The Ghoul Next Door

chapter Seven

“Oh my God. That’s it. It’s an invasion. The ghosts are taking over, Larue. I think this is some kind of sign of the apocalypse.”

Mindy had been doing too many of the upside-down moves during her pole fitness classes. All that blood rushing to her head was getting the better of her.

“Mindy.” I grabbed her arms. “Breathe. Look at me. It’s not the end of the world. The zombies are not coming for us.”

“Well, now you’re just making fun of me. How do you explain that Callahan has a ghost right after I had one? Have one…” she said while looking around as if she’d see the ghost standing next to her.

Mr. Fine scoffed. “She’s a tad crazy, don’t you think?”

“No, I don’t think.” I glared at him.

“What?” Mindy looked over her shoulder in a panic. “What did he say?”

“Never mind that. It’s not important.” I didn’t want to tell her that the ghost had insulted her. No need to have her fighting with a ghost right now.

Trying to change the subject, I looked at Callahan and asked, “What’s going on? What makes you think you have a ghost?”

“Maybe this sounds crazy, but I saw a cup move across the counter all by itself, then the door opened and closed on its own.”

“Nothing sounds crazy to me,” I reminded him.

Hmm. But yeah, what he described did sound like classic ghostly activity. And Mindy did have a point. What were the odds that a ghost would have been at Mindy’s house and now at Callahan’s shop? I smelled a rat.

“Do you know anything about this?” I asked Mr. Fine.

Callahan looked toward the empty air where I had directed my question. It was so much easier now that he knew I talked to the dead, although I still worried that he’d eventually get sick of the weird antics. He had to, right? I had taken him for a ride on a nonstop paranormal crazy train since we’d met. No guy wanted to be a part of that.

“I have no idea what you are talking about.” Mr. Fine leaned against the counter as if he was thoroughly bored.

It was apparent that I would get no information out of him.

“Okay, let’s go over to your shop and see what I find.”

Callahan gestured for Mindy and me to pass, then hurried over to open the door for us. When we emerged out onto the sidewalk, Mr. Fine was already there, waiting just a few steps away in front of Callahan’s front door. I rolled my eyes. What a pain in the ass.

Mindy and I waited as Callahan unlocked his front door and gestured for us to enter first.

“I don’t know how you deal with this stuff on a daily basis, Larue. It’s stressing me out,” Mindy said.

I shrugged my shoulders. “I’m used to it by now. It’s been my whole life and I don’t know what it’s like not to experience it.”

We stepped inside the shop, but I saw nothing. All was quiet. No misty forms lingering in the corners. What had Callahan seen? Maybe he was imagining things. The space looked as cozy and quaint as it always had. Prints of different style coffee cups and mugs covered the exposed brick walls. Oversized leather chairs were placed into groupings with cherry-wood tables in the middle—the perfect mixture of old and new.

Callahan moved over to the counter. “This mug was sitting here just like this…” He placed a mug down. “And it just lifted up and moved all the way over here.” He picked up the mug and moved it about a foot down the counter. “I don’t think I’m going crazy.” He paused. “Am I going crazy?”

Well, as much stress as he had been under lately, no one would blame him if he had imagined something like that.

I shook my head. “No, honey, I know you’re not going crazy.”

Wow, when had I become so comfortable with calling Callahan pet names? I liked it.

Mindy followed closely behind me as I moved over to the counter to examine the mug. As I reached down and picked it up, a chill fell over the room and I knew what was happening. A ghost was somewhere nearby and would probably be making an appearance sooner rather than later. I knew it wasn’t Mr. Fine, because he’d already made his appearance. The cold air was no longer following him.

My heart thumped. I’d told Mindy that I was used to this lifestyle, but that didn’t mean that I still didn’t have apprehension when a new ghost appeared. I never knew what to expect, and that could be unnerving. I felt a presence taking form in the corner of the room. When I looked in that direction, I noticed the misty form begin to take shape.

Callahan and Mindy followed my gaze, but they wouldn’t see anything, that luxury was reserved for lucky me. The form took on a human appearance right before my eyes… and I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. Had I died and gone to heaven?

I let out a scream. You’ve seen those videos of girls screaming for Elvis Presley? Yeah, that was exactly how I sounded. Dogs were probably hollering within a ten-mile radius of Full Cup Coffee Shop.

Mindy jumped behind the counter with one swift movement. I had never seen that girl move that fast. She wouldn’t have jumped that fast unless she was truly terrified. I had no idea she was that strong either. Those pole fitness classes really were paying off.

Callahan rushed to my side. I jumped up and down and continued to squeal. This wasn’t a terrified scream, no, this was a fangirl, can-I-have-your-autograph, I-want-to-marry-you-if-only-you-weren’t-dead squeal.

Standing before me was the one and only King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley. I didn’t know what to say. Words literally wouldn’t form. I loved Elvis. When I was little I had told my mother that I’d marry Elvis. Of course she said, “He’s dead, you can’t marry him.” Why she’d had to burst my bubble, I had no idea. Now who had the last laugh? Okay, I still couldn’t marry him, but nonetheless, he was standing in front of me… and in his young days. The hot, sexy, pelvis-shaking Elvis.

Callahan touched my arm. Oh yeah, I’d forgotten he was there. Whew. I needed to get a hold of myself and say something. Anything. Mindy still cowered behind the counter, revealing the top of her head and eyes. What was Elvis Presley doing in a coffee shop in Magnolia of all places? Wasn’t he busy haunting Graceland or maybe Vegas? He wore that gold suit. You know the one. Yeah, that one. And he looked so yummy.

“Larue, are you all right? What do you see?” Callahan frowned with concern.

“I think she’s in some kind of trance,” Mindy said, popping up from behind the counter. “What if she’s possessed?” she whispered.

I exchanged a glance with them. “There’s a ghost standing in the corner of the room.” I rushed my words.

“Hello, darlin’,” Elvis said with that sexy Southern drawl.

Oh my gosh, Elvis Presley had talked to me. Okay, I needed to get a hold of myself. If I didn’t speak to him like I was a sane human being, he might go away and this was one ghost I wouldn’t push out of my aura for eating crackers.

“What are you doing here?” I stammered.

“Who is it? Who is it?” Mindy said, backing to the furthest edge of the counter.

How was I going to break the news to them? They’d never been around when I’d first encountered a celebrity ghost. And lately I’d been attracting enough celebrity ghosts to make any E! Entertainment Television reporter green with envy.

“The ghost in the corner of the room is Elvis Presley,” I said matter-of-factly.

Neither of them said a word. The room was completely silent. Even Elvis just looked at me. Mr. Fine had moved over toward Elvis, but was keeping his distance. I was waiting for Mindy or Callahan to burst out laughing.

Callahan searched my eyes. “Elvis Presley?” His eyebrows rose. “As in Elvis? Love Me Tender, I’m All Shook Up?”

“I’m glad to hear that he’s brushed up on my songs,” Elvis said.

Okay, this was crazy. What was I supposed to say to Elvis?

Mindy hurried from around the counter. “Elvis Presley is here. Damn it. Now I want to see ghosts too.”

I smiled. Yeah, I didn’t blame her this time.

“What are you doing here, Mr. Presley?” I asked, trying to keep the giddiness out of my voice. That was no easy feat.

He flashed his dazzling smile. “I’m a little surprised that you can see me. I mean, I always believed in psychics, I just didn’t think I’d run into one here today.”

“Are you lost?” I asked. What other reason would he have for being in Magnolia?

Callahan and Mindy stood beside me engrossed in my one-way conversation just as much as they would have been if they could have heard Elvis.

“What’s he saying?” Mindy poked my side.

“I’m trying to find out why he’s here.”

“Are you sure it’s Elvis?” Callahan asked. Before I answered, he said, “You know, I never mentioned this, but I’m related to Elvis.”

I glanced over at him. And he left out this little tidbit? That was important information in my book. But I should have known, apparently good looks ran in the family.

“And there’s your explanation for why I’m here,” Elvis said.

This was an interesting turn of events.

“How are you related to him?” I asked.

“Third cousins… twice removed.”

“What did he say? What did he say?” Mindy bounced with each word.

“Third cousins… twice removed,” I repeated.

“I still don’t understand all that cousins, twice removed, three times removed, blah, blah, blah, business. It’s confusing,” Mindy said with a frown.

I couldn’t help her at the moment. I had bigger issues to deal with.

“So you’re here for Callahan? Is something wrong?”

Callahan’s expression changed. I thought he was even getting a little freaked out now.

“What does he look like?” Mindy whispered. “Young Elvis or older Elvis? Not that I care, because I for one, think he was gorgeous no matter what.” She grinned in the direction she assumed Elvis was in. I thought she might have batted her eyelashes a few times, too.

Was it too soon to ask him to sing for me? Yeah, it was too soon. It’d wait until I got him to come back to Book Nook with me. I mean, he’d want to come back with me, right? No sense in hanging out at the coffee shop with Callahan when I could talk to him. It would be a lot more entertaining to have someone to talk to. I was trying to justify bringing a ghost back with me. He needed no justification. I was pretty sure I was swooning just a little. Would Callahan be jealous of a ghost?

Mr. Fine shuffled closer to Elvis and broke my reverie. “Finally. This just got interesting. I thought I’d be stuck listening to you complain and whine twenty-four-seven.”

“I do not complain and whine.” I scowled.

“Elvis says you complain and whine?” Mindy asked.

I waved my hands. “No, no. Mr. Fine said I complain and whine.”

“Who’s Mr. Fine?” she asked.

“The guy from your house.”

Mindy groaned. “That guy’s still here? Tell him to get lost. There’s a new ghost in town. A much better ghost.” She smirked in the direction in which she thought she’d find Mr. Fine, but instead she was smirking at the opposite wall.

He rolled his eyes. “She’s such a ditz.”

I wasn’t about to tell her what he’d just said. I’d get him later for that most uncalled-for comment.

Mr. Fine took a puff of his ghostly cigarette. “Listen, Elvis. I sing, you know. Maybe you’d like to hear a song or two? I’ve been told I sound just like Old Blue Eyes.”

Oh great. Now he was harassing Elvis. “No one wants to hear you sing.” I snorted.

“What?” Mindy smacked me on the arm. “Of course we want to hear him sing. Wait. This isn’t fair. I can’t hear him.”

“Don’t worry. It’s not Elvis who said that. Mr. Fine fancies himself an artist apparently. But now that you mention it, I would love to be serenaded by Elvis.” I smiled.

I really was in heaven.

What would I do now? I had never had a ghost that I’d been this nervous around, at least not in a good way. I was doomed to act like a giddy schoolgirl around him. If ever there was a ghost I wanted to sing to me in my ear, this ghost was it. Not long ago I’d had a cranky ghost who sang to me in the mornings. She sounded like a distressed cat. No, wait, a room full of distressed cats. This was the real deal though. Elvis Presley was now hanging onto my every word.

“I’m sorry if I frightened Callahan. I try to keep my movements to a minimum, but I really wanted him to know that I was here,” Elvis said with a smile.

“Well, Callahan definitely knows you’re here now, Mr. Presley.”

He was lucky Callahan had a girlfriend who could talk to spirits. Maybe Callahan would realize that and not want to dump me for being crazy. It was a daily inner battle wondering if he’d ultimately come to the conclusion that I was bonkers.

Callahan nodded.

“And don’t worry about scaring him. Callahan’s a tough guy and not easily rattled.” I smiled as I looked at Callahan. He had been tough through all the black magic he’d been subjected to in the past few weeks.

Callahan ran his hand through his hair and nodded. “Yeah, Mr. Presley, don’t worry about it. I’m just glad you came by for a visit.” Callahan talked into the air. He got pretty close to Elvis’ location though, so that was good. He didn’t seem convinced about having a one-sided conversation though.

Mr. Fine began singing his version of Love and Marriage by Frank Sinatra. It made my ears hurt as if they would fall right off my head. That or I’d rip them off and throw them at Mr. Fine.

Elvis smiled—his usual polite self. Well, what I imagined was his usual polite self since I didn’t really know him. But from what I heard he was always a perfect gentleman.

“Okay, okay, that’s enough with your audition, Mr. Fine. Save it for later, okay?” I yelled over the noise.

What was with all the singing ghosts lately? At least I’d finally found one with true talent.

Mr. Fine snorted, but thankfully stopped his caterwauling.

“I’m sorry about that Mr. Presley. I picked up another ghost, er, well, another… anyway, he’s been hanging around without telling us what he really wants.”

I knew Elvis knew that he was a ghost, but I hated to remind the ghosts of their status. It didn’t seem polite. Did I really need to rub it in? It was like when my mother reminded me that I hadn’t given her any grandbabies yet. I mean, I was fully aware that I hadn’t reproduced yet, no need to remind me.

“Please call me Elvis. I’m just Elvis to y’all.” He winked.

That was fine by me. Did I just swoon? I needed to watch myself.

“Um, you still haven’t told me why you’re here. I mean, I know you said you were here for Callahan. But why? Why not Memphis or Graceland? You just wanted to visit with Callahan?”

“I spend some time in Memphis, but I go where I’m needed. Callahan needs me.” He crossed his arms in front of his chest.

“What? Is there something wrong? Should we be worried?” How much worse could it get for Callahan? He’d already been through so much lately.

“He’s been through a lot, I know. I couldn’t come before because there was another urgent matter with Lisa Marie, but I came as soon as I could. I want to make sure he’s all right.”

All right, since I was a psychic and I was sensitive to a lot of emotions, I felt something wasn’t right with his statement. My skills didn’t consist of only seeing the dead. I felt others’ emotions too, and I knew he wasn’t being completely honest with me. Maybe he didn’t want to say anymore for fear that I’d tell Callahan, or so that I wouldn’t freak out and worry about him, but I’d continue to ask Elvis until he opened up completely to me.

“Why is he here? What did he say?” Mindy prodded.

“He just wanted to visit Callahan. You know, see his family.” I wasn’t great with my lying skills. I think they saw right through me, but they kept quiet.

We stood in silence. I stared at Elvis, Mindy and Callahan stared at me, and Mr. Fine stared at Elvis. The only one who seemed perfectly at ease was Elvis, which didn’t surprise me. I mean, he was Elvis after all. Everything about him was cool. Where did we go from here? Did I wait for Elvis to say something?

When I couldn’t handle the quiet any longer, I said, “Well, Elvis, um, I’m going back over to my bookstore, if you’d like to join me?”

“Nothing would make me happier,” he said as he stood from the chair.

I almost let out a giggle. Elvis was coming with me.