In Like Flynn (Molly Murphy Mysteries, #4)

“Mama?” Again it was the smallest of voices.

“It’s him! Brendan, it’s your mother who loves you, who has wept for you every day since you left us.”

“Mama, do not grieve for me. I am an angel now.”

I could swear it was a small child talking and I thought I saw something whiteflutteringagain.

“I must go back now. I love you.”

“I love you too, darling boy with all my heart!” The words came out between sobs. “Don't go, please stay longer.”

“I can't. Must… go …” The little voice faded away as if it was floating up through the ceiling.

“That was most gratifying,” Miss Emily said. “I think we must thank Chief Ojuweca for bringing your son back on a visit.”

“Oh yes,” Theresa attempted to collect herself, dabbing at her eyes with a white lace handkerchief. “Of course—please thank the Chief for me,”

“Thank him yourself He is still here.”

Theresa took a deep breath that shuddered through her whole body. “Thank you, dear Chief Ojuweca,” she said in a shaky voice. “Ill never be able to thank you enough for hearing my son’s voice again and to know that he is happy. What a miracle. What a blessed miracle. If only Bamey had been here to witness it.”

“Your husband does not believe,” the chief’s voice said. There are others who still do not believe. Others in this room. And I am notfinishedyet. I have a message from another child for someone in this room. Here she comes now—she’s dressed ail in white, and she’s wearing a veil and carryingflowersand a prayer book.”

Clara gave an excited squawk. “First communion. Now who do we know who would be dressed for herfirstcommunion?”

“What about Cousin Emmaline’s daughter, Fanny,” Belinda suggested. “Didn't she die right before she was about to receive the sacrament?”

“You're right,” Theresa spoke in a hushed voice. “She did. She caught diphtheria the week before herfirstcommunion and they buried her in her communion dress. I went to the funeral; so did you, Clara.”

“Be quiet, ladies,” the chief’s voice said. “The little girl wants to say something.”

'Don't worry about me. I'm with my mother and I'm happy.” The voice this time was of an older child, but soft and sweet enough to make you cry.

“She’s with her mother, God bless her,” Clara said in a cracked voice. “Emmaline died last year, and now they're together, praise the Lord.”

I felt strangely moved by the young voice, even though I knew it had to be a trick that one of the sisters was pulling off. No more spirits appeared and the seance soon came to a conclusion. Theresa still seemed shaken and needed the support of both Clara and Belinda to escort her from the room. As they left, I suddenly saw theflawin my plans. If the Sorensen Sisters decided to strip the roomrightnow, they wouldfindme hiding under the piano. I held my breath and looked for a way of escape. Of course there was none.

But luck was with me. Theresa paused in the doorway, her manners and upbringing winning out over emotion.

“Do come and have some strawberries and cream, Miss Emily and Miss Ella,” she said. 'You did not have time tofinishyour supper because of my impatience, I fear.”

“We don't usually eat late at night,” Miss Ella said. “Bad for the digestion.”

“However, strawberries and cream does sound delightful,” Miss Emily interrupted her sister. “And on this one occasion I think we might just.…”

Yes, why not,” Miss Ella agreed. “We will join you as soon as we have composed ourselves.”

I watched as they stood up, holding my breath in case they decided to strip the drapes immediately. Instead, I watched Miss Ella lean behind a chair and pick up something from the floor. It went into a pocket so quickly that I couldn't see what it was, but it was white and flimsy. They looked at each other and nodded.

“A satisfactory evening, I would say,” Miss Ella muttered.

Miss Emily nodded. They left the room. I came out of my hiding place and gave the room a quick going over before creeping undetected up the back stairs to my bedroom. But I found nothing incriminating.





Twenty-two

When I woke on Tuesday morning, I considered breaking into the sisters' cottage while they were at breakfast, but missing dinner last night had given me a ravenous appetite and I wasn't prepared to forego that meal my-self. In fact, I got through a large helping of oatmeal followed by eggs and ham and toast.

“Molly, I am amazed and delighted to see you so quickly recovered,” Theresa exclaimed as she watched me tuck in to my food.

I had all but forgotten that I had been an invalid the night be-fore and blushed. “I have a good constitution, Cousin. With me it’s one evening of sickness and then I'm on my feet again.”

“How fortunate you are, Molly How I wish I had your blooming good health.”