Page 137 of Ghost

“It was still very nice of you.”Mason wished he could touch Francis right then.He hurriedly pushed that thought from his head.

Francis smiled broadly.“What most people did not realize is that I had amassed a great deal of money.I had invested well in several businesses as well as made Hobonny profitable again.”Francis cleared his throat.“There is one thing in particular I want to show you once we arrive at the plantation.”

“Okay.What?”Mason asked.“A secret hidey-hole?”

“You are very astute, my dear Mason.Yes, actually.I do have several around the property if I am to be honest, but one in particular.”

“Why and what’s in it?”Mason asked grinning.“Pornography?”

Francis frowned.“No.Nothing so...repugnant.”

Mason laughed.“Go ahead, keep your secrets.I’m going to sleep now.”

“Rest well, my beloved.I will see you in the morning.”

Chapter Forty-Six

The limousine followed the hearse down the long gravel drive to Hobonny.There were giant, very old, oak trees with Spanish moss hanging from them lining each side of the drive.Mason watched Francis intently.At that particular moment, Francis was solely focused on the old plantation home.Mason still had trouble understanding that anyone could live in such a grand place.The first time he entered the house, it literally took his breath away with its beauty.

When the actual house came into view, Francis gasped.“It’s even more beautiful than I remembered.”

“This is one of most beautiful places in the world,” Ellen said.“I remember as a child, coming up this driveway and each time was in awe of this plantation.I’ve seen castles, palaces and many great homes, but...this is such a place that can never be compared to any other in my heart.I have so many fond memories here.”

“It’s still my home,” Francis all but whispered.“My Hobonny.”

“I find it hard to believe anyone actually lived here,” Mason said.“It’s just all so grand.”

“Yes, it sure is that,” Roy, Fred’s son, commented.“Daddy said it was the grandest house in all of Georgia.”He looked into the rearview mirror and nodded to Francis.

Mason knew then that Roy also had the gift.“I can believe that.I’ve never seen anything like it,” Mason added.

A woman stepped out of the house, wearing a simple black dress as they approached the front of the mansion.Mason would say she was pretty but not beautiful.Her chestnut brown hair was pulled back from her face and tied in a black ribbon.She descended the front steps as the hearse pulled up and stopped.Roy parked the limo right behind it, but back far enough that the rear of the hearse could open.

Fred and Martin exited the long black Cadillac and approached the young woman.Mason couldn’t hear what they were saying as Roy was just opening the door of the limo.

“I’m finally home.”Mason barely heard that as Francis had already used his ghostly skills and had gotten out before Roy even had.Gerald was standing next to the door of the car, no doubt waiting for Ellen.