,well,atleastyouhaveanicecar."

 Stevenletoutadeeplaughandwrappedanarmaroundmyshoulder."Comeon,funnylady,I thinkthepathisoverthere." Wefounditandbeganwalkingintherainthroughthewoods,whichofferedalittlebitof protection,thoughbythetimewereachedthetreethatmarkedtheopeningtothetunnelI wasdefinitelyfeelingdamp.Steventurnedtotheleft,towardMirabelle's,whensomething caughtthecornerofmyeye."Holdon,"Isaid,lookingup.IcouldhaveswornIhadseen movementofftomyright. "What'sup?"heasked,comingbacktostandnexttomeasIscannedthewoods. "There,"IsaidasIsawwhathadcausedmetopause."Seethat?" OnthepathleadingtoWillis'swasaclusteroflittleorbs,bouncinganddancingandlooking justlikeahordeofbees."Hangingontoyouisdefinitelystrange,"StevensaidasIwalkedin thedirectionoftheorbs. "Ifshangingoutwithme,"Icorrected. "Yes,thatisstrangetoo,"hesaid. "Comeon,"Isaid,swattinghisshoulder."Igetthestrongsensethatweneedtofollowthem." Theswirlingorbswaiteduntilwegotwithinafewfeetofthembeforetheymovedondown

thepath,dancingandbouncingwithfreneticenergy.Thereseemedtobeanurgencytotheir movements,andthelittleknotofdreadinthepitofmystomachgrewaswenearedWillis's. Whenthesmalllogcabinwasinsight,theorbsstoppedtheirjumbleddanceandformeda straightlineastheyzoomedstraightforthecabinandthroughthewallwithoutpause. "Something'swrong,"IsaidasIbrokeintoarun. "I'mrightonyourbehind,"Stevensaid,andIcouldfeelhimatmyheels. Wegottothedoorofthecabin,andIpausedonlylongenoughtoknocktwice,thenwithout waiting,openedthedoor."Willis?"IcalledasIpushedthedoorwide."Willis,it'sM.J.and Steve"IstoppedmidsentenceasmyeyescaughtWillisslouchedinhiswheelchair,hisface ashenandasmallbitoffoamathismouth. Stevenrushedpastme,crouchingdownbyWillisasheliftedhiswristtocheckforapulse."Is healive?"Iasked,myvoicehushedandshaky. "Hispulseisthready,"StevensaidasheliftedoneofWillis'slidstocheckhispupils.Nexthe wheeledWillisovertothecouchandbegantogentlymovehimfromthechair.Iwalked forwardtohelphim,butStevenstoppedmewith,"M.J.,gotomycar.Inthebackseatisa blackduffelbag.Bringithereasfastasyoucan!" Iturnedonmyheelandboltedfromthecabin,dashingthroughthewoodsasfastasmylegs couldcarryme.IreachedSteven'scar,pantinghard.Imaybearunner,butI'malongdistance girl,andI'dtakenthetripbacktothehouseinasprint.IwassoworriedaboutWillisthatI didn'tstoptocatchmybreath,butjustgrabbedthebagandboltedbacktowardthewoods.I wasabouttoleapontothepathwhenIheardsomeoneshoutmyname.Ipausedandturned

myhead.ThereIsawWillisstandinginthewoodswavingatme.Helookedcompletelywell, notatalllikethefigureI'dleftbackatthecabin."There'snoneedtorush,"hesaidtome. "Youdon'twanttofallagainandhurtyourself,afterall." MychestheavedasIrealizedwhyIwasseeinghim."No,"IpantedasIstaredathim."Willis,no !"Ishouted,andthatwaswhenhedisappeared."Goddamnit!"Iscreamed,andranasfastas I'deverruninmylifethroughthetrees,mindlessofthebranchesthattoreatmyfaceand handsandthepoundingofmyheartasitbeggedmetoslowdown.Ireachedthecabinand boltedinside,wetandsodeprivedofoxygenthatIfeltdizzy.StevenhadWillisonthefloorand wasperformingCPR.Hetoowasoutofbreath,andsweatpouredoffofhimashetriedto pumpWillis'sheart. Idroppedtothefloornexttohim,mylungsexpandingandcontractingatsucharapidpace thatIdidn'tknowhowmuchmoretheycouldtake."M.J.,"hepuffed,hisbrowwetwith exertion."Callnineoneone!" Inoddedandreachedintomycoatpocket.FindingmycellphoneIpunchedthenumbersinto thekeypadandwaitedforthedispatcher,knowinginmyheartthatallofoureffortswerejust toolittle,toolate. **** TwohourslaterthecountycoronerhadcartedawayWillis'sbody.StevenandIsatathis kitchentablewiththesheriff,goingoverthedetailsoffindingWillisinastateof unconsciousness.Stevenhadfoundaneedleandvialofinsulinnearwherewe'dfirst discoveredWillis,andinhisbestestimationhesaidthatWillishadmostlikelygoneinto diabeticdistress,followedquicklybycomaashisbodybegantoshutdown.

IlistenedwhileSteventoldthesheriffthatwe'dreachedhimaboutanhourtoolate,"flow longhadyouknownWillis?"thesheriffasked. "AslongasI'veknownmygrandfather,"Stevensaid,hisvoicequaveringabit.Heclearedhis throat,anditwasamomentbeforehecontinued."Williswasapartofmychildhoodhereat thehouse.Hewouldtakemeforridesonhistractor,andteachmeabouttheplantsand flowers.Hewasagoodman." "Howlonghashehaddiabetes?"thesheriffasked. "AlsoaslongasI'veknownhim." "Doyouknowwhohisdoctorwas?" "Noidea,"Stevensaid,thenthoughtofsomethingandgotupfromthetable.Fromthekitchen counterhepickeduponeofthreeprescriptionbottles,scannedthelabel,andsaid,"Youcan tryDr.Harris.He'sinTwinLakes." "That'squiteahikefromhere,"thesheriffnoted. "It'sknowntobethebesthospitalinnorthernMassachusetts,"Stevensaidashecontinuedto siftthroughtheprescriptionbottles.Isawhimpause,studyingoneofthebottlesmoreclosely, andhisstanceshiftedeversosubtly.Helookedupatusandnotedthatthesheriffwasbusy writing.Puttinghisfingertohislipshequicklyslippedthebottleintohispocket.

 Igavehimaquestioninglookbutdidn'tsayanythingasherejoinedusatthetable."Doyou knowifhehasanyfamilywecancontact?" IgotupandwalkedovertotheframedpictureofJanelle.Ihandedittothesheriffandsaid, "That'shisdaughter,Janelle.ShelivesinJamaicaPlain,andIthinksheworksatMass. General." Thesheriffnodded."Ithinkthat'sallIneed,Dr.SableandMissHolliday.Thankyouforyour effortswithMr.Brown.I'msurehisfamilywillappreciatethatyoudideverythingyoucould." StevenandIgotupfromthetableandwalkedtothedoor.InthedoorwayStevenpaused, reachedbehindhim,andgrabbedmyhand.IleanedintohimasIsqueezedback,andtogether wewalkedbackthroughtheraintothelodge. WhenwegotinsideIasked,"Youokay?" Stevenwalkedintothelaundryroom,returningwithatowelforeachofusbeforeanswering. "No,"hesaid,hisshouldersslumped."It'salwaysbeenhardformetoloseapatient.AndWillis wasanoldfriend." "Isawhim,youknow."

"Sawwho?" "Willis,"Isaid.StevencockedhisheadatmeandIexplained."Onthepath.WhenIwenttoget yourbagIwasrunningbacktothecabinandhecalledmyname.WhenIturnedaroundhewas there." "Idon'tunderstand." "Itwashisspirit.He'dalreadyleft.Therewasnothingyoucouldhavedone,Steven.Hewas alreadygone." Stevenstaredatmeforalong,longtimebeforesettinghistoweldownandwalkingoverto me.Eversogentlyhesweptmywethairbackoffmyface,thenleanedinandkissedme deeply.WhenhepulledhislipsawayIgavehimasmallsmile."Whatwasthatfor?" "Doyoualwaysneedareason?" "No.Notespecially." "Good.Come.Ithinkthere'ssomeraingeararoundheresomewhere."

Thatcaughtmeoffguard."I'msorry,what?" Stevenhadalreadyturnedtowalkintothehallway."Raingear,"hesaid."Wehavetogetto Mirabellebeforeit'stoolate." "Toolateforwhat?" Stevenpaused,dugintohispocket,andpulledsomethingout,tossingittome.Ilookedatit afterI'dcaughtit.ItwastheprescriptionbottlefromWillis'scounter."What'stherelevance?" IaskedasIlookedatthepinkpillsinthecontainer. "Readthelabel.Thedoctor'snameisintheupperrighthandcorner." Isearchedthelabelandmyeyesstuckonthename:Dr.S.Sable."Holyshit!"Isaid. "Exactly,"Stevensaidashecamebackintothekitchenwithtworainslickers. "DoyouthinkthesehadanythingtodowithWillis'sdeath?" "Idon'tknow.I'veneverheardofthatdrug,andI'llhavetolookitup,butifitcontributedin anyway,I'llmakesuremyoldmanendsuppayingforit."

 ItuckedthepillsintomyjeanspocketandlookedupasStevensaid,"Here,"andhetosseda rainslickerovermyshoulders."Thiswasmygrandfather's.Itmightbealittlebig,butatleastit willkeepyoudry." Idonnedtheslickerandthetwoofustrottedbackoutintotherain.Itwasslowgoingthrough thewoodsthistime,astherainhadmadethepathslippery.EventuallywereachedMirabelle's andmadeourwaytoherbigbluedoor.Stevenknockedandwasrewardedamomentlater whenthedooropened."StevenandM.J.,"shesaidwithsurprise. "Hello,Mirabelle,"hesaid."Canwecomein?It'simportant." "Ofcourse,"shesaid,openingthedoorwider. WeshuffledoutofourwetslickersandwetshoesandIgaveashudder,damptothebone. "Oh,youpoorthing,"shesaidtome."Here,youcomeoverhereandsitbythefire.Ijustgotit goingafewminutesbeforeyouarrived,butitshouldhelpwarmyourbones." "Thanks,"IsaidasIfollowedherintothecozylivingroom."Wewouldhavecomebycar,but wecouldn'tfindtheturnoffforyourlittleroadoutthere." Mirabellesmiledasshetookaseatonthecouch,andStevensatnexttoher."That'sbecause it'shidden.It'saboutaquartermileawayfromyourdriveway.Butyoucan'tseeitbecauseit dipsdownfromtheroad,thentakesasharpleft.Itblendsintothewoodssoeasilythatnot manypeoplecanfindit."

 "I'mafraidwehavesomesadnews,"Stevensaid,gettingtothepoint.Hethenexplainedwhat hadhappenedtoWillis.Mirabelle'seyesmistedover,andshereachedouttosqueezeSteven's hand."Ididn'tknowhimwell,"shesaid."ButwhatIknewofhimwasthathewasalovely man." StevenwentonthentotellheraboutthedeedthatRogerhadtriedtoselltoStevenSenior thatguaranteedhertherighttothepropertyforaslongasshelived. "Thatratbastard,"Mirabellesaid,herfacepinchedwithfury."ThenexttimeIseethat weasellysonofagunI'mgoingtokickhimstraightinhisgonads." Stevengavethesmallestofsmiles."DoyoumeanRoger,ormyfather?" "Littleofboth,"shesaid,gettinguptopokeangrilyatthefire. "Wehavethedeed,"IofferedasIreachedintomyjeanjacketandpulleditout."We'rewilling togetitrecordedforyou,ifyoulike." MirabelleheldoutherhandandIgaveherthepaper.Shestudieditforamoment,tracingher fingersalongAndrew'ssignatureatthebottom,andsaid,Thankyou,butthisismy responsibility.Thecountyclerk'sshouldbeopenforanotherhour.WouldyoutwomindifI wentrightovertheretotakecareofthis?"

 "Ofcoursenot,"Stevensaid,gettingup."Butthere'sonemorethingyoushouldknow,"he said."Ithinkyoushouldbeverycarefularoundhere." "Careful?"Mirabelleasked,givingStevenaquizzicallook. "We'velearnedthatmyfatherhasafinancialinterestinthisproperty.Ifsomethingshould happentoeitheroneorbothofus,hewillbenefit.AndwithWillisnowdead,andhisparcelof landgoingbacktotheestate,itwouldbeagoodideatowatchbehindyou." Mirabelle'smouthopenedafraction,thenclosedwithdetermination."Don'tyouworryabout me,Steven.Icansmellaratbastardamileaway,andI'maverygoodshot,justsoyouknow." Mirabelleofferedtodriveusbacktothelodge,butInoticedshesneakedaglanceatherwatch assheasked."That'sokay,Mirabelle.Youneedtogetthatdeedrecorded,andit'sgettinglate. We'vegotslickers;we'llbefine." "Thanksforunderstanding,"shesaidaswehurriedtothedoor. Justthensomethingstruckme,andIturnedbacktohertoask,"Onelastthing,though.Doyou rememberhearinganyrumorsofAndrewhavinganaffairwithsomeoneotherthanyour mother?"

Mirabellegavemeanoddlook,thensaid,"Yes.Andtrustme,thatisastory.Idon'thavetime totellyouaboutitnow,buthowaboutafterIgetthisrecordedIstopbyandgiveyouthe downanddirty?" "Awesome,"Isaid."But,justoutofcuriosity,didthewoman'snamebeginwithanM?" Iwasrewardedwithabrightsmile."Yes,itdid.Isthatintuitionofyoursonoverdrive?" Ilaughed."I'dlovetotakecreditforit,butwefoundsomeloveletterstoAndrewbackatthe house,andIjusthadthisfeelingthattheyweren'tfromyourmother." Mirabelleglancedagainatherwatchaswereachedherdriveway."I'dlovetotakealookat themwhenIgetback.I'llbeasquickasIcan,"shecalledasshejoggedtohercar. StevenandItrudgedbackupthehill,gratefulatleastthatthewindseemedtobelettingup. Aboutmidwaytothelodgemycellphonechirped,andIpulleditoutofmybackpocket. NotingthatthecallerIDsaidGILLEY,Iquicklyansweredthecall."Hey,buddy,"Isaid."What's theword?" "Ihavesomuchtotellyou!"hebegan."First,thepolicereportonthebreakinatSteven'sis veryodd.Untilthegooddoctorreturns,theycan'tdeterminewhetheranythingwasstolen, butthedigitalpicturestakenatthescenearesoweird." "Whyaretheyweird?"

 "Thebathroomwasransacked.Thepolicethinkthatthethiefwaslookingfordrugs,butIdon't thinkthat'sit.AndI'lltellyouwhyinaminute." "I'mlistening,"Isaid,duckinglowunderabranch. "AfterIcheckedoutthepolicereportImovedontodoalittlemoreresearchonthat pharmaceuticalcompanyandcameacrosssomethingveryinteresting." "Dotell." "Thereisarecentlypublishedwhitepaperfromoneofthestaffmembersatthecompanythat reportsthatsomeoftheirstemcellresearchindicatesthatoneofthedrugsusedtotreatmice inthelaboratoryactuallyaffectedtheirDNA." TherewasapauseonmyendasIdigestedthatandtriedtofindtherelevance."Idon'tgetthe connection,"Ifinallysaid. "Isn'titobvious?"Gilleyasked."IfyouwereStevenSenior,andyouknewthattheonewayto convinceacourtoflawthatyouwerenotthefatherofanillegitimatesonwastosubmita DNAsamplewhichwasguaranteednottomatchsaidson"Gilley'svoicetrailedoffwithhis implication.

"Oh.My.God,"Isaid,finallyunderstandinghowSeniorplannedongettingaroundapossible matchinDNAtoSteven."That'swhySteven'sbathroomwastheonlyroomransacked!The thiefwasafterhisDNAsothatSableSeniorcouldtestitagainsthisfirsttomakesureitdidn't match,andifitdid,thenhe'dtakethedrugandalteritsothatitwouldn't!" "Bingo.Hecouldthensuccessfullychallengethewillandlayclaimtotheproperty.Theonly otherflyinhisointmentwouldbethatdeed,M.J.Youtwohavegottogetthatthingrecorded beforeit'stoolate!" "Mirabelle'sonherwaytogetitrecordedrightnow,"Isaid. "Good.Inthemeantime,youtwobeverycareful." "Planningonit,"Isaid."Greatwork,Gil,andwe'llseeyousoon." Stevenwaitedformetotuckmycellbackintomypocketbeforecomingupbesideme."Was thatGilley?" "Yeah,"Isaid."I'llexplaineverythingwhenwegetoutofthisrain." Awhilelaterwebrokethroughthewoodsandhurriedtothekitchendoor,butitwaslocked. "Damn,"Stevensaidashetriedthehandle."Imusthavelockeditwhenwecameouttogoto Mirabelle's.Comeon;Ihavethekeytothefrontdoor."

 Wecircledourwayaroundtothefrontandcameupshort.There,parkedinthedrivewaywith itswindshieldwipersgoing,wasasilverRollsRoyce,andnexttothatwasthatgraysedanI'd seenallovertown."Noway,"Stevensaidashewalkedwithpurposetothefrontdoor. Unlockingit,hepushedthedooropenandsaid,"Goinside.Thiswon'ttakelong." IfIhadn'tbeenshiveringsohardthatmyteethwerechatteringIwouldhavestayedand watchedthefireworks,butthecoldwonoutandImovedinside.Takingoffmyrainslicker,I movedintothekitchentoheatsomewaterandmaketeawhenIstoppedcold.Thereatthe counterwasMaria,andinfrontofherweretheloveletterstoAndrew. Mybreathcaughtinmythroataseverythingclickedintoplace,and,likeamovie,Isawitall unfoldinmyhead.Shemusthaveheardmebehindher,becausesheturnedherheadandher tearstainedcheeksconfirmedeverythingIbelieved."Itwasyou,"Isaidtoher."Youpushed Andrewoffthatroof." Shegaspedandshookherheadvehementlybackandforth."No!No,Iwouldneverdothat!" shesaid,thenburiedherfaceinherhands.Iknewshewastellingthetruth,andasIstood therethemovieinmyheadchangedandIfeltaknowingconfirmationthatIwasabsolutely rightontargetthistime. "Itwasyoursuicidenote,notAndrew's,"Isaid. Mariasobbedbutnoddedherhead. "Youweregoingtokillyourselfbydivingofftheroof,butAndrewfoundyouandtriedtosave you,andheslipped."

 Again,avigorousnodyes. "AndyouweretheonewhopushedMaureendownthestairs." Mariastoppedsobbingabruptlyandlookedupatme,hereyeslargeandfrightened."Yes,"she saidatlast."Itwasme.IlovedhimfromthemomentIbeganworkingforhim.Allthoseyears ofcaringforhimlikehewasmyhusband.ShedidnotlovehimlikeIdid,butalways,he wantedher.Thenightoftheballshewassofullofherself,sosurethatsheandAndrewwere goingtobetogether.Iwasyoungandfoolish,andwhenshesnipedatmetokeepawayfrom him,Ireacted,butInevermeantforhertodie!"shesaid,hereyespleadingwithmetobelieve her."Iwasangry,andIwantedtoteachheralesson,butInevermeanttodoanyrealharm." "DidAndrewknow?" Mariahungherhead."Yes,heknew.Themomenthesawheratthebottomofthestairshe knewI'ddoneit.Ihadatemper,yousee.Heneversaidasmuch,though,atleast,notuntil rightbeforehedied,soIfooledmyselfintobelievingthathedidn'tsuspectme.Butthen,a fewweeksbeforehisdeathhecalledmeintohisstudy,andhetoldmethewayofit.Hesaid thathewouldmakesurethatWilliswastakencareof,andMirabella,butformysinIcould neverberewardedforwhatI'ddone.Hesaidthathewouldmakegoodontheretirement accounthe'dsetupforme,butthatwhenhediedIwouldneverbeapartofthishouse.He washoldingmeaccountable." "Andyoucouldn'tlivewiththeguiltofknowingthatheunderstoodwhathadreallyhappened onthatstaircase."

 "Icouldn'tbearit.Thatmorningheorderedhisoatmealandbegantospeakofhiringsomeone elsetocareforhim.Hewasevenkindaboutit.HesaidthatIhadworkedforhimlongenough, andthatperhapssomeoneyoungershouldcomeintotakemyplace." "Thatwasthelaststraw,then,"Isaid."Andyouheadedtotheroof." "Yes,"shesaid,hervoiceawhisper. ThinkingofsomethingelseIsaid,"Themorningwefoundyouhere.Youwerelookingforyour oldloveletters,weren'tyou?" Maria'seyesbecamelargeagain."Yes.ButyouthreearrivedbeforeIcouldgetthemonthe thirdfloor.Ifiguredtheyweresafeupthere,butyoumanagedtofindthem." "That'swhyMaureenpushedGilley.Shewasconfused,andshethoughtitwasyou!"Isaid. "Yourfriendwaspusheddownthestairs?"Mariasaid,worryinhervoice. "Yes,butluckilyhe'sallright.YouwerepushedthattimewhenStevenfirstcamehere,weren't you,Maria?TheghostofMaureenshovedyoudownthestairs."

 Shenodded."Yes,thattimeandtwoothers,butbythenIhadlearnedtoholdtighttothe banister.Ialwaysknewitwasher,comingbacktoclaimherrevenge." "I'mamazedyoucontinuedtoworkhere,"Isaid. "Iunderstoodherneedtohurtme.Ideservedit,afterall,andIwantedtobenearmyAndrew. Iwascareful." "Soyoucamebacktodaytoretrievetheletters,"Isaid,puttingallthepiecestogether. "Yes.IspottedyouandStevengoingintothewoods.Iwantedtogetthelettersbeforeyou twogotback." "Andisthatyourgraysedanoutfront?Theonethat'sbeenflankingus?" "No,"Mariasaidwithapuzzledlookonherface."MycarisatWillis's.Ibroughthimsome food,buthemustbeout,becausewhenIknockedhedidn'tanswer." Iwinced.IconsideredtellingheraboutWillis,butdecidedtowaitandseeifIcouldgetalittle moreinfooutofherfirst.

 "Wasityouinthewoodsthatnight,Maria?Andinthetunnel?"Iaskedcarefully. Maria'sexpressionseemedtogoblank."Thewoods?Atunnel?Whatareyoutalkingabout?" Atthatmomentangryvoiceseruptedfromthefronthallway,andIrealizedthatStevensJunior andSeniorhadjustburstintothehouse.MariaandIleftourconversationandhurriedtothe frontfoyer.StevenJuniorwasyellingsomethingathisfather,andhewassoangrythatthe sentencesheldbothSpanishandGermanwords.Hisfathersimplylookedathimwithasneer onhisface,anditwasthenthatIcaughtthetwoinprofileandrealizedsomethingwithajolt: Thefamilyresemblancewasunmistakable.Bothhadidenticalears,matchingjawlines,andthe samesmallbumpontheridgeofthenose.Eventheirhairlinesweresimilarfromtheside. "Iwillaskyouonlyonemoretime,"SeniorsaidwithmenacewhenJuniorhadfinished."Where isthedeed?" "Getoutofmyhouse!"Stevenroared.Seniordidn'tbudge,buttherewasmovementtohis side,andthatwaswhenIsawanothermanpartiallyhiddenbesideSeniorandfeltgoose bumpslinemyarms. "It'snotyourhouse!"Seniorroaredback."ItbelongstotheSablebloodline,ofwhichyouare notapart." "Proveit,"Stevensneered."Comeon,oldman.OffermesomeDNAtogiveasleeptothis matter."

 "Oh,Iplanonit,"Seniorsnarledback."Inthenextfewweeks,youlittleArgentineanbastard, expecttobeserved!" ThemantoSenior'ssidebentdowntotiehisshoe,andsuddenlysomethingclickedinmy head."You!"IsaidasIpointedtohim. SeniorandJuniorstoppedyellingateachotherlongenoughtolookinmydirection.Theman bySenior'ssidelookedupatme,andIknewIwasn'twrong.I'dneverhadacloselookathim, buttherewassomethingfamiliarabouthismovementsandbuild."Youweretheonewho followedusuphere,"Ibegan,myvoiceangryasIwalkedovertoSteven,myfingerstill pointingintheman'sdirection. "Whothehellareyou?"Senioraskedme. "Nevermindthat,"Ispitathim."Yourgoonwastheonewhofollowedusthatnightintothe woods.Hewastheonewhowasinthetunnelandtheonewhotriedtokillusand,ifI'mnot mistaken,alsotheonewhobrokeintoyourhouse,Steven!" SableSeniorrolledhiseyesandcrossedhisarms."Greattheatrics,sweetheart.Nowwhydon't youletthemenheredealwithbusinessandyourunalongsomewhereelse." "Donotspeaktoherlikethat!"Juniorroared.

"I'veseenhimbefore,"Mariasaid,sidlingupfromthecorridorleadingtothekitchen."You werethatsurveyorthatAndrewhiredlastyeartoparceloffWillis'shouse." IlookedfromMariabacktothemanstandingnexttoSableSenior."That'showyouknew aboutthesecretdoor!Youdidtrytoblowusupinthetunnel!" Themanseemedtoshrinkbackslightlyattheaccusation.Seniorturnedtohimandsaid,"Bill? Whatthehellaretheytalkingabout?" ThemannamedBillsmiledcrookedlyatSeniorbeforehesaid,"Justdoingmyjob,sir." "Soyouhiredhim?"Stevenaskedhisfather."Youbastard!" SableSeniorseemedtowaffleforamomentashethoughtthroughwhatBillhadjustrevealed. "Holdonthere,"hesaid,puttinguphishands."Inevertoldyoutoblowanyoneup!" "Sometimesthingsgetmessy,"Billsneered,andIcouldfeelthemaliceoozingfromhim. "Sometimestheygetextramessy,andyouhavetotakecareofthingsyourownway. Sometimeslikenow,thatis."Andwiththathereachedintohiscoatpocketandpulledouta gun,pointingitatus. "Putthatthingaway!"Seniorsaid.Billpointedthegunathim,andthatshuthimup.Ihearda yelpfrombehindmeandlookeduptoseeMariafleeingintothekitchen.

 "Hey!"Billyelled,turningtoaimthegunather.Thinkingfast,Ipickedupasmallbronzestatue fromatabletomyrightandchuckeditathim.Ithithimsquareinthekneecap,andhebuckled andsprawledonthefloor. Stevenpulledmedownlowandhauledmequicklyaroundacorner.Aswescannedthearea, tryingtofindthesafestpossibleplace,IcouldhearBillswearingabouthisknee,whileSable SeniorscreamedatBillthathewasfired.Suddenly,therewasanexplosion,thenaloudthump thatsoundedanawfullotlikeabodyhittingthemarblefloor. Stevenranhunchedovertotheleft,holdingtighttomyshirtasheguidedmealongthemaze ofroomsthatmadeupthegroundfloor.Weduckedbehindacouchinthesittingroom,my heartpoundinginmychest.IlookedbehindusandthroughthewindowsawMariahurrying acrossthelawnovertothepathinthewoods.Iprayedthatshe'dbeabletoreachhelpin time. Footfallsechoedfromthehallwayoffthesittingroomwherewewerehidden,growingcloser, bythesound.IfeltStevensqueezemetightlyasthefootstepsstoppedjustoutsidetheroom. "I'mgoingtofindyou,yaknow,"Billsaid,soundingdecidedlyunhinged."Can'tleaveany witnessesbehind."Iwantedtoremindhimthatonewitnesshadalreadyescaped,butgiven thefactthatheheldagunandIheldnothing,IthoughtI'dbetterpickmybattles. Afterabitweheardthefootstepsfadeagain,andStevenwhispered,"Comewithme." Crouchinglow,wehurriedasquietlyaspossibleoutofthesittingroomandintothehallway.I heldmybreathaswesawBill'sbackwhenheturnedleftandwentintothestudy.Steven motionedmeforwardfranticallyandwedartedintothekitchen.Ifollowedhimaroundtothe island,andweduckeddownlowaswelistenedagainforthefootfalls.Theysoundedvery faintlyfromtheothersideofthehouse."WhenIgivethesignal,"Stevensaid,"werunoutthe backdoor.YoumustgettothewoodsandtakethepathtoMirabelle's."

 "Whereareyougoing?" "I'mgoingtogetBill'sattentionandleadhimawayfromyou.I'lltaketheotherforkandhead forWillis's.Thatshouldgiveyouenoughtimetogettosafetyandcallforhelp." "But"Iprotested. "No,"Stevensaidadamantly."DoasIsay,M.J.GotoMirabelle'sandwaitformethere." IwaveredasIlookedathim.Ithoughttheplanwasdumb.Webothneededtoheadto Mirabelle's.Shehadagunthere,andIwasfairlycertainitpackedabiggerpunchthanthat handgunBillheld.Steven'seyes,however,heldasternlook,andIfinallynodded."Fine,"I mumbled."Onyoursignalthen"andasifoncueweheardagreatgroaningandcreaking noisejusttoourleft. "Aw,crap!Thedamnelevator'swakingup!"IhissedasBill'sfootstepspoundedthroughthe house,headingrighttowardus.Stevenscrambleduptoabentoverpositionandgrabbedmy shirtashetookmewithhim.Wecouldseetheelevatordoorsbegintoopenfivefeettoour left,andthedoortotheoutsideseemedmuchfartheraway.Billwascomingtooquicklyforus tomakeit,Irealizedwithasinkingsensation,andStevenmusthavefeltthattooas,witha grunt,hepushedmeforward,awayfromthebackdoor,andhalfthrew,halfhelpedme throughtheopeningoftheelevator.Hejoinedmeasplitsecondlater,crashingagainstthe sideoftheboxcar.

"Hitthebutton!"heshouted,andIreachedfortheCLOSEDOORbutton.Tomyrelief,the doorsstoppedseparatingandbegantoclose.Justthenapowerfulsoundlikeafirecracker filledmyears,andsomethinghotwhizzedpastmejusttomyside."Down!"Stevensaidashe crouchedlow. Iducked,butanothergunshotechoedallaroundusasIsawSteven'shandsnapbackandhe crumpledtothefloor.Islammedmyhandonthebuttonpaneloftheboxcar,andthedoors finallyclosed.Anotherslamonabuttonandtheoldelevatorgaveajoltupwardandwebegan tomove.Therewasanotherexplosion,followedquicklybyadentinthedoor,and immediatelyafteragreathowlofpainfromoutside. Stevenheldhishandasitoozedafountainofred."Ohmigod!"IsaidasIsatnexttohim. "You'vebeenhit!" Steven'sbreathingwaslaboredandhisfacewascontortedinpain."Ineedtostopthe bleeding,"hesaid."M.J.,takeoffmyshirtandseeifyoucanripastripfromit." IlookedathiswhitefaceandthoughttherewasnowayIwasgoingtotrytolifthisshirtoff andriskhurtinghishandevenmore.Ireachedundermysweaterandtuggedmytanktopup. Wriggling,Igotitovermyhead,andquicklyputmyarmsbackthroughthesleevesofmy sweater. Ipulledhardatthetanktop'sseamsanditsplitopen.UsingmyteethIrippedagainandhada goodlongstrip."Whatfloordidyoupress?"Stevenaskedthroughgrittedteeth. "Thethird.Westillhavealittlewaytogo,"Isaid,lookingupasthedialonthetopofthe boxcarindicatedwewerejustapproachingthesecondfloor."ThankGodthisthingtakes

forever,"IaddedasIwaddeduptherestoftheshirtandgentlytookSteven'shandawayfrom coveringhisotherone.Hehissedthroughhisteeth,andwhatwasrevealedmademewoozy, butIswallowedhardandplacedtheshirtoverthegapingholeinthetopofhishand,wrapping ittightlywiththestripI'dtornoff. "He'llbewaitingforus,"StevensaidasIworked,hisfacechalkyandhisbrowsweaty. "I'mnotsureaboutthat,"Isaid,tyingthestrip.Thatboydoesn'tseemtobeverybright.That lastbulletricocheted.Hemaybedownforthecount." "Iwilldistracthim,"Stevensaid."WhenIdo,yourunlikehellandgetaway." "Don'tbeanidiot,"IsaidasIsatbackandlistenedtothewheelsandgearsgroan."Firsthehas tofindwherethisthingletsout.Rememberthehardtimewehad?" "DoasIsay,"Stevensaidtomeashepulledhishandclosetohischest. "Orwhat?"IaskedasIstoodupandhelpedhimtohisfeet."You'llboxmeforit?" Justthenweheardthegearsslowdown,andwithajoltofpanicIsawthedialatthetopcreep uptothenumberthree."It'sgotime,"IsaidasImovedStevenandmeovertothesideofthe boxcar,whichwouldofferusonlythebriefestprotectionasthedoorsopened.Thedialand theboxcarstoppedatthesametime,butthedoorsdidnotopen.Asuddenchillfilledthe elevator.

 "Andrew,"IwhisperedasIfeltaknockonmyenergy. Willissaidtohelpyou,hesaidinmymind. "Whereisthemanwiththegun?"Isaidaloud."Canyouseehim,Andrew?Canyouseethe intruderwiththegun?" Ifelthimnod.He'scomingupthestairs,hesaid. Stevensaggedbesideme,andIknewthatwehadverylittletimebeforehelostconsciousness. InmymindIcalledouttoAndrew,Please!FindMaureenforme,Andrew!Bringherherenow! InstantlyIfeltMaureen'spresenceentertheboxcar.Icalledouttobothofthemwithaplea, hopingagainsthopethattheywouldassistme."Maureen,"Isaidaloud."There'ssomeoneon thestaircasewhowantstohurtyourdaughter."Thefactthathewantedtohurtusfirstwasa smallstickingpointatthismoment."Heneedstobestopped,Maureen,orhe'llhurtMirabelle. Canyoustophim?Canyougotothestaircaseandstophimfromreachingthetop?" Theenergyaroundmeseemedtoswirlforamoment,andIcouldfeelAndrewandMaureen havingaheateddiscussion.Iknewthiswasnotthebestwaytousemymediumskills,but figuredI'ddealwiththatkarmiclessonlater.IcouldfeelMaureen'senergyshiftangrilyasshe talkedwithAndrew,andasecondlatershelefttheboxcar,thoughAndrew'senergyremained. Aswewaitedandmyheartbeatfranticallyagainstmychest,wesuddenlyheardashriek, followedbyanothergunshot.

 Myfirstreactionwastoduck,eventhoughweweretuckedawayintheelevator.Steven's breathingquickened,andIknewhewasfadingintoshock.Thenweheardanoddlyfamiliar sound.Itwasthetumblingofabodydownthestaircaseandendedwithathudthatshookthe house.JustthenIheardAndrewsay,You'resafenow,andWillissaysIneedtogowithhim. Takecareofthem,won'tyou?Andwiththat,hisenergylefttheboxcarandthedoorsofthe elevatoropenedup. IhelpedSteventothebedandlaidhimdown.WithashakinghandIreachedforthephone, butinthedistanceIheardthesoundofapproachingsirens,soIpulledmyhandback.Help wouldbehereinafewmoments,andasIsatonthebedwithStevenandwatchedthetank toparoundhishandturncrimson,Icouldonlypraythatitgothereintime. Chapter14 IstayedwithStevenuntilthepoliceandambulancearrived.TheyfoundtheseniorSableinthe frontfoyer,anastybulletwoundtotheshoulderandaverylargebumponhishead,but otherwisenoworseforthewear. Billwassprawledatthebottomofthestaircase,stillalive,withabulletinhisthighfromthe ricochetofftheelevatorandabrokenbackthatlefthimparalyzedfromthehipsdown.The policesaidthatwhentheyfoundhim,theycouldhavesworntheysawaclusteroffunny lookinglightshoveringoverhimlikeaswarmofbees. Stevenwasrushedtotheemergencyroomandtreatedforshockandbloodloss.Theyflewina colleagueofhis,oneofthebesthandsurgeonsintheworld.Thedoctorattemptedtorepair Steven'shand,butwelearnedlaterthattherewasjusttoomuchdamagedone.Hewould mostlikelyneverholdascalpelagain.

 GilleyandIreturnedtoBoston,andGilrecoveredinnotimefromhisbrokentailbone.Of course,BradleycompletelyundauntedbyGilley'sfiredrillhadalottodowiththetender lovingcareGilreceivedintheweeksthatfollowed. Wealsofoundanunexpectedsurgeinbusinessfollowingourreturn.Manyofourclientswere personallyreferredbyacertaindoctorwithafunnytakeonEnglish,andIwasbusybusting housesinthesomeofthewealthiersuburbsofBoston. AndeventhoughIwascontentwithwork,andGilwasonthemend,IfoundthatwhenIwas leftalonewithmythoughts,theyoftendriftedtoSteven.Ihadn'theardfromhimsinceGiland Ihadvisitedwithhimbrieflyatthehospital,andIsuspectedheneededtogothroughaperiod wherehecouldbelefttodealwiththefactthathewouldneveroperateagain.Icouldn't imaginehowthatmustfeel,andapartofmereallywantedtolendhimsomesupport,but anothersidefeltthatheneededtoprocessitonhisownfornow. IwasrationalizingthistoTeekooneafternoonatMamaDell'saboutsixweeksafterweclosed theSablecase."SoIthinkit'simportanttowaitbeforeIcallhim.Imean,he'sprobablynot evenintown.I'llbethe'sgonebacktoGermany,even." Teeko'sfaceneverregisteredanythingotherthanapatientsmileasIrambledon."Uhhuh," shesaidasshesippedhercoffee. "Yeah,sothefactthatI'mstillthinkingabouthimandwonderinghowhe'sdoingisawasteof time.Ineedtofreakingmoveonalready."

"Sowhat'sstoppingyou?"sheaskeddemurely. Ipausedandstaredintomyowncoffeeforaminute."Inasmall,completelyinsignificantway, IthinkImightmisshim." "Insignificant,yousay?" Ileveledalookather."Whatever.Thepointismoot,becauseSteven'soutofthecountry." "Really?WhatcountrymightIbein?"Iheardabaritonevoicethickwithanaccentsayfrom behindme. Ifeltmyjawdrop,andthesmirkonTeeko'sfaceopenedintoabig,fatgrinasshesaid,"Dr. Sable,sonicetoseeyouagain.M.J.wasjusttellingmehowmuchshemissesyou.Won'tyou haveaseat?" "Thankyou,Karen,"Stevensaidashesatdownnexttomeandedgedhischairveryclose. Ifeltmycheeksgrowhot,andImadesuretoglareatTeekobeforeswivelingaroundto Steven."Hey,"Isaid.

"Oh,mygoodness!"Teekocriedasshelookedatherwatchlesswrist."IhaveanappointmentI havetogetto.Wouldyoutwopleaseexcuseme?"Andwiththatshegatheredupherthings andhurriedawayfromthetable. "Isthistrue?"Stevensaidwhenshe'dgone. "What?"Iasked. "Thatyouaremissingme?" Iforcedalaughandhurriedtoexplain."Oh,that!No,I'mafraidwhatKarenmeantbythatwas thatImissedyouafteryouleftthehospital.Icalled,butyouhadalreadybeenreleased." "Isee,"hesaid,thesmileonhisfacetellingmethathewasn'tbuyingitforaminute. Ifiddledwithmyswizzlestickandtriedthinkofawaytochangethetopicquickly.Inoticedhis handwasstillwrappedinahugebandageandmyheartwentouttohim."How'sitdoing?"I asked,pointingtoit. Stevenglanceddown."Itwillheal,andwithsomephysicaltherapyI'llmanagequitewell."

"Doyouthinkthere'sachanceyou'llbeabletooperateagain?" Steven'seyesheldminequietlyforalongmoment,andIcouldseethathe'dcometoterms withhisreality."No,"hesaid."ButIhavebeenofferedtheopportunitystayonasalecturerat theuniversity,soallisnotlost." "That'sfantastic!"Isaidbrightly,thenclearedmythroatandaddedinamoresubduedtone, "Soyou'llbestayinghere,then?" "Yes.IthinkIwillstayintheUnitedStatesforatime.ThereareotherthingsIwanttodo. Whichbringsmetothis,"hesaid,andreacheddowntoliftalargeshoppingbagontothe tabletop. "What'sthat?" "Agift,"hesaid,andpushedthebagtowardme. Ismiledandpeekedovertherim.Therewasaboxwrappedinpinkpaperandacolorfulbow. "Forme?" "Yes.Openit,"heencouraged.

Insidetheboxwasabrandnewnightvisioncamera."Oh,wow!"Isaid,asIturnedthecamera over."It'ssolight,"Isaid. "Stateoftheartiststuff,"hesaidtome."IgaveGilleythesamemodelafewminutesago." "YouwenttoseeGil?"Iasked. "No.Iwenttoseeyou,butGilleywasthere,soIgavehimhisgiftandhesaidyouwerehere." "Ah,"Isaid,andbusiedmyselfbyputtingthecameraaway."Thisisreallykindofyou.We're verygrateful." "TheleastIcoulddoafteryouroldcamerawentforaswim."Inodded,andhecontinued."So, therealreasonI'mhereisthatIhavemadesomedecisions,andIwantedtotalktoyouabout them." "Shoot,"Isaid,thenglancedathishandandinstantlyregrettedit. Stevenchuckled."First,IhavemovedMariaintoWillis'scabin.Ilearnedthatsheandhersister weren'tgettingalongaswellasshefirstsuggested,andIthinkshehassufferedenoughforher sins,don'tyou?"

Ismiledathim."Ithinkthat'sagreatidea." "Next,IneedyoutocomebackwithmetoUphamshire.Irememberthatyoutoldmemy grandfatherhadgonewithWillis,thathehadcrossedover,butweneedtotakecareof Maureenaswell." Mysmilewidened."GilandIalreadytookcareofthatwhileyouwererecoveringaftersurgery. Actually,weevengotMirabelleinvolved.Maureenwasfarmorewillingtolistentomewith Mirabelleonhand,andshewenttotheothersidewithouttoomuchtrouble." Stevenlookedslightlydisappointed."Isee,"hesaid,andsatbackinhischair."Well,thenthat leavesonlyonemorethingtodiscuss." "Whichis?" "Iwanttoofferyoufunding." Icockedmyhead."Whatdoyoumean,funding?" "Iwanttoinvestinyourbusiness.Ihaveseenyourworkandbelievethatyouofferagreat service,butthatwiththerightequipment,likethepropermonitorsandcamerasand measuringequipment,youandGilleywon'thavetostrugglesomuchtocloseyourcases."

 "That'sawfullygenerousofyou,"Isaidincredulously,thinkingthatGilleywouldfoamatthe mouthifheheardStevenmakethisoffer."Butwhatwouldyouwantinreturn?" Stevensatbackinhischairashisfingerswirledsmallcirclesonthetabletop.Hetooka momentbeforeanswering,andfinallysaid,"Iwouldwanttojoinyourteam." "Asourfinancialbacker?" "No.Iwouldwanttojoinyouonthehunt." Igrinnedathim.WashereallyaskingmewhatIthoughthewas?"Youwanttobea ghostbuster,"Isaid,morestatementthanfact. "Yes,"Stevensaid."Whenwewereonourbustatthelodge,Ifelt...howdoyousaylike withenergyandadrenaline?" Igiggled."Youfeltjazzed,andyes,Iknowwhatyoumean." "Sowhatdoyouthink?"heaskedme.

IlookedathimforanotherlongmomentasIweigheditout.InmyheartIalreadyknewthe answer,butIwantedtogoaboutthisrationally.FinallyIleanedinandsaid,"Fine.You'rein. Butherearethegroundrules." AbouttheAuthor ReallifeprofessionalpsychicVictoriaLauriedrawsfromhercareerasagiftedclairvoyantand policepsychictocreatethecharacterofAbigailCooper. ShelivesinArlington,MAwithhertwospoiledDachshunds,LillyandToby.Forinformation aboutupcomingnovelsandappointmentsforreadings,visitheratherwebsite.