Page 104 of Ghost

Mason’s eyes were as big as saucers.“Wow.”

“What?”Ellen chuckled.“You thought I was some old prude who was always prim and proper?”

“Well, kinda,” Mason admitted.He took the bottle from Ellen and poured himself another drink.“Why do I get the impression that you’re getting me drunk for a reason?”

Ellen looked out the window and sighed.“You’re right.I do have a reason.”She looked at Mason.“A very good reason.”

“Uh, oh.This doesn’t sound good”

“I took the liberty in organizing a funeral for our dear Francis.Well, the basics at least.”

“What do you mean a funeral?Why?”Mason stood up, his anger rising quickly.“How dare you!”

“Why?One reason is that I am the only living relative to Francis, and I have the obligation and the legal right.”Ellen stood again and placed her hand on Mason’s arm.“And the longer this drags out the worse it is going to be for both you and Francis.I’m afraid that the longer Francis remains here the more likely he will become further attached to you and then won’t go into the light.”She turned towards the window again.“The last thing I want for you is to be stuck in a relationship that can only do you harm.”She looked up into Mason’s eyes.“Trust me when I say this.It’s cruel.”

Mason could see the pain in her eyes, even though no emotion showed on her face.He exhaled slowly.“Okay.Tell me then.”

“Let’s go into the dining room.I’ll have Sharon make us some sandwiches and we can write all this down.”Ellen again rang the little silver bell and right on cue, Sharon appeared.

After sitting down, the bourbon bottle between them, Ellen began; “I contacted the local funeral home and have arranged for Francis’ remains to be picked up.I’d like for you to escort me there day after tomorrow morning where we will pick out a coffin for him.”

Mason took another large sip of bourbon.

Ellen reached across the table and took Mason’s hand.“We can do this together, Mason.”

Mason nodded his head.He felt like he was about to choke on a large boulder that was stuck in his throat.

Sharon brought in a plate of sandwiches, cut in quarters.Ellen asked her to retrieve a folder from Gerald’s office before pushing the plate towards Mason.“Eat while drinking, Mason.”She nodded.“Best way to avoid a hangover or getting too drunk too soon.”She winked at him.“I know this.”

Mason couldn’t help but giggle slightly.He could only imagine Ellen in her younger days drinking and carousing all night.

Sharon handed the folder to Ellen and then quietly retreated.

“Here are a few notes of what I thought would be appropriate.”She glanced at the contents and then handed it over to Mason.“Tell me what you think?”

Mason took another swig of bourbon, washing down the mouthful of the smoked turkey sandwich.He slowly opened the folder.In a very prim, old-fashioned handwriting, Ellen had made a list:

Have Francis transferred to the Clinton Funeral Home.

Pick out an appropriate casket.(Mason)

Pick out a headstone.

Have Francis taken back to the Savannah house.

Get Francis to attach to his remains

Take Francis to Hobonny

A three-day lying-in-state.

Bury Francis.

Send Francis into the light.

Mason read through the list twice before turning to the next page.On it was a list of flowers and details of opening up the plantation where they would stay while Francis lay in the formal parlor.

“We’re going to stay at the plantation for three nights?”