Page 109 of Ghost

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Mason woke up the next morning feeling a little drained.His hangover was gone, but he could definitely tell he’d had too much to drink the day before.He thanked all the saints for Patty and Nick bringing food.He knew for sure that he’d feel a lot worse had he not had something to eat.

He got out of bed, went to the bathroom and then started the coffee.While it was making, he went to see what Francis was up to, as if he didn’t know.He found him, as he knew he would, in front of the television.The news was on, and it was focused on the Olympics of course.

“Good morning, Mason.”Francis stood.“I trust you slept well.”

“Yeah, I did, thanks.”

Francis chuckled.“You snore very loudly after you have been drinking.”

“I do?”

“Yes, you do.”

“Oh well, I’m glad I don’t have to hear it then.”Mason smiled.“I’m getting my coffee, then I’ll come sit for a bit.”

Francis nodded and then sat back down, his attention going back to the morning news broadcast.

Mason got his coffee and decided he wanted some cereal, so he made that and returned to the living room and sat next to Francis.

“I was able to see the entire show again, as you said,” Francis said smiling.“I think it might have been better the second time.I was able to see more things, I do believe.”

Mason munched on his cereal.“I’m glad.I wouldn’t mind seeing it again myself.”

“They announced,” Francis said, his hand waving towards the TV, “that they will be broadcasting it again this weekend.Sunday, I think they said.”

“Cool.I’ll try and catch it.”

Francis shook his head.“Such strange phrasing in this day and age.”He smiled.

Mason went back to the kitchen after finishing his breakfast and to get more coffee when the phone rang.He nearly jumped out of his skin.It so rarely rang that he didn’t even remember having a phone most of the time.

“Hello?”

“Good morning, Mason, I hope you are well.”

“’Morning, Ellen.Yeah, a little off center maybe, but I slept like a baby yesterday and last night.”Mason laughed.“How about you?”

Ellen giggled.“I’ve not had that much to drink in a long time.I’m afraid that I made Gerald angry, but that’s life, or in his case, death.”She laughed heartily at her own joke.

“He and Francis got into it again yesterday.”

Ellen sighed heavily.“Yes, he was out of sorts all night last night.I tried to watch the Olympic opening ceremonies, but finally gave up and went to bed.He was being such an ass.”

“That doesn’t sound good.”Mason poured another cup of coffee.

“He yelled at poor Sharon and made her break yet another dish.I told him that if he didn’t go away and leave me in peace for at least twenty-four hours, I’d have the house exorcised and have him gone for good.”

“Oh boy.I bet that didn’t go over very well.”

Ellen laughed again.“He was so angry with me, he bellowed like an old cow and disappeared.I’ve not seen him since.”

“Holy crap!”

“Don’t worry.He’ll be back.”Ellen chuckled.“The purpose of my call is I was wondering if you could be ready to go to the funeral home by ten this morning.Afterwards, we could have an early lunch.”

“Yeah, I can be ready.”