Page 13 of Believe

CHAPTER EIGHT

The next morning, Susie and Sophia Ann were in the workshop early, creating magnificent pieces of furniture to give away. The intricate details, carvings, and different wood colors and textures made the entire space seem alive.

“Babe, this is amazing,” said Eric looking at what they’d done. “You were up and gone so early I wasn’t sure where you went.”

“We’re having so much fun with this project we both just wanted to get to work,” smiled Sophia Ann.

“Well, you’re definitely making some memorable pieces,” he smiled.

“What are you guys up to?” asked Susie.

“Whatever Matthew tells us to do,” he smirked. He kissed his wife, waving at the two women and walked off to find the others.

“This really is a lot of fun,” said Susie.

“I couldn’t agree more. I loved working out at G.R.I.P. but this is something I’ve wanted to do for years. I’ve made a few pieces for the family but nothing on this scale.”

“Same,” nodded Susie. “Maybe this is our chance at a second career.”

“Maybe,” she laughed. “I think I’ll start working on that baby bed if you’ve got the rest of this handled.”

“I’m good,” said Susie. “Let me know if you need help on the crib.”

The two women had their heads down cutting, sawing, nailing, screwing, staining, and just moving like a well-oiled machine for the entire day. When darkness started to settle over the property, they realized it was too dark to see well inside the warehouse.

“You two beautiful ladies ready to head to dinner?” asked Eric.

Keith signed to his wife, then kissed her sweetly. The twins just happened to marry two of the biggest, most feared on the team. In spite of Keith’s inability to hear, he was one of the toughest, strongest warriors they had.

His primary job was at the deaf school but for years he’d helped on missions. In many ways his inability to hear was an advantage for him. He was never distracted, completely focused on the things around him, and always calm.

Which was why when he stopped in the middle of the trail, pushing the women between him and Eric, they all froze. This was Robicheaux property. No one was here that shouldn’t be here.

Or were they?

“Who are you?” asked Eric squinting into the darkness. There was no sound but he could see the shape of a man. Keith tapped his shoulder, signing to him.

“He’s a ghost. One I’ve never seen before but he’s trying to tell us something.”

“We can see you,” said Sophia Ann. “Don’t be afraid of us. Can we help you?”

“How can you see me?” he stammered.

“We’re not quite sure,” said Susie. “We have other ghosts here.”

“Where is here? I don’t know where I am but I was in darkness. Nothing but darkness and then suddenly, well, I was here.”

“You’re in Louisiana. This is the property of the Robicheaux family,” said Sophia Ann.

“Louisiana,” he whispered.

“Do you remember how you died?” asked Eric.

The man stepped closer and they realized he was older than they first thought. Probably in his mid- to late-sixties, his shirt was bloody, his pants torn.

“I remember,” he said nodding. “My wife, Becky, she asked me not to go but I just had to. The last hunting trip of the year.”

“I see,” nodded Eric. “So, you were deer hunting?”