The Ghoul Next Door

chapter Forty-Six

By the time we had finished the spell, talked with the police, and saw Jane in the hospital, it was morning. Mindy had insisted we stop for blueberry doughnuts before going back to Book Nook. I’d drop her off at her car, then tell Beth I was taking the day off. I needed rest and I knew she could handle the store without me.

Now that the spell had been broken, the vile and evil feeling trying to take over my mind removed, and Jane taken away, there was one more thing left to do.

“How do you get rid of Candy Cherry?” Mindy asked as we stood at the counter of Book Nook.

“Now that the ghosts have no hold over me, I can tell them to go into the light. They’ll have no reason to say no and no way to fight me without Jane’s spell.”

Mindy let out a deep breath. “I need a margarita. This is more than I can handle.”

She was telling me. I had to remember to stop by and pick up some tequila for later.

The ghosts stood in front of me.

“I’ve had enough of you two and it’s time you went to the other side.” I pointed at Candy Cherry and Mr. Fine.

I didn’t tell them that I wasn’t sure which other side they would end up on. But by the black hole that appeared in the side of the bookstore wall, it looked like they were going to the deciding room—they would be going to the judge’s score card for that decision.

Elvis watched from beside me. I knew he wasn’t going with them.

“You think you’re so special, but you’re not,” Candy Cherry spewed. She knew what was happening and she still couldn’t be nice.

“Sorry about everything,” Mr. Fine said.

I nodded, but said nothing. What could I say? It was nice that he’d offered the apology though, even if it was a little too late.

“Why did you do this?” I asked, not really expecting an answer.

“Because it was fun. It’s the way I am and it’s what I like to do,” she said with a laugh in her voice.

“What you like to do? What’s that? Wreak havoc in people’s lives?”

She shrugged. “If that’s what you want to call it, then yes.”

“You helped Jane do a lot of mean things,” I said nastily.

“I’ve helped a lot of people do mean things and if I get a chance I’ll do it again.”

I pointed toward the spot on the wall. As if they had no control over their actions, they walked single file toward the black hole. At least they weren’t trying to fight it. Things could have been ugly, and I was too tired to fight any more.

“What’s happening?” Mindy asked.

“There’s a black hole in the wall and the ghosts are going into it.”

“Not Elvis,” she screeched.

I waved my arms. “No, not him… Candy Cherry and Mr. Fine are leaving.”

“Are they going down there?” Mindy pointed toward the floor.

I shrugged. “I have no idea. I think they’re just going to a holding room for now until that decision is made.”

“I hope I never have to go to that holding room,” she said.

“I don’t think you have anything to worry about.” I draped my arm around her shoulders and squeezed. “By the way Candy Cherry talked and acted though, I think she’ll be going on the down escalator.”

Mindy shivered. Candy Cherry turned and glared at me right before she crossed over into the black mass. Then Mr. Fine followed into the dark abyss. I was glad to see them go. When they’d disappeared from sight, the hole instantly sealed shut with a vacuum suck at the end. There was nothing left—no evidence that they’d ever been there—and I was grateful. Good riddance.

“They’re gone now.”

“Are you sure they won’t come back?” Mindy asked.

“I don’t think it’ll be possible for them to ever come back.”

I knew my time alone and ghost-free was limited though. It always was. There would be more ghosts. Who would show up the next time, I had no idea. I just hoped this time it was nice ghosts. And maybe if I was lucky I could convince Elvis to stay. Something told me he wouldn’t go for it though. He had more important things to do, I was sure.

Elvis leaned against the counter with a satisfied smile on his face. “Those two won’t be missed around here.”

Usually it was me who told the ghosts it was time to leave. But this time Elvis was informing me that he was needed somewhere else.

“Do you have to go?” I asked.

He winked. “I’m sorry. I’d love to stay and hang around with you and Callahan, but you all don’t need me anymore.”

That was what he thought. I could have an Elvis concert every night. I never thought I’d ask a ghost to stay, but I wanted him to stick around.

“I can’t tell you how much fun I had with you here and I hope I wasn’t so much of a pain to deal with.” I wished I could reach out and hug him. Touching Elvis Presley? Why, I’d probably faint on the spot.

“You were wonderful and I had the most fun time. Thank you for talking with me and for your hospitality. Callahan is in good hands with you. I know it’ll work out just fine for you all.”

“Where do go from here?” I asked.

“I’m not sure, really. I think I’m headed back to Memphis to see some old friends. I make the rounds a lot between friends and family often. It’s nice seeing everyone.”

“I bet it is.”

“Thank you again. Please tell Mindy goodbye and I’m honored to have such a loyal fan.”

“I’ll make sure to tell her and she’ll be really happy.” I glanced over at Mindy.

“What did he say? What did he say? Was he talking about me?” Mindy asked, practically bouncing up and down with excitement like a kid wanting candy.

Elvis and I laughed. “He wants to thank you for being a fan.”

She giggled. “It was my pleasure,” she said while blushing.

“Will you come back and visit?” I asked.

“You can count on it. Will you tell Callahan that I said goodbye?”

“Of course. Give my love to your mother,” I said.

“ ‘Til we meet again, may God bless you. Adios.” He saluted, then turned away.

The light that usually appeared when ghosts left didn’t appear this time. I knew Elvis had other people to help. Elvis might not still be alive, but his time on earth wasn’t finished. He still had things to do. I waved and smiled as he disappeared.

Mindy touched my shoulder.

“Elvis is gone,” I said wiping a tear from under my eye.

I was getting used to having live performances. It just wouldn’t be the same to go back to my MP3 player.

“Elvis has left the build—”

“Stop right there.” I threw my hand up. “Don’t say it.”

Mindy laughed and I joined her.

“Oh, come on. It was perfect. You knew I had to say it.”

“Yeah, I guess it was inevitable.”

For once there was silence. No chatter of ghosts. No weird thoughts in my head. Peace and quiet until the bell on the door jingled and we looked over. Callahan walked toward me with my favorite chocolate-covered cherry latte in his hand. His gorgeous smile was from ear to ear and it made my stomach flip.

“Latte?” he asked.

I rushed over and Callahan scooped me up into a hug. I’d always felt like an outsider, as if I really didn’t belong. No matter who befriended me or welcomed me into their little circle. I was always the awkward outsider looking in on all the fun. Maybe the real reason I’d felt like an outsider all my life was because I’d always been holding a secret.

Outside Book Nook’s window, I spotted Matt and the TV crew pull up next to the curb in the SUV. Now that my secret of speaking to the dead was out would I be able to fit in? Only time would tell.





About Rose Pressey

Rose Pressey enjoys writing quirky and fun novels with a paranormal twist. She’s always found the paranormal interesting. The thought of finding answers to the unexplained fascinates her.

When she’s not writing about werewolves, vampires, and every other supernatural creature, she loves eating cupcakes with sprinkles, reading, spending time with family, and listening to oldies from the fifties. Yeah, she loves Elvis. She can’t help herself.

Rose lives in the beautiful commonwealth of Kentucky with her husband, son, and two sassy Chihuahuas.