3 The Ghoul Next Door Read online

  Walking over to the metaphysical section, I pulled out a book and scanned the list of ingredients for a truth-conjuring spell. I had no idea if this would do any good, but I had to try something. I needed a clue to lead me in the right direction.

  “What does it say?” Mindy asked, looking over my shoulder.

  “Well, we have to use these ingredients.” I pointed toward the page.

  “Do you have those things? I don’t,” Mindy said while playing with a strand of her hair.

  “Well, I have some salt packets in my old purse left over from fries I ate some time last year.”

  “I’m pretty sure the real witches would laugh if they witnessed this debacle.” Mindy shook her head.

  I chuckled. “Yeah, it’s kind of sad, but we gotta do what we gotta do, right?”

  “Okay what else does it call for?” Mindy asked.

  “Cinnamon, pine, and almond. We can do this,” I said excitedly as I pointed at the page. “I can get cinnamon and almond from Callahan next door and there’s a pine tree just beyond the back parking lot. You go grab a sprig of the pine, while I get the things from Callahan.”

  “But he’s not there,” she said.

  “I have a key and I know the code.” I pulled the key from my pocket and dangled it in the air.

  “I had no idea y’all had moved to that level.”

  I smiled sheepishly. “Well, it is convenient that we can get into each other’s shops if we have to. But who knows how long this will last with all this stuff going on around us. I feel like we’re on the edge, hanging on by a couple fingers and someone is about to step on them forcing me to let go.”

  “Wait, he has a key to your place too?” She motioned for a time-out.

  “Yeah.” I nodded.

  “You don’t think the ex-girlfriend got the key, came in here, and destroyed the books?”

  I shook my head. “Something tells me she would have done more if given more time. Having a key would have given her more time. I’m not saying she didn’t do it, but I think she would have had to come into the store during working hours if she did. Whoever did it was incredibly brave.”

  “Okay. I’ll go get the pine.”

  Mindy hurried out the back door toward the pine tree and I headed out the front toward Callahan’s. I kept glancing over my shoulder. The feeling of someone following me was overwhelming, but as far as I could see, no one was there.

  When I reached Full Cup’s door, I stuck the key in the lock and turned. If Callahan saw me going into his shop would he be suspicious? He’d given me the key to use, but he probably never thought I’d use it in order to gather stuff for a magic spell.

  Oh, who was I kidding? Of course he’d expect something like that out of me. Would he expect anything less? Surely he’d grown to expect this craziness from me in the short time we’d known each other. He probably asked himself on a daily basis what mess he’d gotten into the day he met me. I stepped into the shop and looked around at the emptiness. The aroma of coffee lingered in the air. I smiled at Callahan’s handwriting on the giant chalkboard hanging on the wall. It was strange being in there without him smiling at me from behind the counter.

  The best thing I could do was to hurry up and get out of there. I’d grab the stuff and be gone before he ever knew I’d been there. I didn’t want to hang around any longer than absolutely necessary. Moving back behind the counter, I scanned the area for the items. Finally, I spotted the cinnamon and then stuffed a spoonful of sliced almonds into a bag.

  As I turned to leave, I noticed the cream-colored paper on the counter. I stopped in my tracks. It was the same paper. I recognized it right away. I wanted to say I could walk away without looking, but because of recent events, I couldn’t do it. I had to know what the letter said. Had she written Callahan a love letter?

  With shaky hands, I placed the cinnamon and bag of almonds down, then grabbed the letter. My heart thumped wildly. I was afraid of what I’d find, but I pulled the letter out anyway and began to read.

  My dearest Callahan:

  I can’t tell you how happy I am to have you in my life again. You said things can’t be like they were and we can’t go back, but I know with time you’ll see that we were meant to be. Larue isn’t right for you. We are soul-mates. How else do you think we came back together again? It was written in the stars as if the universe was pulling us to one another. Please meet me this evening at the park. I’ll be there at four. If you show up, I’ll know that you feel the same way as I do.

  Until then, my love forever and always is yours.

  Ginger

  Wow. Had Callahan told her they couldn’t be together? Was she stalking him? Had she followed him to Magnolia? Why did I feel as if his life was in danger now? I couldn’t let him go to the park. But what if he really wanted to be with her? Regardless, I’d have to go to the park in case he needed me. I glanced at my watch. I had thirty minutes.

  But first, I had to finish the spell. Then I could dash over to the park and dial 911 if this crazy woman pulled a gun or knife on Callahan. Mindy was not going to believe this. I placed the letter back on the counter exactly as I’d found it, then hurried out of Full Cup.

  When I rushed through the door of Book Nook, Mindy was waiting for me.

  “What took you so long?” she asked.

  I could barely breathe. “You’re not going to believe this.”

  “At this point, I think I’d believe anything, so why don’t you try me.”

  “There was a letter from her on Callahan’s counter. I read it,” I said breathlessly.

  “Oh, this is getting interesting,” Mindy said.

  After I explained what the letter said, Mindy grabbed the items from my hands.

  “Well, let’s get a-cracking. We have to get to the park before she does something even more insane. She sounds a little unstable.”

  “A little?” I asked.

  Chapter Forty-Three

  “Are the ghosts back yet? Where is Candy Cherry?” Mindy looked around.

  “They’re not here. You know, I’m beginning to be very suspicious of Miss Cherry and Mr. Fine. They’re not very nice. I think they’ve been responsible for some of the bad stuff going on.”

  “Can’t Elvis tell you what they do?” Mindy asked.

  I shook my head. “No, they hide from him too.”

  “You need to banish them out of your life too.” Mindy’s voice was full of anger and frustration.

  “I plan on it. If I ever get the chance to, that is.” I blew a strand of hair out of my eyes.

  We gathered the ingredients and placed them on the counter. A paltry attempt at witchcraft but it was all we could do under the circumstances.

  “Are you sure Candy Cherry and Mr. Fine aren’t around?” Mindy asked.

  “I don’t think so, but she likes to disappear, so it’s hard to say where she is at any given time. She’s sneaky like that.”

  “I hate that about the ghosts.” She clucked her tongue.

  “They can turn invisible anytime they want.” I positioned the spell book on the counter.

  “I wish we had that ability while we were living.”

  “I guess we could get in a lot more trouble that way, huh?” I lined the ingredients up according to the order which they’d be needed.

  She snorted. “Yeah, I guess you’re right.” Mindy stepped closer to the counter. “So, tell me what I need to. I hope I don’t mess anything up.”

  “You can’t get this wrong.” I patted her arm.

  “Well, that doesn’t sound so encouraging.”

  “We have to put everything in a bowl,” I said, grabbing a container I had from under the counter.

  I was really beginning to get the hang of this spell stuff. I was like a pro now. Okay, I was far from that, but I’d come a long way.

  “Add the pine first, and then we say these words.” I pointed toward the page.

  Mindy and I repeated the words in unison, but so far nothing happened.


  “Okay, now add the other stuff.” I gestured.

  Mindy sprinkled in the cinnamon and then the almonds. “If not for the pine, this stuff would be like baking.”

  I chuckled. “Kind of… but I think we’re supposed to focus now instead of thinking of dessert.”

  “Right,” she said, straightening. “Okay, now what?”

  “We have to repeat these words.” I pointed. “While I stir this concoction.”

  “How will we know if it worked?” Mindy asked.

  “I don’t think we’ll know for sure until it really has worked… we’ll find out who is responsible for the evil spirits around here.”

  “That’s not so great.” She brushed the extra cinnamon from the counter.

  We repeated the words and I stirred. I couldn’t say for sure, but I did feel a difference in the air. It was heavier but not in a bad way. Maybe it was wishful thinking though.

  “Do you feel that?” I asked.

  “The air feels different,” Mindy said.

  “Yes. It does. I think we did something right. We’ll just have to wait and see now.”

  “Okay, let’s pick up our mess and get to the park.” She practically bounced with the words.

  Mindy was revved up and ready to go. But was I?

  ***

  Mindy and I hurried down the sidewalk toward Magnolia Park. It was a couple blocks from the bookstore, but by the way my side hurt and the panting, it might as well have been a hundred miles away. My agitation mounted. It wasn’t my usual demeanor to say the least. Sure, I got mad plenty, but this was full-on rage and I still didn’t know if it was a demon or black magic that was making me feel this way. I forced it back, not letting it escape and take rage out on anyone around me. One thing was for certain, once and for all, I’d get to the bottom of the reason for the letters.

  I’d confront Callahan’s ex-girlfriend and she’d be forced to tell me the truth. Well, I guessed I’d see it with my own eyes too, because if Callahan showed up at that park, I’d know that he’d made his decision. Callahan and I had certainly faced more challenges than the average couple so early in our relationship. I didn’t know if we could survive and make it through more obstacles, but I was willing to give it my best shot if he was.

  After running so hard that my feet felt numb, we finally made it to the park. Mindy and I brushed past the Daniel Boone statue at the front entrance and stopped once we’d entered the park.

  “Do you see anyone?” Mindy asked, breathlessly.

  “No.” I shook my head. “It’s eerily empty. Usually there are a few people wondering around.”

  “Do you think you had the wrong information? Did it say today?”

  Now she’d planted a seed of doubt in my head. But I was almost positive that the letter had said today.

  “Maybe we should sit and wait for a second?” I pointed at the bench that was nestled under a large oak tree. “I don’t think they’d even notice us over here. I sit and watch people all the time and they never know I’m even sitting there. It’s kind of creepy really.”

  “That is creepy. Thanks for letting me know that it’s over here. I’ll make sure to look over every time I come here for any potential stalkers.”

  We sat in silence for a couple minutes with no action. The only living creatures other than Mindy and me were a few birds looking for crumbs and a couple brave squirrels that dared to get close to us.

  “I don’t think they’re coming,” Mindy said.

  “Yeah, I guess not. Now what do we do?” I glanced over my shoulder, but no one was there.

  “Go back to the shop, I guess. Maybe you could sneak over and look at that letter again.” Mindy tapped her fingers against the bench.

  “Oh, no. I don’t want to go back over there.” I waved my arms.

  “What’s the big deal? You did it once.”

  I snorted. “I was stupid then and didn’t know what I was doing.”

  Just as we prepared to stand, movement caught my attention. I motioned for Mindy to remain seated.

  “It’s her,” I whispered.

  My heart rate increased. I had no idea what to say and I had to fight back the thing in my head that was telling me to rush over and punch her. She might not be the smartest person around for sending those notes, but she didn’t deserve to be punched… not yet, anyway.

  “What are you going to say?” Mindy asked.

  “We’ll wait a few minutes and see what happens. See if Callahan shows up.”

  I prayed that he didn’t. If I hadn’t discovered the note, when would he have told me? Never? Would I have ever known? I didn’t think I could handle seeing the two of them together right under my nose at the shop next door every day. But I guessed I’d eventually get over it. Time healed all wounds, or so they claimed. I never really bought in to that saying. Time made some wounds bearable maybe, but I didn’t think it healed all.

  Ginger sat on a bench in the middle of the park with her back facing us. Her hair flowed down her back. She pulled her black sweater up closer around her chest.

  “You’re right, she doesn’t even notice us.”

  “I told you it’s a great spot. You can watch everything like you’re watching TV.”

  We sat in silence for a little while longer with nothing happening. Ginger kept glancing down at her watch. After ten minutes, I couldn’t stand it anymore. Luckily, it didn’t look as if Callahan was going to show. Now was my chance to confront her and find out exactly what it was that she wanted.

  Trying to process the letter I’d read and ready myself for what was about to happen, I stood.

  “This is it,” I whispered. “Let’s go ask her what she wants and why she sent me the letters.”

  I said the words, but I wasn’t sure if I should ask her. Something told me not to do it, but the other thing in my head said that it was the most brilliant idea of all time; so of course, I listened to that side of reasoning.

  We slowly made our way across the park and I expected her to whip around and ask us what the heck we thought we were doing. It felt as if we were cats slipping up on a mouse. We had the advantage for the moment. Mindy and I had almost reached the bench when Ginger must have heard us and whirled around. Her eyes narrowed and it might have been the cloudy sky, but I thought they turned darker.

  “What the hell are you doing here?” she screeched.

  That was exactly what I thought she’d say when she spotted us.

  “I came to talk,” I said.

  Mindy walked in unison with my steps until we came to within inches of Ginger.

  She glared. “There’s nothing to talk about.”

  “Are you sure about that?” I asked. “You’ve sent me a few messages and I came to ask you to stop. Woman to woman.”

  “I’ll stop sending them when you leave Callahan alone.” My clenched fists shook.

  “I’m sorry you feel that way, but I’m seeing Callahan as long as we want to see each other. You and Callahan are no longer in a relationship as far as I can tell.”

  “That shows what you know,” I said through gritted teeth.

  “I know that you sent him a letter asking to meet you here and he hasn’t shown up. That tells me that he doesn’t want to see you.”

  “Did he show you the letter?” She clenched her hands into fists at her sides.

  That was a tricky question. “That doesn’t matter. Did you break into his car?” I asked.

  Ginger turned away from us. She began walking across the park. Mindy and I exchanged a glance.

  “Where is she going?” Mindy asked.

  I shrugged. “I don’t know.”

  We hurried after her, but she picked up her pace. “You didn’t answer my question. Did you take my necklace?” I shouted.

  She didn’t answer as she continued across the park. She didn’t even turn around and acknowledge us. I stopped my pursuit and Mindy stopped a few steps further.

  Mindy turned and looked at me. “That was really weird.”

>   I shook my head. “What do you expect from someone who sends letters like that? Come on. Let’s get back to the store. She’s clearly not going to talk to us.”

  We’d made it half-way back to Book Nook when up ahead I spotted Jane walking toward us.

  “Look who’s coming.” Mindy gestured.

  I hoped she would walk right by us without saying a word, but the smirk on her face told me we wouldn’t be that lucky.

  “Okay. I’m tired of playing this game with you now,” Jane said when she approached us.

  “I’m sorry?” I said.

  “I believe this is what you’re looking for?” She held up the necklace, letting it dangle from the chain in a back-and-forth movement.

  I narrowed my eyes and glared at her. “You stole the necklace. Why would you do that? It’s not yours, so I suggest you give it back.” I stepped toward her, but she stepped backward.

  “I’d suggest you stop right there.”

  Mindy moved beside me.

  Jane clutched the necklace in her palm. “I’m going to properly dispose of it and you’re going to help.”

  “Like heck I am.” I frowned.

  Mindy scoffed.

  “You will do it!” Jane yelled.

  “And just how do you think you’re going to make me?” I folded my arms in front of my chest.

  “Yeah!” Mindy said while crossing her arms in the same manner.

  “Things haven’t been that pleasant for you lately, have they? There’s more where that came from.” She waggled her finger.

  “Why are you doing this?” I asked.

  “I don’t want anyone performing magic.” She glared at me.

  “That doesn’t even make any sense,” Mindy said.

  “For someone who doesn’t like magic, you sure don’t mind using it. I knew you had something to do with this.”

  “You did not. You thought that innocent woman Ginger was responsible.” Her eyes twinkled with satisfaction.

  How did she even know that? Had she been spying on me? Or had someone spied on me? Why was I even trying to talk to her? There was no way to talk rationally with an insane person.

  “I’ll use magic if I have to… a means to an end, that’s all.” She smirked. “Once I get rid of this necklace, Karyn will stop and that’s all I want. I want her as far away from all this as possible.”