Page 114 of Ghost

“Yes, please.”Ellen laid her purse down on the counter.

“I do not understand,” Francis said with a bewildered look on his face.“What does ‘getting deep in here’ mean’?”

Ellen laughed.“What Mason is saying, Francis, is that the room is full of bullshit.”

Francis frowned.“I do not see any cattle much lessbullshit.”

Mason and Ellen both laughed.

“What he is saying,” Ellen finally said, “is that you’re full of yourself.”

“Excuse me, but I was referring to the both of you.You arebothequally full of shit.”

“How dare you!”Ellen tried to look horrified, but the twinkle in her eyes gave her away.“I am a lady.”

Mason cleared his throat as he handed Ellen her drink.“Uh...pardon me for saying so, but I’ve never seen a ‘lady’,” he said, using air quotes “drink bourbon the way that you did.”

Ellen waved her hand at Mason.“Oh, pish posh.”She tried in vain not to smile but did anyway.

Francis scowled at Ellen.“It is true then?You drank whiskey like a common sailor?”

Ellen put her free hand on her hip.“Francis, unlike you I am not dead.And I’ll have you know that what little time I do have left on this Earth, I will spend it doing exactly what I please when I please and with whom I please.”

Francis tilted his head back and laughed heartily.“There is the little Ellen I knew as a child.”

“She even poked her tongue out at the funeral director!”Mason said, laughing as well.

Francis became very quiet suddenly.He looked at Ellen.“I see.”

Ellen took a step closer to Francis.“Do you know of a family named Royale?”

Mason watched in silence, afraid of what Francis’ reaction might be.What he saw surprised him.Francis blushed.

“How do you know that name?”he whispered.

“The funeral director’s name is Martin Royale, and he says that his family name is directly tied to Hobonny.”

“Ellen, ladies should not be exposed to certain things.”Francis stood up straight, his hands behind his back.

“So, it’s true then.”Ellen put her hand to her mouth and giggled.“Momma would have been horrified.”

“As well she should be!”Francis scowled at Ellen again.

“I would tell you to stop making that face at me because it will cause wrinkles, but fortunately for you, you don’t have to worry with such nonsense now.”

Francis tried to stay stern but couldn’t.“I would like to know how it is that you could always wrap yourself around my finger?Matter of fact, anyone who ever came in contact with you?”

“I’m learning very quickly how to counteract that,” Mason said.“I’ve got her number now.”

Ellen turned on Mason.“Oh, do you now?”

Mason smiled brightly.“Yes, I most certainly do.”

Just then the phone rang.

“Francis, why don’t we go into the living room and give Mason some privacy.”She began to walk in that direction.“I also have a few matters I’d like to discuss with you.”

“Mason, this is Mark Hempstead.How are you?”