Page 110 of Ghost

“Very good.Also, if you wouldn’t mind, I would like to come over after our luncheon and visit with Francis for a while.I would like to have a little time with him before...everything.”

“Sure.I can even make myself scarce for a bit if you’d like.I can always run a few errands.”

“Mason, you truly are a gem.”Ellen sighed.“It feels as if I just regained my cousin and now, I have to say goodbye.”

Mason’s mouth went dry.“Yeah.I get it.”

“Oh, Mason, how insensitive of me.Of course, you would understand.”

“If I’m to be ready by ten, I should get this day started.”Mason suddenly wanted to get off the phone and see Francis.“Would you like me to drive?”

“Heavens no.I doubt I could get into your truck.I’ve ordered a car.I will see you shortly.”

“Okay.Bye, Ellen.”

“Goodbye, Mason.”

Mason took his coffee back to the living room and sat next to Francis.At that moment, he wanted nothing else but to be held by the man, or ghost as the case may be.

“What is wrong, Mason?”Francis turned to face him.

“Nothing.”

“Mason?I do believe that I know you well enough to know when there is something troubling you.”

“Okay.You’re right.”He sat forward and cupped his coffee in both hands.“That was Ellen on the phone.I’m to meet her at ten to go and pick out your coffin.”

Francis turned forward.“I see.Our time is indeed limited.”

Chapter Thirty-Eight

Ellen and Mason arrived at the funeral home, and Mason took an instant dislike to the funeral director.Smarmywas the only word that came to mind as the man spoke to Ellen.As he held her hand and gave hissincere condolences, Mason could sense that the man had dollar signs in his eyes, like a cartoon character.Only this cartoon character was wearing a very expensive suit, two diamond rings and way too much cologne.

When the man left to go and get some literature on the different “packages” they offered, Mason quietly told Ellen that he felt very uncomfortable with this man and that he didn’t want to deal with him.

“I hate to admit it, but I don’t like him either,” Ellen responded.“Why don’t we take the brochures and then tell him we will have to think about what it is we want and leave?”