Laverne ignored the question as her gaze swung back and forth, searching the shadows. “Where did that woman go?”
Kay’s eyes widened. “You saw a woman?”
Laverne’s stare was haughty. “Of course I saw her. However, I have no intention of intruding upon your meeting. I came down because I heard a big crash. What happened?”
Instead of answering, Kay swung the flashlight toward the heap of dirt and broken porcelain. A portion of broken marble bench protruded from the debris.
Laverne’s lips parted. A hand touched at her throat. She was either shocked or a fine actress. Her gaze rose.
The emptiness of the pedestal was obvious in the moonlight.
“No wonder the sound was so loud.” She turned back to Kay. “How could that huge vase fall?”
“I don’t know what made the vase”—there was an appreciable pause—“fall. In any event, no harm done.” Kay glanced at the broken bench. “I suppose someone can check the pedestal tomorrow. I don’t see that there’s anything we can do tonight. Accidents happen.”
I was stunned. What was Kay thinking? She knew the vase’s fall was no accident.
Laverne’s sharp gaze studied Kay.
Kay’s lime green jacket was dirt-streaked. The right knee of her slacks was torn.
Laverne looked concerned. “Where were you when the vase fell?”
Kay’s smile was grim. She pointed at the heap of dirt and broken pottery. “Ground zero. Luckily, I was able to jump out of the way.”
Did Kay believe she’d jumped? Was she actually convinced I was imaginary?
Kay bent and snagged a clod of dirt. She threw it into the pond with so much force the frogs were startled into silence. “I’m not dead.” She sounded buoyant.
Laverne looked puzzled, as well she might. “Was that woman here, too? Where is she now?”
I didn’t like the way the conversation was going. Could I count on Kay being discreet?
I slipped behind Laverne and swirled into visibility.
Kay saw me, of course. How could she not? I cupped my hand near my ear as if holding a telephone, mouthed, “Call the police.”
Kay stood as if turned to stone, her oval face shocked into immobility.
Laverne looked uneasy. “What’s wrong?”
I pointed with a peremptory finger at my make-believe phone and mouthed, “Call 911.” It was a shame neither Laverne nor Kay apparently had a cell phone with them. Most people seemed to be tethered to them at all times, but I understood a cell phone might not be essential for a late-night walk in the garden. I didn’t want to appear prideful, but I was au courant with new technologies after my previous visits to Adelaide as a Heavenly emissary. I knew about computers, too. However, I make no claim of expertise there.
Kay appeared shaken. She wavered unsteadily. Eyes wide, she looked past Laverne. “You aren’t there.” She spoke with angry emphasis.
Laverne took a step forward. “Are you ill?”
I lost patience. I would have liked to stalk up to Kay and give her a good shake. Instead, I disappeared and turned toward the silent, dark house.
One of the delights of ghostly peregrinations is the ease of transport from place to place. Picture a destination and there you are.
I stood in total darkness. However, I have great faith in my comings and goings. I never doubted I was in the study of The Castle. It was no great gamble to will myself there. What mansion didn’t have a study? What study didn’t have a telephone?
I lifted my hand in search of the wall switch and flicked it up. I went straight to the desk, picked up the handset, punched 911. I glanced at the ship’s bell clock on the mahogany desk. Twenty minutes before one A.M.
“Adelaide Emergency Services.”
“There’s been an attempted murder near the pond on the south side of The Castle.” I didn’t bother with an address. Everyone in Adelaide knew The Castle. “Intended victim Kay Clark survived. No trace has been found of the attacker.”
I daintily replaced the handset.
As I expected, the telephone immediately rang. I didn’t answer, of course. Someone would hear the peals and respond. I smiled in anticipation and spoke aloud:
I popped back to the garden.
Kay darted back and forth near the pond, calling out. “Where are you? Where did you go?”
Laverne hesitated, then spoke sharply. “Kay, I’m here. I haven’t gone anywhere.”
Kay glared at her. “I know you’re here.”
I swooped next to Kay, tapped her on the shoulder.
She stopped and stiffened.
