Merry, Merry Ghost

calling and I don’t know what to say.” She swung around and ran from the room.

“Mother, wait.” Peg moved toward the hall.

Keith gave a little cry. He hunkered on the ground, arms wrapped around his knees, chin lowered. His thin face was frightened.

Peg turned. “Oh, Keith, honey.” She moved swiftly to drop down beside him, take him in her arms. “It’s all right.” She swallowed, said thinly as he clung to her, “That isn’t true. Nothing is right.” She put a hand beneath his chin, tipped his face up. “We’ve lost someone we loved a lot. You know how that feels.” Her voice was gentle. “But right now you and I aren’t going to be sad. We’re going to be glad that we have a beautiful day and Santa Claus is putting toys on the list for you right this minute and we can go to the park and climb up into the big treehouse and have fun. Then we’re going to Lulu’s for the best hamburger in the world.” She pulled him to his feet. “Let’s see who can put on their coat the fastest.”

Keith jumped to his feet, eyes beginning to sparkle.

I blew him a kiss.

He stopped and looked at me. “Can Jerrie come?”

Peg didn’t even pause. She made a welcoming gesture. “Join the party, Jerrie. We’re on our way. Come out and play.”

Why not?

I was on my way out when I paused in the entry hall. Jake clutched the phone, and if ever a woman’s face looked craven, it was hers. “I don’t know why the Gazette would be interested in the visit by the police here Saturday night. It was all about my car being stolen. Now that seems so unimportant. We’ve had a death in the family and even though Mrs. Flynn’s death has long been expected—she had congestive heart failure—it is still such a sadness for us. The police have been so helpful. They found the car and no harm done. We aren’t at all concerned with the theft now…Yes, I’m glad to help you…”

As Jake hung up, she looked both guilty and pleased. With the help of her good friend the mayor, Jake Flynn had kept the matter of a murder investigation very quiet. Until and unless Chief Cobb released information, the police arrival at Pritchard House Saturday night was now explained away.

I looked at her with some respect. Jake Flynn was more resourceful than I would have expected.

However, she was seriously underestimating Chief Cobb.

And me, though of course she had no idea I was on the case.

Instead of joining Peg and Keith in her car, I swooped in a leisurely fashion toward the park. Though only Heaven is truly carefree, I felt buoyant and relaxed. My elevated elation was not simply because I was skimming through the crisp air above holiday-bedecked Adelaide, suitably attired in an elegant jade wool pantsuit, the jacket cut in scallop fashion, a white cashmere coat, and white leather boots. Only rock stars take farewell tours, but this was my ghostly—forgive me, Wiggins—version. Everything was turning up roses. Chief Cobb was looking for Susan’s murderer. At two o’clock I would attend the gathering at Wade Farrell’s office and Keith would be named the rightful heir.

Until then, I could enjoy dear Adelaide and the holiday season.

Christmas lights gleamed on streetlamps. I took a moment to drop by the rectory of St. Mildred’s, hoping for a glimpse of the rector’s wife. Kathleen Abbott was my grandniece, and her daughter Bayroo was named after me and a bright redhead, too. My first assignment with the Department of Good Intentions had been to assist Kathleen. I was in luck. Kathleen and Bayroo were wrapping presents on the dining room table, both smiling and happy. I was careful to stay behind Bayroo because, like Keith, she would immediately see me. I blew them kisses and whirled away.

In a strip shopping center, a young couple looked at engagement rings in a jewelry store window.

Rings. I was thoughtful. I hadn’t noticed an engagement ring on Peg’s finger even though Susan had considered backing Dave Lewis, thinking in terms of Peg marrying Dave.

The two supermarkets were thronged, frozen turkeys jouncing in baskets laden with produce and cans. In the crowded parking lot of Walgreen’s, one fender bender was amicably resolved, another not. I skimmed above the crowds here and there. I loved the frazzled look of fatigue as well as the glimpses of joy and pleasure in the faces below. What would Christmas be without the overwhelming sense of so much to do for so many in so little time?

Autumn Heights Park was festive with tinsel-draped trees. Light strands outlined the fishing pier. A fitful breeze slapped water against the pilings. A dozen or so children braved the chilly playground, enjoying the jungle gym, swings, teeter-totters, merry-go-round, and, piece de resistance, a treehouse with slides from several levels.

Keith headed straight for the treehouse. He swung onto the ladder and climbed, hand over hand, intent on reaching the top.

Peg moved to one side where she could watch him. Keith reached the top, edged toward the slide, looked cautiously around, then seated himself and, with a jerk, started down. He landed at the bottom, shrieking with laughter, and immediately ran back to the ladder.

As he climbed, Peg reached into her purse and pulled out her cell phone. Her hands were bare. She wore no engagement ring. She held the cell phone, her hazel eyes troubled. She was much too young for the trouble that pulled her round, kind face into a worried frown. The breeze stirred her brown curls.

“Look at me!” Keith waved his arms.

Peg waved in return. Her smile was quick. “I see you, Keith.”

I stood near the bottom of the slide.

Once again, he carefully positioned himself and down he came. He tumbled over as he landed but rolled to his feet, panting with excitement. “Did you see me, Jerrie?”

I clapped.

Keith sped toward the ladder, cheeks flaming, thin legs pumping. He climbed quickly and once again zoomed down the slide.