Haunt Couture and Ghosts Galore (16 page)

Chapter 22

 

 

It was the next day and I had agreed to yet another trip. With the ghosts in the car, I punched the gas and headed toward the county jail. I never imagined I would spend so much time in the jail. I was just glad that I was allowed to leave after a while, unlike Hannah. She would be surprised to see me again. I suppose she had no idea that I had been working on finding out if she was really the killer. Wouldn't I feel stupid if I found out she really was the killer and the police were right all along. I knew Dylan had to wonder why I questioned his detective skills.

That wasn't the case though. I just had to find out the truth for myself. Plus the little fact that the ghosts were pushing me to do it too. I pulled into the parking lot and Charlotte and Sam followed me into the building. Sam reached up to remove his hat, but yet again forgot that it didn't exist.

“May I help you?” the female officer asked.

“I need to see Hannah again,” I said, trying to act as if I knew what I was doing.

She was the same officer who had taken me back to see Hannah the first time. I waited in the lobby for a few moments before she finally came around and got me. She led me back to the room where I'd wait for Hannah.

“I hope this doesn't take long. I'm anxious to hear what she has to say,” Charlotte said.

After a couple more minutes, the door opened and Hannah emerged. She stepped into the room. When she saw me she frowned. She wore the same orange jail uniform that I'd seen her in on my last visit.

“She looks like hell,” Charlotte said.

I wouldn't share that with Hannah. She probably felt as bad as she looked. She kept her eyes on me the whole time as she crossed the room and sat in front of the partition. The officer waited at the door. I wondered if she would tell Dylan that I was here. Would she tell him what was said in the room?

I picked up the phone receiver and motioned for Hannah to do the same. She reluctantly picked up the receiver.

“What are you doing here?” she asked.

“I came to talk to you about the murder.”

Her face dropped even more. I hadn't thought she could look any sadder. “There's nothing left to say. They're going to find me guilty and I will go to prison for life.”

“Well, isn't she just full of positivity and sunshine,” Charlotte said. “Don't surround yourself with that kind of bad vibes, honey.” Charlotte spoke to Hannah as if she could hear.

“That's why I'm here. I've been looking into some things and I wanted to discuss them with you.”

“Are you working with my lawyer?” Her expression perked up.

“I wish,” Charlotte quipped.

Sam leaned back in the chair and listened. He was making me nervous because I felt like I had to ask all the right questions.

Hannah shrugged. “Okay, I'm listening.”

“I found out that Melanie had stolen designs from two different people. Who knows, maybe there are even more.”

She sat up a little straighter. “Are you serious? What does this mean?”

“It means they have a motive to kill her,” I said.

Her shoulders slumped again. “Yeah, according to the police, so do I.”

“There she goes with the negative again,” Charlotte said.

“Well, she is in jail for murder, so I guess I can somewhat understand it,” Sam said.

“Who are these people?” Hannah asked.

I glanced over at the officer to see if she was listening. She was staring straight ahead, but I was sure she was listening. I had no choice but to talk in front of her though. I leaned to the left as if that would stop her from overhearing.

“One is Melanie's assistant, Meaghan.”

Hannah's eyes widened. “I overheard them fighting.”

“Really?” I asked. “What were they saying?”

“That I don't know. I could see them and tell that the exchange was heated.”

Charlotte waved her hands. “They could have been fighting about anything.”

“Who is the other person?” Hannah asked.

“The designer Shandra Johnson.”

“Do you know this for sure?” Hannah stared at me.

“Yes, at least this is what they told me. I saw her designs in Meaghan's book.”

“How will they prove it?” she asked.

“That I don't know,” I said.

“So you think one of them murdered Melanie?”

“I think it's possible.”

She pushed her hair behind her ear. “I don't know. Are you going to work with my lawyer?”

Charlotte laughed. “Again, I wish.”

“No, I just want to see that justice is served.”

She looked me straight in the eyes. “How do you know I didn't do it?”

I met her gaze. “I don't know, but I plan to find out. I'll talk to Ken.”

The guard motioned that our time was up.

“Ken hasn't been by to see me in a couple days. I hope he is finding something.”

“I'm sure he's trying,” I said.

The officer stood beside Hannah and she placed the receiver back on the stand. She looked at me as if she wanted me to rescue her. Sadly, that wasn't something I could do. The officer took her out and I walked back to the lobby. I had no idea if Dylan was there. Maybe it was best if I didn't see him because I needed to hurry over and talk with Ken.

As I headed toward the door, Charlotte asked, “Are you going to talk with Dylan?”

“I don't think there's time,” I said.

“She's right, we need to speak with the lawyer as soon as possible.” Sam walked beside me.

“If you think it's for the best,” she said reluctantly.

I thanked the officer and hurried back to my car.

The sun was setting and it would be dark out soon. Ever since the murder, Sugar Creek was a lot scarier, even more so when it was dark. I hoped the mystery was solved soon so Sugar Creek could go back to normal. I pulled out onto the highway and headed toward town. I hoped to catch Ken before he left the office for the day.

“I think it's great that you're doing this for me,” Sam said.

“That's because Cookie is a sweetheart,” Charlotte said.

“Y'all are making me blush,” I said.

“I'm just speaking the truth.” Charlotte winked.

Chapter 23

 

 

“Maybe you should freshen up your lipstick,” Charlotte said.

I glanced in the rearview mirror. I didn't want to give her the satisfaction of actually doing what she said. I could use a little touch-up though. We arrived at Ken's office and I parked in front. There was parking behind the building, too, but since it was so late in the day I had found a vacant spot right in front at the curb. I looked at the time on my phone.

“We have about fifteen minutes before he leaves,” I said as I opened the car door.

After stepping up to the office, I pushed through the door. No one was at the receptionist desk, so I moved over to the open door at the first office on the left. A large desk was at the back of the room. Ken was sitting at the desk but had his back facing me as he looked out the window.

“Hello,” I called out.

He spun around in the chair. He smiled widely. “Wow, I didn't expect to see you.” He pushed to his feet and closed the distance between us. Ken wore a black suit and red tie. When he was next to me, he leaned down and kissed my cheek.

“He is so sweet,” Charlotte said.

She was right about that.

“Please, have a seat.” He gestured toward the brown leather chair in front of his desk.

I sat in front of the desk and he took his seat behind it.

“To what do I owe this pleasure?” he asked.

I placed my hands in my lap. “I'm afraid it isn't a social call.”

He frowned. “Are you okay?”

“Yes, I'm fine. I just came from the jail where I was visiting with Hannah.”

He leaned forward in his chair. “I didn't realize you were such good friends. More than one visit?”

“I just had to ask her some questions,” I said. “I know that Melanie stole designs from Shandra Johnson and her assistant, Meaghan. Of course I don't know if that means anything, but I don't know what to do next. Did you speak with Shandra?”

“Yes, I did, but as I suspected, she didn't provide many details. I am working on finding evidence, but at this point my time is best spent on working on a defense for Hannah.”

Sam tapped his index finger against his bottom lip. “So he has already decided that Hannah is guilty.”

“I can understand that, but I don't want to give up just yet.”

Ken leaned back in his chair. “You are dedicated to this. I'm not sure why, but it's commendable. It certainly would make my job easier if Hannah was really innocent.”

“I'm just doing what I think I have to do,” I said.

“Thank you for doing this. I wish I could offer some other clues, but I haven't found anything.”

“Then he is not doing a very good job,” Sam said.

Of course Sam was being very critical of Ken. I understood he was doing the best he could.

“Well, I guess I'd better go. I've taken up enough of your time.”

“Look at his face, Cookie, I don't think he wants you to leave just yet.”

Charlotte had a knack for pointing out things like that at just the wrong time. I couldn't acknowledge her. I pushed to my feet and Ken stood too.

He moved around his desk and stood in front of me. “Why are you really doing this?” He looked me in the eyes.

“I just want to make sure the police have the right person.”

His eyebrows drew together. I wished I could tell him the truth. I wished I could tell him that two ghosts were in the room with us. I didn't have the nerve to do that right now. Maybe some other time, but not now. I was afraid he wouldn't believe me. Though I suppose it would be better to know that now rather than later.

He studied my face. “Okay, I suppose I have to accept that answer.”

“Yes, I guess so,” I said.

“Do you have plans tonight?” he asked.

I knew this would upset Charlotte, but I had to do it. “I'm sorry, but I do have plans.”

“What plans?” Charlotte asked.

“Well, she does have other things to do with the case,” Sam said.

Charlotte waved off his answer.

Ken leaned against his desk. “Maybe some other time.”

“Yes, some other time,” I said. “I really should go.” I inched toward the door.

I knew Ken was right behind me.

I paused at the door and turned around. “I'll call you soon.”

“That would be great.” Ken leaned down and kissed me on the cheek again.

I looked up into his big blue eyes.

“I don't think we should be in here for this,” Sam whispered.

I wasn't sure if Ken was going to kiss me on the lips. I wasn't sure how I felt about that either. At that moment, I turned and opened the door. If he had been leaning in to kiss me he would get the back of my head instead. I walked to the main entrance and felt his presence behind me.

When I stepped out onto the sidewalk, I turned and waved to Ken. He stood at the entrance to his office building and waved back.

“He looks disappointed,” Charlotte said.

“He should be after not getting that kiss from Cookie,” Sam said.

I really didn't need the two of them discussing my love life. Nothing was off-limits for my spirit friends though. I jumped in the car and pulled away from the curb. When I looked back, I spotted Ken still standing at the door watching me drive away. I hoped I hadn't hurt his feelings.

“You shouldn't have turned away from him,” Charlotte said.

“I panicked, okay? It didn't help that you two were watching,” I said.

“How were we supposed to know he was going to do that?” she asked.

“Well, I suppose you wouldn't know. But it's over and done with now. We have to focus on something else.” I pointed the Buick toward my house.

“If you say so,” Charlotte said.

I wouldn't tell her that Dylan's face had flashed in my mind when Ken had started to kiss me. That would just complicate matters.

 

 

Finally I was in my bedroom lounging on my bed. No television, no radio, no book. Just me, staring at the ceiling and letting my mind wander. Sometimes it was good for the soul just to do nothing at all. I had no idea what Charlotte and Sam were doing. I closed my eyes and tried to erase everything from my mind. A couple of minutes passed and I felt the edge of the bed sink down. I knew it wasn't Wind Song. That left only one other option. Charlotte had come for a visit. I didn't even bother to open my eyes.

“Cookie, are you awake?” Charlotte whispered.

I didn't answer.

“Okay, I know you're awake, so I'll just start talking.”

“Charlotte, why did you bother asking if I was awake if you were just going to talk anyway?” I opened my eyes.

“Good, you're awake.”

“What do you want to talk about? Wait. Don't tell me, I already know.” I sat up in bed. “You want to discuss Sam.”

She stared at me. “How did you know?”

I pushed the hair out of my eyes. “It's kind of obvious. You have been short with him for a while now.”

“You noticed?” she asked.

“Yes, like I said, it was kind of obvious. I'm sure he noticed too.”

“Oh, that's not good. The last thing I want to do is hurt him.”

“So what is the problem?” I asked.

She rubbed her forehead. “Okay, I am afraid of losing him.”

My heart sank. “I was afraid it was something like that. What can I do?” I asked.

If only I could give her a hug.

“Tell me what to do?” She stared at me with her big ebony eyes.

That was probably the hardest thing for me to do. I didn't know what to tell her to do. I took in a deep breath and hoped that I said the right thing. I had to make her feel better.

Live each day to its fullest? Okay, that wasn't the right way to phrase it.

“Don't hold back, Charlotte. Enjoy your time with him even if it's only for a short time. A little bit of time is better than nothing, right?”

She stared at the wall. “I suppose you're right. I do love talking with him and spending time together.”

“I know you do, Charlotte. Can you go with him?”

That was a tough question to ask, but it was something that had to be said. I was sure she had already thought about it. But what was her answer?

“I don't know,” she said. “I don't know how this works. I don't even know why I am still hanging around. I suppose it's just because that is my choice.”

This was a little more than I could understand. I had no idea how the next dimension worked, much less traveling back and forth between the two. I didn't even know how to navigate this dimension. It was kind of hard for me to give advice about it because of that. This was something Charlotte would have to decide on her own. I couldn't do it for her. As much as I would love to help.

“I guess it's something that I will have to find out,” she said.

I picked at the corner of the bedspread. “I guess so. Does that help at all?”

She shrugged. “I guess it helps to talk with someone about it. Thank you for everything, Cookie. You're a true friend.”

Tears formed in the corners of my eyes. “You're a true friend too, Charlotte. I'm glad we met.”

She chuckled. “Even if we don't understand how it happened.”

I laughed. “Exactly, it doesn't matter how . . . just that it happened.”

She pushed her shoulders back. “Okay, it's time for me to put my big-girl girdle on. I'm Charlotte Meadows, for heaven's sake. I can figure this out.”

“Exactly,” I said. “You're smart. You will know what to do. Have you told him how you feel? Have you shared your fears with him?” I asked.

She twisted her hands together. “There was never the right moment. I didn't know how to start that conversation.”

“What do you mean? You've had nothing but time to tell him,” I said.

“I just didn't know if he felt the same way,” she said.

“There is only one way to find that out.”

“I guess I have to tell him now.”

“Yes, you do,” I said.

“There is no better time than the present. Plus, if you go talk to him now, then I can go back to relaxing,” I said.

“I think you have relaxed enough. You can come out in the living room and brainstorm with Sam and me.”

I leaned back in the bed. “No way. You need to take this time to talk with him. Don't make me get rough with you.”

She snorted. “I hardly think that would ever happen.”

Okay, she was right about that. But I had to keep up the façade.

I motioned with a flick of my wrist. “Now get out of here.”

She stood from the bed. “Okay, I'm going.” She paused.

“I mean it, Charlotte, go now. Do you want me to talk with him?”

She hurried over to the door. “No, there is no telling what you would say to him. That would be a mess. I'll handle this myself.”

Finally that was one way to get rid of her.

“Thanks again, Cookie,” Charlotte said.

I smiled. “You're welcome.”

She disappeared through the door. Maybe I should listen in to their conversation. No, it was none of my business. I would leave them alone to sort out their problem. I just hoped Charlotte would make the right decision.