The Ghoul Next Door

chapter Thirty-Seven

We parked behind the building and inched our way over to the location where I knew Callahan was working. If he happened to spot us, he’d think we’d lost our minds. Okay, who was I kidding? He already knew we were nuts.

“I wonder what she looks like,” Mindy said.

“She’s probably gorgeous,” I whispered back.

“Which office is it?” Mindy moved along beside me so closely that people would think we were attached.

Why were we always snooping around and spying on people? I didn’t even like doing this stuff, although apparently I did, because I continued to do it time after time. But the way I saw it, if people would quit doing weird things then I wouldn’t have a reason to follow or snoop on them. My spying was completely justified. Yeah, I’d keep telling myself that until it was true. When we neared a window, I motioned for Mindy to stop.

As we stared in the window, I couldn’t help but think back on the last time we’d done this exact same thing. It was a ritual with us now.

“I’m beginning to think we have a problem with snooping,” I said.

“You think?” she said with the binoculars pressed up to her eyes.

“What are you doing with those? They’re right there.”

“You didn’t think I’d come spying on someone and leave these babies in the car, did you?” She thrust them toward me. “You can see their facial expressions and maybe read their lips.”

I sighed. “No, I suppose I didn’t.” I took the binoculars from her and pressed them against my eyes. “Why do you think she’s here? Why did she come back for him?”

“Like a bad penny they always come back. At least you found Mr. Right instead of Mr. Steals Your PIN Number and Withdraws Your Checking Account Balance.”

Mindy had recently found out the guy she had been dating had stolen money from her. Her luck in the men department wasn’t any better than mine.

“It looks as if she thinks she’s found Mr. Right too. I’m spending time hanging out with dead people while she’s having a good time with Callahan. I don’t think I like this situation.”

Ginger and Callahan sat at a desk. Her thick brown hair hung to her shoulders in smooth waves and her eyes twinkled brightly. I could tell that much even from all the way out the freaking window. She touched his hand as her full lips spread into a bout of laughter. I couldn’t tell if he was laughing too. Had he told a joke? Maybe the joke was on me.

Mindy squeezed my hand. “I know it sucks for you, but at least you’re helping the poor lost souls.”

I nodded. “You’re right. If my love life has to suffer, well, that’s the sacrifice I’ll have to make.” Watching them made my stomach sink and I didn’t want to see any more.

When I poked my head up again to the window, Callahan had moved closer to the window. Luckily, his back was facing me. “He’s still in there,” I whispered.

Mindy tugged on the back of my shirt. “Oh, I want to see. What’s he doing?”

I shushed her.

“Sorry,” she whispered. “Do you need the binoculars again?”

“No, he’s right there. I can see him clearly. And her.” Callahan wore the green shirt that I liked so much. It fit him in all the right places. So did his jeans.

Mindy shoved her way in at the window beside me. “Oh my God. She’s there? I have to see her. Does she look evil? I bet she looks evil with dark, beady little eyes.”

“Is that what you envision a villain to look like?” I asked.

“Yes, as a matter of fact, it is.” She stared through the window. “Wow. Was I wrong.”

“Okay, she’s gorgeous, but don’t rub it in,” I muttered.

“Why don’t you go in there and confront him right now?” Mindy nudged my side.

“What? And be the crazy girlfriend? No way.” I shook my head. “I’d prefer to appear sane. Okay. I’d prefer to keep a teensy bit of an illusion that I’m sane. I’m sure he already thinks I’m somewhat nuts.”

“So now that we’ve seen that’s she’s gorgeous what do we do? Why are we here again?” Mindy took the binoculars from me.

I looked at her. “Hmm. I’m not sure. Wasn’t this your idea?”

From over my shoulder, Candy Cherry said, “Y’all are totally pathetic. And neurotic. You give me a headache.”

“Oh, I suppose you’d totally know how to handle the situation.”

She smirked. “As a matter of fact, I would.”

“All right. If you’re so smart, then why don’t you tell me how to handle the situation?” I snapped.

“You’d like that, wouldn’t you? No way. You’ll have to figure this out on your own. Not my problem.”

“Well, then don’t complain about how we’re handling it.” I scowled. “And while you’re at it, why don’t you keep your mouth shut.”

“I’m not the one talking to invisible people. You look like a real lunatic right now.”

I was not going to argue with a ghost anymore. I’d just have to ignore her.

“Don’t listen to her, Larue. People talk to themselves all the time,” Elvis said.

That didn’t offer me much consolation.

“Come on, let’s get out of here before they see us,” I said.