Page 147 of Ghost

Ellen held up her hand.“There will be no telling of long-forgotten secrets cousin.”She leaned forward a little.“I have a few to tell myself, so watch yourself.”She looked at Mason and then back to Francis.The look on her face spoke volumes making Francis’ smile fade.

“Oh, this should be good,” Mason chuckled.“Spill the beans, Ellen.I want to know all.”

“Mason, secrets only stay secret when one never speaks of said secret.”Ellen smiled sweetly.

“Ready for another beer?”Sharon asked.

Mason downed what little was left in his bottle.“Yep.You?”

“Yep.”Sharon took the bottle from Mason.“Back in a flash.”

“Please don’t,” Mason laughed.

* * * * *

Ellen looked down the long table as the last of the dessert dishes were being removed.Judith was holding the door, checking that things were going well.

“Judith, dear,” Ellen motioned for Judith to come closer.When she was next to Ellen, leaning over, Ellen said, “I’d like to have Sharon bring me my coffee by seven-thirty in the morning.I’ll be down for breakfast before eight.”

“I do have a call I need to make to a bride around that time, but I will make sure there is someone here to help in serving.”Judith spoke smoothly, but Mason could see her shoulder’s tense a bit.

“I’m sure the bride will be thrilled and no worry about having anyone to serve.Sharon will happily step in.After all, if the bride has already booked in, the call probably won’t be too long unless there has been major changes, am I right?”Ellen once again asked a question, when there was no answer to be given.She automatically assumed that the bride had already decided on Hobonny and given the deep breath that Judith had just taken, Ellen had been right.

“Of course,” Judith said as she quickly stood up.Ellen had rattled her cage but good.Mason was trying hard not to laugh.Damn, I need to learn how she does that.

Ellen stood up.“Would anyone care for an after-dinner drink out on the veranda?Maybe we can catch a sea breeze outdoors.”

Everyone gladly followed Ellen outside, where there was a slight breeze.Even with both windows open in the dining room and with a fan going, it was warm inside.

Mason went with Sharon to fetch drinks for everyone.They walked down the long center hallway towards the kitchen.“I wonder if there is enough beer for me to have a bath in it?”Sharon asked.“I could get a good chill and drink all at the same time.”

Mason laughed heartily.“If so, can I join you?”

“You will do no such thing,” Francis said, popping up in front of them.

Sharon laughed.“Jealous, are we?”

Francis frowned.“Yes.”He straightened up his waistcoat and then locked his hands behind his back.

“You guys crack me up.”Sharon giggled and walked right through Francis.

“I feel violated,” Francis said, looking sad.“I’m not used to that.”

“What, being stood up to or being walked through?”Mason shook his head in amusement.

“Either.”Francis slowly faded away.

Mason and Sharon had several more beers after that.They said goodnight to Ellen and the Royales.

Sharon leaned in close to Mason.“I know there’s something big going on and I‘m sure you can’t say anything, but I just hope ya’ll are being careful.There is something...evil going on.I can sense it but can’t put my finger on it exactly.I’d put money on it that it has something to do with that Red guy.He has a really dark aura.”

Mason took a moment and then only nodded.

* * * * *

“They’re onto us,” Redsaid as he paced back and forth in the small office.

“Will you stop pacing?You’re distracting me.”