Page 112 of Ghost

When they were seated, Martin asked if they wanted anything.“I got some coffee, tea and soft drinks.I’ve also got some champagne, but I don’t recommend it.My brother-in-law bought it and it’s cheap, cheap, cheap.”He chuckled softly.“I’ve been slipping it out and givin’ it to those homeless men down by the river whenever I can.”

When they both declined, the man leaned back into his leather office chair.“What can I do for you fine folk?”

Mason instantly liked the man.He spoke in a way that reminded him of an older black woman from his childhood.She had a particular way of speaking that only black American people spoke.She claimed it was because of being brought up in the Low Country and part of the Gullah clans.This man had the same tone, cadence and accent.

“We need to make arrangements for my cousin,” Ellen said.“We will need him to be picked up from the county morgue and then transported up state a bit to the old family home.I think he should be taken to the house here in town first for a day or two.”

Martin pulled a note pad towards him.“Name of the deceased?”

“Francis Watson,” Ellen answered.

Martin looked up, cocked his head to one side.“As in Imogene Watson’s son?”

Both Ellen and Mason looked surprised.“Yes, that would be the one,” Mason answered for them both.

Martin leaned back in his chair again.“I’ll be swann-deened.I ain’t heard those names in a coon’s age.”He leaned forward again.“Did she do it?”he asked, whispering.

Ellen and Mason knew exactly what he was asking.“I am afraid so,” Ellen said.

Martin made a clucking sound and shaking his head.“I can’t even imagine your own momma killin’ you.”He looked down at the notepad and then back up.“My daddy always said that woman was just pure evil.I guess he was right.”

When neither Ellen nor Mason said anything, he picked up his pen again and started writing.“I’m gonna assume that y’all will be takin’ him back up to Hobonny Plantation for burial?”

“Why, yes.”Ellen glanced at Mason and then back to Martin.“How did you know that?”

He smiled.“Well now, that’s a story that’s been awaitin’ to be told, I guess.”Martin laid the pen down.“Truth be told, Mrs.Trudeau, we’s kin.”

“We’re what?”Ellen paled, and she clutched at the string of pearls at her neck.

“You see, my great-great-grandmother worked for your family or was owned by your family, up at Hobonny.”

Ellen glanced at Mason, her mouth slightly agape.

“My great-grandmother was given to Mr.Francis’s grandfather, who fell in love with the girl.Now, she was practically white.Quadroon as they said back in the day.They had a passel of children too.”

“I don’t know what to say.”Ellen looked shocked.“I feel as if I should apologize.”

Martin laughed.“There ain’t no need to.It’s all old history, and to be honest, your family did right by my family.More than anyone could have asked for back then.After the war, when all the slaves were freed, almost all of my kin stayed with your family.They were treated well.The only one who did leave was one of his children, my grandfather, who started this business with the help of the Watsons.Hell, it was old man Watson himself that gave us the family name of Royale.Said we should carry the name of kings and queens.”He chuckled.

“How did your father know Imogene Watson?”Mason asked, his curiosity piqued.

Martin frowned.“She was somethin’ else.She came around here wanting money.Said if it hadn’t been for the Watsons, none of us wouldn’t be anything more than maids and field workers.”

“That sounds like her,” Ellen said.“I hope that he didn’t give in to her.”

“No, ma’am.He sent her packin’ right quick, or so he said.”Martin shook his head again.“He was sure she killed her husband and her child.Swore he’d rather walk under a hundred ladders than cross paths with that woman.”

“Good.I’m glad.”Ellen settled herself once again, her back ramrod straight.

“Now then, let’s do it up right for Mr.Francis.I’ll give y’all the family discount too.”

“No sir,” Ellen was quick to respond.“We’ll be doing this like any other of your customers.”

Martin leaned forward.“I’ll charge you what I want to charge you and that’s all there is to it.”He smiled.“We’re family after all.”

Once Martin had a few details down on paper he showed them to the “showroom” to pick out a casket.Ellen walked over to a light blue metal one, while Mason looked around the room.He walked over to one and laid his hand on it.

“This one.”He turned to look at Ellen, who looked over at him from across the room.