The Ghoul Next Door

chapter Forty-One

After returning to Book Nook, I pulled out my cell phone and waited for Karyn to pick up. Maybe it had been the panic in my voice that speed her up, but she made it to the store in record time.

“Karyn, I think I have to confront Callahan’s ex-girlfriend about the letters.”

She frowned. “I don’t know if that’s such a good idea.” Karyn tossed her hair back from her shoulder and met my gaze. “If she’s done anything other than send the letters, then if you confront her, you may look like the crazy jealous girlfriend.”

“How can I look like the crazy girlfriend when she’s the one sending the letters?”

She shrugged. “I know it sounds crazy, but that’s the way it works.”

“I don’t think I’ve been made privy to this relationship rule.”

“The ex-girlfriends can easily turn things around on you. Next thing you know, you’re looking at a one-way ticket to the loonie bin.”

I frowned. “That’s not good. I can’t let her get by with it.”

Karyn sighed. “Just give it some more time. I’m sure she’ll just get tired and give up. Has Callahan shown any interest in her?”

I paused, then finally said, “I don’t know. I mean, I haven’t had a bunch of time with him since the show started. But it’s only been a few days. If anything is going on between them then it’s been going on for a while.”

“So you say she’s not from around here?”

“No, I think she’s from Louisville. That’s where Callahan is from originally.”

“So she just showed up here one day?”

I nodded. “Just for him as far as I can tell.”

Beth stepped closer. “I’m sorry. I wasn’t trying to eavesdrop, but I couldn’t help but hear.”

I knew she had been trying to listen in by the way she had twisted her head until I was afraid she’d have permanent nerve damage. It was fine though. I didn’t care if she overheard the conversation. There was no way to hide everything from her. She was involved in my crazy life now.

Karyn and I looked at her.

“I think you should say something to her. No offense,” she said to Karyn.

Karyn shrugged.

“I just think she needs to know who she’s dealing with. Don’t let her bully you around. Show her who’s boss.” Beth shook her fist.

Wow. I hadn’t expected that from this petite woman. What did she want me to do, break Ginger’s legs? Maybe Karyn was right after all.

“Thanks, Beth. I’ll certainly think about it.”

She shrugged. “If you want me to talk with her I will.”

“I’ll let you know,” I said.

Beth was scaring me a little.

“Okay, I have to go,” Karyn said. “Whatever you do, just be careful. And if you start experiencing anything else strange or if you see any more shadows let me know. I’m not sure if I can help, but just know that I’m here if you need to talk.”

“I appreciate it.”

She waved over her shoulder and I watched as she disappeared around the corner. Now I had even more to think about. Say something to Callahan’s ex, or just leave it alone? Mindy would have to be the deciding vote.

“I’m sorry if I was out of line, but I just don’t want anyone to bully someone around. I was treated that way by my husband’s ex and I finally decided I wouldn’t take it anymore. I took care of her though.”

I stared for a second. I was almost afraid to ask what she’d done, but I decided to go for it. “What did you do to her?” I asked.

Did I need to make a run for it?

“Well, that’s a story for another day. I’ll tell you sometime.”

Beth was a little odder than I had realized when I hired her, but it wasn’t as if I’d had a choice. Anyway, she’d been great with the customers and other than the big incident with the books, there had been no problems since she’d started working for me. For that, I was thankful.

“If it’s okay, I’ll go ahead and leave.” Beth tapped her fingers against the counter absentmindedly.

“Sure, sure. No problem. Thanks for everything.”

I hadn’t discussed with her how much I’d need her after the show was finished. But that was a conversation for another time.

“Thanks for hiring me. It really has been great to get out of the house.”

“You’re welcome. I’ll call you soon.” I waved as she made her way out the door.

Mindy walked through the door a few minutes later.

“I’m just getting ready to have a little talk with the ghosts.” I winked.

“Please, by all means, go right ahead. I’ll just mind my own business and look through this Lucky Magazine until you’re done.” She flipped open the cover.

The ghosts stood beside me. I contemplated what my next move would be. I knew what I needed to do. Or rather, what they needed to do.

“I need you guys to help me with something,” I whispered. “But we can’t let her know about it, okay?” I pointed toward Candy Cherry.

She pretended not to listen, but I was almost positive she had super hearing. She seemed to know everything that was going on at all times.

“We can’t trust her. Ever since she showed up, nothing but bad things have been going on—and I don’t think it’s a coincidence.”

“What can we help with?” Elvis asked.

How did I put this without them thinking I was crazy? I’d just have to come right out with it. “If you all could do a little snooping for me, then I might find the answers to some of these problems.”

Had I really just asked Elvis Presley to spy for me? This was crazy and kind of cool all at the same time.

“We’d do anything for you, sweetheart.” He winked and then looked at Mr. Fine. “Right?”

Mr. Fine hesitated for a second, then finally nodded his head. “Yeah, I suppose we could do that for you.”

I almost did a little dance right there but thought better of dancing again in front of Elvis. I’d already embarrassed myself in front of him enough.

“So what do we need to do?” Elvis asked.

“I need you to go to Karyn’s home and my new employee’s home. While you’re at it, stop by Jane Howe’s place too. She’s Cooper’s employee and staying at the Red Rose Inn. Look for suspicious behavior. One of them will have to leave a clue or maybe you’ll catch them right in the act of casting bad spells.”

“Just go watch their every move?” Mr. Fine asked.

“Yeah, I guess that’s what I’m asking for.”

“How will we know if they’re bad spells?” Elvis asked.

He had a point. How would they know? “If you listen to the words of the spell, you’ll be able to tell.”

At least I hoped that was the case. That annoyed feeling had crept back into my mind. I was struggling to fight off the evil that was trying to take control of my mind and body. I had to find the necklace before it was too late. While they snooped, I had other things to do.

“We’ll be back.” Elvis winked as he disappeared. Mr. Fine reluctantly followed behind him. I had no idea where Candy Cherry had disappeared to… but I knew she’d pop up when I wanted her to stay away.

I felt as if time was running out, but the more I tried to figure out what might be going on, the worse I felt. I had to know whether it was black magic, a demon, or something totally different affecting me. Although what else was there?