Ghost in Trouble (2010)

He rose and came nearer.

She didn’t move away.

He looked down into her face as if seeking an answer to an unasked question.

She looked up, her dark eyes intent.

He took her hand.

Again, their handclasp marked an instant of connection far beyond polite leave-taking.

“I’ll see you again.” He spoke decisively.

She gave him swift, appealing smile. “I hope so.”

He walked to the door, held it for her. He closed the door behind her, moved to his desk chair, and sank into it. He reached for the folder and placed it in the lower right drawer of his desk, his face drawn in a troubled frown.

As the Corvette roared from the parking lot, I debated whether to tell Kay about the Dunhams. I decided to wait. I had every intention of looking at that file. A fragile connection had been made between Kay and Paul. I wouldn’t destroy it heedlessly. There might be a good reason for Paul’s reticence.

I hoped Wiggins was pleased by my thoughtfulness. Did I feel an ethereal pat on my shoulder?

“Wiggins—” I clapped my fingers to my lips.

The car swerved. Kay’s hands tightened on the wheel. She shot a glance toward the passenger seat. “I thought maybe you weren’t here. You usually aren’t quiet.”

“The less said the better,” Wiggins boomed. “Oh, bother. Remember, Bailey Ruth, silence is golden!”

Kay turned a startled glance toward the passenger seat. “Where did that come from?”

“Watch the road.” I reached over to push the wheel to the left. The Corvette barely missed a parked FedEx truck.

She looked straight ahead, her shoulders hunched. The Corvette turned on a back road. “I heard a man’s voice. He spoke to you.” Her tone was accusing. “Where was he? Where is he?”

“Not to worry. You should be honored. That was Wiggins, my supervisor.” Wiggins no doubt was embarrassed that he had spoken aloud in Kay’s hearing. I was sure he’d departed. I would encourage him when next we spoke. One mistake does not a disaster make. I was living proof. Ghostly proof? Whatever. “Wiggins doesn’t take a direct part in most missions.” It wasn’t necessary to explain that perhaps the oversight was for me, not for her. Everyone likes to feel special. I decided it might make Kay feel more comfortable if she could see me. I appeared.

She shivered. “One ghost I can take. Two is more than my mangled sensibility can tolerate.”

“You have such a nice way with words.”

She shot me a look of pure loathing. “Look, Bai—”

“Francie. You don’t want to make a mistake at The Castle.”

“You’re still coming to stay?”

I decided to overlook her clear lack of enthusiasm. “With a song in my heart.” I paused, grinned. “I know. Soooo last century.” I thought I detected a quiver of amusement on her face. Possibly we might forge a better relationship.

I gave some thought to my visit, selecting clothes and accessories and personal items, then informed Kay. “My suitcase is in the trunk. You might see if I could be put in that lovely white room. That’s where I stayed last night. It’s very convenient to yours.”

“Oh, sure, I’ll ask. Let me know if there’s anything else you’d like.” Her tone was just this side of churlish.

“I don’t want to be a bother.”

“No bother. Nothing I’d rather do than make you as comfy as possible.” The car picked up speed.

My feeling of bonhomie eroded. However, I resisted responding in kind. I hoped Wiggins was even now adding a star to my file. “Is Gregory Gallery near The Castle?” I knew this old part of town well and we were retracing our earlier route.

“Gregory Gallery?” She sounded abstracted.

“Alison Gregory. Surely that’s where we’re headed.”

“Bai—Francie, you may ostensibly be my assistant, but please leave the tactical planning to me.”

I don’t like to be patronized. However, I made my tone quite reasonable. “Jack specifically sought information about Alison Gregory’s financial status. There was a time noted on the back of her business card and a name. That suggests he made an appointment with her.”

Her head jerked toward me. “How do you know about the business card?”

I didn’t bother to answer. If she was so smart…

Her face screwed up in dismay. “That gives me the willies. You’ve been creeping around—”

“I never creep.” Absolutely not. I float.

“You know what I mean. You were there, but I couldn’t see you and you pawed around in the desk.”

“Please.” It was my turn to patronize. “Let’s focus on what matters.”

The Corvette curved into the front drive. “Let’s do that very thing,” she snapped. “Alison Gregory’s a side issue.